According to CIL Paints, the hottest colour of the coming year is a blushy, lively, juicy red. It’s a colour that can mean many things to many people, says Alison Goldman, Marketing Communications Manager for CIL Paints, citing CIL’s Tea Dance (10YR 21/436) as the brand’s 2012 colour of the year.
“Red is held in high regard around the world,” notes Goldman, explaining that in China red means good fortune, in India it signifies marital bliss and in many Western cultures, it’s the colour of passion, power and festivity. “Because it can mean so many things to so many people, red is a colour that reminds us to open our minds to new ideas waiting to be discovered,” she adds.
This year’s red is like a chameleon, says Goldman. Depending on what it pairs with, it can be reassuring or edgy, soft or bright, warm or cool. Toned down from the fiery red of 2011, it is a deep, warm blush of pinkish, tropical red with a subtle hint of peach that makes it more versatile than before. CIL recommends using a touch of blush “to change the game” when it comes to home décor by applying red to offset other colours, brighten the mood or add a sense of depth in a room.
Daring to be different is a dominant theme for the entire 2012 palette, adds Goldman. Highlighted by hushed pastels, chic neutrals and edgy brights, this year’s colour forecast is about embracing possibilities, with each colour family featuring full bodied hues that offer character and meaning. For example:
Oranges: This is the year orange comes of age, maturing from pumpkin and citrus tones to a rustier hue that adds weight and a more masculine touch. The mix of oranges from the 2012 palette blend hot and cool together, and partner well with deep browns, tans and coppers. Earthy, industrial and hypnotic, CIL’s orange pick for 2012 is Cinnabar (50YR 32/460).
Yellows: Stepping away from its traditional sunny role, the yellow colour family is all about sparking interesting combinations in the year ahead. Featuring ochre, mustard and creamy tones – highlighted by CIL’s Golden Ember (30YY 36/572) – this year’s yellows offer a diverse palette of spicy, tan and edgy hues that have depth and strength, ideal for partnering with oranges and neutrals.
Greens: Calming forest tones, warming olives and tender spring greens, like CIL’s Calypso Green (10GY 21/375), are replacing the bolder, brighter greens of last year. Inspired by nature, this year’s green palette has a distinctive yellow undertone, reminding us of leaves, grasses and – in some instances – even man-made flora. For a more modern feel, combine grassy green with silvery neutrals and pastel blues.
Blues: Last year’s teal is diving even deeper into the ocean for 2012, taking on a more mysterious tone that conjures up images of inky night skies. Continuing its green streak, blue remains strong and deep – such as CIL’s Lakemont Blue (10BG 11/257)- for a personal, classical look that goes well with rusty browns, pale designer greys and industrial yellow.
Violets: This year’s deep, enigmatic violet is reminiscent of last year but with a hint of slate, such as CIL’s Purple Haze (50RB 09/156). Violet and purple tones for 2012 work well on accent walls, evoking images of forest fruit, stormy skies or the quiet, shady corners of nature.
Neutrals: Rounding out the 2012 colour palette are warmer neutrals such as CIL’s Silver Quill (30GG 61/010), which are lighter than last year’s popular oyster shell taupes. Cool, modest neutrals like CIL’s Sandringham (20YY 59/111), with a hint of green and downy softness, will also be in style.
“The 2012 colour palette is all about possibilities,” says Goldman. “The more people get comfortable in their own skin, the more confidence they have to experiment with colour, and the diverse and flexible palette of the coming year is the perfect place to start.”