PPG Industries’ industrial coatings business has introduced TRENDCAST Styling Directions 2014, a comprehensive portable tool kit created to help designers of appliances, outdoor furniture, electronics, recreational equipment and other products identify the colors, textures and surfaces that will keep them on the leading edge of consumer taste for the next two years.

The colors in the TRENDCAST Styling Directions 2014 tool kit reflect the latest trends in colors, effects and tactile sensations for coated surfaces based on a consensus of 35 PPG global color experts from the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Together the experts have analyzed design trends and consumer preferences across geographic and product markets to determine the factors that influence future color choice. The result is a palette of textures and 38 colors – ranging from delicate pastels and soft neutrals to playful mixes of bold, bright tones – organized under four distinct themes:

Theorem – a clean, luxe palette of neutral colors featuring calculated lines for the minimalist consumer.

New Spirit – a tonal palette of earthy, primitive and natural colors influenced by the post-Mayan prophecy.

Mosaic – a bold palette of optimistic colors and patterns creating a juxtaposition of casual yet high-quality design; and

Hi-Breed – a multicolor color palette that pairs natural and synthetic colors, creating harmony between nature and man.
“Color and style have a significant impact on consumer buying decisions,” said Joe Kowalski, PPG’s global manager of color and surface design for consumer products. “Thanks to the skill sets and broad cultural knowledge of our color team, PPG can offer customers a collection of tools that will help them stay ahead of the competition and consumer tastes for years to come.”

In addition to a brochure covering global color trends, TRENDCAST Styling Directions 2014 contains a variety of tactile objects and effects to help PPG’s customers connect with consumers and further engage their own creative instincts. The kit also features Web-based palettes for quick color referencing and a sample request program.