Mood Enhancing Colour

The increased interest in the use of plant-based and mineral-based dyes will impact neutrals in a positive way. We are seeing it’s affects in textiles and fashion where natural minerals such as malachite, red ochre and lapis lazuli are being used to dye fibres. 

Raw fibres: We are also seeing untouched fibres such as naturally coloured wool being incorporated in textiles design with the addition of a hand applied elements, or the impression of this aesthetic, creating interest through variously applied raw materials. Surrounding yourself with natural and naturally coloured fibres creates a calming energy. These inherently textural yarns allow us to feel grounded through their tactility. 

As virtual reality and other stimulated environments become commonplace, creativity in these digital spaces will be explored, resulting in experimentation with colour. Virtual colouration and finishes are showcasing these changes, and its progressive effects will be mirrored in textile colourways. 

Digital: Artists have been experimenting with translucent surfaces and subtle gradient changes reflected in the digital world. These gradual tonal changes creating a visually hypnotic feel through their predictable and mesmerising shifts in colour and tone. 

Multi-dimensional: Many disciplines have been exploring prismatic qualities which is inspired by the transformation of reflected light into a sphere of a full rainbow spectrum. These ‘pop’ colour schemes create an optimistic and uplifting energy.  

Mood-enhancing and optimistic colour will remain important in 2022, as home self-care becomes ingrained in our daily lives. Tranquil pastels will remain however will also evolve into full spectrum of saturated, citrus balancing shades. 

Invigorating: Saturated oranges, blues and purples that reflect a Mediterranean palette are restorative and positive colours for this season.    

Therapeutic: Many artists are exploring the therapeutic benefits of colour. Californian visual artist Cheryl Humpreys creates bright monoprints that focus on healing through exposure to colour and meditation. Artists are also using the concept colour to invite viewers to pause and reflect on the sensory experience of colour combined with texture, shapes, light, and sound. These sensory elements can easily be applied to home interiors with colour schemes in furnishings, textures used in the fabric and/or wallpaper, and the regulation of light in a space.