COLOUR

FUTURES
International ColourTrends
TM
2009
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ThisColourFutures

referencemanual is andremains thepropertyof Imperial Chemical Industries Limitedandis loanedonconditionthat it is usedsolelytospecifyproducts manufactured/or
suppliedbyImperial Chemical Industries Limited(andother companies intheAkzoNobel Group) andonconditionthat it shall bereturnedtoImperial Chemical Industries Limitedondemand.
Thecontents of this referencemanual arefor informationonly. Norepresentationor warrantyis given, nor liabilityaccepted, regardingtheinformationgiven.
Wehavereproducedpaint colours as faithfullyas printingwill allow. However, theshape, sizeandlightingof asurfacecaninfluencetheappearanceof thefinal colour.
www.colourfutures.com
ColourFutures

, thedistinctivethree-leaf colour
spectrumsymbol, Alba, Astral, Balakom,
Bruguer, CIL, Coral, Devoe, Dulux, DuluxTrade,
DuluxValentine, Flexa, Glidden, theICI
Roundel, Inca, Julien, Levis, Marshall, Nordsjo,
Procolor, Sadolin, Sico, Sikkens, Trimetal,
theAkzoNobel logoandTomorrow's
AnswersToday, aretrademarks of the
AkzoNobel Groupof Companies and
DatabaseRight 2008.
AkzoNobel DecorativePaints
International MarketingDepartment
WexhamRoad, Slough
Berkshire, SL25DS, UnitedKingdom
Tel +44(0)1753550000
COLOURTHEMES
Thesefivekeylifestylethemeshavebeen
submittedbytheColourFutures

teamfor 2009:
COLOURFAMILIES
ColourFutures

displaysapaletteof 76colours
for 2009. All arefromtheICI PaintsGlobal Colour
Systemwithauniquenotationnumber.
Thesecoloursaredividedintoeight families:
COLOUROFTHEYEAR2009
WELCOME
INTERNATIONALCOLOURTRENDS
TRENDMOVEMENTS
COLOURFUTURES

TEAM
ECOTECTURE
WHITEDIMENSIONS
LIVINGLEGACY
EQUILIBRIUM
PLAYHOUSE
COLOUROFTHEYEAR2009
COLOURTRANSITIONS
REDS
ORANGES
YELLOWS
WARMNEUTRALS
GREENS
BLUES
VIOLETS
COOLNEUTRALS
THESCIENCEBEHINDCOLOUR
COLOURINDEX2009
02
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OVERVIEW
TheColourFutures

teamintroducesyou
toforecastedcolour trendsfor 2009
REFERENCE
Anunderstandingof thesciencebehindcolour and
useful colour referencedetailsfor the2009palette
CONTENTS
02
ColourFutures

isthecolourcommunicationtool
fromourinternationalteamofcolourexperts.
ColourFutures

istheresultofongoingworldwide
colourtrendresearch, forecastinganddevelopment.
Weprideourselvesontheknowledgeofcolourand
colourformulationsinpaint. ColourFutures

providesthereaderwithinternationaltrendsin
colourandlifestyleoneyearinadvance.
WELCOME
04
TheColourFutures

