COLOUR
FUTURES
2009
TM
International ColourTrends
CONTENTS
OVERVIEW
TheColourFutures™ team introduces you
to forecasted colour trends for 2009
WELCOME 02
INTERNATIONAL COLOUR TRENDS 04
TREND MOVEMENTS 06
COLOUR FUTURES™ TEAM 08
COLOUR THEMES
These five key lifestyle themes have been
submitted by the ColourFutures™ teamfor 2009:
ECOTECTURE 12
WHITE DIMENSIONS 18
LIVING LEGACY 24
EQUILIBRIUM 30
PLAY HOUSE 36
COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2009
COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2009 42
COLOUR TRANSITIONS 46
COLOUR FAMILIES
ColourFutures™displays a palette of 76 colours
for 2009. 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 2009 palette
THE SCIENCE BEHIND COLOUR 66
COLOUR INDEX 2009 68
WELCOME
ColourFutures™isthecolourc
ommunicationtool
fromourinternationalteamofcolourexperts.
ColourFutures™istheresultofongoingworldwide
colourtrendresearch,forecastinganddevelopment.
Weprideourselvesontheknowledgeofcolourand
colourformulations inpaint.ColourFutures™
providesthereaderwith internationaltrendsin
colourandlifestyleoneyearinadvance.
02
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.
09
04
TREND
MOVEMENTS
Over the past six years we have se
en a significant shift in the Colour of theYear – the colour
that best represents the prevailing mood and fashion of the time.
The soothing turquoise of 2004 which best summed up our interest in a balance between
mind and body, gave way in 2005 to a more life enhancing orange that symbolised a sense of
vitality and optimism. 2006 featured a restorative yellow-green with a strong ecological
bias which, in turn in 2007 became a more masculine pink which symbolised a new urban
regeneration in design and architecture.
The yellow of 2008 linked the East to the West and illustrated respect for the past and optimism
for the future. The calm and soothing cool green that best sums up 2009 can be found in
many of this year’s trend stories but at slightly different colour levels – it represents a sense
of natural stillness, healing and balance.
HYPE
FASHION
TREND
IMPACT
MAINSTREAM
TIME
06
To clarify what a trend is, it is helpful to look at
the difference between a hype, a fashion an
d a trend
(seeopposite). 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.
NickiBarton
Head of Colour, AkzoNobel
DecorativePaints
TM
TM
CatherineFiloche
Consultantto DuluxValentine,
France
The ColourFutures™ team is a group
of international colour consultants,
both internal and external, to our
company. 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.
Their work culminates in
comprehensive collections
and concepts illustrating their
selections – it is publis
hed
one year ahead in ColourFutures.™
08
Background:12 years in the Colour/
Design of Wallcovering, 8years
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.
Background: Design Director of Freedom
Tree 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.
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 ColourFutures since 2003.
Education: BSc from University
College, Cardiff.
Specialisms: Colour trends, systems and
collateral,bra
nd communication and media.
COLOUR
FUTURES
TEAM
KrimDanzinger
SeniorColourConsultant,
GliddenPaints, USA
LatikaKhosla
ConsultanttoDulux,Asia
AnnevanderZwaag
ManagerAkzoNobel
AestheticCenter
Background: Consultant for ICI since1997.
Design for companies such as Saint Gobain
Glass, Gerflor, Kohler France. Founded own
design office in Montmartre,Parisin1997.
Education: École Supérieure d’Arts
Appliqués Duperré, Paris. BTS Textiles and
DSAA Fashion and Environment.
Specialisms: Colour, trends and design
for textiles, floor and wallcoverings.
BarbaraRichardson
Director, ColourMarketing,
GliddenPaints, 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 Arts from Cooper School of Art;
Interior Design Certificate from
the New York School of Interior Design.
Specialisms: Colour and design trends,
merchandising colo
ur, colour restoration.
MaryWard
CreativeDirector,
DuluxUK&Ireland
Background: Curator, author and tutor in
the field of art, design, architecture and
fashion. Head of the AkzoNobel Aesthetic
Center since 2007.
Education: Master Modern Art and Design,
University Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Specialisms: Colour trends, concepts and
communication.
JenniLittle
Consultant to Dulux,Europe
Background: MD of Jenni Little Associates
design and colour consultancy with
over 35 years’experience, including 25
with ICI Paints in UK and Europe. Founder
member and Chairperson of The Colour
Group in the UK.
