Helen van Gent, Creative Director of AkzoNobel International Aesthetics Center, knows everything about color and even more. She graduated from the School of Arts, then the Royal Academy of Arts in the Netherlands. Helen's father is an architect. From early childhood, she was immersed in the world of harmony, beauty and clear lines. Before taking a serious position at AkzoNobel, she worked for twenty years as a stylist and editor for major glossy magazines. A passion for color and a deep knowledge of this area, Helen remains one of the world's largest experts on color trends. What colors will be in the top in the coming years, in what range it is more reasonable to decorate the bedroom and office, how to choose a harmonious shade - about this in an exclusive interview with Mrs. van Gent.
HOW DOES THE COLOR BE FAVORITE?
- Our team annually determines trends in interior color solutions and announces the color of the next year in the fall. We are not the only ones who work in this direction, but our approach is multifaceted: we carefully examine what is happening around, relying on the opinion of a large number of people around the world. This or that color comes into fashion not for the purpose from above. The person himself chooses. Preferences, consciously or not, are shaped by a variety of factors, from the weather to the political environment.
Our team carefully reads the press, looks through magazines, we go to exhibitions, travel a lot around the world, being inspired by new trends, organize brainstorming sessions, inviting famous designers and architects, discussing existing trends with them. Systematization of the information received is a very interesting process! We do not create a new trend in fashion, but we pick up and develop what is relevant and continuously monitor emerging trends in design around the world in order to always be one step ahead.
WHAT IS THE MOST FASHIONABLE SHADE?
I can say with confidence: in many countries of the world - both in Europe and in America - today there is a keen interest in all shades of blue - from pale gray to rich indigo. Denim is at the peak of fashion, the absolute leader of this year and the next few years.
The results of our work are reflected in the updated color palettes of the Dulux brand by AkzoNobel. They help to see the principles of color combinations in the interior. The basis is the color of the year, several accompanying color palettes are selected for it, so that even the most demanding client can choose a suitable harmonious color scheme: some people prefer the combination of an active color with light blue shades, others are closer to dark ones.
Shades of gray, royal dark blue, red-crimson with purple and yellow (not gold!) Do not go out of fashion. These colors have long become classics and do not lose their relevance.
WHAT DO THE INTERIOR COLORS DIFFERENT IN THE OFFICE AND IN THE HOUSE?
For office decoration, energetic yellow and red are suitable - they stimulate performance. Blue helps you better concentrate on tasks. But since the company employs people of different temperaments, it is important to take into account the preferences of the majority. For spacious office spaces where employees spend eight hours a day, neutral white is appropriate. I would suggest reviving it with bright accents and details.
Also, keep in mind that workspaces are designed more discreetly than, for example, a cafe. More muted colors are used more often. If it comes to the interior of the house, and you are indecisively facing the choice of color for the bedroom, living room, nursery, then Dulux palettes and brochures will come in handy. Get inspired by ideas, absorb rainbow streams and listen to yourself - what color is close to you, does it touch your soul? Trust yourself and your feelings, and our Dulux experts are always ready to help and offer non-trivial color solutions.
