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.
Inspired by growing market demands for thicker natural stone products, Neolith 20mm (3/4") slabs were designed to feature the benefits of sintered stone with a new edge for design and architectural abilities.
This year's Trend Showcase at the Canadian Furniture Show, May 25th to 27th, 2018 boasted a multitude of trends that we will see sweeping the retail industry in 2018 and beyond.
Designers often find themselves buried in administrative work instead of doing what they love, designing beautiful spaces. Luuma makes it easy to plan, organize, and present Projects and Products to your clients, team and trades.
Creating a beautiful, well-curated backyard oasis, with lush gardens can be an exciting project. However, an outdoor space cannot be truly complete without proper lighting.
The highlight of the gala was, as it is every year, the unveiling of the Decorating & Design Competition winners. The competition receives entries for its 10 categories from DDA Canada's accredited and student members.
Robust construction finishes have become a popular choice for urban consumers, inspired by factories and lofts. Premium quartz manufacturer Caesarstone has seamlessly revived this industrial look, with its new innovative and organic Metropolitan Collection.
Decor-Rest Furniture Ltd., a leading Canadian manufacturer of fine upholstery, since 1972. We take pride in making furniture that will last for generations.
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.
Fisher & Paykel incorporates the world’s most innovative technologies and produce the most technically advanced, efficient and contemporary styled appliances. DCS created the first line of high end, commercial quality appliances and expanded to pioneer indoor and outdoor kitchen solutions for the at home chef. TRADE ONLY.
Since 1883, Benjamin Moore has been producing the highest quality paints and finishes in the industry. A superior paint experience with every product. Incomparable colour, flawless coverage, and lasting durability.
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.
Created by fusion of exceptional design, superior quartz quality and cutting-edge technology, HansStone Quartz weaves together intriguing patterns and colours inspired by the diverse Canadian landscape.
Ciot is Canada’s leading importer, distributor and retailer of specialties including granite, quartz, onyx, mosaic, limestone, slate, marble and porcelain tiles, imported plumbing products as well as maintenance products. Ciot Studio offers made-to-measure mosaics that are suitable for all your residential and commercial projects.
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!
Southport Outdoor Living is a Canadian retailer of quality-crafted outdoor furniture catering to the residential, trade and commercial markets. Southport has been dedicated to the outdoor furniture industry for many years and is a trusted source of customized luxury outdoor furniture, shade, grills, heating and decor.
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!
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.
Located in the heart of Toronto's design district, Designers Walk is Canada's leading Design Centre. Home to a multitude of leading Showrooms and spanning 5 buildings along Davenport and Bedford Rds., DW is home to Hollace Cluny, Ernestomeda Toronto, Primavera Interior Furnishings, Telio, Kravet/LeeJofa to name a few. Be sure to visit our Resource Centre, a gallery of unique product exhibits.
The Chesterfield Shop, family owned and operated since 1948, with five locations in Toronto, North York, Newmarket, Scarborough and Mississauga. Best selection in every contemporary seating category including sofas, sofa beds, sectionals, chairs, recliner sofas and home theatre, in-stock or special-order in leathers or fabrics and customize to fit all room types. Exceptional City-size seating.
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.
At Creekside Tile Company, tile and design are our passion. Creekside Tile focuses on unique tiles and we have an excellent reputation in customer service.
Bringing you impeccable attention to detail and quality as well as the most luxurious fabrics in the world such as Egyptian cotton, Bamboo, mircomodal and much more. Find everything for your bedroom and bathroom at David’s Fine Linens. New Location opening in Spring of 2018, Centro Square, 7777 Weston Road, Woodbridge Ontario, L4L 1A6.
We at Borgo define excellence in fixing seating as enhancing the customer and user experience in every possible way. This begins with innovations in safety and comfort which lead to helping our customers create a space that strengthens the benefits for users. Our experience in fixed seating, in areas such as responsive customizing, Italian design and Canadian ingenuity, lends itself to our many offerings in corporate, hospitality and healthcare.
Alendel Fabrics has been a premier source for quality fabrics, linings and drapery hardware since 1981. Our growing product lines are internationally sourced and are recognized for being on trend, competitively priced and in stock. We service the residential, manufacturing, contract and hospitality markets across Canada.
At Prestige Granite Design we strive to offer our clients full service from the beginning to the end of their project. To our clients we are a one stop shop. We Supply, Measure, Fabricate, order and Install the finished product. We are a hands on company that is determined to provide the best possible service to all our clients.
Largest selection of stone and ceramic tiles to suit any design from ultra modern to country. Specialties including quartz, onyx, mosaic, limestone, slate, granite, marble and porcelain tiles as well as maintenance products. We also offer made-to-measure mosaics that are suitable for all your residential and commercial projects.
Atlantis Bath Centre is committed to providing clients with exceptional service and quality plumbing products that reflect their personality and lifestyle. Channeling the latest design trends and the desires of the client, Atlantis is the one-stop-shop for every kitchen and bathroom project. Visit one of our locations and experience the Atlantis difference.
Furniture Toronto hosts the largest online modern & contemporary furniture collection in Canada. Hundreds of dining rooms, living room and bedrooms available in our showroom. Open 7 days a week. Trade Discounts. Free delivery in the Greater Toronto Area.
