September 21, 2021

The airy blue of Bright Skies, AkzoNobel’s Color of the Year 2022, has been translated into colors and finishes for wood coatings, bringing a breath of fresh air to wood product manufacturers.

After a spell of feeling shut in, people are craving expansion. Extensive global trend research conducted by a team of in-house paints and coatings color experts and international design professionals reveals that people want open air, connections to the great outdoors and a fresh approach to everything.

“Building on our annual trend research, our wood design team works with furniture designers around the world,” said Rob Haley, color trends manager for AkzoNobel’s Industrial Coatings business. “We interpret what’s happening in architectural color, soft-furnishings and fashion to create the overall look and feel of our wood finishes, introducing unique techniques such as wire brushing and heavy distressing.”

Specially crafted finishes are required for different products, as wood coatings are often applied to highlight and play with the natural beauty of the substrate rather than to cover a blank surface. A highly trained technical service team works closely with the wood design team to ensure that the brand’s finishes are robust and can be industrialized for customers around the world.

Four distinct color palettes created around the blue Color of the Year will have an influence on home decor – including furniture, flooring, cabinetry and building products – in the coming year:

• The Studio – soulful, warm and modern tones
• The Salon – embracing artful qualities
• The Greenhouse – revelling in nature’s influence
• The Workshop – creating flexibility in multifunctional spaces

“Wood is not only timeless, it’s also exceptionally versatile,” said Haley. “We want to inspire and empower our customers with creative opportunities for combining colors and trends, like formal designs and finishes ranging from flat to glossy. That’s how we make wood the perfect companion for our modern times.”