As we ring in the new year the design world is abuzz with anticipation for a true changing of the guard in colour trends. Envisioned as the polar opposite of the trendy neutrals that have been dominating of late, this riot of colour is creeping into clothing, decor, stationery and interiors everywhere. In place of muted beige, grey and white, bright and poppy jewel tones are bringing about a mindset shift where positivity, hope and fun are the order of the day.
The psychology of colour
The influence of colour on our mood and behaviour is more than just a subjective experience; it’s a legitimate subject of scientific inquiry. A 2020 study spanning 30 countries revealed a consistent association between specific colours and emotions across different cultures. Red evokes feelings of fire and passion, yellow brings joy and green induces a sense of calm and contentment. This universal language of colour plays a critical role in how we perceive and interact with the world around us.
A 2016 study found those who scored the highest on the depressive scale were the most likely to choose grey as their colour of choice. This is backed up by research demonstrating grey was the colour most people pointed to when asked which shade best reflected feelings of depression.
In colour psychology, grey represents an absence of emotion, emptiness, apathy, hopelessness and despair. Second only to blue as the embodiment of depression (hence the term ‘feeling blue’), the influence of grey and neutral tones are powerful yet subtle.
Colours of 2024
The colours of 2024 are colours that embody the spirit of optimism and energy. Colours that reflect warmth and sunshine like Aegean blue, bold lemon, peach fuzz, pastel pink and soft purple are not just a stylistic choice but a pathway to enhancing the wearer’s mood and outlook.
Often associated with its juicy namesake, peach is reminiscent of long lazy summer afternoons, golden sunsets and fruity poolside drinks. A warm and friendly colour, peach is often used in interior design and fashion to create a sense of comfort and cosiness. It has connotations of freshness, youth and vitality as well as gentleness and softness. In contrast to the sometimes harsh minimalist tones that have been trending, peach is approachable, soothing and calm.
Its warm undertones evoke joy and optimism much like lemon which represents wit, revitalisation, healing and purification. With its bright and vibrant hue, lemon is also associated with energy, vitality and enthusiasm. It’s a colour that invigorates and energises a space or design, ushering in a sense of cheerfulness and optimism.
Other sunny and joyful shades like pink and Aegean blue invoke tropical island getaways where endless days are spent lingering by the sea. The list is rounded out with soft wisteria purple, another summertime colour representing romance, longevity, devotion and good luck.
For those with an especially playful and creative spirit, these life-affirming shades are the perfect pick-me-up after a long winter under the monotony of monochrome. Given the challenges the world is currently facing, our embrace of bright and unconventional colours have come to reflect a collective desire for change and rejuvenation. In breaking free of safe and conventional tones, we are taking charge of our destinies and choosing to hope for better times.
Appealing to all ages
Interestingly this trend in bright and bold shades isn’t just limited to adults. Rooted in biology and psychology, children’s love of fun and carefree colours is linked to their visual development. All babies start life with a limited ability to perceive colour. As their vision develops, they are more naturally drawn to bright, high-contrast colours simply because they are easier to see.
Bright colours work wonders to engage children’s senses and encourage exploration. Vivid colours in toys, books and living environments bring up feelings of happiness and excitement, playfulness, creativity and more. In setting the tone for 2024, it’s best to keep in mind the sense of joyful wonder that children possess when it comes to all the colours of the rainbow. Whether it’s a statement cherry vase or a vibrant patterned pen, even a splash of colour has the ability to perk up a bad mood.
In setting ourselves up for a fresh start in 2024, bright colours have truly become a powerful weapon in shaping an environment where positivity, success and joy reign supreme.
By Sonia Gouveia, founder of Spring Street Style
