Colour, colour, which colour?

Pastels seem to be making a comeback. Bindu Gopal Rao enumerates some ways to use the Pantone colours of the year - rose quartz and serenity

For this year, Pantone, a company known for its authoritative colour matching systems, has revealed not one but two colours: rose quartz and serenity. The colour rose quartz is similar to that of a flushed cheek and is a gentle tone. Serenity, on the other hand, is a transcendent blue, like the blue sky.

These colours inherently balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace. They can be used in various ways and can add a fresh perspective to your home as well. “As both rose quartz and serenity are pastel colours, it can create a fresh and inviting setting when paired with a neutral palette of grey’s and brown’s. They are also great for your bedrooms,” says Tina Roy, lead — decor design, Urban Ladder.

If you think that these colours can only be used with contrasting colours, think again. “One could work out deeper shades with the same colour family. For example, rose quartz can work well against deeper rose and reds. Similarly, serenity can work against deeper blues,” elaborates Tina.

These colours need not just be on your walls; they can also be on the decor. “Rugs, cushions, pillows, curtains, wallpapers and the like are some items that the colours can be used in,” reveals Parull Mahaajan, an interior designer.

“Keep printed throw pillows throughout the home by using a pattern that has both the colours. This creates a stunning display, especially when placed against a neutral background,” suggests Manoj Kumar Singh, chairman, Mangalya Group.

One can, in fact, never go wrong with neutral colours. While it is not necessary to use both these colours together, you can always mix and match them with other hues. “For instance, one can mix and match with neutral and solid colours. Rose quartz and serenity can help tame the brighter colours and create balance,” adds Raseel Gujral Ansal, interior designer, Casa Paradox.

Earthy & bold

The soft pink and blue hues are a big trend, which can be easily incorporated in one’s living space. The new trends in using these colours are such that they weave earthy neutrals with a range of bold colours and patterns to reflect a landscape of hope, fun, fantasy and all things natural.

The amount of time and resources homeowners today are willing to commit to the upkeep of their home has undergone quite a change. Using the colours listed out by Pantone across one’s home furnishing could help one create looks which have a global edge.

But, needless to say, one’s personal taste is the foremost factor to consider. “Each one of us can develop an individual style by blending our favourite elements from different sources. Ethnic colours and patterns, and accessories complement each other, creating an impression that is both dramatic and intimate. The room will reflect the warm, earthy tones of the land, and serve as a backdrop for personalised identity,” says Anuj Jain,
director — decorative, Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited.

Calm & rejuvenation

Rose quartz and serenity can be incorporated in one’s home decor in soft as well as hard surface materials. “The combination of these pastel shades evokes a sense of calm and rejuvenation. This can be further accentuated by a careful choice of furnishing fabrics to complement these subtly balanced tones,” explains Ranjit Singh, president, British Paints.
If you are looking to add a bit of luxury to your room, along with the colour, a wide range of decor accessories can be added to achieve the desired effect. “Add velvets, brushed cottons and linens. Dress your windows with lighter weight linen or organza to emphasise the sense of radiance and light that you associate with the colour,” he adds.

Both these colours can also work well in a variety of finishes, including matte, metallic and glossy. Additionally, it also pairs well with colours that we don’t usually match it up with. “It works well with other mid-tones including greens and purples. Silver or hot bright colours can be added for more sparkle,” says Jagdish Khandelwal, founder and president, Jagdish Store.

The colours also suit many of the decor accessories that one strews across the home. “An arrangement with ‘Pantone colours of the year’ cushions can be strewn on sofas, recliners or beds that have touches of glitter and metallic hues to them,” avers Rajat Singhi, founder and creative director, Address Home.

Another decor item that can instantly augment your home’s exquisiteness is a vase. “Whether it’s a tall pink or blue high glossy vase or a flowery short base bowl, incorporate flowers and vases into your decor theme,” adds Rajat.

All about balance

It would be too much to have an entire room worked out in either of these colours though. They need to be used sparingly and be offset with neutral colours and off-whites.

“It is better not to over-furnish the room. Select the right textures and styles of sofas which will complement the walls. Also, avoid clutter,” says Aman Nagar, director, Paras Buildtech. Having too many colours in a space, make it difficult to relax. However, having a single colour can be too dull and unappealing.

To strike a perfect balance between the two, the 60-30-10 rule is a timeless mantra that can help you put a colour scheme together easily. But what does it mean? This proportion is meant to give balance to the colours used.

“60 per cent is the main colour of the room. 30 per cent is the secondary colour, which will be used in half. This can be the accessories such as curtains, bed linen, furniture or even an accent wall. Lastly, 10 per cent is the accent colour,” explains Anuj.

For instance, in the living room it can be the throw pillows, decorative accessories and artwork. “Your accent colour can be pulled from artwork in the room, or from a printed fabric,” he suggests.

With the comfort of warmer pinks and powder blues, homeowners can be rest assured of a flood of compliments coming their way. So, are you ready to give your home a chic makeover with the ‘in’ colours of the year?