Welcome to
Success by Design - Mastering the Business of Interior Design
Color Consulting, Forecasting, & Trends with Nello Marelli
The European market moves through color and textile trends about 2-3 years in advance of the U.S., but how do they do it? Well, they’ve got a certain color and textile consultant and trend forecaster on their side. Nello Marelli joins me for this special interview all about color consulting, trends, and forecasting and how paying attention to these factors could be the key to separating yourself from other designers.
If you ever wished you could introduce your clients to trending colors and textiles before they hit the U.S. market en masse, you’re going to love this conversation! Nello touches on the importance of color in design, how to create harmonious environments using color, and the significance of trends. We’ve partnered with Nello on an exclusive design resource to help you differentiate yourself from the competition. Oh, and be sure you stay til the end to see if today’s Colorful Question is yours!
In this episode, we cover:
What a day in the life of a color consultant for Versace and Armani is like
Why color and textile trends move through Europe years before they come to the U.S.
How designers can use color trends to differentiate themselves from the competition
Why color is so significant in design
How to use color to design and create harmonious environments
How you can successfully use trends as a designer
What the job of a trend forecaster is like
Nello's extensive background opens our eyes to how calculated use of color can be more than mere aesthetic choice; it's a reflection of societal values, technological advancements, and even our collective consciousness. By grasping this concept, we can appreciate that design, at its core, is not static but a living, breathing entity that both shapes and is shaped by the fabrics of our society.
What did you take away from this conversation with Nello? Have you pursued his book, Nel Colore, in The Studio yet? We’d love to hear about it—say hi on the socials!
More about Nello Marelli
Nello lives in Como, Italy, a city famous for fashion, fabrics, and printed silk. Over time, these themes have become the focus of his work and life. His work has allowed him to travel a lot and meet some of the most famous Italian designers such as Versace, Armani, and Ferrè. When he was 25 years old, he became a Designers Free-Lance color consultant, textile consultant, and trend forecaster. He’s been the Vice President of the IACC Italy for 14 years, which taught him how to deal with color in non-fashion areas—including interior design.
Links and Mentioned Resources
The Studio, an Innovative Hub tailored for Interior Design Professionals
Vegas Market Recap-Biggest Trends 2024
Connect with Nello Marelli
This episode is brought to you by DBM Consulting
DBM Consulting is our go to partner for exploring cutting edge software and technology, from strategic analysis reporting to custom software development and integrations. Visit dbm.consulting/colorworks to quality for a promotional rate and receive a free 30 minute consultation.
Connect with Katie Decker-Erickson
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers with Katie
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More about Colorful Conversations with Katie
Welcome to “Colorful Conversations with Katie”! Join us for a vibrant webcast where we seamlessly blend the realms of design and business in a fun and professional setting. Available on YouTube or any of your favorite podcast platforms!
Hosted by the dynamic Katie, a seasoned expert with nearly 20 years of experience in both fields, this engaging series promises to ignite your creative spark and sharpen your entrepreneurial acumen. From exploring the latest design trends to uncovering strategies for building successful ventures, we dive deep into the colorful world where aesthetics meet profitability.
Whether you’re a budding designer or a savvy entrepreneur, this webcast is your go-to source for inspiration, insights, and a dash of lively conversation. Tune in and let your imagination, business and life take flight!
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This episode of Colorful Conversations with Katie is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.
The unedited podcast transcript for this episode of the Colorful Conversations with Katie podcast follows
Katie (00:01.59)
Hi Nella, welcome to the show.
Nello Marelli (00:04.825)
Hi, hi Katie. Ciao.
Katie (00:07.202)
Chow-chow, we're so glad to see you. Buenas sera and welcome. We have loved getting to know you, especially on the other side of the world. It is about what, 12, 14 hours later? You guys are a significant amount later, so we appreciate you joining us. We're recording this in the morning and it's in the evening, well into the evening, and we wanna get you to dinner there. So without further ado, tell us.
Nello Marelli (00:32.245)
Yeah.
Katie (00:33.274)
Tell us about you. Give us your history and who you are and especially as we welcome you to the American world of design.
Nello Marelli (00:43.231)
Yeah, thank you. That's, yeah, I would like to introduce that I'm living in Como, you know, in my accent, Como, not Como. It is north of Italy, very close to Milano. Then it's a city that is very famous for the silk production. And the meantime is very famous for fashion. And that's for me over the time, these themes become the focus of my work and of course of my life.
I mean the decoration in the part of the colon, in the part of the prince, the part of the beauty of the items. And on top of this I was in love with this idea of decoration. What does it mean for me, decoration? Then the artist and plus there's a technician side. For example, technician side means as a decorative
artist or working in the idea of decoration. It means that I have to be able to create a project that is repeated in the infinity, to the project is in the infinity of the pattern, like the tail, but the beauty is artist. Then just to go very, very quick and deeper, some steps that make me very important, changes life.
Katie (01:58.338)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (02:09.899)
When I was 25, I decided to become a freelancer in colors consultant, textile consultant, and then I would like to be a very important trend for the cluster. The color at this time became a super important part of my work and my life. And then based on this target, I started to be a member.
of Italian, European, and international group of trend for the cluster. Like Intercolor, I use it regularly to meet these people two times a year. And then very important, it was when 14 years ago, I met IACC, International Association Color Consultant, where I started to be able to manage the color.
in the power of not a verbal language. That is a something that became the most important part of my work that I did out of value. Then I would like to deliver all of this experience and knowledge in something that actually is my official presentation as a color consultant that is a male color trend book.
Katie (03:09.47)
Mmm.
Katie (03:31.254)
which we are so excited to offer here in the States in partnership with you. It is found in the studio on our website and you are welcome to go download it. There's a miniature version, but if you wanna really understand how to fully implement the color trends, download the entire version because it has all the details there and it's just a fabulous, fabulous piece.
Also, it's worth pointing out, Nello, that you're extremely humble. For those of you, obviously, who haven't met Nello, and he's new to us in the States in many ways, he works with Versace, he works with Armani, he's picking fabrics and colors for them two and three years ahead of what we're seeing in the States, which is why we really wanted to offer this color book because a lot of times, as we know as designers in the States, Europe...
runs ahead of schedule with us, but we sometimes don't know how to get our arms around that. That's why we're so excited to present this book with Nello, because it's a chance to get ahead and get up to speed with what the rest of the world is doing and set yourself apart from your competition, which I think is amazing. Thank you, Nello. Thank you for approaching us. Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for bringing your life experiences to us, because they are immense.
favorite story is one conversation we were having and the backdrop was different. I said to Nello, I said, where are you today? And he goes, oh, you should see I'm picking fabrics for Versace. And he's like, look, there's this pattern and this pattern. And it was just so fun to see because we don't get those experiences in the States. We inherit whatever it is you create, but we don't get them out of the box looking at these incredible fabrics that are going to be coming forth. So
Nello Marelli (05:01.768)
Yeah.
Katie (05:16.894)
It's a really neat conversation. I want to ask you, because your point about color is really well made. I think it's something that Europe has been way far ahead of us on for a really, really long time. And we want to elevate it here in the States because it's such a good way for designers to differentiate themselves from their competition. From your perspective, why is color important in design?
Nello Marelli (05:40.195)
This is very important to understand the value of the color as added element in the project, any kind of project. We can say that normally the color is in nature as a human thing and most important in the project. We have to consider that the user has an important function, at least at the minimum we can say two important functions.
One is mimetism or camouflage. The other one is the evidence. What I mean, the insect, for example, normally you can see because they want to, doesn't be visible, disappear in the grass or in the leaves. So they get the same color like the grass, the green. In the opposite, in nature, the fruit.
Katie (06:13.856)
Yeah.
Katie (06:17.506)
Hmm.
Katie (06:29.614)
Very true. Yep.
Nello Marelli (06:38.643)
they want to let you see that you are ready to be eaten, getting, for example, red. I know in my garden, I have apple, I can recognize that the fruit is ready. I can go and take and eat when it's changing the color. So it's evidence. It let me see that is there, no? The same is, for example, the bird that they want to disappear because they want to be kitchen-fried and the other animal do want to eat, or...
Katie (06:43.544)
uh interesting
Nello Marelli (07:06.719)
The other side we can have, for example, a peacock. The peacock is the opposite. I want to show that I'm here, the maximum evidence. As humans, we have the same attitude. We can imagine, for example, that people to go to the stadium, to be able to see a football, you can recognize based on the color of how you're dressed, which kind of club you are, which kind of team you are.
Katie (07:10.113)
Yeah.
Katie (07:14.331)
Yes.
Katie (07:24.116)
Hmm.
Katie (07:31.617)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (07:36.355)
But in the meantime, if you take a picture of this area where there are all the same people that are supporters, it looks like the same unique color. So you play with this. When we make, with this kind of information in our mind, we make a project, that becomes very important. Because, for example, if we make a living room with a sofa, a carpet, everything.
Katie (07:46.306)
Hmm
Nello Marelli (08:05.655)
the wall is white, everything is white, and you want to easily go inside and to find items that is always white. The items look like ghosts disappear, like the animal that is mimetism. But you just have to put a little pillow, red, immediately there is a signal. Here there is the sofa. Here I can go to sit.
Katie (08:09.612)
Right.
Katie (08:22.749)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (08:33.971)
That is the reason why it's important to control and the color is important. Becomes very signal, becomes a kind of orientation in any kind of project.
Katie (08:45.658)
I think that's such a good analogy. And I love that you took us back to nature. We are constantly talking about how nature drives color, how it's weird to walk on a white floor because we're used to seeing white clouds in the sky unless you have snow, right? And even with a blanket of snow, there's nothing like walking across that for the first time. And then you look at the dark colors of even dirt.
Nello Marelli (09:03.434)
Yeah.
Katie (09:10.534)
and how it doesn't make sense to paint a ceiling black, because once again, you're used to seeing blue or white in the sky, and you're used to seeing dirt on the ground, which is why we lean towards darker floors or having something more anchoring on the floor. I feel like nature drives color every single time, but you tell me, do you have a method to design and create harmonious environments? How do you do that?
