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Move over, neutrals. Lively, mood-lifting colors will return to home décor in 2010, predicts Canada’s Sico Paints.
Warm neutrals have dominated in the recent years of uncertainty, “but now people have had enough with doom and gloom and are looking for a change, a new beginning,” says Stéphanie Pelland, marketing communication manager for the Sico brand.
The years 2010 and 2011 will bring “a trend toward consumers choosing livelier colors to reflect their optimism in their quest for a brighter future,” says Pelland.
Sico’s 2010-11 palette will feature deep reds and purples, vivid blues and greens, pigment-infused pastels, and earthy golds and clays. Later in 2010, more energetic colors will be used to complement and lift neutrals.
The Sico palette will be divided into four themes that reflect “people looking for a fresh start and new direction from the challenging times we have been experiencing,” says Pelland.
Back to Basics: Representing the growing population that is finding refuge in a return to the simplicity and tradition of the past, this rural-inspired theme features down-to-earth mid-tones in gold, plum, green moss, teal and red clay. Think home-made bread, farmer’s markets, medicinal flowers, wooden furniture, and natural dyes — a deliberate move away from today’s fast-paced and material world.
Free Expression: Exuding optimism, individuality, rebellion and freedom, this theme is expressed in creative color combinations, such as intense purple with acidic yellow and ocean blue, or sunny orange with dark red and soft neutral. This decor of unconventional blends will also include mismatched patterns, styles and materials.
Classic Revival: This warm, feminine group of colors invokes images that are rich in history. Imagine needlework, appliqués and period furniture with a contemporary twist. Reassuring, comforting and laced by soft elegance, these highlights include ash-like purple, antique pink and antique gold, enlivened and made more contemporary by deeper colors like pewter grey, bronze green and lacquer reds.
Synthetic Culture: This theme features dynamic, energetic colors, representing consumers’ growing appreciation of the artificial elements around us. This theme celebrates innovation with an acid-fresh palette of lively purples, pulsating pinks, yellows and blues.
“Each of these themes features hues that emit emotional energy and optimism — a detox from the gloominess that has been undermining our spirits,” Pelland said.
For more information, visit www.sico.ca. Sico is a division of AkzoNobel, the Canadian leader in decorative paints.
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