Every year as trend forecasting is at its peak, colour predictions share a path for designers, creators and enthusiasts to play with. Colour and paint companies take the lead in these predictions—the most renowned is the Pantone colour of the year. For 2024, the global colour authority, Pantone, predicted Peach Fuzz as the colour of the year. “A cosy peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange, Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute in the official release.
Similarly, India’s leading and Asia’s second-largest paint company, Asian Paints also released their ColourNext Colour and Material Intelligence forecast. The Colour of the Year for 2024 is Terra, which has been chosen for its rich primal tones that bear a strong sense of grounding and belonging.
The four accompanying forecast design directions for 2024 are Soil, Into the Deep, Indo Futurism and Goblin Mode. While Nippon Paints launched its Color Vision Book for 2024-2025 which showcased 12 key archetypes that include four core ones:
1. Heal, it reflects the need for comfort with shades like Sunken Forest, Cloud Grass, Diver’s Paradise and Circus Top.
2. Bloomers, where a desire to express through creativity shines with shades like Leap of Faith, Shocking Yellow, Be My Valentine, Knockout Red.
3. Hive is the need to cohabitate and bond with shades like Orange Soda, Electricity, Young Violet and Caribbean Coast
4. Soulcore, which is an inquiry into oneself with shades like Marry Go Round, Sea of Coral, Patchwark, and Darkest Hour.
These colour predictions though baffling can be a great jumping-off point for incorporating trendy hues into your home decor. We spoke to interior designers to share how they use these colours as a stepping stone to create luxe spaces. “This trend helps us in visualizing spaces at the concept stage itself, as colour plays a vital role in the way a space is experienced and enjoyed. With colour in mind while designing a space, we put together other finishes and the material palette,” said Minnie Bhatt Founder & Design Director at Minnie Bhatt Design.
As an enthusiast who sees these colours take over social platforms and multimedia it can be daunting to incorporate them in your home. However, here are a few pointers Swati Gupta, Founder and Principal Designer at Bluedot Designs shares to ensure successful implementation and cohesive design:
Consider the Space and its Purpose: Before incorporating colour predictions into a design, consider the function and atmosphere you want to create within the space. Different colours evoke different emotions and moods, so it’s crucial to select hues that align with the intended purpose of the room. For example, calming blues and greens might be suitable for a bedroom or relaxation area, while vibrant yellows or oranges could be more appropriate for an energetic workspace or play room.Balance Trendiness with Timelessness: While it’s tempting to follow colour predictions closely to stay on-trend, it’s essential to strike a balance between incorporating trending colours and selecting hues that will stand the test of time. Opt for a neutral base or classic colours for larger, more permanent elements like walls and furniture, and use trendier colours for accents or accessories that can be easily updated as trends evolve.
Consider Personal Preferences and Style: While colour predictions offer valuable insights into emerging trends, it’s essential to consider personal preferences and individual style when selecting colours for a space. Ultimately, the goal is to create a space that feels comfortable and reflects the personality of the occupants. Don’t be afraid to deviate from predictions if they don’t align with your taste or the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. Trust your instincts and use colour predictions as a guide rather than a strict rulebook.
Designers innovate by integrating projected colour trends into décor, crafting stylish and distinctive interiors. Unexpected colour pairings, like deep blue with mustard yellow, add flair. “Designers use predicted colour palettes to create custom gradient effects that add depth and dimension to walls, turning them into focal points within a room,” adds Gupta. Statement ceilings painted in bold hues infuse drama, making spaces memorable. Colour-blocking enlivens furniture with contrasting sections. Unexpected accents, like colourful lighting fixtures, inject personality. Custom artwork inspired by projected colours creates statement focal points. Vibrant tile patterns in kitchens and bathrooms offer whimsy. Textiles, such as curtains and rugs, echo projected colours, enhancing the overall design.
“Balance is key when playing with colours. It’s important to ensure the various colours and textures in space do not clash with each other. A balance between muted shades and stronger colours can be achieved by visualising the key design elements together,” concludes Bhatt.
