Crown paint colours for 2021: design experts give their verdict

The Crown paint colours for 2021 have been released and many of them feature in our list of the Hottest Colour Trends for 2021. 

Drawn together from a joyful, comforting and hopeful mix of influences from Bauhaus to the colourful New London Fabulous Movement, they result in three beautiful new palettes: Witty, Foresight and Cocoon.

Hot on the heels of Dulux Colour of the year 2021 also recently released, it's a completely different take. 

We rather like the optimistic effect of the Crown paint colours, so we asked design experts for their thoughts.  

WITTY

Uplifting, joyful and quirky; according to Crown, Witty takes its influence from the New London Fabulous Movement, which represents a new generation of designers who seek beauty and joy in the face of an adverse political and economic climate and includes Camille Walala and Morag Myerscough.

One of the movement's notable works is Happy Street by Yinka Ilori, an interactive installation in Battersea, made up of 16 colours, chosen for happiness and wellbeing. 

Justyna Korczynska, Crown Design Studio says, 'This year, more than ever, we all need a good dose of optimism and cheering up - and that's what this trend is about. Bright, colourful, cheerful and full of joy, Witty creates walls to lift our spirits and put a smile on our faces. It's also a celebration of creativity and diversity.' 

Designer, Eva Soniake, concurs, 'The Crown Colour palette for 2021 with its vibrant colours and 80s feel, gives us hope for brighter days.

I love the combination of pastel shades combined with bold primary colours, which are great for making a statement in any room, be in on a feature wall, panelling or the whole room.

I am an advocate of bringing more colour to people’s home and this colour palette is perfect for my mission!'. 

FORESIGHT

This palette looks towards the future with a nod to the past- specifically the Bauhaus, the German design school, set up by Walter Gropius, at a time of political and economic turmoil in 1919, according to Crown.

Gropius believed that architecture and design should reflect a new period in history. the Bauhaus sought to unify art, craft and industry and offered emerging artists and designers of the time the opportunity to create designs of the future - many of which are still celebrated and enjoyed today.

Neville Knott, Crown Colour Consultant says, 'I love the way this palette brings us "back to the future". With a functional approach to the design aesthetics of the Bauhaus, its strong colours provide a graphic focal point within a space. This contemporary and progressive approach embraces affordable materials to create an interior full of modernist values.' 

Lucy St George, Co-founder of Rockett St George says,' The use of colour in the home can affect both your mood and the feel of the spaces around you. While darker colours introduce dramatic yet cosy glamour, vibrant hues such as those showcased in Crown’s 2021 paint palette are perfect for a more playful approach. 

Bright shades of yellow, pink, orange and blue bring an instant air of positivity to the home and promise to lift your spirits. Equally, a vibrant colour palette is also an amazing opportunity to be creative with your walls. 

Whilst painting all four walls in a bright colour could become overwhelming, these bold hues are ideal for creating zones in your home and can even be used as an artistic feature. Medina from @grillodesigns and Natasha from @untillemonsrsweet are both great sources of inspiration for getting creative with colour.' 

COCOON

With this palette, Crown noted that people remain fearful and doubtful about what a post Covid-19 world might look like for them, their families, their health and finances.

Cocoon was devised to embrace us with a palette of soft neutral tones. It's restful, natural, modern and uncluttered - and above all, conveys a sense of calm.

Judy Smith, Crown Colour Consultant says, 'Cocoon is about simple beauty - no embellishment, no frills, it focuses on rounded sculptural shapes to create a calm and quiet haven. colours are natural with an underlying warmth that harmonise and tone.' 

Enass Mahmoud, Creative Director, Decor by Enass says 'As a designer who loves to use bold colours in my designs, these colours are fantastic! They're a great way to introduce colour into your space without it being overpowering, especially the soothing greens and the soft pinks. 

For those who love to push the boundaries a little, these palettes are great.'

See the hottest Colour Trends for 2021