Nello Marelli (09:34.931)
Yeah, that is again, I would like to play with a human before to explain which is my method that is a dominant to dominant accent and how to use the, everybody knows the rules about the hue of colors, the saturation of color and luminosity. But back to this point, the sensation, we all, all of us, we are sensitive to the same, to what is the harmony, what is the balance, you know?
Katie (09:40.76)
Hmm.
Katie (09:51.596)
Hmm.
Katie (10:04.269)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (10:04.931)
The experience that we have when we go shopping to buy something to dress, there are colors that we like to buy. Some colors that we stay alone in the booth and we say, wow, this color fits me good. Or there are colors that are not my color. Why? Because we know, conscious or unconscious, that we have one part of the face, skin and eyes that is always fixed.
Katie (10:11.191)
Hmm.
Katie (10:17.966)
I'm sorry.
Nello Marelli (10:33.855)
What we can choose is the other part, the color of the garments, shirt, t-shirt, whatever, and the accent. Normally, the men have ties or the scarf, the necklace for the women. Here it is. We always have this experience of quantity, subdominant, the garment is a lot, is dominant, and then we have the accent.
Katie (10:34.886)
Mm.
Katie (10:40.613)
Oh.
Katie (10:58.562)
Hmm. Yeah.
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (11:04.439)
Here, based on this kind of knowledge that we have, this kind of sensation of harmony that everybody has, break down this in the project, we have to create this map, a square divided in three elements that is the main part dominant, medium part subdominant, and little part that's the accent. And you have to coordinate in the balance. How to manage this balance with the knowledge of the harmony in contrast of colors.
Katie (11:16.834)
Mm.
Katie (11:26.313)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (11:33.383)
like the hidden theory, basically, let's say a little secret that I use, if at the end you, when I take a huge quantity, medium quantity and little one, and you can start to melt, should create what we call bistro, or is a mud gray color, because this is a
Katie (11:40.83)
Yes, little secret. Pay attention everybody. Little secret from Nello.
Katie (11:47.777)
Yeah?
Katie (11:53.503)
Mmm.
Nello Marelli (12:02.335)
the need of our brain, the balance, the beauty, is corresponding at this kind of neutrality of the energy in the brain. So we have this kind of, for example, we have a floor that we can change in the project, or we have a roof we can change of the kind of furniture. So that is like our skin and our eyes. We can change, but we can make the...
Katie (12:05.49)
Mm.
Katie (12:20.536)
Mm.
Katie (12:26.975)
Mmm.
Nello Marelli (12:30.743)
other colors around with the dominant, with the accent, and then created this kind of reorganization on the chroma, saturation, the luminosity, then the feeling is beautiful. And as a project presented to the customer, the customer is like the dress when he's judging the project, has again this kind of emotion and sensation that instinctively say yes, it's beautiful.
Katie (12:33.122)
Hmm.
Katie (12:44.61)
Hmm.
Katie (12:54.193)
Mm.
Nello Marelli (13:00.115)
because there is a kind of rear-mounted project.
Katie (13:05.386)
I love that and it reminds me so much that there is an art and a science to what we do. There's the science of these percentages you're talking about and that you need a base layer or a base color or a base of some sort, which is exactly what you're describing with the face. And then you can add.
these larger swaths of accents or you know, you get down to the final decorative pieces. And this I think is very true as interior designers. There's that one piece that a client falls in love with. It's the 10% of the project that just brings it all together. And sometimes it's the one thing you start with. It's that pillow or that piece of art that starts driving the entire room that then flows into the rest of the property. But it's critical.
Because if we did the whole entire space in that, it would be to your point about a room that's completely white, it would just, yeah, feel ghostly and void, really. But the percentages, I think, are really key point. Let's talk about color trends, because this is something we've had Diana on the show to talk about color trends in Las Vegas. We care about trends, and not just about them, but the way...
Nello Marelli (14:02.379)
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Katie (14:18.462)
We implement them, which is why in case you miss Vegas, here's a heads up for you. We have in that virtual studio, Diana's actual Sherwin Williams paint color matches to the colors that she was seeing in Vegas. We did all the legwork, it took all the guesswork out for you. So head over to the studio on our website and take a look at that. You can download that there. But I wanna ask you Nella, what is it that makes trends?
so important, like why do you, I know before I became a designer, I had another life, but I was like, trends, it just feels like something that's always changing and you can't keep up with. And it's easy to feel why does that matter in one sense? And then as designers, how do we successfully use trends? And I would love to hear your thoughts on that.
Nello Marelli (15:04.843)
Yeah, that is absolutely an important topic. Why important, how to use the trend. Again, as I said before, human attitude in society. The importance of trend is given by the fact that they are the expression of society. Not because someone come up, yeah, just come up to say, Nello say that is a color that is beautiful. No, from my point of view, that is the expression of society.
Katie (15:10.669)
Mm.
Katie (15:21.314)
Hmm.
Katie (15:25.014)
That's a key point.
Katie (15:32.32)
Right.
Nello Marelli (15:39.557)
That means the trend of expressing the value and the behavior of the people. You have to understand that's a very important other factor. We, as a human, are the unique, almost the unique, that are
Katie (15:52.222)
Mm-hmm.
Interesting.
Nello Marelli (16:02.319)
not suitable to survive alone on the planet Earth. It means as a Harari, you are, yeah, the power, I have to read this because it's a super beautiful sentence from Noah Harari, the power of man is not terminated by the individual, but by a collective. And we can dominate our human.
Katie (16:07.254)
That is so true. It is so true. We need each other. I love that.
Katie (16:17.151)
Yeah, do it.
Katie (16:26.037)
Mm-hmm.
Nello Marelli (16:28.319)
the world because we cooperate better than any other animal on the planet. It means why is important this sentence connected to the trend? Because exactly this, as a trend forecaster, what I'm doing is to understand the behavior and the value, why the people have to coordinate and collaborate. Okay, one of the most important reasons.
Katie (16:34.359)
Hmm.
Katie (16:52.994)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (16:59.167)
is the scarcity, is how the orientation of the behavior, then we have to find the link of the innovation. It's not easy, of course, it's something that is related to the people, that means it's something you have to search. But these are the important of the trend, because we need to find where the people are.
Katie (17:06.743)
Hmm.
Katie (17:14.306)
Sure.
Nello Marelli (17:28.047)
in society living together. Then the trend is the new reason why the people want to stay together in a place and with some other activity.
Katie (17:36.855)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (17:44.275)
Basically, we needed to, what is important to find this in the industry, industrial need more than in the design and make our project. What is super important, the fact of, for example, to control the scarcity. We needed to anticipate trend forecasting. I needed to anticipate something that will happen for the people because I needed to prepare.
Katie (18:03.703)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (18:13.819)
a solution that will be ready in the future when the people would like for the new attitude what's happening, the behavior in society and the people, I should be ready with these new items in one year and a half, in two years or three years. In fashion, very simple example, when the time, the lead time to create an idea of garments
Katie (18:14.283)
Hmm.
Katie (18:18.807)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (18:43.579)
the designer, the time to create the color, to dye the fabrics, to make the garment, to suit, to deliver to the shop, it takes one year and a half. Okay? That means you after... Yeah, you need to anticipate, yeah, to anticipate, but the same exactly in interior. If you have a beautiful project, but you don't have the dye stuff to paint...
Katie (18:45.687)
Yeah.
Katie (18:50.283)
Yeah.
Katie (18:55.926)
That's amazing, a year and a half from concept to the fabric going to be cut.
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (19:11.603)
You don't have the wood to make the floor, or you don't have enough brick. So the very important reason why the trends are important is because we need to hit the desire of the people anticipating this, and help the industry to create during all the steps to be ready with the items and the product for the project.
Katie (19:11.606)
Hmm.
Katie (19:16.608)
Mm. Mm-hmm.
Katie (19:22.091)
Yeah.
Katie (19:28.465)
Mm.
Nello Marelli (19:40.331)
to deliver in the right time in the future.
Katie (19:44.258)
I love what you said and that it's really, it can feel like trends are very abstract and chosen by a very elite few. I think especially in the United States we feel that way because so much of trends are set by Europe or so many trends are specifically out of Europe. But it's really helpful to understand the why as you shared of European trends and that these are just a reflection of what we are perceiving will be society in a year and a half or two years by the time you find
on the floor or in the dressing room or wherever you stumble across it. I think that's a really key point that there is intentionality behind what is being chosen. It's not to push people in a direction, it's to reflect the direction.
society is already going in. One thing that was really interesting that you shared with me a few weeks ago is we were talking about bucle and how much bucle we have in the States right now. And it was such a fun conversation to have because as you shared, bucle came and went through Europe two years ago. And so that's why we wanted to bring the Nellocolore or Nellocolore color book to the States because...
We want to get ahead of that in the States instead of always being two years behind. We want to we want to catch up to y'all Nello. We we want to be where you are because this is where it's going and imagine if you can bring those things to your clients where they're leading the way in their spheres. What a huge influence that has. How is oh go ahead.
Nello Marelli (21:00.9)
Thank you.
Nello Marelli (21:14.227)
Yeah, and, yeah, because in the book, you see there are colors as well as a material, the real physical items. And we talk about no more bouquet, but more this kind of natural aspect, no more shine, but more a little bit dull. That is something that is existing as a info to pass during the book.
Katie (21:23.105)
Yeah.
Katie (21:40.086)
So yeah, big tip for you there and a big hint inside the non-color and color book in that the heavy textures we're seeing already fade out in Europe and we're going to something that's, there's still texture I think, and I don't wanna put words in your mouth when we were talking, but you were saying it's gonna be more linens with multiple colors and maybe a little bit more texture of linen than we're used to seeing, but we're getting away. The boucle has had its day in the sun and we're moving on.
