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FUTURES
2008
TM
International Colour Trends
TM
COLOURFUTURES 2008
COLOUR
International Colour Trends
This ColourFutures™reference manual is and remains the property of Imperial Chemical Industries PLC and is loaned on condition that it is used solely to specify
products manufactured and/or supplied by ICI and its affiliates and on condition that it shall be returned to Imperial Chemical Industries PLC on demand.
www.icipaints.com
The ICI roundel, Colour Palette,
Master Palette,ColourFutures and the
distinctive three-leaf colour spectrum
symbol are trademarks of ICI.
© Copyright and Database right ICI 2003.
™
We have reproduced paint colours
as faithfully as print will allow.
However, the shape, size and lighting
of a surface can influence the
appearance of the final colour.
ICI Paints
International Marketing Department
Wexham Road, Slough
Berkshire, SL2 5DS, United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0)1753 550 000
Paints
Paints
Paint
s
CONTENTS
OVERVIEW
TheColourFutures™ team introduces you
to forecasted colour trends for 2008
WELCOME 02
INTERNATIONAL COLOUR TRENDS 04
TREND MOVEMENTS 06
COLOUR FAMILIES AND THEMES EXPLAINED 08
COLOUR FUTURES™ TEAM 10
COLOURTHEMES
These five key lifestyle themes have been
submitted by the ColourFutures™ teamfor 2008:
GROWING RESPECT 14
EBB & FLOW 20
ART FORM 26
HIDDEN BEAUTY 32
EXPLORER 38
COLOUR OFTHE YEAR 2008
COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2008 44
COLOUR TRANSITIONS 48
COLOUR FAMILIES
ColourFutures™displays a palette of 75colours
for 2008. All are from the ICI Paints Global Colour
System with a unique notation number.
These colours are divided into eight families:
REDS 50
ORANGES 52
YELLOWS 54
WARM NEUTRALS 56
GREENS 58
BLUES 60
VIOLETS 62
COOL NEUTRALS 64
REFERENCE
An understanding of the science behind colour and
useful colour reference details for the 2008 palette
THE SCIENCE BEHIND COLOUR 66
COLOUR INDEX 2008 68
02
INTERNATIONAL COLOUR TRENDS
04
INTERNATIONAL CO
LOUR TRENDS
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
then a sudden major influence can either speed them up or slow them down.
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
TREND MOVEMENTS
Over the past five years we have seen a significant shift in the colours that reflect the prevailing
mood of the times or essence of the year (see above).
The soothing turquoise of 2004 summed up our need for a rebalancing between mind
and body as encapsulated by the theme ‘spa spirit’. In 2005 this became a more li
fe enhancing
orange symbolising vitality, optimism and mental wellbeing.
2006 featured a restorative and authentic yellow green with a strong ecological, natural bias,
whereas the masculine pink of 2007 heralded a new move in the direction of contemporary
design, architecture and urbanism.
The yellow of 2008 has elements of all the previous four years – respect for the past and
optimism for the future; the balance of mind, body and spirit; urban living and communication.
HYPE
FASHION
TREND
IMPACT
MAINSTREAM
To clarify what a trend is, it is helpful to look at
the difference between a hype, a fashion and a trend
(see opposite). A hype is something that emerges suddenly,
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
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
06
INTERNATIONAL COLOUR TRENDS
COLOUR FAMILIES AND
THEMESEXPLAINED
The ColourFutures™ team predicts colour in two ways – Colour Families and key Lifestyle Themes.
The Colour Families are a collection of colours that fit into the same hue, for example a
collection of reds. The ColourFutures™ team predicts colours for 8 hues – reds, oranges, yellows,
warm neutrals, greens, blues,violets and cool neutrals.
The Colour Families form the building blocks of the key Lifestyle Themes. ATheme is a colour
collection that draws on colours from several of the Families that work together to reflect
trends in style. The ColourFutures™ team predicts 5key themes for2008.
08
INTERNATIONAL COLOUR TRENDS
Nicki Barton
Head of Colour and Communication,
ICI Paints, International
Background: 5 years’marketing experience for
Dulux UK, 6 years in a global role working
across the ICI Paints portfolio
around the world.
Chairperson of Colour Futures since 2003.
Education: BSc from University College, Cardiff.
Specialisms: Colour trends, systems and
collateral, brand communication and media.
TM
COLOUR FUTURES
TEAM
TM
The ColourFutures™ team is a group of international colour consultants, both
internal and external, to ICI Paints. They are the recognised experts within our
organisation,responsible for watching and scanning a wide range of
industries and environments in order to plan and forecast colour trends.
The ColourFutures™team formally meets once a year to exchange
colour news, experiences and views, followed by intensive discussions
regarding the direction of colour.
