Just in time for summer comes the ‘Wholeself’ palette which is the next instalment in the 2019 Dulux Colour Forecast. With mindfulness a central theme, this summer trends palette focusses on soft minimalism and nurturing chalky hues.
“The Wholeself palette is all about slowing down and tuning into the things that really matter. Wellness has emerged as a major theme in the design world for 2019, with many of us looking to switch off our digital devices and focus on nurturing our tired bodies and spirit. The Wholeself palette brings this theme to life,” says Dulux colour and communications manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr of the palette that comprises powdery pinks, warm neutrals, muted citrus tones and minty blue-green.
“It has a serene yet cocooning feel, with gentle colours and subtle textural layerings, that hint at creative exploration and new beginnings. Powdery peach/pink has emerged as a key base colour, with accents of clay, gold and blue-green adding a fresh, modern spin,” says Andrea.
“This palette is a significant shift from the playful brights and rich, luxe tones of last year. Rather than looking outward for inspiration, this season’s understated colours and intriguing textures draw you inwards and encourage moments of stillness and mindfulness,” says Andrea who explains that the palette is easily paired with white, neutral grey and greige paint.
“When choosing colours from this trend palette, think about how they’ll work with your existing furniture, flooring and soft furnishings. You should also factor in the room type and any colours in adjoining spaces. One area this palette works particularly well is the bedroom. In this space it can create a calm and restful feel,” says Andrea.
The soothing, mindful colour palette also points to a larger life philosophy that is all about embracing what we already have in 2019. “Expect to see a paring back of the overdone or unnecessary; the idea is to surround yourself with furniture and accessories that serve a purpose and bring you happiness. Environmental awareness will be an important thread running through design in 2019 – rather than discarding those pieces we no longer have a use for, we’ll be encouraged to repurpose or reimagine them in a new way,” she says.
Andrea’s summer styling tips
- Edit out the unnecessary; surround yourself with only those pieces you truly love and use.
- Curves are key; choose furniture with rounded edges and soft, sumptuous cushioning.
- Balance out soft pastels with warm, mid-tone timbers.
- Add in contrasting natural materials, such as a stone, wool and linen in the form of side tables, accessories and cushions.
- Inject small doses of unexpected brights, such as citrus, mint and gold, through decorative accessories such as vases and tableware.
- Give new life to an old piece of furniture, by painting it in a complementary tone, or a contrasting accent colour.
Photographer: Lisa Cohen | Styling: Bree Leech