That's super helpful. Tell me, what is the job of a trend forecaster like? What is a day like for you when you're getting to interact with Versace and Armani and all of the people you get to rub shoulders with? What is a typical day for Nello like?
Nello Marelli (22:29.787)
Yeah, that is something that is important to fix, that is to let you know how the brain is working. Normally, for everybody to keep the temperature of the brain very low, our inner educated way to live is to make
Katie (22:37.015)
Yeah.
Katie (22:42.102)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (22:57.107)
when we look at the reality around us, listen to people around us, to live the reality around us, we make a kind of cancellation, we make a kind of distortion, we make a generalization. I'll make you an example, very simple. I needed to buy a toothbrush. Yeah, toothbrush, okay? I go to the supermarket. I go to the supermarket and...
Katie (23:00.898)
Hmm.
Katie (23:16.096)
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Nello Marelli (23:24.627)
When I arrive in the supermarket, my face, my vision, my sensation, sense is keeping a lot of color, a lot of items. I smell, I hear, but I'm looking for the toothbrush to taste. Okay, I go in the area and then in the racks, in the wall, there are these toothpaste. I can see a lot of boxes.
Katie (23:34.882)
Hmm. Yes.
Katie (23:42.529)
Ah...
Nello Marelli (23:53.451)
but I'm not starting to read. What my brain is, go simple, generalization, go direct, no, don't care, don't take care. I have to go to find something that is normal, generalization that I know that is from the advertising and helps me to keep easily a very quick decision.
Katie (23:54.018)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (24:16.259)
As a trend forecaster, we have to pay attention, I have to pay attention, don't get in difficulties to don't understand the reality around me and to catch a lot of these details, how the people are sailing. Then, so that is my radar is much more open to listen all this signal. I have a system, I have a method that I learned.
Katie (24:27.728)
Uh, yeah.
Katie (24:39.807)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (24:45.211)
at the University of Sociology in Trento with a master of a teacher studies that is called a steep. So in that my rather, I pay to attention to some area like a society, politics, ecology, economy, technology. But I can say that is a two big area and that I pay attention is a society and technology. And then I add the time.
Katie (24:54.058)
Oh.
Katie (25:06.893)
Hmm.
Katie (25:11.031)
Okay.
Nello Marelli (25:13.223)
It means that there are something that is very quick, something that is, for example, sing a song of the summer, or there is something that is more longer, trend that is three years, five years, or something that is a big change that it takes 20, 30 years. Then after partition, what is a mutation and what is a changes.
Katie (25:23.522)
Yeah.
Katie (25:30.914)
Hmm.
Katie (25:41.111)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (25:42.155)
For example, we are using the phone connection. We use it to talk with a conversation by phones. When happened the change of using the communication by phone calls, it was a big mutation. Now we are using the items mobile phone. Two years ago, it was a model. The next time...
Katie (25:51.884)
Yes.
Katie (25:55.712)
Yes.
Katie (26:04.28)
Huge.
Nello Marelli (26:11.147)
the next year we will do the others. That is again what does it mean to work and as a telephotocaster, we have to pay attention in this very, very focus that it takes. It's just an example what does it mean and changes, you know? And then to pay attention to these changes that all the people, the value and behavior of society.
not a little group, is like this, you know, when we are, for example, we are imagining a big hole with a thousand of people, an airport hole, thousand of people that everybody goes over the road because there is a direction, then suddenly there is a huge rumor and the end of the right side for a few seconds.
Katie (26:47.12)
Hmm.
Katie (26:52.086)
Hmm.
Katie (26:55.592)
Yes.
Katie (27:03.843)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (27:09.943)
all the people will look in the same direction. Is possible something like this in the world? I tell you yes, for example. Do you remember 2017, all the world, we were focused about the plastic. We were focused about the problem of the pollution of the plastic. Then 2019, the world, pandemic time,
Katie (27:11.994)
Hmm.
That's fascinating.
Yeah.
Katie (27:22.007)
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Katie (27:38.629)
Shifted.
Nello Marelli (27:40.375)
shifted. Now we are in 2022, what's happened? Shifted to the war. First it was a war in Ukraine, now there is a 2023, another war. So you can see that is what does it mean as an attitude, as my job, to be able to stay focused, not to feel the sensation of anomic, it is, you know,
Katie (27:41.889)
Yep.
Katie (28:01.936)
Hmm.
Katie (28:05.902)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (28:09.419)
keep all this radar, keep all this information, I have to collect this, and then I share this, my opinion and vision in something that is not tangible, that is their idea, their concept, their value, their behavior. Then I have to translate it with the images that is supporting this concept, and then I prepare the color palette.
That is another important element. We must, to make the job, we must know very well the not a verbal language, and that is a superpower, or the color. The color we have to know as an object or subject value. We needed to know the traditional and the cultural heritage. We know to know the harmony and contrast value, the dominant, subdominante.
Katie (28:41.916)
Yeah.
Katie (28:58.754)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (29:07.015)
an accent system to work, something that is neuropsychological system of the colors. The value and the reason why there is a meaning is important, the expression of the different colors, red, not just passion, no? Each color. So, because this kind of connection of reality, well described, well captured.
Katie (29:21.954)
Hmm.
Katie (29:34.123)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (29:37.123)
and the knowledge of the not verbal language of the color, we can translate all these elements in something that is for the industry, something to say, hey, pay attention, we'll happen this in society, then this is the color that we can use to paint or to change something that is already existing. Because we, as a designer, we are using to make the microtrans, not the...
Katie (29:48.418)
Hmm.
Katie (29:52.482)
Yeah.
Katie (30:01.331)
I love that.
Nello Marelli (30:07.019)
the big micro trends.
Katie (30:09.938)
No, we're reflecting the macros into the micros and Nello does all the work for us is the takeaway of this story. I'm really thankful I don't have to forecast. There's definitely a rhyme and a reason to it, but it's in a conversation. It is pulling in so many different variables as you were talking and couldn't help thinking about. It really is like building a cake. All the layers that go into creating a masterpiece that's a reflection of where the world is at.
and where it's projected to be going and how our tastes are going to reflect that in the future. I think it's just.
absolutely astounding. Nello, such a good conversation. We're so excited to partner with you. Thank you for sharing your genius with us, for pulling us into the future and bridging the pond as it were so that we can see where those European trends are and get them integrated into our designs. Instead of following you, we wanna keep step with you when it comes to design in the States. We so appreciate your time. Thank you.
Nello Marelli (31:10.263)
Thank you. Thank you everybody. Ciao.
Katie (31:13.294)
Ciao, ciao.
I'm your host, Katie Erickson
I’m a commercial exterior and interior designer with an MBA and nearly 20 years in the industry. When I’m not leading my coast-to-coast, multi-million dollar firm, I love sharing real talk on the business of design, blending insights from 20 years as a business professor. I keep it honest—balancing work and chasing my two girls around.
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Color Consulting, Forecasting, & Trends with Nello Marelli
The European market moves through color and textile trends about 2-3 years in advance of the U.S., but how do they do it? Well, they’ve got a certain color and textile consultant and trend forecaster on their side. Nello Marelli joins me for this special interview all about color consulting, trends, and forecasting and how paying attention to these factors could be the key to separating yourself from other designers.
If you ever wished you could introduce your clients to trending colors and textiles before they hit the U.S. market en masse, you’re going to love this conversation! Nello touches on the importance of color in design, how to create harmonious environments using color, and the significance of trends. We’ve partnered with Nello on an exclusive design resource to help you differentiate yourself from the competition. Oh, and be sure you stay til the end to see if today’s Colorful Question is yours!
In this episode, we cover:
What a day in the life of a color consultant for Versace and Armani is like
Why color and textile trends move through Europe years before they come to the U.S.
How designers can use color trends to differentiate themselves from the competition
Why color is so significant in design
How to use color to design and create harmonious environments
How you can successfully use trends as a designer
What the job of a trend forecaster is like
Nello's extensive background opens our eyes to how calculated use of color can be more than mere aesthetic choice; it's a reflection of societal values, technological advancements, and even our collective consciousness. By grasping this concept, we can appreciate that design, at its core, is not static but a living, breathing entity that both shapes and is shaped by the fabrics of our society.
What did you take away from this conversation with Nello? Have you pursued his book, Nel Colore, in The Studio yet? We’d love to hear about it—say hi on the socials!
More about Nello Marelli
Nello lives in Como, Italy, a city famous for fashion, fabrics, and printed silk. Over time, these themes have become the focus of his work and life. His work has allowed him to travel a lot and meet some of the most famous Italian designers such as Versace, Armani, and Ferrè. When he was 25 years old, he became a Designers Free-Lance color consultant, textile consultant, and trend forecaster. He’s been the Vice President of the IACC Italy for 14 years, which taught him how to deal with color in non-fashion areas—including interior design.
Links and Mentioned Resources
The Studio, an Innovative Hub tailored for Interior Design Professionals
Vegas Market Recap-Biggest Trends 2024
Connect with Nello Marelli
This episode is brought to you by DBM Consulting
DBM Consulting is our go to partner for exploring cutting edge software and technology, from strategic analysis reporting to custom software development and integrations. Visit dbm.consulting/colorworks to quality for a promotional rate and receive a free 30 minute consultation.
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Subscribe to Colorful Conversations with Katie Podcast
More about Colorful Conversations with Katie
Welcome to “Colorful Conversations with Katie”! Join us for a vibrant webcast where we seamlessly blend the realms of design and business in a fun and professional setting. Available on YouTube or any of your favorite podcast platforms!
Hosted by the dynamic Katie, a seasoned expert with nearly 20 years of experience in both fields, this engaging series promises to ignite your creative spark and sharpen your entrepreneurial acumen. From exploring the latest design trends to uncovering strategies for building successful ventures, we dive deep into the colorful world where aesthetics meet profitability.
Whether you’re a budding designer or a savvy entrepreneur, this webcast is your go-to source for inspiration, insights, and a dash of lively conversation. Tune in and let your imagination, business and life take flight!