teamdraws onavarietyof sources: fromresearchgroups, colour

marketingandtradeandretail exhibitions, todesigninfluencesfromtheworlds
of fashion, technology, architecture, music, natureandpopular culture. This resultsina
contemporarycolour palettewhichisdrivenbysocietyschangingmoods andinterests.
Trends canemergeout of everypossiblecorner of society. Somecanemergerapidly;
othersevolveover several yearsor evendecades. Somemaybeslowinevolvingand
thenasuddenmajor influencecaneither speedthemupor slowthemdown.
09
INTERNATIONAL
COLOURTRENDS
06
TREND
MOVEMENTS
Over thepast sixyears wehaveseenasignificant shift intheColour of theYear thecolour
that best representstheprevailingmoodandfashionof thetime.
Thesoothingturquoiseof 2004whichbest summedupour interest inabalancebetween
mindandbody, gavewayin2005toamorelifeenhancingorangethat symbolisedasenseof
vitalityandoptimism. 2006featuredarestorativeyellow-greenwithastrongecological
biaswhich, inturnin2007becameamoremasculinepinkwhichsymbolisedanewurban
regenerationindesignandarchitecture.
Theyellowof 2008linkedtheEast totheWest andillustratedrespect for thepast andoptimism
for thefuture. Thecalmandsoothingcool greenthat best sumsup2009canbefoundin
manyof this yearstrendstoriesbut at slightlydifferent colour levelsit represents asense
of natural stillness, healingandbalance.
MAINSTREAM
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TREND
FASHION
HYPE
Toclarifywhat atrendis, it is helpful tolookat
thedifferencebetweenahype, afashionandatrend
(seeopposite). Ahypeissomethingthat emergessuddenly,
takesagroupof peoplebystorm andthendissipates
rapidly. Hypesaregenerallybornunconsciouslyandcome
fromsome inner drivetobeacceptedbyonespeers, to
belong. Afashionis morecurrent andisusuallyfollowed
consciouslythroughclothes, toys, foodandcertain
aspectsof lifestyle. Trends, ontheother hand, aredrifts,
inclinationsandmovements inaprevailingdirection.
08
Nicki Barton
Headof Colour, AkzoNobel
DecorativePaints
Background: 5years marketing
experiencefor DuluxUK, 6years in
aglobal roleworkingacross the
ICI Paints portfolioaroundtheworld.
Chairpersonof Colour Futures
TM
since2003.
Education: BScfromUniversity
College, Cardiff.
Specialisms: Colour trends, systems and
collateral, brandcommunicationandmedia.
BarbaraRichardson
Director, ColourMarketing,
GliddenPaints,USA
Background: 21years as Colour Consultant,
5years as Colour DesignStudioManager.
Chairholder inTheColour Marketing
Group; member of AmericanSocietyof
Interior Designers.
Education: GraduateinCommercial
andFineArts fromCooper School of Art;
Interior DesignCertificatefrom
theNewYork School of Interior Design.
Specialisms: Colour anddesigntrends,
merchandisingcolour, colour restoration.
CatherineFiloche
ConsultanttoDuluxValentine,
France
Background: Consultant for ICI since1997.
Designfor companies suchas Saint Gobain
Glass, Gerflor, Kohler France. Foundedown
designofficeinMontmartre, Parisin1997.
Education: coleSuprieuredArts
Appliqus Duperr, Paris. BTSTextiles and
DSAAFashionandEnvironment.
Specialisms: Colour, trends anddesign
for textiles, floor andwallcoverings.
LatikaKhosla
ConsultanttoDulux, Asia
Background: DesignDirector of Freedom
TreeDesign, acolour andtrendstudio
basedinIndia. Chairholder withthe
Colour MarketingGroupandtheIndia
Director for thePPFCC.
Education: Alumni of theNational
Instituteof Design, Ahmedabad, India.
Specialisms: Designandcolour
strategies for manufacturedproducts
andretail collections.
Jenni Little
Consultant toDulux, Europe
Background: MDof Jenni LittleAssociates
designandcolour consultancywith
over 35years experience, including25
withICI Paints inUKandEurope. Founder
member andChairpersonof TheColour
GroupintheUK.
Education: Graduateof Manchester
Collegeof Art andDesignBA in
printedtextiles.
Specialisms: Colour anddesigntrends for
paints, textiles, tiles andfloor coverings.
PaolaVieira
ColourMarketingManager,
TintasCoral, Brazil
Background: 5years experienceinthe
Marketingdepartment of Whirpool
Corporation, Bang&OlufsenandMerloni
Elettrodomestici. 3years experiencein
decorativepaints inBrazil and
international roles.
Education: GraduateinBusiness
AdministrationfromFundaoGetulio
Vargas; graduateinMathematics from
UniversidadedeSoPaulo. Masters in
MarketingfromUniversitCommerciale
Luigi Bocconi inMilan, Italy.
Specialisms: Colour strategyand
initiatives for LatinAmerica, including
colour communication.
KrimDanzinger
SeniorColourConsultant,
GliddenPaints, USA
Background: 12years intheColour/
Designof Wallcovering, 8years
withICI Paints as Colour Consultant.
Member of Colour MarketingGroup,
andmember of AmericanSociety
of Interior Designers.
Education: BFA Graphics andApplied
Design, Miami University.
Specialisms: Colour anddesigntrends,
faux finishes andmural painting.
MaryWard
CreativeDirector,
DuluxUK&Ireland
Background: Headof DuluxCreative
Boardsince2003, workingwithmedia,
architects andhomeowners. 7years
marketingexperienceinUKandglobally,
creatingawardwinninginnovations,
newcolour ranges, merchandisingand
colour cards.
Education: MScMaterials, Cranfield,UK;
BScChemistry, Trinity, Dublin, Ireland.
Specialisms: Trends, Innovation,
colour communicationanddesign.
AnnevanderZwaag
ManagerAkzoNobel
AestheticCenter
Background: Curator, author andtutor in
thefieldof art, design, architectureand
fashion. Headof theAkzoNobel Aesthetic
Center since2007.
Education: Master ModernArt andDesign,
UniversityUtrecht, theNetherlands.
Specialisms: Colour trends, concepts and
communication.
TheColourFutures

teamisagroup
of international colour consultants,
bothinternal andexternal, toour
company. Theyaretherecognised
experts withinour organisation,
responsiblefor watchingand
scanningawiderangeof industries
andenvironments inorder toplan
andforecast colour trends.
Their workculminatesin
comprehensivecollections
andconcepts illustratingtheir
selections it is published
oneyear aheadinColourFutures.