Work culminates in comprehensive collections and concepts illustrating
their selections – it is published one year ahead in ColourFutures.™
Helen Mullett
Ex Retail Marketing Director,
ICI Stores, Canada
10
INTERNATIONAL COLOUR TRENDS
Background: 22years’experience in
the manufacturing/retail sectors
of the
Canadian home decoration industry.
Member of The Colour Marketing Group.
Education: College certificates in
marketing, advertising and colour theory
at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
Specialisms: Design and colour of fabrics,
wallcoverings and accessories.
Latika Khosla
Consultant to ICI Paints, India
Background: Design Director of
FreedomTree Design, a colour and trend
studio based in India. Chairholder with
the Colour Marketing Group and the
India director for the PPFCC.
Education: Alumni of the National
Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, India.
Specialisms: Design and colour
strategies for manufactured products
and retail collections.
Fernanda Figueiredo
Colour Marketing Manager,
ICI Paints, Brazil
Background: 5 years’experience
in decorative paint in Brazil and
international roles. Leads the colour
marketing strategy and initiatives.
Education: Graduate from Catholic
University in Brazil and Masterof Business
Administration from United Business
Institute in Brussels.
Sp
ecialisms: Colour communication,
consumer behaviours on colour.
Barbara Richardson
Director, Colour Marketing, ICI Paints, USA
Krim Danzinger
Senior Colour Consultant,
ICI Paints, USA
Background: 21years as Colour Consultant,
5 years as Colour Design Studio Manager.
Chairholder in The Colour Marketing Group;
member of American Society of Interior Designers.
Education: Graduate in Commercial and
Fine Art from Cooper School of Art; Interior
Design Certificate from the New York School
of Interior Design.
Specialisms: Colour and design trends,
merchandising colour, colour restoration.
Background:12 years in the Colour/Design
of Wallcovering, 7years with ICI Paints
as Colour Consultant. Member of Colour
Marketing Group, and member of
American Society of Interior Designers.
Education: BFA Graphics and Applied
Design, Miami University.
Specialisms: Colour and design trends,
faux finishes and mural painting.
Jenni Little
Consultant to ICI Paints, Europe
Background: MD of Jenni Little Asso
ciates
design consultancy with 33 years’experience,
including 24 with ICI Paints. Partner in
Little + Collins, which designs and produces
hand-made rugs. Founder member and
Chairperson of The Colour Group in the UK.
Education: Graduate of Manchester College
of Art and Design– BA Textiles.
Specialisms: Furnishings, floorcoverings
and bed linens.
Catherine Filoche
Consultant to
ICI Paints, France
Background: Design work for
companies including Reed Exhibitions,
Ineos Acrylics, Jacob Delafon, Sorem,
Egger and Ballauff. Founded own design
office in Montmartre, Paris,in1997.
Education: Ecole Supérieure d’Arts
Appliqués Duperré, Paris.
Specialisms: Textiles, floor and
wallcoverings.
THEMES
75 colours have been used to form what the ColourFutures™ team
considersto be the five main lifestyle trends for 2008. The colour of
the year appears in more than one theme.
GROWING
RESPECT
EXPLORER
12
hidden
beauty
COLOUR
2008 FUTURES
TM
International Colour Trends
GROWING RESPEC
T
EBB & FLOW
ART FORM
HIDDEN BEAUTY
EXPLORER
15
GROWING RESPECT
EBB & FLOW
ART FORM
HIDDEN BEAUTY
EXPLORER
17
COLOUR PALETTE
GROWING
RESPECT
40YY 77/242
50BG 44/094
40YY 64/165
50YR 10/151
70YY 73/288
43YY 81/051
10GY 40/296
70YY 59/485
90YR 25/323
50GY 18/178
30YR 14/365
40YY 34/446
3
20YY 53/42
IMAGERY
GROWING RESPECT
NURTURING
SUSTAINABLE
BOTANICAL
SUPPORTIVE
NATURAL
RESPONSIBLE
EBB & FLOW
www.blueforest.com
ART FORM
HIDDEN BEAUTY
EXPLORER
1
25
9
COLOUR
2008 FUTURES
TM
International Colour Trends
GROWING RESPECT
E B B & F LO W
ART FORM
HIDDEN BEAUTY
EXPLORER
21
GROWING RESPECT
E B B & F LO W
ART FORM
HIDDEN BEAUTY
ation
y and a fascin ctical, spiritual
it
s
s
e
c
e
n
a
th
n in pra
een, bo
always has b to our collective imaginatio e molecular aspects of
Water is, and
s
y
k
spea
bility
pired b th
for mankind. It lic terms. This theme is ins ur and reflectivity and its a beauty.
