Coloursmith
Journal
January 19, 2022
Chromatic Joy & Colour Specialist Rachel Lacy
Recently we sat down with Taubmans Colour Category Manager Rachel Lacy to discuss her passion for colour as well as her role in creating new colours each year for Taubmans. Our most recent colour range was created with the help of the Coloursmith tools. Rachel leads us through the process that went into the new 2021-2022 colour range Chromatic Joy – from inspiration and concept to creation.
Rachel, tell us what you love about your colour role.
I love the diversity and range of the work. Colour has a role in every area of our business so as the colour group we get to work with many of the teams, both locally and globally. It’s interesting and challenging work; I love that it can be such a collaborative, noisy and joyful process on some projects and very solitary and contemplative on others.
What inspires you about colour?
Everything; without it we live in shades of grey. I love all aspects of colour: from the history of pigments to how we see colour, from the science of colour to colour’s ability to impact volume in the built environment, to the significance colour has on our wellbeing.
It is an easy subject to engage in and the more you learn, the more fascinating it becomes. It’s never something you master. There is always so much to learn because colour impacts every aspect of our lives.
New colours are made every day and sometimes new colours are invented, whole new technologies like Ventra Black (The darkest substance known that absorbs 99.965% of visible light) and structural colour (Mechanisms which are themselves colourless that reflect an array of long-lasting colours.)
How did Chromatic Joy come about?
We started out this year with an entirely different colour collection in mind. We looked to international colour and design trends, looked at local trends and started to build the palette and narrative for 2021/22.
COVID 19 changed and continues to change everything. We stopped and took the time to think about the most helpful thing we could do as a paint company in these most challenging of times. What could we do that would bring about change, a change to our built environment that impacts our wellbeing in such an easy way?
Painting is the most cost-effective way to change a space; Chromatic Joy is a way to bring attention to colour, to remind us that we can be joyful and light, that not every design decision has to be agonised over. The pandemic showed us how quickly things can change. Chromatic Joy is about giving inspiration and a palette to just do it: just get painting and enjoy yourself.
What goes into selecting names for the Chromatic Joy colours?
The colours are named from the Derek Mahon poem ‘Everything is Going to be All Right’. Mahon died in October 2020, and this poem came to represent the pandemic in Ireland and because, in the end, everything is going to be alright, isn’t it?
What influences go into selecting a Chromatic Joy colour?
The New London Fabulous, a term coined by Adam Nathaniel Furman, provided the inspiration for Chromatic Joy. This movement really is about the joy of colour and how it impacts space.
How did you create the Chromatic Joy range?
The Chromatic Joy colours were made with the Coloursmith tools using the camera option to pick colours from photos; images from the Memphis Milano Group featured heavily. The Coloursmith colour reader was used to scan the many fan decks and colour cards that I have collected worldwide over the last 30 years. We dialled down the brightness a little to counter our strong southern light, but the colours work well together.
What problem do you feel Chromatic Joy range solves for DIYers?
The Chromatic Joy colours are quite pale and gentle. They are represented in a slightly mad way to attract attention, but it is a very useable palette. The intention for the DIYer was that they can select any of the paler colours, and they will go together; there is no wrong combination in the lighter shades.
What problem do you feel Chromatic Joy range Coloursmith solves for designers?
For the more experienced designer, the option is to combine the bright stronger colours to create a more dramatic colour scheme.
I hope that whoever looks at Chromatic Joy finds some exciting place to explore on the website or spends some time looking at any of the designers featured. Sometimes just learning something new is reward enough.
If you are looking to start a new colour project and are thinking about using the colours from the Chromatic Joy range, simply click on a Chromatic Joy colour to order a test pot or generate a QR code to take in store. Alternatively, if you feel inspired to create your own colour range like Rachel and her team, upload your own images and adjust colours via the Coloursmith app or website and have a test pot delivered to your door.
Related Posts
Inspiration
Tiles bring in a little bit of texture into any room, and they can be as basic or as over-the-top as you like. They are a vital part of decorating your kitchens and bathrooms. Let’s take a look at some decadent tile and paint combinations that are sure to convince you to add some colour and character to your indoor spaces.
These super versatile styles give you room to choose colours to your taste and create a different look. Whether you want to go for a smart and elegant design, create a rustic space, or add a touch of the French provincial style – we have an idea here to inspire you.
On cabinets, walls, your kitchen decor, or bathrooms, you will discover plenty of ways to bring the style of your choice into your space. Get ready to explore eight budget-friendly, classy, and full of character home decor ideas you can try with tiles and paint.
Inspiration
How to choose a colour for your bedroom
Did you wake up this morning and think it is time for a change in your bedroom's colour? There are hundreds of colour combinations to choose from when it comes to two-colour combinations for bedroom walls. We understand the confusion that comes with the wide range of choices. Let’s see if we can zero in on the top two-colour combinations that are trending this year. Whether you want to paint your master bedroom or a nursery, we have something for you here! Before discussing the colour combinations, let’s go over the basics.
Inspiration
What colour is your front door? Is it a front door that still makes you happy each time you enter it? To have your door stand out or not is always a difficult choice to make. Don't forget to think about how the paint colour will look when the door is open, it needs to carry through the house. It is not just a door; it is "The Door". Playful, gutsy, bold, soothing, happy, welcoming, or joyful — whatever be the emotion you want to bring out, there is a colour for your door.
Inspiration
There is one rule of thumb for home design: Personalise. Home interiors say something about the people who live in them. You need to understand the space, have an insight into the psychological effects of your design choices, and be creative when choosing the colours, shapes and textures to best create a cohesive and pleasing environment. It is a delicate balance of art and science.
From paint colour, tiles, flooring, fabrics, to finishes, colour can significantly affect how your home looks and feels. The colour palette is one of the most crucial design decisions. Will a contrasting colour combination beyond black and white work? Does a black granite kitchen countertop go well with a wall covered with white subway tiles? What if I choose a timber wood flooring and pair it with Ol' Buttercup painted walls?
If you are planning to embark on your interior design project, the tips in this article will help you. We're going to explore the basics of design and colour palettes, so you can avoid potential headaches and pitfalls. If you’re planning to move ahead without the help of a professional, you will first need to take the time to carefully research and plan your project step by step.
Inspiration
If it's high time your sleeping quarters received an overhaul, we've got the lowdown on the bedroom paint colours to consider in 2022.
Inspiration
Painting your home can be a joyous experience — it’s made all the better by adding a splash of colour.
Inspiration
Australia is known internationally for its ‘burnt’ desert and beach landscapes. However, Australians well know about our diverse range of landscapes including lush forests and bushlands. What makes these special are the vibrant native flowers that supply beautiful pops of colour across the seasons. From Australian Wattle to Kangaroo Paw, Desert Flame and more, it is easy to be inspired by the colours of our own backyard. Here are some tips on recreating your own Australian native colour palette.
Inspiration
Your home is an extension of your personality so why wouldn't you personalise as much of it as you can from furniture to accessories and your impactful colour palette.
Inspiration
Recently we interviewed artist Adam Nathaniel Furman, a unique talent with a refreshing approach - equal parts pleasure, colour, and joy. Known for his approachable and often cheeky designs, his art comes from an exploration of form, colour and ornament. Working with the firm belief that colour both empowers individuals and brings people together.
Inspiration
Camille Walala is a London-based artist that creates positivity, expressed through vibrant colour and bold pattern. Her most popular work is known for explosively colourful, large-space installations in public spaces. A standout Camille signature is tribal pop style with endless energy – ideal for show-stopping public spaces.
