Neutral colours have dominated homes and offices for the past decades, due in part to their versatility and wider appeal. However, there is a rising trend to bring colour back into our spaces, whether domestic or commercial, and a growing discontent with ‘millennial grey’ spaces. Generation Z (or ‘Zoomers’) are leading the way when it comes to colour. But why?
Colourful spaces and self-expression
Gen Z are living in a world where the ability to self-express is important. This extends to the colour choices made for interior design. Bolder, brighter colours such as electric blues, reds and hot pinks are trending – with colour experimentation the norm alongside sustainable furnishings. With this appreciation of colour, designers such as Emily Shaw and Jessica Buckley have amassed a large following on social media, thanks to their focus on vibrant palettes and bold patterns. Buckley’s work in particular embraces the ‘maximalist’ style choice with personalised interiors.
Some favour more pastel colours, acting as a backdrop for impactful accessories. Guilermo Santoma is celebrated for his unusual use of colour, telling Ashley Kane at Ambush magazine “I imagine a place where apparently nothing happens, but that acts as a scenery.” Santoma’s own house has earned a colourful reputation, thanks to the pink bathroom, blue walls and unusual schemes – whilst also making the most of natural light paths.
The new wave of design
Social media plays a significant role for many Gen Z-ers. Sharing ideas and projects via social media provides inspiration and shapes trends. Particularly for domestic projects, platforms like TikTok and Instagram provide seemingly endless ideas on interior design of spaces. With easy access to designers and influencers, budding interior designers can cherry pick their favourite pieces and choose items that fit the criteria – with links readily available for key items. Pinterest is already seeing a rise in searches for ‘pastel’ and ‘Y2K décor’ according to Indy100.
Rebelling through design
It could be argued that the choices every generation makes fly in the face of the previous one. Millennials grew up with the floral, clashing colours of the 70’s and 80’s – potentially leading to the adult choice of calming, muted tones. The new generation have grown up in this neutral environment, and so are turning to colour when it comes to design choices.
Commercial space
While creating calming spaces will always be popular for more communal spaces, we are starting to see colour used more extensively in some larger projects. Large building projects such as Hartley Locks have used colour to stand out and create a building that aims to attract a young professional crowd. The Gramophone Works in London have adapted a similar style for their office space in the city centre, harnessing this once-upon-a-time music factory’s creative feel in colour. As time passes, we should expect to see more vibrant buildings popping up, using colour in clever ways. So for now and into the future, red and green could be seen – in the same building perhaps, but maybe not on the same door!
Instinct Hardware can offer door hardware in a range of colours thanks to their on-site powder coating plant. From zingy reds to gothic blacks, two tone handles to full block colour, whatever you need you can Trust Your Instinct. Just contact Instinct to find out how we can give your next project a pop of colour (even if its not red or green!) how we protect your data.
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