Features & reviews
Dulux Trade shares colour tools with decorators
January 2010
The experts at Dulux Trade have once again shown that not only are they the industry leaders in manufacturing quality paints that professional decorators love, they also know a thing or two about colour!
Each year, a team of creative experts carries out in-depth research, drawing on a multitude of sources - from research groups, worldwide trade and retail exhibitions, to design influences from the world of popular culture - to get an international view of developing colour trends. As a result of this work Dulux Trade has been publishing ColourFutures™ - a book that translates this global colour research into trends for interior and exterior design - since 2004.
But it's not all about high fashion and futuristic style - ColourFutures™ gives an insight into what colours will be gracing customers' homes over the coming 12 months, meaning decorators can wow their clients with their colour knowledge. The themed palettes can be used to suggest paint colours that are up to the minute and work well with the latest furnishings and accessories.
Each annual edition features key colour palettes, and from these a single shade that captures the essence of that year is selected. For 2010, the 'Colour of the Year' is a light and airy blue*. As part of an interior or exterior design scheme, it complements contemporary building materials such as glass, steel and concrete. For more traditional interiors, it forms a clean and refreshing backdrop for a range of stronger shades such as crimson, burgundy and plum.
Ann Noble, Dulux Trade Marketing Manager for Colour and Tinting, explains: "We've created five different colour palettes reflecting the trends predicted for 2010 that decorators can offer as inspiration to their clients on the most stylish colour schemes for the coming year."
The five key colour themes for 2010 are:
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Silent Space - reflective, calm and neutral, with subtle and understated tones. Dusky blues and mineral greys provide the perfect backdrop for textured or shimmery materials.
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Basic Beliefs - a reassuring and solid colour palette with simple muted shades and natural influences such as herbs and medicinal flowers. These colours feature earthy pigments, making this theme relaxed and timeless.
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Free Spirit - is all about optimism and individuality. Featuring an unexpected mix of colours with which to create new combinations and challenge perceptions of "the norm", this theme is popular with those who dare to be different.
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Sweet Memory - this theme doesn't dwell on the past, but hopes to take the best bits of it and add a modern twist. The colours are warm and familiar, with added touches of elegance from its bronzes and golds.
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Fluid Fantasy - dynamic and vibrant, this palette features fizzy and futuristic colours. Reds and purples combine with luminous yellows and turquoises in a way that radiates a zest for life.
Ann says: "The Colour Futures themed palettes are designed as inspiration, from which colours can be selected to create a complete interior scheme. For the best results, start with two, or perhaps three, complementary colours from one theme.
"If the starting colour is a darker shade, select mid to pale shades of similar hue to accompany it. The paler colours are perfect for painting the walls and doors and can be accessorised with soft furnishings to match. Alternatively, start with just two contrasting shades. Use a mid to deep colour as an accent wall and a lighter or neutral colour for the remainder."
Ann concludes: "From looking at past colour trends, we can see that in times of economic downturn, neutral colours such as black, white and greys become more popular. This year though, people are moving towards colours that are lighter and more optimistic - shades to lift the spirit. Our Colour of the Year certainly fits the bill. A bright and breezy blue, it gives a sense of fresh starts and new beginnings - the perfect colour to kick off a new decade!"
For more information, or to order a free ColourFutures™ theme pack, see www.duluxtrade.co.uk/colourfutures or call 0870 272 1100.
* The unique reference of the ColourFutures™ Colour of the Year for 2010 is: 70BG 70/113. A sample of this colour can be ordered through the Dulux Trade website.
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