Asian Paints ColourNext 2024: Decoding Colour of the Year Terra and Wallpaper of the Year with four design directions

Samsara, Wallpaper of the Year 2024

A mysterious discovery that binds elements of nature to make this one marvel, the Wallpaper of the Year, Samsara. With hues found in the trenches of nature, mud, leaves and natural dyes with gouache wash with a metallic golden leaf, this wallpaper stands out to be an ode to the unwavering beauty of soil, in all its forms. 

Design Direction 1: Soil

Once relegated to the role of humble earth beneath our feet, soil has emerged as a catalyst for innovative design. What was once seen as mundane has now transformed into a refined material, igniting curiosity and experimentation in the world of design. Soil is about the stories that breed beneath the limits of earth, a testament to the exploration of textures and materiality. With its raw being, soil accompanies the directions of nature with its versatile yet consistent feel. A rather futuristic blend that bridges the gap between traditional and innovative design.

Design Direction 2: Into the Deep

Into the Deep antagonises the steep depths of the oceanic beauty while revealing the wonders of underwater. A delicate yet dynamic phenomenon of the ocean’s ways gleam through the design philosophy that reflects it and that is how we unknowingly resonate with the deep boundless wonders it holds of the marine world. From architecture that mimics the fluidity of water to furnishings that echo the organic shapes found beneath the waves, every design choice is guided by a deep reverence for the ocean’s intrinsic value.

Design Direction 3: Indo Futurism 

In the pulsating heart of India’s cultural landscape lies a phenomenon that goes beyond time and space: Indo Futurism. This movement weaves together the threads of our rich heritage with the boundless possibilities of science fiction, creating a celebration of our past, present and future. It boldly embraces the iconic elements of our nostalgic heritage, infusing them with the cutting-edge narratives of technology and innovation. Picture a world where ancient myths walk hand in hand with futuristic technologies that hold this essence of Indo Futurism.

Design Direction 4: Goblin Mode 

In a world consumed by the relentless pursuit of productivity and perfection, a refresh emerges, one that celebrates the joyful surrender to one’s authentic self. As Goblin Mode takes hold, it inspires spaces that serve as sanctuaries of calm and authenticity. From cosy nooks where one can curl up with a book to gardens that invite quiet reflection, these spaces offer respite from the pressures of the outside world. They are havens where individuals can shed the weight of expectations and reconnect with their true selves.

The Paris-Calcutta Collection by Sabyasachi

From the bustling streets of Calcutta where history and modernity intertwine with colonial architecture. Renowned for its culture and intellectual fervour, Calcutta has long served as a beacon of inspiration for artists, poets and creative rebels alike.  It is from this metropolis that Sabyasachi draws his eternal muse—the Paris of the East. Much like its European counterpart, Calcutta pulsates with a spirit of freedom and imagination, where every corner holds a story waiting to be told.

In the Paris-Calcutta collection, launched by Sabyasachi, cultural marvels find expression in over 30 wallpapers and more than 120 fabrics, spanning four distinct books. From the grandeur of large-scale damasks to the intricacy of reinterpreted kilims and paisleys, each design reflects the designer’s interpretation of the souks and exotic marketplaces that echo throughout Calcutta and Paris. And as he shares, “Paris-Calcutta is a tale of two cities, both exuberant in spirit and abundant with art, thought, charm and glamour. One is the city that has consumed my imagination, the other is my home and eternal muse.”

Now revisit: Asian Paints ColourNext 2023— The fantastical colour of the year Silver Escapade and the four trends that follow