Dulux Colour Awards 2026 finalists announced

2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the prestigious Dulux Colour Awards, the premier program recognising innovative and ambitious use of colour in the built environment across Australia and New Zealand. Over four decades, the awards have elevated colour as a vital design element and significantly increased its appreciation within the industry.

This year’s program has broken records with more than 540 entries, from which 96 finalists were selected by a panel of five leading design and architecture professionals. The entries span eight categories: Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality; Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail; Commercial and Multi-Residential Exterior; Residential Interior; Single Residential Exterior; Temporary or Installation Design; Student AU; and Student NZ. The top honours are the Australian and New Zealand Grand Prix awards.

Dulux Colour and Design Manager Lauren Treloar noted the significance of this milestone year, highlighting the growth in both categories and entries. “It is fitting that in this landmark year we are celebrating such remarkable numbers,” she said, “but it is the talent and expertise of the region’s design and architecture professionals that we are truly applauding. They constantly astound us with their accomplished mastery of colour.”

The Residential Interior category proved particularly competitive, representing nearly one third of the finalists. Judge Sarah-Jane Pyke from Arent&Pyke observed that while warm whites remain popular, striking deep hues — especially dark-toned ceilings, painted stairs, and nuanced detailing on architraves and skirtings — stood out.

The Single Residential Exterior category also impressed with contextually sensitive palettes, including greyish greens inspired by Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula bushland, cool blues reflecting Sydney’s harbourside vistas, and reddish autumnal tones drawn from rural New Zealand landscapes.

A dominant theme across many finalists is red — particularly burgundy, rust, and brick reds with brown undertones. These versatile hues appear in restaurant interiors, residential additions, heritage homes, and multi-residential developments, adding texture, defining form, or creating dramatic impact.

Judge Alix Smith from Hassell praised their chameleon-like quality: “We love the power that a single hue has to create impact and completely change the perspective.”

This anniversary edition celebrates both 40 years of excellence and the continued creativity of Australian and New Zealand designers who masterfully harness colour in the built environment.

Winners will be announced at Dulux Colour Awards Gala 27th May 2026 and published on 28th May 2026