Colour predictions are a designer’s dream. It’s not about blindly following trends or creating short term design solutions, it is important to understand what colours are forecast for the coming year so that we offer the best possible advice for our clients.
When it comes to hard finish solutions, our focus is not on soft furnishings and decorative pieces which are easily interchangeable and replaceable seasonally (or as particular trends come and go). Hard finishes are there for the long haul, and they are a considerable investment. They are an emotional as well as a functional choice and have to be fit for purpose and work well with the space. Texture and tone play an important part, and this where colour trends come into play.
We do work (a lot) with paint colours, carpets, rugs and wallpapers, and here’s where we can really have some fun with colour. It of course depends on the style of home and the adventurous nature of the client, but paint in particular is an economical way to explore colour choices and add a sense of whimsy to a home. Paint is definitely the easiest way to add colour or change a mood, quickly and economically.
So we play close attention to the key colour predictors. Pantone is the world’s colour aficionado, and when they release their colour palettes for the year ahead, we always ensure we keep these in mind when creating briefs for our clients. And it seems that 2018 is looking bright!
At the recent International Home + Housewares Show, the Pantone Colour Institute’s Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman, gave a sneak peak into what colour and design trends we can expect to see in 2018.
While Pantone’s 2017 colour of the year – Greenery – is still the shade on everyone’s mind, have a look at Pantone’s eight colour palette’s for some new year design inspiration.
Playful:
This playful palette is not really meant to be taken (too) seriously with bright, fun colours like ‘Minion Yellow’ (kids pop culture influencing mainstream design?) and ‘Lime Popsicle’ bringing a cheeky, bold element to children’s rooms and perhaps kitchens and bathrooms.
You can’t help but smile at these clean, fresh shades, but their use may be as highlights rather than whole rooms.
Discretion:
A juxtaposition set against the ‘Playful’ palette, ‘Discretion’ is all about subtle, at times de-saturated hues, with some brand new shades and a focus on the power of pink. A beautiful colour palette for living and resting areas of the home.
Verdure:
A palette of vegetal colours and healthy hues, celeries and berries and shades of egg blue. Bolder than ‘Discretion’ but still easy on the eye.
Far-fetched:
Warm and earthy tones create an eclectic mix of cultural influences, a nod to far flung lands. A palette that will work so well in Australian homes. We love a blend of tribal patterns and soft textures.
Resourceful:
An interesting blend of warm and cool tones, there’s a balance of blue and oranges that kind of works, drawing the eye in and creating a new blend. Very new, very cool.
TECH-nique:
With pantone colours like ‘Brilliant White’ and ‘Frosted Almond’, this story is influenced by (or will it influence?) technology, balancing out bright pinks, turquoise and purple shades. An interesting story for tile choices, especially geometric mosaics.
Intricacy:
A palette of neutral metallics, less shine and more satin with some dramatic accents. The softer shine elements allow metallics to work without being brash or making too much of a statement. Velvets balance out copper, brass and muted gold.
Intensity:
An eclectic mix of colour and tones that evoke a sense of strength, power and sophistication, all balanced out with highlights of black and gold. This is a gorgeous look for luxe bathrooms, kitchens and right throughout a home that wants a bolder, sophisticated look.
As for Dulux, their colour team has been forecasting colour trends for over 18 years, and have been working with all levels of design from mainstream residential to high end commercial and everything in between. So they know their stuff right? Their 2018 colour forecasts are all about creating balance with colour – physically and metaphysically. Colour can help to temper the complex challenges of every day life, and provides us with a tool for self expression through design.
“Balance is desired in many areas of life, whether it be work-life balance or a sense of inner balance,” explains Andrea Lecena-Orr (Dulux Colour & Communications Manager). “With the future of interiors in mind, the idea of balance is crucial to ensure we can live and work in harmonious spaces that help to stimulate our senses, as well as enable us to relax and retreat.”
For 2018, Dulux has created the four key themes:
Kinship:
The Kinship trend brings together a diverse mix of cultural references. We see a folklore revival, antique traditions, and Eastern influence and tribal cues. Furniture forms are inspired by traditional crafts such as wood turning, knitting and sewing and there is a colourful mish-mash of cultural influences that ignite a sense of community.
There are familiar and traditional architectural treatments with simple and uncomplicated colours that provide warmth without overwhelming the senses. Punctuations of red hint at Eastern influences. Rich earthy hues intermingle with cosy, neutral shades creating intimacy and warmth.
Essential:
Essential is a design story that’s the slow living remedy to life’s chaotic pace, rebelling against our hyper-connected, technology drive life. It’s time to slow life right down. The Nordic tradition of Hygge reminds us to savour the time we have. To be present in the moment. A minimalist approach to shapes, finishes and forms is warmed by cosy Hygge vibes. Imperfections are a key attribute of the Essential trend, playing out through textured finishes and a handcrafted aesthetic.
Our search for genuine simplicity inspires a newfound appreciation for natural and recycled materials. As we embrace the old as new, we repair our rifts with nature and move towards a more conscious way of living.
Simple forms, subtle textures and a colour palette that draws together cool greys and soft warm shades. We see natural imperfections and rusted effects. This calm and neutral theme is highlighted with a pop of bold blue and grounded with rusted tones.
Escapade:
Escapade is all about fun, holidays and adventure for global citizens living life in full colour. A lively interplay of pattern and colour is at once nostalgic and futuristic. The diagonal line is directing its very own trend. Found in furniture and popping up in architectural details, painted patterns and floor tiles. Escapade channels a tropical holiday vibe with a heady combination of saturated colours, thrown into relief by cool mints, deep teals and powdery pinks.
With a distinct nod to the 80s, quirky shapes are finding their way back into our furnishings. Offset by the colourful undercurrents of the Memphis Movement as well as a 50’s Palm Spring vibe. Organic shapes blend with solid forms in a lively clash of styles to create bold statements.
REFLECT:
An opulent homage to the classics, Reflect revisits history’s best moments with an appreciation for the simple genius of classic architecture and design. Classic 30’s cues blend with bold 60’s style to create an ‘eclectic classic’ statement. Colour combinations are bold while furniture and furnishings channel a sense of timeless, understated luxury.
The style plays out in an opulent fusion of eclectic classic style. Metallic details add an opulent mood to the Reflect trend. Hints of 70’s glamour clash with sassy bursts of 90’s style. Twentieth-century relics are recast as sophisticates of the new century. Reflect looks at the past to re-imagine the future.
For advice on how to incorporate new colours and design trends into your current home renovation or new home build, contact the team KWD team.
http://www.katewalkerdesign.com.au
Images courtesy of Dulux, Pantone, Ideal Home Magazine, Houzz, Brett Mickan Interior Design, Urban Outfitters, Consort Design, Becki Owens, Brady Tolbert and Brit & Co.
KWD images by Brent Lukey
https://www.consort-design.com/
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/
Kate Walker Design - KWD 