Now is the time to give your home a fresh new look with the colours and trends the experts love, saysJenny Oldaker
Outside, the natural world is waking from its winter slumber and signs of life are starting to appear.
It’s such a joyful feeling, it’s little wonder that the colours of nature are finding their way into our homes, with many paint experts predicting these shades will continue in their appeal. ‘Bringing nature inside is really important,’ says Patrick Folkes, founder of Graphenstone UK. ‘And nature is always an inspiration for us. New blue shade Serpentine is an ode to the trend for wild swimming; it works with Chateaux and Sienna beautifully – natural colours of the earth that are also bright and uplifting.’
Tash Bradley, colour psychologist and director of interior design at Lick, is another fan of nature as inspiration for our homes: ‘Nature is – and will continue to be – a powerful source of healing and stability in times of uncertainty. The way we’ve decorated our homes in recent years reflects this: we’ve been embracing natural colour palettes that encourage us to slow down and reconnect with the natural world.’ She cites Lick’s Green 14 as a restful yet rejuvenating shade to bring a new lease of life into any room.
The desire to create a soothing space is high on the agenda for many of us, and gentle pastels are just the thing for introducing calm. ‘Soft shades of pink, blue or green, such as Setting Plaster, Kittiwake and Breakfast Room Green, create a humble beauty in the home, making rooms feel soft-edged and accessible,’ explains Farrow & Ball’s creative director, Charlotte Cosby. ‘These colours create a dreamy environment with a calming effect, and are ideal for any room that requires a feeling of serenity, such as bedrooms, and spaces you use to end a busy day, such as the living room.’
If you’re looking to update using neutral shades, there’s a new tint in town. ‘Grey-based neutrals are being swapped for warmer, yellow-based neutrals,’ suggests Tash. ‘They pair beautifully with fresh, vibrant colours, creating a sense of balance and harmony.’
