Colour of the Year Showdown 2021: Dulux vs Plascon

February 25, 2021 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

by Rose McClement

I know, I know – since it is very nearly the end of February, I’m a tad late with the whole writing about the Colour of the Year 2021 trends! The chances are that you are already familiar with it. Well, at least the Pantone colours for 2021, since those seem to have a greater public spread (it’s yellow and grey for those who missed it). Last week, while sharing a past interior project on Instagram and Facebook, we noticed – by happy accident – that we applied those very Pantone colours to the room we designed. Maybe that is why I am drawn to exploring all the other chosen colours for 2021.

As you know, I am a #ColourFreak – I love colour! Through all my many years of exploring it, delving deeply into its ability to transform interior spaces (as if by magic), I find I never tire of it. I might shift gears often from bright to calming colours, from that which speaks to passivity over to that which enfolds you in a surge of passion. Moods – yes, colours are moody as well. It’s a state that is not only reserved for the female gender.

Dulux Colour of The Year 2021: Brave Ground

This morning I landed on a site that highlighted the Dulux Colour of 2021 (and its colour combos) – in video format. I found myself totally relaxing into the video’s words, content, and colours. Phrases such as “a drop of Courage carries us forward”, “courage to embrace change“, “invigorating“, “self-belief” and “collective connection” – the words grabbed my attention.

I think the psychology behind Dulux’s selections is a perfect summary of what we will need for the year 2021. We need “Brave Ground”. We need to be able to give ourselves permission to throw on the Cloak of Courage. To step bravely into that place of transformation that is calling us – whatever that might look like for each one of us. I have no doubt that every person in this “Global Village” has felt the shifting vibes that this transformation evokes.

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A post shared by Dulux South Africa (@duluxsa)

And what about the colour itself? Brave Ground, which is a beigey neutral, seems to be stirring up a bit of controversy since it is so “sombre”. A lot of people question whether we need a colour so “depressing” at this time of the COVID PANDEMIC – wouldn’t the collective mood rather do with a pick-me-up colour?

Yes, there is truth in that thinking. YET, I also appreciate what the Dulux Colour Specialists are driving at. Hold that “Brave Ground” colour within the context of their bigger picture (as illustrated in their video) – a wider colour spectrum of which Brave Ground is more like a foundation.

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A post shared by Dulux South Africa (@duluxsa)

You know, I have a feeling that more and more we are being ushered away from the grey tones that have been forefront for many years – towards the many tones of brown. Maybe, towards a more grounded context for life? Just think about it – how many of us would have entertained the thought of darker grey feature walls in our homes, gunmetal grey kitchen cabinets, etc. a decade ago? Now it is so every day, that even in the ‘burbs there are houses the exterior of which are painted deep, dark grey. Who would have thunk?

Quite frankly, I’m interested to see how the brown colour palette will gain momentum to become the “go-to” interior colour choice, so to speak! Let’s watch this space to see whether my hunch is valid.

Plascon Favourite Hue of 2021: Golden Syrup

Well, for those who feel that Dulux missed the mark and that Brave Ground is anathema, Plascon has that pick-me-up colour for you! They have selected the bright and bold colour “Golden Syrup” as their “Favourite Hue of 2021“. Opposite of Dulux’s grounding colour, they have reached for the sun’s effects on us. What does the word and concept of Golden Syrup evoke within you? For me, I think of honeycomb and delicious desserts! Oh – and – childhood pantry raids! Yum!

To quote them (because they have said it so well and why reinvent the wheel):

“Plascon’s Favourite Hue of 2021 invites us to shake off the heaviness of the year gone by and dare to imagine a lighter, brighter future.”
“Let your optimism take over and use Golden Syrup to transform your interiors from hiding places to creative spaces. Better yet fully embrace the audacity of hope and let it reflect boldly on your exteriors too.”

How do you like the sound of “embrace the audacity of Hope”. Wow! I like this.

