Babies are said to be more grounded, calmer and at one with their surroundings following a distinct shift in colour palettes for nurseries. Gone are the sugar pinks and vibrant blues of yesteryear, making room for the warm beiges, sun-kissed terracottas, muted sage and peach blush of today.
Our love of the warm, earthy hues of the natural landscape has now extended to baby rooms and baby clothes, with many believing this palette creates a more nurturing and restful environment for baby.
The most popular nature-inspired hues, according to Wattyl, are muted forest and sage greens, and even olive, while powdered blues, soft terracottas, taupes and light tans have also found a place in the sun. Often the wall colour will be an airy, warm white or creamy beige or taupe with the earthier, richer hues appearing in soft furnishings, toys and artworks.
Along with the colour change has come a strong preference by parents for ultra low VOC paints, such as Wattyl I.D. Advanced, which contains less than 1gram VOC per litre (even when tinted) and is verified by the Green Building Council of Australia.
Natural materials in furnishings are also favoured, such as timber, rattan, cotton, linen and wool, with the added advantage of being able to be recycled at the end of their useful life.
An additional advantage of this colour shift is the longevity of the space. These neutral and earthy hues have a much longer lifespan than the pastel pinks and blues of old, with the need to repaint once the baby has become a toddler no longer necessary. These beautiful, organic colour palettes will still be relevant when the child starts school.
And while colour is a focus for Wattyl, sustainability and the reduction of environmental impact remains a top priority. Wattyl I.D. Advanced interior paint features an ultra-low VOC formula of less than 1g/litre (one of the lowest VOC interior paints on the Australian market) – for better indoor air quality post-painting.
Wattyl I.D Advanced paints are available in a range of sheen levels – Matt, Low Sheen and Satin, along with a supporting ceiling product. RRP: Wattyl I.D Advanced Interior Paint 4-litre, from $95.00.
