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Dulux Colour Trends 2020
Posted on 07 Apr 2020

The demands on our time and attention have never been greater. Our devices buzz 24/7, alerting us to the arrival of new information, fresh deadlines and more pressure. We yearn to step away from our screens and have more authentic, grounded experiences. At the same time, we’re increasingly environmentally conscious. The design trends for 2020 will reflect our desire to pause and reconnect with the essence of what matters most to us.

The Dulux Colour Forecast 2020, Essence, consists of four unique palettes - Comeback, Grounded, Cultivate and Indulge. Dulux colour specialist Davina Harper says, “These colour trends are influenced by what’s happening in the world around us. Colours for 2020 are more restrained than in previous years. Brights are pulled back and influenced by nature. They appear in smaller doses – think feature walls and details – and are often used tonally as a backdrop for hero furniture pieces. With life pulling us in different directions, we look to our home as somewhere to recharge our energy and fuel our creative thinking.”

There’s no more effective way to bring your home up to date than with paint colours. “Once you’ve lived with colour, you will never want to return to a blank canvas,” says Harper.

COMEBACK

Individuality is more important than ever as we look to create intimate spaces that tell the story of who we are and what fuels our passions. We look to the past for design inspiration, mixing styles from different eras with a newfound confidence.

The Comeback palette features invigorating tonal blue shades, highlighted with warm tones of burgundy, rust and mustard that reinforce vintage storytelling. It’s a palette that hints at escape and adventure, encouraging us to step away from the drudgery of the day-to-day routine and embrace new thoughts and ideas.

ulux 2020 - Styling: Bree Leech, Photographer: Lisa Cohen * See Dulux image credits below

CULTIVATE

There’s a growing awareness of the relationship between nature and our wellbeing, and as a result we look to bring elements of the outside into our homes. Home is no longer only a place to rest and recover, it’s somewhere to rejuvenate and inspire.

The Cultivate palette is a calm and gentle layering of greens reinforcing our connection to nature. Chalky blue, deep plum and curd provide a contrast and unexpected edge. This palette will resonate with home enthusiasts – the colours and textures are easy to work with and have warmth that conveys the essence of what ‘home’ really means.

Dulux 2020 - Styling: Bree Leech, Photographer: Lisa Cohen * See Dulux image credits below

GROUNDED

Our idea of luxury has evolved. It once meant a hefty price tag or high-shine appeal, whereas today luxury is about craftsmanship, longevity, authenticity and understated beauty – reflections on where our new values lie.

Our interiors are uncomplicated, with furniture crafted from natural materials such as honeyed timbers, pale leather and tactile linen. The Grounded palette is a medley of soft, liveable neutrals, running from pale biscuit and caramel through to muddy lavender, with hints of terracotta adding warmth. Many of the colours can be used as the main shade throughout your home, with gold and coral making for beautiful highlights.

Dulux 2020 - Styling: Bree Leech, Photographer: Lisa Cohen * See Dulux image credits below

INDULGE

With less time on our hands and information constantly coming at us, the desire to escape is powerful. We look to create spaces that will keep our dreams of travel and adventure alive, with rich and dramatic palettes.

The idea of ‘perfect interiors’ has had its day – frayed edges and time-worn finishes are all part of this look. The result is wonderfully indulgent spaces that make us feel inspired and alive. The Indulge palette features rich burgundy, eggplant, earthy browns, faded terracotta and soft coral. There’s a passion and excitement to this palette that’s hard to resist, adding drama to a space.

Dulux 2020 - Styling: Bree Leech, Photographer: Lisa Cohen * See Dulux image credits below

Trends are great for providing a sense of direction for choosing colours, however, it’s the little personal twists that really make a home your own. Use colour where and how you like – across a wall, on the front door, in a little nook – for that touch of flair and individuality. Speak to a Generation Homes' Sales Consultant today about incorporating colour into your new home. 

