Heritage Collection
The Dulux® Colours of New Zealand® Heritage Collection draws inspiration from our strong connection with the land — our seas, rivers, forests, and mountains.
From the olive green of Dulux Taieri, the soft blue of Lake Wakatipu and the stunning red of Lake Hayes to classic colours like Haast Half and Cardrona, two of our most loved whites. Whether you’re looking for a traditional scheme for an existing heritage building or colour inspiration for your new renovation, there’s something for everyone in the Heritage Collection.
The Dulux® Colours of New Zealand® Heritage Collection has been developed in consultation with heritage architect Joanna Theodore (ANZIA). Joanna’s expertise in heritage architecture and extensive research, including paint and wallpaper archives and site visits, have informed the collection. While allowing for historical accuracy, the schemes have been designed to take a fresh approach towards heritage design, with colour palettes that work well with New Zealand homes and buildings today.
The Heritage Collection comprises 48 colours, which are arranged into eight individual palettes. Each palette draws inspiration from a New Zealand landscape reminiscent of a particular era in our colour evolution, spanning a historical period from approximately 1830 to 1930.
Using the palettes
Each palette within the Heritage Collection contains six colours designed to work together in harmony — any or all, of the colours can be combined to achieve a beautiful authentic heritage colour scheme.
The Heritage Collection can be used for both interiors and exteriors and has been created to suit various styles of New Zealand heritage architecture.
Each colour palette includes a selection of traditional whites and neutrals designed to work well with the bolder accent colours. You can also use the lighter colours to help create a more contemporary version of a heritage colour scheme.
River Valley
River valleys lined with magnificent limestone cliffs running through dense native bush inspired this palette. The palette’s greens, creams and burgundies can be seen throughout the richly decorated designs of the mid-19th century.
Colours reminiscent of natural stone, such as Dulux Morrinsville and Kaimanawa Range, are ideal for an exterior colour scheme. These colours work well when paired with greens such as Happy Valley and Kōpū, and can be used with accents of burgundy like Pātea.
The River Valley palette is a rich and emotive colour scheme designed to work well on a wide range of heritage homes and buildings.
Ancient Forest
The Ancient Forest palette draws inspiration from towering kauri trees, reminiscent of the Gothic Revival architecture of the 19th century. Colours in the palette reflect this era: greyed-off neutrals and warm tones, paired with moody greens and deep reds.
Paler colours such as Dulux Hoon Hay reference natural stone, while lighter, warm tones like Haast and Tapawera reflect the interiors and exterior colours used during this period. These colours contrast beautifully with the dramatic deep red of Lake Hayes or with the lush green of Mount Messenger, both of which are perfect for use on doors and roofs.
This timeless scheme works well on a wide range of heritage buildings and is ideal for a traditional villa.
Limestone Arches
Inspired by the limestone arches of the upper South Island, this palette references the stone buildings constructed around the turn of the century. Buff hues were prevalent on exteriors during this period, often paired with deep reds.
Buff tones like the soft tan of Dulux Ōmarama through to the buttery yellows of Albury work well together to express rustication and relief on a facade. Corresponding colours such as the dark charcoal of Rāwene and creamy Sandfly Point Quarter work perfectly for highlighting architectural details, while the richness of Gimblett Rd adds depth.
This classic colour palette works well for all types of heritage homes and buildings.
Tussock Plains
Inspired by vast alpine tussock plains, this palette reflects many beautiful, soft, warm colours found in Victorian interiors.
Powdery pinks like Dulux Garston and Kākahi pair perfectly with the mid-tone dusky pink Gouland Downs and the coppery tan of Ponsonby, balanced out by the cool white of Aoraki. This palette captures the essential warm colours evident during this era, often combined with blues and greens.
While these colours are perfect for Victorian interiors, the timelessness of this palette works well for a wide range of heritage homes and buildings.
Rocky Shore
The Rocky Shore palette is infused with a sense of openness and embodies a new way of living found in the early bungalow era. The bungalow was deeply rooted in craftsmanship, and this palette references the use of natural materials, such as exposed wood.
The light to mid-tone browns in this palette, like Dulux Frankton and Marokopa Falls pair beautifully with the grey-blue of Lake Wakatipu. For a contemporary interpretation, Lake Wakatipu can be used for the façade of a bungalow, with trims highlighted in the soft white of Avalanche Creek. Alternatively, architectural details can be accentuated with darker tones like Moonlight Creek or Coalgate.
The beautiful Rocky Shore palette is designed to work well on all types of heritage homes and buildings.
Bushy Bay
The Bushy Bay palette draws inspiration from the dense native bush and the contrasting openness of the ocean. It references a relaxed, uniquely New Zealand style of living, where the bungalow continues to evolve and is a popular residential typology.
The warm neutral of Dulux Haast Double can be used on the facade with Haast Half on the trims and the architectural details highlighted in the green of Te Horo. The palette also presents a fresh approach in keeping with the Art Nouveau movement, popular at the start of the 20th century. Deep blues like Te Kopua Beach can be paired with the grey-blue of Coal Island and the elegant green of Pūrākaunui Bay.
This tranquil palette works well on a wide range of heritage homes and buildings.
Sandstone Cliffs
This palette is inspired by the dramatic sandstone cliffs found along parts of New Zealand’s rugged coastline. The pale greens, sea blue and warm greys in this palette became popular with the influence of the early Art Deco period.
In the versatile Sandstone Cliff palette, colours like Dulux Rakaia and Martins Creek can be used on both interiors and exteriors. Trims and details can be defined in soft, warm whites such as Cardrona, or deep grey-browns like Castlecliff. Soft greens like Okains Bay and mid-blues such as Clifton are perfect for the front door or as beautiful interior colours.
This serene and timeless palette works well on a wide range of heritage homes and buildings.
Coastal Dunes
The Coastal Dunes palette is inspired by sculpted islands, vast sand dunes and the striking natural colour schemes they create. The colours in this palette comprise rich browns, blush tones, creams and gold accents that were seen throughout the Art Deco era.
An Art Deco-inspired colour scheme can be created using a neutral like Dulux Kinleith Double as the primary wall colour with Eastbourne on the trims and a beautiful deep pink such as Ōhaeawai as an accent. Alternatively, add colours such as rich brown Kumeū or the warm Broadway to highlight geometric detailing on a façade.
This warm and versatile palette works well on a range of heritage homes and buildings.
Working with Heritage Buildings
When working with a heritage building, you may want to reinstate or draw inspiration from the original colour scheme. For significant heritage buildings, the original scheme will often enhance the heritage values of the building. Uncovering the original scheme can be done by scraping back paint layers, reviewing historic photos (if available) or looking at similar heritage buildings.
Where there may not be evidence of the original colour scheme, the Dulux® Colours of New Zealand® Heritage Collection can provide inspiration and guidance for creating a beautiful and harmonious new colour scheme.
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Disclaimer
Colours displayed should be used as a guide for your colour selection. To ensure best accuracy, test your colour choice at home by ordering Dulux Sample Pots and A4 Colour Swatches.
