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.
While the best design schools is a relative term, depending on personal goals, there are five entries that will satisfy even the most demanding students regardless of their skills.
To be done properly, aging-in-place modifications require collaboration among all parties, and contractors will have to be able to manage the various needs and requests, while providing homeowners with viable and cost-effective options.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wholesaler of decorative drapery hardware to the Canadian market since 1949. Workroom supplies, wood poles, decorative traverse rods, wrought iron, trimmings and much more in stock. TRADE ONLY.
Shop at Tasco for the finest in home and kitchen appliances and experience the Tasco difference. At Tasco, our knowledgeable appliance specialists are the hallmarks of our success; offering helpful advice, professional delivery and installation services for your new home and renovations alike. For all you need to know, ask a Pro at Tasco!
At Marble Trend we take your project to the next level. No job is too large or too small. We pride ourselves in our expertise on products including first quality stone, porcelain, glass, Neolith® Sintered Stone and ribbon glass, as well as our custom work, specialty products and exclusive lines.
Cosentino is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone® Quartz surfaces and Dekton® Ultracompact surfaces. Technologically advanced surfaces that create unique designs for the home and public spaces.
TORLYS Inc. is a global flooring company that specializes in beautiful, environmentally friendly flooring. With three key brands in the TORLYS portfolio, TORLYS is a one stop shop for all flooring needs.
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.
Thin Tile specializes in full service solutions for commercial and residential thin gauged porcelain slab projects in and around the Greater Toronto Area.
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.
Sourcing the latest trends in ceramic, porcelain, glass and natural stone tile as well as natural stone slabs from throughout the world to remain at the forefront of innovation and style. Branches throughout Canada and U.S affiliate companies.
Van Gogh Designs is a Canadian upholstered furniture manufacturer providing custom, made-to-order products for the retail, design and hospitality industries. We offer a wide range of sofas sectionals, chairs and beds in hundreds of designer fabrics. TRADE ONLY.
Catering to both the very discerning clientele and to the avid collector looking for a functional and reasonable approach for their long term wine storage.
Custom window covering products made in Canada for commercial, residental and automated shading applications. Dealer distribution across Canada – contact us to become a dealer. TRADE ONLY.
At Riobel we design, create and assemble faucets, shower systems and accessories in our Canadian facility located in St-Jérôme, a suburb of Montréal. Our modern and fashionable products are designed to fit all kitchens or bathrooms. They are easy to install, while mechanical parts are accessible from above the counter to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Riobel: a benchmark of excellence since 1995!
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.
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.
TIDC is a one-stop design centre; an amalgamation of permanent interior design showrooms for trade-only interior design professionals, manufacturers, buyers and dealers.
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.
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.
