Date: 21 November 2017
Company: AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel, a leading global paints and coatings company, unveiled its Colour of the Year 2018, Heart Wood, at the Design Excellence Awards 2017 on 21 November. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the development of the Colour of the Year and ColourFutures, selected based on AkzoNobel’s ongoing trend research dedicated to the expert analysis of social, economic and design trends.
This research was conducted by the Global Aesthetic Centre, led by Creative Director Heleen Van Gent, and supports over 80 markets globally. A selected group of independent experts from various fields such as architecture, design, technology and innovation, are also involved in the colour selection, allowing for universal relevance. Singapore-based interior designer Cameron Woo of Cameron Woo Design sits on this global panel.
With the annual Colour of the Year, AkzoNobel aims to help consumers make colour and design choices with greater confidence, especially when complemented with AkzoNobel’s innovative digital solutions, such as the Dulux Visualizer, the multi-award-winning app designed to make decorating easier and more inspiring.
COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2018: HEART WOOD
For the upcoming year, AkzoNobel has unveiled Heart Wood as the Colour of the Year. A subtle and warm tone of grown-up pink, it draws from the tactile qualities of natural wood and leather, conveying comfort and ease in response to consumers wanting to nestle down more and create ‘A Welcome Home’.
Research conducted revealed that we live in a world of unpredictability, with access to more information and choices than ever. As a result, there is a strong overarching trend of consumers wanting to transform their homes into spaces of retreat from the outside world.
A PLACE OF HARMONY, COMFORT AND EASE FOR ALL
The Heart Wood Home combines gentle shades of grey-pink, blues and soft cocoa flowing into bolder shades of ink blue and purple. It takes inspiration from the tactile qualities of natural wood and the comfort of leather, materials that customers are known to turn to during times of unpredictability. Calming and restorative, Heart Wood gives a sense of connection between the inside and outside world. The Heart Wood Home palette blends harmoniously with the materials from which the hero colour takes its inspiration.
Understanding that ‘A Welcome Home’ means different things to different people, AkzoNobel has created three supporting palettes, The Comforting Home, The Inviting Home and The Playful Home, tailored towards the different personas.
THE COMFORTING HOME
The Comforting Home creates an environment for individuals to truly recharge and reset the mind—a cocooning space which acts as a restorative embrace. Warm earth tones permeate this home, bringing together clay and blush pink tones to calm the mind, soothe the senses and shut out the noise. Rich, welcoming textures such as silk and velvet create a highly tactile space.
Looking for a space in which to retreat, this home is ideal for the warm-hearted persona seeking to reconnect with themselves. Using minimal technology, this person brings nature into their home in a controlled way and beautifully balances aesthetics with function in their interior design choices. Comforting hardwoods and tactile textures are staples for them.
THE INVITING HOME
The Inviting Home brings comfort and convenience to life for those seeking to strengthen bonds and bring family and friends together. Cool shades of blue encourage a clear-headed approach to life, while neutrals and fresh green support the need for connection with the outside world. Softer pastel shades are enhanced by coal and ink blue.
Typically a space for shared quality time, this is ideal for the open-hearted persona. Inclusive, optimistic and collaborative, it is a space where they can gather with friends and family, bringing comfort through community. Technology is used sparingly and to bring people together in their homes, while the line between the outside and inside is fluid. Open-plan living is at the heart of this home, preferring gentle, hard-wearing natural fabrics that feel safe.
THE PLAYFUL HOME
The Playful Home creates a space to be inspired and invigorates the senses. Yellow-toned green and gold help spark the synapses and encourage a creative approach to life. Pops of colour add a sense of fun and energy, while clever use of colour can help create different zones within smaller spaces.
This home is for the light-hearted persona; curious, adventurous and adaptable. During times of unpredictability, this person looks outwards and faces the outside world head-on, rather than shutting off. As early adopters of technology, they seek energy, experience and creativity, supplemented by the wealth of time they spend outdoors. Multifunctional, smaller spaces work with natural textures and fun patterns.
For more information, visit https://www.yourcolourfutures.com.