Plascon Favourite Hue of 2021: Golden Syrup

So, as I see it, these two colours balance each other. Put them on the scales and you have balance. You have the firm foundation of “Brave Ground” for stabilizing transformation while embracing the sweet and yummy glow of hope in “Golden Syrup”!

Thank you. I’ll take that.

I’d be interested to know which of these two colours intuitively grab your attention and why! Anyone???

Ciao for now wonderful Readers.

A Paint Colour By Any Other Name…

February 9, 2018February 8, 2018 Rose McClementLeave a comment

by Rose McClement

It has really been a good while since I wrote a blog post. Marica is such a rock star in this regard. At the start of the new business year, the pace is generally much slower. In fact, it is so bizarrely opposite to those fast and furious months of November and December. With a bit of time on hand, I get to put into practice another one of my passions – writing.

I was reading the YOU Magazine the other day (yes you heard right – the YOU). Every now and then I buy one. I have to read something before switching off the light each night and it is the lightest reading matter for dozy brains. True Confession! There was a light-hearted article called “You Do What for a Living?” in which they featured some seriously whacky jobs, such as Pet Food Taster, Full Time TV Series & Movie Watcher, Odour Judge. But the one that caught my attention was having a job of “Paint Namer”. Yes – someone has the job of naming hundreds and hundreds of paint colours that make up that enormous Colour Fan Chart we sport in our office.

It caught my attention because, for more years than I can remember, I have always proclaimed with total amazement “who on earth puts names to these paint colours?”. Where do they get all these names from? Do they suck it up, make it up or what? But wait, it is not only paint colours. There is someone out there for each fabric house that exists that makes up the names of each fabric design and colour. It is often to the point where the name and the colour somehow seem disconnected… and that boggles my mind.

What’s more, the article speaks about these about two “Paint Namers” from Pittsburgh in the USA, who have been at it for 20 years (serious business!) and this is what they had to say about their job:

“Every colour has an emotional association and it’s their job to help connect people to these shades with words. Like naming a colour ‘mocha’ instead of ‘brown’. Or ‘sky’ instead of ‘blue’.” Apparently, words like “mocha” and “sky” evoke an emotional response to the colour increasing its emotional connection. That is meant to be the strong selling point.

So, having read these remarks by the professional “Paint Namers” I decide to put it to the test. I whip out our huge and always confusing Plascon Colour Pack (as you could well imagine, in ye ole design office it’s not just any ordinary paint chart), flip through some of the colours and names with a far more concentrated effort than usual, to see if I make that emotional connection.

I look at “Grandma’s Pearl” – a shade of a soft pink. No, my gran’s pearls were white or pearl in colour. No connection.

“Child’s Smile” – a stronger tone of coral. No connection to a child’s smile for me.

“Camel’s Hump” – nope never seen a camel, so no connection. I would have named it “Donkey’s Body” rather.

Despite the fact that I had little emotional connection to a few of the colours I will probably not be able to select paint colours as I did before the reading of this article. There is now a new awareness around paint names and I might well be able to run with it when trying to do one of the most tedious and challenging project tasks, which is selecting paint colours.

In closing, I do tip my hat to these “Paint Namers”. I for one would not like to do this job. My intellectual and emotional brain would be fried at the end of each working day. It still boggles my mind as to how they come up with some of these names without any repetition.

When you next have to paint the house or piece of furniture, will you make that emotional connection with the paint name, enough to be moved to buy it? I wonder?

Decorex Cape Town 2017: What to Expect

April 21, 2017 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

It is that time of the year again; Decorex Cape Town 2017 is just a stone’s throw away. The lifestyle expo will kick off on Thursday the 27^th of April 2017 at the CTICC and conclude on Sunday the 3^rd.

