COLOUR BY SEASON
The annual trend forecasts by colour experts are always hotly anticipated in the design world
Kansai Plascon’s annual trend reports are founded on globally gleaned research based on lifestyle insights. The company translates these into colour forecasts that offer a visual snapshot of where we are in terms of design. Katlego Kondlo, Plascon’s head of decorative marketing, elaborates: “Our 2019 colour forecast speaks to current global societal needs. This year has revealed six social moods on which we have based four unique colour stories.” Formulated by colour expert Claire Bond, each theme is associated with one of the seasons, and has a range of eight colours under its umbrella. “We know that different colours elicit different responses and everyone has their favourite time of year. By linking our colour stories to the seasons, we hope to match the correct colour palette to the appropriate person.”
Research has shown that uncertainty is prompting people to create personal spaces that offer a sense of safety and security. “This brings us to cocooning as one of our major trend drivers. Our homes are becoming more social as we once again invite people into our personal space,” says Kondlo.
“With elegant, restrained neutrals combined with lively accent shades, the Glamour collection, associated with summer, is for go-getters who like to come home to a soothing but creative environment,” Bond explains. Similarly, Luxury’s earthy, calming colours, aligned with autumn, speak to a need to slow down and be grounded.
With more people gravitating to cities, urbanisation is also a key driver in how people are using their space. “Living in urban areas means we live in smaller spaces,” says Kondlo, “and this is prompting people to embrace smaller homes that are designed to do more with less.”
Cue the Urban story (seasonal counterpart winter), which seeks to create a clean feel with uncomplicated lines and pared-back but punchy tones. With digital defining our lives, individualisation and the way we portray ourselves online and in life is crucial — and part of this is how our spaces reflect who we are. The Urban hues are conducive to an introspective space where you can create balance and find equilibrium.
Inspired by spring, Minimal’s palettes offer scope for individual expression. Emotional intelligence and mindfulness come to the fore with conscious consumerism replacing material excess. With saturated hues that inject energy, Minimal’s story appeals to those who want spaces that allow pause for thought.
Pantone has also released its colour of the year. Following on from 2018’s Ultraviolet, 2019’s Living Coral has a nurturing, upbeat tone. “It’s meant to symbolise the human need for optimism and joyful pursuits, as well as the desire for playful expression,” the company states.