Education: Graduate of Manchester
College of Art and Design– BA in
printed textiles.
Specialisms: Colour and design trends for
paints, textiles, tiles and floor coverings.
PaolaVieira
ColourMarketingManager,
TintasCoral,Brazil
Background: Head of Dulux Creative
Board since 2003, working with media,
architects and homeowners. 7years’
marketing experience in UK and globally,
creating award wi
nning innovations,
new colour ranges, merchandising and
colour cards.
Education: MSc Materials, Cranfield, UK ;
BSc Chemistry,Trinity, Dublin, Ireland.
Specialisms: Trends, Innovation,
colour communication and design.
Background: 5 years’experience in the
Marketing department of Whirpool
Corporation, Bang & Olufsen and Merloni
Elettrodomestici. 3years’experience in
decorative paints in Brazil and
international roles.
Education: Graduate in Business
Administration from Fundação Getulio
Vargas; graduate in Mathematics from
Universidade de São Paulo. Masters in
Marketing from Università Commerciale
Luigi Bocconi in Milan, Italy.
Specialisms: Colour strategy and
initiatives for Latin America, including
colour communication.
76 colourshavebeenusedtoform whattheColourFutures™
teamconsiderstobethefivemainlifestyletrendsfor2009.
Some colours appearinmorethanonetheme.
S
10
ECOTECTURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
EQUILIBRIUM
PLAY HOUSE
13
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
E
QUILIBRIUM
The elements of air, water and earth are also being regarded as an inherent component of any new
building both in terms of its environmental impact but also because of our improved understanding
of the human need to inter-react with the natural world in a way that brings self fulfilment and an
integrated lifestyle. The palette reflects this new challenging approach to the built environment
and the natural world. Soft natural colours such as straw, olive, willow and aqua are enlivened and
offset by techno greens, marine blues and deeper architectural tones — a community of colours for
the basic bio bodies of the future.
ECOTECTURE
Innovative design and architecture practices are pursuing
concepts such as vertical landscaping, sky gardens and
integrated community facilities as part of many new office
and domestic projects. Green energy and global citizenship
are driving issues that will inform much of this debate.
Aesthetic ambience and sustainable systems will ensure
buildings create both a quality of life experience and a strong
sense of community as opposed to the ‘islands in the sky’ so
familiar to us now — where little attention is paid either to the
lives of the residents within these structures or the impact of
the building itself on the ecosystem.
PLAY HOUSE
Sustainable, environmentally friendly building is now going mainstream whether domestic or commercial,
rural or urban. Leaving its hippy, alternative roots behind, the relationship of a building and inhabitants to its
environment is now a critical issue for all new build projects. This clean green attitude regards a piece of
architecture as a living organism that has the need to breathe, feed and dispose of waste in a responsible,
non harmful way. Ultra high technology and ‘smart’ systems are being utilised to deliver effective eco
solutions as seen in new projects such as the Hearst Tower in New York City.
15
IMAGERY
COLOUR PALETTE
ECOTECTURE
40 YY 49/408
30 RR 30/103
70 YY 72/041
70 YY 55/613
90 GG 30/195
70 YY 25/200
LIVING LEGACY
20YY 57/060
30 YY 58/178
WHITE DIMENSIONS
Tableandchairs,www.twentytwentyone.com
EQUILIBRIUM
30 YY 14/070
70 BB 15/081
20 YY 39/130
10 BB 17/269
10 GY 40/296
10 GG 51/125
PLAY HOUSE
70BB 55/044
70 GG 13/323
43
25
17
ECOTEC TURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
EQUILIBRIUM
P L AY H O U S E
39
19
ECOTEC TURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
EQUILIBRIUM
P L AY H O U S E
Thisthemebringsatouchofmodernmagic,futuristicbutethereal,anewdawnofsyntheticdevelopment.Herewe
findhighlyengineeredmaterialsandconstructionsmadeinawaythatdelightstheeyeandintriguesthesenseswith
aplayofdimensionandshadow.
Surfacesaresculpturedandgeometric,layeredandorganic,facetedandfiltered.L
ightisalwaysthemostimportant
ingredient,allowingforasubtleinterplayoftoneandcontrast,reflectionandtranslucence,transparencyandsolidity.
