For 2025, Dulux is asking architects, specifiers and designers to embrace yellow and infuse a sense of optimism, pride and imagination into their projects. As a guiding light to introduce these bold, positive shades to clients, the paint manufacturer has announced True Joy as its Colour of the Year for 2025, which is complemented by three versatile ColourFutures palettes.

Over that last two decades, the Dulux Colour of the Year has been chosen through extensive trend research by Dulux colour experts and international design professionals. The 2025 selection, True Joy, is a bright and positive yellow that reflects people’s desire to break free, reset, and create something new and exciting. As well as embracing True Joy, Dulux is also encouraging designers to share the joy of yellow and help clients to leap out of their comfort zone – and feel confident in doing so.

Yellow shades like True Joy can be used as a bold statement colour or an accent hue. However, to help designers advise their clients on the best colour pairings, Dulux has created three supporting ColourFutures palettes.

• Bold Colour Story: Inspired by the thrill of adventure, these bold colours bring spontaneity and energy to any space. Bright blues and oranges contrast beautifully with accent yellow, making them ideal for educational and office environments where inspiration and creativity are key.
• Human Colour Story: Celebrating artisanal craftsmanship, these shades of wood and clay reflect the raw materials used in handmade processes. Perfect for educational and healthcare settings, these colours add a touch of authenticity and warmth.
• Proud Colour Story: Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures around the world, these deep, rich and earthy browns and greens celebrate the rich heritages that make us unique. Ideal for hospitality and residential spaces, they create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.

Dawn Scott, Dulux Trade Senior Colour Designer, said: “True Joy and its accompanying palettes offer a fresh perspective on colour’s role in shaping our built environment. These colours are not just trends but tools for architects and specifiers to craft spaces that resonate with the values and visions of their clients, improving our experience within the spaces we inhabit.

“One of the most impactful applications of True Joy is within healthcare environments. Paired with the earthy, natural shades of our Human Colour Story, True Joy can transform waiting rooms, corridors, and communal areas into uplifting and calming spaces. This combination not only brightens the atmosphere but also connects patients and staff to a sense of warmth, creativity, and well-being.”

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Colour Expert at Dulux, explains: “It may be difficult to immediately picture where yellow paint could seamlessly slot into your home, but it’s actually much more versatile than you may first think. The decision to choose the most uplifting hue in the spectrum is to spark inspiration and instil confidence to leap into the unknown and endless possibilities of what could be. Whilst yellow is one of the bolder colours on the spectrum, True Joy is complementary to a vast range of palettes, it brings out the positivity in even the most neutral of shades and is the figurative glue that binds more daring colour stories together.”

To support specifiers and provide additional guidance on the use of True Joy, Dulux has created the Dulux Trade Colour of the Year 2025 Specifier Guide which includes mood boards that can be used to help create the perfect space across any sector. Architects, specifiers, and designers can also use the Dulux Trade Colour Schemer for colour inspiration or to create specifications for projects. They can also speak with the Dulux Commercial Colour Services team for additional advice on how to use the Colour of the Year 2025.

Dulux is proud of its ongoing efforts to produce durable solutions in a more sustainable manner. By focusing on reducing carbon emissions and increasing the circular use of materials, Dulux ensures that products like True Joy not only enhance spaces aesthetically but also contribute to a greener future. With initiatives such as using up to 70% recycled content in packaging and developing water-based paints with lower VOC content, Dulux is dedicated to helping professionals create beautiful, sustainable environments.

Dulux Colour of the Year 2025 True Joy and the accompanying palettes are available for purchase now. For more information, visit duluxtrade.co.uk/cf25 and follow #CF25 on social media.

The post DULUX UNVEILS TRUE JOY™ AS ITS COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2025 appeared first on PHPD Online.

Inside any home, one of the most pressing issues for buyers is storage. PHPD speaks to Claire Kenny and Lorraine Donovan, Business Development Managers at Smart Storage, about the company’s range of solutions.

Q. A recent NHBC Foundation/Savills report suggests that overall living space is one of the priorities of buyers of new homes. What role can storage solutions play in creating desirable homes?

The report by The NHBC Foundation and Savills demonstrates that the size and design of the living space is of particular importance to buyers of all categories, including upsizers and downsizers. Similarly, our studies have highlighted a significant interest from new buyers in storage space, with more than 70% of homeowners indicating that newly built homes lack adequate storage space for their needs.

