Experts reveal the hottest paint trends for 2016

Farrow & Ball

Heading into 2016, we’re seeing calming colours that are transforming our homes into serene spaces that help us to escape from our increasingly nomadic working lives. For Farrow & Ball, those colours include Pink Ground, Light Blue, Breakfast Room Green and Tanner’s Brown, all promoting relaxation and reflection. These pale shades have the ability to shape our homes into places of sanctuary from the stresses of modern day living. Where to use this colour: Add Pink Ground to areas of the house where you’d like to create a serene space, to escape the hustle and bustle. This pale pink is perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms and even living spaces.

CIL

According to top Canadian paint brand CIL, pink is the hottest hue of them all for 2016, choosing Chemise Pink (60YR 75/075 MC10) as its Colour of the Year. "Soft blush pink will be incorporated in all elements of home decor in 2016, from walls to furnishings to accessories,” said Alison Goldman, brand manager for CIL Paint. “We’re seeing a move away from the saturated greys, blacks and acidic brights that were popular the last few years. The warmer 2016 tones deliver a more modern and livable colour scheme that translates beautifully into any living space.” Where to use this colour: Pair this pretty pink with soft green, pale brown, chalky grey and slate to promote a sense of tranquility. For a luxe look, feature it alongside gold-toned metallic pieces like crown moulding, ceiling medallions and wainscoting.

SICO

Reminiscent of both sun-kissed wheat fields and the dazzling vintage glamour of the ‘70s, Sico Paint’s Colour of the Year, Buckwheat Yellow (6113-54), is a huge decorating trend for 2016. “It’s reflective of a less complex time in history and of people’s increasing quest to return to cocooning, moving away from the fast-paced urban and social-media world in search of more natural living, simplicity, peace and refuge,” said Mathieu Hamel, assistant brand manager for Sico Paint. Where to use this colour: Golden yellow works well in a dining room or living space, as it’s known to create a positive, lively environment and promote conversation. Pair with equally nature-based, soothing and nurturing colours like earthy greens, warm browns, rustic reds and soft neutrals.

BEHR

A far cry from the softer hues we’re seeing trending for 2016, BEHR’s moody Black Pearl T16-01 is making waves as a popular hue for the new year. BEHR Vice President of Color Marketing Erika Woelfel suggests contrasting with lighter wood tones, chromatic brights and layered textures and sheens. “Contrary to popular belief, dark colours like Black Pearl T16-01 create an illusion of depth by making the edges of a room disappear,” she said. “Black is a very dramatic color, and its power can be balanced by using white on the ceiling, crown moldings, door and window trim and in furnishings.”  Where to use this colour: Bold and dramatic, Black Pearl would look best paired with bright pops of colour like pink, yellow or teal in a dining room for an adventurous entertaining space.

PARA

Red hues are a symbol of passion, power and energy and PARA Paints has chosen its vibrant Cherries Jubilee hue as its Colour of the Year. If you’re a traditionalist, pair this red against wood furniture or richly-saturated mahogany floors to accentuate its warmth. If you prefer a more modern aesthetic, integrate it into a room with clean, minimalist pieces for a stark contrast. When it comes to choosing a complementary colour, Cherries Jubilee pairs well with soft blush tones like Orb Sparkle (PF 33) or soft greys such as Princess Cut (PF 57). Where to use this colour: Though bold and attention-seeking, red is a versatile colour that can be used as a feature colour or a subtle supplementary hue. Try it on the ceiling of the dining room for a luxe look, or even as a cheerful welcome on the front door.

BEAUTI-TONE

A nice warm hug and perfect for the colder months, Beauti-Tone’s Hot-Cha-Cha-Collate is the trendy frontrunner in the brand’s forecast of moving away from cool greys to cosy, grounding browns. With touches of grey, brown and red added in the mix, this beautiful chocolate pairs well with all colours. Where to use this colour: Any rooms that could use a little warmth. Cover your downstairs powder room in a coat of chocolate, or even the den to add a bit of laid-back cosiness.

DULUX

Dulux’s Colour of the Year is Bear Run (10BG 46/112), an ethereal blue that exudes calm and peacefulness. Joining Bear Run in 2016 is a palette of misty-coloured, comforting pastels that are more natural and pigment-infused than the popular shades of the ‘80s. “Picture sunset shades of pale coral, blush pink, sandy yellow, dusty grey, seafoam green and earthy tan brown,” said Martin Tustin-Fuchs, brand manager for Dulux Paints. “Anchored by dark grey, black and light neutrals, the new pastels are livable and elegant in any decor setting.” Where to use this colour: Pastels offer a calming effect that is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. Pair against bronze and brass finishes to amplify the soft glow of the hues.

PPG

Taking the top spot as the PPG Paints Colour of the Year is a soft, muted green called Paradise Found (PPG1135-5). “With an earthy edge, it hints at nature while emitting a sturdy, shielding feel, echoing the popular urban militia-inspired look that is showing up on fashion runways,” said Valerie Jager, Channel Marketing Manager for PPG Architectural Coatings. Rounding out PPG’s 2016 palette are a grouping of hues that evoke a sense of serenity and security, with sturdy darks to earthen mid-tones to matted taupes and soft grey-whites. Where to use this colour: This green works particularly well in a family room, living room or bedroom, paired with plum or armour grey for a distinct military look.