Ultracontemporarymaterialsaremouldedandfoldedseamlesslylikeapieceofhi-techorigami; surfacesappearfluid
andcontinuousbutareconstructedfromrigidmodularunits.Technologycreatesasenseof‘aliveness’oranimation–
seeminglysimplesurfacesandobjectsareshapedinwaysthatbeliethetechnicalcomplexityoftheirconstruction.
Theappearanceislightandairywithanemphasisondelicatefretwork,achievedbymeansoflasercuttingthatallows
lighttopassthrough,castingetherealandmoodyshadows.Nosurfacesaretrulyflatbutaretexturedandmanipulated
inordertocreatefascinatingspatialinterplays.CuttingedgedesignersanddesigncompaniessuchasTordBoontje,
MarcelWanders,RonArad,DroogandMoooiarepushingcreativityintocyberspacewiththesehi-techmaterials
andrapidprototyping.Yetinspiteofthefuturisticaspectofthistheme,averypoeticandmagicaldimensionisstillretained.
Thepalettecombinesnewsoftandchalkywhiteswithmut
edandsubtleshadowyshadesoffsetbythestronger
‘construction’coloursofrust,clayanddarkslate–coloursthatdrawusbacktoamorehumanaesthetic–anew21st
centurydawnofsoftwhite.
21
ECOTEC TURE
44YY 84/042
10YR 40/054
60YR 73/015
00NN 72/000
00NN 83/000
10GG 72/022
10BB 40/090
98YR 78/041
50GG 55/049
70BG 07/086
30YY 22/059
www.annekyyroquinn.com
70YR 45/261
EQUILIBRIUM
70YR 68/102
LIVING LEGACY
30YY 71/073
Faceted
Futuristic
Synthetic
Intriguing
Complex
Engineered
I MAG E RY
CO LO U R PA L E T T E
50YR 23/365
WHITE DIMENSIONS
10YY 44/215
AndrewTyeScreen,www.tye3d.com
P L AY H O U S E
43
25
23
ECOTECTURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
EQUILIBRIUM
PLAY HOUSE
25
ECOTECTURE
This theme sets the tone for a new aesthetic approach to design and craft that both
embraces sustainability and is a counterbalance to the worst of mass production.
Micro production and limited editions are being created in sustainable communities,
drawing on ongoing traditions combined
with unique and valued craft skills.
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
EQUILIBRIUM
PLAY HOUSE
Objects are unique – they flaunt and celebrate their workmanship,construction and
materials whether made of metal,textile,ceramic, glass or wood. Every piece has its own
story and can be seen as part of an ongoing dialogue from maker to user through
customisation.
This new dialogue between manufacture and marketing ensures a greater opportunity for
the world’s developing countries and regions, for which artisanship, aided by good design,
can be a realistic way of attracting foreign currency,enabling communities to continue.
This, in turn, creates valuable links between makers and the real commercial world,and
acts as a much needed alternative to the polarisation between discount and luxury.
In a more and more impersonal world where people risk loosing touch with local crafts,it
is essential that we preserve direct connections between the mind,eye and hand by valuing
the human intervention
in an object that gives it its sensuality. Pride,integrity and respect
are qualities that can be ascribed to both the object and its creator, remixing influences and
moving to the future whilst always respecting what has been done in the past.
The desire to rediscover functional beauty, to fit the object to the user,enables each item
to tell its own story in a way that will combat standardisation and banality – the living craft
memories of yesterday will create the new design horizons of tomorrow.
The palette combines a rich and varied range of botanical shades such as mustard,aloe,
grape and cactus, enlivened by more vibrant and contemporary techno tones – alive yet
calming, a palette to nourish the senses and feast the eyes.
27
00YY 19/261
30YR 25/463
30YR 07/157
50YR 23/365
LIVING LEGACY
PRIDE
REDISCOVERY
70YR 45/261
GENUINE
30YR 31/154
20YY 57/060
CUSTOMISATION
PLAY HOUSE
70BG 56/061
70RR 16/116
30YY 38/370
60YY 67/251
30YY 49/562
30BB10/112
23YR 10/308
Lea
ther,RolfordLtd+44(0)1933461324
44YY 70/110
EQUILIBRIUM
Glassvases,www.parici.com
10RR 24/061
IMAGERY
COLOUR PALETTE
CONTINUITY
INTEGRITY
WHITE DIMENSIONS
Beatlights,www.tomdixon.net
ECOTECTURE
LIVING
LEGACY
43
25
29
ECOTEC TURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
EQUILIBRIUM
P L AY H O U S E
31
ECOTEC TURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
This soft and gentle palette represents all that
is warming and human– colours to wrap yourself
in,not in order to retreat from the world but
to embrace it together with friends and family–
a re-centring of the priorities of life.
