Brighter and More Energetic Colours -- Marion Cuddie's Favourite 2013 Design Trend

Canadian Mint, from the 2013 Simon Chang
Oh Canada! Trend Colour Collection
(photo courtesy of beautitone.ca)

There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to add new life to an outdated space!

"I'm always excited to see the colour forecasts for the coming year as it encourages our team to explore new cabinetry, counter and accessory combinations in our renovations," says Monarch designer Marion Cuddie. "This year we are seeing a celebration of brighter and more enthusiastic shades for those who like to layer on colour, and neturals that have less muddy tones for the more subdued types."

Last fall, the Beauti-Tone paint division of Home Hardware Stores Ltd. launched its 2013 Simon Chang Oh Canada! Trend Colour Collection and its a colourful tribute to Canada.

The paint collection, which was developed in coordination with designer Simon Chang, includes all the hot colour trends for 2013: corals, teals, raspberries, yellows and browns. The six Oh Canada! colour palettes have charming, easy-to-remember names -- Northern Reflection, Savoir Flair, Beauti and the East, Wheat Till You Try It, Culture Club and Pacific Overture -- and each features two of the hottest trend colours paired with five additional shades that work well together.

Lemon Sorbet: Benjamin Moore's 2013 Colour of the Year
(photo courtesy of benjaminmoore.com)

Benjamin Moore's colour experts have declared Lemon Sorbet their Colour of the Year. The tangy, fresh yellow evokes a mood of optimism for the year ahead. Their carefully curated collection mixes softer hues such as pale blue Sweet Innocence and minty Antiquan Sky with punchier brighter colours like Pink Raspberry, Blue Ice and Dakota Woods Green.

From Sico's 2013 Switching Off colour collection
(photo courtesy of sico.ca)

AkzoNobel (Sico Paint), has named three frontrunners in their 2013 colour themes: Collective Passion, Switching Off and Visual Solace. Their 2013 colour palette balances bright and joyful colours combined with more peaceful, subdued tones. Collective Passion, for example, has a more spontaneous feel and showcases the use of colour on colour, such as Fresco Beige orange with Blackcurrant Tea pink or Effluvium royal blue with Emerald Necklace green. Switching Off, on the other hand, reflects our occasional desire to slow down, clear our minds and create space for new thoughts: it is highlighted by Singing the Blues, Satie White and Arctic Seal. Visual Solace is inspired by gardens in bloom and is infused with floral pink, mauve, dusky violet, bronze and delicate neutrals such as Restrained Brown, A Simpler Time and Rice Flour. 

Looking for the perfect colour palette for your new kitchen or bath design? Feel free to explore your colour options with your Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre designer.