Colour is light, travelling to us in waves. When light strikes any object, the object will absorb only the wavelengths that exactly match its own atomic structure and reflect the rest — which is what we see. As such, colour is inescapable.
Science has always recognized the link between colour and human behaviour and there are numerous studies that detail the subject, but many are inconclusive. It is important to understand that there is a great difference between colour psychology and colour symbolism. As well, cultural differences can effect how people determine their reactions to colour.
There are positive and negative associations with all colours. The slightest changes in tone and hue can greatly determine how colour is perceived. For example, gray can be neutral and calming, but also depressing. White can represent purity and cleanliness, but also sterility and coldness. Red can be seen as aggressive, but warm.
For 2018, colour trends from premier paint companies are inspired by nature, modernism and metallic sheens.
Beauti-Tone “Green Peace”
Beauti-Tone has chosen Green Peace as their colour of the year. A colour strongly rooted in nature, Green Peace is an interesting blend of an earthy camouflage green and a soft botanical green.
“As humans, we crave nature. It is there that we slow down, feel connection — become stronger,” said Bev Bell, creative director, Beauti-Tone Paint and Home Products Division, Home Hardware Stores Limited. “Since we can’t always get outside, the solution is to bring aspects of nature into our home to improve our well-being, productivity and creativity.”
PPG Voice of Colour “Black Flame”
PPG unveiled Black Flame as their 2018 choice.
“It acts like a black curtain, allowing your other decor elements to take centre stage,” said Dee Schlotter, PPG senior colour marketing manager. “It’s a fantastic blend of black and indigo, two classic hues. Black creates the silence we crave in an information-heavy world, while the indigo offers possibility and a deep hopefulness. The blend of two colours makes it incredibly versatile — use it on a statement wall, with a matte finish on a ceiling, with high gloss on a naturally-lit staircase, on cabinets, interior and exterior doors and in many more places. The versatile hue can also provide strength and a modern luxe vibe to spaces with a lot of whites, blush pinks and soft pastels.”
According to the colour experts at Pantone, intense colours are back and there are eight palettes that will inspire 2018.
VERDURE: Vegetal colours like celery are combined with berry-infused purples and eggshell blue, symbolic of health, in this palette.
PLAYFUL: Think Minions. Bright yellow, lime popsicle and all other things fun come together for this colour scheme. “People need to stop and smile,” said Pantone Colour Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman.
DISCRETION: Playful’s alter ego. Subtle hues such as elderberry and hawthorne rose offer a new sense of strength. “Pink has developed more power than ever before,” Eiseman said.
FAR-FETCHED: With warm, earthy hues such as corn silk yellow blending with rosy tones, this palette embraces many different cultures.
INTRICACY: A palette of neutral metallics (the new neutrals) with accents of dramatic holly berry red and yellow sulfur.
INTENSITY: This is an eclectic mix of colours that evokes a sense of strength, power and sophistication, all balanced with black and gold.
TECH-NIQUE: Bright turquoise, pink and purple colours anchored with brilliant white and frosted almond are a nod to technology.
Benjamin Moore “Caliente”
Benjamin Moore declared its Colour of the Year 2018 as Caliente, a vibrant, charismatic shade of red.
“Strong, radiant and full of energy, Caliente is total confidence. It is pleasing, passionate and makes people feel special, like ‘red carpet treatment,’ said Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore director of strategic design intelligence. “Whether used as one note or on four walls, the spirited personality of red turns heads, signalling surprise and adventure. The eye can’t help but follow its bold strokes.”
Sherwin Williams “Oceanside”
Sherwin Williams has focused on a relaxing shade of teal for their colour of the year. Oceanside is inspired by travel and the blue-green hue will add an air of mystery and elegance to any space.
“People today have a growing sense of adventure, and it is making its way into even the coziest corners of our homes. We are craving things that remind us of bright folklore, like mermaids and expeditions across continents,” said Sue Wadden, director of colour marketing. “Oceanside is the colour of wanderlust right in our own homes.”
For the past few years, whites and neutrals have ruled the world of paint colour. Behr isn’t one to follow the lead, which is why they named In the Moment as its first-ever Colour of the Year. In it, spruce blue, soft gray and lush green coalesce to evoke a sense of sanctuary and relaxation.
“In The Moment speaks to our society’s desire to disconnect and be present,” said Erika Woelfel, vice president of colour and creative services at Behr. “It crosses multiple design styles — global, coastal, modern — and pairs well with other subdued colours to create harmony for interiors or exteriors.”
SAMANTHA SANNELLA, BFA ID, M ARCH, is a designer, educator and principal at Urban Retreat Homes.
She is an expert in the field of design and construction and is a columnist for RENO & DECOR and editor of the Ontario Design Trade Sourcebook.
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We have the ability to create beautiful spaces, and any number of things can be a catalyst – a piece of fabric, art or furniture. Have you ever looked to flooring?
