Dulux Predicts a Bright Bold Future for 2011-2012

Dulux Predicts a Bright Bold Future for 2011-2012

Blues, from duck egg to navy to turquoise, and vibrant oranges promise to be the hot colours on New Zealand walls in 2011 and 2012.

That’s according to Andrea Lucena-Orr, international colour forecaster for Dulux, who says blue is definitely a colour to watch out for next year, which is not surprising considering that it is the favourite colour throughout the Western World.

“Blue is a fantastic colour. Blue skies make people feel happy, it epitomises our love of water.In our long term colour memory it also leads us into a sense of contentment and tranquillity. Most people are confident with blue.”

New Zealanders, she says, love earthy colours, but even then there are “dark deep inky sea blues” to be found among the earthy shades in the palettes predicted by Dulux to be popular for 2011-12.

Andrea, who is based in Melbourne, spends much of her time travelling overseas researching and absorbing new colour and design trends.

She has, she admits, a “wonderful job” and says there are many factors which influence interior colour trends. Fashion is one, although some colours which work well in fashion, she says, are never destined to make it onto the nation’s walls.

And she warns that just because certain colours, such as oranges of all descriptions, are predicted to be hot and fashionable for homes next year, people should not feel compelled to use them on their walls if they’re not taken by the hue.

“For instance, if you want to be in vogue, but are not yet ready to paint your walls orange, you could instead opt for orange cushions or just paint a blank canvas orange, which will add a splash of colour and interest to your neutral colour scheme.”

And while New Zealanders still favour earthy shades, Andrea’s main message is: don’t be afraid of colour.

“People are so hesitant to start the journey. Colour can make such a difference to you and your family. It can change your total perception of a space.”

She recommends that if people are unsure about a colour they should trial it in a small space, before they attack a whole wall.

“It’s easier with fashion – you see clothes displayed on a mannequin, but it is harder to predict final colours in your home, so try them out first before you make a final decision.”

Others colours to watch out for next year include rich purples and botanicals, such as leafy and muted greens.

Andrea admits that interior trends are changing faster than ever before, due in large part, she says, to the internet and people travelling more. Hence the title of Dulux’s Colours of New Zealand 2011-2012 colour forecast: Velocity.

Colour selections are always influenced by the mood of the world and to compile the Velocity 2011-2012 forecast, Andrea and her fellow consultants tracked social, cultural and even environmental changes, as well as consulting a variety of international style, design and architectural experts.

These insights have been interpreted into six stunning new palettes from the Dulux Colours of New Zealand range – a unique range of colours, created especially for New Zealand homes, that is inspired by the beautiful landscapes and places of New Zealand.

Dulux’s six new palettes for 2011 and 2012 are:

Lost Memoirs: This palette describes turning old objects into new masterpieces and celebrating the past. Be inspired by Nana, lovingly made handicrafts, patchwork, knitted objects, and even macramé – items that are fast becoming cherished heirlooms.

The colours in this palette, which range from vivid yellows to bright oranges and burnished reds, reflect nostalgia and keeping old traditions alive from one generation to the next.

Celebrate your childhood with bold bright colours such as Kowhai Park; look into New Zealand’s past with Porangahau and Carterton and celebrate old becoming new with Mangatainoka.

Momentary: The hangover from the global financial crisis continues, and with this comes a desire for feelings of reassurance and calm. This insecure period has encouraged people to seek a sense of comfort and security and a strong sense of family. The refuge is “home” and eating in with family and friends has been embraced. There is a new sense of design: a pared down aesthetic rule, which has lead to vintage purchases and products that will endure the test of time.

Shades of mustard and pumpkin, such as Fitzherbert Ave, are anchoring hues, and are complemented by earthy neutrals, to create a palette that is warm and comforting.

Cocoon yourself in earthy calming hues such as Horeke, and welcome home combinations of Houhore and Lindis Pass.

Forbidden is a reaction to the current prohibition culture, dictating what we can and can’t eat, whether we are living to excess and monitoring our every move. The peacock-like colours in the Forbidden palette push the boundaries, giving an indulgent escape from regulation and convention.

Purples – from aubergines to deep violets to lilacs - reign heavily in this palette, and are complemented by rich, deep and opulent reds, maroons and blush pinks.

Leave your comfort zone and explore colours such as Oxford Terrace and Woodend, or taste the richness of Marlborough.

Mirage: Think of a distant mirage and be open to feelings of blue and fitting sequences of water and sky. This refreshing palette plays with deep blues, aquas, duck egg hues and sea greens, providing an important emotional rest from the tires of our daily lives.

Bring a sense of peace and serenity to your home and sail the seas of blue with colours such as Oneroa and Hurstmere Road, or create your own sanctuary with Lake Tekapo. Pair shades of blue or green with white for a beachy, relaxed yet refreshing look.

Re-vive: Sustainability, environmental care, re-use and recycling are becoming increasingly prevalent in the way we live. This palette, which is awash with leafy muted greens, buttery yellows, green-golds and lemon, reflects our fresh mind set and desire for new ways to re-use materials.

Restore energy with colours such as Arrow River and Zalatown - which look stunning when paired with natural timber - and escape somewhere remote and refreshing with Pigeon Bush or Cape Reinga.

Add richness and texture by creating a feature wall using the newly released earthy green hue of Pistachio Mousse from the Dulux Suede collection.

e-Magine: We live in a digital age where e-retail, social networks, i-Pads, Wifi and 3D TV reign supreme.

Travel on your journey through the digital landscapes with colours that keep you grounded.

Pale, steely and sophisticated metallics such as Pewter Illusion and Moon Marvel (from the Dulux Metallics range) are shining stars of this sophisticated palette, with shades of slate, charcoal and black such as Taihape, providing a stark yet striking contrast to warm whites.

Bring strength and clarity to your home with the crisp, clear colours of St Clair, Manorburn and Mount Inaccessible.

ENDS

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