A COLOURFUL YEAR AHEAD

Trending tones signal a calming but more confident outlook

BY TED McINTYRE

Similar tones highlight the year ahead. (L to R) Dulux Vining Ivy, Sico Melt Water and Valspar Everglade Deck.

Paint companies have conducted their research and splashed the news about trending hues for 2023.

Dulux, for its part, has identified its Vining Ivy teal as 2023 Colour of the Year, while highlighting a theme of bold, expressive shades of nature in home decor.

Vining Ivy is a striking green-blue jewel-toned hue that is symbolic of deep water, “It is both calming and invigorating, infusing home decor with a much-needed breath of fresh air after a few challenging years,” Dulux notes.

“Canadians took pause during the pandemic to reflect on what matters most, appreciating the beauty of the natural world like never before, and this is translating into uber-earthy and rich, sanctuary-like colour choices for the home,” says Mitsu Dhawan, Dulux brand manager. “As opposed to softer neutrals that have been popular in recent years, the new nature-inspired tones are bolder and more expressive, reflecting an optimistic mood as we emerge ready for the next normal.”

Teals, for example, remind one more of precious gemstones than foliage, and earthen browns and oranges are more energetic than terracotta.

“This trend reflects our desire to feel more anchored and connected to the planet and turn toward the wonders of nature as a way to move forward and counterbalance the pressures of the world,” Dhawan says.

Pastels are still hot, if paint and coatings brand Valspar’s 12 colours of the year for 2023 are any evidence. Valspar has matched each of the dazzling dozen, which range from Ivory Brown to Everglade Deck (pictured), to a specific facet or emotion of life, all relating to what people may find helpful to complement their space.

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“Valspar’s 2023 Colours of the Year are usable shades that encourage selfexpression and anyone can envision in their space,” says Sue Kim, Valspar Colour Marketing Manager.

Sico paint brand by PPG has focused on a single Colour of the Year for 2023, one that caters to Canadians’ yearning for serenity and stability during unpredictable times. Its Melt Water tone is a grounded, refreshing teal that combines the healing powers of water and nature with balance and tranquility. It intertwines bold blue and calming green to create a captivating colour symbolic of deep water, Sico observes.

To incorporate this trending teal into the home, Sico suggests painting Melt Water on all four walls, paired with deeper-toned woods and offwhite trim. For a more luxurious feel, it can go glam when accessorized with golden accents and bright white trim. And as an exterior, use a blue-green hue to punctuate a home’s personality, adding immediate curb appeal when featured on a front door.