Dulux Colour futures 2009

1. COLOUR
2009 FUTURES
TM
International ColourTrends

2. CONTENTS
OVERVIEW WELCOME 02
TheColourFutures™ team introduces you INTERNATIONAL COLOUR TRENDS 04
to forecasted colour trends for 2009 TREND MOVEMENTS 06
COLOUR FUTURES™ TEAM 08
COLOUR THEMES ECOTECTURE 12
These five key lifestyle themes have been WHITE DIMENSIONS 18
submitted by the ColourFutures™ teamfor 2009: LIVING LEGACY 24
EQUILIBRIUM 30
PLAY HOUSE 36
COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2009 COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2009 42
COLOUR TRANSITIONS 46
COLOUR FAMILIES REDS 50
ColourFutures™displays a palette of 76 colours ORANGES 52
for 2009. All are from the ICI Paints Global Colour YELLOWS 54
System with a unique notation number. WARM NEUTRALS 56
These colours are divided into eight families:
GREENS 58
BLUES 60
VIOLETS 62
COOL NEUTRALS 64
REFERENCE THE SCIENCE BEHIND COLOUR 66
An understanding of the science behind colour and
useful colour reference details for the 2009 palette COLOUR INDEX 2009 68

3. WELCOME
ColourFutures™isthecolourcommunicationtool
fromourinternationalteamofcolourexperts.
ColourFutures™istheresultofongoingworldwide
colourtrendresearch,forecastinganddevelopment.
Weprideourselvesontheknowledgeofcolourand
colourformulations inpaint.ColourFutures™
providesthereaderwith internationaltrendsin
colourandlifestyleoneyearinadvance.
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4. INTERNATIONAL
COLOUR TRENDS
The ColourFutures™ team draws on a varietyof sources: from research groups, colour
marketing and trade and retail exhibitions, to design influences from the worlds
of fashion, technology, architecture, music, nature and popular culture. This results in a
contemporary colour palette which is driven by society’s changing moods and interests.
Trends can emerge out of every possible cornerof society. Some can emerge rapidly;
others evolve over several years– or even decades. Some may be slow in evolving and
09
then a sudden major influence can either speed them up or slow them down.
04

