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Heart Wood: how to add Dulux's Colour of the Year into your home

Each year in early September, Dulux releases its colour for the forthcoming year.

Last year’s Colour of the Year, Denim Drift, was a stunning shade of blue and a tough act to follow. However, the colour of 2018 did not disappoint, and adding a harmonious and softer touch to your home is its new hero, ‘Heart Wood’.

The colour adds beautiful serenity into a setting, using calm undertones of soft grey mixed with a warm pink resulting in the wonderful pastel shade of Heart Wood. According to Dulux, with unsettling times in the global arena, the company wanted to add a colour to homes all over the world which would create spaces of peace and tranquillity, where people can escape to relax freely.

With the colour making its way into many homes, we explain how to add it to your interior design scheme.

From a calming ambience in the bedroom to a freshly subtle burst of colour in the kitchen, this colour is wonderfully dynamic. If colouring a wall in Heart Wood is too far out of your comfort zone, perhaps start with painting an item of furniture or a shelf.

The secret is to use it with confidence and pair it with the correct colours and accessories. For those who have the confidence to make bolder choices, paint the door-frames and woodwork in the room in the same colour as the walls. It makes a statement, but creates a seamless backdrop for contrasting accessories and furniture.

Here are our tips on the best uses of the colour :

Wall coverings

Using new colours can be a challenge. If painting every wall in Heart Wood is not for you, then consider adding it as a contrasting wall. Combining two colours on the walls helps to bring a balance and structure to the room.

Custhom offers a beautiful range of wallpaper designs. This navy and gold Igneous design is made from carbon powder, using a unique hand-foiling process. The effect is an imitation of the crystallisation of igneous rocks, and these colours would work wonderfully in contrast to the softer tones of Heart Wood.

Buy now, Custhom, £165

Cushions

For those using the colour on their living room walls, one of the best ways to balance the colour is using darker toned sofas, such as a tan leather, or dark green or blue velvet. Not only does a darker sofa provide a pleasant contrast, it also creates a visual harmony within the room, allowing you to use accents of the colour in other ways.

This cushion by Kim Norrie at The New Craftsmen would work superbly with a Heart Wood wall, placed on a tan or rich Olive sofa. Its subtle hint of dusky pink is a nod to the wall colour, bringing the whole room together.

Buy now, The New Craftsman, £390

Heart Wood is a colour of homely comfort. However, pairing it with bold colours and accessories can add a more playful element into any setting. This cushion by Kit Miles is a striking design but fits effortlessly with this colour theme.

Buy now, Kitmiles, £95

Lighting

When paired with luxurious materials such as brass and velvet, Heart Wood can exude elegance. It brings out a sophistication that is perfect for a more opulent setting.

This table lamp from acclaimed designer Michael Anastassiades will certainly bring a touch of glamour. Titled ‘Tip of the Tongue’, the light is hand blown with a polished brass base, creating a unique and magnificent design which can also be used as a wall mounted light too.

Buy now, Michael Anastassiades, £780

Marble

The richness of Heart Wood can also be emphasised by adding marble for indulgence. The contrast of marble against such a mellowed shade will really bring out a refined edge.

It is worth noting that darker marble will create more of an impact if introduced in smaller shapes. These truly exceptional candle holders designed by oOumm are striking, with the gold candle adding the finishing touch to the piece.

Buy now, IVAR London, £885

Floor coverings

With Heart Wood's subtle indication of darker undertones, it is perfect to pair it with earthier hues. Colours such as terracotta and burnt amber complement the natural and softer hues.

The Borders Kelim rug by Ferm Living is a fantastic choice to help create this. Its geometric design keeps the room contemporary, whilst the colour blend uses purer tones to truly bind the room together.

Buy now, Ferm Living, €239.00

Roddy Clarke is a design writer and Interior Stylist. Email him at contact@roddyclarke.com or follow him on Instagram @roddyclarkedesign.