d
o
lo
n
b
o
a
c
and sym
s movement, reat sculptural co
mplexity
it
f
o
s
rm
te
in
of g
water
rganic forms
alities and
to carve out o
ection are qu rs alike.
fl
re
d
n
a
y
c
n
and creato
ity, transluce
Fluidity, liquid s that fascinate designers an be created that resists
characteristic ion of form and material c elded together in
A futuristic vis re form and function are w ay of new synthetic
rr
nostalgia – he d the imagination via an a grammes.
ro
n
a
p
y
n
lit
ig
a
s
e
re
d
both
mputer-aided lympic swimming pool is
o
c
d
n
a
ls
a
ri
mate
ng O
e in 2008.
be’ of the Beiji
The ‘water cu icant image that we will se
if
ce in the
the most sign
re is taking pla able
tu
a
n
f
o
rt
a
e
h
, sustain
om the
A revolution fr mentally conscious design ral harmonics
n
tu
form of enviro d bio-engineering – the na eabed is
s
n
e
a
architecture
-diversity of th ater is the great
io
b
c
ti
io
b
m
y
s
iritually w
and the lush,
rban living. Sp
u
to
t
h
g
u
ro
b
being
r.
er and purifie
jects
healer, cleans
rior design pro
te
in
d
n
a
g
n
ti
iture, ligh
w concepts
Innovative furn ater in order to create ne al translucence.
yw
tion
are inspired b lecular str ucture and func anemones and
o
a
m
e
,
s
,
sh
of fluid form
such as jellyfi ve product
s
re
tu
a
re
c
a
r creati
Likewise se
e inspiration fo tiles and plastics – the
th
re
a
ls
ra
o
c
x
the
living
ng, te
in glass, lighti
portance, as is
developments ic form is of paramount im growth.
an
d
undulating, org membranes and calcinate
d
e
h
tc
pales and
idea of stre
y of aqueous touches of
a
rr
a
n
a
f
o
d
e
compos
eeps and
The palette is sted by subtle, dappled d ra contemporary
a
ult
ntr
mid-tones co rity. These shades are both allow
that
g cla
light reflectin yering of tones and hues
la
a
–
and timeless swim free.
on to
our imaginati
EXPLORER
23
COLOUR PALETTE
30YY 72/018
80YR 65/185
99YR 82/029
10BB 07/150
90GG 73/062
30BB 18/190
90BG 72/063
10BB 83/014
70BG 70/113
30YY 71/073
10BG 54/199
90BG 38/185
90YY 67/117
50BG 32/114
70GY 63/098
50BG 12/219
GROWING RE
SPECT
IMAGERY
E B B & F LO W
fluid
translucent
complex
contemporary
innovative
imaginative
www.koziolpsheres.com
www.surfacetiles.com
ART FORM
HIDDEN BEAUTY
EXPLORER
21
25
25
COLOUR
2008 FUTURES
TM
International Colour Trends
GROWING RESPECT
EBB & FLOW
ART FORM
HIDDEN BEAUTY
EXPLORER
27
The palette is introspective and restrained, sophisticated and expressive, but
never cold. Warm dusty greys are offset by hints of yellow – lemon, mustard and
mimosa. Their use is disciplined and the overall effect is one of seamless, open
and welcoming simplicity that offers a visually challenging concept of stillness.
HIDDEN BEAUTY
The graphic and linear character of much modern furniture is well-suited to this
slightly masculine and tailored image – this is enhanced by the use of colour
blocking. Colour is used to express and define, to blur the edges of spatial
delineation and to play games with our perception.
ART FORM
The mood is one for serious design aficionados –
sleek, chic and cool. The look is
very urban in feel, whether created via contemporary architectural projects or
the reoccupation of the disused industrial zones of our cities. Residential spaces
are being crafted from old industrial landscapes in order to create ever more
challenging and exciting spaces for living and for working artistic communities.
EBB & FLOW
Artists such as Albers, Scully and Mondrian inspire this more cerebral and
structured approach to interior design and architecture. While minimalist in
concept it is, however, a far cry from the staged Zen-like images of the recent
past. Here the subtle interplay of tone and hue allow for this minimal concept to
be softened without having to compromise on its principles of simplicity, linearity
and spatial flow.
GROWING RESPECT
This theme is inspired by the Modernist movement of the last century and
Bauhaus in particular. In both design and architecture, simplicity of form was
married to practical but aesthetically pleas
ing functionality – no division existed
between art and design. Much contemporary design overwhelmingly embraces
both the spirit and the philosophy of Modernism and its abstract architectural idiom.
