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Experts from AkzoNobel’s Global Color and Design studio for Wood Coatings are sharing their knowledge of the latest color trends and wood finishes influencing the home furnishings sector at this week’s International Home Furnishings Market at High Point, North Carolina.
AkzoNobel’s Global Color and Design Studio work with color designers to create new colors and effects in paints and coatings, drawing inspiration from other areas of society, such as fashion, lifestyle and nature.
Over the five days of the High Point Market – the biggest event of its kind in North America – color specialists from the Studio met with customers and potential customers to share their valuable insights into the color and design innovations shaping the wood industry.
“Our Global Color and Design Studio combines centuries of expertise with our latest in-depth market research to develop industry-leading trends to excite and inspire. The specialist team is constantly innovating with colors and wood finishes, coming up with new ideas and keeping customers ahead of the latest trends,” explains Rob Haley, Color Trends Manager for Wood Coatings at AkzoNobel.
Building on the annual trend research, AkzoNobel’s Global Wood Design team works closely with both technical experts, and with designers, architects and wood manufacturers around the world to ensure its finishes are robust and can be industrialized world-wide
One of the trends sure to grab the attention of wood manufacturers and designers, as well as consumers, is the feeling that, as people search for connection, inspiration and balance in their lives, they’re diving into the wonders of the natural world to find it.
“Nature and biophilic design have become very important to our color choices and strategy. Organic finishes that enhance natural characteristics are increasingly popular in kitchen cabinets. In furniture, the return of traditional and formal finishes are emerging, with heavily distressed and desaturated surfaces giving way to smoother appearances,” says Haley.
These ideas are brought together in AkzoNobel’s Color of the Year 2023 – Wild Wonder. Wild Wonder is a golden hue inspired by the warm tones of harvested crops, with an upbeat glow that aims to connect people with nature, creating a sense of energy and positivity.
To bring Wild Wonder to life in real-world applications, coatings and finishes, AkzoNobel’s Global Wood Design team in High Point, North Carolina have created four unique palettes all driven by the themes, balance and rhythms of nature.
The four palettes – connected by the overarching theme of Seeds of Wonder – are:
Lush – Contemporary, One with the Land, Living Minimally
Buzz – Transitional Design, Vibrant Colors, Harmony
Raw – Cottage Design, Earth Tones, Organic
Flow – Traditional Design, Water, Sand
The design team expects these palettes will be a key influence on home decor – including furniture, flooring, cabinetry and building products – in the coming year, and make it easy for both designers and consumers to choose colors and combinations for a timeless look that also reflects current trends and consumer preferences.
Further information about AkzoNobel Wood Coatings can be found at industrial-wood-coatings.com
