This autumn, decor’s deep, rich hues are bolder
The Associated Press
Deeper, richer hues are often part of decor’s autumnal palette, but this year they’re bigger and bolder than usual.
“Color is a powerful communicator,” says Pottery Barn spokeswoman Monica Bhargava. “It can be a key point of inspiration that defines the mood and feel of a home.”
PPG’s colour marketing manager Dee Schlotter sees a trend toward interiors “that embrace nocturnal shades” in homes, hotels and stores.
Deep hues are often incorporated through matte yet soft materials, she says.
In the mood
“I love dusky blues, plums, grey of all types, and surfaces that have a mysterious effect,” says Jamie Drake of New York-based Drake Anderson Interiors.
For the guest bedroom of one project, Drake/Anderson had Jonathan Kutzin of America Painting in Cresskill, New Jersey, create a strie effect with an iridescent blue top coat, evoking a moody retreat.
In another apartment, in Manhattan, Drake says his company used deep plum tones to anchor the high-altitude rooms, while another project employed dark navy walls in a cozy library. “Using a colour this dark in a small space is a favourite tool to make the edges of a room ‘disappear’ and create a mysterious illusion of more space,” he says. (online at drakeanderson.com )
Some deep, dark colours evoke privacy, quietude and a feeling of being wrapped in warmth, designers say.
But brighter, saturated hues can be uplifting and electric; Sherwin-Williams’ two new collections are Affinity, inspired by craft and tribalism, and Connectivity, inspired by technology. (sherwin-williams.com )
Stay cool while limiting your home’s energy consumption
For many homeowners, summer is all about staying cool. But that comfort comes with a price tag with higher electricity or hydro bills.
Air conditioners are a necessity in areas where temperatures rise to hot levels, but they aren’t the only way for homeowners to keep their homes cool during summer.
• Embrace strategic landscaping. The landscaping outside of a home can contribute to cooler climates inside the home. Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually, and when planted on the western and southern sides of a home, these trees can block the sun from entering the home during the hottest times of day, reducing the need to lower the thermostat on air conditioners. Of course, when these trees shed their leaves in late fall, sunlight can then make its way into the home, potentially reducing heating costs. •Maintain air conditioners. Air conditioners contain air filters that, over time, can wear down and become dirty. The simple task of replacing and cleaning these filters can reduce air conditioners’ energy consumption by as much as 15 per cent. If the unit does not respond after routine filter maintenance, issues with refrigerant, thermostat sensors and drainage as some common air conditioner problems. Homeowners who suspect these issues can contact certified professionals to inspect their units and perform any necessary repairs. • Install ceiling fans. Cool people in a given room by installing ceiling fans in areas of the home that might be warm but not too hot during the summertime. Modern ceiling fans can be as much as 75 per cent more efficient than older models, and ceiling fans typically consume far less energy than air conditioners. • Draw the blinds on hot days. Drawing blinds and closing drapes can keep the sun out of the home, lowering temperatures inside as a result. This simple act can have a substantial impact on comfort levels inside your home.
Emerald City
Of the trending deepened hues, emerald green is especially dominant, Schlotter says. To her, “It represents luxury and emulates lush foliage.”
“Color palettes that range from darker shades like black and navy, to gold and coral, complement the depth of emerald green,” she continues, “while pale neutrals like white and light grey give it a crisp and trendy edge. A courageous colour, emerald green also works well with a number of materials and textures.”
Emerald is showing up in upholstery. Furniture company Sauder has a little tub chair in the hue. CB2’s 50s-inspired Avec sofa comes in plush emerald velvet. (sauder.com; www.cb2.com )
Colour in the kitchen
Italian company Bertazzoni, known for its high-end ranges in rich shades like burgundy, orange, yellow and red, just introduced a new hue called Azzurro. Blending cerulean, turquoise, sapphire and cyan, it’s a positive, energetic colour. (bertazzoni.com)
Both Frigidaire and Kitchenaid have suites of appliances in black stainless steel.
And look for countertops and cabinetry in deeper tones, too. Cambria Quartz’s Bala Blue stone is the colour of deep water. In a contemporary kitchen with sleek white cabinetry, Cardigan Red’s vibrant warmth would be a terrific foil. (cambriausa.com )
Walls and floors
Intrepid decorators will love another aspect of this trend: dark walls.
At Kip’s Bay Show House a couple of months ago in Manhattan, Susan Ferrier dressed a bedroom in deep forest green. Organic objets d’art accents made it feel like a luxe nature retreat. (mcalpinehouse.com )
Kevin Lichten and Joan Craig cloaked a downstairs bar in charcoal silk, trimmed with bronze, creating an intimate, sexy space.
Looking ahead
If you’re interested in dabbling in any of these colours, don’t worry about the trend being short-lived. PPG, Olympic Paints and Glidden announced their 2018 Color of the Year choices: Black Flame, Black Magic and Deep Onyx.
And Schlotter reports that PPG’s colour story for 2018 will be replete with deep, rich colours like smoky greens, luxurious purples, and charred grey-blacks.
They’ve given the palette an intriguing name: Brave. “These colours,” says Schlotter, “reflect consumers’ growing yearning for protection, strength and stability; to feel safe during uncertain times.”