Forecasting a world of colour
Since its inception in 1999, the Dulux Colour Forecast has evolved dramatically. Consumer trends and colour preferences are, of course, ever-changing, and this constant evolution is clearly articulated in each year’s forecast. By Lucy Feagins, Founder, The Design Files. Colours featured: Dulux Cuticle Pink, Splendid Coral, Friends, Carmen (feature wall) and Vivid White™ (trims and ceiling) from the Dulux Colour Forecast 2018 – Escapade Palette. Styled by Bree Leech. Photographer: Lisa Cohen.
Trendsetting experts
It's easy to dismiss colour trends as fleeting or fickle, but when it comes to colour, there are some things that are steadfast and constant. Now in its 24th year, the annual Dulux Colour Forecast is renowned for distilling and defining global colour trends, for the local market. Based on rigorous research, the Forecast is a guiding beacon when it comes to colour and trends forecasting for Australia's design and architecture industries.
Andrea Lucena Orr is Dulux's long-standing Colour & Communications Manager and has been involved in producing the Colour Forecast. She explains 'There’s quite a process involved for reviewing key influences and researching, looking at new product designs, designers, fashion, technology, global news, economy, political news'.
Andrea and her team attend many key industry seminars and events such as Milan Design Week to source inspiration for the Colour Forecasts.
"Once our team has all of the research and information we need to look at where there is great repetition of colour, texture, etc," Andrea explains. "Crucially, this info is then considered through an 'Australian/New Zealand filter', to ensure the colours will work in the Australian market, taking into consideration the distinctive light in the Southern Hemisphere, alongside lifestyle and cultural differences."
Hot pink days
In the 2013 Colour Forecast, the Blur palette included a bright, almost neon pink, that was sure to spark an instant sense of nostalgia amongst design afficionados. Remember when every cushion, tablecloth and home accessory seemed to feature a piercing fluorescent edge or detail?
Wall
Snow Green Quarter
Greens range from yellow citrus greens through to blue greens such as teals. Lighter muted greens can add a peaceful and relaxed feel to a room whilst citrus and brighter lime greens can liven up a space. Greens are versatile and easy to live with and can be used on the inside and outside of your home.
Lush greenery
Minimalist moment
In 2017, we entered a restrained, more pared-back era. Scandinavian minimalism was having its moment in the spotlight, as captured in the Sentience palette, where chalky neutrals, greys and greiges brought a sense of calm to contemporary Australian interiors. Whitewashed timbers, white and grey stone benchtops and tan leather accents defined interiors.
Shades of grey
The grey theme continued through to 2018, where palettes including Kinship and Essential (pictured) cemented Australia’s long-standing love affair with grey interiors from soft icy pastels to deeper mid-greys.
Comforts of home
Fast forward to today, where trends have clearly shifted into much warmer territory – as seen in 2021’s comforting forecast consisting of browns, deep reds, terracottas and much warmer neutrals in the Retreat, Nourish (pictured) and Reset palettes.
Warm days ahead
So, what does Andrea see for the year ahead when it comes to colour?
"We will continue to see some earth-based colours lingering on, as they seem to be the security blanket we need at the moment during uncertain times," Andrea muses.
So, the next 12 months will herald a consolidation and continuation of the warmer, earthy hues we've been seeing so much of over the past few years with a few unexpected surprises that Andrea can't divulge until the release of the 2023 Dulux Colour Forecast very soon!
Trends over the years
Explore our Colour Forecasts
Comprising soft comforting neutrals which have rich, invigorating accent hues that allow moments of personal expression.
Redefining your home spaces was the goal of the Nourish, Reset and Retreat palettes in 2021.
Reconnecting was at the centre of the Grounded, Comeback, Cultivate and Indulge palettes of 2020.
Creating your happy place was the focus of the Repair, Wholeself, Legacy and Identity palettes in 2019.
As life moved into the fast lane, the desire to shift gears and slow down took over. The Balance theme harnessed the power of colour to take on life's complex challenges.
An antidote to many challenges we faced was provided in the distilled colour palettes of Sentience, Chroma, Entwine and Construct.
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, stickers and A4 colour swatches.