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M A R C H 2 0 2 5 | 15 Paint & Coatings Bold colours and breakthrough coatings reshaping 2025 by NATALIE BRUCKNER E very year, the world's leading paint and coatings manufacturers unveil their colour of the year – a single or palette of shades chosen to capture the pulse of design and culture. But these selections are more than just a reflection of fleeting trends; they reveal deeper global currents, from shifts in consumer behaviour and techno- logical innovation to the evolving relationship between people and their spaces. Informed by extensive research across fashion, architecture, nature, and technology, these colours tell stories of where we are and where we're headed. With sustainability and innovation at the forefront, here's what the experts are forecasting for this year. COLOUR OF THE YEAR At the Sansin Corporation, Ivory 21 emerges as a serene and sophisticated choice for 2025. This earthy, organic soft white, enriched with neutral undertones, elevates the natural beauty of wood grain while adding a bright, calming quality to any space. "Ivory reflects a growing trend toward natural, translucent finishes that protect wood while celebrating its character," says Sjoerd Bos, Sansin's manag- ing director. "It's versatile enough to complement coastal tranquillity, Nordic minimalism, and even timeless traditional styles." The beauty of Ivory lies in its ability to transform surfaces, from ceilings and decks to siding and interiors. It's equally at home creating a subtle elegance on its own or serving as a foundation for bold, contrasting hues. As Sansin colour specialist Adam Bartlett puts it, "Ivory is beautifully understated. It lets the wood's unique tone shine through while offering endless creative possibilities." Whether enhancing the intricate grain of a wooden ceiling or providing durability to high-traffic exteriors, Ivory combines functionality with flair. Its soft, inviting tone promises to inspire architects and homeowners alike, proving that beauty and performance can go hand in hand. With Ivory, wood becomes naturally perfect. A Brush With Vision Over at Benjamin Moore, their Colour Trend Collection for 2025 embodies a harmonious blend of familiarity and subtle vibrancy with 10 hues that project a comforting vision of colour on the horizon. The palette strikes a balance between grounding neutrals like Sea Salt CSP-95 and Paris Rain 1501, and deeper, moodier tones such as Ashwood Moss 1484 and Leather Saddle Brown 2100-20. Cinnamon Slate 2113-40, the Colour of the Year, is a standout – a luxurious mid-tone fusion of plum and soft brown. This nuanced shade invites curiosity, encouraging exploration of its intricate undertones and fostering a sense of warmth and connection. According to Sharon Grech, colour and design expert at Benjamin Moore Canada, this collection reflects a collective yearning for balance and reassurance, translated into restorative colours and soft, rounded palettes. This aligns with broader trends in architecture and furniture design, emphasizing organic shapes, layered textures, and the cherished items that make a space feel like home. From creating harmony to serving as a versatile design tool, Benjamin Moore's palette for 2025 highlights the emotional impact of colour. It provides designers and homeowners alike with options to craft environments that feel both personal and welcoming. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Paints Company embraces bold expression with Purple Basil (DLX1046-7) as the Dulux Paints Colour of the Year. This rich, warm purple balances the calming qualities of blue with the vitality of red, symbolizing a new era of self-discovery and curated maximalism. Ashley McCollum, marketing manager and global colour expert for Pittsburgh Paints Co., highlights the shade's ability to inspire movement and adaptation, capturing the energy of nature, science, and virtual worlds. Complementary hues like Dark Green Velvet (DLX1136-7) and Bark (DLX1007-7) evoke nature, while Tarreyton (DLX1140-3) and Blue Calico (DLX1246-7) reflect the fusion of real and artificial spaces. Sico paint takes inspiration from the night sky with Starry Night (6044-83) as its Colour of the Year. This deep purple blends warmth and energy, creating Cinnamon Slate 2113-40 from Benjamin Moore. Ivory 21 from Sansin Corporation.

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