Confident Colour

Home discusses colour with Zoe Anderson, founder of W.A. Green

Words ROSIE REYNOLDS

Zoe Anderson, founder of W.A.Green, remarks on the growing move consumers are making from decorating their homes with subdued greys and comfortable whites in favour of bold, statement colours. This expanding trend gives you the freedom to enhance a pre-existing design scheme or simply accentuate your personal style.

W.A.Green’s philosophy on design is playful, yet their recommended approach to how colours are used is based upon a concrete understanding of what works and what doesn’t. Bold colours have until recently been a choice amongst artists and designers. Zoe predicts that consumers will become braver with their colour palette; combinations such as pink and yellow, lilac and lime and blue and orange will become commonplace features in the home.

A room’s purpose is a key consideration because certain colours and shades can have a noticeable effect on your mood. If you want to create a relaxing living room, then pinks, greens and darker hues are perfect because of their calming and grounding effect. Yellows and blues are a better choice for your kitchen and bathroom because they are energising and inspire positivity.

The amount of natural light that enters your room throughout the day is another factor to consider, as this can really alter a colour’s appearance. Accommodate for less natural light by choosing darker colours, as these thrive in shadier spaces and create a feeling of cosiness. Extra warmth and balance can be added through clever lighting and a colourful accent; sofa cushions are a great way to add a pop of colour. Larger, brighter rooms are ideal for light shades because the natural sunlight keeps it crisp and fresh instead of washing it out.

Zoe gives some general tips on how to use colour in the household. Colour blocking is an excellent way to add depth and interest to a room; a great way to do this would be to pair a bright colour with a more subtle one. Many are opting for a boldly painted ceiling, a different way to create openness and drama, if you have the space to carry it. You could also paint your fireplace in a bold pink or purple, as this will surely make a statement.

Yellow

Uplifting and cheerful, yellow is a perfect accent colour for your home. Painthouse’s pick is Orlando Yellow; a subtle mustard hue within a bright sunshine yellow is a lovely choice for someone wanting an energising lift in their home.

Blue

Believed to be the first colour synthetically made into pigment by the Egyptians, blue can arguably be heralded as the world’s most popular shade. Wisdom, luxury and power are implied through deeper shades of blue, making it a perfect choice for your living room. Aria Blue is Painthouse’s choice; modern and vibrant, this shade is a fresh option for 2019.

Green

Household horticulture was and will h remain a highly popular trend. The colour itself has also had a renewal, with the shades Elvis Green and Kamilla Green being two of Painthouses’ firm favourites. If the mood of a room is something you are considering, green should not be overlooked, especially if tranquility is the mood you want to create. According to Zoe, green is “a very versatile colour… you can decorate an entire room with greens and have contrast, drama, richness, and balance.”

Pink

If one had to pick the defining colour of B 2018, Millennial Pick would be the most likely option. W.A.Green predict that pink’s popularity will continue in 2019, and Painthouse have selected the rosy-hued Ida Pink as their key colour. Dustier roses are the perfect pinks because they remain contemporary and playful whilst avoiding appearing sickly sweet.

Orange

Flamboyant, inspiring, energetic and vibrant are words one would pair with this colour. Reggie Orange is Painthouse’s fiery pick. Incredibly dramatic, Zoe advises to save orange as an accent colour to avoid it dominating your room. Perhaps use orange as a smaller feature colour in your office to spark creativity.

W.A.GREEN

10 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3DH; 020 7729 8599 wagreen.co.uk