P L AY H O U S E
Sharing tea with friends and family characterises
the social and human aspects of this theme– a slow
fix within our daily lives. A feeling for winding
down rather than gearing up allows us to
rebalance and rediscover a calmer quality of life
that is centred on care and community.
The palette is inspired by the tones of tea and skin like
jasmine,rose,linden,moss and mint– calming and
satisfying c
olours that speak of our inherent similarities
no matter how culturally diverse we are. Sociable
and reassuring shades of great delicacy, like an infusion
of pastel flowers,put over a mood of serenity and
peace,of comfort and security.
EQUILIBRIUM
It is both introspective and contemplative but is
nevertheless inclusive and integrated into our daily life – a
far cry from the selfish and self absorbed attitude of
the not too distant past. A‘we not me’attitude pervades
and acts as a healing balm for the senses,a time to
regenerate ourselves and reclaim our reason.
In a world where financial and political turbulence is rife, we
move towards values that are eternal and sustaining; the need
to nurture and care for our world in order to create a better
tomorrow for the old and young alike. A time to be sociable but
still,active but rested,human but spiritual.
LIVING LEGACY
This theme exemplifies a new attitude to life
and leisure, friends and family, work and play, activity
and res
t. In short, we are re-evaluating our human
relationships to one another, our communities and
the rigours of modern living.
33
90YY 62/264
80YR 67/085
60YY 67/251
30YY 80/088
10YY 61/136
90YR 51/109
80YR 40/148
10YY 60/224
80YR 17/129
00YY 43/304
NURTURING
REFRESHING
BALANCED
SUSTAINING
INFUSION
HEALING
I MAG E RY
CO LO U R PA L E T T E
50YR 68/114
P L AY H O U S E
50GY 66/111
EQUILIBRIUM
00YY 83/046
LIVING LEGACY
70YY 65/090
WHITE DIMENSIONS
10YR 50/101
ECOTEC TURE
60YY 33/130
43
25
35
ECOTEC TURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
EQUILIBRIUM
P L AY H O U S E
37
ECOTEC TURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
LIVING LEGACY
EQUILIBRIUM
P L AY H O U S E
39
ECOTEC TURE
WHITE DIMENSIONS
30BB 16/031
30YY 72/018
LaBohemestools,www.icone.co.uk
30YY 47/145
50BG 55/241
EQUILIBRIUM
50YY 65/454
70GG 39/303
08YY 56/528
30RR 15/375
10BG 14/296
ENERGETIC
OPTIMISTIC
WITTY
FUN
ADVENTUROUS
PLAYFUL
I MAG E RY
30YR 53/188
P L AY H O U S E
CO LO U R PA L E T T E
70YY 4
6/160
70YY 63/326
LIVING LEGACY
90YY 48/500
25YR 34/473
04YR 11/537
70YY 12/167
43
25
41
10GG 51/125
COLOUR OF
THE YEAR
43
SOOTHING
REVIVING
PROGRESSIVE
SOCIABLE
RESPONSIBLE
TECHNICAL
COLOUR OF
THE YEAR 2009
10GG 51/125
Green is a highly emotive colour that speaks to us symbolically on many levels – culturally, socially, naturally and
futuristically. We have seen a huge growth of importance of all greens in recent years – from soft citrus tints, attention
grabbing natural tones to hi-tech futuristic shades.
Green represents the close alignment of nature and science in order to create a sense of harmonious and sustainable
living. It reminds us of the critical importance of fresh water on our fragile planet, the technology of LED lights and
the complex monitoring equipment of the laboratory – all essential to our wellbeing and progress.
Currently and in the past, cool jades have been associated with healing and natural protection. Celadon and the
ceramic greens popul
ar in the East, put over a sense of beauty, peace and calmness whilst similar tones were much used
in the West for clinics, hospitals and ‘green rooms’– where actors and musicians rested before performances.
