When it comes to interior design, your colour palette is one of the most important things to think about. Not only is it usually the first decor element to catch the eye, but your final colour scheme also brings all the different design elements together and helps create your overall look.
Creative Director at Decorex SA, Anita Bloom, says that Decorex exhibitions have long-served as a reliable source for upcoming colour trends, and this year is no different.
“We are so fortunate to have local paint manufacturer, Olympic Paints, on board as the exclusive paint partner for Decorex SA this year,” explains Bloom. “We have worked closely with the Olympic Paints team to create an exclusive colour palette for all three Decorex shows.”
ALSO SEE: New Year, New Kitchen! Here Are The Kitchen Design Trends For 2019
Colour Trends For 2019
Olympic Paints’ Premium Platinum Plus Lux Range will tap into the ‘Designing for Africa – feels like home’ theme. It’s a fresh, exciting colour palette created to enhance any modern design and includes pretty pastels mimicking colours of smooth gelato – including the gorgeous New Mint.
“This gender-neutral colour has a futuristic yet natural twist and, according to trend-forecasters, will be the colour of 2020,” says Bloom.
ALSO SEE: 4 Lighting Trends to Look Out For in 2019
She explains that earthy colours and warm neutrals mixed with textures is another current decorating style. “No more cold and sterile shades – 2019 is synonymous with homecoming. It’s all about keeping a space natural in earthy tones such as burnt orange, warm beige and multiple shades of green. Bright, bold colours like the new Gen-Z yellow will also bring character and fun to a space.”
Visitors to Decorex 2019 will also get to view the Pantone Colour of the Year – Living Coral – in various shades within features and exhibition stands.
Claire Bond, a leading colour consultant, works closely with the Decorex team. She shared her preferred colour trends emerging this season. “Although I love the full spectrum of beautiful greens coming through, I recently painted my walls at home in a cheerful peach,” she says. “I am seeing soothing millennial pink evolve into warmer autumn colours. Also, look out for baked clay tones this year such as terracotta, salmon and burgundy. These are shades that take us back to nature.”
ALSO SEE: 4 Simple Design Ideas For A Beautiful Home in 2019
What To Consider When Painting A Room
When it comes to interior painting, Bond says that painting an entire wall one colour will help to make the room look bigger. “Water and air colours, such as sky blue and sage green, open up a space and they can be combined with natural materials like wood and concrete to keep them grounded,” she says. “This also creates a sense of peacefulness after spending a lot of time in front of a computer screen.”
A big determinant in colour selection is the light within the home because both natural and artificial light can affect the hue. “A colour might look incredible in one space and yet the same colour can look entirely different when used somewhere else,” Bond explains. “Select three colours and paint them side by side in an area that receives sunlight. Paint a second set of samples in a shady section of the same space. This will give you a better idea of which colour you’d prefer in that room,” she says.
ALSO SEE: Our Top 5 Lifestyle Trends For 2019
The Effect Of Colour On Mood
The impact of colour on the individual psychology is profound, which is another reason why colour choice is so important in interior decorating. Bond suggests sticking to lighter colours in open plan designs.
“Pastel blue and green are cooling and calming and will work well in those spaces where the family rests and studies. Whereas, accessories, rugs, and fabrics in red, orange and yellow are more stimulating and work beautifully in social living areas,” she says.
It’s not just walls that can incorporate trending colours, though, as Bond explains. “Bold colours can also be applied to floors and furniture to create that eye-catching look achieved by so many designers,” she says.
To witness the latest colour trends in situ, get to Decorex Durban at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 21 to 24 March and find out how to translate these colour trends in your own home. Visit www.decorex.co.za for more details.
Compiled by Food & Décor Editor, Claire Badenhorst