EXPLORER
29
COLOUR PALETTE
60YY 71/409
00NN 62/000
30YY 68/024
71YY 87/078
40YY 63/473
40YY 67/087
40YY 49/408
70YY 66/265
20YY 53/124
70YY 55/299
30YY 10/038
00NN 37/000
90BG 16/060
10YY 35/094
72BG 75/023
30YY 20/193
GROWING RESPECT
ART FORM
IMAGERY
EBB & FLOW
HIDDEN BEAUTY
streamlined
cerebral
sophisticated
graphic
expressive
sleek
EXPLORER
31
COLOUR
2008 FUTURES
TM
International Colour Trends
GROWING RESPECT
EBB & FLOW
ART FORM
H I D D E N B E AU T Y
EXPLORER
33
GROWING RESPECT
EBB & FLOW
Naturallyinspiredformations,suchassculptedsanddunesanddesertlandscapes,
influencefurnitureandfabricsalike;thehiddenbeautyoftheinsideofanagate
orgemstonereflectsamoodofsensualsurprise.Hardedgesandstridentcolourare
bannedinfavourofmorefluidformsincosmetictones.
EXPLORER
Theexpressionofthisthemeisrefinedandrestrained,respectingnaturalformsand
materialsbutalwaysimbuedwithanallureoffemininebeauty.Thiscreatesalookthatis
sensualandintriguing–afarcryfrommuchoftoday’sbrutaldesignandarchitecture.
DesignersKarimRaschidandArikLevyandarchitectsZahaHadidandHasanFathyhave
agoodunderstandingofthismarriageofsensualityandinnovation.
H I D D E N B E AU T Y
Ourfascinationwithsexualambiguityisbeingreflectedinadesignlanguage
thatmixesoppositesandcreatesanaturalbalancebetweenmasculineandfeminine.
Asubtleanddiscreetmarriageofmasculinematerialsandfeminineformscreatesa
sensualdesignethosthatisbothornamentalandcontemporary.
ART FORM
Veiled,halfhidden,
slightlymysterious,layered,
glimpsedareallveryinfluentialdesign
concepts.A‘nowyouseeme,nowyoudon’t’
approachtopatterningisapparent–sheerfabrics
whosedesignonlycomesintofocusastheycatchthelight,
ceramicswithembosseddecorationthatcomesandgoes,
cut-outsandfretworkthatcometolifeaslightpenetratesthem,
obje
ctsthatarewrappedinstretch,gauze-likefabricsormembranes.
Thepalettecombinestherichandsensuousdesertreds,brickandcoralswith
thedelicateshadesofsand,pearl,chiffonandshell.Overwhelminglywarmthese
coloursneverthelessretainasenseofrefinementandsophistication–usedin
layersorinsubtlecombination,theycreatealookofsoftexoticism.
Skintones,nudepinksandrichbrownsgiveanewtakeontheneutral
palettethatcanbeenlivenedandenrichedbytheuseofbeading,
braidingandembossing.Animalskinsandleatherstake
onaluxuriouspearlescentshimmerwhilewoodcomes
aliveinsinuoussculpturalshapes.Afeminine
feastforallthesenses.
35
hidden
beauty
90YR36/203
50YR18/223
00YY76/088
30YR49/097
90YR 67/085
80YR 44/101
10YY72/1
72
60YR40/297
90RR16/095
10YR27/323
10YR1
3/437
96RR 08/31
1
43YY78/053
70RR 07/100
COLOUR PALETTE
50RR1
1/286
feminine
H I D D E N B E AU T Y
sensual
ART FORM
refined
www.helenamymorray.com
EBB & FLOW
ornamental
IMAGERY
GROWING RESPECT
sculpted
exotic
EXPLORER
37
COLOUR
2008
FUTURES
TM
International Colour Trends
GROWING RESPECT
EBB & FLOW
ART FORM
HIDDEN BEAUTY
E X P LO R E R
39
GROWING RESPECT
EBB & FLOW
ART FORM
HIDDEN BEAUTY
E X P LO R E R
41
EXPLORER
40YY 63/473
90YY 48/500
90GG 30/195
30YY 64/149
80YR 34 /468
COLOUR PALETTE
29YY 84 /067
30YR 40/061
14YR 10/434
10YY 46/515
90RR 28/245
80RR 07/260
10RB 21/218
70BB 65/066
90RR 08/129
50BB 11/321
56RB 09/302
CONNECTION POINT
IMAGERY
E X P LO R E R
COLOUR
THERAPY
GRO
W I N G R E S P EMIX
C T AND
E BMATCH
B & F L O W NATURAL
A R T F OSTRUCTURE
RM
H I D D E N FLAVOURS
B E A U T Y OF HOME
ENRICHING
ECLECTIC
RHYTHMIC
HYBRID
YOUTHFUL
DIVERSE
43
25
COLOUR
2008 FUTURES
TM
International Colour Trends
44
40YY 63/473
COLOUR OF
THE YEAR
CREATIVE
OPTIMISTIC
SOCIABLE
INSPIRATIONAL
EXPANSIVE
40YY 63/473
COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2008
Yellow is a colour long associated with opposing concepts– oriental and occidental, contemporary
and traditional, spiritual and intellect
ual. It transcends national cultures and preferences in its ability to
communicate optimism, respect, radiance and wellbeing. It is this duality that makes it so relevant for
2008 as we try to balance seemingly conflicting aspects of life, art, culture and innovation.