Website: www.dulux.co.nz/colour/colour-forecast/2020
Instagram: @duluxnz

* DULUX IMAGE CREDITS 2020
Comeback
Bathroom - Wall in Dulux Tort
From Left: Side table in Dulux Silk Sox, Stylist's own; Haven Vessel by Reflections Copenhagen, Jardan; Rombo Velour Bath Towel by Citta Design, The Shelley Panton Store.
Dining - Wall in Dulux Kairakau Beach (left), wall in Mt Maunganui, ceiling in Southern Alps (rear)
From Left: Sedis Chair by Anaca Studio for Stylecraft, Anaca Studio; Ballerina Pedestal Table, Goldsworthy Studio; (on table) Shapes Ceramic Cup by Nathan Collis, Pepite; Ceramic French Press in Gloss Black by Yield, Designstuff; Expanding Earth Original Print by Elie Malin, Modern Times.
Living Room Fireplace - Wall and ceiling in Dulux Southern Alps (rear), Fireplace in Dulux Master Blue.
From Left: TZ75 Coffee Table by Werner Blaser for Spectrum, 1960s Netherlands, Modern Times; (on coffee table) ‘Darkness of Noon’ book by Derek Henderson and Kelly Thompson, Makers Mkt; Murano Glass Ashtray Sommerso, Circa 1960, Italy, Castorina & Co; OndaOttoman by Paola Piva, Poliform; Bijar Rug Collection, Behruz;Bonnie Armchair by Ligne Roset, Domo; (fireplace top right) B Zippy Large Ball Vase Blue, Jardan; Flower Vaseno. 24 in Indigo Blue by Ro, top3 by design; Nashville Tealight Holder by Reflections Copenhagen, Jardan.
Bedroom - Wall in Dulux Cameo Blue Half From Left: Oval Side Table in Black, Fomu; (on table) Jewel Orb Blue, Jardan; Hexagonal Lampshade in Linen Blue with Stoneware Lamp base in Charcoal, House of Orange; Linen Fitted and Flat sheets, standard pillowcases in Quartz, Linen Duvet cover in Agean, Bedouin Societe; Blue Velvet Cushion, Bonnie & Neil; Fan Mirror by Reflections Copenhagen, Jardan.
Cultivate
Bathroom - Wall and ceiling in Dulux Herbal
From Left: Archie Pot in Emerald Terrazzo (pot only), Capra Designs; Colosseo Round
Service Element in Thyme Green Glossy by Naota Fukusawa for B&B Italia, Space Furniture; Waffle Hand Towel in Cactus Green, Kip & Co; Fabrique L’Ancienne Soap, Scout House; Savon de Marseille Poppy Soap Block, Scout HouseWaffle Bath/Beach towel in Cactus Green, Kip & Co.
Dining - Wall in Dulux Te Aroha
From Left: (front) Ria Chairin Dulux Yellow Nile, Something Beginning With; Oskar Rectangular Table by Vincent Van Duysen for B&B Italia, Space Furniture; Kokeshi Bottle inGreen, by Ichendorf Milano, Jardan; Tequila Sunrise Bottle in Green by Ichendorf Milano, Jardan; (rear) Ehnicraft Oak Burung Storage Cupboard, Trit House; (top of cupboard) Ripple Planter by Ilan El and Made by Pen, Made By Pen; Plant (in planter), The Plant Society; (topshelf from left) Japanese Ceramic Bowl Large in Green, Safari Living; Japanese Celadon Vase Signed Rokubei VI, Kazari; (middle shelf from left) Jungle Girl Vase, The Shelley Panton Store; Archie Pot in Emerald Terrazzo (stand only), Capra Designs; (bottom shelf) Books, The Shelley Panton Store.
Living Room Fireplace - Wall in Dulux Tauherenikau (left), wall in Hancock (centre and right).
From Left: Plants, The Plant Society; MoodSide Table, Dean Norton; Vessels by Bridget Bodenham, Scout House; Highlander Rug in Peacock (top), Jenny Jones Rugs; Johanna Occasional Chair, Cosh Living; Fragas Cushion in Moss, Figgoscope Curates; ‘Rainy Mountain’ original artwork by Prue Clay, Forman Picture Framing; Ferm Living Orb Watering Can in Black, Designstuff; Odyssey Rug in Moss Green, Jenny Jones Rugs; Planter (front) in Dulux Jadeite, Stylist's own; Plant (in planter), The Plant Society; ModernPlanter–Round/ Triangle (rear), Tristian Tait; Plant (in planter), The Plant Society.
Bedroom - Wall in Dulux Jadeite
From Left: Evergreen Multi Throw, Bonnie & Neil; LinenDuvet Cover in Moss Green/Reverse Indigo, Kip & Co; Flat CottonSheet in Native Plantation, Kip & Co; Tree Fern Timber Screen, Bonnie & Neil; Lumbar Upholstery Linen Cushion in Native Plantation, Kip & Co, Velvet Cushion in Rainforest, Kip & Co; Cushion Cover in Navy Velvet with Tassel, Kip& Co; Quilted Pillowcase in Bed Of Roses (rear), Kip & Co; Cotton Pillowcase in Native Plantation, Kip & Co; Linen Euro Pillowcase in Moss Green, Kip & Co; Fitted Cotton Sheet in Native Plantation, Kip & Co; Bedside Table in Dulux Jadeite, Stylist's own; Crackle Lamp T1 and Crackle Vase V2, ADesignStudio.
Grounded
