Johnstone’s Trade has revealed its Colour of the Year 2020, Chinese Porcelain PPG1160-6, chosen from its Voice of Colour palette. A fitting colour to offer an escape from today’s fast-paced society, this blend of cobalt and moody, ink blue evokes a sense of calm while offering hopefulness.

Donna Taylor, principal colour consultant at parent company PPG, said: “The faster technology moves and the more convenience it offers, the more we seek activities, experiences and lifestyles that bring a bit of ease and restfulness into our lives. This need for simplicity and escapism is, in part, why ¬¬colours such as Chinese Porcelain PPG1160-6 resonate so well across various areas of society. Strong, calming, trustworthy and versatile, this shade helps bring people closer to natural elements such as the sea and sky in order to evoke a sense of serenity.”

The Colour of the Year decision process is a detailed one, starting with the PPG Global Colour Workshop. This annual workshop brings together more than 20 PPG global colour stylists from a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace and architectural. The stylists analyse the catwalk, lifestyles, demographics, geographies, and global cross-cultural societal inspirations to determine what colours will resonate and represent the PPG global colour forecast, including the PPG Colour of the Year.

The increasing need for connection was a constant theme to come out of this year’s workshop. Donna said: “As we look to 2020, we can see a strong continuation from last year’s Global Trends Guide, with community and a sense of being standing firmly at the centre. This need for connection starts with blues, such as Chinese Porcelain PPG1160-6, as they are the easiest possible entry point from the world of neutrals to the world of colour.

Chinese Porcelain PPG1160-6 is the perfect hue for creating colour block rooms and is complemented by organic natural wood furniture with a crisp white trim finish. It also works well when layered with additional blues in tufted and velvet furniture, or when paired with trending natural shades.”

2020 Global Colour Trends Guide
The Colour of the Year will act as the focal point for the broader PPG 2020 Global Colour Trends Forecast, which offers direction and inspiration to architects, designers and homeowners. The colours are brought to life through three trend stories, each encompassed within the overarching theme of ‘Flow’:

On the Move: This upbeat and playful colour palette addresses consumers who are looking to remake, reuse and merge cultural influences from different eras, creating a fresh aesthetic that feels simultaneously retro and contemporary. Mismatched hues deliver joyful colour combinations that encourage self-expression from the bold and confident consumer.

At the Core: Taking cues from Mother Nature, this colour collection is earthy, botanical and sustainable, resonating with consumers who are looking for a state of balance between long-lasting and purposeful living. These colours evoke comfort and nostalgia, particularly the muted mid-tones.

In the Know: With an emphasis on knowledge, reflection and innovation, this theme represents consumers who are eager to change society, while contributing to a future that is better than the past. The palette acknowledges the convergence between technology and earthliness, by featuring raw, natural hues like Cedar Chest PPG1065-7, as well as organic oxidised blue-greens like Cavalry PPG1041-7 and Wave of Mystery PPG1148-7.

In the UK, Voice of Colour is available exclusively through Johnstone’s Trade, which brings the latest colour trends to its customers.

You can also claim a free Voice of Colour fandeck, which showcases the full colour palette. (Whilst stocks last).