Inspiring color trends for 2020

Nishtha Oberoi
5 min readDec 29, 2019
Color trends 2020 | Flxebl

“The arrival of the new decade will exhibit bold color trends. These include glowing neons, transparent color outlays, futuristic color schemes, vintage-inspired palettes with a modern twist, dark mode color schemes, unique monochromatic color palettes, etc. It will be an era to choose color carrying meanings that viewers can relate to. Also, the color of 2020 declared by Pantone — the world’s leading authority on colors.”

As we move on to a new decade, the color trends 2020 is waiting to swing into action. 2020 will be the year of colors which will speak loud and clear whether they are bold and brave or soft and subtle.

Color is a simple, yet powerful form of communication. It depicts a vast range of emotions in comparison to a word or image. Color can easily highlight something important or just as easily disguise something insignificant. The role color plays in our visual world is so absolute that its power is difficult to overestimate. Several websites post multiple blogs just to educate the viewers on the trending color combinations and how to use them to express their opinion in a better way and thereby create a lasting impact.

Color shades are no different from design trends or fashion trends — they are fast-paced and ever-evolving. Here are the top 6 color trends we can expect to see in 2020:

  1. Glowing Neons:
Glowing neons | Flxebl

Color trends for 2020 are pulling from one of our favorite decades: the 80s. Everyone remembers tapered jeans, feathered bangs, the Care Bears and “Thriller.” But color-wise, neons are on the rise once again. Neon inspired colors don’t necessarily have to be fluorescent and blinding. Whether they are bright or deep, its the outline that creates a luminous effect.

“Get your Neon on..”

2. Transparent color outlays:

Transparent color outlays | Flxebl

In past years, we saw lots of pastels, which have evolved into a trend of layered, see-through color and transparent color overlays. The layered effect feels lightweight and subtle, while also remaining deep and visually intriguing.

Due to the intricate layering involved in the blend of colors, it works best in flat settings like posters, album covers, book covers or murals.

3. Futuristic color schemes:

Futuristic color schemes | Flxebl

The isometric trend has been going strong for a while, and it has now blossomed into futuristic color schemes within various designs which are simultaneously flat and 3D.

Saturated blues, rich purples, and blazing pinks have taken the futuristic look to another level. The result feels fresh, multi-dimensional and fun in a visionary way.

4. Vintage-inspired palettes with a modern twist:

Vintage-inspired palettes with a modern twist | Flxebl

The key characteristic which makes 2020 noteworthy is the updated, modern approach to established ways. Picture muted, retro-style colors like mustard and cream, then imagine them in a fresh setting with interesting contrasts, pops of bright or pastel colors, minimalist shapes and sans-serif fonts.

It looks vintage yet absolutely modern-looking.

5. “Dark mode” color schemes:

Dark mode color schemes | Flxebl

Dark mode grants the user the ability to experience an interface which is predominantly black or gray instead of white. The contrast allows for fascinating color combinations with saturated colors that pop on the dark background.

It’s easier on the eyes, more energy-efficient, and it also feels less harsh in environments with low lighting.

6. Unique monochromatic color palettes:

Unique monochromatic color palettes | Flxebl

Monochromatic color schemes are easy to look at, simple to comprehend and it just feels right. They are a timeless trend that will never go away. But in 2020, designers are venturing away from simple black and white designs, instead focusing on more unique color families.This color trend allows designers to boost their variation, contrast, and interest while maintaining balance and unity.

It offers a splash of color without being too colorful.

7. Color that carries meaning:

Color that carries meaning | Flxebl

Think about today’s digital world: it’s cold, disconnected and often impersonal. To counteract this, we need colors that carry meaning — colors that move us.

The meaningful color trend does just that by offering carefully placed colors that convey meanings and feelings.

LGBT pride flag colors | Flxebl
LGBT Official Pride Flag colors

“Mere color can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways”

8. “Classic blue” — Pantone’s color of the year 2020

One cannot talk about design and color trends without talking about Pantone. Pantone is the world’s leading authority on color — and every year their go-to colors (including their famed Color of the Year) drive trends in every design arena, from fashion to beauty to interior and graphic design.

According to Pantone, “Colors for Spring/Summer 2020 New York express our desire for a sense of the familiar. Friendly and relatable, a palette of colors that conveys a sense of ease. At the same time, in this era of personalized self- expression, this palette of recognized favorites uses the familiar to take some unique twists and turns highlighting elements of humor, modernity, and entertainment.”

Pantone — Color of the year 2020 | Flxebl

In 2020, Pantone chose “19–4052 Classic Blue”, a soothing, timeless shade that falls somewhere between mid-tone and deep blue on the color spectrum.

Diversity in design is a beautiful thing, and the 2020 color trends promise to deliver variety, depth, and intrigue. From translucent pastel layers to re-purposed vintage hues, there’s something for everyone. Flxebl is an online platform for you to create & experiment with different colors on logos/ banners and other social media posts for free.

Dive in and have fun! This is your year for incredible design.

To get customized designs, kindly contact us at +91 7348980909 or get in touch with us @ kumar.rakesh@flxebl.com.

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