We understand that space is at a premium in new homes within housing developments and we aim to resolve this with our innovative under stairs storage units. The units allow space to be maximised in every house type without altering the interior layout of the new-build. They can be incorporated into the design and planning of new developments or can be added to any house type at all stages of a development.

Of all rooms within the home, the hallway receives the most footfall. The installation of an under stairs storage solution ensures that homeowners step into a clutter- and stress-free oasis. The units neatly store the unsightly items which traditionally clutter the hallway such as shoes, school bags, coats, ironing boards, luggage and golf bags. The minimalist and discreet design enables our storage units to integrate seamlessly with the design of modern homes, whilst removing the need for unattractive hangers, storage racks and shelving.

• Select the perfect sink to match a new home
• Front door fundamentals
• Airtightness – explained

Organised under-stairs storage can help de-clutter a home

Q. How can storage solutions be designed into new properties to maximise usable space?

It is essential that innovative and customer focused storage solutions are incorporated into the design of newly built homes. We believe that the focus must be on consumer usability rather than just following along with the traditional building styles and layouts which have been popular over the last century.

Perhaps it’s time to take a look at completely overhauling the design of our homes. However, these changes are unlikely to happen over the next decade. Until then we must look at using the non-traditional spaces within homes as clever, efficient solutions. These should be viewed not only as storage solutions but as a new function or design feature within the home.

Q. Are there any design constraints that housebuilders need to be aware of when including under stairs storage?

Our storage units are designed to suit straight and winder staircases of all pitches. The variety of Staircase Storage solutions available ensure that the units fit neatly beneath any staircase. However, utilities under the stairs can sometimes impede upon the installation of our storage units.

Therefore, when designing an under stairs space, we recommend placing the utilities at the taller end of the available space. The optimal placement of the utilities beneath the staircase maximises the time-efficiency and ease of installation of the storage unit.

However, there is always room to work around such constraints.

Q. From where did the idea behind Staircase Storage originate?

Staircase Storage is the business-to-business division of consumer brands Smart Storage and Clever Closet. The company originated as a solution to a storage crisis faced by CEO Paul Jacob. Faced with a growing ‘shoe crisis’, Paul designed an under stairs storage unit for his own home. The product was then showcased on Dragon’s Den and expansion quickly began throughout Ireland and the UK as a direct to consumer product.

With appearances on ‘Dragon’s Den’, ‘Double your House for Half the Money’, and Peter Andre’s ‘60 Minute Makeover’, the brand is instantly recognisable amongst consumers and potential home buyers. More than 30,000 patent-approved storage units have been fitted to date.

In recent years, our business-to-business department has been established enabling us to develop partnerships with leading architects, designers, interior designers and building developers. Today, we work closely with the construction industry across Ireland and the UK. We are currently working closely with leading developers including Brampton Valley Homes, Higgins Homes, Flynn O’Flaherty, Westin Homes, O’Flynn Construction, Glenveigh and many more.

Q. Does the company offer design advice and installation services to housebuilders?

Yes, the Staircase Storage team are experienced in reviewing drawings and offering expert design advice on the most suitable storage solutions for each residential house type.

While we can offer an installation service, our waiting times are a minimum of six weeks. However, delivery of flat pack units is guaranteed within 10 working days. Therefore, as part of our trade partnerships, we provide full installation training for construction teams to enable them to professionally fit the units within their own time-frames.

We offer a dedicated key account manager for each development to provide advice and support throughout the entire sales process.

For more information visit https://clevercloset.co.uk/

The post Under stairs storage solutions appeared first on PHPD Online.

The post Tradelink transforms interior layouts with AluSpace appeared first on PHPD Online.

Since the start of 2023, apartment living has been enjoying a resurgence. Property experts at Zoopla and Rightmove indicate a reversal of the pandemic trend to move to rural and coastal locations, with apartments generating the most sales. Steve Hird, director at interior design specialists, Edward Thomas Interiors discusses why this lifestyle is back in vogue…

“The beginning of the year was clouded in mortgage uncertainty, and this coupled with the rate of inflation and cost-of-living caused a hit to the housing market. It would seem the knock-on effect has been an increase in demand for smaller, more manageable homes like apartments.

“Not only are these cheaper to run but with a smaller footprint, they require less furnishings. They’re also typically located in town or city centres, nearby public transport connections, meaning leading a sustainable lifestyle is far easier.