COLOUR
FUTURES
TM
TEAM
10
76colourshavebeenusedtoformwhattheColourFutures

teamconsiderstobethefivemainlifestyletrendsfor2009.
Somecolours appearinmorethanonetheme.
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The elements of air, water and earth are also being regarded as an inherent component of any new
building both in terms of its environmental impact but also because of our improved understanding
of the human need to inter-react with the natural world in a way that brings self fullment and an
integrated lifestyle. The palette reects this new challenging approach to the built environment
and the natural world. Soft natural colours such as straw, olive, willow and aqua are enlivened and
offset by techno greens, marine blues and deeper architectural tones a community of colours for
the basic bio bodies of the future.
Sustainable, environmentally friendly building is now going mainstream whether domestic or commercial,
rural or urban. Leaving its hippy, alternative roots behind, the relationship of a building and inhabitants to its
environment is now a critical issue for all new build projects. This clean green attitude regards a piece of
architecture as a living organismthat has the need to breathe, feed and dispose of waste in a responsible,
non harmful way. Ultra high technology and smart systems are being utilised to deliver effective eco
solutions as seen in new projects such as the Hearst Tower in New York City.
Innovative design and architecture practices are pursuing
concepts such as vertical landscaping, sky gardens and
integrated community facilities as part of many new ofce
and domestic projects. Green energy and global citizenship
are driving issues that will inform much of this debate.
Aesthetic ambience and sustainable systems will ensure
buildings createboth aquality of lifeexperienceandastrong
sense of community as opposed to theislands in the sky so
familiar tous nowwhere little attention is paid either tothe
lives of the residents within these structures or the impact of
the building itself on the ecosystem.
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40YY 49/408
20YY 57/060 30RR 30/103 70YY 55/613 70YY 25/200
30YY 14/070 20YY 39/130 10GY 40/296 70GG 13/323
30YY 58/178 70YY 72/041 90GG 30/195
70BB 55/044 70BB 15/081 10BB 17/269 10GG 51/125
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Thisthemebringsatouchofmodernmagic,futuristicbutethereal,anewdawnofsyntheticdevelopment.Herewe
findhighlyengineeredmaterialsandconstructionsmadeinawaythatdelightstheeyeandintriguesthesenseswith
aplayofdimensionandshadow.
Surfacesaresculpturedandgeometric,layeredandorganic,facetedandfiltered.Lightisalwaysthemostimportant
ingredient,allowingforasubtleinterplayoftoneandcontrast,reflectionandtranslucence,transparencyandsolidity.
Ultracontemporarymaterialsaremouldedandfoldedseamlesslylikeapieceofhi-techorigami; surfacesappearfluid
andcontinuousbutareconstructedfromrigidmodularunits.Technologycreatesasenseofalivenessoranimation
seeminglysimplesurfacesandobjectsareshapedinwaysthatbeliethetechnicalcomplexityoftheirconstruction.
Theappearanceislightandairywithanemphasisondelicatefretwork,achievedbymeansoflasercuttingthatallows
lighttopassthrough,castingetherealandmoodyshadows.Nosurfacesaretrulyflatbutaretexturedandmanipulated
inordertocreatefascinatingspatialinterplays.CuttingedgedesignersanddesigncompaniessuchasTordBoontje,
MarcelWanders,RonArad,DroogandMoooiarepushingcreativityintocyberspacewiththesehi-techmaterials
andrapidprototyping.Yetinspiteofthefuturisticaspectofthistheme,averypoeticandmagicaldimensionisstillretained.
Thepalettecombinesnewsoftandchalkywhiteswithmutedandsubtleshadowyshadesoffsetbythestronger
constructioncoloursofrust,clayanddarkslatecoloursthatdrawusbacktoamorehumanaestheticanew21st
centurydawnofsoftwhite.
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Faceted
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10YY 44/215
30YY 71/073
44YY 84/042
00NN72/000
10BB40/090
70BG 07/086
70YR 68/102
10YR 40/054
00NN83/000
98YR 78/041
30YY 22/059
50YR 23/365
70YR 45/261
60YR 73/015
10GG 72/022
50GG 55/049
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This theme sets the tone for a newaesthetic approach to design and craft that both
embraces sustainability and is a counterbalance to the worst of mass production.
Micro production and limited editions are being created in sustainable communities,
drawing on ongoing traditions combined with unique and valued craft skills.
Objects are unique they aunt and celebrate their workmanship,construction and
materials whether made of metal,textile, ceramic, glass or wood. Every piece has its own
story and can be seen as part of an ongoing dialogue frommaker touser through
customisation.
This newdialogue between manufacture and marketing ensures a greater opportunity for
the worlds developing countries and regions, for which artisanship, aided by good design,
can be a realistic way of attracting foreign currency,enabling communities tocontinue.
This, in turn, creates valuable links between makers and the real commercial world,and
acts as a much needed alternative tothe polarisation between discount and luxury.
In a more and more impersonal world where people risk loosing touch with local crafts,it
is essential that we preserve direct connections between the mind,eye and hand by valuing
the human intervention in an object that gives it its sensuality. Pride,integrity and respect
are qualities that can be ascribed toboth the object and its creator, remixing inuences and
moving tothe future whilst always respecting what has been done in the past.
The desire torediscover functional beauty, tot the object tothe user,enables each item
totell its own story in a way that will combat standardisation and banality the living craft
memories of yesterday will create the newdesign horizons of tomorrow.
The palette combines a rich and varied range of botanical shades such as mustard,aloe,
grape and cactus, enlivened by more vibrant and contemporary technotones alive yet
calming, a palette tonourish the senses and feast the eyes.
