It’s officially March; which means it’s the first month of a brand new season and - whether we like it or not - some brand new cooler weather to match. Even if you are a summer lover, there’s something to be said for the tropes, trends and tones our autumn and winter months tote. Throws and hot cups of tea with Netflix on the couch, for example? We’re in.
When it comes to our interiors, you may be able to predict to an extent what the change of season means in terms of colour. Bringing forth warm tones to replace the sun’s heat is pretty typical when the weather turns, as is using muted tones and a background of neutrals. However, around the world there are the usual (transient) seasonal trends that shouldn’t be ignored. So, we’ve kept our eyes on what’s happening around the world so you don’t have to, and we’re here to translate what we’ve seen into useful interior tips and colour combinations for you to take on board.
What’s happening in the world of fashion…
Like many things, it starts with fashion. Catwalks around the world from Paris and New York to London are some of the strongest forces in determining what we see filtering into our homewares and interiors. So, naturally, we’re starting our search here.
Believe it or not, our trusty friends over at Pantone have a hand in this industry, too. Their colour palette for New York fashion week is one that we’ve kept a particularly close eye on - especially for its core notion of ‘less is more’ (you all know how we love a bit of minimalism). A few bright primary pops of orange (Pantone 16-1350, Amberglow), red (Pantone 19-1662, Samba), blue (Pantone 19-4052, Classic Blue) and yellow (Pantone 13-0648, Green Sheen) meet more muted, soft nudes (Pantone 16-1328, Sandstone), deep red (Pantone 19-1337, Fired Brick), pink (Pantone 16-1511, Rose Tan), magenta (Pantone 19-2428, Magenta Purple) and green (Pantone 18-5338, Ultramarine). These are set on a neutral background of ‘core classics’; a creamy almond, deep blue, light grey-blue and olive green.
But how do we interpret these in our interiors?
Like many things we see in high fashion, this colour palette is a little outlandish at a glance; can you imagine trying to incorporate all of those colours in an interior?! Talk about a sensory overload.
We find the best way to interpret these trends is by breaking them down into something a little more digestible. We’ve taken the more muted pinks, peaches and greens New York Fashion Weekend created two palettes, each with the same core of our Oxide Red, Salmon and Stone colours to show you how you can incorporate these trends in different ways using the same base tones.
The first incorporates Eucalyptus and Forest Green for a nature inspired, deeper toned palette, drawing from the contrasting colours we see in our environment at this time of year. The polarity of these tones are also reflective of what we experience during these months, with equal days and nights there is a strong sense of balance and reflection.
The second palette draws more on what we would typically expect to see from colour trends at this time of year; warm and a little bit feminine. It combines the core colours we have identified with soft pink, a deep burgundy colour reminiscent of red wine (a big cool weather drink, of course!) and similar to Pantone’s Magenta Purple.
The beauty of deciding upon year-round base tones is that you can layer other colours on top as trends come and go. It allows you to pick and choose what appeals to you - it’s your home, after all!
However you choose to interpret (or not interpret) trends and use them in your interior spaces, it really is all about customisation. Check out how you can create your own unique palette with our TOO Tone Clock and our Magnetic Art.
If one thing is certain, trends and seasons may come and go, but versatility and interchangeability is forever!
