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14 September 2017
By portermathewsblog


The Paint Colours You'll be Seeing in Homes Everywhere in 2018Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

When it comes to interiors, colour is a huge, if not the most important, player. It sets the mood of the entire room, and in turn, influences the kind of decor you have to work with. Pick the wrong hue, and everything will be thrown off-guard, whereas the right one can have an enormous transformative effect. But, as evidenced by the weight of global announcements, such as Pantone’s Colour of the Year, gone are the days of picking a traditional neutral (those varying shades of cream or white). Instead, there’s an increasing open-mindedness when it comes to hues of the home, and 2018 will be no different.

According to Dulux, 2018’s colour palettes fulfil one thing: balance. Whether it’s between work and play, giving back and taking the time for self-care, or mixing the old and the new, the new shades will prioritise personalisation over prescription — paving the way for individual expression and customisation. “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 Dulux Colour Expert Andrea Lucena-Orr. “At the same time, we’ll also see an inspiring travel palette emerging.” Ahead, you’ll find the 12 biggest emerging paint trends, along with some tricks to get the look in your home.

Rich Shades Derived From Nature

Rich Shades Derived From NatureImage Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

Rich colours inspired by nature are on the rise. According to Andrea, greens like Dulux Herbalist (pictured), are a flexible way to create a nurturing and relaxing atmosphere. “[It’s] a peaceful green around mid-tone in depth, so will create some light reflectance,” she says. “You could scheme Herbalist beautifully with terracotta, blue, yellow, orange and red.”

Mixing Subtle Neutrals and Bold Hues

Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

For some eclectic flair, pair a neutral with a bold, earthy shade, such as this mid-grey and brown-based red. “Using a stronger colour at the end wall creates a focal point in the space and can help the perceived space feel larger,” Andrea says.

Red-Based Palettes

Red-Based PalettesImage Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

“Reds and oranges are such amazing colours to rejuvenate your home with,” says Andrea. “They’re warm, inviting and add a sense of sophistication, particularly in formal living areas and bedrooms.” Balance this fiery palette by incorporating natural materials in your decor, such as wood or stone.

The Paint Colours You'll be Seeing in Homes Everywhere in 2018Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

Soft, Nordic Influences

Soft, Nordic InfluencesImage Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

The minimalist movement shows no signs of slowing down, with warm shades of leather, putty and cool green-greys forming a largely muted palette. “Scheming with subtle pastel greys and neutral pinks is very soothing and easy to live with,” says Andrea. “These colours harmonise well together and are flexible with many other colours.”

Natural Textures

Natural TexturesImage Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

Let go of your inner perfectionist and emphasise the rustic finishes of a room — particularly if the space you’re working with has little character. “Highlighting a brick wall with Dulux Suede Effect in Century Mist gives this space another dimension and really creates a beautiful focal point for this room as you enter,” Andrea says.

Pink as a Neutral

Pink as a NeutralImage Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

It’s time to expand your vocabulary of neutrals with a new addition: Pink. According to Andrea, softer tones like Dulux’s Mornington Half are becoming a popular way to add a little elegance to a space, and look particularly great when paired with soft greys or crisp whites.

The Paint Colours You'll be Seeing in Homes Everywhere in 2018Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

Saturated, Contrasting Colours

Saturated, Contrasting ColoursImage Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

As the global lust for travel grows, so too is this increasingly reflected in decorating styles. Saturated, summery tones such as pale mint will create a playful retreat for your home. “To ensure your space is not too overwhelmed with clashes of colour, consider the proportion and balance of the colours used,” says Andrea. As pictured, you can use shelving to break up the colour or darker furniture to offset the brightness.

Bright and Playful Exteriors

Bright and Playful ExteriorsImage Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

Who says the fun is just reserved for the inside? Make like a luxury boutique hotel and opt for a bright exterior. Andrea’s tip: Make sure the space lends itself to a bright hue, and that the natural light won’t wash it out too much.

Playing With Geometry and Different Colour Tones

Playing With Geometry and Different Colour TonesImage Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

The simple additions of geometrical shapes and diagonal lines can really take a feature wall up a notch, and you can experiment with colour for added effect. “Stay within one colour family so you don’t overwhelm the room,” Andrea says. “Here, you see the undertones for these colours are all from the red colour group. They work well together and dramatise the geometric pattern without creating a kaleidoscope of colours, which would impact the feel of the space.”

The Paint Colours You'll be Seeing in Homes Everywhere in 2018Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

Retro Glamour

Retro GlamourImage Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

Take cues from the glamour of the ’70s and swagger of the ’90s to invoke some old-school elegance. Shades of plums and mauves like Dulux’s Chainmail will imbue any room with an air of nostalgia, while a decorative line along the ceilings (as pictured) will give the room a more contemporary spin.

Moody, Dramatic Rooms

Moody, Dramatic RoomsImage Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

Moody schemes consisting of rich green, grey-purples and burnt rose can instantly lift a room’s decadence levels and add just the right hint of drama. To prevent the room for appearing to dark, Andrea advises to use a mid-based colour like the Dulux Goyder Green. Pair it with white for the perfect contrasting balance.

The Paint Colours You'll be Seeing in Homes Everywhere in 2018Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

Rich, Opulent Velvet Hues

Rich, Opulent Velvet HuesImage Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen

We saw velvet take over the fashion scene, and it’s not going anywhere on the decor front, either. Draw on the splendour of jewel tones — think warm shades of pink, deep blues and burgundy — to create an opulent and tastefully elegant palette, and don’t be afraid to use contrasting furniture and accessories. To ensure the look is kept fresh and modern, Andrea says to use grey-based hues.

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