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Earlier this month, Plascon announced its second annual colour combination of the year, this time choosing a trio of related colours, specifically designed to capture simple joie de vivre and in doing so, reflect the mood of 2023.
The three meticulously selected shades work harmoniously together to bring back joy and energy as well as plenty of light to the home, which is most cases now double up as the office space too.
Follow the 60-30-10 approach
The rationale for choosing three colours instead of merely one is based on the industry practice of a 60-30-10 design scheme, which suggests that 60% of a space should consist of a dominant colour, 30% a secondary colour, and 10% an accent colour.
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In structuring the colour combination in these ratios, Plascon makes it easier for architects, interior designers, and homeowners to adopt this approach and tastefully achieve a well-considered look.
For the Plascon Colour Combination 2023, the colour representing the largest portion of the ratio at 60% is Plascon Fun in the Sun (Y1-A2-1) — an uplifting, light hue with a balanced red-yellow undertone that lends a warm, fresh feel. The neutral tone offers a beautiful, glowing backdrop for the remaining two colours in the combination.
Making up 30% of the combo is Plascon Sunkissed (Y3-A1-2) which is a softly shaded, glowing yellow that is more saturated and radiant than Plascon Fun in the Sun (Y1-A2-1). Completing the harmonious trio of nature-inspired colours is Plascon Safari Sun (O7-C1-1), the final 10% of the ratio. Rich and grounding, this warming brown anchors the two lighter and fresher hues and brings a deeper earthen note to spaces.
Mood boosting is the way to go
As Kim Williams, a well-known Cape Town based interior designer explains, from a trends perspective, colour is back with a bang, with a big uptick in rooms filled with mood boosting colours that reflect personal style and taste.
‘In general, summer paint tones tend to move away from the muted grey palettes of winter to something richer, brighter and more rejuvenating. Yellow shades are especially associated with feelings of happiness and optimism and Plascon’s three colours can really capture the different stages of light and warmth and reflect the truly African way of life,’ she says.
In the residential estate setting, Williams suggests adding a splash of the colour combination to big communal spaces like clubhouses, restaurants, and the front on house areas where foot traffic is high. In the home, the colour combination will work well in places like the kitchen, allowing homeowners to enjoy the charm of the outdoors and the simple warmth of the African summer sun.
Meanwhile, rival Dulux has also announced a 2023 colour of the year. It’s colour, which is good for those who like warm, neutral hues is called “Wild Wonder”. The company says this colour is inspired by “warm tones harvested in crops” and is meant to create a “sense of energy and positivity”.
To see how the colour fits in with your home, you can download the Dulux Visualizer app.