In a historic context it alludes to the timeless patina of gold and qualities of preciousness, while
for the young its vibrancy is attention-grabbing, challenging and eccentric. This advancing colour
has a physical effect on the nervous system caused by its pulsating and radiating quality.
Colour psychologists associate yellow with forward thought and communication and for this reason
it is often chosen, in paler tones, for schools, libraries and other institutions of learning and study.
People who favour yellow tend to be creative, expansive, inspirational and intellectual; it is very much
seen as the balanced colour that sits between the realms of the mind, the spirit and the body.
More than any other hue, it has the ab
ility to convey a mood of warmth, sociability and welcome.
This soft and sunny shade is neither too strident nor too understated– a happy, forward-looking
colour that speaks of optimism for the future but also represents a serious respect for history and the
past– a warming reminder of the need for balance in all our thoughts and actions.
47
48
INTERNATIONAL COLOUR TRENDS
RIPE
THOUGHTFUL
SOFT
SECRET
ALLURING
MATURE
The key colour, 14YR 10/434, is a soft, rich and mature
crimson – subtle, sensual and easy to live with.
2005
2006
2007
2008
Reds transition
A move towards more mature and womanly
reds – the paler pinks have strengthened into
deeper tones but have retained their softness.
REDS
90BG 17/090
30RR 08/044
ORANGES
30RR 08/044
90BG 17/090
YELLOWS
KEY COLOUR 2008
50RR 11/286
14YR 10/434
90YR 67/085
10YR 13/437
99YR 82/029
90RR 08/129
90RR 28/245
10YR 27/323
30YR 49/097
GREENS
96RR 08/311
WARM NEUTRALS
80RR 07/260
BLUES
VIOLETS
COOL NEUTRALS
reds
Thoughtful and contemplative – the newest shades are deep,
rich and soft, adding a touch of luxury and sensuality.
In contrast the palest skin tones add a new dimension to the
natural palette – secret, delicate and womanly.
Mid-tone brick and desert shades have a mature warming effect owing
to the influence of yellow– enveloping shades to excite the senses.
51
SANDY
SUN-DRIED
EARTHY
ORGANIC
BAKED
ROBUST
The key colour, 80YR 34/468, is an uplifting
shade that captures the warm glow of the setting
sun or desert landscapes.
2005
2006
2007
2008
Oranges transition
A move towards the tones of earth and sand –
organic oranges provide comfort and warmth
while still being spiritually uplifting.
REDS
30RR 08/044
80YR 65/185
00YY 76/088
90BG 17/090
YELLOWS
90BG 17/090
ORANGES
30RR 08/044
WARM NEUTRALS
KEY COLOUR 2008
60YR 40/297
80YR 34/468
10YY 72/172
GREENS
30YR 14/365
10BB 07/150
BLUES
VIOLETS
COOL NEUTRALS
oranges
The strength and beauty of the ear
th gives us robust colours
of great character – copper, brick and rust.
Gone are strident and zingy shades in favour of those connected
to ecology and the environment– sand, coral and shell.
Palest peaches and apricots have the look of expensive soaps and
cosmetics – feminine, delicate and refined.
53
ETERNAL
ENLIGHTENED
CLEAR
LUMINOUS
GILDED
RADIANT
The key colour, 40YY 63/473, is a clear and
optimistic shade with relevance and roots in both
occidental and oriental cultures.
2005
2006
2007
2008
Yellows transition
A move towards the true heartland of yellow –
radiant and enlightening shades with
a sense of optimism and artistic expression.
REDS
90BG 17/090
40YY 77/242
43YY 78/053
71YY 87/078
60YY 71/409
70YY 73/288
40YY 49/408
10BB 07/150
WARM NEUTRALS
30RR 08/044
YE L LO W S
90BG 17/090
ORANGES
30RR 08/044
KEY COLOUR 2008
20YY 53/423
40YY 63/473
GREENS
10YY 46/515
BLUES
VIOLETS
COOL NEUTRALS
yellows
Soft golds give a warm optimistic radiance to
the palette –
symbolically and physically precious and illuminating.
Acidic and mustard yellows add an intellectual and
artistic accent– modern, urban and expressive.
