Why we look to red and violet

09 Sep 2024

Color Marketing Group (CMG) are back to bring us their expertise in colour forecasting with the latest hues, trends and styles and how we can work them into interior design. We take a look at two inspirational colours and how you can work these trends into your next project.   

August 2024: Passion, strength, unity, action and determination  

Red is taking centre stage globally, symbolising unity and action across various regions and categories. Identified in 2022 Color Marketing Group meetings for 2024, red hues like Asia Pacific's Equity symbolise female empowerment, North America's Decisive embodies activism, Europe's Tierra Caliente reflects confidence and Latin America's Be Aware represents the heartbeat of humanity.   

These powerful reds, seen in high-gloss and matte finishes, are energising home décor, commercial settings and fashion. Despite regional diversity, these reds share a common passion and are unstoppable as they take on the world.  

Here are two ideas for this colour trend using Resene Wallpaper Collection 417067 and Resene Red Berry that you can try in your next project:  

Achieve a Mediterranean textured look by creating a rich red, textured design with Resene Wallpaper Collection 417067. Pair this with wooden elements and other natural materials such as stone, marble and brick. 

Resene Red Berry (right wall) adds a dramatic and energetic pop to this space and complements the cool off-white of ReseneZumthor (left wall). The floor is stained in ReseneColorwood Dark Ebony. Accessories (from left to right): planter and Lombok pot from Republic, bookcase from Danske Mǿbler, vases by Jones & Co from Republic, rug by Marta Figueiredo from Designer Rugs, chair by Vitra from Matisse, Figure 01 artwork and frame from Slow Store. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick. 

Try colours similar to this trend in Resene Havoc, Resene Poppy, Resene Red Hot and Resene Rock N Roll:  

September: Clever, inclusive and powerful 

Innovate is a vibrant violet hue that combines the strength of red and blue, symbolising the drive to create and progress in rapidly changing times. Emerging from Color Marketing Group Asia Pacific meetings, it has become a global colour representing new ideas and inclusion. Shedding its traditional ‘royal’ connotations, Innovate now stands for fairness and growth for all, embodying the power to make the world a kinder, safer and better place. 

Use this hue in upcoming projects to create dynamic and inclusive spaces that foster creativity and progress. In workplaces and educational environments, Innovate can be used as an accent colour to stimulate innovation and collaboration, injecting energy into meeting rooms, creative studios or breakout areas. In residential spaces, it can add a bold, modern touch to living rooms or home offices, balancing the vibrancy with neutral tones to maintain a harmonious atmosphere. For hospitality and retail projects, Innovate can be featured in focal points like feature walls, furniture or decor elements to convey a message of forward-thinking and inclusivity, making the spaces feel both welcoming and cutting-edge.  

Here’s two ideas to embrace this colour trend using Resene Heliotrope and Resene Wallpaper Collection SUM403: 

This wall is painted in the violet hue of Resene Heliotrope, a shade that pairs particularly well with creamy whites and navy blues. The floor and coffee table are painted in Resene Double Alabaster and vases (from left to right) in Resene Inspire, Resene Double Alabaster, Resene Petal, Resene Heliotrope and Resene Rulebreaker. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.  

For smaller bursts of this shade, try using a design like Resene Wallpaper Collection SUM403 that pairs violet with earthy tones to create a more sophisticated look.  

Try colours similar to this trend in ReseneStudio, Resene Kingfisher Daisy, Resene Daisy Bush and Resene Blue Gem:  

For more advice on choosing colours, contact your Resene representative, visit your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Resene Colour Expert online today.   

Published: 09 Sep 2024