If you have been wondering what to expect from this year’s expo here are a few anticipated highlights as suggested by the Decorex team:

WHAT TO EXPECT AT DECOREX CAPE TOWN 2017…

“In line with the 2017 theme, ‘Make your space your living dream’, visitors to South Africa’s premier décor, design and lifestyle exhibition will be immersed in natural fabrics, revitalising tones and quality products all centred around a vision of reclaiming a space of sanctuary, disconnected from the relentless noise and distraction of the modern world.

Cape Town, which leads the way in décor excellence nationwide, can expect to see only the highest quality products and décor set to international standard, as well as the country’s most creative designers who will be showcasing the latest trends.

Visitors can interact with the country’s top designers where the latest trends will be accessibly featured in a variety of room settings. The Decorex Designer Spotlight will showcase the work of iconic Cape Town designer Dylan Thomaz while stylish living ideas can be picked up at the Decorex Trend House.

The Decorex SA Trend House is a project which gives the audience a visual representation of how the 2017 trends can be realised in any living space by creating a home using carefully selected @home furnishings.

Anyone looking for a change in hue can visit the Plascon stand where the highly anticipated 2017 colour forecast will be revealed. And for the latest in international-level kitchen products and appliances, visitors are invited to the Franke Kitchen Trend Project where four local kitchen designers will compete to create the ultimate ‘Simplicity in Design’ kitchen.

Adding value to the home with insightful décor and gardening tips is the not-to-be-missed Builders DIY Theatre. Leaders in the DIY industry, as well as a number of celebrity speakers, will share advice on home and garden revamping, general improvements and fix-ups with live demonstrations throughout the four-day exhibition.”

Decorex Cape Town

Date: 27 – 30 April 2017

Time: 10am – 6pm daily

Ticket prices: Adults: R95, Pensioners: R85, Children under 12: R20

Venue: Cape Town International Conference Centre

For more information visit www.decorex.co.za

You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram or follow @decorexSA on Twitter

All info and images via Decorex

Plascon Colour Forecast 2017

January 24, 2017February 15, 2017 Design Monarchy1 Comment

Plascon has once again unveiled their annual Colour Forecast as well as the official Plascon Colour of the Year 2017. As always, the Forecast has taken its inspiration from global colour trends and interpreted it into four themes or “colour stories” as Plascon has aptly named them. Each story takes the form of a colour palette and décor direction, encompassing not just what the theme looks like, but also the mood and energy evoked by each one. Below we share a quick overview of each scheme as taken from the forecast booklet…

Colour Forecast 2017:

colour story one: ANONYMOUS

Seek simplicity with ANONYMOUS…

light • simple • calm

“This theme is a response to our busy live s. It’s about stripping back to basics and embracing the softer things in life.

This gender-neutral palette can work across all rooms and styles. Unsure of purple shades? Don’t be. Purple promotes creativity and innovation, making it an ideal colour for your social or work space.”

colour story two: TERRAIN

Be grounded by TERRAIN…

rich • earthy • warm

“Inspired by desert landscapes, this warm theme balances earthy, mineral and neutral colours in an easy-to-use palette.

The trick to using this colour story is to concentrate on greys and neutrals first to provide a subtle backdrop. Then use the other colours (such the punchy ‘Sunrise Glow’) sparingly to create an energetic accent.”

colour story three: PRISM

Explore possibilities with PRISM…

youthful • bright • fun

“Taking digital art as inspiration, this theme explores depth and layers in colour. It’s about having fun with colour and embracing bold design.

The secret to pulling off this bright palette is to only use a touch of the more vibrant tones. Contrast the deeper colours with the lighter ones for a fresh, contemporary feeling.”

colour story four: PAUSE

Embrace neutrals with PAUSE…

Minimalist • warm • lived-in

“It may be minimal at heart but ‘PAUSE’ has maximum appeal. It’s perfect for everyone who loves a sophisticated neutral look.

To add a modern touch to your home, pair this colour story with a combination of metal fittings and bleached woods.”

the 2017 colour of the year: IN THE MOOD

Plascon also announced their chosen Colour of the Year for 2017. “IN THE MOOD” 06-E2-3 is a soft earthy neutral with a slight pink undertone. This is not surprising selection as pinky nude colours have been one of the most popular choices of fashion designers during the last year. Interesting to see how the interior trends evolves from the fashion industry.

