AkzoNobel announces Heart Wood as 2018 Colour of the Year

Launch of AkzoNobel's Colour of the Year 2018 - GPN
Farhan Akhtar, Brand Ambassdaor at the launch of AkzoNobel's Colour of the Year 2018 - GPN

Farhan Akhtar, Brand Ambassdaor at the launch of AkzoNobel’s Colour of the Year 2018 – GPN

Launch of AkzoNobel's Colour of the Year 2018 - GPN

Launch of AkzoNobel’s Colour of the Year 2018 – GPN

MUMBAI, 17 January,  2018 (GPN) : AkzoNobel, the leading global paints and coatings company and the makers of Dulux paints in India, unveiled Heart Wood  today as the Colour of the Year for 2018. As a part of the 15 thedition of AkzoNobel’s annual global study, ColourFutures TM, Farhan Akhtar,brand ambassador of Dulux in Indiaunveiled the colour trend – ‘Heart Wood’.

Developed by the company’s Global Aesthetic Center in collaboration with leading design and 11 international colour experts,  ColourFuturesTM2018
conveys comfort and ease in response to consumers wanting to nestle down more and create a “welcome home”. Heart Wood- a subtle and warm tone of grown-up pink, draws inspiration from the tactile qualities of natural wood and leather.

Make your home your haven
Insights from extensive research into societal, economic and design trends reveal that we live in a world of unpredictability, with access to more information and choices than ever. Now is the time to retreat into the comfort of our homes, where we can turn down the noise and pamper ourselves.

Consumers therefore need their home to provide comfort and be a retreat. By exploring and developing the overarching trend and theme A Welcome Home, AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre identified Heart Wood (also known as Pictured Rocks 10YR 28/072) as the leading paint colour for 2018. It’s a colour which truly captures the mood of the moment and allows customers to live in perfect balance in their homes.Speaking at the launch, Jeremy Rowe, Managing Director, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints, South East & South Asia, Middle East, observed, “Colour plays a significant role in creating a perfect, comforting environment. As a colour authority, we exist to empower our consumers to make the right colour choices; choices that make them happy and proud of their homes. With the 2018 Colour of the Year and its four contemporary colour palettes, customers around the world can now create spaces within their home that are truly theirs and up to date with their everyday needs.

Davidd Teng, Director, Decorative Paints, India and South Asia, AkzoNobel said,“The year gone by has been dynamic and unpredictable due to various changes at the global level. Our research revealed a strong trend of consumers wanting to transform their homes into an ‘oasis from the outside world. Through ColourFutures™ we focus on the lives of our consumers; what influences them and what their interests are when it comes to their homes. We believe that Heart Wood, as Colour of the Year for 2018, helps to create a unique “welcome home” for everyone.”“The Colour of the Year 2018, ‘Heart Wood’, is the much needed clutter breaker,” pointed out Farhan Akhtar, Brand Ambassador, Dulux India. “Consumers today are seeking to relax and refresh; with Heart Wood one can unwind in the comfort of their homes. The different palettes supplemented with the right décor, are assured to provide solace from the ever-running fast paced world we live in.”

The Heart Wood Home 
palette blends harmoniously with the materials from which the hero colour takes its inspiration, while three supporting palettes balance softer shades with deeper and bolder tones.The Comforting Home palette

features warm earth tones, bringing together clay and blush pink tones to calm the mind, soothe the senses and shut out the noise. TheInviting Homepalette brings comfort and convenience to life. Cool shades of blue encourage a clear-headed approach to life, while neutrals and fresh green support the need for connection with the outside world. Softer pastel shades are enhanced by coal and ink blue. The Playful Homepalette creates a space to inspire and invigorate the senses. Yellow-toned green and gold encourage a creative approach to life. Pops of colour add a sense of fun and energy.(Details below in Annexure I)Create a true sanctuary with our Colour of the YearConsumer needs for certain colours ebb and flow with how they feel about the world around them. With the 2018 Colour of the Year and its four contemporary colour palettes, customers around the world can now create spaces within their homes that are truly theirs and up-to date with their everyday needs.Heart Wood is available at all Dulux retail outlets nationwide.15 years of global research2018 marks the 15th year of ColourFutures

TM, dedicated to the expert analysis of social, economic and design trends – and the development of the Colour of the Year.About AkzoNobel India:AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people’s lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential colour to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are present around the globe, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Interpon. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colourful world where life is improved by what we do.AkzoNobel India has been present in India for over 60 years and is a significant player in the paints industry. In 2008, the company became a member of the AkzoNobel Group. With employee strength of close to 1,900, AkzoNobel India has manufacturing sites, offices and a distribution network spread across the country. All manufacturing facilities have a state-of-the art environmental management system. Its commitment to Health, Safety, Environment & Security (HSE&S) has been among the best in class globally, with due care being taken to protect the people and the environment Safe Harbour Statement:This release may contain statements which address such key issues as AkzoNobel’s growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, products in the pipeline, and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered, and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual results to differ materially from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures.

About the Author

Sachin Murdeshwar
Sachin Murdeshwar is a Sr.Journalist and Columnist in several Mainline Newspapers and Portals.He is an ardent traveller and likes to explore destinations to the core.