The psychological acceptance of cool green comes from its association with the herbs and plants used in both culinary
and medicinal contexts. Green tea, eucalyptus, mint, aloe and willow have calming, healing and reviving aspects
that we seek out when under stress or in the midst of emotional trauma – they have the ability to work in harmony
with the body’s own healing mechanisms.
In both exterior and interior decoration, jade green has an important part to play. In modernist terms it works with
glass, steel, concrete and combines with a cool palette of grey, soft blues, taupe and chocolate whilst for a softer and
more domestic look it can be combined with warmer tones like plum, terracotta, peach and nude pink.
This green is balanced and wholesome – a contemplative and
soothing shade that speaks of community care
and social responsibility– a nurturing colour for an emotionally hungry world.
45
COLOUR
TRANSITIONS
Thisyearweseeamovetowardscoloursthataresofterandmoreunderstatedbutwhichhavevery
stronglinkstothebuiltenvironment,thelandscapeandnaturalcraftmaterials.
Eachcolourfamilyiswelldefinedwithlittleambiguity–‘easyontheeye’and‘easytolivewith’quiet
shadesdominate. Brighter,futuristiccolours,inspiredbytechnology,arealsoevidentinmanypalettes.
Wherecolourisstrongeritstilltendstowardssubtletyandcomplexity–weseemtohavetiredof
manyofthestridentshadesofpastyearsinfavourofsomethingsofterbutmuchmoresophisticated.
Warmmid-tonesare,likelastyear, stillthemostpopularcolourlevelwithpalerneutralscontinuingto
behighlydesirableeitherintheirownrightortocomplementstrongerandmorecomplexcolours.
Reds are far softer and neutralised with nude and skin shades predominating
over the rich and regal ones so popular in recent years.
Oranges still retain their ea
rthy, organic bias overall but are now more influenced
by beaten, burnished and crafted metals.
Yellows are more subtle with a greater array of tones and the inclusion of more
sophisticated mustards, bronzes and golds.
WarmNeutrals are less contrasting and have returned to a heartland of
environmentally based shades like clay, ecru, bark and timber.
Greens reflect the environment with many botanical hues but the palette is
tempered by stronger colours inspired by technology and the laboratory.
Blues are either strongly linked to earth and space or shadowy and more industrial.
A new greener area is emerging that creates a more futuristic image.
Violets have now become so understated and subtle that they can almost be
regarded as warm neutrals – gone entirely are the vibrant mauves and pretty lilacs.
CoolNeutrals have a very soft, shadowy aspect to them which can create
delicate layering effects – not quite as neutral as last year.
46
ColourFutures™displays a palette of 76 colou
rs
for 2009. All are from our global colour system
with a unique notation number. These colours
are divided into eight families: Reds, Oranges,
Yellows, Warm Neutrals, Greens, Blues, Violets,
Cool Neutrals.
COLOUR
FAMILIES
48
REDS
ORANGES
14YR 10/434
YELLOWS
90BG 17/090
2007
2008
2009
A radical move away from stronger and more saturated shades
towards a softer skin-like neutral pink with warm coffee overtones.
The key colour,10YR 50/101, is a subtle
neutral – a nurturing and warming shade that
is both ultra chic and relaxing.
80RR 07/260
30YR 53/188
30YR 31/154
70YR 68/102
30RR 15/375
04YR 11/537
30YR 07/157
reds
COOL NEUTRALS
2006
80YR 67/085
VIOLETS
2005
50YR 68/114
BLUES
REDS TRANSITION
10YR 50/101
GREENS
SOFT
SUBTLE
SKINLIKE
50RR 11/286
WARM NEUTRALS
KEY COLOUR 2009
The influence of yellow creates brown–toned shades that are highly usable but
sophisticated – colours that are refined, natural and add a touch of understated luxury.
Skin
tones add a level of softness and subtlety that is warming, delicate and puts
over a more caring and nurturing image.
Bolder colours are honest and true – fun shades to enliven what is a very restrained
palette. A radical change from a few years ago where stronger shades predominated.
51
REDS
ORANGES
00YY 83/046
30YY 80/088
70YR 45/261
90YR 67/085
YELLOWS
14YR 10/434
2009
A move towards a stronger deep coral strongly influenced by red –
although deep and saturated, this colour is still warm and comforting.
The key colour,30YR 25/463, is a muted and
burnt red orange – a softly glowing shade that captures
the magic of molten metal.