Here is what Plascon had to say about their Colour of the Year 2017:

“Taken from the TERRAIN colour story, this easy-to-use, earthy colour is anything but basic. It’s perfect background for any space and pairs beautifully with other colours.

The colour of the year is a neutral like no other. It’s beautifully complex in appearance and effortless calming in its nature.”

What do you guys and gals think of Plascon’s 2017 Colour Forecast and the Colour of the Year?

The colour story that really appeals to me is “Pause” – it is so beautifully soft and feminine. Furthermore, I suspect that we here at Design Monarchy might be using colours from the “Prism” theme more than once as it contains punchy colours perfect for accent furniture pieces.

Check out the Plascon Trends website (here) for more Colour Forecast awesomeness and to take a peek through the online Forecast booklet…

Plascon Colour Forecast 2016

August 14, 2015 Design Monarchy2 Comments

Plascon has once again unveiled their annual Colour Forecast. As always, the Forecast has taken its inspiration from global colour trends and interpreted it into four themes. Each theme takes the form of a colour palette and décor direction, encompassing not just what the theme looks like, but also the mood and energy evoked by each one.

Colour Forecast 2016:

“ELEMENT is as a theme that uncovers geological inspiration to explore our relationship with the landscape around us. A palette of soft neutrals, raw surfaces and tonal colours, Element is both luxurious and tactile. Its design expressions include mineral geometry, chalky colours and gradated finishes.”

“HEIRLOOM looks to that past for indulgent luxury. Rich colour and texture inspires a new classicism in design, with a sensual palette of neutrals and moody tones. Design expressions here include colour treatments that mirror Old Master paintings, a careful balance of light and dark tones, and artful decay in textures.”

“DISCOVERY looks to the skies around us for inspiration, with colours that reflect our astronomical fascination. This palette features cool colours complemented by soothing neutrals and bright colour pops to recreate night-sky starscapes. The design expressions include weightless ombrés, powdery effects and interstellar bands and stripes.”

“CONNECT is bold and bright, taking the energy of the Memphis design movement and channelling into unpretentious and exuberant interiors. A palette of upbeat colours is used here to create lively patterns and surface treatments. Design expressions include geometric motifs, sculptural colour treatment and all-over colour.”

The 2016 Colour of the Year:

Plascon also announced their chosen Colour of the Year for 2016. Atlantic Beach B5-B1-1 is an intense blue that is inspired by the coastal energy of Brazil. It is a stimulating, refreshing colour that promotes focus and commands respect.

I can tell you the themes I really like are “Element” and “Heirloom”. Element is beautifully soft and dreamy while Heirloom is rich and warm with beautiful depth…

What do you guys and gals think of Plascon’s 2016 Colour Forecast and the Colour of the Year?

Check out the Plascon Trends website (here) for more Colour Forecast awesomeness and to take a peek through the online Forecast booklet…

Trend Alert: Gold

December 4, 2014 Design Monarchy1 Comment

Did you know that Plascon announced on Monday that Gold is their selected Colour of the Month? With Christmas and New Year’s just around the corner, I think Gold is the perfect choice for the month of December – very season appropriate.

Over the past year we’ve gradually seen the metals trend morph from bright strong Coppers to the more mellow Golds. In fact, Anne Roselt Plascon’s Colour Manager, stated that Gold was “a stand-out colour” at Decorex International this year.

In the past Gold has often been associated with classical and overly opulent interiors. Until recently even I thought of Gold as dated (“oude doos” as the Afrikaner would say). However, I love the current trend of introducing soft golds into contemporary interiors – especially where it plays contrast against a bold black and white colour scheme. There is just something so glamorous about glittery Gold – if it is tastefully used that is.

Here is a little golden inspiration for you…