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30YR 25/463
70YR 45/261
44YY 70/110
30YR 07/157
10RR 24/061
70RR 16/116
30YY 38/370
00YY19/261
30YR 31/154 20YY 57/060
70BG 56/061
30BB10/112
CONTINUITY
INTEGRITY
PRIDE
REDISCOVERY
GENUINE
CUSTOMISATION
50YR 23/365
60YY67/251
30YY49/562
23YR10/308
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Inaworldwherefinancial andpolitical turbulenceisrife, we
movetowardsvaluesthat areeternal andsustaining; theneed
tonurtureandcarefor our worldinorder tocreateabetter
tomorrowfor theoldandyoungalike. Atimetobesociablebut
still, activebut rested, humanbut spiritual.
Thepaletteisinspiredby thetonesof teaandskinlike
jasmine, rose, linden, mossandmintcalmingand
satisfyingcoloursthat speakof our inherent similarities
nomatter howculturally diverseweare. Sociable
andreassuringshadesof great delicacy, likeaninfusion
of pastel flowers, put over amoodof serenity and
peace, of comfort andsecurity.
Thissoft andgentlepaletterepresentsall that
iswarmingandhumancolourstowrapyourself
in, not inorder toretreat fromtheworldbut
toembraceit together withfriendsandfamily
are-centringof theprioritiesof life.
Thisthemeexemplifiesanewattitudetolife
andleisure, friendsandfamily, workandplay, activity
andrest. Inshort, wearere-evaluatingour human
relationshipstooneanother, our communitiesand
therigoursof modernliving.
It isbothintrospectiveandcontemplativebut is
neverthelessinclusiveandintegratedintoour daily lifea
far cry fromtheselfishandself absorbedattitudeof
thenot toodistant past. Awenot me attitudepervades
andactsasahealingbalmfor thesenses, atimeto
regenerateourselvesandreclaimour reason.
Sharingteawithfriendsandfamily characterises
thesocial andhumanaspectsof thisthemeaslow
fix withinour daily lives. Afeelingfor winding
downrather thangearingupallowsusto
rebalanceandrediscover acalmer quality of life
that iscentredoncareandcommunity.
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10YR 50/101
00YY 83/046
50YR 68/114
80YR 67/085
30YY 80/088
90YR 51/109
10YY 60/224
00YY43/304
60YY33/130
70YY 65/090
50GY66/111
90YY62/264
60YY67/251
10YY 61/136
80YR40/148
80YR 17/129
NURTURING
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ENERGETIC
OPTIMISTIC
WITTY
FUN
ADVENTUROUS
PLAYFUL
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A
G
E
R
Y
90YY 48/500
30BB16/031
70YY 46/160
50YY 65/454
30YY47/145
70YY 63/326
25YR 34/473
30RR 15/375
70YY 12/167
10BG14/296
30YR 53/188
04YR 11/537
50BG55/241
70GG39/303
08YY 56/528
30YY 72/018
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10GG51/125
COLOUROF
THEYEAR
43
Greenis ahighlyemotivecolour that speaks tous symbolicallyonmanylevels culturally, socially, naturallyand
futuristically. Wehaveseenahugegrowthof importanceof all greens inrecent years fromsoft citrus tints, attention
grabbingnatural tones tohi-techfuturisticshades.
Greenrepresents theclosealignment of natureandscienceinorder tocreateasenseof harmonious andsustainable
living. It reminds us of thecritical importanceof freshwater onour fragileplanet, thetechnologyof LEDlights and
thecomplexmonitoringequipment of thelaboratoryall essential toour wellbeingandprogress.
Currentlyandinthepast, cool jades havebeenassociatedwithhealingandnatural protection. Celadonandthe
ceramicgreens popular intheEast, put over asenseof beauty, peaceandcalmness whilst similar tones weremuchused
intheWest for clinics, hospitals andgreenroomswhereactors andmusicians restedbeforeperformances.
Thepsychological acceptanceof cool greencomes fromits associationwiththeherbs andplants usedinbothculinary
andmedicinal contexts. Greentea, eucalyptus, mint, aloeandwillowhavecalming, healingandrevivingaspects
that weseekout whenunder stress or inthemidst of emotional traumatheyhavetheabilitytoworkinharmony
withthebodys ownhealingmechanisms.
Inbothexterior andinterior decoration, jadegreenhas animportant part toplay. Inmodernist terms it works with
glass, steel, concreteandcombines withacool paletteof grey, soft blues, taupeandchocolatewhilst for asofter and
moredomesticlookit canbecombinedwithwarmer tones likeplum, terracotta, peachandnudepink.
This greenis balancedandwholesomeacontemplativeandsoothingshadethat speaks of communitycare
andsocial responsibilityanurturingcolour for anemotionallyhungryworld.
10GG51/125
SOOTHING
REVIVING
PROGRESSIVE
SOCIABLE
RESPONSIBLE
TECHNICAL
COLOUROF
THEYEAR2009
45
Thisyear weseeamovetowardscoloursthat aresofter andmoreunderstatedbut whichhavevery
stronglinkstothebuilt environment, thelandscapeandnatural craft materials.
Eachcolour familyiswell definedwithlittleambiguityeasyontheeye andeasytolivewithquiet
shadesdominate. Brighter, futuristiccolours, inspiredbytechnology, arealsoevident inmanypalettes.
Wherecolour isstronger it still tendstowardssubtletyandcomplexityweseemtohavetiredof
manyof thestrident shadesof past yearsinfavour of somethingsofter but muchmoresophisticated.
Warmmid-tonesare, likelast year, still themost popular colour level withpaler neutralscontinuingto
behighlydesirableeither intheir ownright or tocomplement stronger andmorecomplexcolours.
COLOUR
TRANSITIONS
Reds arefar softer andneutralisedwithnudeandskinshades predominating
over therichandregal ones sopopular inrecent years.
Oranges still retaintheir earthy, organicbias overall but arenowmoreinfluenced
bybeaten, burnishedandcraftedmetals.
Yellows aremoresubtlewithagreater arrayof tones andtheinclusionof more
sophisticatedmustards, bronzes andgolds.
WarmNeutrals areless contrastingandhavereturnedtoaheartlandof
environmentallybasedshades likeclay, ecru, barkandtimber.
Greens reflect theenvironment withmanybotanical hues but thepaletteis
temperedbystronger colours inspiredbytechnologyandthelaboratory.
Blues areeither stronglylinkedtoearthandspaceor shadowyandmoreindustrial.
Anewgreener areais emergingthat creates amorefuturisticimage.
Violets havenowbecomesounderstatedandsubtlethat theycanalmost be
regardedas warmneutrals goneentirelyarethevibrant mauves andprettylilacs.
Cool Neutrals haveaverysoft, shadowyaspect tothemwhichcancreate
delicatelayeringeffects not quiteas neutral as last year.
46
COLOUR
FAMILIES
48
ColourFutures

