Landscape & Urban Design Issue 17 2016 | Page 52

UK Garden Owners Prefer Subtle Colours Leading bespoke playhouse manufacturer, choosing something more neutral that However, the most popular paint colours the Playhouse Company, has reported blends in with the rest of the garden”. remain the classic, more neutral heritage a change in its customers’ habits and preferences. The Playhouse Company is not the only company to have noticed this trend. One colours like the delicate ‘Celestial Blue’ from 1807, the timeless neutral ‘French Grey’ and the pure white ‘Shirting. ’ Over the course of its 20 years the of its paint suppliers, the Little Greene Playhouse Company has noticed an Paint Company, has also recognised a This trend was recently also recognised in emerging trend of the choice of colours change in the most popular paint colours. the announcement of the 2016 Pantone of selected by customers. CEO, Richard Frost, elaborates: “When the company started out, our customers wanted bright colours that really stood out. Increasingly, we’re in fact now seeing the opposite with more subtle tones being selected”. Ruth Mottershead, marketing director at the Little Greene Paint Company said: “After the introduction of the grey colour card, we found our customers were choosing the warm, slightly pink grey shades - two years later we have seen a the Year being announced as Rose Quart & Serenity, a blend of soft colours that are said to be chosen “as consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colours that psychologically fulfil our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming Richard attributes this to many factors shift from these warm greys to the cooler ranging from fashion and what’s popular greys with blue undertones. As a result of in culture to perhaps parents now making this, we introduced the ‘Blue’ collection Bespoke items from the Playhouse the decisions! He continues: “Despite what and have seen a noticeable increase in Company are available in a range of parents think, ultimately our customers the number of customers using bolder, finishes and colours. are their children! They are the end user. dark blues such as Hicks’ Blue and Royal Originally parents wanted their playhouses Navy. These colours have been particularly to be brightly coloured for their children, popular for use on stand-out front doors however we’re now noticing that they are and statement kitchens.” 52 Landscape & Urban Design Issue 17 more prominent”. For more information please visit www.theplayhousecompany.co.uk.