10YR 27/323
30YR 49/097
oranges
COOL NEUTRALS
2008
99YR 82/029
VIOLETS
2007
50YR 23/365
BLUES
2006
23YR 10/308
90RR 08/129
ORANGES TRANSITION
2005
30YR 25/463
GREENS
BURNT
BURNISHED
RUSTED
25YR 34/473
WARM NEUTRALS
KEY COLOUR 2009
Beaten and rusted metals are the inspiration for the majority of this palette –
robust
colours that have an eternal sense of strength and beauty.
Ultra pale apricots and vanillas lit by the soft afternoon sun – warm shadows
to create relaxing and reassuring interiors.
Bright and vivid coral has an engaging and sunny energy– a fun colour
which can enliven the neutral palettes.
53
REDS
CRAFTED
CREATIVE
COMFORTING
ORANGES
YELLOWS
10YY 44/215
60YY 67/251
30YY 38/370
50YY 65/454
GREENS
10YY 60/224
30YY 58 /178
WARM NEUTRALS
00YY 43/304
BLUES
KEY COLOUR 2009
08YY 56/528
2006
2007
2008
2009
A gentle move towards smart and fashionable mustard– a sophisticated
colour that puts over an image of craftwork and creativity.
The key colour,40YY 49/408, is an elegant and
crafted mustard that works well in modernist settings
with cooler neutrals.
40YY 49/408
yellows
COOL NEUTRALS
2005
30YY 49/562
VIOLETS
YELLOWS TRANSITION
00YY 19/261
A palette of great character and beauty– crafted colours that put
over an image of soft refinement and attention t
o detail.
New mustards predominate – artistic shades that work alone or with
cooler neutrals – a new high fashion favourite.
Warmer golds and tans bring elements of the natural world inside
and give a look of comforting and calming radiance.
55
REDS
ORANGES
YELLOWS
98YR 78/041
30YY 71/073
44YY 84/042
WARM NEUTRALS
90YR 51/109
KEY COLOUR 2009
2007
2008
2009
A very subtle move from last year that exemplifies the enduring
popularity of this soft but characterful, mid-toned level of colour.
The key colour,10YY 61/136, is an environmental neutral
reminiscent of cut timber and cork – a gentle colour
that combines beautifully with warm and cool palettes.
80YR 17/129
20YY 57/060
20YY 39/130
99YR 82/029
warm
neutrals
COOL NEUTRALS
2006
44YY 70/110
VIOLETS
2005
30YY 47/145
BLUES
WARM NEUTRALS TRANSITION
10YY 61/136
GREENS
NURTURING
NATURALISTIC
ARBOREAL
80YR 40/148
Orange and yellow based neutrals with an abundance of wood, bark
and twig colours reflect o
ur concerns for the environment.
Clay and earth tones allude to the natural environment and sustainable
craftwork materials for communities across all cultures.
Luminous pales create lightness with warmth, calmness with
character and softness with neutrality.
57
REDS
ORANGES
70YY 25/200
10GY 40/296
50GY 66/111
YELLOWS
70YY 65/090
2007
2008
2009
A move towards calming and cooler greens reflects our concern for family
and the environment – this soft jade is both serene and sophisticated.
The key colour,10GG 51/125, is a soothing shade
inspired by jade, willow and aloe – it represents issues
such as wellbeing, healing and nurturing.
60YY 33/130
70YY 55/613
90YY 48/500
50GG 55/049
30YY 14/070
70YY 12/167
70GG 13/323
greens
COOL NEUTRALS
2006
10 GG 51/125
VIOLETS
2005
90YY 62/264
BLUES
GREENS TRANSITION
70YY 63/326
GREENS
ECOLOGICAL
HEALING
REVIVING
70YY 46/160
WARM NEUTRALS
KEY COLOUR 2009
Botanical yellow–based greens add a touch of futuristic en
ergy– they are
reminiscent of both the jungle and the laboratory.
Cooler jades and tea greens are creative colours loved by the East and West
alike – calming, thoughtful shades for refreshment of mind and body.
Subtle, architectural greens remind us of the earth’s natural building materials –
clay, timber, stone and thatch– eco-friendly materials for modern living.
59
REDS
ORANGES
10BB 40/090
70BB 55/044
70BB 15/081
YELLOWS
70BG 56/061
2007
2008
2009
A move towards new environmental aquas and turquoises, strongly influenced
by green – these shades have both an earthly and aquatic quality to them.