“Reflecting this sustainability and cost consciousness in show apartment design has become a common brief. Many of our schemes now incorporate recycled and natural materials as well as upcycled furniture, or pieces sourced from high street, affordable retailers. Where we use bespoke items, these are made by British manufacturers, to limit carbon footprint.

“A second priority for housebuilders is to address the common misconception that apartments require a compromise on living space. Most apartments follow an open plan layout with a large kitchen/dining/living space and, if you think about it, this is hardly dissimilar from most larger new build homes. The challenge is in the styling.

“Our approach is to follow the logical flow of the property and avoid creating pinch points with bulky objects or furniture. Using thoughtful wall treatments such as panelling, block painting or sometimes even a living wall, we subtly subdivide the space for different activities such as dining, home working or relaxing. This can be taken a step further with physical partitions such as temporary screens or open display units to section each area.

“Another important distinction is to challenge conventional room labelling. As tempting as it might be to style a two-bedroom apartment with a main and a guest bedroom, the point is to highlight flexibility of space. The idea of ‘self-care spaces’ has been rising rapidly, as people focus on their mental and physical wellbeing. So the second bedroom might become a home cinema, library, craft room or peloton room, and that’s before we’ve covered the latest trend for ‘spathrooms’ i.e. bathrooms with spa-like décor!

“One final thought on why apartments remain popular is because they’re not ageist. Homeowners from all stages of life can embrace apartment living, from first time buyers, young couples and new families to professionals and the retired.”

The post The Inside View | City living appeared first on PHPD Online.

There’s much research on wellbeing interior design, from connecting with nature to colour psychology, how we interact and feel within a space affects our mood. So when it comes to new homes, how can showhomes be styled to have a positive impact? Steve Hird, director at interior design specialists, Edward Thomas Interiors offers his insight.

As the dark days of winter drag on, maintaining a sense of positive wellbeing can be a challenge. One of the more common design briefs we’re encountering is to emphasise sustainability, a greener lifestyle and the well-documented benefits these have on mental health. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, from subtle colour and lighting variations to choices of materials, to redefining rooms in the home.

Biophilia
Biophilia, the idea that humans have an innate inclination to connect with nature, features increasingly in architecture and interior design. We’re exploring how to bring the outside in, whether that’s through increased natural light, maximising coastal or countryside views, or blurring the distinction between our homes and gardens.

In styling terms, biophilia can be expressed dramatically with oversized house plants or a living wall, or more subtly by selecting wallpaper or artwork with a leaf motif. It’s not just visually that connections are established, humans are tactile too so we incorporate healthy, organic fabrics and materials such as bamboo, rattan, string, rope, cork, clay and stone to create home comforts.

Restorative Rooms
I’ve long advocated the abandonment of pre-determined rooms, which means not being afraid to defy convention. For instance, why have a formal dining room if you don’t entertain? Could this be used as a children’s playroom, home gym, craft or music room to improve family wellness? For 2023, I’m expecting to see more ‘bootilities’, where the utility room is transformed into a designer boot room to store equipment for outdoor pursuits and act as a designated entrance after a muddy walk with the dog.

Finding spaces in and around the home that can be used for moments of quiet reflection, or to indulge in a hobby is important. It could be something as simple as a cosy reading chair under a skylight on the landing, or a more elaborate garden pod to use as an exercise studio. In all these scenarios, don’t overlook lighting. Obviously, this includes maximising any daylight by arranging furniture to benefit from windows, skylights and glazing, but also add a combination of task lighting, table/floor lamps, candles and dimmable lights to achieve a contrast between practical and cosy.

Colour
There’s much psychology behind the use of colour in interior design, especially how it can affect mood and productivity. Bright, vibrant colours are energising, cool palettes are more calming and relaxing while muted or softer tones can help focus and concentration. Core colours for 2023 are all tied to wellness so we expect to see plenty of neutrals like the Dulux Colour of the Year ‘Wild Wonder’, along with pastels and earthy shades.

Ultimately, there’s no rulebook for instilling a sense of wellbeing, it’s a very individual feeling that will mean different things to different people at different times. But making a sanctuary in the home is a good place to start.

The post The Inside View | Design for wellbeing appeared first on PHPD Online.

