Icy landscapes and deep, dark forests will inspire our interiors this winter with touches of warm, pale blonde timbers and plenty of texture added to create an inviting space.
It's the seasonal forecast from leading paint company Dulux, which predicts the growing popularity of neutrals, partnered with inky blues and earthy grey beiges, such as Dulux Blue Ash, Powdered Gum and Mirage Blue, will dominate, all from its moody-inspired Wildland palette. Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour & Communications Manager says the Wildland palette is all about creating warmth through texture.
'Homeowners might choose deeper shades in dark, earthy colours, such as Dulux Western Myall, with focal points in warmer hues and lighter tones to create a beautiful space."
'Integrating furnishings in natural timbers, and soft fabrics such as fur and wool juxtaposes the brooding colours, which adds that element of comfort to the space."
'Introducing a subtle neutral, such as Dulux Purri Sticks, schemed alongside a moody blue, can change the feel of your space and can create a very sedate and tranquil atmosphere."
Homeowners should remember that a fresh coat of paint is a simple and inexpensive way to add colour, personality and achieve a place where you feel comfortable, inspired and happy.
'Colour is amazing! It can highlight items you want to focus on and can camouflage the elements you wish to hide," says Lucena-Orr. 'It plays a pivotal role in the home as it helps define the feeling and mood of a space and it so simple to create with a simple painting project."
Ben Edwards, from architecture and design studio Edwards Moore, says colour choice should always be based on the outcome you are trying to achieve and can be used to transform any room.
'Think about the overall ambience you want and do not think of colour as flat," says Edwards. 'In-between spaces such as corridors and circulation spaces between rooms are often overlooked. They act as transition spaces and can add delight, linking spaces in the home."
Dulux colour experts study trends around the world to develop their forecast, attending trade fairs in Europe, studying product and design innovation, colour and finishes, and emerging global designers. They source information from overseas agencies, which analyse global influences such as fashion, media, world events, technology and science, social fundamentals, financial economics and politics.
One Room, Two Ways
Styling Tips from Bree Leech, Creative Consultant and Stylist for Dulux
O N E ROOM, T W O WAY S Bree Leech's tips for homeowners using colour this winter are, 'Be adventurous with colours you love - don't be afraid to use different combinations or contrasting colours together. Paint is so simple to use to customise your own space within the home and can be changed seasonally."
'Keeping some key furniture pieces we show how one room can be dramatically styled to create a completely different mood. Both quintessentially winter trends derived from the Wildland palette, each has its own feel.
We've simply replaced some feature pieces in the room to tie into the new colour palette for each space; but the message is you can transform your room with paint, keep your main furniture items and choose accessories to suit your new colour scheme with items such as cushions and homewares."
Cool-palette winter tips:
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