COLOURING IN

Finalists for the Dulux Colour Awards have just been announced, following a record-breaking 435 entries from both Australian and NZ design professionals. A panel of colour experts selected 114 finalists, who all displayed exceptional and inventive use of colour in built environments across both residential and commercial spaces.

“We have seen moody reds and maroon emerge as dominant colours in retail and commercial interiors, paired with unexpected tones such as peach and clay in the form of accent walls, stairwells, doors and trims,” explains Andrea Lucena-Orr – Dulux’s colour planning & communications manager.

“Deep shades of blue were a popular choice in residential interiors – from azure through to dark navy – seen in everything from cabinetry and trims through to feature walls. Meanwhile, greens ranging from soft sage to emerald have lost none of their appeal, adding sophistication, character and a sense of quiet luxury. There has been a shift away from the greys and cooler neutrals that have dominated interiors though, with nature-based warm hues, such as beiges, terracotta and caramels now coming to the fore. Classic all-black and all-white remains popular, particularly in residential exteriors – they are shades being used to contrast against red brick or being layered to create a modern textured and tonal look.”