If you’re feeling bold, 2018 is going to be your year. Colours are shifting from the powdery blues and pastel earth tones of 2017 to bold, more intense colours.
“In general there will still be an earthiness,” says interior designer and colour consultant Debbie Abercrombie, “with moody – not sombre – strong and exotic, and less predictable combinations. Colour will be seen in clever ways – layered, unexpected combinations, uplifting.”
The trend towards saturated colours will lend itself to playful combinations reminiscent of Rococo Revival styling. Look to bright blue ottomans, fuchsia accent pillows and indigo drapes coexisting within the same funky living room.
There are some anticipated notable hues for the year, including amethyst and berry-infused purples (try Resene Couture), emerald, sapphire and turquoise (Resene Atlas, Resene Into The Blue and Resene Discover), satin gold (Resene Good As Gold), frosted almond and light beige green (Resene Thistle) and cheerful ‘Barbie pink’ (Resene Drop Dead Gorgeous).
“In fact, pink is getting more pink,” says Debbie. “It has previously been very greyed off, but expect to see a little more depth and see it incorporated into generic environments – not just for the female.”
‘Millennial pink’ made a strong impression at this year’s Milan Design Week as did hot pink, orange and violet. Other colours mirrored our tech-centred culture. Silicon Valley-inspired tones like digital blues (dark watery blues), purples and warm yellows will add punches of colour to walls, and a collective yearn for natural tones will inspire earth browns as a favoured neutral.
Smoky tones will continue but with a softer, weathered edge, as seen in Resene Soothe and Resene Inside Back. Black will take a back seat. If we see an occasional black accent piece, it will likely achieve its contrast duty as a lone soldier.
“Blue is the new black,” says Debbie, “from strong and clear through to blue black.” Think Resene Paua, an electric violet blue, to Resene Dark Side, an inky midnight blue.
“We will also see great combinations of purple, green and yellow orange, a very balanced and triadic combination.”
Yellows feature strongly on their own too, with appearances of egg yolk yellows (Resene Celebrate), orange yellows (Resene Buttercup) and energetic bright yellows (Resene Turbo). Even some of the hot neutrals for 2018 will come from a yellow base, such as Resene Fifty Shades, a grey, taupe, brown and ochre neutral, and Resene Chalk Dust, a limestone white from the yellow colour palette. The latter matches well with colours such as Resene Calibre, a peach, brown and ochre, and Resene Sazerac, a pale peach from the orange palette.
Strong blues, yellows and pinks mixed in endless combinations will dominate youthful residences. Homes will likely feature these playful colours in full-scale rather than on accent walls or more timid applications. Expect complete overhauls in trendier commercial spaces and colourful new residential projects.
In addition to prevalent solid colours, 2018 will continue to see the use of metallics and iridescent materials. Gold, brass and copper will thrive in accent lighting, plumbing fixtures and furniture. These metal embellishments will sport various finishes, including brushed, satin, polished and the occasional natural patina.
Whereas bronze was strongly featured in recent years, the most prevalent metal in 2018 will be gold. Expect to see it in paint colours (Resene Gold Dust, Resene Pirate Gold and Resene Good As Gold), house fittings like doorknobs, light fixtures and plumbing hardware, furniture, and especially accessories, like cushions, throws and lampshades. Gold will commonly be paired with glass for coffee tables, nightstands and shelving. Another favoured companion is darker woods.
“Depths are also being pushed deeper with dark charcoals, moody blues and dense greens, creating intimate, cave-like environments. Try Resene Dark Side and Resene Nero, both inky blues,” she says.
Paint effects will continue to thrive in new and exciting ways, predicts Rebecca.
“From half painted walls, tonal colour changes and dramatic geometrics, masking tape will be your new best friend.” Or go for more relaxed freehand styles; it’s s softer take on traditional paint effects.
So go ahead and reinvent that colour-deprived space – as 2018 is set to be another colourful year. Take advantage of the newly expanded customs for bold projects.
View more decorating and colour trends ideas at www.resene.co.nz/habitatplus or visit your Resene ColorShop.