THE NEW HUES OF THE PAINT WORLD

BY Realty Plus

A simple shade of paint on the walls plays a far more important role within our homes than we might think. Let’s take a look at the trending colours and finishes beautifying home interiors.

TEXT: LEANDRA MONTEIRO

When it comes to design there are only a few aspects that can really set the mood of a room. This makes picking out that perfect paint shade one of the most crucial decisions a homeowner can take. Right from compiling colour swatches to painting test strips, getting the paint colour to perfection is nothing less than an art.

While 2018 was all about bringing an edgy palette into the home–with the bold and vibrant reds, modern metallic, and variations of the black accent wall, this year’s colour trend is more mindful. For instance, serene shades of green are synonymous with calming qualities,. Not surprisingly, Pantone’s 2019 colour of the year is “Living Coral” that exudes warmth, comfort and a sense of nature.

Colour speaks a lot about the space and its dweller. Colour therapy trending presently has paint’s colours specifically chosen as per the respective spaces & functions from coral to monochrome.

WHAT’S IN VOGUE?

“Current interior paint trends seem to have moved from the ‘bling’ of bright colours to impressions of the patina of aging and naturally mottled patterns and memories of old. Beautiful filaments of shimmering metal dispersed in merging muted colours. This is the age of experiments and paint experiences,” states Nisha Ghosh Matthew, Co-Founder and Co-Principal Architect at Mathew And Ghosh Architects.

According to Hemil Parikh, Founder of Elysium Abodes LLP, “Absolute Matte finishes are in vogue presently viz-a-viz the lustre and oil-based paints. Also, textures like marble finish, super smooth and matte finish are preferred mostly by the customers. Metallic paints like oxidized finish and wrought iron finish are in vogue and are being used as a highlighter to break the monotony.”

The minimalist movement has encouraged many modern homemakers to live a more clutter free, thoughtful life. With this, more muted and matte shades are being incorporated into many home palettes. Cream shades with bolder, more colourful undertones are desired for their inherent simplicity that can be manipulated with different types of lighting.

“Paints play a vital role in the psychology of clients and users in a particular space. A different shade of colour is used for different requirements in specific areas. Latest paint finishes that customers opt for are first sheen and silky or velvet touch. Secondly, the rustic or vintage look along with textured paint in brush stroke finish,” expresses chief architect Kamalroop Singh Maan, KR Architecture Studio.

TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS

The introduction of nanotechnology has played a significant role in the paints and coatings industry. Apart from developing zero or low VOC content formulations, industry players have gained numerous advantages of the technology to establish nano paints and coatings with several characteristics. It includes the introduction of ceramic or metals in various types of formulations. The integration carried out can be in the form of free powder, granules, or particles which are then inserted in the finished product matrix.

Further innovations in nanotechnology have enabled paint manufacturers to develop products that can exhibit UV protective or self-healing properties, or even conduct electricity. Apart from this, there is an improvement in the product display qualities such as high resistance to scratch, wear and tear, and corrosion.

With the emerging middle class having more disposable income and seeking an upscale housing environment paint companies and designers are now catering to their changing demands. The trends in countries like India have increased the demand for low-odour interior paint.

As a result, architectural coatings need to meet performance, compliance, odour, and aesthetic requirements as well as comply with regulations and meet or exceed consumer expectations. And sure, the paint manufacturers are taking note.

In the current scenario, the key market drivers that impact paint technology continue to be related to appearance and productivity. The consumers’ ever-increasing demands for environmental protection, new concepts in appearance, energy efficiency, waste-management, and cost are perennial drivers of innovation in the industry.

GO GREEN REVOLUTION

Environmental concerns have led to dramatic changes in the materials used currently. The previously used water-based systems have yet again moved up the performance ladder from the early days in decorative paints. This has taken intensive development efforts from the entire industry on the part of materials suppliers, paint manufacturers, and architects and designers.

“Paints are certainly one of the most beautiful aesthetic elements to a house. It helps in making a space look distinct and complete. Low VOC Paints have zero emissions and hence are healthy in terms of day to day living. Other than one’s home, there are also special sterile coatings available which are used in hospitals and medical facilities where patients are being treated and human bodies are prone to infections.” articulates Hemil Parikh.

“Paint has the potential to move into the space of bio-remediation and related bio- technologies to clean up the air such as a natural insect repellent and sound absorbent, and create new solutions. State of the art collaborative paint labs could lead the way!” expounds Nisha Ghosh Matthew.

For the usage of architectural purposes protective coatings, low-VOC and air pollution concerns continue to be a huge driving factor, guided by purchaser preferences. The desire for higher functionality, better durability, ease of application, and quicker curing will all impact the future of the paints industry. Reducing costs for the existing high volume and mature products will also play a crucial role in the market.

As a result of easy access to information online, a large number of consumers are now interested in the potential environmental and health impacts of the chemicals used to make paints and coatings. This is driving increased interest in the paint made from organic or recycled materials, and recycled packaging.

Tags : Realty Spotlight Architects GREEN REVOLUTION Kamalroop Singh Maan KR Architecture Studio interior paint designers zero emissions Hemil Parikh Nisha Ghosh Matthew Elysium Abodes LLP Living Coral test strips painting Colour therapy monochrome Mathew And Ghosh Architects health impacts