The paint experts have spoken and the colour trend for the coming year is all about self expression.
"Next year's colour palette can be likened to an artful collage dominated by rich, bright tones and supported by saturated, nature-infused neutrals -- intended to be used together in creative ways according to people's individual preferences," said Alison Goldman, brand manager for CIL paint, a brand of PPG Architectural Coatings. "Like the styles we're seeing on the fashion runways, the home décor trend in 2015 will be all about mixing, not matching, and anything goes."
Citing ocean blue as the standout colour of the year, she said the 2015 colour palette should be used as a starting point and adapted to personal tastes. In particular, here's what's trending in each colour family and where those colours best fit in terms of décor style, according to Goldman.
Blues: Next year's popular blues are neither too dark nor too light; rather, they are mid-toned. Think crisp, clear sky and sea: the shade of worn jeans. Upbeat and fresh, these blues are best suited for those who have a classic or traditional décor taste, especially when paired with light and dark greys and tans. The CIL brand's top blue pick for the year is Hidden Harbor (70BG 32/238).
Reds: Berry red -- reminiscent of ruby slippers, Valentines and lipstick -- will continue to accent home décor in the year ahead. Infused with energy, next year's glamorous reds -- such as Drum Beat (00YR/08 409*) by CIL paint -- coordinate well with chocolate brown, cream and tan, and they are fitting for those seeking to create an opulent look.
Oranges: Orange will tone down in 2015, taking on an easier-to-live-with flair. Conjuring up images of autumn leaves, pumpkins and spice, the new oranges -- including Indian Summer (30YR 26/330) by the CIL brand -- are ideal for bohemian-inclined tastes. They work especially well on an accent wall and can be warmed up with sunny yellow or cooled down with ocean blue.
Yellows: Moving away from the buttercream hue that was popular last year, yellows in 2015 will be strong and dramatic. This vibrant yellow, such as Curry Spice (45YY 62/805*) by CIL paint, can be likened to the colour of a taxicab, sunflower or happy face, filled with optimism. Geared towards a modernist style, it works best as a pop colour, particularly when combined with grey, white and soft blue.
Greens: Grey-toned pastel green, such as Jade Frost (50GY 53/033) by the CIL brand, will increasingly make its way into home décor in the coming year. Emitting a modern, oceanic feel, the new greens are both soothing and invigorating at the same time, perfect for the naturalist. CIL paint recommends pairing new greens with earth tones and wooden accents to bring comfort to living spaces.
Violets: Lavender will take centre stage in the purple family over the coming year. Think soft pastels, delicate accents, silk fabric, floral patterns and vintage pieces - dream décor for romantics. CIL paint's key violet for 2015 is Soft Wine (30RR 49/067 SE02).
For more information about the 2015 paint palette by CIL paint, and to help define your paint personality using virtual tools by CIL paint, visit www.cil.ca.
SICO paint, in unveiling its top colour picks for 2015, says the trend is moving toward bold colour. From rich wood and terra cotta shades to deep slate, aqua blue, fruity red and vivid jewel tones, next year's palette by Sico paint is filled with bold, energetic hues from all colour families -- with blues of all shades being a favourite in each group.
"There's a world of possibilities when it comes to infusing colour into home decor in the coming year," said Mylène Gévry, marketing manager for Sico paint, a brand of PPG Architectural Coatings. "Whether deep comforting shades or bright tones used alone or in combination, the 2015 palette has something for everyone."
Sico brand has unveiled four prevailing decor themes for the upcoming year: Comfort Zone, Tempo, Pattern Play and Introspection. Each theme offers a diverse range of bold colours, from down-to-earth to opulent tones. www.sico.ca.
Topping the Dulux paint brand's list of popular colours for the year is tropical blue, a vibrant, clean hue that is expected to dominate all areas of interior décor. Announcing Tropic Night (70BG 23/278) as the brand's 2015 colour of the year, Martin Tustin-Fuchs, brand manager for Dulux paint, explained that "next year's trendy blue evokes images of the sparkling Caribbean Sea and will be noticed wherever you put it."
Pairing well with a wide range of colours, from lavish yellow-gold and coral to black, grey and white, "Tropical blue is enthusiastically positive, charismatic and, like the horizon, represents possibility," said Tustin-Fuchs.
Think Spanish-influenced hot and spicy reds and oranges, Moroccan-inspired majestic emerald and sapphire tones, Turkish-patterned golden yellows, European timeworn mosaics of coloured darks and mid-tones, and bohemian-flavoured plums, indigos, blacks and greys.
Key colours from the Dulux paint 2015 collection include Ruby Ring (09YR 11/475) red, Red Badge (30YR 21/505) coral, Swiss Pine (12GG 10/310) emerald, Blazer Blue (43BB 09/340) sapphire, Golden Harvest (20YY 28/613) yellow, Stage Fright (70RB 16/220) plum, Light's Out (50BG 08/021) black and Heron Grey (20YY 37/094).
"Opulent and eccentric patterns such as stylized florals, new twists on old tapestry and ornate detailing will be everywhere in 2015." Also trending will be colourful bohemian home fashions, a throwback to the elegance, artistry and decadence of the '70s, Tustin-Fuchs said. www.dulux.ca.
Benjamin Moore released its highly anticipated 2015 Colour of the Year -- Guilford Green HC-116, a stunning silvery green that complements both modern and traditional styles in a seamless manner. In addition to unveiling the Colour of the Year, Benjamin Moore introduced Colour Trends 2015, a curated palette of 23 colours consisting of beautiful green, blue, blush and berry shades that can transform a space. Benjamin Moore continues to be the influential leader in paint colour for homeowners and designers by forecasting colours and combinations that are truly livable and practical for every style and home.
"We chose Guilford Green as our 2015 colour of the year because it can be the hero or the highlight in any room, enhancing the architectural identity of a space," said Ellen O'Neill, Creative Director at Benjamin Moore. "Guilford Green is the perfect thread to connect nature, spaces and interiors with colour schemes that signify fresh energy and growth."
The new year yearns for a fresh start. Think about which exciting new colours might uplift your décor and take the plunge with colour.
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