Blue colours, say the scientists, bring positive measures of physical and mental wellbeing in the home. Well known coatings manufacturer, Plascon, says it has taken inspiration from nature’s blue expanse in proposing its third annual colour combination.
A selection of aquatic hues is used to alleviate stress and invigorate our spaces. This colour combination looks to the restorative properties of water in times when concerns for our health and that of our planet take precedence, bringing a sense of calm and optimism for a lighter and brighter future.
Building from momentum gained In 2022, specialist advisors advise a colour combination featuring three colours instead of a single one. This season, the company’s colour advisors propose a bespoke new blue colour combination based on a 60-30-10 ratio. This is based on an industry-standard design approach of 60% of a room being in a dominant colour, 30% in a secondary colour and 10% in an accent colour – making it easier for users to achieve a well-considered look.
Hence a new trio of colours will emerge in 2024, following months of extensive research as the world recovers from the pandemic years and faces extreme climate challenges. Together, this layered and immersive harmony of hues awakens the restorative properties of blue, a colour that holds a pronounced ability to elevate mood and improve feelings of rejuvenation – even more so than green.
While many of us have been seeking refuge in green spaces, like forests and parks, and incorporating leafy hues into our home, recent studies have found that blue spaces are associated with more positive measures of physical and mental wellbeing.
The science behind the blues
Environmental psychologist, Dr Matthew White, a member of the BlueHealth programme researching the benefits of urban blue spaces, notes that, “spending time in and around aquatic environments has consistently been shown to lead to significantly higher benefits, in inducing positive mood and reducing negative mood and stress”.
In light of these findings, and Plascon’s collective desire for calm, reassuring spaces, the design team looked to the allure of water to transform the home – and they didn’t need to look far: South Africa has a profound affinity with this life-giving source, thanks to our thousands of kilometres of coastline, many pristine lakes and abundance of waterfalls.
Unveiling the colours
Crystal-clear Caribbean Sea (G7-A1-2) a colour representing the largest percentage in the design ratio. On its own, this colour evokes sun-lit shallow waters on a warm day, while its pairing with the other two – North Beach (B4-B1-1) at 30% and Aqua Pura (G7-C2-2) at 10% – captures the full spectrum of aquatic blues.
The vibrant warm turquoise of the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea (G7-A1-2) with its green undertone is invigorating, bringing energy and a sense of renewal into any space.
North Beach (B4-B1-1) is a bold and saturated azure representing the enveloping comfort of the deep without being too cool. And the gently shaded blue-green Aqua Pura (G7-C2-2) is the perfect highlight, a pale near-neutral reminiscent of rays of sun sparkling on water.
The Head of Decorative Marketing at Kansai Plascon, Suvasin Moodley, sees great decorative potential in this trio of colours.
“Because Caribbean Sea, North Beach and Aqua Pura have been carefully selected by our team to complement each other, you can really play around with how much or little of each you’d like to add to your space,” he says.
And, indeed, there are loads of ways to incorporate these stunning colours into your spaces. Aqua Pura (G7-C2-2) is an excellent choice for a more neutral base: add an accent wall to your lounge, use it to colour your kitchen cabinets or give your bathroom floor a makeover.
The deep North Beach (B4-B1-1) can serve as an alternative to black or dark wood, working beautifully to transform wooden furniture or adding depth to your bedroom on a headboard. And the warm turquoise of Caribbean Sea (G7-A1-2) is perfect for adding decorative touches, not just through paint, but in the form of scatter cushions, couch throws, ceramic vases or lamp shades.
“We wanted to make transforming your home into a blue space as simple as possible,” notes Moodley. “The colour combination for 2024 captures the vast spectrum of blue in nature, so by simply incorporating the trio into your home, you unlock its powers.”
