Dulux Colour Forecast: A Retrospective
The annual Dulux Colour Forecast reflects evolving colour and design influences in New Zealand homes and interior design. Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Colour Forecast in 2024, we look back at how Dulux has consistently led the way in colour and inspiration.
Influencing and inspiring interior design
Coastal-inspired interiors
-->Hues of cool and calming blues begin to emerge within New Zealand homes to recreate that coveted coastal feeling at home. This trend has since transformed into one of New Zealand’s most loved interior styles, particularly as advances in digital technology have allowed people to work remotely, answering the need for a comfortable and inviting home office space.
Globalisation and digitisation impact colour trends at a rapid pace
-->This was a particularly challenging year to predict colour trends, due to globalisation and digitisation impacting the cycle and emergence of new trends at a rapid pace. New Zealanders begin to work from home and embrace the use of multiple shades of a single colour within interior design.
Social change and the digital age inspires movement as a key theme
-->Dulux identifies six different palettes reflecting global trends that are set to dominate design in 2013, including the rise of technology (Facebook buys Instagram, Pinterest’s audience grows exponentially) and social change (President Barack Obama becomes the first black president). Movement and empowerment are key themes that influence this year’s palettes, featuring textures and colours of concrete greys, muted pastels and monochromatic schemes with metal and stone touches.
Bold colour combinations and metallics dominate
-->A particularly vibrant and joyful Colour Forecast that introduces plenty of metallic shades such as gold and brass, in addition to Bold and bright colourways - much like what we have seen again in the next cycle for 2022 and 2023 Colour Forecasts with the Wonder and Revive palettes respectively. With the colour rulebook out the window, 2014’s colour trends are influenced by looking to the future, whilst also reminiscent of the digital culture of the '70s, '80s and '90s.
New Zealanders ‘unplug’ to connect with nature and each other
-->Incorporating shades of green within our homes to feel closely connected to nature, catapults as a trend in 2015 as a result of New Zealanders and the world feeling constantly ‘plugged in’. This trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, particularly as New Zealanders' concerns about climate change grow and sustainability becomes a strong influence for interior design. Other colours reflect untamed, natural landscapes with ashy blues, clean white and dark greys. These hues are softened with textures such as timber, fur, leather.
New Zealanders' confidence with colour grows
-->Shades of pink (read: millennial pink) send shockwaves through the design world and dominate interiors both at home and abroad. New Zealanders' confidence with colour emerges and organic shapes, frayed edges and repurposed vintage pieces are placed against backdrops of earthy neutrals, saturated greens and citrus brights. Mindful consumption and sustainability are also at the forefront of New Zealanders' minds. Brighter-hued palette Identity encourages the rule breaker, with clashing patterns and unexpected colour combinations.
Meet the Dulux Colour Forecast team
Dulux Colour and Communications Manager Andrea Lucena-Orr researches colour trends and presents her findings to trade and retail markets, along with media. Andrea travels to Milan Design Week with Dulux Colour Specialist Davina Harper and Stylist Bree Leech to solidify their initial ideas to create the trends for the following year. “I adore working with colour – it has the power to transform products and spaces and is integral in evoking emotion.”
Dulux Colour Specialist Davina Harper works with Andrea and Bree to bring the annual Colour Forecast to life. With a background in marketing and interior design, Davina is passionate about bringing the latest colour trends to the New Zealand market. “I love how colour has the power to completely transform a space, evoking certain moods and creating a whole new atmosphere.”
With extensive experience in the design industry, Dulux Colour Forecaster and Stylist Bree Leech works with Andrea and Davina to create the Dulux trends each year and also produces and styles the images. “Colour trends are intriguing and often complex, I love being able to bring them to life in imagery that is both beautiful and tells a story.”
Love your colour
Dulux Colours of New Zealand
Only Dulux colour mixed with Dulux Wash&Wear® paint gives you exact colour accuracy to create the iconic Dulux Colours of New Zealand colours that look fresh in your home for years.