5. TREND
MOVEMENTS
Over the past six years we have seen a significant shift in the Colour of theYear – the colour
that best represents the prevailing mood and fashion of the time.
The soothing turquoise of 2004 which best summed up our interest in a balance between
mind and body, gave way in 2005 to a more life enhancing orange that symbolised a sense of
vitality and optimism. 2006 featured a restorative yellow-green with a strong ecological
bias which, in turn in 2007 became a more masculine pink which symbolised a new urban
regeneration in design and architecture.
The yellow of 2008 linked the East to the West and illustrated respect for the past and optimism
for the future. The calm and soothing cool green that best sums up 2009 can be found in
many of this year’s trend stories but at slightly different colour levels – it represents a sense
of natural stillness, healing and balance.
To clarify what a trend is, it is helpful to look at
HYPE the difference between a hype, a fashion and a trend
FASHION (seeopposite). A hype is something that emerges suddenly,
TREND
MAINSTREAM
takes a group of people by storm – and then dissipates
rapidly. Hypes are generally born unconsciously and come
from some inner drive to be accepted by one’s peers, to
belong. A fashion is more current and is usually followed
IMPACT
consciously– through clothes, toys, food and certain
aspects of lifestyle. Trends, on the other hand, are drifts,
inclinations and movements in a prevailing direction.
TIME
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6. KrimDanzinger
NickiBarton LatikaKhosla SeniorColourConsultant,
Head of Colour, AkzoNobel ConsultanttoDulux,Asia GliddenPaints, USA
DecorativePaints
Background: Design Director of Freedom Background:12 years in the Colour/
Background: 5 years’ marketing Tree Design, a colour and trend studio Design of Wallcovering, 8years
experience for Dulux UK, 6 years in based in India. Chairholder with the with ICI Paints as Colour Consultant.
a global role working across the Colour Marketing Group and the India Member of Colour Marketing Group,
ICI Paints portfolio around the world. Director for the PPFCC. and member of American Society
Chairperson of ColourFutures since 2003.
TM
of Interior Designers.
Education: Alumni of the National
Education: BSc from University Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, India. Education: BFA Graphics and Applied
College, Cardiff. Design, Miami University.
Specialisms: Design and colour
Specialisms: Colour trends, systems and strategies for manufactured products Specialisms: Colour and design trends,
collateral,brand communication and media. and retail collections. faux finishes and mural painting.
COLOUR
FUTURES TM
TEAM CatherineFiloche
MaryWard
CreativeDirector,
The ColourFutures™ team is a group Consultantto DuluxValentine, AnnevanderZwaag DuluxUK&Ireland
of international colour consultants, France ManagerAkzoNobel Background: Head of Dulux Creative
AestheticCenter Board since 2003, working with media,
both internal and external, to our Background: Consultant for ICI since1997 . architects and homeowners. 7years’
Design for companies such as Saint Gobain Background: Curator, author and tutor in marketing experience in UK and globally,
company. They are the recognised Glass, Gerflor, Kohler France. Founded own the field of art, design, architecture and creating award winning innovations,
experts within our organisation, design office in Montmartre,Parisin1997 . fashion. Head of the AkzoNobel Aesthetic new colour ranges, merchandising and
Education: École Supérieure d’Arts Center since 2007. colour cards.
responsible for watching and Appliqués Duperré, Paris. BTS Textiles and Education: Master Modern Art and Design, Education: MSc Materials, Cranfield, UK ;
scanning a wide range of industries DSAA Fashion and Environment. University Utrecht, the Netherlands. BSc Chemistry,Trinity, Dublin, Ireland.
Specialisms: Colour, trends and design Specialisms: Colour trends, concepts and Specialisms: Trends, Innovation,
and environments in order to plan for textiles, floor and wallcoverings. communication. colour communication and design.
and forecast colour trends. PaolaVieira
ColourMarketingManager,
Their work culminates in TintasCoral,Brazil
BarbaraRichardson
comprehensive collections Director, ColourMarketing, JenniLittle
Background: 5 years’experience in the
Marketing department of Whirpool
and concepts illustrating their GliddenPaints, USA Consultant to Dulux,Europe Corporation, Bang & Olufsen and Merloni
Elettrodomestici. 3years’experience in
selections – it is published Background: 21years as Colour Consultant, Background: MD of Jenni Little Associates decorative paints in Brazil and
5 years as Colour Design Studio Manager. design and colour consultancy with
one year ahead in ColourFutures.™
Chairholder in The Colour Marketing over 35 years’experience, including 25
international roles.
Group;member of American Society of with ICI Paints in UK and Europe. Founder Education: Graduate in Business
Interior Designers. member and Chairperson of The Colour Administration from Fundação Getulio
Group in the UK. Vargas; graduate in Mathematics from
Education: Graduate in Commercial Universidade de São Paulo. Masters in
and Fine Arts from Cooper School of Art; Education: Graduate of Manchester Marketing from Università Commerciale
Interior Design Certificate from College of Art and Design– BA in Luigi Bocconi in Milan, Italy.
the New York School of Interior Design. printed textiles.
Specialisms: Colour strategy and
Specialisms: Colour and design trends, Specialisms: Colour and design trends for initiatives for Latin America, including
merchandising colour, colour restoration. paints, textiles, tiles and floor coverings. colour communication.
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7. 76 colourshavebeenusedtoform whattheColourFutures™
teamconsiderstobethefivemainlifestyletrendsfor2009.
Some colours appearinmorethanonetheme.
S
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8. 13
WHITE DIMENSIONS LIVING LEGACY EQUILIBRIUM PLAY HOUSE
ECOTECTURE

9. Innovative design and architecture practices are pursuing
concepts such as vertical landscaping, sky gardens and
ECOTECTURE
integrated community facilities as part of many new office
and domestic projects. Green energy and global citizenship
are driving issues that will inform much of this debate.
Aesthetic ambience and sustainable systems will ensure
buildings create both a quality of life experience and a strong
sense of community as opposed to the ‘islands in the sky’ so
familiar to us now — where little attention is paid either to the
lives of the residents within these structures or the impact of
WHITE DIMENSIONS
the building itself on the ecosystem.
LIVING LEGACY
The elements of air, water and earth are also being regarded as an inherent component of any new
building both in terms of its environmental impact but also because of our improved understanding
of the human need to inter-react with the natural world in a way that brings self fulfilment and an
integrated lifestyle. The palette reflects this new challenging approach to the built environment
and the natural world. Soft natural colours such as straw, olive, willow and aqua are enlivened and
offset by techno greens, marine blues and deeper architectural tones — a community of colours for
EQUILIBRIUM
the basic bio bodies of the future.
PLAY HOUSE
Sustainable, environmentally friendly building is now going mainstream whether domestic or commercial,
rural or urban. Leaving its hippy, alternative roots behind, the relationship of a building and inhabitants to its
environment is now a critical issue for all new build projects. This clean green attitude regards a piece of
architecture as a living organism that has the need to breathe, feed and dispose of waste in a responsible,
non harmful way. Ultra high technology and ‘smart’ systems are being utilised to deliver effective eco
solutions as seen in new projects such as the Hearst Tower in New York City.
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10. 

