Colour forecast: Top colour trends for 2016

A new year calls for new trends, and this is never truer when it comes to décor and colour. In a recent #LeCreusetTakeOver on Instagram, Plascon – our kindred spirits in the love of all things colourful – showcased an array of sumptuous shades from their new 2016 Colour Forecast.

We asked Plascon’s Zurita Moore to talk us through 2016’s palette, expressing key directions in colour trends and seeing what plays best with Le Creuset’s beautiful range of hues.

With the arrival of summer, which colours are considered “on point” this season?
Pastels and brights are on trend for summer. The Element theme from the Plascon 2016 Colour Forecast has some beautiful pastels, including a dusty pink called Savannah (R3-E2-3) and a sky blue called Marmello (B5-A2-1). We are bound to see a lot of these colours as Pantone have just announced similar hues as their colours for 2016. For those who want a more upbeat summer then brights from the Connect palette include Plascon’s 2016 Colour of the year Atlantic Beach (B5-B1-1) and an energetic red Strawberry Daiquiri (EC 100, among others.)

For the holidays, Anne Roselt, Plascon’s Colour Manager, recommends you choose colours from the forecast that appeal to you; whether they are peaceful and relaxing or upbeat and energetic, there is always colour that is just right for you.

As part of Plascon’s 2016 Colour Forecast, which global colour trends have you identified for the New Year?
The global trend drivers we have identified for 2016 are:
• From the earth: Highly textural, reveals nature in its raw, untouched beauty – the colours featured in our Element Palette.

• From outer space: Looking to the outer universe for inspiration, subtle blends of colour with the impression of weightlessness. See these colours featured in our Discovery palette.

• Classic revival: in times of uncertainty we look to the past for security and reassurance. Dark and sensuous colours feature in our Heirloom palette.

• Abstract art – engaging our imagination, inviting us to be more playful. See this in the bold colours of our Connect palette.

How does trend forecasting work? How are the year’s trendiest colours decided?
Global Colour Manager Anne Roselt has been working on international Colour Panels for 16 years. She works closely with Global Colour Research who, twice a year, invites people involved in colour and design to discuss the trends picked up globally. The trendiest colours are agreed upon and Global Colour Research publishes these in their trend publication called The Mix. Anne works closely with them on a bespoke forecast for Plascon, making sure the trends are global but also suitable for South Africa.

What’s the most common mistake people make when choosing a colour scheme for their home or kitchen?
From my experience, I would say the most common mistake is that people do not consider light. It is so important to test the colour scheme you like in your home and live with it for a good 48 hours, so that you can experience the colour in the morning, afternoon and with artificial lighting. The colour changes during different times of the day, and you may like it in the morning but find it too cold or too pink with artificial lighting.

Where did you get inspiration for the fabulous Le Creuset takeover on Instagram?
We were inspired by the Connect theme of the 2016 Plascon Colour Forecast.

Tell us more about the colourful Connect theme for 2016?
Connect’s upbeat palette is assembled from a collection of vibrant primary shades. You could say it is a backlash against the slick technology-driven aesthetics that have been so prominent recently. It is inspired by the abstract art movement, kinetic sculptors and the Memphis art movement. This palette is about using the colours in a playful way; using clever proportions to apply colour to multiple surfaces. Geometric shapes are important in this theme.

What is your favourite Le Creuset colour combination?
That is an impossible question to ask me, as I have quite a few! Cotton mixed with Black is stunning, and I go weak in the knees at the thought of these colours paired with the new Toughened Steel Professional range. But, I love Caribbean Blue, Coastal Blue and Chiffon Pink, so for me it will always have to be a combination of a few different colours. I have also never been able to say no to a Precision Pour Saucepan in Cherry!

Which Le Creuset colours do you think would best complement our new range of cookware, Toughened Steel Professional?
The Cotton range would complement Toughened Steel Professional perfectly. If you want to add colour, you can never go wrong with Cherry.

Why do you think Cherry, our best-selling colour, resonates with people so much?
Red is such a lovely warm hue, which brings a feeling of warmth to any kitchen and dining room table. Red can also awaken your appetite, so this is the perfect colour to dish up in.

The one colour that is absolutely timeless is?
For me it is grey in all its glory. It has so many different hues, and you can change the look and feel of your entire home if you use grey as your base colour.

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