According to a country-wide survey conducted by CIL paint, Canadians prefer neutral colours for home decor. However, residents of some provinces are more daring with colour than those of other provinces.
The survey, which polled more than 1,500 consumers across the country, found that 51 per cent of Canadians equate white, grey and beige with a beautiful and livable colour palette for the home, while 36 per cent think pastel colours such as yellow, blue or green are the better choice. Only 13 per cent of respondents put rich colours such as red, black or purple in this category.
“Interestingly, more residents of the Atlantic provinces chose pastels over neutrals (47 per cent compared to 43 per cent) as the most beautiful and livable choice, while Ontarians had a closer split than the rest of the country, with 47 per cent in favour of neutrals and 40 per cent preferring pastels,” said Alison Goldman, brand manager for CIL paint, a brand of PPG.
Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta had the highest number of respondents nationally (14 to 15 per cent) citing rich colours such as red, black or purple as most beautiful and livable. At the same time, Manitobans overall appear to be the most cautious when it comes to painting with bold colours, with 75 per cent of the province’s respondents equating neutrals with an attractive, easy-to-live-with decor, Goldman said.
“It’s no secret that in spite of more saturated colours trending in home decor, people still prefer to play it safe with neutrals,” she explained. “What was most eye-opening about this study, however, is the growth in acceptance of pastel tones as a beautiful choice for home decor.”
While neutrals and pastels are less dramatic than their more colourful counterparts, they need not be perceived as boring, Goldman emphasized. To spruce up light-coloured walls, she suggested painting darker or lighter versions of the main wall colour on baseboards, trim, windowsills, ceilings and doors. As well, using two or three different neutral or soft pastel colours in a room can give it a warm, refreshing lift, she said.