Caribbean design talent featured in first ever Caribbean trend palette launched by regional collective

Home improvers should look out for the first ever paint colour collection prepared by Caribbean designers for the Caribbean, just launched across the region.  The work of designers and colour professionals from Jamaica to St. Vincent are featured in this first of its kind collection produced by the Caribbean Colour Authority and available exclusively from Harris Paints and sister company, BH Paints in Jamaica.

The newly formed Caribbean Colour Authority (CCA) is a collective of regional designers who have come together to identify colour trends specific to the Caribbean countries they call home. Individually and together, they have brought together their research and observations, and their knowledge of people and culture to create thematic colour palettes reflective of the unique tastes and desires of the Caribbean.  

 “Many of the large international paint companies launch global colour trends each year”, explained Melissa Browne, one of the featured designers from Barbados, “but these really are heavily influenced by the North American market, where the climate, architecture and lifestyle is quite different so they don’t really reflect the way we use colour in the Caribbean”. She says collaborating with the CCA has been a great opportunity because it has allowed interior designers in the Caribbean to have a voice. “It has been an honour to be able to speak up for my country and my people using colour and to meet other professionals in the region in a similar field and learn from their experiences.”

Alongside Browne, the CCA Design Collection features five other colour professionals from across the region including architect, Simone Sanguinette-Hadeed from Antigua; interior designer, Karen Booker of Jamaica; visual artist Naja Simeon and interior designer Merlicia Melius from Saint Lucia and from St Vincent, interior designer, Pamisha Wright.

As well as individual palettes, the group contributed to a collective palette called “Caribbean Embrace” which joyously celebrates the unique bounty we experience through natures gifts, our cultures, music and communities.  The upbeat collection is refreshingly modern and optimistic. It delicately balances serenity and vibrancy and features a crystal, watery blue, glistening aqua, soft sands and a sunburst of peachy-orange empowering both subtle and dramatic effects.

Already garnering industry attention.  Carl Minchew, Executive Director, Color Guild International Inc., a global marketing and colour forecast co-operative for the paint and coatings industry, remarked: “There are many influences that shape our world.  Our environment, our personal and shared experiences, and our community shapes our outlook and preferences.  Digital communication connects us more than ever but can be frenzied and disconnected from our experience. I applaud this local initiative that uses proven colour forecasting methodology to bring special focus to the Caribbean community.  By working hand in hand with local designers, the CCA has produced a Collection that recognizes and celebrates the unique and special culture of the people in the region through colour expression.” 

The unique collaboration was spearheaded by world renowned International Colour Expert, Fawn Chang, who has been on the leading edge of colour and design trends for over 30 years.  Having worked in the Caribbean for the last decade, Chang recognized the need for more representation and set about creating a Caribbean collective to create their own sensational colour palettes which represent life in the Caribbean.

In need of a partner to produce the collection and help fund promotion, Chang turned to Harris Paints, known for their high-quality products which are widely distributed in 15 countries across the region.

“We are extremely happy to sponsor the CCA Caribbean Design Collection”, exclaimed the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Harris Paints, Luke Ticknor. “As a regionally based company we invest heavily in the region and I believe Caribbean people are like none other when it comes to their appreciation of vibrant colour and design.  We think our customers will love this collection and it gives us great pride to help provide visibility and exposure for local talent.”

Discover the CCA Caribbean Design Collection here.