  
ECOTECTURE
COLOUR PALETTE
 
IMAGERY
 


Tableandchairs,www.twentytwentyone.com
 
WHITE DIMENSIONS
40 YY 49/408 30 YY 58/178 70 YY 72/041 90 GG 30/195
LIVING LEGACY
20YY 57/060 30 RR 30/103 70 YY 55/613 70 YY 25/200
EQUILIBRIUM
PLAY HOUSE
70BB 55/044 70 BB 15/081 10 BB 17/269 10 GG 51/125
30 YY 14/070 20 YY 39/130 10 GY 40/296 70 GG 13/323
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17

11. 39
9
ECOTEC TURE LIVING LEGACY EQUILIBRIUM P L AY H O U S E
1
WHITE DIMENSIONS

12. ECOTEC TURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
EQUILIBRIUM
P L AY H O U S E
Thisthemebringsatouchofmodernmagic,futuristicbutethereal,anewdawnofsyntheticdevelopment.Herewe
findhighlyengineeredmaterialsandconstructionsmadeinawaythatdelightstheeyeandintriguesthesenseswith
aplayofdimensionandshadow.
Surfacesaresculpturedandgeometric,layeredandorganic,facetedandfiltered.Lightisalwaysthemostimportant
ingredient,allowingforasubtleinterplayoftoneandcontrast,reflectionandtranslucence,transparencyandsolidity.
Ultracontemporarymaterialsaremouldedandfoldedseamlesslylikeapieceofhi-techorigami; surfacesappearfluid
andcontinuousbutareconstructedfromrigidmodularunits.Technologycreatesasenseof‘aliveness’oranimation–
seeminglysimplesurfacesandobjectsareshapedinwaysthatbeliethetechnicalcomplexityoftheirconstruction.
Theappearanceislightandairywithanemphasisondelicatefretwork,achievedbymeansoflasercuttingthatallows
lighttopassthrough,castingetherealandmoodyshadows.Nosurfacesaretrulyflatbutaretexturedandmanipulated
inordertocreatefascinatingspatialinterplays.CuttingedgedesignersanddesigncompaniessuchasTordBoontje,
MarcelWanders,RonArad,DroogandMoooiarepushingcreativityintocyberspacewiththesehi-techmaterials
andrapidprototyping.Yetinspiteofthefuturisticaspectofthistheme,averypoeticandmagicaldimensionisstillretained.
Thepalettecombinesnewsoftandchalkywhiteswithmutedandsubtleshadowyshadesoffsetbythestronger
‘construction’coloursofrust,clayanddarkslate–coloursthatdrawusbacktoamorehumanaesthetic–anew21st
centurydawnofsoftwhite.
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13. ECOTEC TURE
Faceted
WHITE DIMENSIONS
10YY 44/215 50YR 23/365
Futuristic
CO LO U R PA L E T T E
I MAG E RY
Synthetic
Intriguing
30YY 71/073 70YR 68/102 70YR 45/261
Complex
Engineered
LIVING LEGACY
44YY 84/042 10YR 40/054 60YR 73/015
EQUILIBRIUM
www.annekyyroquinn.com
00NN 72/000 00NN 83/000 10GG 72/022
P L AY H O U S E
10BB 40/090 98YR 78/041 50GG 55/049
70BG 07/086 30YY 22/059
AndrewTyeScreen,www.tye3d.com
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14. 25
ECOTECTURE WHITE DIMENSIONS EQUILIBRIUM PLAY HOUSE
LIVING LEGACY

