SPONSORED BY 2018: When colour gets clever

Expect palettes to shift from the powdery blues and pastel earth tones of 2017 to bold, more intense colours in 2018. “In general, there will still be an earthiness,” says interior designer and colour consultant Debbie Abercrombie. “With moody — not sombre — strong and exotic, and less predictable combinations. Colour will be seen in clever ways — layered, unexpected combinations, uplifting.”

The trend towards saturated colours will lend itself to playful combinations reminiscent of Rococo Revival styling. Look to bright-blue ottomans, fuchsia accent pillows and indigo drapes co-existing within the same funky living room.

We can even expect a fair bit of neon in the near future and rich gemlike hues. “I think we are feeling a sense of stability, which allows us to feel stronger and braver with colour,” says Abercrombie.

As we dream of travel and exotic, far-flung places, bright hues will appeal, says Resene colour consultant Rebecca Long.

“Bright colours are influenced by travel, escapism and wanderlust,” she says. “Rich, bold greens such as Resene Limerick lead us to escape into the trees, while bright, mesmerising oranges such as Resene Ruby Tuesday bring sunshine into our homes. The tropical trend will continue to lead, with vivid yellows, sea blues and spring greens making an impact in 2018.”

There are some anticipated notable hues for the year, including amethyst and berry-infused purples (try Resene Couture), emerald, sapphire and turquoise (Resene Atlas, Resene Into The Blue and Resene Discover), satin gold (Resene Good As Gold), frosted almond and light beige green (Resene Thistle) and cheerful ‘Barbie pink’ (Resene Drop Dead Gorgeous).

“In fact, pink is getting more pink,” says Abercrombie.

“It has previously been very greyed off, but expect to see a little more depth and see it incorporated into generic environments — not just for the female.”

‘Millennial pink’ made a strong impression at this year’s Milan Design Week (think Resene New York Pink) as did hot pink, orange and violet. Other colours mirrored our tech-centred culture. Silicon Valley-inspired tones like digital blues (dark watery blues), purples and warm yellows will add punches of colour to walls, and a collective yearn for natural tones will inspire earth browns as a favoured neutral. “Yellow ochres off into the pumpkin shades will feature strongly and team with yellow-greens,” Abercrombie says.

“Try Resene Aloha, Resene Entourage and Resene Native.”

Smoky tones will continue but with a softer, weathered edge, as seen in Resene Soothe and Resene Inside Back. Black will take a back seat. If we see an occasional black accent piece, it will likely achieve its contrast duty as a lone soldier.

“Blue is the new black,” she says. “From strong and clear through to blue black.” Think Resene Paua, an electric violet blue, to Resene Dark Side, an inky midnight blue.

Yellows feature strongly on their own too, with appearances of egg yolk yellows (Resene Celebrate), orange yellows (Resene Buttercup) and energetic bright yellows (Resene Turbo). Even some of the hot neutrals for 2018 will come from a yellow base, such as Resene Fifty Shades, a grey, taupe, brown and ochre neutral, and Resene Chalk Dust, a limestone white from the yellow colour palette. The latter matches well with colours such as Resene Calibre, a peach, brown and ochre, and Resene Sazerac, a pale peach from the orange palette.

Strong blues, yellows and pinks mixed in endless combinations will dominate youthful residences. Homes will likely feature these playful colours in full-scale rather than on accent walls or more timid applications. Expect complete overhauls in trendier commercial spaces and colourful new residential projects.

In addition to prevalent solid colours, 2018 will continue to see the use of metallics and iridescent materials. Gold, brass and copper will thrive in accent lighting, plumbing fixtures and furniture. These metal embellishments will sport various finishes, including brushed, satin, polished and the occasional natural patina.

Whereas bronze was strongly featured in recent years, the most prevalent metal in 2018 will be gold.

Expect to see it in paint colours (Resene Gold Dust, Resene Pirate Gold and Resene Good As Gold), house fittings such as doorknobs, light fixtures and plumbing hardware, furniture, and especially accessories, such as cushions, throws and lampshades.

Gold will commonly be paired with glass for coffee tables, nightstands and shelving. Another favoured companion is darker wood.

“From brushed metallics to luxurious deep purples and reds, our homes are reaching new levels of glamour, with gem-like shades,” says Rebecca, who welcomes colours like Resene Atlas and Resene Sumptuous.

“Depths are also being pushed deeper with dark charcoals, moody blues and dense greens, creating intimate, cave-like environments. Try Resene Dark Side and Resene Nero, both inky blues,” she says.

Jane Allan from Jane D Renovation is also seeing an increase in the use of moody blues.

“It's a refreshing take on the popular Resene Alabaster and Resene Black White walls with accessories added for semi-permanent colour, interchangeable by season. Instead, it’s making a bold choice upfront and using a coloured wall as the accessory. It’s brave, but when it comes together it’s pure class.”

Allan is also seeing a continuing rise in the use of wallpapers, even in bathrooms. “The NovelioNature in Baltic Blue is a fabulous new product available through ReseneColorShops, allowing us to move away from a tiled space, but still giving a luxurious feel.” This high-quality glass fibre wall covering is both textured and washable, ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.

Paint effects will continue to thrive in new and exciting ways, predicts Long. “From half-painted walls, tonal colour changes and dramatic geometrics, masking tape will be your new best friend.” Or go for more relaxed, freehand styles; it’s a softer take on traditional paint effects.

So go ahead and reinvent that colour-deprived space, as 2018 is set to be another colourful year.