Identifying the best shade of white for Dulux Specifiers and their projects

White is a cornerstone of interior design, harking timelessness and versatility; however, delving into the hundreds of shades of white on the market can prove daunting. Whether your project demands a warm or a cool-toned white, glossy or matte, the perfect white is out there - it’s just a matter of finding it. 

We speak to Davina Harper and Raelene Bailey of Dulux New Zealand about pinpointing the perfect shade of white for your project and how they work closely with their specifiers to ensure the best results. 

Dulux has a dedicated team to support Specifiers with their projects. Whatever the project size, the Dulux team is committed to supporting architects, designers, engineers, builders, and developers at every project stage, from design to completion. The team works closely with the Colour Marketing Team to keep up with the latest colour trends and the on-ground Sales team to close the loop.

To assist the Specifiers with the right colours and the coating system, Dulux provides tools and services to help realise their projects. Access to Building Information Modelling (BIM) content, DuSpec+ datasheets, specifications, substrate information and courses for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

“We have many resources on the Dulux website, including the Dulux Construction Solutions, Specification and Colour Specification Consultants, a sampling service, CPD presentations, bespoke visualisation services and more. Our Commercial Team has specialists in Acratex/Textures, Protective Coatings, Colour, Woodcare, and Porter’s Paints who are all available to offer advice and support," explains Raelene Bailey.

Dulux BIM Solutions provides easy-to-use BIM content and Add-Ins so Specifiers can add Dulux colours and product ranges to their Autodesk® Revit® and GRAPHISOFT ® Archicad ® models quickly and simply. It includes more than 7,000 colours and product ranges from Dulux World of Colour, Dulux Colours of New Zealand, Dulux Powders Coatings, Protective Coatings, Acratex, Intergrain and Dryden that are available in a download option for free.

Dulux also understands the importance of keeping up to date with the latest industry knowledge and continuing professional development for Specifiers. Dulux is a recognised CPD provider by the New Zealand Institute of Architects. Each course is designed for architects, engineers, builders, and trade professionals to enhance their knowledge and understanding of paints and coatings in the built environment.

DuSpec+ is the online technical resource for Specifiers and Trade Professionals that provides quick, easy access to up-to-date technical product information and system specifications across our market-leading brands – all in one convenient place.

“Initially, a specifier may approach us with colour in another medium, such as Pantone, for branding, and they require it to be transferred into a paint finish. When we get involved in the discussion, we find our closest standard colour and organise brush-out samples –to find colours that the specifier is happy with. We provide access to colour swatches to help explore colour, get inspiration, and provide other specification tools and resources tailored to the specifier's needs," explains Raelene.

White is not just a colour choice; it acts as the foundation on which your project's essence is illustrated. By amplifying the sense of spaciousness and reflecting natural light, selecting white can significantly influence the aesthetic and feel of a space.

“Dulux has 100s of whites to choose from, and we usually find that architects and designers have a handful of preferred whites that they love working with. As a starting point, we work with a designer to determine if they want a warm, neutral, or cool white," says Davina Harper.

Considering the lighting (both daylight and artificial) and the orientation of the space, any current colour combinations (including undertones), the room's functionality, the atmosphere you wish to achieve, and the materials selected will help narrow down your search. After this, understanding how each shade orientation works to compliment a space will ensure the perfect shade of white is found. 

“Cool whites are great for adding a modern or minimalist edge to a space. They often carry blue or grey undertones and are useful in tempering bright light and making a space appear larger. Dulux Ōkārito is our most popular cool white, and in fact, it’s the top colour in the Dulux® Colours of New Zealand® range. Dulux Ōkārito works well with a large range of cool hues such as blues, sage greens, and greys. It's also the perfect backdrop for artwork and vibrant pops of colour,” says Davina.

“A neutral white provides a subtle warmth, great light reflection, and allows easy scheming with many other colours. Dulux Cardrona is a versatile neutral white widely used to brighten a space, add a soft and subtle feeling of warmth, or provide a neutral backdrop when needed. It's also a popular option for windows and trims,” explains Davina.

“Finally, we have our warm whites.  Warm whites often carry subtle peach, pink, or yellow undertones. Warm whites make a room feel smaller and more welcoming, making it the perfect candidate for spaces that don’t get a lot of sun. Warm and inviting, Dulux Sandfly Point is one of our most popular warm whites. Its creamy warmth is perfect for more traditional spaces, allowing artwork and colour details to sing. Sandfly Point pairs well with most colours with a warm undertone and is ideal for main walls throughout the home. It also works as an exterior colour or on windows and trims,” says Davina.

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