This post may contain affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on my site at no additional cost to you.
This episode of Colorful Conversations with Katie is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.
The unedited podcast transcript for this episode of the Colorful Conversations with Katie podcast follows
Katie (00:01.59)
Hi Nella, welcome to the show.
Nello Marelli (00:04.825)
Hi, hi Katie. Ciao.
Katie (00:07.202)
Chow-chow, we're so glad to see you. Buenas sera and welcome. We have loved getting to know you, especially on the other side of the world. It is about what, 12, 14 hours later? You guys are a significant amount later, so we appreciate you joining us. We're recording this in the morning and it's in the evening, well into the evening, and we wanna get you to dinner there. So without further ado, tell us.
Nello Marelli (00:32.245)
Yeah.
Katie (00:33.274)
Tell us about you. Give us your history and who you are and especially as we welcome you to the American world of design.
Nello Marelli (00:43.231)
Yeah, thank you. That's, yeah, I would like to introduce that I'm living in Como, you know, in my accent, Como, not Como. It is north of Italy, very close to Milano. Then it's a city that is very famous for the silk production. And the meantime is very famous for fashion. And that's for me over the time, these themes become the focus of my work and of course of my life.
I mean the decoration in the part of the colon, in the part of the prince, the part of the beauty of the items. And on top of this I was in love with this idea of decoration. What does it mean for me, decoration? Then the artist and plus there's a technician side. For example, technician side means as a decorative
artist or working in the idea of decoration. It means that I have to be able to create a project that is repeated in the infinity, to the project is in the infinity of the pattern, like the tail, but the beauty is artist. Then just to go very, very quick and deeper, some steps that make me very important, changes life.
Katie (01:58.338)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (02:09.899)
When I was 25, I decided to become a freelancer in colors consultant, textile consultant, and then I would like to be a very important trend for the cluster. The color at this time became a super important part of my work and my life. And then based on this target, I started to be a member.
of Italian, European, and international group of trend for the cluster. Like Intercolor, I use it regularly to meet these people two times a year. And then very important, it was when 14 years ago, I met IACC, International Association Color Consultant, where I started to be able to manage the color.
in the power of not a verbal language. That is a something that became the most important part of my work that I did out of value. Then I would like to deliver all of this experience and knowledge in something that actually is my official presentation as a color consultant that is a male color trend book.
Katie (03:09.47)
Mmm.
Katie (03:31.254)
which we are so excited to offer here in the States in partnership with you. It is found in the studio on our website and you are welcome to go download it. There's a miniature version, but if you wanna really understand how to fully implement the color trends, download the entire version because it has all the details there and it's just a fabulous, fabulous piece.
Also, it's worth pointing out, Nello, that you're extremely humble. For those of you, obviously, who haven't met Nello, and he's new to us in the States in many ways, he works with Versace, he works with Armani, he's picking fabrics and colors for them two and three years ahead of what we're seeing in the States, which is why we really wanted to offer this color book because a lot of times, as we know as designers in the States, Europe...
runs ahead of schedule with us, but we sometimes don't know how to get our arms around that. That's why we're so excited to present this book with Nello, because it's a chance to get ahead and get up to speed with what the rest of the world is doing and set yourself apart from your competition, which I think is amazing. Thank you, Nello. Thank you for approaching us. Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for bringing your life experiences to us, because they are immense.
favorite story is one conversation we were having and the backdrop was different. I said to Nello, I said, where are you today? And he goes, oh, you should see I'm picking fabrics for Versace. And he's like, look, there's this pattern and this pattern. And it was just so fun to see because we don't get those experiences in the States. We inherit whatever it is you create, but we don't get them out of the box looking at these incredible fabrics that are going to be coming forth. So
Nello Marelli (05:01.768)
Yeah.
Katie (05:16.894)
It's a really neat conversation. I want to ask you, because your point about color is really well made. I think it's something that Europe has been way far ahead of us on for a really, really long time. And we want to elevate it here in the States because it's such a good way for designers to differentiate themselves from their competition. From your perspective, why is color important in design?
Nello Marelli (05:40.195)
This is very important to understand the value of the color as added element in the project, any kind of project. We can say that normally the color is in nature as a human thing and most important in the project. We have to consider that the user has an important function, at least at the minimum we can say two important functions.
One is mimetism or camouflage. The other one is the evidence. What I mean, the insect, for example, normally you can see because they want to, doesn't be visible, disappear in the grass or in the leaves. So they get the same color like the grass, the green. In the opposite, in nature, the fruit.
Katie (06:13.856)
Yeah.
Katie (06:17.506)
Hmm.
Katie (06:29.614)
Very true. Yep.
Nello Marelli (06:38.643)
they want to let you see that you are ready to be eaten, getting, for example, red. I know in my garden, I have apple, I can recognize that the fruit is ready. I can go and take and eat when it's changing the color. So it's evidence. It let me see that is there, no? The same is, for example, the bird that they want to disappear because they want to be kitchen-fried and the other animal do want to eat, or...
Katie (06:43.544)
uh interesting
Nello Marelli (07:06.719)
The other side we can have, for example, a peacock. The peacock is the opposite. I want to show that I'm here, the maximum evidence. As humans, we have the same attitude. We can imagine, for example, that people to go to the stadium, to be able to see a football, you can recognize based on the color of how you're dressed, which kind of club you are, which kind of team you are.
Katie (07:10.113)
Yeah.
Katie (07:14.331)
Yes.
Katie (07:24.116)
Hmm.
Katie (07:31.617)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (07:36.355)
But in the meantime, if you take a picture of this area where there are all the same people that are supporters, it looks like the same unique color. So you play with this. When we make, with this kind of information in our mind, we make a project, that becomes very important. Because, for example, if we make a living room with a sofa, a carpet, everything.
Katie (07:46.306)
Hmm
Nello Marelli (08:05.655)
the wall is white, everything is white, and you want to easily go inside and to find items that is always white. The items look like ghosts disappear, like the animal that is mimetism. But you just have to put a little pillow, red, immediately there is a signal. Here there is the sofa. Here I can go to sit.
Katie (08:09.612)
Right.
Katie (08:22.749)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (08:33.971)
That is the reason why it's important to control and the color is important. Becomes very signal, becomes a kind of orientation in any kind of project.
Katie (08:45.658)
I think that's such a good analogy. And I love that you took us back to nature. We are constantly talking about how nature drives color, how it's weird to walk on a white floor because we're used to seeing white clouds in the sky unless you have snow, right? And even with a blanket of snow, there's nothing like walking across that for the first time. And then you look at the dark colors of even dirt.
Nello Marelli (09:03.434)
Yeah.
Katie (09:10.534)
and how it doesn't make sense to paint a ceiling black, because once again, you're used to seeing blue or white in the sky, and you're used to seeing dirt on the ground, which is why we lean towards darker floors or having something more anchoring on the floor. I feel like nature drives color every single time, but you tell me, do you have a method to design and create harmonious environments? How do you do that?
Nello Marelli (09:34.931)
Yeah, that is again, I would like to play with a human before to explain which is my method that is a dominant to dominant accent and how to use the, everybody knows the rules about the hue of colors, the saturation of color and luminosity. But back to this point, the sensation, we all, all of us, we are sensitive to the same, to what is the harmony, what is the balance, you know?
Katie (09:40.76)
Hmm.
Katie (09:51.596)
Hmm.
Katie (10:04.269)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (10:04.931)
The experience that we have when we go shopping to buy something to dress, there are colors that we like to buy. Some colors that we stay alone in the booth and we say, wow, this color fits me good. Or there are colors that are not my color. Why? Because we know, conscious or unconscious, that we have one part of the face, skin and eyes that is always fixed.
Katie (10:11.191)
Hmm.
Katie (10:17.966)
I'm sorry.
Nello Marelli (10:33.855)
What we can choose is the other part, the color of the garments, shirt, t-shirt, whatever, and the accent. Normally, the men have ties or the scarf, the necklace for the women. Here it is. We always have this experience of quantity, subdominant, the garment is a lot, is dominant, and then we have the accent.
Katie (10:34.886)
Mm.
Katie (10:40.613)
Oh.
Katie (10:58.562)
Hmm. Yeah.
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (11:04.439)
Here, based on this kind of knowledge that we have, this kind of sensation of harmony that everybody has, break down this in the project, we have to create this map, a square divided in three elements that is the main part dominant, medium part subdominant, and little part that's the accent. And you have to coordinate in the balance. How to manage this balance with the knowledge of the harmony in contrast of colors.
Katie (11:16.834)
Mm.
Katie (11:26.313)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (11:33.383)
like the hidden theory, basically, let's say a little secret that I use, if at the end you, when I take a huge quantity, medium quantity and little one, and you can start to melt, should create what we call bistro, or is a mud gray color, because this is a
Katie (11:40.83)
Yes, little secret. Pay attention everybody. Little secret from Nello.
Katie (11:47.777)
Yeah?
Katie (11:53.503)
Mmm.
Nello Marelli (12:02.335)
the need of our brain, the balance, the beauty, is corresponding at this kind of neutrality of the energy in the brain. So we have this kind of, for example, we have a floor that we can change in the project, or we have a roof we can change of the kind of furniture. So that is like our skin and our eyes. We can change, but we can make the...
Katie (12:05.49)
Mm.
Katie (12:20.536)
Mm.
Katie (12:26.975)
Mmm.
Nello Marelli (12:30.743)
other colors around with the dominant, with the accent, and then created this kind of reorganization on the chroma, saturation, the luminosity, then the feeling is beautiful. And as a project presented to the customer, the customer is like the dress when he's judging the project, has again this kind of emotion and sensation that instinctively say yes, it's beautiful.
Katie (12:33.122)
Hmm.
Katie (12:44.61)
Hmm.
Katie (12:54.193)
Mm.
Nello Marelli (13:00.115)
because there is a kind of rear-mounted project.