15. This theme sets the tone for a new aesthetic approach to design and craft that both
embraces sustainability and is a counterbalance to the worst of mass production.
ECOTECTURE
Micro production and limited editions are being created in sustainable communities,
drawing on ongoing traditions combined with unique and valued craft skills.
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
Objects are unique – they flaunt and celebrate their workmanship,construction and
materials whether made of metal,textile,ceramic, glass or wood. Every piece has its own
story and can be seen as part of an ongoing dialogue from maker to user through
customisation.
This new dialogue between manufacture and marketing ensures a greater opportunity for
the world’s developing countries and regions, for which artisanship, aided by good design,
can be a realistic way of attracting foreign currency,enabling communities to continue.
EQUILIBRIUM
This, in turn, creates valuable links between makers and the real commercial world,and
acts as a much needed alternative to the polarisation between discount and luxury.
In a more and more impersonal world where people risk loosing touch with local crafts,it
is essential that we preserve direct connections between the mind,eye and hand by valuing
the human intervention in an object that gives it its sensuality. Pride,integrity and respect
are qualities that can be ascribed to both the object and its creator, remixing influences and
moving to the future whilst always respecting what has been done in the past.
PLAY HOUSE
The desire to rediscover functional beauty, to fit the object to the user,enables each item
to tell its own story in a way that will combat standardisation and banality – the living craft
memories of yesterday will create the new design horizons of tomorrow.
The palette combines a rich and varied range of botanical shades such as mustard,aloe,
grape and cactus, enlivened by more vibrant and contemporary techno tones – alive yet
calming, a palette to nourish the senses and feast the eyes.
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16. LIVING
ECOTECTURE
LEGACY
WHITE DIMENSIONS
Beatlights,www.tomdixon.net
30YR 25/463 00YY 19/261
30YR 07/157 50YR 23/365
LIVING LEGACY
CONTINUITY
COLOUR PALETTE
INTEGRITY
IMAGERY
PRIDE
REDISCOVERY
GENUINE
70YR 45/261
30YR 31/154 20YY 57/060 CUSTOMISATION
10RR 24/061
EQUILIBRIUM
Glassvases,www.parici.com
70BG 56/061
PLAY HOUSE
70RR 16/116
30YY 49/562
44YY 70/110
30YY 38/370 60YY 67/251 30BB10/112 23YR 10/308
Leather,RolfordLtd+44(0)1933461324
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17. 31
ECOTEC TURE WHITE DIMENSIONS LIVING LEGACY P L AY H O U S E
EQUILIBRIUM

18. ECOTEC TURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
This theme exemplifies a new attitude to life In a world where financial and political turbulence is rife, we
and leisure, friends and family, work and play, activity move towards values that are eternal and sustaining; the need
and rest. In short, we are re-evaluating our human to nurture and care for our world in order to create a better
relationships to one another, our communities and tomorrow for the old and young alike. A time to be sociable but
EQUILIBRIUM
the rigours of modern living. still,active but rested,human but spiritual.
It is both introspective and contemplative but is The palette is inspired by the tones of tea and skin like
nevertheless inclusive and integrated into our daily life – a jasmine,rose,linden,moss and mint– calming and
far cry from the selfish and self absorbed attitude of satisfying colours that speak of our inherent similarities
the not too distant past. A‘we not me’attitude pervades no matter how culturally diverse we are. Sociable
and acts as a healing balm for the senses,a time to and reassuring shades of great delicacy, like an infusion
regenerate ourselves and reclaim our reason. of pastel flowers,put over a mood of serenity and
P L AY H O U S E
peace,of comfort and security.
Sharing tea with friends and family characterises
the social and human aspects of this theme– a slow This soft and gentle palette represents all that
fix within our daily lives. A feeling for winding is warming and human– colours to wrap yourself
down rather than gearing up allows us to in,not in order to retreat from the world but
rebalance and rediscover a calmer quality of life to embrace it together with friends and family–
that is centred on care and community. a re-centring of the priorities of life.
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19. ECOTEC TURE
60YY 33/130 10YR 50/101
WHITE DIMENSIONS
70YY 65/090 00YY 83/046
LIVING LEGACY
50GY 66/111 50YR 68/114
90YY 62/264 80YR 67/085 NURTURING
EQUILIBRIUM
REFRESHING
CO LO U R PA L E T T E
I MAG E RY
BALANCED
60YY 67/251 30YY 80/088 SUSTAINING
INFUSION
HEALING
P L AY H O U S E
10YY 61/136 90YR 51/109
80YR 40/148 10YY 60/224
80YR 17/129 00YY 43/304
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20. 37
ECOTEC TURE WHITE DIMENSIONS LIVING LEGACY EQUILIBRIUM
P L AY H O U S E

