Beige is boring and people are tired of white.
“What we’ve noticed through close study and watch is colours that are picked for residential are focussing on new neutrals,” said Janine May, Colour and Design Marketing Manager with General Paint.
“It’s not just grey anymore. We’re starting to see a shift into something more than grey. There’s a warming up in tones; there’s an influence of red.”
That trend is reflected in Glamour and Malachite, part of the Serenity Palette and Co-op’s 2018 Paint Colours of the Year. Glamour is very light, very fresh and slightly warm with notes of lavender. Malachite is reminiscent of slate, having the warm, luxurious feel of suede.
Colour selection and influence of hygge
Selecting the colour of the year is a process that is years in the making. While design is a large influence – starting with fashion and film and following trends down to architecture, industrial applications and housewares – research also considers current events and culture.
“There’s so much tension in the business world and economy, we find people are retreating into their homes and workspaces,” May explained.
Scandinavian design and ideas, including the concept of hygge (pronounced hue-guh), are among the top influences in recent years. Danish hygge is used to describe a cosinesss, conviviality and comfort – an “everyday togetherness” according to one researcher – that promotes well-being.
For May, this means people are seeking calm and relaxation, minimizing the clutter of day-to-day life.
“I think it’s more of an intimate story this year,” she said.
Colour applications at home
According to May, Glamour can be used anywhere. She’s even used it to paint her daughter’s dresser. However, Malachite is a richer, bolder colour.
“Malachite is a great dining room colour and outstanding bedroom colour,” May said. “Depending on the space and other materials it’s adjacent to, you can use it on all four walls in a larger space.”
May said it makes a great accent wall colour in smaller spaces and can also act as an accent colour on a kitchen island.
Glamour and Malachite pair well with warm metals and wood, including pickled oak and dark walnut. Use the colours of the year in combination with Millstream (404B), Melrose (404A), Quartzite (406A), Tuxdeo (405G), Mesa Ridge (340G), Royal Lines (202G) or Verdigris (215G).
Explore our colour collections at colorjourneys.ca.
