Homeowners seeking a new wave of inspiration need to look no further than Dulux’s 2015 Colour Forecast.

Experts say the company’s new era of colour combinations are based on our human desire to connect with our natural environment.

Dulux, the paint supplier of Generation Homes, has brought its forecast to life in four striking colour palettes.

There is plenty of sophistication as pink hues partner with soft pastels to dominate interiors. However, there’s plenty more colours on the horizon with unexpected blends of bright and bold to more relaxed neutral combinations.

Dulux colour experts study trends from around the world to develop the unique forecast, attending trade fairs in Europe, studying product and design innovation, colour and finishes and emerging global designers.

Silentshift is the first of four Dulux forecasts and it embraces a delicate palette of tonal pastel hues. The colour trend is based on the need to take time out from a busy, connected world with a soft pastel palette and minimal patterns to create space for rest and silence.

SilentShift includes Dulux shades of Lake Heron, Apple Tree Bay, Otautau, Whitianga and Aratapu. This palette’s delicate soft tones are used in conjunction with neutral whites to create calm, sophisticated spaces.

“Using pastels and experimenting with the shades in new and unexpected ways is at the forefront of the Silentshift colour forecast making it the perfect summer palette,” says Dulux in-house colour expert Louise McKenzie-Smith.

Earthwerks is all about rediscovering nature and the desire to connect with greenery in our homes and workplaces. Naturally, the focus is on greens and neutral tones. This colour forecast includes Dulux Sandringham, Shotover St, Taporo and Matamata.

In striking contrast, Modhaus is about experimenting with playful colour combinations to reconnect to a time when there were fewer restrictions on creativity. Modhaus is all about making a statement using bold shades including Dulux Takapuna Beach, Caversham, Port Hills and Ohakune.

“Be bold and brave – don’t be afraid to use a combination of colours together,” says Louise.

For people preferring a more subtle change, the Wildland forecast is influenced by the colours that reflect untamed landscapes from the harshest ice terrains to the wildest forests and mountains offering a palette of inky blues and earthy grey-beiges.

Wildland takes comfort in the most primitive materials such as timber, stone, leather and fur, to illustrate a story through the contrast of light and dark. At the forefront are Dulux Tauherenikau, Cashmere, Tuparoa and Manorburn Double.

Generation Homes chief executive Kevin Atkinson says it’s important for people to consider their lifestyle when selecting colour schemes.

“You can use colour to brighten up your mood, make a space look larger or smaller, reflect more light or add personality,” he says.

“No matter what colour scheme you choose, your home should be a place where you and your family feel comfortable, inspired and happy.”