Every year we look forward with much anticipation to IDS to discover so many great new design products and ideas. Here are a few things to see and do….
Drift off into Dreamland at the Toronto Interior Design Show 2020 with Caesarstone Canada and its latest designer collaboration with none other than celebrated potter, designer and author Jonathan Adler.
Over the past 14 years Factory Tile Depot has become #1 for everything tile and stone. With 5 locations showcasing the latest and greatest trends in the tile industry, we have built the confidence of trade and retail clients alike. We are proud to offer well thought out showrooms, extensive selections of hard to find tile-stone, on site designers, and some of the best after care support in the industry. Experience the FTD difference on your next project.
Importers, wholesalers to the design trade including hospitality, healthcare, commercial and residential wallcoverings, fabrics, upholstery, drapery, trimmings, and drapery hardware. Custom capabilities for wallcovering, fabrics and hardware. Faux furs and leather also available.
Canada’s Biggest Paint & Decorating Supercentre! Benjamin Moore, Para, Pittsburgh Paints and more. Paint and Stain matching our specialty. Huge designer wallpaper and fabric library. Faux finishing products, including Venetian plaster, glazes, waxes and milk paints. NEW, we now make custom coloured caulking and spray bombs to any colour in the universe.
Since 1978 Goemans has provided customers with the appliances necessary to create functional kitchens. Now, working with designers we can do more than just create a functional kitchen; together we can help turn customers’ dream kitchens into reality.
Blum is the leader in functional hardware providing solutions for hinge and lift systems as well as interior organization products for every room in the home. Blum’s focus is on functionality and offers products that will last the life of your furniture. TRADE ONLY.
Crystal chandeliers, sconces, mirrors, accent furniture and accessories. Visit our 4,000 sq.ft showroom where we are proud to offer the most knowledgeable and courteous staff in the business. Crystal Design and Decor offers quality and value at reasonable prices while providing individualized attention and customer service. Customization also available to suit requirements and design preference.
An award-winning creative studio and architectural visualization firm specializing in photorealistic 3D renderings, animations, virtual reality, scale models, interactive content for residential real estate, commercial real estate and film/television.
Allan Rug Co. has been serving the GTA builders, designers, architects and the public for over 50 years. Supplying a full range of commercial and residential carpeting in a wide range of colours and styles from leading manufacturers.
BSH is the world’s second largest major appliance manufacturer, distributing Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau brands across Canada. Designers and clients can schedule visits and live cooking demos at the Toronto showroom. We also host designer lunch and learns.
We are proud to showcase a complete line of home furnishings and accessories to define your style and transform your space. From contemporary and industrial to mid-century modern and rustic, we shop the world for quality pieces to fit your vision.
Up-market Showroom specializing in unique wall and floor coverings for both residential and commercial applications. Exclusive, distinguished designs include the Intarsi Collection from Italy; Henzel Carpets from Finland and Jamie Beckwith from the United States. Open to the Public and the Trade.
Bring sophistication, functionality and handcrafted quality to your home! Stone Edge specializes in the design and production of natural stone kitchen countertops, vanities, fireplace surrounds and tub and shower surrounds. Granite, Marble and Quartz resonate the character of your home, and add that finishing touch that will last a lifetime.
The GTA’s finest custom closets. door products, and glass partitions manufactured in our Mississauga factory for the entire Toronto market. Environmentally friendly products include closets Murphy wall beds, home office cabinets, glass door and wood and glass partitions for homes, offices, condos, and lofts. Includes interior sliding doors and closet doors graphic glass doors.
We showcase a wide selection of hand-crafted ceramic, encaustic concrete and eco-friendy glass tiles, natural stone and glass mosaics as well as hand-painted terra cotta.
A Canadian company that distributes unique, handcrafted and worldwide appreciated manufacturers and designers located in Italy and other parts of Europe.
We are one of the leading engineered stone manufacturers in the world offering over 60 unique and innovative colours and designs. Our products are widely used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall panelling and flooring.
Remodeling and renovating products for bathrooms and kitchens including custom vanities and kitchen cabinets, countertops, bathtubs, custom shower glass doors, faucets and shower bases.
As a cooperative with 1,000 stores worldwide, we not only have enormous buying power, but we have partners in all of the major brands, mills and manufacturers.
Metrie offers interior finishing solutions including mouldings and interior door collections to help professionals transform spaces and set the stage for every room to tell a story. Founded in 1926, our dedication to creating high-quality, finely crafted architectural elements has helped us grow to become the largest supplier and manufacturer of solid wood and composite mouldings in North America.
We sell, install, repair and clean all types of shades and blinds. Hunter Douglas, Shade-O-Matic, Elite dealers. Untrasonic cleaning is safe, fast and simple. Blinds will look like new and work better. We also carry wood and Polysatin Shutters.