Katie (13:05.386)
I love that and it reminds me so much that there is an art and a science to what we do. There's the science of these percentages you're talking about and that you need a base layer or a base color or a base of some sort, which is exactly what you're describing with the face. And then you can add.
these larger swaths of accents or you know, you get down to the final decorative pieces. And this I think is very true as interior designers. There's that one piece that a client falls in love with. It's the 10% of the project that just brings it all together. And sometimes it's the one thing you start with. It's that pillow or that piece of art that starts driving the entire room that then flows into the rest of the property. But it's critical.
Because if we did the whole entire space in that, it would be to your point about a room that's completely white, it would just, yeah, feel ghostly and void, really. But the percentages, I think, are really key point. Let's talk about color trends, because this is something we've had Diana on the show to talk about color trends in Las Vegas. We care about trends, and not just about them, but the way...
Nello Marelli (14:02.379)
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Katie (14:18.462)
We implement them, which is why in case you miss Vegas, here's a heads up for you. We have in that virtual studio, Diana's actual Sherwin Williams paint color matches to the colors that she was seeing in Vegas. We did all the legwork, it took all the guesswork out for you. So head over to the studio on our website and take a look at that. You can download that there. But I wanna ask you Nella, what is it that makes trends?
so important, like why do you, I know before I became a designer, I had another life, but I was like, trends, it just feels like something that's always changing and you can't keep up with. And it's easy to feel why does that matter in one sense? And then as designers, how do we successfully use trends? And I would love to hear your thoughts on that.
Nello Marelli (15:04.843)
Yeah, that is absolutely an important topic. Why important, how to use the trend. Again, as I said before, human attitude in society. The importance of trend is given by the fact that they are the expression of society. Not because someone come up, yeah, just come up to say, Nello say that is a color that is beautiful. No, from my point of view, that is the expression of society.
Katie (15:10.669)
Mm.
Katie (15:21.314)
Hmm.
Katie (15:25.014)
That's a key point.
Katie (15:32.32)
Right.
Nello Marelli (15:39.557)
That means the trend of expressing the value and the behavior of the people. You have to understand that's a very important other factor. We, as a human, are the unique, almost the unique, that are
Katie (15:52.222)
Mm-hmm.
Interesting.
Nello Marelli (16:02.319)
not suitable to survive alone on the planet Earth. It means as a Harari, you are, yeah, the power, I have to read this because it's a super beautiful sentence from Noah Harari, the power of man is not terminated by the individual, but by a collective. And we can dominate our human.
Katie (16:07.254)
That is so true. It is so true. We need each other. I love that.
Katie (16:17.151)
Yeah, do it.
Katie (16:26.037)
Mm-hmm.
Nello Marelli (16:28.319)
the world because we cooperate better than any other animal on the planet. It means why is important this sentence connected to the trend? Because exactly this, as a trend forecaster, what I'm doing is to understand the behavior and the value, why the people have to coordinate and collaborate. Okay, one of the most important reasons.
Katie (16:34.359)
Hmm.
Katie (16:52.994)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (16:59.167)
is the scarcity, is how the orientation of the behavior, then we have to find the link of the innovation. It's not easy, of course, it's something that is related to the people, that means it's something you have to search. But these are the important of the trend, because we need to find where the people are.
Katie (17:06.743)
Hmm.
Katie (17:14.306)
Sure.
Nello Marelli (17:28.047)
in society living together. Then the trend is the new reason why the people want to stay together in a place and with some other activity.
Katie (17:36.855)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (17:44.275)
Basically, we needed to, what is important to find this in the industry, industrial need more than in the design and make our project. What is super important, the fact of, for example, to control the scarcity. We needed to anticipate trend forecasting. I needed to anticipate something that will happen for the people because I needed to prepare.
Katie (18:03.703)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (18:13.819)
a solution that will be ready in the future when the people would like for the new attitude what's happening, the behavior in society and the people, I should be ready with these new items in one year and a half, in two years or three years. In fashion, very simple example, when the time, the lead time to create an idea of garments
Katie (18:14.283)
Hmm.
Katie (18:18.807)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (18:43.579)
the designer, the time to create the color, to dye the fabrics, to make the garment, to suit, to deliver to the shop, it takes one year and a half. Okay? That means you after... Yeah, you need to anticipate, yeah, to anticipate, but the same exactly in interior. If you have a beautiful project, but you don't have the dye stuff to paint...
Katie (18:45.687)
Yeah.
Katie (18:50.283)
Yeah.
Katie (18:55.926)
That's amazing, a year and a half from concept to the fabric going to be cut.
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (19:11.603)
You don't have the wood to make the floor, or you don't have enough brick. So the very important reason why the trends are important is because we need to hit the desire of the people anticipating this, and help the industry to create during all the steps to be ready with the items and the product for the project.
Katie (19:11.606)
Hmm.
Katie (19:16.608)
Mm. Mm-hmm.
Katie (19:22.091)
Yeah.
Katie (19:28.465)
Mm.
Nello Marelli (19:40.331)
to deliver in the right time in the future.
Katie (19:44.258)
I love what you said and that it's really, it can feel like trends are very abstract and chosen by a very elite few. I think especially in the United States we feel that way because so much of trends are set by Europe or so many trends are specifically out of Europe. But it's really helpful to understand the why as you shared of European trends and that these are just a reflection of what we are perceiving will be society in a year and a half or two years by the time you find
on the floor or in the dressing room or wherever you stumble across it. I think that's a really key point that there is intentionality behind what is being chosen. It's not to push people in a direction, it's to reflect the direction.
society is already going in. One thing that was really interesting that you shared with me a few weeks ago is we were talking about bucle and how much bucle we have in the States right now. And it was such a fun conversation to have because as you shared, bucle came and went through Europe two years ago. And so that's why we wanted to bring the Nellocolore or Nellocolore color book to the States because...
We want to get ahead of that in the States instead of always being two years behind. We want to we want to catch up to y'all Nello. We we want to be where you are because this is where it's going and imagine if you can bring those things to your clients where they're leading the way in their spheres. What a huge influence that has. How is oh go ahead.
Nello Marelli (21:00.9)
Thank you.
Nello Marelli (21:14.227)
Yeah, and, yeah, because in the book, you see there are colors as well as a material, the real physical items. And we talk about no more bouquet, but more this kind of natural aspect, no more shine, but more a little bit dull. That is something that is existing as a info to pass during the book.
Katie (21:23.105)
Yeah.
Katie (21:40.086)
So yeah, big tip for you there and a big hint inside the non-color and color book in that the heavy textures we're seeing already fade out in Europe and we're going to something that's, there's still texture I think, and I don't wanna put words in your mouth when we were talking, but you were saying it's gonna be more linens with multiple colors and maybe a little bit more texture of linen than we're used to seeing, but we're getting away. The boucle has had its day in the sun and we're moving on.
That's super helpful. Tell me, what is the job of a trend forecaster like? What is a day like for you when you're getting to interact with Versace and Armani and all of the people you get to rub shoulders with? What is a typical day for Nello like?
Nello Marelli (22:29.787)
Yeah, that is something that is important to fix, that is to let you know how the brain is working. Normally, for everybody to keep the temperature of the brain very low, our inner educated way to live is to make
Katie (22:37.015)
Yeah.
Katie (22:42.102)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (22:57.107)
when we look at the reality around us, listen to people around us, to live the reality around us, we make a kind of cancellation, we make a kind of distortion, we make a generalization. I'll make you an example, very simple. I needed to buy a toothbrush. Yeah, toothbrush, okay? I go to the supermarket. I go to the supermarket and...
Katie (23:00.898)
Hmm.
Katie (23:16.096)
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Nello Marelli (23:24.627)
When I arrive in the supermarket, my face, my vision, my sensation, sense is keeping a lot of color, a lot of items. I smell, I hear, but I'm looking for the toothbrush to taste. Okay, I go in the area and then in the racks, in the wall, there are these toothpaste. I can see a lot of boxes.
Katie (23:34.882)
Hmm. Yes.
Katie (23:42.529)
Ah...
Nello Marelli (23:53.451)
but I'm not starting to read. What my brain is, go simple, generalization, go direct, no, don't care, don't take care. I have to go to find something that is normal, generalization that I know that is from the advertising and helps me to keep easily a very quick decision.
Katie (23:54.018)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (24:16.259)
As a trend forecaster, we have to pay attention, I have to pay attention, don't get in difficulties to don't understand the reality around me and to catch a lot of these details, how the people are sailing. Then, so that is my radar is much more open to listen all this signal. I have a system, I have a method that I learned.
Katie (24:27.728)
Uh, yeah.
Katie (24:39.807)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (24:45.211)
at the University of Sociology in Trento with a master of a teacher studies that is called a steep. So in that my rather, I pay to attention to some area like a society, politics, ecology, economy, technology. But I can say that is a two big area and that I pay attention is a society and technology. And then I add the time.
Katie (24:54.058)
Oh.
Katie (25:06.893)
Hmm.
Katie (25:11.031)
Okay.
Nello Marelli (25:13.223)
It means that there are something that is very quick, something that is, for example, sing a song of the summer, or there is something that is more longer, trend that is three years, five years, or something that is a big change that it takes 20, 30 years. Then after partition, what is a mutation and what is a changes.
Katie (25:23.522)
Yeah.
Katie (25:30.914)
Hmm.
Katie (25:41.111)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (25:42.155)
For example, we are using the phone connection. We use it to talk with a conversation by phones. When happened the change of using the communication by phone calls, it was a big mutation. Now we are using the items mobile phone. Two years ago, it was a model. The next time...
Katie (25:51.884)
Yes.
Katie (25:55.712)
Yes.
Katie (26:04.28)
Huge.
Nello Marelli (26:11.147)
the next year we will do the others. That is again what does it mean to work and as a telephotocaster, we have to pay attention in this very, very focus that it takes. It's just an example what does it mean and changes, you know? And then to pay attention to these changes that all the people, the value and behavior of society.
not a little group, is like this, you know, when we are, for example, we are imagining a big hole with a thousand of people, an airport hole, thousand of people that everybody goes over the road because there is a direction, then suddenly there is a huge rumor and the end of the right side for a few seconds.
