Wrapping up Colour of the Year for 2017

Karen Haller 01
Karen Haller

Wrapping up colour of the year 2017_Karen Haller

Have you noticed more and more companies are bringing out their colour trend predictions for the year ahead? And 2017 is no exception. Here is a round up of the four major paint and colour management companies with what they believe will be the Colour of the Year for 2017.

Let’s look at each one of these in turn and then I’ll wrap up what these mean from a psychological perspective.

So first up is Dulux UK. They are typically the first one out of the gate so to speak having announced their colour of the year as early as September 2016. Being part of their Colour Futures panel discussion at the launch I was able to get a sneak peek.

 Dulux Colour of the Year – Denim Drift

Heleen van Gent Creative Director Dulux’s Global Aesthetics Center commented “Our review of international architecture, fashion and design trends revealed that blue is the colour of the moment.” Dulux believe this hue is “truly adaptable, fitting into all life and interior styles, making it the perfect choice for reflecting our new perspective for 2017.”

Dulux Colour of the Year - Demin drift interior

Dulux Colour of the Year 2017 | Denim Drift

 

Dulux Trade Colour Futures panelist_Karen Haller_Oliver Heath

Dulux Trade Colour Futures panelists | 2017

The Dulux Trade Colour Futures panelists where we discussed the future of colour & design. This photo was taken after we had finished our panel discussion, relaxing in the ‘New Romanticism’ trend room which I personally loved. Back row from left to right – Ian Hogarth, architect, Oliver Heath, sustainable architect & interior design, Karen Haller – applied colour psychology/human centred design. Front row sitting left – David Khon, architect and right Heleen van Gent – Creative Director, AkzoNobel Global Aesthetics Centre.

If you would like to read up more about Denim Drift, you can find it here.

Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year – Shadow

Next up is Shadow by US paint company Benjamin Moore. Ellen O’Neill, Creative Director describes this hue “It ebbs and flows with its surroundings, and light brings it to life. Rich, royal amethyst can fade into the soft lilac-grey of distant mountains or morph into lustrous coal. Indulge your mysterious side. Let Shadow set the mood.”

Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year - Shadow interior

Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year | Shadow

If you want to read more about t more about Benjamin Moore’s Shadow, you can check it out here.

Sherwin-Williams Colour of the Year – Poised Taupe

Then we have US based Sherwin-Williams’ who commented the colour they “anticipate defining 2017 is Poised Taupe SW 6039…. this timeless neutral is modern, classic and a beautiful balance of warm and cool.”

Qué? both warm and cool…? Hmm I’d debate that, but that’s for another time…

Sherwin-Williams Colour of the Year - Poised Taupe interior

Sherwin-Williams Colour of the Year 2017 | Poised Taupe

And last to announce their colour was the global colour management company Pantone on December 8th. Having received an invitation to their launch which I love attending, unfortunately I wasn’t able to make it as I was in Australia. Two of my colour students attended so I didn’t have too wait long…

 Pantone Colour of the Year – Greenery

After all the other major trend forecasters predicating muted grey hues, in comes Pantone with a completely different view.

Pantone Colour of the Year - Greenery

Pantone Colour of the Year 2017 | Greenery

Leatrice Eiseman, Exec Director, Pantone Color Institute comments “Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.”

To find out more about Pantone’s Greenery, you can check it out here.

 

Psychology of Colour  – what does it all mean?

You can see the chromatic and tonal difference in an instant. How did Dulux, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams predict muted, greyed out tones and Pantone predicate the complete opposite…?

The energy of the tonal hues is a fairly accurate reflection of how we currently either view or how we wish to view our world, not just now but for the coming year.

Only time will tell which tonal hues the public embrace and feel connected with – will it be the muted, greyed out hues that offer safety and security during these turbulent social and economic times that so many of us are reaching for, or, the lively, rejuvenating energy that shows our optimistic spirit for a brighter future full of possibilities from Pantone’s Greenery?

Even though the chromatic dial of Pantone’s Greenery is turned up high, I know I’d rather live in a world full of hope and optimism, one of positive change.

Which colour will you embrace?

 

Check out my other Colour of the Year articles
Dulux Colour of the Year 2011 – Yellow
Dulux Colour of the Year 2012 – Firecracker 4
Dulux Colour of the Year 2013 – Indigo
DuluxColour of the Year 2014 – Teal
DuluxColour of the Year 2015 – Copper Blush
Pantone Colour of the Year 2016 – Rose Quartz and Serenity

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2 Comments

  1. Kate Vavasour on January 18, 2017 at 10:02 pm

    Karen, It is an interesting comparison indeed. I love greenery and its optimism but was somehow surprised by Pantone’s choice. I note their promotion of the colour is filled with a scenario on fake grass. So I am not sure what to make of the fake vs real thing! I have seen denim and chambray making a bit of a comeback in clothing of late. The muted tones do provide an interesting contrast to the greenery – but in my thinking might reflect the ‘real’ mood. Time will tell. Thanks for the post.

    • admin on September 5, 2017 at 4:05 pm

      Hi Kate,

      It was an interesting choice for Pantone… almost going out on a limb, pardon the pun 😉 I wondered too the use of fake grass. Interesting you’re seeing a lot of indigo. Where are you based?

      I’m still seeing a polarity between the two – almost a push-pull between the muted and greenery.

      As you say time will tell.

      Karen 🙂

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