Ultra pale cream and ivory impart an uplifting classical note –
shades of timeless beauty, stillness and enlightenment.
55
WELCOMING
SYMBOLIC
REASSURING
HOPEFUL
BALANCED
SECURE
The key colour, 30YY 64/149, is reminiscent of
timber and tusk – a true deep ivory that combines
beautifully with other warm and cool neutrals.
2005
2006
2007
2008
Warm Neutrals transition
The warming of the palette continues owing to the
influence of yellow – the new pales look balanced and
beautiful when used alone or with cool neutrals.
REDS
90BG 17/090
29YY 84/067
80YR 44/101
20YY 53/124
40YY 64/165
50YR 18/223
90YR 36/203
30YY 71/073
43YY 81/051
WA R M N E U T R A L S
30RR 08/044
YELLOWS
90BG 17/090
ORANGES
30RR 08/044
GREENS
KEY COLOUR 2008
50YR 10/151
90YR 25/323
30YY 64/149
40YY 67/087
BLUES
VIOLET
S
warm
neutrals
COOL NEUTRALS
These hopeful and balanced neutrals reflect the concerns
for the environment and its woodlands– bark, twig and nut.
Deeper shades have a soft strength that remains
warm and welcoming– reassuring, secure and sheltering.
The ultra pale neutrals reflect balance and beauty–
symbolic shades that represent the building blocks of life.
57
SPIRITUAL
REGENERATIVE
SOOTHING
VERDANT
ECOLOGICAL
CRAFTED
The key colour,10GY 40/296, is a true leaf and
grass green that is both energising and comforting.
2005
2006
2007
2008
Greens transition
A move towards true botanical greens reflects
our concern with the environment– mid-toned
leaf green retains both softness and clarity.
REDS
90YY 48/500
90GG 30/195
10YY 35/094
70YY 59/485
90YY 67/117
70GY 63/098
YELLOWS
70YY 66/265
ORANGES
30RR 08/044
WARM NEUTRALS
KEY COLOUR 2008
30YY 20/193
70YY 55/299
10GY 40/296
GREENS
40YY 34/446
50GY 18/178
BLUES
VIOLETS
COOL NEUTRALS
greens
A full range
of botanical and vegetable shades that is respectful
of the cycles of nature – bud, shoot and leaf.
Healing greens are reminiscent of aloe, cactus and herbs, soothing
both the mind and the eyes – spiritual refreshment for all the senses.
Sharper modern shades are very fashion influenced – they give a creative
and cultural edge to this sustainable and regenerative palette.
59
LIQUID
CONTEMPLATIVE
LUXURIOUS
REFLECTIVE
AQUATIC
LUMINESCENT
The key colour, 50BG 12/219, is a deep
and very rich teal that conveys a mood of
luxury and opulence.
2005
2006
2007
2008
Blues transition
A move towards deeper teals that are influenced
by green – these shades have both an aquatic and
luxurious image that is very sophisticated.
REDS
KEY COLOUR 2008
50BG 44/094
10BG 54/199
90BG 38/185
30RR 08/044
50BG 32/114
70BG 70/113
90BG 72/063
30BB 18/190
90BG 16/060
72BG 75/023
GREENS
90BG 17/090
WARM NEUTRALS
10BB 07/150
YELLOWS
50BG 12/219
ORANGES
90GG 73/062
50BB 11/321
B
LU E S
VIOLETS
COOL NEUTRALS
blues
A wide range of aquatic tones are influenced by ocean depths
and sparkling streams – reflective, contemplative and fluid.
Delicate luminescent pales reflect the translucent beauty of
jellyfish and living corals – they exhibit a timeless, ethereal beauty.
Deeper, darker shades have a high-fashion influence – cobalt,
aqua and teal create sumptuous and luxurious interiors.
61
OPULENT
ATMOSPHERIC
GENTLE
NOCTURNAL
REGAL
ORIENTAL
The key colour, 56RB 09/302, is a fully saturated purple
that is reminiscent of ceremonial robes and rituals.
2005
2006
2007
2008
Violets transition
A move towards truer purples that are slightly bluer
than last year – deeper shades inspired by rich and
opulent fabrics.
REDS
30RR 08/044
90BG 17/090
70BB 65/066
10RB 21/218
90RR 16/095
30YR 40/061
70RR 07/100
10BB 07/150
YELLOWS
90BG 17/090
ORANGES
30RR 08/044
WARM NEUTRALS
GREENS
KEY COLOUR 2008
56RB 09/302
BLUES
VIOLETS
COOL NEUTRALS
violets
R
obust deep purples reminiscent of rich ethnic fabrics and the
robes of royalty – regal shades for opulent living.
