Design will shift from prescriptive to the more personalised in the coming year, according to the 2018 Dulux Colour Trend Forecast.
As we strive to embrace work and play, community and self, give and take, and past and present, Dulux is introducing a collection of globally inspired hues, dubbed Balance, which includes four themes: Essential, Kinship, Escapade and Reflect.
Dulux colour expert, Andrea Lucena-Orr, says there is a clear emphasis on balance, connection and community.
“Our analysis indicates that interiors capable of fulfilling our need to escape, connect, replenish and move forward will all be of key interest in the 2018 design landscape,” she says.
“As we let go of the idea of perfection in both our homes and other aspects in our lives, we are instead seeking to create balanced, harmonious interiors that stimulate the senses, while simultaneously allowing us to relax and retreat.
“Our homes should tell our stories, connecting us to both the past and the future. Colour is a wonderful way to express our personal tastes and passions.”
So how are 2018 trends different from the past? “Natural, earthy colours and textures will be coming to the fore and there will be even more of an appreciation for the splendour of imperfection,” says Lucena-Orr.
“At the same time, we’ll also see an inspiring travel palette emerging, filled with palm prints, happiness and visual delights. Immersing yourself in this uplifting world of colour can be transformative, lifting the soul and making you feel more spontaneous and creative.”
“Soft, greenish-greys such as Dulux Spanish Olive and neutral pinks such as Dulux Mornington Half are predicted to be popular in 2018 as they provide the perfect base to experiment with many of the bolder brights coming through.
“We’ll also continue to see darker colours and striking hues being used in small doses to add dashes of drama to the home.”
She adds that interior trends are continuously moving forward and so changing just one or more of the colours in your home will keep interiors fresh and up to date.
“The key to making these new hues work in your home is to understand the look and feel you’re hoping to create. Establishing this will give you more confidence balancing the deeper and brighter colours with the more muted shades. And of course these trend colours will work beautifully with our Most Loved Whites too, so have some fun and experiment.”
By Marion Gerritsen
Dulux Colour Trends 2018. Styled by Bree Leech. Photographer: Lisa Cohen.
