Three Fleetwood designers share their insights
What colour trends do you predict for this year, and why?
Sinéad Cassidy, Co Cork: I see a gradual steer away from greys as a neutral. Crisp whites are providing the perfect neutral wall colour for contemporary spaces where existing moody mellow colours are prevailing. Origami White is always a winner. Consistency is the key with the neutrals and the colour accents; using tones and shades that are similar.
Catherine Ruane, Co Mayo: 2024 will see a move towards warm earthy tones such as taupes, blush pinks, browns, rusts, coppers, greens and powder and denim blues. These serene tones bring tranquillity to any room, creating a cocoon of calm amidst the chaos of daily life. We see shades that offer stability and reassurance come to the forefront. Colours that connect to nature and wellbeing remain key.
Aodhain Scallan, Co Wexford: Colour experts are predicting much more adventurous colour choices with blush pinks, earthy browns, soothing blues and aquas. Neutrals are still very much in vogue, but on the warmer side with blush and buttery tones rising in popularity.
What do you think will be the biggest interior trends of 2024?
Sinéad: Vibrancy is the key feature for 2024. The neutral safe schemes had their time and place but it is as if we are ready to party again! This burst of energy and colour will manifest itself using intriguing patterns in our curtains and furnishings, eclectic wallpaper, attention grabbing bathroom tiles not to mention out of the ordinary light fittings. All balanced of course by a huge range of wall colours to choose from with a move away from the old reliable selections.
Catherine: Quality over quantity and general warmth will be the trend moving forward. Emphasis on natural materials, softer shapes and richer colour palettes. Painted kitchens have been very popular but an emerging trend of unpainted wooden cabinets is starting to creep in. At the start of this year, it will be painted cabinets with the introduction of a wooden island, but towards the end of 2024 we will see a big return of wooden kitchens. The spathroom, or a spa-inspired bathroom, is another trend for 2024, inevitably influenced by the grown popularity of self-care spaces. This is especially evident in ensuites of master bedrooms: darker tiles, wood effect ceramic tiles in both fluted effect and plank and mood lighting. And last but not least, the introduction of a contrasting or dark ceiling. Although it’s a bold and risky move, dark paint on the ceiling will give a bit of drama; it creates a cosier feel giving more intimate and warmth to area, such as a bathroom.
Aodhain: Scandinavian style has been very popular over the past few years. 2024 will see a bit of Scandi design mixed with a bit of maximalism. We still want that luxurious feeling but mixed with something that feels approachable too. People still want their homes to feel awe inspiring but comfortable and usable, and with a lean towards less formal materials and textures. Personally, I’m loving the rattan vibe. It’s so easy to incorporate into most interior styles. By simply adding some new bar stools or dining chairs we can update the look of our kitchens. Theres a massive selection of light fitting and more and more pieces, with plenty of fresh takes on the material. It’s laissez-faire fabulousness!!
How do you advise people in adding colour to a home?
Sinéad: If we look at how our homes have evolved and the fact that living, dining, kitchen areas can often be one large open space; this can prove a conundrum as to how to approach your painting. One colour may not suffice as there is aspect and atmosphere to work out. In this situation a tonal scheme can be the solution. By applying different tones of the same colour to your different zones, there is a harmonious flow achieved and it is not boring! The Fleetwood Vogue range is perfect for this solution. There are seven different “families” of colour tones, ranging from pale to dark so this is a fantastic option for an open plan area where a uniformity of wall colour and subtlety is desired. Check out the Hepburn, Coco, Hamptons, Grafton, Kensington, Monet and Betsy in the Fleetwood Vogue range for a stylish solution to your open plan colour challenge.
Catherine: I would advise to add it to areas that are easy to change when trends change. You can paint a feature wall or ceiling as it allows you to quickly highlight and showcase portions of a room, such as alcoves. It’s a great way to add a little drama and flair to a bland space. Wallpaper an area to bring in colour and texture, and add cushions, a rug, plants and accessories. And of course, one of my favourite ways to add colour to your home is with artwork or prints; irrespective of how much space is available on walls you can hang different shapes and sizes of art.
Aodhain: We have two main types of decorators. The once a year and once every ten years.
For the more cautious, I tend to suggest working with a neutral base – your walls and sofa can be soft muted timeless colours that don’t date and then colour can be added through rugs, art and soft furnishings. For the more brave-hearted, the world is your oyster. Colour can make a small room feel larger, or a spacious one feel more intimate, without the expense or upheaval of actually moving walls. You can make a snug or living room feel very cosy by painting the ceiling in a dark colour. Some other ways to add colour may be to recover or paint your furniture, change the colour of your staircase, paint your front door or hang some art.
Fleetwood Prestige is exclusive to the Vogue, Ventura and Pantone Colour Collections. Find your nearest stockist on fleetwood.ie
