Colour me festive: Why are designers seeing red… and jewel tones of emeralds and blues?

What are we choosing to surround ourselves with during this festive or, to be more precise, home makeover season – that time of the year when most of us start painting and redecorating projects at home? Pantone’s 2023 colour Viva Magenta, defined as a “fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative,” is of course going to work out beautifully this time round, but then, being Indian and fond of our chamak dhamak, we are not going to just stop at that, are we? This year is all about glitter and celebration, pomp and opulence, with jewel tones of ruby reds and emerald greens giving magenta a fight as designers work on various permutations and combinations to make colours pop vividly.

That luxe feeling

Rahul Mistri, founder and principal designer, Open Atelier Mumbai, sees trends in the muted, earthy tones of soft terracottas, warm greys, and organic greens. It indicates a growing interest in nature-inspired and sustainable design.

A yellow screen becomes the focal point of this room. (Photo by Prashant Bhat courtesy Open Atelier Mumbai)

Then, along with yellows and oranges, you have warm metallic shades of gold and bronze adding grandeur to interiors, heightening that sense of luxury, adding to the warmth and festive feel.

Pair bright tones associated with the festivals of Dussehra and Diwali with metallic tones if you really want to liven up things, he suggests.

Serenity and grace

For Kuntal Vyas Aggarwal, founder and design head, Resaiki Interiors and Architecture Design Studio, Delhi NCR, gentle shades of pink and purple are all about “grace and femininity”.

Subdued tones create serenity. “Deep, rejuvenating blues and greens are also making a mark. Shades such as Flora and Everglade Deck harmonise beautifully with wooden accents and brass details for a seamless fusion of natural elements and opulent embellishments. Subtle pastels or vibrant jewel tones - both are in vogue this year,” she adds.

Colours add excitement, energy, drama to festivities, declares Devika Khosla, creative director at The Works Interiors, Delhi NCR.

It’s not just wall paint, Khosla is all for adding interesting dimensions to interiors through artwork, curios, cushions and seasonal flowers.

“In the realm of colours our choices echo a deep understanding of both aesthetics and energy,” says Vyas-Aggarwal. Her top picks of the season are white, taupe, and pastel hues. She gets poetic. “White is a canvas of purity, it’s clean and minimalistic, forming a serene backdrop for other elements to shine. Taupe, with its warm and sophisticated allure, wraps the room in a comforting embrace, adding depth and character to it.

It doesn't have to be paint - even coloured screens can light up rooms. (Photo courtesy The Works Interiors Delhi NCR)

“Pastel colours, the gentle whispers of nature, create a soft and soothing ambience in any space,” she says.

There’s intensity. For her, colours “are emotions, infusing tranquillity, embodying the calmness of a quiet morning or the gentle caress of a breeze. With their versatility, pastel shades can craft a timeless aesthetic, transforming your home into a serene, stylish sanctuary.”

Welcoming warmth

Shades of brown also add warmth to interiors, the earthy tones making it all rather cozy. Matching tones in furniture, accessories, and wall colours make everything blend harmoniously.

Soft pastels are essential for a tranquil bedroom space. “Pastel tones of pale blues, muted pinks, and light greens can be used for walls, bedding, and accessories to create a restful, rejuvenating zone. While doing room designs, a combination of simple and bold colours can be explored. Integrating contrasting colours can enhance a room’s visual appeal. A black-and-white colour scheme will always be timeless and elegant,” she says.

Make everything shine with pops of yellow. (Photo courtesy Resaiki Interiors and Architecture Design Studio Delhi NCR)

Impulsiveness, however, is a big no for Vyas-Aggarwal.  Don’t impulsively pick a paint colour, make it a thoughtful process. Begin by choosing furniture, fabrics, tiles, or wallpapers. These elements form the heart of your space, embodying your style. This selection, put together mindfully, not only promotes flexibility but also establishes a cohesive design language.

Colours have the power to change the look and feel of a space completely, says Mistri. “Colours can influence mood, perception, and even the functionality of a room. A well thought out colour scheme can make a small space feel larger or cosy and inviting – even sophisticated and elegant.

It’s like magic when you see how colours shape a room's character and reflect its occupants' personalities, he adds.

Stay safe

So what’s recommended when choosing paints? Select products that last long and are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which  can cause long- and short-term health hazards. “Asian Paints has introduced low VOC paints that are eco-friendly and rigorously tested, even while boasting a diverse colour palette,” says Vyas-Aggarwal.

Eco-friendly options are also offered by Jotun and Dulux.

Her personal choices include magnetic paints, writable all-purpose paints, and moisture-repellent paints.

Khosla gives the thumbs-up to Flux for its eco-friendly paints and larger variety of water-based paints. Dulux too complies with high environmental standards on paints, especially in the area of VOC content, she adds.

Mistri looks forward to working with innovative products – such as paint with self-cleaning properties, which can benefit high-end interiors, especially spaces prone to high traffic and wear and tear.

Dare to be outrageous

While designers enjoy the creative freedom that comes with luxury projects allowing innovation and experimentation with bold and unusual colours, Mistri underlines the need for balancing the impact of vibrant and unconventional colour choices with more subdued or neutral elements in design.

Vibrant colours can be used as accent walls, unique furniture pieces, or artwork to create a statement. However, maintaining a cohesive overall design ensures the space doesn't become overwhelming or chaotic. Ultimately, the level of extravagance with colours should align with the client's preferences and the ambience the designer aims to create.

Positive energy

Vyas-Aggarwal’s efforts when curating the perfect colour palette for a room is to infuse the space with positive energy. “Embracing the art of design goes beyond the mere act of selecting colours; it's about creating an atmosphere that resonates with harmony and positivity.”

White is clean and minimalistic, forming a serene backdrop for other elements to shine. (Photo courtesy Resaiki Interiors and Architecture Design Studio Delhi NCR)

A designer who believes in reinterpreting Vaastu principles, she says: “Homes should resonate with positivity, where every colour, every piece of furniture, and every fabric is chosen with the intention of bringing joy and tranquillity. Your space should not just be a reflection of your style; it should be a testament to your well-being. Embrace the transformative power of thoughtful design, where positive energy is a way of life.”