"Color is an integral part of our business and sharing our knowledge with people around the world means everyone can be inspired and benefit from its transformative impact," said Ruud Joosten, AkzoNobel's Executive Committee Member responsible for Decorative Paints. "Studying global color and design trends also allows us to stay at the cutting-edge of what consumers want."

Now in its 13^th year, ColourFutures 2016 focuses on one overall theme - Looking Both Ways - with gold being identified as the color that best connects all the keys trends for next year.

"Gold exemplifies the overall theme of duality," explained Heleen van Gent, Head of AkzoNobel's Global Aesthetic Center. "It's bright enough to attract attention, while subtly referring to history and heritage. So it represents a fusion of our past, our present and our future."

The study was developed by the company's Global Aesthetic Center in conjunction with leading design and color experts from around the world, who conducted detailed research into global social and design trends. The study drew from a multitude of influences, from fine art to technology, design to nature, architecture to fashion, and music to popular culture.