Inspired by Brave Ground - Colour of the Year 2021 - four new ColourFutures palettes aim to bring a much needed sense of connection and wellbeing to commercial and public buildings
The events of the past year have transformed the way we think about the built environment and the look, feel and function of commercial and public buildings.
One aspect of this is the role that expert colour use can play as the ways we live, work and socialise change.
Dulux ColourFutures palettes are selected every year to support professionals breathing life into commercial and public buildings.
This year an expert panel of colour designers, trend forecasters, design specialists, architects and editors from around the world came together to identify an overarching theme, mood or feeling that the world shares. They agreed that the mood of the moment is to have courage.
That mood inspired the choice of Brave Ground as Colour Of The Year 2021 and it is the connecting thread across all four ColourFutures 2021 palettes.
It is a strong, elemental colour that speaks of generation, vitality, growth and potential, providing architects and designers with a neutral canvas that allows the ColourFutures palettes - Earth, Trust, Timeless and Expressive - to shine.
They complement the warm and neutral shade of Brave Ground, providing inspiration for professionals to create colour schemes for different spaces within a range of commercial and public buildings.
Earth echoes the tones of the sea, the sky and the soil, offering a connection to the natural world. Bringing the outside in, they are authentic and grounding colours that work naturally together.
Trust features earth tones from across the globe. Warm neutral greys and browns complement each other and encourage connection, collaboration and a sense of harmony in spaces.
The inspiring yellows and ochres of the Timeless palette help create a backdrop that embraces old and new. Enlivening without being overpowering, they bring positivity and balance to a space.
Expressive allows professionals to create spaces that energise and surprise with stand-out shades of red and pink, balanced with soft neutrals.
'Clients are increasingly interested in the impact colour can have on wellbeing in the workplace,' says Helen Hampson-Smith, director and lead designer at Liverpool-based Smith Bros Design. 'As mental health continues to be a top priority for employers, I would expect to see the greens and blues of the Earth palette used in offices to create calming spaces where staff take time out to pause and reflect.'
As current events continue to reshape our relationship with the built environment, clients are demanding more of their interior spaces. 'We want to feel safe and secure in these environments,' says Lisa Pilley, Dulux Trade commercial colour services consultuant, 'as well as energised and inspired.'
With their grounding tones and surprising shades, the Dulux ColourFutures 2021 palettes can play a central role in achieving this.
To view all the colour palettes and download the ColourFutures 2021 specifier brochure, visit duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/colour-of-the-year-2021
Contact:
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