T he global colour authority Pantone’s choice for ‘2018 Colour of the Year’ is Ultra Violet, a purple shade. And as Pantone Color Institute puts it, “it communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking.”
Pantone’s annual colour choice creates a tremendous impact on the home and interiors industry and the best example is the Institute’s Rose Quartz that saw it emerge in astounding new hues of pink in the main spaces of residences and commercial spaces in India too . From art exhibits, animated movies to trade shows in Paris and Milan, each year design elements from around the world guide Pantone’s forecast of the colour trends that could rule the year ahead.
Interior designers recommend defined usages for better accentuation. The ragging effect, for instance, with a soft leather material that gives harmonious tones would suit a portion of the dining, study, corridor or transition wall and balcony. The spatula effect uses a five-sided blade for a strong texture to be created for niche areas. According to a representative from the Lewis Berger Home Decor Painting Service, “The per capita yearly consumption of paint in India is low when compared to the usages in Europe. But in India, the paint industry is currently ringing in nearly Rs. 25,000 crore business. After liberalisation and a slash in costs, we at Berger have been educating and exposing the mid-segment of housing on the importance of wall aesthetics and hygiene.”
Pantone Colour of the Year for 2018, "Ultra Violet."
The main players in India include Asian Paints, Berger, Jotun, Nippon, ICI-India, Dulux, Gera Development, Nerolac, and Kamadhenu Paints. Eco-friendly, organic, natural solvent-free products are being created with anti-allergic, anti-fungal/bacterial UV protection properties and scratch-resistant finishes. Paint companies now have classic and designer graphic expressions for interior wall finishes with exterior wall finishes being fungus-proof, water-resistant and suitable for varying ambient temperatures.
But what are the texture-effects and colour choice possibilities through the eyes of an interior designer? Gita Ramanan , architect and an integral part of Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID) Bengaluru chapter, answers some questions that would help people connect while taking up their walls for adding life and colour.
What were the colour trends in 2017?
2017 encompassed pretty much everything, from tropical green to muted colours, and sophisticated neutral accents, when it comes to home décor. Muted and neutral colours made a comeback this year. We saw some new colour combinations come to the fore, like blush and dusky pinks, toned down shades of lavender and purple, dusty pale greens, gentle shades of camel along with perennial favourites like smoky shades of peach, earthy shades of brown and pale shades of grey. Monochromatic tones of beige, cream, black and white impart a feeling of quiet, comfort and elegance to a space. They are warm and gentle and work towards creating a calm and cohesive space.
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The year also saw a resurgence in the use of tropical green. A large part of this was driven by the demand of customers who wanted to bring a sense of the outdoors, inside. It is a very versatile colour that can depict many moods and anchor or support many themes and styles. In its lighter shades it alludes to the soft colour of the plants at dawn and its brighter shades bring to mind the lush richness of a tropical forest.
What are the ruling colours of 2018? How should they be used?
We predict that you are likely to see a lot of edgier hues in 2018. This year will be full of bold and bright colours like ultra violet. Black will be back as the statement colour. It complements almost any theme and colour palette and is the perfect way to add drama to interiors. Apart from bold hues, expect a new minimalist palette of washed and soft pastels like mint green and sandy pink. These colours can be used in many ways such as accent walls, wall papers, ceilings, furniture, rugs and throws and in varied home accessories. Bold and versatile hues like ultra violet, when used in interiors, can instantly give a rich look. But if not used carefully, this strong and vibrant colour can have an overwhelming effect. Since it is a deep and bold colour, using it in the entire space will make the space appear smaller. It is always advisable to use this colour as an accent. Given its eye-catching nature, it’s best to soften it by using it with neutral shades like light grey and white to make the space more elegant and inviting. Don’t use it as a solid colour and refrain from using this colour on floors.
What do colour trends mean to built environment?
Colours have the power of transforming a space completely. Each colour has an effect. Always use a colour after conscious consideration. Interiors with colours that are integrated in a decorative and meaningful way are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have a character and personality.
What influences an architect’s choice of colour while designing a space? Is it owner’s choice or the trends?
The choice of colour primarily depends on the space. For smaller spaces, cooler colours are preferred. For larger spaces consider warmer colours. Once the tone (warm or cool) is decided, customers select from the palette of that tone. Trends don’t play a major role here.