21. 39
ECOTEC TURE WHITE DIMENSIONS LIVING LEGACY EQUILIBRIUM
P L AY H O U S E

22. ECOTEC TURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
30BB 16/031
30YY 72/018
LIVING LEGACY
90YY 48/500
LaBohemestools,www.icone.co.uk
30YY 47/145
50BG 55/241
EQUILIBRIUM
50YY 65/454
70YY 46/160
ENERGETIC
P L AY H O U S E
30YR 53/188
CO LO U R PA L E T T E
70GG 39/303 OPTIMISTIC
I MAG E RY
08YY 56/528 WITTY
FUN
ADVENTUROUS
70YY 63/326
30RR 15/375 PLAYFUL
10BG 14/296
25YR 34/473
04YR 11/537 43
25
70YY 12/167 41

23. 10GG 51/125
COLOUR OF
THE YEAR
43

24. SOOTHING
REVIVING
PROGRESSIVE
SOCIABLE
RESPONSIBLE
TECHNICAL
COLOUR OF Green is a highly emotive colour that speaks to us symbolically on many levels – culturally, socially, naturally and
futuristically. We have seen a huge growth of importance of all greens in recent years – from soft citrus tints, attention
THE YEAR 2009 grabbing natural tones to hi-tech futuristic shades.
Green represents the close alignment of nature and science in order to create a sense of harmonious and sustainable
living. It reminds us of the critical importance of fresh water on our fragile planet, the technology of LED lights and
the complex monitoring equipment of the laboratory – all essential to our wellbeing and progress.
10GG 51/125
Currently and in the past, cool jades have been associated with healing and natural protection. Celadon and the
ceramic greens popular in the East, put over a sense of beauty, peace and calmness whilst similar tones were much used
in the West for clinics, hospitals and ‘green rooms’– where actors and musicians rested before performances.
The psychological acceptance of cool green comes from its association with the herbs and plants used in both culinary
and medicinal contexts. Green tea, eucalyptus, mint, aloe and willow have calming, healing and reviving aspects
that we seek out when under stress or in the midst of emotional trauma – they have the ability to work in harmony
with the body’s own healing mechanisms.
In both exterior and interior decoration, jade green has an important part to play. In modernist terms it works with
glass, steel, concrete and combines with a cool palette of grey, soft blues, taupe and chocolate whilst for a softer and
more domestic look it can be combined with warmer tones like plum, terracotta, peach and nude pink.
This green is balanced and wholesome – a contemplative and soothing shade that speaks of community care
and social responsibility– a nurturing colour for an emotionally hungry world.
45

25. COLOUR
TRANSITIONS
Thisyearweseeamovetowardscoloursthataresofterandmoreunderstatedbutwhichhavevery
stronglinkstothebuiltenvironment,thelandscapeandnaturalcraftmaterials.
Eachcolourfamilyiswelldefinedwithlittleambiguity–‘easyontheeye’and‘easytolivewith’quiet
shadesdominate. Brighter,futuristiccolours,inspiredbytechnology,arealsoevidentinmanypalettes.
Wherecolourisstrongeritstilltendstowardssubtletyandcomplexity–weseemtohavetiredof
manyofthestridentshadesofpastyearsinfavourofsomethingsofterbutmuchmoresophisticated.
Warmmid-tonesare,likelastyear, stillthemostpopularcolourlevelwithpalerneutralscontinuingto
behighlydesirableeitherintheirownrightortocomplementstrongerandmorecomplexcolours.
Reds are far softer and neutralised with nude and skin shades predominating
over the rich and regal ones so popular in recent years.
Oranges still retain their earthy, organic bias overall but are now more influenced
by beaten, burnished and crafted metals.
Yellows are more subtle with a greater array of tones and the inclusion of more
sophisticated mustards, bronzes and golds.
WarmNeutrals are less contrasting and have returned to a heartland of
environmentally based shades like clay, ecru, bark and timber.
Greens reflect the environment with many botanical hues but the palette is
tempered by stronger colours inspired by technology and the laboratory.
Blues are either strongly linked to earth and space or shadowy and more industrial.
A new greener area is emerging that creates a more futuristic image.
Violets have now become so understated and subtle that they can almost be
regarded as warm neutrals – gone entirely are the vibrant mauves and pretty lilacs.
CoolNeutrals have a very soft, shadowy aspect to them which can create
delicate layering effects – not quite as neutral as last year.
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26. ColourFutures™displays a palette of 76 colours
for 2009. All are from our global colour system
with a unique notation number. These colours
are divided into eight families: Reds, Oranges,
Yellows, Warm Neutrals, Greens, Blues, Violets,
Cool Neutrals.
COLOUR
FAMILIES
48