displaysapaletteof 76colours
for 2009. All arefromour global colour system
withauniquenotationnumber. Thesecolours
aredividedintoeight families: Reds, Oranges,
Yellows, WarmNeutrals, Greens, Blues, Violets,
Cool Neutrals.
Aradical moveawayfromstronger andmoresaturatedshades
towards asofter skin-likeneutral pinkwithwarmcoeeovertones.
REDS TRANSITION
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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
51
Thekeycolour,10YR50/101, is a subtle
neutral a nurturingandwarmingshade that
is bothultra chic andrelaxing.
The inuence of yellowcreates browntonedshades that are highly usable but
sophisticatedcolours that are rened, natural andadda touchof understatedluxury.
Skintones adda level of softness andsubtlety that is warming, delicate andputs
over a more caringandnurturingimage.
Bolder colours are honest andtrue funshades toenlivenwhat is a very restrained
palette. Aradical change froma fewyears agowhere stronger shades predominated.
80RR 07/260 30YR53/188
50YR 68/114
30YR 31/154
90BG17/090
80YR67/085
70YR 68/102
30RR15/375 04YR11/537 30YR 07/157
14YR10/434
reds
50RR11/286 10YR50/101
KEYCOLOUR 2009
SOFT
SUBTLE
SKINLIKE
Amovetowards astronger deepcoral stronglyinuencedbyred
althoughdeepandsaturated, this colour is still warmandcomforting.
ORANGES TRANSITION
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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Thekeycolour, 30YR25/463, is a mutedand
burnt redorange a softly glowingshade that captures
the magic of moltenmetal.
Beatenandrustedmetals are the inspirationfor the majority of this palette
robust colours that have aneternal sense of strengthandbeauty.
Ultra pale apricots andvanillas lit by the soft afternoonsunwarmshadows
tocreate relaxingandreassuringinteriors.
Bright andvividcoral has anengagingandsunny energya funcolour
whichcanenliventheneutral palettes.
23YR10/308 50YR 23/365
00YY 83/046
30YR 25/463
30YY80/088
90YR 67/085
99YR 82/029
90RR 08/129 10YR 27/323 30YR 49/097
14YR10/434
oranges
25YR 34/473 70YR 45/261
BURNT
BURNISHED
RUSTED
KEYCOLOUR 2009
53
Agentlemovetowards smart andfashionablemustardasophisticated
colour that puts over animageof craftworkandcreativity.
YELLOWS TRANSITION
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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Thekeycolour, 40YY49/408, is anelegant and
craftedmustardthat works well inmodernist settings
withcooler neutrals.
Apalette of great character andbeautycraftedcolours that put
over animage of soft renement andattentiontodetail.
Newmustards predominate artistic shades that work alone or with
cooler neutrals a newhighfashionfavourite.
Warmer golds andtans bringelements of the natural worldinside
andgive a look of comfortingandcalmingradiance.
10YY60/224
30YY58/178
30YY38/370
60YY67/251
50YY 65/454
08YY56/528 00YY19/261 30YY 49/562 40YY 49/408
yellows
00YY 43/304 10YY 44/215
CRAFTED
CREATIVE
COMFORTING
KEYCOLOUR 2009
55
Averysubtlemovefromlast year that exemplies theenduring
popularityof this soft but characterful, mid-tonedlevel of colour.
WARMNEUTRALS TRANSITION
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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Thekeycolour,10YY61/136, is anenvironmental neutral
reminiscent of cut timber andcork a gentle colour
that combines beautifully withwarmandcool palettes.
Orange andyellowbasedneutrals withanabundance of wood, bark
andtwigcolours reect our concerns for the environment.
Clay andearthtones allude tothe natural environment andsustainable
craftwork materials for communities across all cultures.
Luminous pales create lightness withwarmth, calmness with
character andsoftness withneutrality.
80YR17/129 20YY 57/060
30YY71/073
30YY47/145
20YY39/130
44YY84/042
44YY70/110
99YR 82/029
90YR 51/109 98YR78/041
warm
neutrals
80YR 40/148 10YY61/136
KEYCOLOUR 2009
57
NURTURING
NATURALISTIC
ARBOREAL
Amovetowards calmingandcooler greens reects our concernfor family
