Nippon Paint colours are all about meanings. Colour trends are forecast annual to reflect the mood, trends and events that occurred throughout the year.

These colours are determined through in-depth analysis by Nippon Paint Colour Experts, who narrow down the new season’s key colour selections that help create space, beauty and, of course, colour!

This year’s palette of colours is mostly muted and dark, giving and insight into the difficulties and challenges that faced many the past years.

Colour Trends 2011 will be a stark contrast to what was seen in 2010 where positive emotions and brighter moods are translated into playful and bold colours at the turn of the new year.

For this year, six distinctive sets of Colour Trends were determined:

• Back of Basics
This palette of earthbound colours is inspired by the healing powers of nature. Wood and forest-like greens symbolise growth and renewal – perfect for creating a tranquil environment.

• Homage to Culture
In unpredictable times, we look to the familiar comfort of the past for renewed strength and reassurance. Strong warm colours are reflected in this palette and are inspired by passion. These are accompanied by rustic earth-like shades.

• Sky’s the limit
This bright airy palette captures the essence of freedom where there is no limit to the imagination.

Soothing blue-green tones evoke the comfort of dreams – nostalgia intermingled with promise – while a strong burst of plume will send your mood soaring for the stars.

• New Luxury
More than ever, the home is now a place where we want to indulge our senses in peace and quiet.

Natural soft colours make up a palette that evokes an elegant purity. They cast a relaxed glow over many furnishing styles, and beautifully accommodate accent colours while maintaining a classic appeal.

• Urban Treasures
Taking cues from the sleek, sensual silhouette of our cityscape is this cool and neutral palette made up of smoke blue and grey shared which evoke an edgy dark glamour, with strong neutrals to ground it in a timeless contemporary charm.

• Individuality and Optimism
Lively, almost acidic shared of yellows and greens evoke the post-futuristic images seen in today’s pop culture and likely in tomorrow’s fashion.

Warmer but equally bright pinks and orange round out an eclectic range