Nocturnal tones of great subtlety bridge the gap between this colour
family and warm neutrals– warm shadows and deep ombre.
Ethereal pales link back to the natural world via flora and fungi –
atmospheric, gentle tones that touch on neutrality.
63
TIMELESS
SIMPLE
DELICATE
David Wynn Millward
MINIMAL
RESTRAINED
PURE
The key colour, 30YY 68/024, is a dusty pale
neutral that can be played off against cooler greys
to great effect for a very modern look.
2005
2006
2007
2008
Cool Neutrals transition
True neutrals continue but with more emphasis on
modernist shades– paler graphic and construction
greys are used alone or combined with yellows.
REDS
30RR 08/044
30YY 72/018
10BB 83/014
90BG 17/090
YELLOWS
90BG 17/090
ORANGES
30RR 08/044
WARM NEUTRALS
KEY COLOUR 2008
00NN 62/000
30YY 10/038
00NN 37/000
GREENS
30YY 68/024
10BB 07/150
BLUES
VIOLETS
cool
neutrals
CO O L N E U T R A L S
A return to a total purity of tone – timeless, pure but warm
greys influenced by yellow with no hint of coldness.
This complete range of modernist shades, from near
black to almost white, allows for very graphic interpretations
when used alone or with other hues.
The heartland of grey is in keeping with the latest
fashion looks – sleek, simple and chic.
65
At ICI Paints 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
WHITE
A
B
LRV
99
00
HUE
CHROMA
BLACK
C
D
E
30BB 08 / 263
HUE
LRV
CHROMA
What is colour?
Colour is a sensation that we experience through our eyes with our brain.
Colour is all around us, used on a variety of forms and shapes and we all interact
with it. It adds spice
to our lives and can affect the way we behave, feel, perceive
or orientate ourselves in a given space. Research has shown that colour can
compensate vision deficiency– visually impaired people can navigate with more
confidence in strong colour-contrasted environments as their sense of space
and orientation is recreated by contrasting colours.
The colour we perceive is influenced by the context in which we see that colour.
Lighting affects the appearance of a coloured wall, for example; a small patch
of colour in a given wallpaper will look different from an entire room painted in
that colour.
At ICI Paints, we use our understanding of colour to describe it in a more
user-friendly way. Colour, as perceived by the human brain through the eye, is
tri-dimensional. One way of describing these three components is in terms of
hue, Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and chroma (see A
' ' opposite).
How we use colour
At ICI Paints,we have developed a unique proprietary colour notation system.
It i
s the result of extensive research and consultation with an international team
of experts.
The role of our notation system is to make every colour we produce precisely
identifiable across the world. Each has a unique reference number made up of
three distinct parts: a hue reference, a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and a
chroma value.
Our objective is to offer the most comprehensive range of colours in the widest
range of high-quality interior and exterior finishes.
Hue (see ‘B’ opposite)
It is this aspect of colour that we see in a rainbow. Most colours have a clear
hue associated with them – for example, pink has a red hue. The only colours
that have no hue are white, black and the pure greys that lie in between.
In order to give a more precise indication, there is a scale from 00 to 99 that will
locate a specific hue within a colour group. The numbers run anti-clockwise,
as shown opposite. For example, 50YY is a pure yellow and is found in the middle
of YY; 90GY is more green
than10GY.
LRV (see ‘C’opposite)
Another aspect that we are all familiar with is how dark or light a colour is.
In the ICI Paints notation system, this is described as the Light Reflectance
Value (LRV). It is a measure of how much light is reflected by a surface of that
colour. It is represented in the second part of the notation and consists of
a two-digit number between 00 and 99.
Although we are all familiar with darkness and lightness, the actual amount
of light we perceive is affected by lighting, shadows and sheen level within
a room. This is why the ICI Paints notation system describes this component as
the proportion of light reflected by the surface.
LRV works on a black to white axis – the higher the LRV, the lighter the colour –
hence the lower the number, the darker the colour. In a room painted with
colours of a low LRV (darker colours), more light will be required than in a room
painted with high LRV colours (lighter colours).
Chroma (see ‘D’ opposite)
The rema
ining component of colour is chroma. It is this that makes a colour
either intense or subtle. The higher the number, the more intense the
colour will be. The scale runs from 000 to 999.
Examples (see ‘E’ opposite)
The colour reference 30BB 08/263 is a strong blue. This can be attributed to
its position in the left of the violet to blue group (30BB), combined with a low
LRV (08) and a medium chroma value (263).
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)
and a low chroma value (034).
