David Savastano, Contributing Editor09.22.24
Every year, color specialists at many paint companies look at the trends around us, selecting the colors they see as reflecting our current sensibilities. For Philippa Radon, C2 Paint’s color specialist, people are feeling a sense of “anxiety” about where we are right now, and C2 Raku, a grounding dark red, is just what homeowners are looking for.
“We wanted a color that brought a sense of balance and reminded us of how rituals and everyday routines present invaluable moments to regroup, but in a way that is both simple and sophisticated,” Radon observed. “C2 Raku is a truly versatile neutral that shifts with the light. It’s much like a full-bodied wine that shifts from a deep red to a darker tone, revealing mahogany and deep purple undertones. It’s really a stunning, quite dramatic color that also brings a sense of calm.”
Radon said that whenever C2 Paint’s color experts think about what its feature color for the year is, the team takes many things into consideration.
“The first is what’s happening around us culturally including technology, lifestyle trends, interiors, fashion, and the political landscape,” Radon noted. “I have been afforded the ability to travel extensively, so we are able to use insights and ideas from around the globe to inform our design decisions.
“With a heated election on the horizon, there is a certain amount of anxiety in the world,” added Radon. “Advancements in technology are happening at a rapid pace, and with the introduction of artificial intelligence, our lives are moving faster and the expectations we have for ourselves are growing. We wanted to feature a grounding, embracing but also inspiring, and dynamic color since our homes are where we retreat and recharge.
“Raku is an expression of balance, comfort, and timeless elegance,” Radon noted. “In a world where polarizing views can divide and isolate, Raku offers a palette that returns us to simple, grounding pleasures.”
Radon pointed out that Raku is a versatile color that works beautifully both inside and outside the home.
“As an exterior color, it would look wonderful with dark trim,” she said. “Or if you just want a touch, it’s perfect as a glossy, eye-catching front door color. On interiors, it looks exceptional on millwork like wainscotting or trim. It’s also great as a single all-over blanket of color with color drenching. It’s important to note how this color can vary from dark red to deep purple, depending on the light and surroundings.”
Radon observed that C2 Raku pairs well with many complementary hues.
“We love unexpected hues paired with C2 Raku,” she said. “We saw many runway pairings that inspired us, like the Alexander McQueen fall collection, which paired deep burgundy purples with a vibrant vermillion. We also love Raku paired with softer tones like C2 Ambrosia, a refreshing peachy pink, or with a dusky blue like C2 Argyle. We know there is always a need to offer a white option, so we selected C2 Twist as a great en terre near-white.”
Radon noted that Raku is quite different from Thermal, C2 Paint’s 2024 Color of the Year, which is fitting as times are changing.
“C2 Raku and C2 Thermal are complete opposites, though both brought a strong, independent message. C2 Thermal is energetic and uplifting while Raku is deep, rich, and embracing. It provides a color sanctuary with its sophisticated sense of comfort and security,” Radon observed.
“We consider trends at large and very much focus on how they relate to home,” Radon added. “They need to be more relevant and representative of our shared values of what home means to us and what it provides us; it’s more than just being a good color. Raku feels like more of a departure from the still popular khaki/olive greens and lighter purples that are still trending in fashion and home. We love that it’s comforting and earthy while still being rich and dynamic. It’s really an exciting and versatile color to work with.”
Tia Clarida, director of marketing for C2 Paint, noted that the choice of Raku reflects the need for balance in the paint industry.
"Our commitment to providing exceptional quality and carefully curated colors like C2 Raku showcases our dedication to craftsmanship and customer care—qualities often overshadowed in larger corporate settings,” Clarida observed. “Each small business purchase contributes to the local economy and supports a balanced distribution of economic power, encouraging innovation and ensuring that community values are reflected in the products and services offered. This balance strengthens the community, providing a counterpoint to the impersonal nature of large corporations and creating a more dynamic, responsive, and personally connected marketplace."
“We wanted a color that brought a sense of balance and reminded us of how rituals and everyday routines present invaluable moments to regroup, but in a way that is both simple and sophisticated,” Radon observed. “C2 Raku is a truly versatile neutral that shifts with the light. It’s much like a full-bodied wine that shifts from a deep red to a darker tone, revealing mahogany and deep purple undertones. It’s really a stunning, quite dramatic color that also brings a sense of calm.”
Radon said that whenever C2 Paint’s color experts think about what its feature color for the year is, the team takes many things into consideration.
“The first is what’s happening around us culturally including technology, lifestyle trends, interiors, fashion, and the political landscape,” Radon noted. “I have been afforded the ability to travel extensively, so we are able to use insights and ideas from around the globe to inform our design decisions.
“With a heated election on the horizon, there is a certain amount of anxiety in the world,” added Radon. “Advancements in technology are happening at a rapid pace, and with the introduction of artificial intelligence, our lives are moving faster and the expectations we have for ourselves are growing. We wanted to feature a grounding, embracing but also inspiring, and dynamic color since our homes are where we retreat and recharge.
“Raku is an expression of balance, comfort, and timeless elegance,” Radon noted. “In a world where polarizing views can divide and isolate, Raku offers a palette that returns us to simple, grounding pleasures.”
Radon pointed out that Raku is a versatile color that works beautifully both inside and outside the home.
“As an exterior color, it would look wonderful with dark trim,” she said. “Or if you just want a touch, it’s perfect as a glossy, eye-catching front door color. On interiors, it looks exceptional on millwork like wainscotting or trim. It’s also great as a single all-over blanket of color with color drenching. It’s important to note how this color can vary from dark red to deep purple, depending on the light and surroundings.”
Radon observed that C2 Raku pairs well with many complementary hues.
“We love unexpected hues paired with C2 Raku,” she said. “We saw many runway pairings that inspired us, like the Alexander McQueen fall collection, which paired deep burgundy purples with a vibrant vermillion. We also love Raku paired with softer tones like C2 Ambrosia, a refreshing peachy pink, or with a dusky blue like C2 Argyle. We know there is always a need to offer a white option, so we selected C2 Twist as a great en terre near-white.”
Radon noted that Raku is quite different from Thermal, C2 Paint’s 2024 Color of the Year, which is fitting as times are changing.
“C2 Raku and C2 Thermal are complete opposites, though both brought a strong, independent message. C2 Thermal is energetic and uplifting while Raku is deep, rich, and embracing. It provides a color sanctuary with its sophisticated sense of comfort and security,” Radon observed.
“We consider trends at large and very much focus on how they relate to home,” Radon added. “They need to be more relevant and representative of our shared values of what home means to us and what it provides us; it’s more than just being a good color. Raku feels like more of a departure from the still popular khaki/olive greens and lighter purples that are still trending in fashion and home. We love that it’s comforting and earthy while still being rich and dynamic. It’s really an exciting and versatile color to work with.”
Tia Clarida, director of marketing for C2 Paint, noted that the choice of Raku reflects the need for balance in the paint industry.
"Our commitment to providing exceptional quality and carefully curated colors like C2 Raku showcases our dedication to craftsmanship and customer care—qualities often overshadowed in larger corporate settings,” Clarida observed. “Each small business purchase contributes to the local economy and supports a balanced distribution of economic power, encouraging innovation and ensuring that community values are reflected in the products and services offered. This balance strengthens the community, providing a counterpoint to the impersonal nature of large corporations and creating a more dynamic, responsive, and personally connected marketplace."