Katie (26:47.12)
Hmm.
Katie (26:52.086)
Hmm.
Katie (26:55.592)
Yes.
Katie (27:03.843)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (27:09.943)
all the people will look in the same direction. Is possible something like this in the world? I tell you yes, for example. Do you remember 2017, all the world, we were focused about the plastic. We were focused about the problem of the pollution of the plastic. Then 2019, the world, pandemic time,
Katie (27:11.994)
Hmm.
That's fascinating.
Yeah.
Katie (27:22.007)
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Katie (27:38.629)
Shifted.
Nello Marelli (27:40.375)
shifted. Now we are in 2022, what's happened? Shifted to the war. First it was a war in Ukraine, now there is a 2023, another war. So you can see that is what does it mean as an attitude, as my job, to be able to stay focused, not to feel the sensation of anomic, it is, you know,
Katie (27:41.889)
Yep.
Katie (28:01.936)
Hmm.
Katie (28:05.902)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (28:09.419)
keep all this radar, keep all this information, I have to collect this, and then I share this, my opinion and vision in something that is not tangible, that is their idea, their concept, their value, their behavior. Then I have to translate it with the images that is supporting this concept, and then I prepare the color palette.
That is another important element. We must, to make the job, we must know very well the not a verbal language, and that is a superpower, or the color. The color we have to know as an object or subject value. We needed to know the traditional and the cultural heritage. We know to know the harmony and contrast value, the dominant, subdominante.
Katie (28:41.916)
Yeah.
Katie (28:58.754)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (29:07.015)
an accent system to work, something that is neuropsychological system of the colors. The value and the reason why there is a meaning is important, the expression of the different colors, red, not just passion, no? Each color. So, because this kind of connection of reality, well described, well captured.
Katie (29:21.954)
Hmm.
Katie (29:34.123)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (29:37.123)
and the knowledge of the not verbal language of the color, we can translate all these elements in something that is for the industry, something to say, hey, pay attention, we'll happen this in society, then this is the color that we can use to paint or to change something that is already existing. Because we, as a designer, we are using to make the microtrans, not the...
Katie (29:48.418)
Hmm.
Katie (29:52.482)
Yeah.
Katie (30:01.331)
I love that.
Nello Marelli (30:07.019)
the big micro trends.
Katie (30:09.938)
No, we're reflecting the macros into the micros and Nello does all the work for us is the takeaway of this story. I'm really thankful I don't have to forecast. There's definitely a rhyme and a reason to it, but it's in a conversation. It is pulling in so many different variables as you were talking and couldn't help thinking about. It really is like building a cake. All the layers that go into creating a masterpiece that's a reflection of where the world is at.
and where it's projected to be going and how our tastes are going to reflect that in the future. I think it's just.
absolutely astounding. Nello, such a good conversation. We're so excited to partner with you. Thank you for sharing your genius with us, for pulling us into the future and bridging the pond as it were so that we can see where those European trends are and get them integrated into our designs. Instead of following you, we wanna keep step with you when it comes to design in the States. We so appreciate your time. Thank you.
Nello Marelli (31:10.263)
Thank you. Thank you everybody. Ciao.
Katie (31:13.294)
Ciao, ciao.
Color Consulting, Forecasting, & Trends with Nello Marelli
The European market moves through color and textile trends about 2-3 years in advance of the U.S., but how do they do it? Well, they’ve got a certain color and textile consultant and trend forecaster on their side. Nello Marelli joins me for this special interview all about color consulting, trends, and forecasting and how paying attention to these factors could be the key to separating yourself from other designers.
If you ever wished you could introduce your clients to trending colors and textiles before they hit the U.S. market en masse, you’re going to love this conversation! Nello touches on the importance of color in design, how to create harmonious environments using color, and the significance of trends. We’ve partnered with Nello on an exclusive design resource to help you differentiate yourself from the competition. Oh, and be sure you stay til the end to see if today’s Colorful Question is yours!
In this episode, we cover:
What a day in the life of a color consultant for Versace and Armani is like
Why color and textile trends move through Europe years before they come to the U.S.
How designers can use color trends to differentiate themselves from the competition
Why color is so significant in design
How to use color to design and create harmonious environments
How you can successfully use trends as a designer
What the job of a trend forecaster is like
Nello's extensive background opens our eyes to how calculated use of color can be more than mere aesthetic choice; it's a reflection of societal values, technological advancements, and even our collective consciousness. By grasping this concept, we can appreciate that design, at its core, is not static but a living, breathing entity that both shapes and is shaped by the fabrics of our society.
What did you take away from this conversation with Nello? Have you pursued his book, Nel Colore, in The Studio yet? We’d love to hear about it—say hi on the socials!
More about Nello Marelli
Nello lives in Como, Italy, a city famous for fashion, fabrics, and printed silk. Over time, these themes have become the focus of his work and life. His work has allowed him to travel a lot and meet some of the most famous Italian designers such as Versace, Armani, and Ferrè. When he was 25 years old, he became a Designers Free-Lance color consultant, textile consultant, and trend forecaster. He’s been the Vice President of the IACC Italy for 14 years, which taught him how to deal with color in non-fashion areas—including interior design.
Links and Mentioned Resources
The Studio, an Innovative Hub tailored for Interior Design Professionals
Vegas Market Recap-Biggest Trends 2024
Connect with Nello Marelli
This episode is brought to you by DBM Consulting
DBM Consulting is our go to partner for exploring cutting edge software and technology, from strategic analysis reporting to custom software development and integrations. Visit dbm.consulting/colorworks to quality for a promotional rate and receive a free 30 minute consultation.
Connect with Katie Decker-Erickson
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers with Katie
Subscribe to Colorful Conversations with Katie Podcast
More about Colorful Conversations with Katie
Welcome to “Colorful Conversations with Katie”! Join us for a vibrant webcast where we seamlessly blend the realms of design and business in a fun and professional setting. Available on YouTube or any of your favorite podcast platforms!
Hosted by the dynamic Katie, a seasoned expert with nearly 20 years of experience in both fields, this engaging series promises to ignite your creative spark and sharpen your entrepreneurial acumen. From exploring the latest design trends to uncovering strategies for building successful ventures, we dive deep into the colorful world where aesthetics meet profitability.
Whether you’re a budding designer or a savvy entrepreneur, this webcast is your go-to source for inspiration, insights, and a dash of lively conversation. Tune in and let your imagination, business and life take flight!
This post may contain affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on my site at no additional cost to you.
This episode of Colorful Conversations with Katie is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.
The unedited podcast transcript for this episode of the Colorful Conversations with Katie podcast follows
Katie (00:01.59)
Hi Nella, welcome to the show.
Nello Marelli (00:04.825)
Hi, hi Katie. Ciao.
Katie (00:07.202)
Chow-chow, we're so glad to see you. Buenas sera and welcome. We have loved getting to know you, especially on the other side of the world. It is about what, 12, 14 hours later? You guys are a significant amount later, so we appreciate you joining us. We're recording this in the morning and it's in the evening, well into the evening, and we wanna get you to dinner there. So without further ado, tell us.
Nello Marelli (00:32.245)
Yeah.
Katie (00:33.274)
Tell us about you. Give us your history and who you are and especially as we welcome you to the American world of design.
Nello Marelli (00:43.231)
Yeah, thank you. That's, yeah, I would like to introduce that I'm living in Como, you know, in my accent, Como, not Como. It is north of Italy, very close to Milano. Then it's a city that is very famous for the silk production. And the meantime is very famous for fashion. And that's for me over the time, these themes become the focus of my work and of course of my life.
I mean the decoration in the part of the colon, in the part of the prince, the part of the beauty of the items. And on top of this I was in love with this idea of decoration. What does it mean for me, decoration? Then the artist and plus there's a technician side. For example, technician side means as a decorative
artist or working in the idea of decoration. It means that I have to be able to create a project that is repeated in the infinity, to the project is in the infinity of the pattern, like the tail, but the beauty is artist. Then just to go very, very quick and deeper, some steps that make me very important, changes life.
Katie (01:58.338)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (02:09.899)
When I was 25, I decided to become a freelancer in colors consultant, textile consultant, and then I would like to be a very important trend for the cluster. The color at this time became a super important part of my work and my life. And then based on this target, I started to be a member.
of Italian, European, and international group of trend for the cluster. Like Intercolor, I use it regularly to meet these people two times a year. And then very important, it was when 14 years ago, I met IACC, International Association Color Consultant, where I started to be able to manage the color.
in the power of not a verbal language. That is a something that became the most important part of my work that I did out of value. Then I would like to deliver all of this experience and knowledge in something that actually is my official presentation as a color consultant that is a male color trend book.
Katie (03:09.47)
Mmm.
Katie (03:31.254)
which we are so excited to offer here in the States in partnership with you. It is found in the studio on our website and you are welcome to go download it. There's a miniature version, but if you wanna really understand how to fully implement the color trends, download the entire version because it has all the details there and it's just a fabulous, fabulous piece.
Also, it's worth pointing out, Nello, that you're extremely humble. For those of you, obviously, who haven't met Nello, and he's new to us in the States in many ways, he works with Versace, he works with Armani, he's picking fabrics and colors for them two and three years ahead of what we're seeing in the States, which is why we really wanted to offer this color book because a lot of times, as we know as designers in the States, Europe...
runs ahead of schedule with us, but we sometimes don't know how to get our arms around that. That's why we're so excited to present this book with Nello, because it's a chance to get ahead and get up to speed with what the rest of the world is doing and set yourself apart from your competition, which I think is amazing. Thank you, Nello. Thank you for approaching us. Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for bringing your life experiences to us, because they are immense.
favorite story is one conversation we were having and the backdrop was different. I said to Nello, I said, where are you today? And he goes, oh, you should see I'm picking fabrics for Versace. And he's like, look, there's this pattern and this pattern. And it was just so fun to see because we don't get those experiences in the States. We inherit whatever it is you create, but we don't get them out of the box looking at these incredible fabrics that are going to be coming forth. So
Nello Marelli (05:01.768)
Yeah.
