Asian Paints ColourNext 20th Edition Introduces Forecast Stories 'Gothilicious,' 'Edge of the Forest,' 'Sleep Sense,' and 'Shroom.'
New Delhi, 23 February 2023: Asian Paints for the year marks the 20th anniversary of ColourNext, the most authoritative voice in the Indian subcontinent for trend and material forecasting. ColourNext, known for its exceptional insights, continues to give design directions for the year inspired by cultural and social impacts on color and decor trends. ColorNext unveiled four forecast design directions for 2023: 'Gothilicious,' 'Edge of the Forest,' 'Sleep Sense,' and 'Shroom,' the stories of which address sociocultural topics ranging from how we express ourselves to a newfound urgency for wellness and forming deeper connections with others and the world around us. The forecast also debuted Wallpaper of the Year - AION, ground-breaking natural and earth-safe paint - Nilaya Naturals, and an inventive palette of wall treatments dubbed Material Finishes by Royale Play.
ColourNext’s forecast for 2023 is all about building a better future, embracing the past and present, and creating with joy, hope, and intention. The year is the silver lining everyone waited for after the dark clouds of the past few years and the colour of the year 'Silver Escapade' encapsulates the optimism with which we are going forward. On the occasion of ColourNext’s 20th edition, Asian Paints has also launched a new logo for ColourNext.
Mr. Amit Syngle, Managing Director and CEO, of Asian Paints Ltd., commented, “As we celebrate 20 years of ColourNext with pride & zest, we look ahead to share with the world, the color and material forecast for the year. The design directions for the year - Gothilicious, Edge of the Forest, Sleep Sense, and Shroom highlight self-expression, wellness, fantasy, and connecting with the world, addressing socio-cultural and consumer shifts which have emerged from getting out of a rather difficult and tough phase of the last two years. The Wallpaper of the Year- Aion speaks about time and eternity through art and design and Nilaya Naturals along with Material Finishes by Royale Play align perfectly with our forecasted themes for the year. We are excited to see the multitude of interpretations of our directions across landscape and medium. It is definitely going to be an interesting year where we see the application of our forecast and our color and material intelligence behind them come to life.”
Each of the forecast stories outlines a narrative that resonates with different people.
Gothilicious is the movement of shamelessly daring and sensual self-expression. It might be understood as a challenge to established notions of darkness and obscurity, as well as an exploration of the intensity of somber and passionate human emotion. Colors such as charcoal warm matt black, deepest dark skies, blackest black pigment, deep dark forest olive greens, dark reds, shine & glitter of mother of pearl and molten metal are evoking an understated gothic essence.
The predicted story Edge of the Forest is one that restores hope and celebrates life. According to big data reports, when the pandemic hit, individuals found themselves searching for solutions in nature since they were so lonely. This is so that individuals can connect with a world bigger than themselves, which they instinctively know is possible thanks to nature. This predicted story features deep forest greens, mud, moss browns, and mystical fluorescence inspired by wildflowers, rare bees, bugs, and worms, as well as the wonderful sheen and glitter of sparkling lake waters. It was inspired by unspoiled forests, woods, and their many enchanting critters. This style of "inland living" at the edge of the forest represents a return to nature and all of its delight and vigor.
In order to prioritize restful sleep and mental health as the trend towards health, wellness, and slow living gets traction, Sleep Sense alludes to a new frontier in wellness known as the "sleep revolution." Locally obtained natural materials and breathable, handwoven fabrics are once again in demand. Broken whites make up the majority of the color scheme, which conveys a sense of calm and lightness. The color and material elements of this foretelling story are soothing, nourishing, soft adaptable, familiar, and tranquillity.
The tale of Shroom is one of regeneration and revival. In many ways, it mirrors the year itself as people recover from the largest health scare this generation has ever had by bringing all that is dead back to life.
Earlier this year, Colour of the Year - Silver Escapade was unveiled as a representative color of the times we live in. Wellness and hope for the future have emerged as the two most important design trends this year which inspire silver, a ubiquitous color of hope, festivities, and glamour. Silver has been the color of auspicious new beginnings in India for centuries. Given the hybrid lifestyles we live, the color is timeless and expansive transcending physical and digital realms, the past, present, and future.
Together with ColourNext, Asian Paints has unveiled Nilaya Naturals, a remarkably lush, lime-based paint that is earth-safe. 90% of the components in Nilaya Naturals are earth-friendly, making it strong and breathable with a fresh, clean scent. It has an enduring beauty in its tonally faultless palette and wonderfully matte vintage finish. This will prove to be the ideal option for projects that call for an artistic color.
