There’s safety in colours. That’s the message of PPG The Voice Of Colour program by the PPG Paints brand in unveiling its top paint picks for 2016 – a collection of 22 rich, nurturing hues intended to help create a refuge in the home.
From sturdy darks such as metal grey and burgundy, to earthen mid-tones such as olive brown and indigo blue, to matted taupes and soft grey-whites, the colours for the year ahead emit a sense of serenity and security, whether painted on one wall or all four, said Valerie Jager, channel marketing manager for PPG Architectural Coatings. Likening the 2016 paint palette to “a big, warm hug after a long day,” Jager explained that “these colours are like a silent guard, emanating strength and protection in the midst of uncertain times.”
Taking the top spot as the PPG Paints brand Colour of the Year is a soft, muted green called Paradise Found. With an earthy edge, it hints at nature while emitting a sturdy, shielding feel, echoing the popular urban militia-inspired look that is showing up on fashion runways, Jager said. Pairing well with muffled plum and armour grey, the new green works particularly well in a family room, living area or bedroom, she added.
“We will be seeing these warm, saturated colours across the board when it comes to consumer goods, and home decor is no exception,” Jager said, explaining that their popularity is a direct result of the complex state of the world as well as increasing counterculture acceptance. “Amid growing threats to global, national and cyber security, these military-inspired colours are a reflection of what is on people’s collective minds,” she said, adding that the palette visually provides reassurance, hope and an injection of strength. “When it comes to getting away from it all and taking sanctuary, everyone can agree that there’s no place like home.”
CIL forecasts warmth
Echoing similar sentiments, CIL Paint predicts Canadian interiors will bask in warmth and tranquility in 2016, reflected in their paint colours for the year ahead. Think brown-hued neutrals, beachy driftwood tones, natural brights, cloudy transluscents and soft pastels. These are warm, down-to-earth colours that promote a sense of serenity, according to Alison Goldman, brand manager for CIL paint, another brand of PPG Architectural Coatings.
“We’re seeing a move away from the saturated greys, blacks and acidic brights that were popular the last few years,” Goldman explained. “The warmer 2016 tones deliver a more modern and livable colour scheme that translates beautifully into any living space.”
Chemise Pink is the CIL paint Colour of the Year. “Soft blush pink will be incorporated in all elements of home decor in 2016, from walls to furnishings to accessories,” she said, adding that the new pink works particularly well with soft green, pale brown, chalky grey and slate. “There’s a relaxing vibe to this palette, which coordinates with all things delicate and soft, such as buttery leather and liquid-like glossy finishes.”