andtheenvironment this soft jadeis bothsereneandsophisticated.
GREENS TRANSITION
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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Thekeycolour,10GG51/125, is a soothingshade
inspiredby jade, willowandaloe it represents issues
suchas wellbeing, healingandnurturing.
Botanical yellowbasedgreens adda touchof futuristic energythey are
reminiscent of boththe jungle andthe laboratory.
Cooler jades andtea greens are creative colours lovedby the East andWest
alike calming, thoughtful shades for refreshment of mindandbody.
Subtle, architectural greens remindus of the earths natural buildingmaterials
clay, timber, stone andthatcheco-friendly materials for modernliving.
60YY 33/130 70YY55/613
10GY 40/296
90YY 62/264
90YY48/500
50GY 66/111
10GG51/125
50GG 55/049
30YY 14/070 70YY 12/167 70GG13/323
70YY65/090 70YY 25/200
greens
70YY46/160 70YY63/326
ECOLOGICAL
HEALING
REVIVING
KEYCOLOUR 2009
59
Amovetowards newenvironmental aquas andturquoises, stronglyinuenced
bygreentheseshades havebothanearthlyandaquaticqualitytothem.
BLUES TRANSITION
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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Thekeycolour, 90GG30/195, is a deepbut soft aqua that
conveys a strongsense of the natural environment whenused
withbothwarmandcool neutrals.
The futuristic viewof the earthseenfromspace inspires muchof this palette
the growinglink betweentechnology andour natural world.
Balancedandbeautiful turquoise andteal allude toboththe past andthe future
creative colours usedfor centuries are nowcentre stage infashionterms.
Smoky andshadowy shades addanairy sense of dimensionanddenition
structuredtones that create depthandinterest.
70GG 39/303 10BG14/296
10BB 40/090
14YR10/434
10BB17/269
70BB 55/044
70BB15/081
70BG07/086 30BB10/112 30YR 49/097
70BG56/061
blues
90GG30/195 50BG 55/241
KEYCOLOUR 2009
61
ARCHITECTURAL
TECHNOLOGICAL
AIRY
Amovetoalmost total neutralityandsubtletyveryunderstated
shades that areinspiredbydust, ashandshadows.
VIOLETS TRANSITION
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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Thekeycolour, 10YR40/054, is the most subtle
of violets a dustedneutral that exhibits a sophisticated
sense of luxury andrenement.
Alevel of neutrality, never seenbefore inthis palette, creates shades that
are highly elegant but withanunderstatedsense of luxury.
Bothtraditional andultra contemporary interiors benet fromthis new
subtle neutralityethereal, shadowy anddelicate.
The natural worldis evokedvia anarray of ash, cinder anddust whether
ultra pale or deeper intone, softness is always the key attribute.
10RR 24/061 30RR30/103
60YR73/015
10YR 40/054
90BG17/090
90YR 67/085
99YR 82/029
70RR16/116 10YR 27/323 30YR 49/097
60YR73/015
violets
DUSTY
DEGRADED
DELICATE
KEYCOLOUR 2009
63
Amovetowards palegreys sodiscreet that theyarealmost pure
whitethis renaissanceof whiteinuences all hueareas.
COOL NEUTRALS TRANSITION
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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Thekeycolour, 00NN83/000, is anowhite
whichlends the merest hint of subtlety andshadow
anethereal pale, a whisper away fromwhite.
Aseries of ultra subtle greys andowhites create a layeredlook
tiny shifts of colour that create dimensionandoptical interest.
Understatedpale greys allowfor maximumcombinationpossibilities
withhues fromother palettes intriguingbut never bland.
Architectural light anddark mixes put over a moodof contemporary
chic elegant whenusedalone, bothindoors andout, or with
subtle natural accents like slate andrust.
30YY 72/018 00NN83/000
30RR 08/044
10GG 72/022
90BG17/090
90YR 67/085
99YR 82/029
30YY 22/059 90RR 28/245 30BB16/031 30YR 49/097
cool
neutrals
70YY72/041 00NN72/000
LAYERED
CONSTRUCTED
SUBTLE
KEYCOLOUR 2009
65
9
9
00
WHITE
BLACK
CHROMA
L
R
V HUE
A
C
D
E
B
Whatiscolour?
