Sarah Stephenson, Wattyl's colour and design specialist, says many of us will satisfy our craving for wellness, happiness and safety by surrounding ourselves with colours that invoke calmness and security, as well as those that forge a stronger connection with nature.

In what some might regard as a welcome nod to 2021, Wattyl recently announced its new hues for next year - four palettes that deliver an uplifting injection of carefully curated colour, cleverly walking the line between classic and contemporary.

"These palettes, designed with a focus on wellness and nurturing, are for painting on walls, for soft furnishings and other decorative elements, from bedlinen to artworks," said Stephenson. "Colour really can transform our home into our sanctuary, something most of us are craving." Here is her commentary on what Wattyl's colours for 2021 will deliver.

HUMBLE WHITES

Minimalism continues to reign supreme in many homes, but it is warming and less pristine in both detail and styling. Personality and emotion are introduced into the mix by virtue of authenticity, craft and history in both design and materials, without any loss of functionality.

Comforting hues, natural materials and softened forms are key to the look, adding a calming and restorative feel to these pared back spaces. The principles of wabi-sabi design - imperfect beauty - add further depth; think artfully worn surfaces and considered imperfections.

NOURISHING EARTH TONES

Natural earth tones will become even more important in a post-COVID-19 world. These warm, nourishing plant-based colours will help us to reconnect with nature and the outdoors. Terracotta tones, such as Brandy Snap, continue to be a much-loved and important element in interiors as they feel timeless, authentic and natural.

This trans-seasonal colour palette sees paler, beige tones being replaced with richer, warmer honey tones and classic neutrals being swapped for mid-tone blues. Greens of 2021 are deep and olive in tone.

Nourishing earth tones will create a mood of warmth and cosiness, at once friendly and organic - something we all crave in these challenging times.

UPLIFTING LIGHTS

Pastels, traditionally associated with calm, comfort and a desire for a balance between body and mind, take on new meaning, leaving the sugary tints behind in favour of beautifully dusted pastels that evoke a deeper sense of harmony.

Wattyl's gentle pales add a warmth and tactility to minimalist spaces, especially when paired with natural silks, organic cottons and soft wools in relaxed forms.

SHADOWY DARKS

The rise of tinted blacks and saturated darks is a direct response to the current mood of fear and anxiety - they have become even more relevant in these post-pandemic times.

These richer, darker hues can feel luxurious and cocooning. The mood is one of timeworn comfort encompassing a classic mix of eras, with an embrace of botanical decorative elements, while ribs and curves feature in architectural details and furniture.

The range is available nationally from Wattyl paint centres, Mitre 10, Home, Timber & Hardware and other leading paint specialists. Visit wattyl.com.au for more details.