Although Very Peri — a brand-new blend of blue and violet declared by Pantone as its 2022 colour of the year selection — remains the hottest thing in home design, interior designer Cecile Levee says, “the colour you love is the colour you use. Don’t worry about trends”. Good news for the do-it-yourselfers comfortably seated inside H&L Rapid True Value, Lane Plaza, on Sunday, October 23 for Colour-Topia, a Jamaica Observer Design Week conversation with the charismatic Levee. The event was hosted by Dr Terri-Karelle Reid.

And, because painting and colouring for adults is having a moment right now, several art and design fiends ditched their usual Sunday plans for an afternoon of function, fabulosity and fun!

Around for over 90 years, H&L Rapid True Value is one of the leading home improvement spots in Jamaica. And with 10 stores islandwide, six paint brands and over 11,000 colours, and a paint bar that mixes just about any colour, the retailer has become Jamaica’s number one paint destination.

But it wasn’t all about paint! Regency Blinds — a premium blinds and shades manufacturer since 1983 — is the newest member of the H&L Rapid True Value family, joining them just over a year ago in July 2021. General Manager Craig Fongyee added to the design conversation sharing the latest trends and technologies available.

H&L’s EasyCare paint line was top choice as Levee demonstrated, among other things, how to create eye-catching designs on walls with painter’s tape. The vision, a bit blurry at first, became crystal clear as Levee’s fun wall of shapes was revealed. Oohs and aahs all around for the colour savant’s blasé approach to design. “Paint is the least expensive design element. Don’t be afraid if you mess up, you can just paint it over,” said Levee.

This notion, spawned a Picasso moment for six women who desired something a little less ‘colour between the lines’ and a lot more easel, paint brush, and acrylic colours. The five-minute ‘paint off’ proved to be a highlight of the event, with attendee Theresa Lindo’s Picasso moment earning her bragging rights as top artisan.

The interactive session wrapped with a raffle for a H&L Rapid True Value $50,000 gift card, and the opportunity to get first dibs on sale items.