It’s been impossible to visit a design show over the past five years and not encounter some ‘nature-inspired’ colour palettes. Whether land, sea or sky, woodland or wetland, it feels as though no stone has been left unturned in the search for a new spin on earthy shades. That is, until now.

Pantone has taken inspiration from some of the less trodden ground in the form of Military Olive and Ultramarine Green. Both feel fresh, and while having an obvious connection to our surroundings, present very contemporary and commercial colour options – perfect for upholstered furniture.

Shades of opulence

The very mention of jewelled tones will have minimalists sprinting in the opposite direction. But, although the palette does take root in the luxuriously decadent end of the spectrum, its use doesn’t necessarily have to symbolise utter overwhelm.

Blue Depths is a few shades away from Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Classic Blue – sitting somewhere between that and navy. It’s moody, but not standoffish. Perfect for hospitality environments. Fired Brick and Magenta Purple step things up a notch, but still air on the right side of dramatic.