Homeowners seeking the unique, the bespoke and the individual will fall in love with Dulux’s 2016 Colour Forecast. The company’s new era of colour predicts bespoke furniture, a fascination with deep space and an emphasis on dark moody hues will heavily influence colour trends this year.  It’s about adding a sense of luxury and sophistication to interior spaces.

Offering a collection of extravagant shades, experimental colour combinations and accents, Generation Homes’ national paint supplier Dulux brought its latest forecast to life in four striking colour palettes called the Design Age.

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 from emerging global designers. Trend forecaster Bree Leech was the creative director behind this year’s forecast. She worked with Dulux trend forecaster Andrea Lucena-Orr to create the trends, and Heather Netter King to produce and style 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, said Bree.

Infinite Worlds is the first of four key forecasts. It reflects our attraction to the universe, and continuous advances in science and technology uncovering the unknown. The range of moody blues, dark purples and deep blue-greens featured in the Infinite Worlds palette are inspired by the lure of unexplored galaxies.

Emulating glowing stars and planets against a dark night, the collection of dominant moody hues is juxtaposed with splashes of acid colours such as pops of pink or yellow. Infinite Worlds includes Dulux shades Night Life, Russell, Winter Waves and Dulux Napier.

“As we move toward the future, we look for reassurance from out past. We are drawn to contemporary designs that evoke reassuring memories,” says Dulux Brand Manager for Colour Davina Harper. 

 “Browns are becoming increasingly popular and are currently a very big trend in Europe which will continue in the coming year.”

For those brave enough to make a bold statement, the Retro Remix palette celebrates colour experimentation using the lighter aspects of the new retro movement. Combinations of acidic and bright colours such as orange clash with faded, muddied colours including reddish browns, olive greens, mustard and ochre create a fun and playful theme.

The new retro combines modern tones with design influences from the 60s and 70s to create youthful interiors that possess a unique remixed style.

Bio Fragility has a more subtle offering which takes its cues from natural and living elements. Influenced by flesh tones, lichen, moss and stone, the palette combines pastels, greys, dirty pinks, nudes and natural greens derived from chalky brittle elements rather than soft textures. 

Bio Fragility reflects the perfect balance of nature from the delicate skeletal structure of an insect wing to the cracked surfaces of parched earth. Employing nature’s innate features transforms interiors into beautiful and unexpected spaces.

It’s important for people to consider their lifestyle when selecting colour schemes.

Colour can brighten up the mood of a room, make a space look larger or smaller, reflect more light or add personality.  No matter what colour scheme you choose, your home should be a place where you and your family feel comfortable, inspired and happy.

Images sourced from Dulux Colours of New Zealand.