How to choose trendy colours for your home

HOMES & CONSTRUCTION

It is common for particular paint colours to trend for some time before new ones take over. This is usually seen in changes in people's homes' interior and exterior.

However, Clare Bond, a paints expert with Plascon Uganda, notes that colours usually trend for not more than seven years.

She explains that people's choice of colours is determined by location, affluence, geography and weather.

"The mood of the people and economic trends differ. What is trending in Europe may not be popular in Africa, although sometimes it cuts across," she says.

Bright colours are being accompanied by lighter neutral colours.

In the past, warmer colours were the preference rather than cool colours combined with the saturated brights.

However, Bond notes that grey shades are also trending because of their therapeutic attributes.

"Politics and the economy also determine the colours that will trend for a particular time. The mood of a country reflects the colours the population resonates with," Bond explains.

 
"Ugandans love vibrant colours. This shows that Ugandans are a contented group," she opines.

Trending internationally are grey and charcoal combinations for exteriors and retail interiors, including high-end homes.

Bond adds that soft pastel colours such as pink and blue are popular in domestic environments, as well as restaurants, where people want to relax. These colours enhance relaxation and create peaceful space.

Beyond that, Bond says it is important for one to know what they are trying to achieve in a certain area before selecting the colours for it.

"The need to make the room appear larger and brighter is an example of this," she says.

What age group will use the room and what do you need the personality in the room to feel?

According to Hillary Kyomuhendo, an interior designer with Elite Stones in Ntinda, on the outskirts of Kampala, one is, however, free to break the rules and pick colours fearlessly.

"It is okay to be controversial beautifully. Create your own colours and explore beyond borders," he says.