Dezeen promotion: paint brand Dulux has included a "soothing" palette of soft, pastel colours called Dream in its trends forecast for 2019.

The Dream colour palette has been described as "perfectly suited to the cold, wintry tones of the weather outside, allowing users of any space, room to let their minds wander".

It is one of four forecast trends for 2019, developed by AkzoNobel and Dulux as part of their annual Colour Futures project.

"The Dream palette is about seeking stillness and silence, falling into a state of dreamlike wakefulness where people get lost in the moment," said Dulux.

"This palette helps to create spaces that are more soothing. It works anywhere that you need to encourage imagination and focus, working on the relaxing properties of pale blues," explained the brand.

Dulux and AkzoNobel worked together with a group of colour specialists and designers who based their decision on current social, economic and design trends.

They discovered an increased desire amongst adults to relax and play.

"Relaxation and play may have once been a stranger to the workplace, but we now understand that being productive is all about invigorating the brain, feeling well in yourself and working as a team," said Dulux.

The resulting colour palette aims to encourage users to "step back from serious matters" and relax.

The Dream colour palette was also chosen to work alongside Dulux's colour of the year, a warm orange-brown shade named Spiced Honey.

"Spiced Honey's role here is as a stronger accent, adding depth," explained Dulux.

The other three colour palettes chosen as part of Colour Futures for 2019 are called Think, Love and Act.

Dulux and AkzoNobel have been forecasting annual colour palettes since 2003.

Interior designer Michelle Ogundehin also looked to wellbeing and comfort when predicting her interior trends of the year, which she believes will err on the side of "soft Scandi" with shades of tangy mustard.

Find out more about the Colour Futures project on the Dulux website.