The credit crunch could be affecting people’s choice of paint colours, according to research by paint and coatings giant AkzoNobel.
The research shows that, while regional preferences can have an impact on colour usage, trends in interior design have been fluctuating over the last few decades in line with shifts in the economy.
“Analysing colour trends has shown us that during an economic downturn, neutral colours such as black, white and greys are favoured for interiors, while more intense colours are used when people feel more confident,” said Stephanie Kraneveld, global colour training manager for AkzoNobel Decorative Paints.
She said whites and off-whites were currently proving popular in western Europe, beige and grey in the US, and fresh colours like yellow and pink in Asia, reflecting the local economy.
Ms Kraneveld said the trends were likely to shift again in the coming months. “Mid-tones will tend to predominate overall, with cleaner off-whites and fewer heavy shades evident, indicating a move towards colours that are more optimistic in feeling, which will lift our spirits as we move on from the tough economic times,” she said.
