Buyer’s Guide
Paint colours.
Atin of paint has a lot of power. You can reimagine a room in countless ways with the colour it contains, for a relatively small investment. “It’s all about the cost-to-impact ratio,” says Laura Downie, an interior decorator and stylist at Sydney’s Studio 1 Interiors. “Paint can add personality, create illusions and disguise flaws. And it’s easy to change if you don’t like it.”
The current mood in design is all about slowing down and bringing back the idea of handcrafted, imperfect finishes. At the same time, softer shades and finishes are coming through. “Colours are more relaxed, with the aim of making spaces feel calm, warm and lived in,” says Wendy Rennie, colour and concept manager at Haymes Paint. “Designers are using varied finishes to add layers and depth inside and out.”
Colours are a little less intense (or more greyed off) compared with those from last year’s palette, says Andrea Lucena-Orr, colour planning and communications manager for Dulux. “There’s a greater shift towards matt or raw finishes. Pinks continue their rise, especially those with earthy undertones. Trending greys have coloured undertones in light and deep shades.”
Sarah Stephenson, colour and communications manager at Wattyl, says two key trends from Europe are dark, moody palettes and a tone-on-tone look: “It’s on everything – walls, trims and furniture.” For interior designer and trend forecaster Bree Leech, deep grey-greens, rich coral and terracotta are the shades to watch in 2018.
Neutrals are no longer just cream or white. “The new neutrals palette includes greys and pastels such as soft pinks, greens and blues,” says Rennie.
Exciting new finishes include Dulux’s Design Effects collection, with stone,
concrete and suede effects to use on walls, furniture and accent pieces. Haymes Paint’s Artisan Collection is a range of finishes that mimic sandstone, textured mortar, chalk, copper and iron. Taubmans has expanded its Endure collection with a washable, matt-finish range that protects against mould, mildew and fungus. White Knight has products for painting tiles and bathroom and laundry surfaces, plus a spray-paint to restore fridge, freezer and washing-machine exteriors.
Products that can safeguard your home’s exterior include Porter’s Paints’ Mineral Silicate system, which produces a beautiful wash of colour as it binds with and protects masonry, brick or stone. Dulux’s new Precision Anti Graffiti Coating provides heavy-duty protection for bare or painted surfaces; even marker ink or aerosol paint can be washed off it with a high-pressure hose.
To make colour work, think about the look and feel you want to create, says Lucena-Orr. “This will give you more confidence to balance out deeper and brighter colours with more muted tones.” Deep, moody hues work well with a grey base colour, while fresh whites pair well with brighter hues, advises Leech. If you love this season’s earthy pinks, layer them with aqua or pistachio, and pops of matt gold, white marble and plush furnishings for a crisp, luxe look, suggests Stephenson.
If you’re nervous about introducing colour, start small by picking up on architectural details such as an alcove, chimney breast, dado or picture rail, or apply colour in unexpected spots. “Ceilings are my hot tip for 2018,” says Leech. “Consider having your ceiling a darker shade than your walls and bringing it down to picture-rail height.”
When introducing a colour to an existing scheme, pay attention to the undertones, says Stephenson. “Existing whites or neutrals should have similar undertones to the new colours.” New hues should also harmonise with your furniture and finishes, adds Downie. “Darker tones tend to close in a space, while lighter ones will open it up.”
The key to a perfect finish in any colour is the prep. “Buy quality paints and tools and never compromise on preparation,” says Melanie Stevenson, marketing manager at Porter’s Paints. “You’ll be amazed at the difference an undercoat, sanding and a great paint and brush can make.”