Subtlety key to 2024 trends
In the first instalment of a new regular column called ‘Talking Colour’, RegaLead’s joint managing director, Guy Hubble, discusses colour trends for windows and doors for 2024.
I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about what colours I believe are set to be embraced in 2024.
It’s always interesting to see how the trends of last year are changing to the next. Pantone’s Colour of the Year is always eagerly anticipated, and the striking Viva Magenta of 2023 has been replaced by the much more subtle Peach Fuzz this time round.
Less of a shift comes from Dulux. The ‘light, earthy shade’ of last year, Wild Wonder, isn’t massively contrasted by this year’s choice of Sweet Embrace. I think the key takeaway from these choices is subtlety.
Window colour trends
When it comes to the colours of windows and doors, you are looking at two significantly differing markets.
The continuing switch from traditional white framed windows shows no sign of slowing down. Quite the opposite – 60% of flush sash windows sold are now foiled. Grey is still predominantly the number one choice when it comes to windows.
But while Anthracite still tops the charts, Agate is growing in popularity as homeowners start to turn to softer, warmer hues.
Recent data published by Tommy Trinder in ‘The Sketch’ shows for the first time that Agate has overtaken Anthracite as a choice for flush sash.
We’re also seeing a trend of people opting for black, and it’s no surprise really. Black goes with everything and offers a stunning finish that complements both modern and contemporary properties. This has been made possible by the introduction infra-red reflective paint systems, such as our Cool Colour, and improved foils performances to combat the age-old problem of thermal expansion on black profiles.
Returning to the topic of subtlety, other neutral, more natural foiled colours, such as Renolit’s Sandstone and Sage are being adopted more. We have seen this too with the growth in our more neutral paint colours with Lawn Grey, London Clay and Mocha leading the sales charts.
And when it comes to the ultimate in neutral options, ‘greige’ seems to be the way forward. This combination of beige and grey is seeing a surge in popularity in the paint industry, working well in both cool and warm colour schemes.
Door colour trends
Much of the door market is still following along with the choice of window colours with Anthracite, Chartwell and Agate still popular choices.
For many it’s the simplest choice, particularly when matching frame options are requested. But that’s certainly not the case with stand-alone doors where customers are getting much bolder in their colour choices.
The popularity of blue doors is still continuing to rise, as has been the case over the past few years. It’s an ideal choice to make a bold statement and is said to add the most value to UK homes.
While the pink door phenomenon may be on the wane, it is still attracting significant interest. However, lilac may steal its crown in 2024! Google searches for lilac doors increased by 271% over the past 12 months, and we’ve seen more and more customer requests for lilac shades.
To meet this demand, we’ve added four new colours in lilac hues to our standard colour range – Lilac Blush, Mulholland Drive, Plum Blossom, and Moroccan Sunset – and we fully expect these new additions to fly.
Consumers are also demonstrating a better grasp of the colour choice available by requesting more unique options. Not just RAL colours, but for high-end brands such as Farrow & Ball, Little Green, and even Frenchic.
Another trend we’ve noticed is the growing popularity of matt colours. It’s interesting to see homeowners move away from shiny, gloss finishes and opt for a more subtle (there’s that word again) appearance.
In the motoring industry, metallic and pearlescent paint have long been popular, but many consumers are now starting to favour a frozen matt finish, and this has now started to filter through to other applications. I think that’s definitely one to look out for in the not-too-distant future.
So, there you have it, my colour trend predictions for 2024. To sum it up in just two words – subtle and lilac. Have a colourful year.