dulux colour of the year 2014 is….. teal

Karen Haller

Every year in October, Dulux hold their Colour Futures seminar presented by world renowned colour expert Per Nimer, where they announce the colour for the following year.

I try to catch this event every year. It’s always entertaining, thought provoking and it’s a great opportunity to catch up with colour buddies and meet new ones.

Dulux ColourFutures Colour of the Year 2014
Teal 90GG19/151 P0.20.40

Dulux says Teal ‘perfectly combine[s] the natural harmony of green with the tranquility of blue… Deeper and more sophisticated than turquoise, teal has a subdued richness which is often used to describe tropical seas of shimmering bluish green’.

‘Somewhere between blue and green it has come to symbolise balance…combined with neutral tones and shades of wood so as not to overwhelm a space.’

When it comes to colour combinations Dulux recommends ‘coral’, ‘delicate pinkish tones’ and ‘warm ochre yellow’. ‘For a trend look try combining with other tones of teal, green or blue to create a tone-on-tone effect. Layering teal with indigo, denim or navy provides an oceanic feeling, cool, dynamic and welcoming.’

Combine teal with ‘mint, duck egg or emerald will give a fresh natural effect; or for a neutral combination choose a colour with a natural wood tone’.

Dulux Colour of the Year 2014 - Teal 1. This opens a new browser window.

Dulux Colour of the Year | Teal | Images courtesy of Dulux

Dulux Colour of the Year 2014 - Teal 2. This opens a new browser window.

Dulux Colour of the Year | Teal | Images courtesy of Dulux

Colour Psychology of Teal
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.

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.