27. REDS
ORANGES
14YR 10/434 90BG 17/090
YELLOWS
KEY COLOUR 2009
WARM NEUTRALS
50RR 11/286 10YR 50/101 50YR 68/114 80YR 67/085
80RR 07/260 30YR 53/188 30YR 31/154 70YR 68/102
SOFT
GREENS
SUBTLE
BLUES
SKINLIKE 30RR 15/375 04YR 11/537 30YR 07/157
VIOLETS
REDS TRANSITION
reds
COOL NEUTRALS
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
A radical move away from stronger and more saturated shades
towards a softer skin-like neutral pink with warm coffee overtones.
The influence of yellow creates brown–toned shades that are highly usable but
The key colour,10YR 50/101, is a subtle
neutral – a nurturing and warming shade that sophisticated – colours that are refined, natural and add a touch of understated luxury.
is both ultra chic and relaxing.
Skin tones add a level of softness and subtlety that is warming, delicate and puts
over a more caring and nurturing image.
Bolder colours are honest and true – fun shades to enliven what is a very restrained
palette. A radical change from a few years ago where stronger shades predominated.
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28. REDS
ORANGES
14YR 10/434 00YY 83/046 30YY 80/088
YELLOWS
KEY COLOUR 2009
WARM NEUTRALS
25YR 34/473 30YR 25/463 70YR 45/261 90YR 67/085
23YR 10/308 50YR 23/365 99YR 82/029
GREENS
BURNT
BURNISHED
BLUES
RUSTED 90RR 08/129 10YR 27/323 30YR 49/097
VIOLETS
ORANGES TRANSITION
oranges
COOL NEUTRALS
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
A move towards a stronger deep coral strongly influenced by red –
although deep and saturated, this colour is still warm and comforting.
Beaten and rusted metals are the inspiration for the majority of this palette –
The key colour,30YR 25/463, is a muted and
burnt red orange – a softly glowing shade that captures robust colours that have an eternal sense of strength and beauty.
the magic of molten metal.
Ultra pale apricots and vanillas lit by the soft afternoon sun – warm shadows
to create relaxing and reassuring interiors.
Bright and vivid coral has an engaging and sunny energy– a fun colour
which can enliven the neutral palettes.
53

29. CRAFTED
REDS
CREATIVE
COMFORTING
ORANGES
YELLOWS
WARM NEUTRALS
00YY 43/304 10YY 44/215 30YY 58 /178 60YY 67/251
10YY 60/224 30YY 38/370 50YY 65/454
GREENS
BLUES
KEY COLOUR 2009
08YY 56/528 00YY 19/261 30YY 49/562 40YY 49/408
VIOLETS
YELLOWS TRANSITION
yellows
COOL NEUTRALS
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
A gentle move towards smart and fashionable mustard– a sophisticated
colour that puts over an image of craftwork and creativity.
A palette of great character and beauty– crafted colours that put
The key colour,40YY 49/408, is an elegant and
crafted mustard that works well in modernist settings over an image of soft refinement and attention to detail.
with cooler neutrals.
New mustards predominate – artistic shades that work alone or with
cooler neutrals – a new high fashion favourite.
Warmer golds and tans bring elements of the natural world inside
and give a look of comforting and calming radiance.
55

30. REDS
ORANGES
YELLOWS
WARM NEUTRALS
90YR 51/109 98YR 78/041 30YY 71/073 44YY 84/042
KEY COLOUR 2009
80YR 40/148 10YY 61/136 30YY 47/145 44YY 70/110
GREENS
NURTURING
NATURALISTIC
BLUES
ARBOREAL 80YR 17/129 20YY 57/060 20YY 39/130 99YR 82/029
VIOLETS
warm
WARM NEUTRALS TRANSITION
COOL NEUTRALS
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
A very subtle move from last year that exemplifies the enduring
popularity of this soft but characterful, mid-toned level of colour.
neutrals
Orange and yellow based neutrals with an abundance of wood, bark
The key colour,10YY 61/136, is an environmental neutral
reminiscent of cut timber and cork – a gentle colour and twig colours reflect our concerns for the environment.
that combines beautifully with warm and cool palettes.
Clay and earth tones allude to the natural environment and sustainable
craftwork materials for communities across all cultures.
Luminous pales create lightness with warmth, calmness with
character and softness with neutrality.
57

