Ochre-hued paint colours

Plascon

This year has brought joy to spaces with light, uplifting hues, says a popular paint and coatings supplier.

Joyful, harmonious, familiar and yet energising, Plascon launched its second annual Colour Combination of the Year. Comprising a trio of related warm colours designed to reflect the mood of 2023, it’s intended to infuse contentment in the home. The meticulously selected sun-drenched palette is a radiant harmony of hues that capture simple joie de vivre.

The supplier’s design team has drawn on extensive research into directional developments in regional interiors, architecture, product design and fashion to present these three colours instead of a single ‘Colour of the Year’ as it did previously. Indeed, in 2022, they became the first coatings company in the local industry to present a Colour Combination of the Year and has continued this new approach for 2023.

Backdrop colour

Rationale behind colour selection

Its rationale for choosing three colours instead of merely one is based on the industry practice of a 60-30-10 design scheme. This scheme suggests that 60% of a space should consist of a dominant colour, 30% a secondary colour, and 10% an accent colour.

In structuring the colour combination in these ratios, Plascon makes it easier for architects, interior design and decor professionals, and members of the public to adopt this approach and tastefully achieve a well-considered look.

For the Plascon Colour Combination 2023, the colour representing the largest portion of the ratio at 60% is Plascon Fun in the Sun (Y1-A2-1) — an uplifting, light hue with a balanced red-yellow undertone that lends a warm, fresh feel. The neutral tone offers a beautiful, glowing backdrop for the remaining two colours in the combination.

Making up 30% of the combo is Plascon Sunkissed (Y3-A1-2). This softly shaded, glowing yellow is more saturated and radiant than Plascon Fun in the Sun (Y1-A2-1), yet still natural and versatile enough to bring a touch of sunshine into any space.

Completing the harmonious trio of nature-inspired colours is Plascon Safari Sun (O7-C1-1), the final 10% of the ratio. Rich and grounding, this warming brown anchors the two lighter and fresher hues and brings a deeper earthen note to spaces.

Together these three colours emulate the glowing majesty of an African sunset and hazy sun-drenched afternoons in the bushveld, capturing different stages of light and warmth in our unique landscape.

These specific colour choices are in keeping with Plascon’s sensitivity to the context of its brand and desire to reflect the way of life here in Africa, instead of simply following trends that emerge in Europe or America.

With this thoughtfully selected palette of yellows that are frequently associated with feelings of happiness and optimism, Plascon sets the tone for a 2023 where we find joy in the charm of our surroundings, family and the simple warmth of the sun.

For free advice about this bespoke colour combination, email ColourAdvice@kansaiplascon.co.za.