Colour. It's great really. It’s because of colour we can appreciate the finer things in life, like great works of art and different flavours of Quality Street.The next best application of colour is in interior design of course, and with New Year still fresh upon us, there has never been a better time to update your décor for 2014. The colour landscape is a constantly shifting hotbed of creativity, so to get you up to speed with what's trending, here are the 5 shades of 2014 that your interior needs:

Colour Trend #1: Radiant Orchid

Officially Pantone’s colour of the year, Radiant Orchid’s subtle tone incorporates an intoxicating blend of fuchsia, purple and pink. Blending both cool and warm undertones, this is a lively and versatile colour that can complement teals, greens and even olive hues. Implement Radiant Orchid all over your home as a solid colour, or pick up on it with accented lampshades, cushions and ornaments to energise a more neutral interior. Check out this excellent article by Houzz’s Jennifer Ott for more tips on how to utilise Radiant Orchid.
                                            

Colour Trend #2: Friendly Neutrals

Black and white have long been a staple of modern design, but 2014 will see them lose their austerity. “For 2014 I see [black and whites] softening and feeling more cozy. In the cooler months think Scandinavian chic, while in the summer months think French striped shirts" Joanna Hawley from jojotastic.com writes. Greys too will be important, with driftwood and pebble shades perfect for warming up bathroom tiles and kitchen sideboards.

Colour Trend #3: A Variety of Blues

Blues have been getting cooler and cooler since 2010, but 2014 is bringing an abundance of heavier green and purple varieties back into vogue, including turquoise and aqua. That’s not to say the more traditional shades are excluded however. Paloma Contreras from ladolcevitablog.com says: "From rich, saturated colours like navy and indigo to bright, vibrant shades like peacock blue and cobalt, blue will continue to reign supreme in the coming year."
                                                                                                                                                                                              





















In fact Benjamin Moore has named Breathe of Fresh Air as their official colour of 2014 - a refreshing and subtle hue that is sure to keep your home light and breezy throughout the year.

Colour Trend #4: Tal

Teal is colourfutures.com’s colour of the year (be sure to check out their wonderfully informative site.) A tertiary shade combining the tranquillity of blue and lushness of green, this is a muted and understated hue that will add buckets of character without being overpowering. Teal is a really versatile colour that looks great when combined with pink and yellow, but can also be layered with navy and denim, or contrasted with emerald or duck egg green for a wonderfully radiant effect. 

Colour Trend #5: Natural Colours

Farrow & Ball have recently announced their colour combinations of 2014, stating that: “the colours we will want to use in our homes over the next year reflect our instinctive need to turn our backs on the hard, flat surfaces which dominate modern life.” 

 

In years of uncertainty, we are always drawn to natural, unrestrained colours, which is definitely an influence on this rural landscape and coastline inspired collection. Check out these moody coastal blues and organic cooking apple greens to really flare your imagination for decorating your home.

Image Credits:  Image 1 - Mum Butter, Image 2 - Benjamin Moore, Image 3 & 4 - Farrow & Ball