31. REDS
ORANGES
70YY 65/090 70YY 25/200 10GY 40/296 50GY 66/111
YELLOWS
KEY COLOUR 2009
WARM NEUTRALS
70YY 46/160 70YY 63/326 90YY 62/264 10 GG 51/125
60YY 33/130 70YY 55/613 90YY 48/500 50GG 55/049
GREENS
ECOLOGICAL
HEALING
BLUES
REVIVING 30YY 14/070 70YY 12/167 70GG 13/323
VIOLETS
GREENS TRANSITION
greens
COOL NEUTRALS
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
A move towards calming and cooler greens reflects our concern for family
and the environment – this soft jade is both serene and sophisticated.
Botanical yellow–based greens add a touch of futuristic energy– they are
The key colour,10GG 51/125, is a soothing shade
inspired by jade, willow and aloe – it represents issues reminiscent of both the jungle and the laboratory.
such as wellbeing, healing and nurturing.
Cooler jades and tea greens are creative colours loved by the East and West
alike – calming, thoughtful shades for refreshment of mind and body.
Subtle, architectural greens remind us of the earth’s natural building materials –
clay, timber, stone and thatch– eco-friendly materials for modern living.
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32. REDS
ORANGES
70BG 56/061 10BB 40/090 70BB 55/044
YELLOWS
KEY COLOUR 2009
WARM NEUTRALS
90GG 30/195 50BG 55/241 14YR 10/434 70BB 15/081
70GG 39/303 10BG 14/296 10BB 17/269
GREENS
ARCHITECTURAL
TECHNOLOGICAL
BLUES
AIRY 70BG 07/086 30BB 10/112 30YR 49/097
VIOLETS
BLUES TRANSITION
blues
COOL NEUTRALS
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
A move towards new environmental aquas and turquoises, strongly influenced
by green – these shades have both an earthly and aquatic quality to them.
The futuristic view of the earth seen from space inspires much of this palette –
The key colour,90GG 30/195, is a deep but soft aqua that
conveys a strong sense of the natural environment when used the growing link between technology and our natural world.
with both warm and cool neutrals.
Balanced and beautiful turquoise and teal allude to both the past and the future
– creative colours used for centuries are now centre stage in fashion terms.
Smoky and shadowy shades add an airy sense of dimension and definition –
structured tones that create depth and interest.
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33. DUSTY
REDS
DEGRADED
DELICATE
ORANGES
60YR 73/ 015 90BG 17/090
YELLOWS
WARM NEUTRALS
60YR 73/015 90YR 67/085
KEY COLOUR 2009
10RR 24/ 061 30RR 30/103 10YR 40/054 99YR 82/029
GREENS
BLUES
70RR 16/116 10YR 27/323 30YR 49/097
VIOLETS
VIOLETS TRANSITION
violets
COOL NEUTRALS
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
A move to almost total neutrality and subtlety – very understated
shades that are inspired by dust, ash and shadows.
A level of neutrality, never seen before in this palette, creates shades that
The key colour,10YR 40/054, is the most subtle
of violets – a dusted neutral that exhibits a sophisticated are highly elegant but with an understated sense of luxury.
sense of luxury and refinement.
Both traditional and ultra contemporary interiors benefit from this new
subtle neutrality– ethereal, shadowy and delicate.
The natural world is evoked via an array of ash, cinder and dust– whether
ultra pale or deeper in tone, softness is always the key attribute.
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34. LAYERED
REDS
CONSTRUCTED
SUBTLE
ORANGES
30RR 08/044 90BG 17/090
YELLOWS
WARM NEUTRALS
70YY 72/041 00NN 72/000 90YR 67/085
KEY COLOUR 2009
30YY 72/018 00NN 83/000 10GG 72/022 99YR 82/029
GREENS
BLUES
30YY 22/059 90RR 28/245 30BB 16/031 30YR 49/097
VIOLETS
cool
COOL NEUTRALS TRANSITION
COOL NEUTRALS
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
A move towards pale greys so discreet that they are almost pure
white – this renaissance of white influences all hue areas.
neutrals
A series of ultra subtle greys and off whites create a layered look –
The key colour, 00NN 83/000, is an off white
which lends the merest hint of subtlety and shadow– tiny shifts of colour that create dimension and optical interest.
an ethereal pale, a whisper away from white.
Understated pale greys allow for maximum combination possibilities
with hues from other palettes – intriguing but never bland.
Architectural light and dark mixes put over a mood of contemporary
chic – elegant when used alone, both indoors and out, or with
subtle natural accents like slate and rust.
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35. We understand both the ‘art’ and ‘science’ of colour. The ‘art’ part of our work relates to the aesthetics of colour, while the ‘science’
