Spiced honey is the Dulux colour of the year for 2019. Marianne Shillingford talks to about getting the best out of this lovely hue

GABRIELLE FAGAN

An earthy, caramel hue, according to the experts at the paint brand, Spiced Honey is versatile enough to introduce into a wide range of home interiors because it can be “calming and nourishing” or “stimulating and energising”, depending on the palettes and light surrounding it.

“Spiced Honey is a warm caramel with notes of amber, that perfectly reflects our new sense of optimism and resilience for 2019,” says Marianne Shillingford, Dulux’s UK creative director.

“While 2018 was seen as unsettled and unpredictable and saw us retreating and hiding behind our sofas, next year is one where we’re ready to ‘let in the light,’” she adds.

Here, Marianne shares her guide to using the colour to create successful settings...

WHAT IS SPICED HONEY?

“Spiced Honey has a raw, natural quality that works like a warm neutral, which makes it so adaptable to pairing with different materials and styles of decoration,” she enthuses.

“It looks especially good when teamed with whites and off-whites in furniture and furnishings, which gives it a contemporary feel.”

WHAT CAN IT DO FOR ROOMS?

“Its rich caramel tones visually turn up the thermostat a few degrees, and so it’s perfect for creating a relaxed, cosy atmosphere in places where we like to think, dream, love and act,” Marianne notes. “Its the colour of warm woods, and while there’s something Above.

Multi block cushion, £49.95, Bronte By Moon

Right. Clement button back chair, plush velvet, Mallard, currently £549.50, Darlings of Chelsea Above Back wall: Open Sky; Right wall: White Cotton; Door frame accent: Spiced Honey; Window accent: Pen Friend, Dulux Paint Mixing Matt, £27.56 for 2.5L, available January

Right. Sheepskin rug, £35, Dunelm