Revealing our Colour of the Year

Revealing our Colour of the Year

Every year, AkzoNobel bring together a panel of international experts to develop ColourFutures, the brand's industry-acclaimed trend analysis and forecast.

As part of ColourFutures, Dulux Trade's 2018 Colour of the Year has been announced, and Heart Wood is expected to be one of the most popular choices during 2018.

Heart Wood is warm and neutral with a hint of heather, and is inspired by the current trend for warmer red, violet and pinkish woods. These materials are being used in all kinds of interior decorating and architecture and the warmth of wood creates a welcoming environment, reflecting the comfort that is needed in these uncertain times.

The Colour of the Year palette reflects the importance of cosy wooden tones. Its versatility gives specifiers the freedom to balance softer shades such as cocoa with bolder tones such as ink blue and purple. These combinations create a calming backdrop, transforming any space into an environment of comfort and restfulness.

Colour of the Year is perfect for commercial projects

Due to its gentle and delicate character, this year's colour palette is perfectly suited to both commercial and domestic projects. It channels the current commercial interest in the colour pink and the Heart Wood palette works marvellously as a subtle background décor. It also plays well with popular modern design details such as walnut, brushed brass, marble and matt-black surfaces.

For office buildings, the warm nature of this palette creates a welcoming setting. As society's boundaries between work and home gradually fade, it presents employees with a pleasant workspace, which plays an important part in job satisfaction and productivity.

Rebecca Williamson, Senior Colour and Design Expert, said: "Dulux Trade's Colour of the Year for 2018, Heart Wood, is incredibly versatile, and connects beautifully with the accompanying trend palettes for the year ahead.

"Providing the comfort and reassurance we're all seeking, it's the perfect antidote to the mood of the moment - channeling a real sense of calm and warmth during such times of uncertainty. We can't wait to see spaces across the globe transformed into true sanctuaries."