Living Room - Wall in Dulux Waitangi, wall in Dulux Sandfly Point Double (right)
From Left: (on wall) White Desert-Egypt by Chris Sisarich, Maker’s Mkt; (on floor) Rug, Homeowner's; Sofa, Homeowner's; Woodrow Spikey Stump, Fenton & Fenton; Flow Low Table in American Oak, Jardan; Hans Wegner 'Keyhole' Rocking Chair, Angelucci 20th Century; (on chair) Scatter Cushion in Nupe fabric by Designs of the Time, Arthur G; Fire Set by Eldvarm, top3 by design; (on sofa) Missoni Home Throw Wright, Safari Living; Scatter Cushion in Nupe fabric by Designs of the Time, Arthur G; Duke Cushion in Apricot, Jardan; Duke Cushion in Terra, Jardan; Scatter Cushion in Nupe fabric by Designs of the Time, Arthur G; Duke Cushion in Apricot, Jardan; Scatter Cushion in Guman fabric by Designs ofthe Time, Arthur G; (on coffee table) Ceramic Styrene Mug by Kirsten Perry, Pepite; Books, The Shelley Panton Store; Sculptural Ceramic Vase by Vivienne La, Pepite; book, The Shelley Panton Store; Ceramic Bubble Vase by Kirsten Perry, Pepite; (on joinery) Triangle Lampshade in Ivory and Cone Lamp Base in White, House of Orange; Speckled Clay Vase Round in Medium, House of Orange; Ceramic Kandila by Dáša Ceramics, Pepite; Tribute Vessel, Formantics; Glass Cloche, Scout House.
Cabinet - Wall in Dulux Waitangi
From Left: Webbing Single Door in White, House of Orange; Ceramic Planter by Ella Waimarie, Pepite; Japanese Hagi pottery vase, Kazari; Chrysanthemum Vase in Glazed ceramic by Nicolette Johnson, Modern Times; Flusso Medium Vessel in White Raku by Ella Bendrups, Modern Times.
Study - Wall in Dulux Glen Murray
From Left: Giant Knot Door Stop, Scout House; Lumi Chair, Tide Design; November Light Table by Louise Campbell, K-Five + Kinnarps; Textured Pod on Folded Base in Mid Fired Ceramic by Kirsten Perry, Modern Times; Bubble Textured Tower in Mid Fired Ceramic by Kirsten Perry, Modern Times; European Hand Made Papier Mache Colete Wig Doll, Scout House; Buddy table Lamp in Grey by Milk & Sugar, Designstuff; Pom Pom Handwoven Basket in Small, Natural Waterhyacinth in Chevron, Inartisan.
Bedroom - Wall in Dulux Fantan, ceiling in Cardrona
From Left: (on floor) Printed Face Lampshade in White and Cone Base in White, House of Orange; Fable Lounge Chair, Didier; Ace Table in Oak, Jardan; Queen sized Nway Bed by Softer Studio, Lightly; (on table) Kristina Dam Studio Double Moon Sculpture in White, Designstuff; Ferm Living Bendum Box in Marble,Designstuff; Perfume bottle, Scout House; (on bed) Alpin Throw in Fysk, Flocca Flat Sheets in Cep and Brun, Flocca Pillowcase in Cep, Flocca European Pillowcases in Brun, Flocca Macaron Cushion in Russo, Hale Mercantile Co.
Indulge
Dining - Wall in Dulux Trentham, ceiling in Cardrona
From Left: Set of four Brass Dining Chairs by Willy Rizzo, 1970’s Italy, Castorina & Co; Fly Oval Dining Table with Emperador marble top and champagne base by Flexform, Fanuli; Medium Rockpool vase in Shell Pink, Tall Rockpool vase in Ivory Swirl, and Small Rock jug in Raspberry, Jardan.
Study - Wall in Dulux Deep Exquisite
From Left: New York Round Small Pouf by Jean-Marie Massaud, Poliform; Cicladi Side Table by Jacopo Foggini for Edra, Space Furniture; Brass table Lamp by Franco Mirenzi for Valenti 1978, Castorina & Co; B4 Vase in Pink by ENO Studio, Trit House; Hand Tufted Velvet Rug, Halcyon Lake; Kelly Armchair in Velvet Aubergine, Fenton & Fenton; Cleopatra Cushion, Elise Cakebread.
Bedroom - Wall in Dulux Subtle Violet
From Left: Line Side Table in Terracotta, Douglas & Bec; Bloom Table Lamp by Tim Rundle, District; Book, Books at Manic; Linen Fitted sheet, flat sheet and standard pillowcases in Rosewater, Bedouin Societe; Linen Euro pillowcases in Wysteria, Bedouin Societe; Quilted Velvet Pillowcase set in Clay, Kip & Co; Stitched Quilt in Rosewater, Bedouin Societe; (on wall) The Masters Light Dahlia by Helen Bankers, Helen Bankers.
Chair with Ottoman - Wall in Dulux Ruawai (rear), wall in Broadway (front)
From Left: Alasht 27 Rug in Coral/Beige, Halycon Lake; Harvey Armchair, Grazia & Co; ‘Love’ Original Artwork by Scott Petrie, Fanuli; Ilda Coffee Table by J.M Massaud, Poliform; Terracotta Vase, Formantics; Crystal Glass Candle Holder in Amber Diamond, House of Orange; Joy Ottoman, Jardan; Reversible Cotton Knit Throw in Toffee/Iced Tea by Citta Design, Trit House.