Katie (05:16.894)
It's a really neat conversation. I want to ask you, because your point about color is really well made. I think it's something that Europe has been way far ahead of us on for a really, really long time. And we want to elevate it here in the States because it's such a good way for designers to differentiate themselves from their competition. From your perspective, why is color important in design?
Nello Marelli (05:40.195)
This is very important to understand the value of the color as added element in the project, any kind of project. We can say that normally the color is in nature as a human thing and most important in the project. We have to consider that the user has an important function, at least at the minimum we can say two important functions.
One is mimetism or camouflage. The other one is the evidence. What I mean, the insect, for example, normally you can see because they want to, doesn't be visible, disappear in the grass or in the leaves. So they get the same color like the grass, the green. In the opposite, in nature, the fruit.
Katie (06:13.856)
Yeah.
Katie (06:17.506)
Hmm.
Katie (06:29.614)
Very true. Yep.
Nello Marelli (06:38.643)
they want to let you see that you are ready to be eaten, getting, for example, red. I know in my garden, I have apple, I can recognize that the fruit is ready. I can go and take and eat when it's changing the color. So it's evidence. It let me see that is there, no? The same is, for example, the bird that they want to disappear because they want to be kitchen-fried and the other animal do want to eat, or...
Katie (06:43.544)
uh interesting
Nello Marelli (07:06.719)
The other side we can have, for example, a peacock. The peacock is the opposite. I want to show that I'm here, the maximum evidence. As humans, we have the same attitude. We can imagine, for example, that people to go to the stadium, to be able to see a football, you can recognize based on the color of how you're dressed, which kind of club you are, which kind of team you are.
Katie (07:10.113)
Yeah.
Katie (07:14.331)
Yes.
Katie (07:24.116)
Hmm.
Katie (07:31.617)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (07:36.355)
But in the meantime, if you take a picture of this area where there are all the same people that are supporters, it looks like the same unique color. So you play with this. When we make, with this kind of information in our mind, we make a project, that becomes very important. Because, for example, if we make a living room with a sofa, a carpet, everything.
Katie (07:46.306)
Hmm
Nello Marelli (08:05.655)
the wall is white, everything is white, and you want to easily go inside and to find items that is always white. The items look like ghosts disappear, like the animal that is mimetism. But you just have to put a little pillow, red, immediately there is a signal. Here there is the sofa. Here I can go to sit.
Katie (08:09.612)
Right.
Katie (08:22.749)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (08:33.971)
That is the reason why it's important to control and the color is important. Becomes very signal, becomes a kind of orientation in any kind of project.
Katie (08:45.658)
I think that's such a good analogy. And I love that you took us back to nature. We are constantly talking about how nature drives color, how it's weird to walk on a white floor because we're used to seeing white clouds in the sky unless you have snow, right? And even with a blanket of snow, there's nothing like walking across that for the first time. And then you look at the dark colors of even dirt.
Nello Marelli (09:03.434)
Yeah.
Katie (09:10.534)
and how it doesn't make sense to paint a ceiling black, because once again, you're used to seeing blue or white in the sky, and you're used to seeing dirt on the ground, which is why we lean towards darker floors or having something more anchoring on the floor. I feel like nature drives color every single time, but you tell me, do you have a method to design and create harmonious environments? How do you do that?
Nello Marelli (09:34.931)
Yeah, that is again, I would like to play with a human before to explain which is my method that is a dominant to dominant accent and how to use the, everybody knows the rules about the hue of colors, the saturation of color and luminosity. But back to this point, the sensation, we all, all of us, we are sensitive to the same, to what is the harmony, what is the balance, you know?
Katie (09:40.76)
Hmm.
Katie (09:51.596)
Hmm.
Katie (10:04.269)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (10:04.931)
The experience that we have when we go shopping to buy something to dress, there are colors that we like to buy. Some colors that we stay alone in the booth and we say, wow, this color fits me good. Or there are colors that are not my color. Why? Because we know, conscious or unconscious, that we have one part of the face, skin and eyes that is always fixed.
Katie (10:11.191)
Hmm.
Katie (10:17.966)
I'm sorry.
Nello Marelli (10:33.855)
What we can choose is the other part, the color of the garments, shirt, t-shirt, whatever, and the accent. Normally, the men have ties or the scarf, the necklace for the women. Here it is. We always have this experience of quantity, subdominant, the garment is a lot, is dominant, and then we have the accent.
Katie (10:34.886)
Mm.
Katie (10:40.613)
Oh.
Katie (10:58.562)
Hmm. Yeah.
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (11:04.439)
Here, based on this kind of knowledge that we have, this kind of sensation of harmony that everybody has, break down this in the project, we have to create this map, a square divided in three elements that is the main part dominant, medium part subdominant, and little part that's the accent. And you have to coordinate in the balance. How to manage this balance with the knowledge of the harmony in contrast of colors.
Katie (11:16.834)
Mm.
Katie (11:26.313)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (11:33.383)
like the hidden theory, basically, let's say a little secret that I use, if at the end you, when I take a huge quantity, medium quantity and little one, and you can start to melt, should create what we call bistro, or is a mud gray color, because this is a
Katie (11:40.83)
Yes, little secret. Pay attention everybody. Little secret from Nello.
Katie (11:47.777)
Yeah?
Katie (11:53.503)
Mmm.
Nello Marelli (12:02.335)
the need of our brain, the balance, the beauty, is corresponding at this kind of neutrality of the energy in the brain. So we have this kind of, for example, we have a floor that we can change in the project, or we have a roof we can change of the kind of furniture. So that is like our skin and our eyes. We can change, but we can make the...
Katie (12:05.49)
Mm.
Katie (12:20.536)
Mm.
Katie (12:26.975)
Mmm.
Nello Marelli (12:30.743)
other colors around with the dominant, with the accent, and then created this kind of reorganization on the chroma, saturation, the luminosity, then the feeling is beautiful. And as a project presented to the customer, the customer is like the dress when he's judging the project, has again this kind of emotion and sensation that instinctively say yes, it's beautiful.
Katie (12:33.122)
Hmm.
Katie (12:44.61)
Hmm.
Katie (12:54.193)
Mm.
Nello Marelli (13:00.115)
because there is a kind of rear-mounted project.
Katie (13:05.386)
I love that and it reminds me so much that there is an art and a science to what we do. There's the science of these percentages you're talking about and that you need a base layer or a base color or a base of some sort, which is exactly what you're describing with the face. And then you can add.
these larger swaths of accents or you know, you get down to the final decorative pieces. And this I think is very true as interior designers. There's that one piece that a client falls in love with. It's the 10% of the project that just brings it all together. And sometimes it's the one thing you start with. It's that pillow or that piece of art that starts driving the entire room that then flows into the rest of the property. But it's critical.
Because if we did the whole entire space in that, it would be to your point about a room that's completely white, it would just, yeah, feel ghostly and void, really. But the percentages, I think, are really key point. Let's talk about color trends, because this is something we've had Diana on the show to talk about color trends in Las Vegas. We care about trends, and not just about them, but the way...
Nello Marelli (14:02.379)
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Katie (14:18.462)
We implement them, which is why in case you miss Vegas, here's a heads up for you. We have in that virtual studio, Diana's actual Sherwin Williams paint color matches to the colors that she was seeing in Vegas. We did all the legwork, it took all the guesswork out for you. So head over to the studio on our website and take a look at that. You can download that there. But I wanna ask you Nella, what is it that makes trends?
so important, like why do you, I know before I became a designer, I had another life, but I was like, trends, it just feels like something that's always changing and you can't keep up with. And it's easy to feel why does that matter in one sense? And then as designers, how do we successfully use trends? And I would love to hear your thoughts on that.
Nello Marelli (15:04.843)
Yeah, that is absolutely an important topic. Why important, how to use the trend. Again, as I said before, human attitude in society. The importance of trend is given by the fact that they are the expression of society. Not because someone come up, yeah, just come up to say, Nello say that is a color that is beautiful. No, from my point of view, that is the expression of society.
Katie (15:10.669)
Mm.
Katie (15:21.314)
Hmm.
Katie (15:25.014)
That's a key point.
Katie (15:32.32)
Right.
Nello Marelli (15:39.557)
That means the trend of expressing the value and the behavior of the people. You have to understand that's a very important other factor. We, as a human, are the unique, almost the unique, that are
Katie (15:52.222)
Mm-hmm.
Interesting.
Nello Marelli (16:02.319)
not suitable to survive alone on the planet Earth. It means as a Harari, you are, yeah, the power, I have to read this because it's a super beautiful sentence from Noah Harari, the power of man is not terminated by the individual, but by a collective. And we can dominate our human.
Katie (16:07.254)
That is so true. It is so true. We need each other. I love that.
Katie (16:17.151)
Yeah, do it.
Katie (16:26.037)
Mm-hmm.
Nello Marelli (16:28.319)
the world because we cooperate better than any other animal on the planet. It means why is important this sentence connected to the trend? Because exactly this, as a trend forecaster, what I'm doing is to understand the behavior and the value, why the people have to coordinate and collaborate. Okay, one of the most important reasons.
Katie (16:34.359)
Hmm.
Katie (16:52.994)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (16:59.167)
is the scarcity, is how the orientation of the behavior, then we have to find the link of the innovation. It's not easy, of course, it's something that is related to the people, that means it's something you have to search. But these are the important of the trend, because we need to find where the people are.
Katie (17:06.743)
Hmm.
Katie (17:14.306)
Sure.
Nello Marelli (17:28.047)
in society living together. Then the trend is the new reason why the people want to stay together in a place and with some other activity.
