Inspired By Nature: Soften The Mood With Subtle Summer Hues

Inspired By Nature: Soften The Mood With Subtle Summer Hues

This coming season, interiors are set to be inspired by a softer collection of muddy pastels derived from nature and living matter. According to Dulux, the Colour Trends for Summer 2016 will comprise delicate hues such as greys, dirty pinks, nudes and natural greens.

Dulux's Summer palette inspired Bio Fragility from the 2016 Dulux Colour Trends, 'Design Age", celebrates the perfection of imperfections and is heavily influenced by the concept of bespoke creation.

Calling on nature not just to inspire but to collaborate, flesh tones, lichen, moss and stone influence the subtle hues of the palette which are derived from chalky brittle elements rather than soft textures.

Dulux Colour Expert, Andrea Lucena-Orr, says the key colours of Summer, such as Dulux Mangaweka, Old Eagle, Silkwort, Partita and Snow Season, create a beautiful, tranquil setting that is very easy to live with in the home.

'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," says Andrea.

'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 creates softness in a space and can be counterbalanced with unexpected mixes of warm and cool shades together to add interest."

With Summer calling for a more refined offering of hues, 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 such as Dulux Partita with Snow Season Quarter can be introduced in smaller applications to complement colours in soft furnishings such as cushions and ceramic items."

'Neutral accessories work really well with these more subtle and muted shades as well as soft and subdued combinations," says Andrea.

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.

 

Andrea's top tips for homeowners using colour this Summer are:

'Always consider the lighting in the space to ensure you are making the most of natural daylight to create a beautiful Summer experience. Remember to review existing furnishings to ensure these colours will work with fittings that cannot be changed easily, and look to your surrounding environment and colours in your garden for inspiration."

Style Tips For Summer 2016 by Bree Leech, Creative Consultant and Stylist for Dulux

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.

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.

Bio Fragility celebrates the perfection of imperfections – soften paint lines between colours by creating a rough brushed edge that plays on this trend detail.

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

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

 

For more colour or painting advice view the Dulux -how to projects' online www.dulux.com.au