Hot home colours
by Adrian Evans
 

Will copper-coloured oranges continue to outpace spicy reds in home décor colours in 2005? Will warm neutrals replace a bevy of popular blue hues? According to trend watchers, the 2005 colour forecast reveals subtle shifts, rather than extreme colour palette changes.

Paint experts note functional yet fabulous shades that exemplify strong worldly colours as well as relaxed, earthen tones will round out this year’s palette. And a flash back to the 1950s retro scene is cool again, can you dig it?

Fashion will be a leading influence in home décor for 2005 with contrasting colours in combinations like chocolate and aqua, as well as botanical greens paired with subtle pinks. Consumers are embracing colour in all shades and families; however there is also an emergence of neutral colours to balance the prominence of the bold colours.

Colour is vital in a home and should be used to create a bridge between furnishings and accessories, while setting the overall mood of a room. Furthermore, it should make you feel comfortable, and make the space look finished and complete.

So what’s on the horizon for wall colours? Four themes categorize the hot palettes for 2005. Within each theme are the colours that interior designers will be mixing and matching to form the “in” look this year:

1. Comfort Zone

This theme revolves around a comfortable environment for those who want to relax around furnishings that are inviting and unfussy.

Buzzwords: Simplistic, uninhibited, cozy, serene.

Colour Palette Description: Deep, earthy, yet natural tones, inspired by mineral and vegetable-dyed colours.

Colours: Burnt Almond, Lambs Wool, Browned Butter, Poppy, Rockingham Green, Chrysalis, Monumental, Loam.

2. The World Is Not Flat!

For those who want to experiment and explore how cultural influences from around the globe can add new texture and depth to their surroundings, this colour category exemplifies the richness of various exotic heritages and traditions.

Buzzwords: Discover, cultured, vibrant, worldly.

Colour Palette Description: The deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea, fine red wine and flavorful, tropical yellows.

Colours: British Brown, Bay Rum, Spanish Blue, Vintage Claret, Moselle, Black Orchid and Amber Green.

3. Simply Marvellous

By embracing a “less is more” mentality, this palette encourages you to pare down, kick back, breathe, simplify and enjoy the sheer beauty of life.

Buzzwords: Luxurious, sophisticated, playful, carefree.

Colour Palette Description: Simplified, rich colours with trendy mixes of blues and reds.

Colours: Blue Milano, Plum Mascari, Split Pea, Cranberry, Meerschaum, Faded Rose, Walnut Bark, Blueberry.

4. Retro-Fitted

This collection focuses on a renewal of attitudes from the past, particularly the romanticism and glamour of the 1950s, through hues with modern twists.

Buzzwords: Emotions, childhood memories, optimism, respect.

Colour Palette Description: Nostalgic and vibrant greens, yellows, and pinks that are reminiscent of the past.

Colours: Golden Box, Kashmir Green, Taffy Lips, Eucalyptus Leaf, Haiku, Degas Pink, Pastry and Anchors Aweigh.