A Sense of Belonging
Black and Metal Ground All That Softness
A return of black in combination with aluminum or steel seems out of place in such sensory living, yet, it is explained by its anchoring effect, as well as the color of the material itself, which is honest and allows for a sense of control.
Perhaps the most striking takeaway from Milan was not the emergence of a single defining color, material, or form, but a collective shift in intention. Designers are increasingly creating spaces that respond to our emotional needs as much as our functional ones. In a world that continues to feel uncertain, our interiors are becoming anchors, spaces that help us slow down, reconnect with ourselves and others, and find moments of balance in everyday life. The future of design, it seems, is not about making the boldest statement, but about giving us a sense of belonging.
#ElLenguajeDelColor: Historia del negro: sobrio y expresivo, magnético y estructural.
Historia del negro: sobrio y expresivo, magnético y estructural. El negro emociona, despierta la curiosidad, transmite elegancia, pero también orden. En esta entrega de #ElLenguajeDelColor, la diseñadora de color Judith van Vliet desvela los matices del más complejo de los colores.
#ElLenguajeDelColor: Historia del gris: el color de la sombra, de lo neutro, de la materia.
Historia del gris: el color de la sombra, de lo neutro, de la materia. En esta entrega de #ElLenguajeDelColor, la diseñadora de color Judith van Vliet desvela los matices del color gris.
#ElLenguajeDelColor: Historia del marrón: un color que remite a los orígenes y ofrece refugio emocional.
El marrón nos hace pensar en lo honesto, lo estable y arraigado; el pasado, el hogar y sus cimientos, el ladrillo, la madera. En esta entrega de #ElLenguajeDelColor, la diseñadora de color Judith van Vliet desvela sus matices.
#ElLenguajeDelColor: El verde: Historia del color de la naturaleza, del oxígeno.
El verde es naturaleza, vida, sostenibilidad. Recarga, oxigena, revitaliza. En esta entrega de #ElLenguajeDelColor, la diseñadora de color Judith van Vliet desvela sus matices.
#ElLenguajeDelColor: El azul, historia de un color fiable que evoca sosiego, profundidad y frescura
El azul, historia de un color fiable que evoca sosiego, profundidad y frescura. En esta entrega de #ElLenguajeDelColor, la diseñadora de color Judith van Vliet desvela sus matices.
#ElLenguajeDelColor: El púrpura y su uso en diseño: un color sofisticado y dramático
El color del espectáculo y de la sombra. Tradicionalmente asociado con la realeza, el lujo y la espiritualidad, el púrpura ha cobrado nueva vida en el diseño contemporáneo gracias a su capacidad para crear ambientes sofisticados, introspectivos o audaces. En esta entrega de #ElLenguajeDelColor, la diseñadora de color Judith van Vliet desvela sus matices.
#ElLenguajeDelColor: El rojo, historia de un color provocativo
No hay forma de escapar a los efectos del rojo. Aumenta nuestro pulso, fuerza, presión sanguínea y provoca un subidón de adrenalina. Un color tan potente requiere una aplicación cuidadosa en los espacios, pero, cuando se usa correctamente, deja un profundo efecto. En esta entrega de #ElLenguajeDelColor, la diseñadora de color Judith van Vliet desvela sus matices.
#ElLenguajeDelColor: El rosa historia de un color sofisticado
El color de la calma, de la ternura, de la sofisticación, de los contrastes. En interiorismo, una declaración de intenciones. En esta entrega de #ElLenguajeDelColor, la diseñadora de color Judith van Vliet desvela sus matices.
#ElLenguajeDelColor: El naranja historia de un color empático
El naranja: historia de un color empático y muy versátil en interiores
El color del entusiasmo, de la humanidad, del vitalismo. En esta entrega de #ElLenguajeDelColor, la diseñadora de color Judith van Vliet desvela sus matices.
#ElLenguajeDelColor: El color amarillo
El color de la alegría, de la calidez, de la esperanza, del optimismo; también de la indecencia y la traición. De la Antigua China a Luis Barragán, un color que genera conversación. En esta entrega de #ElLenguajeDelColor, la diseñadora de color Judith van Vliet desvela sus matices.