Katie (17:36.855)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (17:44.275)
Basically, we needed to, what is important to find this in the industry, industrial need more than in the design and make our project. What is super important, the fact of, for example, to control the scarcity. We needed to anticipate trend forecasting. I needed to anticipate something that will happen for the people because I needed to prepare.
Katie (18:03.703)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (18:13.819)
a solution that will be ready in the future when the people would like for the new attitude what's happening, the behavior in society and the people, I should be ready with these new items in one year and a half, in two years or three years. In fashion, very simple example, when the time, the lead time to create an idea of garments
Katie (18:14.283)
Hmm.
Katie (18:18.807)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (18:43.579)
the designer, the time to create the color, to dye the fabrics, to make the garment, to suit, to deliver to the shop, it takes one year and a half. Okay? That means you after... Yeah, you need to anticipate, yeah, to anticipate, but the same exactly in interior. If you have a beautiful project, but you don't have the dye stuff to paint...
Katie (18:45.687)
Yeah.
Katie (18:50.283)
Yeah.
Katie (18:55.926)
That's amazing, a year and a half from concept to the fabric going to be cut.
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (19:11.603)
You don't have the wood to make the floor, or you don't have enough brick. So the very important reason why the trends are important is because we need to hit the desire of the people anticipating this, and help the industry to create during all the steps to be ready with the items and the product for the project.
Katie (19:11.606)
Hmm.
Katie (19:16.608)
Mm. Mm-hmm.
Katie (19:22.091)
Yeah.
Katie (19:28.465)
Mm.
Nello Marelli (19:40.331)
to deliver in the right time in the future.
Katie (19:44.258)
I love what you said and that it's really, it can feel like trends are very abstract and chosen by a very elite few. I think especially in the United States we feel that way because so much of trends are set by Europe or so many trends are specifically out of Europe. But it's really helpful to understand the why as you shared of European trends and that these are just a reflection of what we are perceiving will be society in a year and a half or two years by the time you find
on the floor or in the dressing room or wherever you stumble across it. I think that's a really key point that there is intentionality behind what is being chosen. It's not to push people in a direction, it's to reflect the direction.
society is already going in. One thing that was really interesting that you shared with me a few weeks ago is we were talking about bucle and how much bucle we have in the States right now. And it was such a fun conversation to have because as you shared, bucle came and went through Europe two years ago. And so that's why we wanted to bring the Nellocolore or Nellocolore color book to the States because...
We want to get ahead of that in the States instead of always being two years behind. We want to we want to catch up to y'all Nello. We we want to be where you are because this is where it's going and imagine if you can bring those things to your clients where they're leading the way in their spheres. What a huge influence that has. How is oh go ahead.
Nello Marelli (21:00.9)
Thank you.
Nello Marelli (21:14.227)
Yeah, and, yeah, because in the book, you see there are colors as well as a material, the real physical items. And we talk about no more bouquet, but more this kind of natural aspect, no more shine, but more a little bit dull. That is something that is existing as a info to pass during the book.
Katie (21:23.105)
Yeah.
Katie (21:40.086)
So yeah, big tip for you there and a big hint inside the non-color and color book in that the heavy textures we're seeing already fade out in Europe and we're going to something that's, there's still texture I think, and I don't wanna put words in your mouth when we were talking, but you were saying it's gonna be more linens with multiple colors and maybe a little bit more texture of linen than we're used to seeing, but we're getting away. The boucle has had its day in the sun and we're moving on.
That's super helpful. Tell me, what is the job of a trend forecaster like? What is a day like for you when you're getting to interact with Versace and Armani and all of the people you get to rub shoulders with? What is a typical day for Nello like?
Nello Marelli (22:29.787)
Yeah, that is something that is important to fix, that is to let you know how the brain is working. Normally, for everybody to keep the temperature of the brain very low, our inner educated way to live is to make
Katie (22:37.015)
Yeah.
Katie (22:42.102)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (22:57.107)
when we look at the reality around us, listen to people around us, to live the reality around us, we make a kind of cancellation, we make a kind of distortion, we make a generalization. I'll make you an example, very simple. I needed to buy a toothbrush. Yeah, toothbrush, okay? I go to the supermarket. I go to the supermarket and...
Katie (23:00.898)
Hmm.
Katie (23:16.096)
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Nello Marelli (23:24.627)
When I arrive in the supermarket, my face, my vision, my sensation, sense is keeping a lot of color, a lot of items. I smell, I hear, but I'm looking for the toothbrush to taste. Okay, I go in the area and then in the racks, in the wall, there are these toothpaste. I can see a lot of boxes.
Katie (23:34.882)
Hmm. Yes.
Katie (23:42.529)
Ah...
Nello Marelli (23:53.451)
but I'm not starting to read. What my brain is, go simple, generalization, go direct, no, don't care, don't take care. I have to go to find something that is normal, generalization that I know that is from the advertising and helps me to keep easily a very quick decision.
Katie (23:54.018)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (24:16.259)
As a trend forecaster, we have to pay attention, I have to pay attention, don't get in difficulties to don't understand the reality around me and to catch a lot of these details, how the people are sailing. Then, so that is my radar is much more open to listen all this signal. I have a system, I have a method that I learned.
Katie (24:27.728)
Uh, yeah.
Katie (24:39.807)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (24:45.211)
at the University of Sociology in Trento with a master of a teacher studies that is called a steep. So in that my rather, I pay to attention to some area like a society, politics, ecology, economy, technology. But I can say that is a two big area and that I pay attention is a society and technology. And then I add the time.
Katie (24:54.058)
Oh.
Katie (25:06.893)
Hmm.
Katie (25:11.031)
Okay.
Nello Marelli (25:13.223)
It means that there are something that is very quick, something that is, for example, sing a song of the summer, or there is something that is more longer, trend that is three years, five years, or something that is a big change that it takes 20, 30 years. Then after partition, what is a mutation and what is a changes.
Katie (25:23.522)
Yeah.
Katie (25:30.914)
Hmm.
Katie (25:41.111)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (25:42.155)
For example, we are using the phone connection. We use it to talk with a conversation by phones. When happened the change of using the communication by phone calls, it was a big mutation. Now we are using the items mobile phone. Two years ago, it was a model. The next time...
Katie (25:51.884)
Yes.
Katie (25:55.712)
Yes.
Katie (26:04.28)
Huge.
Nello Marelli (26:11.147)
the next year we will do the others. That is again what does it mean to work and as a telephotocaster, we have to pay attention in this very, very focus that it takes. It's just an example what does it mean and changes, you know? And then to pay attention to these changes that all the people, the value and behavior of society.
not a little group, is like this, you know, when we are, for example, we are imagining a big hole with a thousand of people, an airport hole, thousand of people that everybody goes over the road because there is a direction, then suddenly there is a huge rumor and the end of the right side for a few seconds.
Katie (26:47.12)
Hmm.
Katie (26:52.086)
Hmm.
Katie (26:55.592)
Yes.
Katie (27:03.843)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (27:09.943)
all the people will look in the same direction. Is possible something like this in the world? I tell you yes, for example. Do you remember 2017, all the world, we were focused about the plastic. We were focused about the problem of the pollution of the plastic. Then 2019, the world, pandemic time,
Katie (27:11.994)
Hmm.
That's fascinating.
Yeah.
Katie (27:22.007)
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Katie (27:38.629)
Shifted.
Nello Marelli (27:40.375)
shifted. Now we are in 2022, what's happened? Shifted to the war. First it was a war in Ukraine, now there is a 2023, another war. So you can see that is what does it mean as an attitude, as my job, to be able to stay focused, not to feel the sensation of anomic, it is, you know,
Katie (27:41.889)
Yep.
Katie (28:01.936)
Hmm.
Katie (28:05.902)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (28:09.419)
keep all this radar, keep all this information, I have to collect this, and then I share this, my opinion and vision in something that is not tangible, that is their idea, their concept, their value, their behavior. Then I have to translate it with the images that is supporting this concept, and then I prepare the color palette.
That is another important element. We must, to make the job, we must know very well the not a verbal language, and that is a superpower, or the color. The color we have to know as an object or subject value. We needed to know the traditional and the cultural heritage. We know to know the harmony and contrast value, the dominant, subdominante.
Katie (28:41.916)
Yeah.
Katie (28:58.754)
Hmm.
Nello Marelli (29:07.015)
an accent system to work, something that is neuropsychological system of the colors. The value and the reason why there is a meaning is important, the expression of the different colors, red, not just passion, no? Each color. So, because this kind of connection of reality, well described, well captured.
Katie (29:21.954)
Hmm.
Katie (29:34.123)
Yeah.
Nello Marelli (29:37.123)
and the knowledge of the not verbal language of the color, we can translate all these elements in something that is for the industry, something to say, hey, pay attention, we'll happen this in society, then this is the color that we can use to paint or to change something that is already existing. Because we, as a designer, we are using to make the microtrans, not the...
Katie (29:48.418)
Hmm.
Katie (29:52.482)
Yeah.
Katie (30:01.331)
I love that.
Nello Marelli (30:07.019)
the big micro trends.
Katie (30:09.938)
No, we're reflecting the macros into the micros and Nello does all the work for us is the takeaway of this story. I'm really thankful I don't have to forecast. There's definitely a rhyme and a reason to it, but it's in a conversation. It is pulling in so many different variables as you were talking and couldn't help thinking about. It really is like building a cake. All the layers that go into creating a masterpiece that's a reflection of where the world is at.
and where it's projected to be going and how our tastes are going to reflect that in the future. I think it's just.
absolutely astounding. Nello, such a good conversation. We're so excited to partner with you. Thank you for sharing your genius with us, for pulling us into the future and bridging the pond as it were so that we can see where those European trends are and get them integrated into our designs. Instead of following you, we wanna keep step with you when it comes to design in the States. We so appreciate your time. Thank you.
Nello Marelli (31:10.263)
Thank you. Thank you everybody. Ciao.
Katie (31:13.294)
Ciao, ciao.
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