Overview of Colour Palettes for 2011-2012

According to paint company, Resene, colour palettes are becoming increasingly individual.  Consumers are appreciating colour more and understanding the importance of introducing colour into our lives.  Resene draws particular attention to items that were once boring colours like accessories in our kitchens.  Brightly coloured refrigerators are now prevalent in stores where once we would have only seen white or stainless steel.  Small accessories for the kitchen are designed in bright, cheerful colours and are seen as a fashion statement.  This trend is very retro 1950s.  The kitchen was seen as the domain of the woman of the household and as pastel tones were all the rage, these spilled over into kitchen accessories.   Homes are all about comfort now and individualism so rather than stick to neutrals, break out and enjoy some of the beautiful bright, clear uplifiting colours that are the trend for 2011-2012.

Resene’s colour predictions for 2011-2012

As you can see from Resene Switched On and Outrageous, colours are cleaner and less complicated than they have been in the past and these colours are designed to draw the eye towards them.  As we have seen with colour trends lately, nature continues to play a huge role in colour popularity.  Consumers are appreciating handmade items that have imperfections but have been crafted with love and care rather than factory mass produced items that quickly make their way into landfill.  The reds are deep and strong and pink is a real favourite for 2011-2012.  Colours are altogether more feminine.  Blues are also making a comeback.  These colours haven’t been as popular recently but are returning with an intense quality and as a viable neutral alternative to grey.

According to Resene, the neutrals that will be popular are the browns and beige hues.  Warm colours such as Secret Road and Fantail demonstrate a move away from the greys to the the browns and also mineral inspired hues.  Subtle flesh tones offer timeless appeal.  Cool white has made a comeback which offers great tonal variation to colour palettes when used with the growing range of black hues available.

Dulux colour predictions for 2011-2012

Dulux has released six colour palettes for 2011-2012.  They have entitled the first one, Lost Memoirs.  As with the Resene trend, people are appreciating a return to handmade items.  Knitting groups are forming again, sewing and patchwork groups are being embraced by young people and culinary skills are in vogue again.  Basically, we are appreciating the simpler things that life can offer.  These colours from Dulux represent this trend.

Their second colour palette is called Forbidden.  This colour trend is all about the control of freedom of expression and the ever present Big Brother concept.  These colours are warm and passionate.  Great colours for Autumn.

The Momentary trend is a hangover from the global financial crisis.  Our refuge from the world and our worries is our home.  The look is a pared down aesthetic with vintage purchases taking pride of place.  This trend is about appreciating the beauty of a pre-loved piece, whether it is furniture, accessories, china or textiles.  These simple, natural colours reflect this beautifully.

Blues are finally making a welcome return to our colour palettes.  These are cool blues.  True mid blues and those with more of a green tone  The warm lavender blues are definitely not part of this trend.  The colours are quite simply harmonious and refreshing – this is the Mirage trend.

Following on from harmonious and refreshing is the Re-Vive trend and this blends well with the Momentary trend.  Our concern for the environment is an important issue for many people as we reflect on the earth’s treasures and our way of living.  We’re now looking for ways to protect the world and so we are reusing and recycling wherever possible.  The colour trend is is a rich warm yellow, reminiscent of the sun’s rays and how good they make us feel.

The final Dulux trend for 2011/2012 is the E-magine trend.  In a digital age there are endless possibilities but black and white remain favourite neutrals.  Dulux Domino is a great off-black colour and Dulux Whisper White is a very versatile cool white, great for kitchen cupboards and a fresh white for the entire house.