As Commercial Director at Crown Paints Ireland, Clarke Blair brings a forward-looking perspective to the evolving role of housing in Ireland. With homes now expected to be more flexible, sustainable and supportive of wellbeing than ever before, he highlights how smart design choices - from colour to coatings - can help future-proof living spaces for a changing world.
How has the definition of a “home” in Ireland changed over the past decade, and what does that mean for those designing and supplying housing today?
“There’s no doubt that we’ve seen huge advancements across sectors over the past decade – including in interior design and housing.
“One of the main areas we’ve seen that change is in the home becoming a multi-functional space. Where once a home was primarily where we slept and relaxed, today it’s become an office, classroom, gym, and so much more than simply a base. A trend accelerated by the pandemic, homes now need to be flexible, which is a vital consideration for developers designing spaces to meet multiple functions.”
How can small design choices—such as coatings and finishes—make a measurable impact on the environmental performance of homes?
Products that are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) -- such as Crown Trade Clean Extreme® Clean Air® - are a must for those seeking to cement a commitment to a more sustainable built environment. Clean Extreme® Clean Air also features innovative air purifying technology that absorbs formaldehyde from the surrounding environment, helping to improve the air quality of a room from the very first coat.
“Our entire Clean Extreme® range is also highly durable, meaning they need to be touched up less and consequently have less of an impact on the environment.
“But it’s not just the product formulation that contributes to us reducing our impact on the environment – it’s important to think about packaging, manufacturing and logistics too. Our paint cans now contain an average of 79% recycled plastic.
How can innovation help future-proof homes against changing lifestyles and climate conditions?
“With today’s changing climate, choosing products that have been specifically designed to cope with a wide range of extreme conditions is key to securing longevity.
“Products such as Sandtex Trade X-treme X-posure provide up to 20 years protection against elements, with ultimate dirt resistance and anti-carbonation coating protecting against weather exposure associated with volatile conditions.
“There’s also no denying that we’re living starkly different lifestyles from 10 years ago. One of the main areas this is prominent is in the ageing population. As we’re living longer than ever before, it’s so important to design the interior of projects with both a younger and older end user in mind.
“Using colours that suit ageing eyes and conditions such as dementia is therefore key. Consider using primary colours for high visibility and to aid those that struggle to differentiate between similar tones and select pastel tones of these shades to reduce aggression and to create a calming environment.”
How does colour and finish influence wellbeing, mood, and how people experience their homes?
“Colour has a major impact on mood and wellbeing, so it’s really important to consider your goals for a space before selecting your paint shade.
“As a guide, whilst warm colours such as red and orange often stimulate our mood, cooler, pastel shades such as neutrals, blues and greens tend to be more restful, making them a great choice for those wanting a relaxing space.
“For social spaces such as kitchens, consider using warm, brighter shades – for example with red or pink undertones – or using pops of colour such as pastels to inject energy and vibrance. This instantly lifts your mood as you enter and promotes interaction and socialising.
“For spaces that you seek to relax in such as living rooms or bedrooms, consider using shades inspired by nature like greens, blues and browns. These help to bring the outdoors in, evoking similar feelings to spending time in nature and reaping the tranquillity and relaxation that it brings.”
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