As we inch our way out of 2021, paint and wallpaper companies like Farrow & Ball and Graham & Brown have released their own takes on the trends we can expect within the coming year. The nudes and neutrals that have reigned supreme over the last few years, it seems, are about to make way bolder colour choices.
A Thirst For Vibrancy
Many of us have spent the couple of years seeing more of the inside of our homes, which has led to spikes in several upcoming trends. Throughout different areas of design, there is a visible departure from the minimal and austere towards an aesthetic that is warmer, cosier, and much more joyful while remaining pragmatic and functional.
Joa Studholme, Colour Curator for Farrow & Ball, explains the venture into statement colours saying, “There is something inherently human in the colours that we are attracted to for 2022. Décor is moving forward while drawing inspiration from the modest character of the world of folk and craft. They are an eclectic mix of the pure and the humble that evokes the warmth and harmony of a more innocent age while celebrating life today. Function goes hand in hand with ornament, using colours and finishes in unusual ways to celebrate the principles of utility, kindness and honesty.”
A Walk On The Bright Side
The leap into more vibrant colour schemes is most apparent in Sherwin-Williams’ Colormix Forecast, which shows four different palettes for 2022 that complement sandy neutrals with bursts of lively colour. Their Method palette is decidedly earthy, juxtaposing beiges and umber colours with a creamy warm orange, a muted dusky sage, and a pop of chartreuse. Their Opus palette leans towards cooler, grey-toned, deeper neutrals paired with varying muted shades of blue, coral, and red. The Dreamland palette is a refreshing interpretation of a nature-inspired palette, coupling a range of greens from grounded and deep to cheerfully bright with pearlescent lavender and blooming pinks. The last palette, Ephemera, is an exploration of primary colours, but with soft buttercup yellows and peaceful blues, accentuated by a vibrant olive, warm neutrals, and a beautiful coral.
Graham & Brown, on the other hand, put its focus on a single shade with its colour of the year, Breathe. The brand describes it as “a soothing mid blue, perfect for creating calm and peaceful spaces which is exactly what we all need for the year ahead. Dark enough to add color and depth but light enough to remain refreshing, this tranquil shade can be used almost anywhere in the home. Pair with crisp whites and cool greys for an airy feel or try partnering with deeper blues to create a moody hideaway.” They’ve launched with it a jungle-inspired wallpaper in the similar tones of concrete blues called Restore Midnight.
Farrow & Ball focuses on five specific shades: Babouche No. 223, a mustard yellow with a hint of white; Breakfast Room Green No. 1, a soft and creamy green that is easy on the eyes; Stone Blue No. 86, a decidedly vintage and familiar mid-toned blue; Incarnadine No. 248, a luscious red reminiscent of peppermint pinwheels. All these are grounded by Schoolhouse White No. 291, a modern eggshell that brings levity and airiness to such a colourful palette.
Designer Advice
While these colour schemes do bring a much-needed air of whimsy and fun to many a wall and home in need, the cardinal rule of balance also seems to apply. Many interior designers of note talk about employing the “60-30-10” rule especially when working with brights, which asks that you decide on three complementary colours and use one on 60% of the room (typically on the walls), another on 30% (typically furniture), and the remaining 10% would encompass some lovely accents and personal touches.
Other interior designers we’ve worked with suggest having a look at your space and seeing what you already have before you dive head first into an all-new colour scheme. The idea is that if you’re not looking to revamp the entire space with new furnishing and window treatments, first see which of the tones you’re drawn to already exist in your space and would complement your favourite pieces in the room.
Lastly, the designers we love anchor the space with timeless pieces in the midst of brighter tones. The consensus is that cleaner lines and well-designed furniture go a long way, as does beautifully handcrafted brass hardware. Pieces from Frank Allart’s Contemporary, Traditional, Stepped Deco, and Vaucluse collections, as well as majority of the offerings from Armac Martin are particularly popular with clients who prefer to be surrounded by stronger colours. Whatever the colour you choose to perk up your walls, it’s truly difficult to go wrong with tasteful and well-made accents that stand the test of time.
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