#ElLenguajeDelColor: El color blanco
El blanco es mucho más que un color neutro: simboliza luz, espacio y pureza, pero también transgresión y modernidad. Desde la cal mediterránea hasta el minimalismo contemporáneo, su historia en la arquitectura y el diseño es tan profunda como su aparente sencillez. En esta entrega de #ElLenguajeDelColor, la diseñadora de color Judith van Vliet desvela sus matices.
Have Trends become outdated?
Have trends become outdated?
Judith Van Vliet on trends and colors in the flooring sector
Have trends become outdated or are they still an indispensable guide in the flooring sector? During the fourth edition of the Flanders Flooring Days, color expert Judith Van Vliet reveals how flooring manufacturers can respond to trends intelligently. Instead of blindly following trends, she explains how to leverage the right ones to inspire and persuade consumers.
The fourth edition of Flanders Flooring Days is set to take place from 2 to 5 June 2025. European manufacturers, along with international retailers, wholesalers, and specifiers, convene at The Hub in Kortrijk Xpo for one of Europe’s largest networking events in the hard and soft flooring, textile floor covering, and finishing industries. Judith Van Vliet will also be present to share her insights on the latest trends in the flooring sector.
Timeless designs triumph over fleeting trends
Color expert Judith Van Vliet of The Color Authority challenges the longevity of fleeting trends. According to her, the future lies in personalized design and the psychology of colors. "How do we feel in a space? What meaning lies behind a color, and how can we use it to enhance our well-being? These are questions at the core of interior and product design," she explains. She notes that trend reports are increasingly giving prominence to classics, such as neutral tones and warm earthy tones. This highlights the lasting appeal of timeless designs.
The flooring sector remains unaffected by trends
Are trends then a thing of the past? No, not at all. With minor interior changes, such as paint, they remain relevant. However, with larger purchases like flooring, consumers are increasingly making choices based on long-term factors: is the flooring sustainably produced? Will it stand the test of time? Will I grow tired of it too soon? And how easy is it to maintain? And let's be honest, it's exhausting to constantly keep up with the latest trends. "It creates stress, so customers prefer to select their own style rather than a trendy color that will be out of fashion in a few months," Judith explains.
Sustainability as an enduring "trend"
In addition to neutral colors, Judith also embraces a trend that remains steadfast: sustainability. "Although you can't really call that a trend anymore. Sustainability is here to stay," she notes. Recycled materials have become so ingrained in design that they are here to stay as well. Still, you can't simply replace traditional ingredients with alternatives. Those working with recycled products have no control over the source material, which results in a varied color palette. Van Vliet encourages embracing this variability and making the most of it.
The power of nostalgia
In addition to sustainability, nostalgia continues to be a powerful source of inspiration in 2025, just as it has been in previous years. In times of uncertainty, we often seek stability in the past and our own heritage. Judith hopes this trend will break the uniformity of globalized fashion, where everything starts to feel the same everywhere. "This opens the door to greater cultural diversity and the opportunity to weave our personal stories and styles into design," she concludes.
Want to find out more about the latest flooring trends? Judith Van Vliet shares her insights on Wednesday 4 June 2025, during the upcoming edition of Flanders Flooring Days at Kortrijk Xpo.
What does colour mean for your products?
In addition to networking, Flanders Flooring Days is all about new information and inspiration, both from the companies participating and through seminars. Colour authority Judith Van Vliet will be returning for next year’s event. Don’t expect her to simply name a trending colour, give a couple of generic tips and leave it at that. Judith is passionate about colours, what they mean to people and how they work with different materials. Sustainability, culture, psychology and taste all combined in a single colour philosophy. Don't miss her seminar at the fourth edition of Flanders Flooring Days.
The Home Front: Make a statement with colour choices
Winter may have overstayed its welcome by a little bit. But spring is just around the corner. That’s the promise, anyway! Postmedia sat down with two design leaders to hear what colours we can look forward to seeing in our home interiors and decor in the next few months. Mary Burgers is creative director for Vancouver-based Burgers Architecture — the family firm behind some of the West Coast’s most feted builds — and Dutch-born, Milan-based Judith van Vliet, speaker, podcaster, consultant and creative force behind The Color Authority.
Wielding Color
In this Positive Impact article for Mix Interiors, Judith van Vliet talks about the impact color can have on our direct surroundings and lives.
How does color impact your life?
Neutrality with a pop of happiness
As the European fair season is coming to an end, it is time to have a look at which colours are waiting for us as we move into 2023.
By Judith van Vliet