Internal timber doors are often specified purely on price and aesthetics, but taking a closer look at the core can make all the difference when it comes to meeting requirements relating to the wider room performance. Mike Ward, Managing Director at JELD-WEN explains the various timber door cores available.

It is understandable that cost typically dominates choice when it comes to internal doors, leading to them commonly been seen simply as a ‘gap filler’. However, as with almost every type of building product, failing to look any further than price and aesthetics can lead to ineffective performance which stops the room from meeting the full requirements of the end-user.

This can vary from creating a quiet and secure space, to a home office that demands privacy, or a conversion where fire regulations must be adhered to.

Light weight

A door with a standard or light weight core is currently the most typical choice for the majority of applications, mainly due to its cost effectiveness. At 35mm or 40mm thick, a door with a standard or light weight core is often a multi-cell or spacer pad which not only makes it light, but can undermine any additional acoustic measures that are being implemented within the rest of the room.

It is common to come across moulded panel doors with this type of core in new build properties across the UK. Where the housebuilder may specify these doors on cost alone, often the buyer will want greater protection against noise from adjoining rooms, and therefore upgrade to higher quality or denser cores at a later date. It’s therefore important for contractors to take a valuable learning from this; will the end-user expect or require a certain level of acoustics and if so, are the door cores being considered?

Plus, a door with a light weight core provides less resistance against impact and therefore damage. This is again often suitable for a standard domestic setting, but may increase the likelihood of maintenance or the need for replacement in the property is to be rented.

Middle weight

When it comes to doors with middle weight cores, on average 2kg is added to the overall weight of a 35mm or 40mm door. This not only improves the durability, acoustics, and insulation, but the general feeling of sturdiness and lasting quality. For example, these semi-solid cores provide a far greater surface area for a lock and latch fitting which results in a more secure and satisfying clunk on closure. The combined offering of quality, performance, and price, ultimately means that a middle weight core can provide the best of all worlds for a domestic application.

Heavy weight

Commonly 15kg heavier than their light weight core counterparts, a door with a solid or heavy weight internal construction gives a truly substantial feel. This is beneficial when working to a high specification and, when combined with high quality timber such as white oak, is ideal for meeting the expectations of a high-end show home or within new build properties that want to have a selection of ‘optional upgrades’. With this in mind, manufacturers such as JELD-WEN continue to extend the choice of oak door designs and offer everything from traditional styles to more contemporary looks such as the pictured Shaker Cottage oak door.

A heavy weight core of course also equals greater protection against damage or impact, plus a stronger base for the installation of door hardware. This makes it a more attractive proposition for areas of high traffic or where the door needs to be more than just functional; for instance, a communal entrance within a property that’s being developed for multiple occupants to share.

Acoustic benefits

Doors with heavy weight cores perhaps have the most to contribute to a room’s performance. One of the key benefits is the value it offers to acoustics. For a contractor, looking to comply with Approved Document E of the Building Regulations, which relates to the passage of sound, the contribution of the door has to be taken seriously.

Excellent acoustics can be of real value to the building occupant, particularly when used for a child’s bedrooms or for a laundry room, for example. Plus, they’re an important part of the housebuilder or architect’s responsibility to create a comfortable living environment that will stand the test of time. After all, being able to hear noisy neighbours or road traffic can be a detractor for buyers if managing or selling a property.

Fire doors

Fire doors also fall into the heavy weight core category. JELD-WEN offers 35mm, 44mm, and even 54mm thick fire doors options, which are approximately 45kg in comparison to the 12kg or 13kg of the light weight core design. In this case, the internal fire core would be part of the specification process as it’s so integral to the fire protection of properties. But again, the quality and acoustic properties that are innate with a door of this thickness should be seen as a huge added benefit.

Ultimately, timber doors can offer much more than a functional and indeed, an aesthetically pleasing, feature. Looking past purely price to take a closer look at the structure and performance of the door can reap benefits both for the occupant, who will use the door many times per day, and for landlords due to the reduced likelihood of maintenance call-outs or complaints.

We’re already seeing a number of UK housebuilders recognising the potential value that a heavier weight door core can offer to their customers due to the related quality and acoustic improvements; it is therefore time for property developers to follow suit through the wide range of options widely available from leading UK manufacturers.

Mike Ward is Managing Director at JELD-WEN. www.jeld-wen.co.uk

The post Internal doors – the impact of different door cores appeared first on PHPD Online.