Dulux Trade inspires professionals to discover the positive with its colour trend predictions for 2015

Discovering the positive in the everyday will inspire colour and design in 2015, bringing with it a warmer spectrum of shades, according to the experts at Dulux Trade. Reflecting global trends, finding the positive is the design theme which features in the manufacturer's annual ColourFutures™ guide which outlines colour predictions for the year ahead.

ColourFutures™ 2015 is based upon research conducted by experts from around the globe and produced in conjunction with AkzoNobel's aesthetics centre, a unique colour and trend forecasting facility.

The overarching theme of discovering the positive focuses on 'Everyday and Finding the Wonderful in the Normal', whether that is through exploring under-utilised spaces, in our relationships with each other or in the environment around us. As such, Copper Blush (50YR36/263) – a versatile, warm copper colour with an orange tone – has been named as Colour of the Year for 2015.

The ColourFutures™ guide focuses on five main trends that encapsulate the main influence of 'Everyday and Finding the Wonderful in the Normal'. The key trends are:

Layer + Layer: everyday life is never simple, instead it is made up of layers. Grouping this palette of dusty pastels in clusters and using them in marbling techniques allows spaces to be presented in more interesting ways

Big Nature + Small Me: this concept is influenced by the vast outdoors and creating warm spaces using natural and strong hues. The colours of this palette includes rich earth tones such as sepia, ochre, sienna and baked clay – mimicking the complex colour effects of natural landscapes

Him + Her: this trend embraces the differences of gender. Inspired by both intellectual and outdoor hobbies, this palette mixes typically masculine and feminine tones to accentuate and celebrate the differences of men and women

+Unseen Spaces: negative spaces will be a thing of the past with this trend as it aims to bring vitality to dull and overlooked areas. A neutral mix of blues, khaki and pink combined with trompe l'oeil draws positive attention to those previously un-inspiring spaces

Friendly Barter+:reflecting a new social economy of community trade and the sharing of resources. This theme sees new combinations using large blocks of colour to add substantial power to a design. This palette includes berry toned pinks that can either be used to soften vibrant lime and orange, or perhaps add a richness to ochre, rich brown, and warm grey

ColourFutures™ has been created by to provide ideas, inspiration and insight for architectural and design professionals. To find out more about the 2015 book, please visit www.colourfutures.com