Colour is asensationthat weexperiencethroughour eyes withour brain.
Colour is all aroundus, usedonavarietyof forms andshapes andweall interact
withit. It adds spicetoour lives andcanaffect thewaywebehave, feel, perceive
or orientateourselves inagivenspace. Researchhas shownthat colour can
compensatevisiondeficiencyvisuallyimpairedpeoplecannavigatewith
moreconfidenceinstrongcolour-contrastedenvironments as their senseof
spaceandorientationis recreatedbycontrastingcolours.
Thecolour weperceiveis influencedbythecontext inwhichweseethat colour.
Lightingaffects theappearanceof acolouredwall, for example. Asmall patch
of colour inagivenwallpaper will lookdifferent fromanentireroompaintedin
that colour.
Weuseour understandingof colour todescribeit inamoreuser-friendlyway.
Colour, as perceivedbythehumanbrainthroughtheeye, is tri-dimensional.
Onewayof describingthesethreecomponents is interms of hue, Light
ReflectanceValue(LRV) andchroma(see'A' opposite).
Howweusecolour
Wehavedevelopedauniqueproprietarycolour notationsystem. It is theresult
of extensiveresearchandconsultationwithaninternational teamof experts.
Theroleof our notationsystemis tomakeeverycolour weproduceprecisely
identifiableacross theworld. Eachhas auniquereferencenumber madeupof
threedistinct parts: ahuereference, aLight ReflectanceValue(LRV) anda
chromavalue.
Our objectiveis tooffer themost comprehensiverangeof colours inthewidest
rangeof high-qualityinterior andexterior finishes.
Hue(seeB opposite)
It is this aspect of colour that weseeinarainbow. Most colours haveaclear
hueassociatedwiththem for example, pinkhas aredhue. Theonlycolours
that havenohuearewhite, blackandthepuregreys that lieinbetween.
Inour notationsystem, thefirst part describes this aspect of colour byusingtwo
digits andtwoletters. IllustratedoppositeinB, thecolour spectrumhas
beendividedintoeight groups as follows:
YY yellow YR orangetored
RR redtomagenta RB magentatoviolet
BB violet toblue BG bluetoturquoise
GG turquoisetogreen GY greentolime
Inorder togiveamorepreciseindication, thereis ascalefrom00to99that will
locateaspecifichuewithinacolour group. Thenumbers runanti-clockwise,
as shownopposite. For example, 50YYis apureyellowandis foundinthe
middleof YY; 90GYis moregreenthan10GY.
LRV(seeC opposite)
Another aspect that weareall familiar withis howdarkor light acolour is.
Inour notationsystem, this is describedas theLight ReflectanceValue(LRV).
It is ameasureof howmuchlight is reflectedbyasurfaceof that colour.
It is representedinthesecondpart of thenotationandconsists of atwo-digit
number between00and99.
Althoughweareall familiar withdarkness andlightness, theactual amount
of light weperceiveis affectedbylighting, shadows andsheenlevel within
aroom. This is whyour notationsystemdescribes this component as the
proportionof light reflectedbythesurface.
LRVworks onablacktowhiteaxis thehigher theLRV, thelighter thecolour
hencethelower thenumber, thedarker thecolour. Inaroompaintedwith
colours of alowLRV(darker colours), morelight will berequiredthaninaroom
paintedwithhighLRVcolours (lighter colours).
Chroma(seeD opposite)
Theremainingcomponent of colour is chroma. It is this that makes acolour
either intenseor subtle. Thehigher thenumber, themoreintensethe
colour will be. Thescaleruns from000to999.
Examples(seeE opposite)
Thecolour reference30BB 08/263is astrongblue. This canbeattributedto
its positionintheleft of theviolet tobluegroup(30BB), combinedwithalow
LRV(08) andamediumchromavalue(263).
However, 30BB72/034is areallypaleblue. It is still positionedintheleft
sideof theviolet tobluegroup(30BB) but is combinedwithahigh LRV(72)
andalowchromavalue(034).
Weunderstandboththe art andscience of colour. The art part of our workrelatestotheaesthetics of colour, whilethe science
isabout its technology. Thepurposeof ColourFuturesis tomarrytheart andscienceinonereferencemanual.
THESCIENCE
BEHINDCOLOUR
30BB 08/263
HUE LRV CHROMA
67
Cross-referencetheColourFutures