The key colour,90GG 30/195, is a deep but soft aqua that
conveys a strong sense of the natural environment when used
with both warm and cool neutrals.
10BG 14/296
10BB 17/269
70BG 07/086
30BB 10/112
30YR 49/097
blues
COOL NEUTRALS
2006
70GG 39/303
VIOLETS
2005
14YR 10/434
BLUES
BLUES TRANSITION
50BG 55/241
GREENS
ARCHITECTURAL
TECHNOLOGICAL
AIRY
90GG
30/195
WARM NEUTRALS
KEY COLOUR 2009
The futuristic view of the earth seen from space inspires much of this palette –
the growing link between technology and our natural world.
Balanced and beautiful turquoise and teal allude to both the past and the future
– creative colours used for centuries are now centre stage in fashion terms.
Smoky and shadowy shades add an airy sense of dimension and definition –
structured tones that create depth and interest.
61
REDS
DUSTY
DEGRADED
DELICATE
ORANGES
60YR 73/ 015
WARM NEUTRALS
60YR 73/015
YELLOWS
90BG 17/090
90YR 67/085
KEY COLOUR 2009
2007
2008
2009
A move to almost total neutrality and subtlety – very understated
shades that are inspired by dust, ash and shadows.
The key colour,10YR 40/054, is the most subtle
of violets – a dusted neutral that exhibits a sophisticated
sense of luxury and refinement.
70RR 16/116
10YR 27/323
30YR 49/097
violets
COOL NEUTRALS
2006
99YR 82/029
VIOLETS
2005
10YR 40/054
B
LUES
VIOLETS TRANSITION
30RR 30/103
GREENS
10RR 24/ 061
A level of neutrality, never seen before in this palette, creates shades that
are highly elegant but with an understated sense of luxury.
Both traditional and ultra contemporary interiors benefit from this new
subtle neutrality– ethereal, shadowy and delicate.
The natural world is evoked via an array of ash, cinder and dust– whether
ultra pale or deeper in tone, softness is always the key attribute.
63
REDS
LAYERED
CONSTRUCTED
SUBTLE
ORANGES
WARM NEUTRALS
70YY 72/041
90BG 17/090
YELLOWS
30RR 08/044
90YR 67/085
00NN 72/000
KEY COLOUR 2009
2008
2009
A move towards pale greys so discreet that they are almost pure
white – this renaissance of white influences all hue areas.
The key colour, 00NN 83/000, is an off white
which lends the merest hint of subtlety and shadow–
an ethereal pale, a whisper away from white.
30YY 22/059
90RR 28/245
30BB 16/031
30YR 49/097
cool
neutrals
COOL NEUTRALS
2007
99Y
R 82/029
VIOLETS
2006
10GG 72/022
BLUES
2005
00NN 83/000
GREENS
COOL NEUTRALS TRANSITION
30YY 72/018
A series of ultra subtle greys and off whites create a layered look –
tiny shifts of colour that create dimension and optical interest.
Understated pale greys allow for maximum combination possibilities
with hues from other palettes – intriguing but never bland.
Architectural light and dark mixes put over a mood of contemporary
chic – elegant when used alone, both indoors and out, or with
subtle natural accents like slate and rust.
65
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
B
WHITE
A
LRV
99
00
HUE
CHROMA
What is colour?
Colour is a sensation that we experience through our eyes with our brain.
Colour is all ar
ound 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.
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
We have de
veloped a unique proprietary colour notation system. It is the result
of extensive research and consultation with an international team of experts.
BLACK
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.
C
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.
D
In our 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:
E
30BB 08 / 263
HUE
LRV
CHROMA
YY
RR
BB
GG
yellow
red to magenta
violet to blue
turquoise to green
YR
RB
BG
GY
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 our 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 our notation system describes this component as the
p
roportion 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 remaining 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).
