Dulux Summer 2021 Colour Predictions

When the world outside is challenging, let your home tell a different story. “Colour and mood are intimately connected so it’s important to surround yourself with colours that help you feel positive,” says Davina Harper, Dulux Colour Specialist. “Changing the colour of your walls might seem like a fairly insignificant thing, however it’s all part of self-care and surrounding yourself in uplifting hues to help you feel secure and comfortable during difficult times.”

The Dulux colour team created the Dulux Colour Forecast 2021 based on extensive virtual research into global design trends. The three tonal palettes convey reassurance and comfort, whilst reflecting our desire for a brighter future. Colours are drawn from nature, including brighter, oceanic shades of bluegreen and coral, muted botanical greens, warm whites and soothing mauve-greys.

To show what a huge impact colour can have on the look and feel of a space – and how little time and effort it takes – stylist Bree Leech introduced bold colour to a predominantly white 1970s home. “Whites and pale neutrals might feel like the safe choice, but they might not always be the best choice,” says Harper. “Richer hues can add depth and interest to a space and make a house feel like home. And if you want a different look or feel down the track, it’s easy to change.”

Bree Leech chose brighter and uplifting colours from the Reset palette for her room makeovers. “I wanted to show how you can create an entirely new look with little more than a paintbrush,” Leech explains. “The colours in the Reset palette have a fun, retro feel that’s perfect for this 70s family home.

“This light-filled house is brimming with character features, including a pitched, timber-lined ceiling and arched doorways. Whilst the all-white interior was neutral and unassuming, adding colour helped highlight the home’s best features and really brought the rooms to life!” Leech says.

“Using the new wall colours as inspiration I added a few decor items to complete the colour story, such as accessories, stools, sofa and rugs. I loved the warmth of the timber detailing and selected colours to complement it.

“For the dining room, I chose a beautiful deep blue-green, Dulux Wash&Wear in Cook Strait. This dramatic hue gives the room a distinct mood and enriches the space. The features of the room, such as the rustic brick wall, archway and timber lining, are all amplified through the use of colour and a backdrop is created to contrast against the crisp white pendant light. We painted the inner part of the arch in a neutral white, Dulux Wash&Wear in Mt Aspiring Half, to further accentuate the curve.

“The blue-green backdrop is punctuated with invigorating pops of melon and chilli in art and accessories. We carried the colour scheme through to the adjoining hallway with artwork and a comfy bench seat. Little touches such as a round blue-green cushion on the bench seat that matches the dining room wall create flow of design between the two areas,” Leech says.

“The living room needed an injection of colour but to create a relaxing and casual feel, I used a gentler hue as the feature. The shelving unit is the hero of the space, so I highlighted it by painting the wall behind in subtle green, Dulux Wash&Wear in Woods Creek. I then dressed it up with a combination of artwork and vessels in tonal shades of peach and terracotta, with pops of red and green that relate back to the dining room palette.

“A plump, vintage velvet sofa adds curves and a touch of retrocool to the space. A patterned rug adds softness underfoot and helps zone the living area in this open-plan space,” Leech says.

“The kitchen is extraordinary, with high ceilings and warm timber cabinetry. I wanted even more warmth in this room and was inspired by that chilli red oven. I saw this space as an inviting place for the family to gather and selected a warm palette, giving it a different mood to the adjacent rooms.

“Painting the feature brick wall in Dulux Wash&Wear Halfway Bluff added that extra warmth I was after without taking away from the best feature - the oven. The accents on this wall didn’t need to contrast, so I painted the shelving to match the wall and added an eclectic display of artwork and vessels in tonal shades.

“To soften the contrast between the feature wall and the white in the room, I opted to paint the rangehood a gentle blush – Dulux Wash&Wear in Prebbleton. This colour also sits beautifully against the brass tap.”

“I completed the look by swapping out the black timber bar stools for seating in aubergine and blush. I chose styles with soft cushioned seats to encourage those in the household to sit, linger and connect in the kitchen,” says Leech.

“The simple use of Dulux colour has a lot of power, as these three looks highlight,” says Harper. “You can use colour to make your home whatever you need it to be, whether that’s refuge, relaxation or nostalgic memories of past adventures. There are no rules – just follow your instincts!”