is about its technology. The purpose of ColourFutures™ is to marry the art and science in one reference manual.
THE SCIENCE
BEHIND COLOUR
B
WHITE
A What is colour? In order to give a more precise indication, there is a scale from 00 to 99 that will
Colour is a sensation that we experience through our eyes with our brain. locate a specific hue within a colour group. The numbers run anti-clockwise,
00
Colour is all around us, used on a variety of forms and shapes and we all interact as shown opposite. For example, 50YY is a pure yellow and is found in the
with it. It adds spice to our lives and can affect the way we behave, feel, perceive middle of YY; 90GY is more green than10GY.
or orientate ourselves in a given space. Research has shown that colour can
compensate vision deficiency– visually impaired people can navigate with LRV (see‘C’opposite)
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more confidence in strong colour-contrasted environments as their sense of Another aspect that we are all familiar with is how dark or light a colour is.
space and orientation is recreated by contrasting colours.
LRV
HUE In our notation system, this is described as the Light Reflectance Value (LRV).
The colour we perceive is influenced by the context in which we see that colour. It is a measure of how much light is reflected by a surface of that colour.
CHROMA
Lighting affects the appearance of a coloured wall, for example. A small patch It is represented in the second part of the notation and consists of a two-digit
of colour in a given wallpaper will look different from an entire room painted in number between 00 and 99.
that colour.
Although we are all familiar with darkness and lightness, the actual amount
We use our understanding of colour to describe it in a more user-friendly way. of light we perceive is affected by lighting, shadows and sheen level within
Colour, as perceived by the human brain through the eye, is tri-dimensional. a room. This is why our notation system describes this component as the
One way of describing these three components is in terms of hue, Light proportion of light reflected by the surface.
Reflectance Value (LRV) and chroma (see'A'opposite).
LRV works on a black to white axis – the higher the LRV, the lighter the colour –
How we use colour hence the lower the number, the darker the colour. In a room painted with
We have developed a unique proprietary colour notation system. It is the result colours of a low LRV (darker colours), more light will be required than in a room
of extensive research and consultation with an international team of experts. painted with high LRV colours (lighter colours).
BLACK
The role of our notation system is to make every colour we produce precisely
Chroma (see‘D’opposite)
identifiable across the world. Each has a unique reference number made up of
The remaining component of colour is chroma. It is this that makes a colour
C three distinct parts: a hue reference, a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and a
either intense or subtle. The higher the number, the more intense the
chroma value.
colour will be. The scale runs from 000 to 999.
Our objective is to offer the most comprehensive range of colours in the widest
range of high-quality interior and exterior finishes. Examples (see‘E’opposite)
The colour reference 30BB 08/263 is a strong blue. This can be attributed to
Hue (see‘B’opposite) its position in the left of the violet to blue group (30BB), combined with a low
It is this aspect of colour that we see in a rainbow. Most colours have a clear LRV (08) and a medium chroma value (263).
hue associated with them – for example, pink has a red hue. The only colours
D that have no hue are white, black and the pure greys that lie in between.
However, 30BB 72/034 is a really pale blue. It is still positioned in the left
side of the violet to blue group (30BB) but is combined with a high LRV (72)
In our notation system, the first part describes this aspect of colour by using two and a low chroma value (034).
digits and two letters. Illustrated opposite in ‘B’, the colour spectrum has
been divided into eight groups as follows:
YY yellow YR orange to red
RR red to magenta RB magenta to violet
BB violet to blue BG blue to turquoise
E
30BB 08 / 263
GG turquoise to green GY green to lime
HUE LRV CHROMA
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