WORDS Joanna Mathers

This year’s colour trends offer those with great interior aspirations a palette that’s classic but cheeky; whites, greys and blacks are softened through pairings with gentler tones like pink and other bolder tones.

But you don’t need to be undertaking a complete home makeover to add new colours to your interior palette; homewares and soft furnishings can also be used to bring your living spaces up to date.

Alicia Elezovic from interiors and homewares store Art Club Concept says that their latest colour palette reflects this innovative trend.

“In our colour palette for SS16 we had three main trends, monochrome, the perfect duo of soft blush pink and grey, and injections of colour,” she explains.

She says that the monochrome trend of the past few years is continuing in 2016, but it’s been given a little shake up in their collections. “We’ve done monochrome with a twist this season; incorporating nude pink tones in with blacks, whites and grey too, and this really softens what can often be quite a strong graphic look.” She points to the lovely muted combination of pink and grey as a strong seasonal colour pairing. “The pink/grey combo works in every space in the home, from the lounge to the bedroom, even the office or nursery – these colours are chic but refined,” she explains. Art Club Concept has also brought some bolder colours into the mix.

 

“One of our favourite trends is a bit more of an injection of colour, so deep navy and vibrant corals [make an appearance],” she says.

 

Alicia says that while this trend is really strong in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s being seen worldwide.

 

“Some places are embracing it more than others though, such as Sweden,” she says.

 

“These colours tie in closely with the Scandi interior movement which focuses on minimalistic, refined and simple colours that make you feel good.” Philippa Whitaker from Trinity Interior Design says that she has also seen pink and coral play a starring role in this year’s interior palette.  “Fabrics in these colours are being used for soft furnishings like cushions; teal has also been strong for a few years and continues to be popular."

When it comes to walls, neutrals are still key; Liz Kerby (interior designer and director of Lizzie K and Co) says that they are moving towards grey tones.

“The new neutral interior paints are really nice; the whites are black-based and pale silver is making an appearance.”

She says that while some trends are international, popular colours often differ from country to country.  

“In New Zealand we are often influenced by the colour of our flora, fauna and sky, so muted blues and greens are very popular,” she says.

“In a country like Australia you might see a different palette, with bolder yellows and oranges being popular.”

Alicia says there are some simple, effective ways in which to incorporate the new colour palette into your home through home décor.

She suggests you stick with neutral colours for larger items such as couches and duvets, then use cushions and prints to inject trending colours into your interiors.  

“This is easily interchangeable with smaller items,” she explains. “If you select an out-there colour for your couch, it’s a lot harder to work with later down the track.”

She says that colours can change with the seasons, and using soft furnishings or prints can help to reflect what’s happening out of doors. 

“In the warmer months we opt for brighter, fresher more calming colours, the whites and the pinks. In the cooler months we opt for soft greys, deep navys and darker warming tones.”

 She suggests asking yourself what mood you are trying to capture in your home.

“Ask yourself the question, how do I want this to make me feel? Cozy? Warm? Or fresh, filled with energy and open?”

All information is believed to be true by the publisher at time of publication.

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