It’s that time again! Join me as I review this Spring’s top colours and trends, featuring classic blues, restorative greens and grown-up pinks, plus top tips for going au naturale with more eco-friendly materials and sustainable products. (Header image: IKEA)
Plus, check out my other top trends of the year: female forms, scallops and curves and sunset blush.
Colour(s) of the Year
As usual I’ve been keeping an eye on the various “Colour of the Year” announcements. While rarely agreeing on one definitive shade, these give an interesting indication of the direction colour trends are headed. In 2020 blue and green appear to be on the rise, with overarching themes of new beginning, wellness and connection to nature. Pink also endures, although as I predicted last year, I’m seeing earthier shades of sunset and spice and an altogether more grown-up approach (maybe the beginning of the end for millennial pink?!).
For more Spring colour inspiration see The best colours to refresh your home for Spring.
1) Classic Blue
When I first read that Pantone’s 2020 Colour of the Year was Classic Blue I was decidedly unimpressed. Regular readers will know how much I love teal, navy and even mint, but “classic” primary blue? Nah. Aside from a fondness for the works of Picasso and Matisse it’s not a colour I would instantly choose for my home, but I’m wiling to give it a look.
In their COTY choices Sherwin Williams (with Naval) and PPG (with Chinese Porcelain) have also opted for fairly classic blues, both emphasising a need for calmness and escapism with shades which bring us closer to the natural elements of sea and sky.
Shutterstock, one of the web’s biggest stock image sites, analysed billions of pixels of their customers’ downloads to discover which colours had the greatest growth. Among their findings was Phantom Blue, described as a sophisticated indigo-navy as seen in the dramatic skies surrounding a glowing moon. Another highlight was Aqua Menthe, a bright yet serene cyan-mint reminiscent of luxurious shorelines and crystal clear waters.
That’s a bit more like it. Personally, I’d also be inclined towards the darker, more opulent end of the blue spectrum, such as B&Q’s Antibes (available in multiple finishes, I’ve used the furniture paint for an upcycling project). Alternatively, cooler, pastel tones as pictured by John Lewis & Partners in their SS20 collection.
Get the Look
For a sumptuous opulent feel pair deep navy velvets with gold accents. Alternatively, for a more relaxed look opt for colour blocking inspired by Henri Matisse.
- Vase (similar)
- Dinner set (similar)
- Blue Nude II by Henri Matisse Etsy
- Cushion (similar)
- Bulbholder lamp (similar)
- Wall clock John Lewis & Partners
- Bowl (similar)
- Elephant (similar)
- Chair (similar)
- Side table (similar)
[Please note – If a similar item is linked then the original store/product is no longer available. I review links regularly to try to keep them up-to-date and provide alternatives where possible.]
2) Restorative Green
Continuing the themes of calmness and connection with nature, green is proving to be another popular COTY choice. This one has been emerging for a while now (see last Spring’s post), particularly with earthier sage greens as a natural pairing for blush pink.
Behr’s Back to Nature is described as a restorative and revitalising green, while Dulux’s Tranquil Dawn is a calming shade of green inspired by the morning sky. Clearly, given the tumultuous global times we live in, the big brands think we all need a bit of rest and reassurance.
And why not? Green and springtime are a natural pairing (ahem) and with near infinite shades to choose from there’s something for every home. Everything from sea green, as seen in Habitat’s latest collection, to sage as featured by IKEA or Etsy’s choice for Colour of the Year – Chartreuse (pictured below).
Get the Look
Look for laid-back shades of sage and olive in natural materials such as linen and rattan. If you fancy a bit of greenery but aren’t very green-fingered then explore options for artificial plants.
- Knot pillow (similar)
- Rattan pendant (similar)
- Mugs (similar)
- Artificial aloe (similar)
- Serving bowl (similar)
- Armchair (similar)
- Artificial monstera (similar)
- Mug (similar)
- Vase (similar)
- Dulux Tranquil Dawn
- Velvet sofa (similar)
[Please note – If a similar item is linked then the original store/product is no longer available. I review links regularly to try to keep them up-to-date and provide alternatives where possible.]
3) Grown-Up Pink
As promised there’s still some pink in the mix. However, as we enter a new decade is the age of millennial pink coming to an end?
Benjamin Moore’s First Light is billed as a soft, rosy hue blooming with potential for a bright new decade. HGTV’s blush pink Romance aims to capture a balance of optimism and calmness. Sound familiar? It’s a similar rationale to both blue and green yet again.
However, as I’ve been predicting for a while now, millennial pink is finally growing up. Whether with the use of earthier tones, as seen in this sumptuous living space from John Lewis & Partners, or in its pairings with more natural materials, as pictured by Dulux.
Now as for complimentary colours, you know I love a good mustard accent and I’ve been drawn to this pink/yellow colour combo for a while now. Alternatively, opt for a candy coloured scheme pairing muted pinks with minty blues. Either way, you can’t go wrong mix and matching from John Lewis & Partners’ fabulous new House collection.
Get the Look
Go for warmer, earthier pinks paired with mustard accents and natural materials. This look is also a perfect partner for the ever-growing trend for graphic female forms.
- Table lamp (similar)
- Mug (similar)
- Cushion (similar)
- Cushion (similar)
- Denby bowls John Lewis & Partners
- Roberts radio John Lewis & Partners
- Cushion (similar)
- Farrow & Ball Sulking Room Pink
- Mug (similar)
- Side table (similar)
- Velvet chair My Furniture
[Please note – If a similar item is linked then the original store/product is no longer available. I review links regularly to try to keep them up-to-date and provide alternatives where possible.]
Going Au Naturale
Pinterest, in their 2020 trend report, highlight an increasing interest in conscious consumption, describing a push for more eco-friendly habits and sustainable products. This is reflected in the use of natural materials such as rattan, linen and reclaimed wood. Also in a common palette of nude or earthy tones. The growth of hand-made items, particularly ceramics, which I highlighted last year continues.
Scandinavian brands are leading the way, with both H&M and Ferm Living’s Spring collections featuring organic cotton, abstract lines and a natural palette of earthy and nude tones.
Rattan is very much the material of the moment, as featured in these folding chairs from H&M and chaise from Habitat. I remember my Mum had very similar chairs when I was wee, apparently bought for only £10 each!
Bloomingville’s stunning Spring Summer 2020 collection is full of imperfect lines and rough materials, softened with a palette of earthy pinks, ochres and cosy layers of cushions, throws and rugs.
Barker and Stonehouse feature an extensive range of reclaimed furniture, including this dining set made from reclaimed timbers and a base of recycled steel, iron and scrap metal from cars and oil drums.
Get the Look
Look for natural materials such as rattan, bamboo and jute, plus hand-made accessories and ceramics.
- Mirror (similar)
- Vase (similar)
- Shelf (similar)
- Mug (similar)
- Rug (similar)
- Dinner set (similar)
- Jug (similar)
- Cushion (similar)
- Cushion (similar)
- Chair Barker and Stonehouse
- Storage trunk (similar)
[Please note – If a similar item is linked then the original store/product is no longer available. I review links regularly to try to keep them up-to-date and provide alternatives where possible.]
Check out my Pinterest board for more Spring home inspiration.
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