How colour can inspire hope & optimism

A look at how colour can inspire hope & optimism

Poor mental health caused by Covid-induced worry is inciting a new wave of wellbeing-focused products.

US brand Calico Wallpaper is seizing this opportunity with its latest collection of pioneering ombré wallcoverings that explore the psychological effects of colour.

The Dawn series is designed to inspire hope and optimism during times of hardship through the use of colour therapy (chromotherapy). Combinations of calm, soothing, nourishing and warm shades are employed to create evocative and mood-enhancing products.

Calico enlisted four prominent designers to remotely create the ambient colour gradients. Silhouette – a scorched orange gradient – by Rotterdam-based Sabine Marcelis suggests vivid and uplifting sunsets, while Switzerland-based Ini Archibong was inspired by his local Lake Neuchâtel and his daughter’s favourite colour. The Yemoja colourway – soft pink to deep teal – represents the calm and purifying powers of water.

Milan-based Dimorestudio created Oblio, a deep but soothing red gradient intended to evoke a warm embrace, soft and filtered light, and the idea of travelling to faraway lands once again. Shanghai-based Neri&Hu drew inspiration from the Dutch master Johannes Vermeer, reworking the moss green and lapis lazuli shades found in his Woman Reading a Letter painting into a rich, almost botanical blue-green design.

Restorative colours that trigger a sense of comfort or relief will resonate with consumers battling chronic stress, anxiety or overwhelmedness. Products influenced by colour therapy will have a significant place in home, work and retail spaces alike.

Credit: Stylus