The Color Styles 11/12, our bi-annual publication, presents these colour trends.

Eco-living

A new generation of home decora-tors is seeking sustainability and preservation in every lifestyle choice. We see the advent of ecological aestheticism characterised by organic design, untreated materials and traditional craftsmanship. Colours that reflect this lifestyle are neutral greens, browns and beiges reflecting natural material and conscious manufacturing techniques.

Trends: Leafy greens complemented by nutty browns and beet reds lend kitchens, dining reas and family rooms a sense of wholesome cheer; raw neutrals drawn from earth objects lend a soothing feel to any living space; bright ocean blues, aquas and greens can be used for bedrooms and child-ren's rooms to inspire creativity and calm simultaneously.

Think future

Advances in technology are leading to the creation of smart homes. The resultant colour palette is an intelligent fusion of hi-tech and hi-touch with steely metallic grays combined with bright accents.

Trends: A colour palette of steely grays taking inspiration from smart home automation; and deep shades of blue and gray inspired by the infinite reaches of space.

Heritage home

The heritage trend signals a departure from the throwaway culture where obje-cts were bought for a season. We are now seeking products that have meaning, his-tory, and a story. There is a reverence for the classic reflected in a surge of collective nostalgia. This is characterised by heirloom hues of brown, beige and yellow.

Trends: Rich hues in brown and blue drawn from heirlooms, antique jewellery and historical paintings; colours inspired by British colonial style in tones of mahogany and ivory; and hues of terracotta, brick and ochre that speak of the folkloric resplendence of India

Life is serene

The serenity trend shows that homeowners seek to create a cocoon of peace. By stripping down living spaces to bare essentials and focusing on ambience rather than artistic display, consumers are re-evaluating their lifestyle. This has led to a shedding of the superficial and the superfluous to highlight what is truly important in this day and age – peace of mind.

Trends: Neutral pastels in beige and gray are perfect for puja rooms, yoga areas and bedrooms; living rooms and bedrooms in minimalist grays communicate the simplicity of living that home decorators are moving towards; and neutral blues reminiscent of tropical spas communicate solitude and relaxation for bedrooms and rest areas

Upbeat euphoria

The upbeat trend marks the entry of boho chic into Indian homes. An array bold palettes characterised by colour blocking, is making an appearance in metropolitan homes. Home decorators are increasingly opting for a flexible decorating style that combines colours inspired by street finds with classic hues. The result is a cheery and creative exposition of popular culture.

Trends: Warhol-inspired tones of vivid blue and pink that are bound to inspire conversation in teenage spaces; vibrant hues of magenta and purple to enhance the style quotient of any living space; and metallic gold, silver and bronze to transform your walls into contemporary ornaments.

(The writer is the general manager (marketing & sales) of Kansai Nerolac Paints)