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.
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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.
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!
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.
Beauti-Tone paint is a proud Canadian company, available exclusive to Home Hardware stores across Canada. We manufacture a full range of exceptional high quality products with outstanding value. An extensive colour offering, including exclusive collections from Style at Home, Chatelaine, Simon Chang and Sesame Street. That’s why we are Canada’s paint experts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Masco Canada Ltd. is the Canadian plumbing division of MASCO Corporation and represents brands including Delta, Brizo, Hansgrohe, Axor, BrassCraft, Master Plumber, and Waltec. MASCO Canada Limited is dedicated to complete customer satisfaction and responsiveness to the unique Canadian marketplace.
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.
Centurian Window Fashions brings together an exclusive selection of custom shutters, blinds and drapes in a wide range of colour choices. Our showroom provides an extensive selection so you can pick the perfect decor fit for your home. Our one stop shop location is made so you don’t have to go shopping around for different brands at different places.
We are a lighting boutique serving the GTA for 50 years. Lighting homes, cottages and businesses with fixtures, potlights, undercounter lighting to lamps and designer switches we have it all.
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.
Inventor of the air jet bath and industry leader for 40 years, BainUltra® thrives on manufacturing high quality products and offering exceptional customer service. Innovation is at the heart of BainUltra’s therapeutic concepts and product design. It’s mission - to transform the bathroom from the ordinary to the inspired.
We manufacture, on premises, the finest and most complete range of wood mouldings, pre-hung and classic doors and have affiliate companies that manufacture roof trusses, stairs and windows.
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.
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.
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.
Rolltec® awnings is the leading Canadian manufacturer of upscale retractable awnings. Since our startup in 1984, Toronto based Rolltec® has proven to be an industry leader in motorized canvas awnings by providing the highest caliber in both quality of products and customer service.
With over 90 years of experience, BLANCO is the leading kitchen sinks and faucets manufacturer. From handcrafted in Germany Steelart® sinks and the beauty of Silgranit®, to the European design faucets, BLANCO products are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched quality and design. Blanco Silgranit® sinks are proudly manufactured in Canada TRADE ONLY.
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.
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.
Combined with our knowledge and a large variety of luxury bathroom and kitchen fixtures, Aquavato is the all-encompassing studio where you can seek inspiration for your dream kitchen and bath.
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.
Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd. is dedicated to improving the lives of consumers through the use of advanced technology. With a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design, Sharp consumer electronics and appliances enhance enjoyment, while adding to comfort.
