Dulux have revealed their much-anticipated Colour of the Year for 2022. So what shade is going to be hot next year? Well, it’s ‘Bright Skies’, an airy light blue with an optimistic feel that we could all use after the past year…
Bright Skies is the 19th Colour of the Year, taking the mantle from this year’s earthy-toned Brave Ground. As ever, the shade was selected by a specialist panel of colour designers, trend forecasters, design specialists, architects and editors from around the world, but this year at a virtual summit for the very first time.
‘After being shut in for months, what we crave is open air,’ explains Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director for Dulux UK.
‘Right now, people want to feel revitalised and enjoy the freedoms that are returning to them, to look out and bring in new ideas. What better inspiration can we take than the endless skies around us?
‘It is widely known that nature makes us feel better and taking steps to bring the outside in enhances our sense of wellbeing.
‘So, whether we’re working or relaxing, creating or exercising, it is essential to have a space that reflects the optimism and desire for a fresh, new start. Bright Skies provides us with that much needed breath of fresh air.’
At YourHomeStyle, we think the choice of Bright Skies makes perfect sense, with the popularity of nature-inspired aesthetics such as Cottagecore showing no signs of slowing, and optimistic peachy-pink colours being tipped as an emerging trend for Autumn and Winter décor this year. And of course, a light, fresh tone will bring a welcome touch of optimism as we look towards a hopeful future.
If you’re looking to incorporate Bright Skies into your décor this year, Dulux’s experts have come up with four suggested colour palettes showing different ways to use the shade in your decor, whatever your style. Take a look at them below, and before you get started, don't forget to check out our guide to preparing walls for painting.
Greenhouse colour palette
Greenhouse is full of fresh greens and blues that serve the purpose of being the perfect backdrop for bringing nature into a room, in the form of plants and natural materials such as bark or cork. This helps people feel the positive effects of nature. If you want to embrace this palette, make sure to look at our guide to buying houseplants online and the forest bathing aesthetic.
Salon colour palette
The Salon colour palette has been designed provide a background for fresh ideas and creative thinking. Consciously pale and soft, this palette is for those who want a room, or a home, that’s ready for anything.
Studio colour palette
The Studio colour palette is all about creating a space to soothe, with a mix of pale pinks, reds and oranges. Subtle and inspiring, decorating with this palette enables the creation of a sanctuary, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Workshop colour palette
Finally, the Workshop palette allows people to create adaptable spaces that reinvent the home. The palette has been created in direct reaction to the flexible living we've all had to adapt to in the past year, with living rooms becoming workout spaces and sheds becoming garden rooms. Whether it's zoning with room dividers or decorating home offices, these are light and positive colours that make the functional fun.
Dulux Colour of the Year 2022 Bright Skies is available from 14 September 2021, in a specially designed unique can that features new branding to set it apart from the rest of the Dulux range.
