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.
This year's Trend Showcase at the Canadian Furniture Show, held at the International Centre from May 24th to the 26th, highlighted some of the hottest trends in the retail industry in 2019.
HanStone Canada has revealed a trio of new colours and an exclusive Riverwashed finish that combine sophisticated style and remarkable design with the natural beauty of nature’s offerings.
There are a lot of factors that go into how you design your home. Your furniture has to be practical, comfortable, appropriate for the space it's in, and most importantly, attractive.
Suzanne Brown and Associates of Toronto, supplier of fine wallcoverings, fabrics, trim and hardware to the design trade, has some exciting new offerings – the Scandinavian Collection.
This year's gala event celebrates Ontario's best and adds a new creative category to the mix. Designing an award-winning kitchen or bathroom is much more challenging than making the space look pretty.
Riobel has launched an all-new collection of five kitchen faucets available in four finishes (chrome, black or brushed gold and stainless steel) for 2019. These ultramodern faucets are equipped with the new Boomerang pull-down spray system.
For four decades, we’ve built a reputation as a leader in premium and luxury space-management, delivering truly custom products and unparalleled service.
Decor-Rest Furniture Ltd., a leading Canadian manufacturer of fine upholstery, since 1972. We take pride in making furniture that will last for generations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Since 1873, Kohler Co. has been improving the level of gracious living by providing exceptional products and services for our customers’ homes and their lifestyles.
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.
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.
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.
At TA Appliances we are dedicated to ensure the very best shopping experience for our customers, even those with the most discriminating tastes. We do this by providing outstanding customer service, quality, selection and value. We strive to be the preferred appliance and barbecue destination in all markets we serve.
At LATITUDE, we give you peace of mind. We provide quotes promptly and we offer an 8 - 10 business day turnaround from template to fabrication on residential projects.
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.
Thin Tile specializes in full service solutions for commercial and residential thin gauged porcelain slab projects in and around the Greater Toronto Area.
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.
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.
Canadian Appliance Source has become the fastest growing provider of Major Home Appliances in Canada for over 10 years, we have grown to include over 13 locations across Ontario & Quebec.
Alendel is a premier source for quality, decorative fabrics, linings, drapery hardware, wall coverings, and now classic trim. Our growing product lines are internationally sourced and are recognized for being on trend, competitively priced and in stock.
ARD Outdoor is a retail & trade furniture division of the family owned and operated wholesaler Cana-Foam Products, manufacturing in Toronto since 1964. ARD Outdoor provides design professionals a source for quality outdoor furniture featuring innovative design and unique materials.
Using our exclusive brand of weather-adjustable paint formulations and spray equipment, Spray-Net transforms aluminum & vinyl siding, hardie-board, stucco, brick as well as doors and windows for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
