The big colour trends of 2024: The hues you need to know
It’s estimated that humans can distinguish roughly 10 million different colours. Although most of these are variations of 11 main colours, what’s not to love about our world is filled with so many hues and tones that help us create environments unique to us.
Annual colour trends are a mainstay of the design world because they are the ever-changing chapters of a captivating story, painting the world with a vibrant palette that reflects the spirit of the times. This was evident during the latest Maison&Objet exhibition in Paris, which celebrated 30 years of setting the standard in trends for the interior design industry. The language of colour trends speaks volumes, telling a story that transcends the visual and resonates with the collective mood of the moment. Whether it's the resurgence of nostalgic pastels, the bold embrace of vivid neons, or the timeless allure of earthy tones, colour trends are a visual symphony that echoes societal shifts, cultural influences, and creative expressions.
New year, new trends
Colour experts agree that colour trends are amazing general themes that stand out but colour is becoming increasingly personal. Colour is how we express our personalities and the colour of our surroundings also affects our mood. Truthfully, there are no rules really and the encouragement now is to take inspiration from the trends that emerge to find a style that speaks to one’s unique personality. One source that's always a go-to is Pantone of course, who announced their Colour of the Year for 2024 as Peach Fuzz.
The general colour mood for 2024 is quite interesting. On the one hand, colour experts predict a much bolder and much more adventurous choice of colours. With the rise of trends like Barbiecore and dopamine décor, there’s a lot more playfulness in the colour choices for modern interior design. On the other hand, the beauty of nature is also a strong focus. Colours that mimic nature along with statement neutrals are warm and inviting, creating either a relaxing or liberating atmosphere.
Let’s focus on some key colour trends:
Blue, blue, blue
Blue is always popular because it’s classy and can be just as earthy and calming as it is sophisticated and mesmerising. The lighter, more water-like shades of blue are growing in popularity and the airy element is captured in lighter denim hues with a grey undertone. It’s also predicted that blue will have a moment, with teal and aqua making some bold statements.
Warmer neutrals and white
White, cream and beige hues warm up with some gold or honey undertones to create a delicious softness. If the word vanilla gives you feelings of comfort, happiness, and warmth, then colours in that family are what you’re already seeing in popular contemporary design. These colours are also a solid base for building a design palette and add sophistication and depth to a decor scheme.
Fun reds and pinks
For big, bold statements in décor, various shades of red and pink are the way to go. Whether it's a soft blush or a cherry red, you have the freedom to play with the different tones. It’s worth noting that the amount of natural and artificial light should be considered when playing with red and pink tones. They reflect light well and can make spaces feel much brighter.
Moody green
Always a popular colour, but green goes darker in the latest trends. Nature-inspired tones bring feelings of calm and quiet luxury. Colour experts predict that olive green is going to have its moment with the current colour trends and this is a versatile shade that can be included in both traditional and more contemporary schemes, as well as being included in commercial interior decor as a grounding colour.
Colour me inspired
Unlike years before, colour trends aren’t something to be strictly followed. They express and indicate changes in society’s response to various cultural shifts, whether it’s economic, political, or social. They are a reflection of where we are or perhaps where we’d like to be. Bringing the colour trends into focus helps us all navigate the overwhelming amount of information we’re exposed to on daily basis.
When you’re looking at colour trends, they should spark inspiration. It can encourage consideration of hues one typically wouldn’t look at. It can also represent a feeling perhaps that one was trying to capture in design. The point isn’t to copy and paste the trends into your interior décor, upholstery or decor fabric choices (which you can do, if you like them) but rather to see what speaks to you and ignites your imagination. Then, you can experiment with colour according to your taste.
Searching for a rainbow?
There’s a world of possibilities when it comes to colour. Although there are rules in combining colours or working with different tones, once you understand them along with trends, you can bend or even break the expectations of colour to reflect a unique style perspective.
Pinterest is an amazing destination for decor but, more importantly, colour inspiration. Home Fabrics has carefully curated boards with loads of fabric product information and decor inspiration that reflects the current colour trends.
