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Mad About … Teal – Dulux Colour of the Year 2014

Somewhere in among all the kerfuffle of the Pantone colour of the year (Radiant Orchid since you ask and let’s never mention it again) an alternative was suggested by Dulux, which, possibly because it was announced last October, seems to have been rather overlooked.

Dulux colour of the year teal
Dulux colour of the year teal

The colour is teal, and, whether you take it in all its intense glory or prefer a more muted pastel version, it’s an altogether more palatable choice.

dulux sea urchin in shades 1 - 6
dulux sea urchin in shades 1 – 6

In fact, I was so furious with the pantone-not-to-be-mentioned that I created a Pinterest board called Alternative Colour of Year a few weeks ago which included blush pink and what I was calling pale green, but is definitely of the same family as the teal. Check it out: I was suggesting variations of both those colours accessorised with brass and touches of black for a slightly edgier look to your pastels.

dulux have suggested teal as colour of the year 2014
dulux have suggested teal as colour of the year 2014

Anyway, never mind that, what about this ‘ere teal or Sea Urchin as it’s called on the colour chart. A colour that looks fabulous with vintage – it shows up all that wood a treat – and great with a mid-century modern vibe – it goes with more other colours than you might at first imagine.

sea urchin 2 by dulux
sea urchin 2 by dulux

Karen Haller, who runs a colour and design consultancy, and who knows a thing or two about colour psychology, wrote about teal when it was announced back in October.

restful in a bedroom
teal is restful in a bedroom

Writing on her blog she said: Teal is a combination of dark blue and green. Blue positively communicates feelings of tranquillity and calm, whilst green positively evokes feelings of peace and balance.

teal/sea green via white-washed-ocean.tumblr.com
teal/sea green via white-washed-ocean.tumblr.com

“It’s a great colour to use where you wish to relax and unwind – to regain balance and equilibrium after a hectic busy day. Teal is ideal for spaces such as the living areas, bedroom (teenager/adults) or the bathroom.”

teal from flor.com
teal from flor.com

Dulux suggests mixing it with wood and neutrals so as not to overwhelm a space: “Sitting opposite coral on the colour wheel it works beautifully with delicate pinkish tones and warm ochre yellow, but for a trend look should be combined with other tones of teal, green or blue to create a tone-on-tone effect.

teal via aureasf.com
teal via aureasf.com

 

“Layering teal with indigo, denim or navy provides an oceanic feeling, cool, dynamic and welcoming. Combining our Colour of the Year with greens such as mint, duck egg or emerald will give a fresh natural effect; or for a neutral combination choose a colour with a natural wood tone.”

pale teal with vintage faded patchwork
pale teal with vintage faded patchwork

Personally I favour it at the paler end of the spectrum, but it’s definitely a colour I’ll be thinking about in 2014. For more inspiration visit my Pinterest Board

 

 

 

Kate Watson-Smyth

The author Kate Watson-Smyth

I’m a journalist who writes about interiors mainly for The Financial Times but I have also written regularly for The Independent and The Daily Mail. My house has been in Living Etc, HeartHome and featured in The Wall Street Journal & Corriere della Sera. I also run an interior styling consultancy Mad About Your House. Welcome to my Mad House.

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