In the ICI Paints notation system, the first part describes this aspect of colour by
using two digits and two letters. Illustrated opposite in ‘B’, the colour spectrum
has been divided into eight groups as follows:
YY
RR
BB
GG
yellow
red to magenta
violet to blue
turquoise to green
YR
RB
BG
GY
orange to red
magenta to violet
blue to turquoise
green to lime
67
COLOUR INDEX 2008
THEME
S
GROWING RESPECT
P14
50BG 44/094
30YR 14/365
40YY 77/242
20YY 53/423
70YY 73/288
70YY 59/485
40YY 34/446
43YY 81/051
40YY 64/165
90YR 25/323
50YR 10/151
10GY 40/296
50GY 18/178
FAMILIES
▲
★
●
●
●
★
●
OW
▲
▲
N
●
▲
REDS
P50
99YR 82/029
90YR 67/085
30YR 49/097
50RR 11/286
90RR 28/245
96RR 08/311
80RR 07/260
10YR 27/323
10YR 13/437
14YR 10/434
90RR 08/129
EBB & FLOW
P20
80YR 65/185
99YR 82/029
10BB 83/014
30BB 18/190
10BB 07/150
30YY 72/018
90BG 72/063
90GG 73/062
10BG 54/199
70BG 70/113
90BG 38/185
30YY 71/073
90YY 67/117
70GY 63/098
50BG 32/114
50BG 12/219
ART FORM
P26
●
OW
OW
●
★
OW
▲
▲
●
●
●
OW
▲
▲
▲
★
ORANGES
P52
OW
OW
▲
★
●
★
★
●
●
★
N
30YR 14/365
60YR 40/297
80YR 65/185
00YY 76/088
80YR 34/468
10YY 72/172
70YY 55/299
71YY 87/078
60YY 71/409
40YY 49/408
40YY 63/473
10YY 35/094
20YY 53/124
40YY 67/087
70YY 66/265
72BG 75/023
90BG 16/060
30YY 20/193
30YY 10/038
00NN 37/000
30YY 68/024
00NN 62/000
HIDDEN
BEAUTY
P32
●
OW
●
▲
●
N
N
N
●
OW
N
▲
N
N
N
N
YELLOWS
P54
★
●
●
OW
★
■
10YY 46/515
20YY 53/423
43YY 78/053
40YY 77/242
40YY 49/408
40YY 63/473
60YY 71/409
71YY 87/078
70YY 73/288
43YY 78/053
30YR 49/097
90RR 16/095
70RR 07/100
50RR 11/286
90YR 36/203
50YR 18/223
00YY 76/088
90YR 67/085
80YR 44/101
10YY 72/172
60YR 40/297
10YR 27/323
10YR 13/437
96RR 08/311
OW
▲
N
N
★
N
▲
OW
OW
▲
■
●
●
●
★
WARM NEUTRALS
P56
●
●
OW
●
▲
●
●
OW
●
50YR 10/151
50YR 18/223
80YR 44/101
30YY 71/073
29YY 84/067
90YR 25/323
90YR 36/203
30YY 64/149
40YY 64/165
20YY 53/124
40YY 67/087
43YY 81/051
N
▲
▲
OW
OW
▲
N
▲
▲
N
N
OW
Cross-reference the ColourFutures™ 2008 palette colours with the ICI Paints Global Colour system
★ = RICH AND VIBRANT ■ = FRESH ● = WARM ▲ = CALM N = NEUTRALS OW = OFF WHITE
EXPLORER
P38
90GG 30/195
90YY 48/500
40YY 63/473
10YY 46/515
80YR 34/468
90RR 28/245
80RR 07/260
14YR 10/434
50BB 11/321
30YY 6
4/149
29YY 84/067
70BB 65/066
30YR 40/061
10RB 21/218
56RB 09/302
90RR 08/129
●
★
●
●
★
●
★
★
★
▲
OW
●
N
●
★
N
GREENS
P58
90GG 30/195
70GY 63/098
90YY 67/117
90YY 48/500
10GY 40/296
70YY 66/265
70YY 55/299
70YY 59/485
40YY 34/446
10YY 35/094
30YY 20/193
50GY 18/178
BLUES
P60
●
▲
▲
★
●
●
●
★
●
N
▲
▲
90BG 16/060
50BG 32/114
50BG 44/094
50BG 12/219
10BG 54/199
90GG 73/062
10BB 07/150
30BB 18/190
90BG 38/185
70BG 70/113
50BB 11/321
90BG 72/063
72BG 75/023
VIOLETS
P62
N
▲
▲
★
●
▲
★
●
●
●
★
▲
OW
30YR 40/061
90RR 16/095
70RR 07/100
70BB 65/066
10RB 21/218
56RB 09/302
COOL NEUTRALS
P64
N
N
N
●
●
★
10BB 83/014
30YY 72/018
30YY 68/024
00NN 62/000
00NN 37/000
30YY 10/038
OW
OW
N
N
N
N