orange to red
magenta to
violet
blue to turquoise
green to lime
67
COLOUR INDEX 2009
THEMES
ECOTECTURE
P12
10BB 17/269
10GG 51/125
10GY 40/296
20YY 39/130
20YY 57/060
30RR 30/103
30YY 14/070
30YY 58/178
40YY 49/408
70BB 15/081
70BB 55/044
70GG 13/323
70YY 25/200
70YY 55/613
70YY 72/041
90GG 30/195
FAMILIES
� = RICHANDVIBRANT � = FRESH � = WARM � = CALM N = NEUTRALS OW= OFFWHITE
WHITEDIMENSIONS
P18
�
�
�
N
N
�
N
�
�
N
N
�
�
�
N
�
00NN 72/000
00NN 83/000
10BB 40/090
10GG 72/022
10YR 40/054
10YY 44/215
30YY 22/059
30YY 71/073
44YY 84/042
50GG 55/049
50YR 23/365
70BG 07/086
70YR 68/102
70YR 45/261
60YR 73/015
98YR 78/041
N
N
�
N
N
�
N
OW
OW
N
�
�
�
�
N
OW
ORANGES
P52
REDS
P50
10YR 50/101
50YR 68/114
80YR 67/085
30YR 53/188
30YR 31/154
70YR 68/102
30RR 15/375
04YR 11/537
30YR 07/157
Cross-reference the ColourFutures™ 2009 palette colours with our global colour system
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
00YY 83/046
30YY 80/088
25YR 34/473
30YR 25/463
7
0YR 45/261
23YR 10/308
50YR 23/365
EQUILIBRIUM
P30
LIVINGLEGACY
P24
00YY 19/261
10RR 24/061
20YY 57/060
23YR 10/308
30BB 10/112
30YR 07/157
30YR 25/463
30YR 31/154
30YY 38/370
30YY 49/562
44YY 70/110
50YR 23/365
60YY 67/251
70BG 56/061
70RR 16/116
70YR 45/261
N
N
N
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
N
�
�
�
�
�
YELLOWS
P54
OW
N
�
�
�
�
�
00YY 43/304
10YY 44/215
30YY 58/178
60YY 67/251
10YY 60/224
30YY 38/370
50YY 65/454
08YY 56/528
00YY 19/261
30YY 49/562
40YY 49/408
00YY 43/304
00YY 83/046
10YR 50/101
10YY 60/224
10YY 61/136
30YY 80/088
50GY 66/111
50YR 68/114
60YY 33/130
60YY 67/251
70YY 65/090
80YR 17/129
80YR 40/148
80YR 67/085
90YR 51/109
90YY 62/264
PLAYHOUSE
P36
�
OW
�
�
�
N
�
�
N
�
N
N
�
�
N
�
WARM NEUTRALS
P56
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
N
�
�
90YR 51/109
98YR 78/041
30YY 71/073
44YY 84/042
80YR 40/148
10YY 61/136
30YY 47/145
44YY 70/110
80YR 17/129
20YY 57/060
20YY 39/130
N
OW
OW
OW
�
�
N
N
N
N
N
04YR 11/537
0
0YR 45/261
23YR 10/308
50YR 23/365
EQUILIBRIUM
P30
LIVINGLEGACY
P24
00YY 19/261
10RR 24/061
20YY 57/060
23YR 10/308
30BB 10/112
30YR 07/157
30YR 25/463
30YR 31/154
30YY 38/370
30YY 49/562
44YY 70/110
50YR 23/365
60YY 67/251
70BG 56/061
70RR 16/116
70YR 45/261
N
N
N
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
N
�
�
�
�
�
YELLOWS
P54
OW
N
�
�
�
�
�
00YY 43/304
10YY 44/215
30YY 58/178
60YY 67/251
10YY 60/224
30YY 38/370
50YY 65/454
08YY 56/528
00YY 19/261
30YY 49/562
40YY 49/408
00YY 43/304
00YY 83/046
10YR 50/101
10YY 60/224
10YY 61/136
30YY 80/088
50GY 66/111
50YR 68/114
60YY 33/130
60YY 67/251
70YY 65/090
80YR 17/129
80YR 40/148
80YR 67/085
90YR 51/109
90YY 62/264
PLAYHOUSE
P36
�
OW
�
�
�
N
�
�
N
�
N
N
�
�
N
�
WARM NEUTRALS
P56
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
N
�
�
90YR 51/109
98YR 78/041
30YY 71/073
44YY 84/042
80YR 40/148
10YY 61/136
30YY 47/145
44YY 70/110
80YR 17/129
20YY 57/060
20YY 39/130
N
OW
OW
OW
�
�
N
N
N
N
N
04YR 11/537
0
... ascunde