This season be bold, be daring and be bright. There has never been a better time to step outside the square and embrace your individuality. The industries most respected paint companies have launched their new 2010 colour collections. This season is all about contrast and contradiction. With inspiration being sourced from the environment, well being, healthy living and our desire for quality and luxury, this seasons palette will inspire even the most colour shy individuals. This years biggest trends are techno greys, moody purples and blues, exotic reds and eco greens, buttery yellows and vacation inspired blues.
Greys
The new beige. We've had lots of Hog Bristol and Antique White USA for the last 10 years. Now the silvery greys are being used more and more as a neutral wall colour. Dulux's Lexicon is now a new look for an off white with a subtle grey undertone. Techno colours like Simone Weil and Temple would add a fun contrast on a feature wall.
Purples
One of the most exciting colour trends of 2010 are the purples featured in Dulux's stunning collection, creatively named expressionism. From soft lavenders to dusty mauves and deep smoky Amethyst. The purples are dream like and a great alternative for any space. Vibrant or hued, it is a colour so versatile that violets through to dark plums offer sophistication and glamour. "Enchantress" is a deep plum purple with an undertone of burgundy. Perfect for an entire room or feature wall, this colour is timeless and will only get better with age. Great for a little girls room is Duluxs Oriental Blush. Just a hint of feminine violet to spoil any little princess.
Reds
At Empire Red Interiors we believe red doesn't need to be in fashion to include in your home.This season Dulux has a group called Essential Home a feel-good palette. Uplifting oranges and rusty reds can give your room a warm, bright and inviting look. Deep berry colours like Raspberry Fool work well with the charcoals and silvers in fashion this season.
Greens
Grassy greens will liven up your space wit decorative neutrals. Resene's "Celery Green" is a favourite. A washed pale green that will add colour t your home without overpowering it. In contrast Olive, a rich natural green is strong, fun and playful and perfect for creating atmosphere in a casual space where relaxation is important.
Yellows
The warmest of yellows are fantastic colours to brighten up your home and use colour that still compliments any neutrals, whether that be in paint or furniture and accessories. "Corn kernel" by Dulux, a buttery yellow would be perfect alongside Custard Puff by Dulux, a creamy yellowy neutral that if used as a highlight could add warmth without an abundance of colour and depth. Yellow tones are a great way to add warmth to any environment, although yellows that are too harsh or electric should be avoided at any cost. They can be awkward colours and difficult to make your own. The buttery yellows add a warm contrast to the violets, mauves and charcoals.
Blues
When it comes to the more nautically themed colour compositions, vibrant blues are removed and washed away along with the colours of the last decade. Soft hues replace the strong and overpowering blues, which are diluted and have a more natural and 'eco' feel with a calming lagoon inspired feel. With keeping the walls more hued than coloured, it enables for strong pieces in the surrounding space and gives a fresher and cleaner look to your living space. Resene's Glacier, Reservoir and Patriot, all shades that are wearable and eye popping, a large contrast from usual hues that are overpowered by more solid and bold colours.
2010 is shaping up to be a season like no other. A decade that differs from the rest. With more influences then ever, we are faced with the hardest decision of all. What colour? What texture? What sheen? We could stress ourselves out with the never ending list of choices available at our fingertips, but lets take a step back, appreciate the colour and appreciate now. Live in the moment. Live in 2010, that's what the new collections by Resene, Porters Paints and Dulux are teaching us. Colour is beautiful and will help you make a fresh start to your 2010.
http://www.dulux.com.au/colour/colour-forecast/ethical-conversion