colour trends for summer 2016 – The Interiors Addict

8 tips for using colour and texture in your home this summer

With Dulux having just released their colour trends for summer 2016 (it’s all about earthy tones and muddy pastels), we spoke to Bree Leech, Dulux’s creative consultant and stylist, on how to best style your home this summer.

1. Use combinations that provide some contrast and interest such as warm and cool shades together or light and dark. Try using unexpected mixes of pastel mauves and muddy neutrals.

2. Counterbalance the softness of the hues with striking angles. Inspired by geometric forms introduce these angles through furniture detail, pattern, art or feature wall designs.

3. Dulux’s summer palette, Bio Fragility, celebrates the perfection of imperfections – soften paint lines between colours by creating a rough brushed edge that plays on this trend detail

4. Texture is an important element – use cushions with different fabrics or introduce another textural layer to the space with an area rug.

5. Add living things to your home. Feature plants that are curious and provide interest such as cacti, succulents or bromeliads.

6. Always consider the lighting in the space to ensure you are making the most of natural daylight to create a beautiful summer experience.

7. Remember to review existing furnishings to ensure these colours will work with fittings that cannot be changed easily.

8. Look to your surrounding environment and colours in your garden for inspiration.

For more information.

Photography by Lisa Cohen | Styling by Bree Leech and Heather Nette King

Earthy pastels dominate Dulux’s colour trends for summer

This season, interiors are set to be inspired by a softer collection of muddy pastels derived from nature and living matter; with Dulux’s colour trends for summer 2016 consisting of delicate hues such as greys, dirty pinks, nudes and natural greens.

Dulux’s summer palette, Bio Fragility, creates a beautiful, tranquil setting that is very easy to live with, as Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr explains: “The summer palette for 2016 is quite neutral and has easy-to-use colours that most consumers would feel confident using in their homes. The palette has evolved from a more pastel feel last year, offering subtle muted undertones with a certain earthiness.”

Homeowners can create a relaxed interior with beautiful detail by introducing these gentle summer hues that add a touch of colour, but are not overwhelming. Pale colours derived from natural matter create softness in a space and can be counterbalanced with unexpected mixes of warm and cool shades.

With summer calling for a more refined offering, the season’s colours can be easily adapted to virtually any room. For those not bold enough to transform an entire room, try using these refreshing and light colours in smaller volumes on accents, trims and accessories. “For a mini summer makeover a lighter shade can be introduced in smaller applications to complement colours in soft furnishings such as cushions and ceramic items,” explains Andrea. “Neutral accessories work really well with these more subtle and muted shades as well as soft and subdued combinations.”

Dulux’s Summer predictions are the product of research into global design, colour and finishes inspired by trade shows, fashion, technology, media and trends agencies.

For more information.

On Monday, Dulux’s creative consultant and stylist Bree Leech shares her style tips for using colour in your home this summer.

Photography by Lisa Cohen | Styling by Bree Leech and Heather Nette King