MAKE IT SUBTLE

PAINT TRENDS IN 2022 ARE ABOUT NEUTRALITY AND TEXTURE, TO COMPLEMENT A RELAXING HOME ENVIRONMENT.

So prepare to move away from 2021’s bold fuchsias and blackberries, and into the subtler end of the organic colour palette. A myriad of neutral, textured paint options are heading to home improvement stores, and they’re anything but beige boring. The scale seems to be sliding away from plain whites and pure greys for interior walls, placing value on how the colours and textures of our ‘four walls’ play on that of our decor.

As the nostalgia for mid-Century furniture ripples into current home design, neutrals as we know them will be set with warmer undertones.

Warm pastels will find their place in 2022, particularly as complementary tones to cool-coloured furniture, and as subtle feature walls. The pandemic has forced us to spend more time at home than ever, prompting many to undertake projects to transform and enjoy where they live. Wattyl has reintroduced texture to liven up homes, favouring gentle patterns with chalk clay and concrete. Bolder colours will still be available for those who want bright and ambitious when they walk into a space, but will look to be nature-inspired. Greens denoting ‘gum’, ‘celery’, and ‘mangrove’ sit squarely on Dulux’s palette, whilst popping reds and pinks provide that floral touch in rich fuchsias and scarlets.

Bronzes, sands and golds might seem daunting to mix easily into a space, but the latest advice is to trial them as feature walls, in rooms with heavy wood tones. While pure white walls might be out for now, reliable details such as trimmings, shelves, frames and more will still need a bit of pearly, ‘brilliant’ or off-white attention. Trendsetters are turning to deep greens for larger spaces, pairing them with lighter wood, ceramic and rattan furniture and decor, plus ‘lots of greenery’ to cocoon those who love a cosy yet fresh-feeling home space. Simple yet eye-catching handcrafted art or objects, or an eye-catching painting on these darker walls will keep the space feeling large, light, and interesting. If you prioritise beauty, elegance, and mindful time spent in your home, this might be the pick for you.

DIY your space

If your painting project is a smaller one, paint brands recommend experimenting with vivid colours and patterns. Concrete effects also play well with the latest earthen themes, adding texture to smooth surfaces in ‘pale’, ‘onyx’, and ‘rust’. Stone effects have an eye-catching grain, ranging from warm eggshell and mocha tones on one end, leaning to charcoal and bluestone atmospheres on the other. If you want something which ‘shines’, look to Dulux’s premium range, featuring a delightful copper which can be applied as a solid colour or patina effect to liven up any accent piece. Tying a couple of pieces together with the same effect, such as vases, coffee tables or fireplaces, can truly brighten a dark space. Meanwhile, simple, gleaming pearl effects provide gentle topcoats to furniture to make a room shine without demanding attention.

Metal shimmers, chalk, and chalkboard paint are all unique offerings of this year’s palettes. Deniliquin Mitre 10 stocks a great range of Dulux, Wattyl, Accent, Berger, Cabot’s and Intergram paint and stain options. For paint and other DIY inspiration, go to www.mitre10.com.au.