2009palettecolourswithour global colour system

=RICHANDVIBRANT = FRESH =WARM =CALM N=NEUTRALS OW=OFFWHITE COLOURINDEX2009
ECOTECTURE
P12
10BB17/269
10GG51/125
10GY40/296
20YY39/130 N
20YY57/060 N
30RR30/103
30YY14/070 N
30YY58/178
40YY49/408
70BB15/081 N
70BB55/044 N
70GG13/323
70YY25/200
70YY55/613
70YY72/041 N
90GG30/195
WHITEDIMENSIONS
P18
00NN72/000 N
00NN83/000 N
10BB40/090
10GG72/022 N
10YR40/054 N
10YY44/215
30YY22/059 N
30YY71/073 OW
44YY84/042 OW
50GG55/049 N
50YR23/365
70BG07/086
70YR 68/102
70YR45/261
60YR73/015 N
98YR78/041 OW
LIVINGLEGACY
P24
00YY19/261 N
10RR24/061 N
20YY57/060 N
23YR10/308
30BB10/112
30YR07/157
30YR25/463
30YR31/154
30YY38/370
30YY49/562
44YY70/110 N
50YR23/365
60YY67/251
70BG56/061
70RR16/116
70YR45/261
EQUILIBRIUM
P30
00YY43/304
00YY83/046 OW
10YR50/101
10YY60/224
10YY61/136
30YY80/088 N
50GY66/111
50YR68/114
60YY33/130 N
60YY67/251
70YY65/090 N
80YR17/129 N
80YR40/148
80YR67/085
90YR51/109 N
90YY62/264
REDS
P50
10YR50/101
50YR 68/114
80YR 67/085
30YR53/188
30YR31/154
70YR 68/102
30RR15/375
04YR11/537
30YR 07/157
ORANGES
P52
00YY83/046 OW
30YY80/088 N
25YR 34/473
30YR 25/463
70YR 45/261
23YR10/308
50YR 23/365
YELLOWS
P54
00YY43/304
10YY44/215
30YY58/178
60YY67/251
10YY60/224
30YY38/370
50YY65/454
08YY56/528
00YY19/261 N
30YY49/562
40YY49/408
WARMNEUTRALS
P56
90YR51/109 N
98YR78/041 OW
30YY71/073 OW
44YY84/042 OW
80YR40/148
10YY61/136
30YY47/145 N
44YY70/110 N
80YR17/129 N
20YY57/060 N
20YY39/130 N
GREENS
P58
70YY65/090 N
70YY25/200
10GY40/296
50GY66/111
70YY46/160
70YY63/326
90YY62/264
10GG51/125
60YY33/130 N
70YY55/613
90YY48/500
50GG55/049 N
30YY14/070 N
70YY12/167
70GG13/323
BLUES
P60
70BG56/061
10BB40/090
70BB55/044 N
90GG30/195
50BG 55/241
70BB15/081 N
70GG39/303
10BG14/296
10BB17/269
70BG 07/086
30BB10/112
VIOLETS
P62
60YR73/015 N
10RR24/061 N
30RR30/103
10YR 40/054 N
70RR16/116
COOLNEUTRALS
P64
70YY72/041 N
00NN72/000 N
30YY72/018 OW
00NN 83/000 N
10GG 72/022 N
30YY22/059 N
30BB16/031 N
THEMES
FAMILIES
PLAYHOUSE
P36
04YR11/537
08YY56/528
10BG14/296
25YR34/473
30BB16/031 N
30RR15/375
30YR53/188
30YY47/145 N
30YY72/018 OW
50BG55/241
50YY65/454
70GG39/303
70YY12/167
70YY46/160
70YY63/326
90YY48/500
COLOUR
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ThisColourFutures

referencemanual is andremains thepropertyof Imperial Chemical Industries Limitedandis loanedonconditionthat it is usedsolelytospecifyproducts manufactured/or
suppliedbyImperial Chemical Industries Limited(andother companies intheAkzoNobel Group) andonconditionthat it shall bereturnedtoImperial Chemical Industries Limitedondemand.
Thecontents of this referencemanual arefor informationonly. Norepresentationor warrantyis given, nor liabilityaccepted, regardingtheinformationgiven.
Wehavereproducedpaint colours as faithfullyas printingwill allow. However, theshape, sizeandlightingof asurfacecaninfluencetheappearanceof thefinal colour.
www.colourfutures.com
ColourFutures

, thedistinctivethree-leaf colour
spectrumsymbol, Alba, Astral, Balakom,
Bruguer, CIL, Coral, Devoe, Dulux, DuluxTrade,
DuluxValentine, Flexa, Glidden, theICI
Roundel, Inca, Julien, Levis, Marshall, Nordsjo,
Procolor, Sadolin, Sico, Sikkens, Trimetal,
theAkzoNobel logoandTomorrow's
AnswersToday, aretrademarks of the
AkzoNobel Groupof Companies and
DatabaseRight 2008.
AkzoNobel DecorativePaints
International MarketingDepartment
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Berkshire, SL25DS, UnitedKingdom
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