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Interior inspiration: Colour trends for 2018

Mar 27, 2018
Interior inspiration Colour trends for 2018

When it comes to decorating your property, you should go with your heart and create a home that you personally love. Remember that new builds are blank canvases and you’ll be able to decorate it how you like before you move in or shortly after. On the other hand, an older home will be decorated already, perhaps with colours you’re not fond of. Whichever type of home you move into, choosing what colour schemes to go with and making a house a home is one of the most exciting things above the whole process. If you’re looking to decorate your property this year, here’s an overview of the colour trends you might want to adopt – whether you’re decorating your living room, kitchen, bathroom or the entire home.

Pantone says goodbye to pastels

In 2018, pastels are out and bold colours are in according to Pantone’s colour trend predictions. Their colour of the year is ‘Ultra Violet’, which is described as ‘a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade’ which ‘communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.’ At the International Home + Housewares Show, Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman admitted: “Metallics we know are classic, but they have really moved over into neutrals.” She predicted that in 2018, people would still be infatuated by iridescence, as “the human eye can absolutely not avoid” anything pearlized or translucent. She explained why bold and bright colours are back in, replacing pastels, stating: "Intense colours seem to be a natural application of our intense lifestyles and thought processes these days.”

Dulux opts for a warm, wooden shade

In contrast, Dulux have named ‘Heart Wood’ as their Colour of the Year 2018. It’s a “warm neutral, with a hint of heather.” Rebecca Williamson, senior colour and design expert, said: 'Dulux's colour of the year for 2018, Heart Wood, is incredibly versatile, and connects beautifully with the accompanying trend palettes for the year ahead. Providing the comfort and reassurance we're all seeking, it's the perfect antidote to the mood of the moment – channelling a real sense of calm and warmth during such times of uncertainty. We can't wait to see homes across the globe transformed into true sanctuaries.'
 
“The colour for 2018 is inspired by the beautifully warm wooden materials we see being used in all kinds of interior decorating and architecture. A variety of woods are growing in popularity, but we see a tendency towards warmer, light and dark shades of red, alongside violet and pinkish woods. The warmth of wood reflects the comfort that we need in these uncertain times – this material is an essential element for creating the welcoming environments we desire.”

Making them work for you

If you love all things bright (and beautiful) you’ll love incorporating ‘Minion Yellow’, ‘Lime Popsicle’ ‘Blue Skydiver’ and ‘Green Flash’ from Pantone’s 2018 ‘Playful’ palette into your home’s décor. Why not have a neon green door or opt for bright yellow dining room chairs? Make a statement with the artwork you hang in your home, adding in lush green house plants and blue throws on your couch to complete the look.
 
Another of Pantone’s 2018 palettes, is ‘Verdure’. It combines vegetable inspired colours such as ‘Celery’ and ‘Foliage’ with ‘Berry Infused Purples’ and ‘Eggshell Blue.” It’s designed to be “symbolic of health” and would be ideal in your kitchen or dining room as it’s refreshing and chilled. Why not paint your feature wall lilac and have some blue and green accessories? In your kitchen, you could opt for green tiles and deep purple cushions on your chairs or stools? House plants will again look great with this palette and you can throw in the odd pastel shade if you want to soften the look.
 
To incorporate Dulux’s ‘Heart Wood’ into your home, you need to look at ways you can balance your colour schemes. A smoky taupe and dusky mauve paint in your lounge can be very homely when teamed with a natural wooden floor and light pink rug. Deep purple cushions can look inviting in your master bedroom, why not add brushed copper table lamps and matching photo frames to your dressing table?