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FEBRUARY 2015 | 47 Paint & Coatings PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BENJAMIN MOORE & SHERWIN-WILLIAMS C Colour options for 2015 take inspiration from a vast array of life – from bold, earthy tones to cheerful, tropi- cal shades that aim to brighten any living space. Pulled from the Sherwin-Williams Buoyant pal- ette, Coral Reef is the perfect blend of pink, orange and red, influenced by the company's botanical fixa- tion and optimistic outlook for the future. "Coral Reef embodies the cheerful approach to design that we're seeing for the coming year," says Jackie Jordan, direc- tor of colour marketing. "Its unexpected versatility brings life to a range of design esthetics, whether tra- ditional or contemporary. This carefree colour will liven up a client's surroundings." From health-care facilities to retail spaces and multi-family communities, Coral Reef is a versatile colour that can be applied across a variety of residen- tial and commercial spaces. "Coral Reef can be used in a dining space within a senior living facility or on the wall of a multi-family game room," says Jordan. "It can be paired with colours such as Baroness and Paradise from our Buoyant collection to stimulate senses in an educational setting. This tropical colour also lends itself well to hospitality facilities." In addition to the Colourmix 2015 palettes, profes- sionals can find inspiration with colour selection tools from Sherwin-Williams, says Jordan. "At swcolor.com, design professionals can view all Sherwin-Williams colours and collections, link to downloadable palettes for use in colour rendering software and access the online Color Visualizer. Designers can also register on myS-W.com and order large-sized colour swatches and fan decks." Benjamin Moore has identified its 2015 colour trends with monochromatic colour designs and bold hues for a balanced home featuring Guildford Green, the Colour of the Year. The stunning silvery green com- plements both modern and traditional styles seam- lessly. "We chose Guilford Green as our 2015 Colour of the Year because it can be the hero or the highlight in any room, enhancing the architectural identity of a space," says Ellen O'Neill, creative director at Benjamin Moore. "Guilford Green is the perfect thread to connect nature, spaces and interiors with colour schemes that signify fresh energy and growth." Also included in the 2015 selections is a curated pal- ette of 23 colours consisting of beautiful green, blue, blush and berry shades that can transform a space. "Last year the colours were very soft, however this year people are getting more comfortable with bolder colour," says Hannah Yeo, colour and design specialist at Benjamin Moore & Co. "The trend is colour that is a little deeper, richer and more saturated." These Benjamin Moore colours also celebrate the concept of monochromatic colours using warm, cool, dark and light layers of the same hue in the home. With a monochromatic colour scheme throughout a floor plan, each room can have a very distinctive look, mak- ing it almost imperceptible that there is a single hue at work. "Homeowners are ready to experiment with colour and are more confident with making unique design choices for the home," adds O'Neill. "Within each colour family in the Colour Trends 2015 palette, we offer a spectrum of hues to play with and experi- ment to find what's right for any home." If you love to travel but can't get away, there will be a sea of opportunity to bring international flair into your home in the coming year. That's the message of leading brand Dulux paint in unveiling its 2015 colour palette, bursting with diverse, rich colours reminis- cent of exotic global destinations. Topping the Dulux paint brand's list of popular colours for the year is tropical blue – a vibrant, clean hue that is expected to dominate all areas of interior décor. "Tropic Night is Dulux's 2015 colour of the year," says Martin Tustin-Fuchs, brand manager. "Next year's trendy blue evokes images of the sparkling Caribbean Sea and will be noticed wherever you put it." Pairing well with a wide range of colours, from lavish yellow- gold and coral to black, grey and white, Tustin-Fuchs notes tropical blue is enthusiastically positive, charis- matic and, like the horizon, represents possibility. The trend towards opulent, vibrant international colours will be seen across the colour spectrum, he adds. "The Dulux Co-leidoscope theme represents the conver- gence and intersection of colours from different world cultures. Rather than a melting pot, this theme serves as a glamorous celebration of the unique and eclectic designs and experiences the global world has to offer." Bold and confident colours take centre stage in 2015 by LAURIE JONES Streaks Ahead Accent wall in Blue Danube from Benjamin Moore; Buoyant palette from Sherwin-Williams.

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