After a disruptive 2020, it’s a delight to view the beautiful hues and tones that make up the colour forecasts for the coming year, just released by Generation Homes’ national paint supplier, Dulux,
Aptly given restorative names like ‘Nourish’, ‘Reset’ and ‘Retreat’, Dulux’s picks are perfect to ensure new home interiors can be on-trend but also classic, calming and enduring.
“This global crisis has changed our relationship with our homes – not just on a practical level, the lines between our work and home have blurred beyond recognition. This also affects us on an emotional level too,” says Dulux Colour specialist, Davina Harper.
“We need flexible spaces that can multi-task as spaces to conduct our professional lives and perform household tasks, however, at the same time we need our homes to provide balance, calm and a sense of comfort and security.”
ACCESS ON-TREND COLOUR
Generation Homes’ Chief Executive Kevin Atkinson said working with Dulux as the company’s national supplier had that extra benefit of, rather just seasonal, Dulux’s commitment to consistent global research.
Throughout the year the Dulux team connected with international colour trend professionals and kept up-to-date of local and global lifestyle influences to predict global trends and how they will affect New Zealanders.
“This means Generation Homes’ clients can access the most stunning and up-to-date colour trends available anywhere in the world today,” Kevin says.
With most European design and architecture shows cancelled this year, the Dulux Colour Forecast for 2021 has been informed by extensive research with global leaders such as Maison & Objet in Paris and Stockholm Design Week & Furniture Fair, reports from London’s Future Laboratory, and numerous updates from local and international brands.
Dulux’s Davina Harper says 2021’s Forecast consists of three soothing palettes, inspired by nature along with moments of stronger colour to lighten the mood and brighten our outlook.
“Surrounding colour can be a remedy for the soul in challenging times,” says Davina.
“This year’s soft, earthy neutrals, muted greens and gentle mauve-greys provide a reassuring connection with nature, whilst richer and brighter hues, such as coral and stormy blue awaken our senses and allow for moments of optimism.”
NOURISH
Firstly, Dulux draws on the tranquillity of nature for ‘Nourish’ – inspired by comfort and texture including rounded forms and soft objects.
The ‘nourish’ set of shades celebrates natural beauty through “biophilic hues” of mossy and sage greens, turmeric and citrus – all offset against warm neutrals.With this simple palette you’re invited to escape from the online world, unplug and be present in the moment.
“Use them to delineate areas in your home where you can switch off and ground yourself in the moment, Davina says.
“These can be paired with simple, handcrafted pieces with raw textures and matte finishes.”
RESET
Meanwhile, recalling the high and exciting times of the 1970s, a vibrantly curated set of hues in blue-green and energetic reds is offered as part of the ‘Reset’ colour collection.
This range of colours are strong and upbeat with Dulux drawing on “bolder tones” to lift interiors and brighten with a hint of retro nostalgia.
“An eclectic mix of old and new mesh together creating a happy space to energise your home.”
“As we retreat indoors, fond memories of past adventures and discoveries inspire our home spaces,” Davina says.
“Life may be slower, but there’s joy to be had in a less frantic pace. We draw closer to family and our local community, building new connections with those around us. There is much to be grateful for and building resilience is our latest attribute.”
Styling is eclectic and inviting; old and new sit side by side, furniture is durable and generously proportioned, and soft furnishings are tactile and forgiving – think boucle and quilting.
“Months of being stuck indoors staring at the same four walls creates the urge to pick up a paint brush that’s impossible to resist. Taking inspiration from the 2021 palettes is a great place to start when choosing colour for your home.”
You’ll need to consider existing colours in your scheme, such as sofa upholstery, carpet tones and joinery finishes, to ensure the colour(s) you love will sit comfortably together.
RETREAT
Stormy blues channel tranquillity, whilst essential warm whites and burgundy feed our sense of the familiar, turning home spaces into a real ‘Retreat’, according to Davina.
The palette is described as drawing on a nostalgic mix of comfort and security. It also includes brown-based neutrals that convey a sense of a soft luxury,
“While its sentimental – reminiscing tradition, the colours are also hinting at better times to come,” says Davina
“It speaks of renewal and growth. As work-life boundaries blur, we look to style our interiors to be hybrid and high-functioning; spaces are mindfully curated with versatile pieces in authentic designs and materials, and art and decoration that has personal meaning.”
With gentle, buff neutrals and touches of tan, soft olive and muted ochre, the Nourish palette captures our renewed appreciation for natural beauty.
“These colours allow for moments of stillness and quiet; an opportunity to reduce the stress and digital fatigue we’re currently experiencing,” says Davina.
“Use them to delineate areas in your home where you can switch off and ground yourself in the moment. Pair them with simple, handcrafted pieces with raw textures and matte finishes.
“From sleeping to eating, and working to working out – most homes are becoming the interior hub for many busy, action-packed days. What was once a place for rest and relaxation now embodies a living environment of family, work and play.”
MOOD AND COLOUR, SPACE BY SPACE
Davina’s top tip?
”If you’re just starting on your colour journey, start with one space and complete it – this will give you the confidence and encouragement to keep going.
“The bedroom is a great place to kick off your colour adventure as it’s so personal, which gives you the freedom to experiment.
“From there, introduce colour to create different moods in the various rooms in your home – for example, add shades that make you feel creative and inspired in your home office and something cosy and relaxing in the living room. Small or large volumes of colour – it’s up to you,” says Davina.
“Once you start on your colour journey and experience the positive emotional connections, you’ll never want to stop!”
For further colour inspiration you can request a copy of our Generation Homes Lookbook, featuring the latest innovations and trends in residential construction and interior design.
* Dulux image credits 2020
Main Image
Left to right: Reset, Nourish and Retreat. Stylist: Julia Green, Photographer: Armelle Habib
Nourish
Bedroom one (title page image): Backwall colour: Dulux Olive Blend. Ceiling, cornices, skirting in colour: Dulux Marton. Katie Wyatt Artwork via Greenhouse Interiors. Webbing Bedside White Set of 2 via House of Orange. Muuto Under The Bell Pendant White Melange via Surrounding. Pasadena Mustard & Pink Throw via Adairs. Maisy Knit Cushion via Sage and Clare. Linen Duvet Cover – Tobacco via Greenhouse Interiors. Pure Linen Soft Grey Stripe Standard Pillowcase via I Love Linen.
Bedroom two (Nourish image): Wall colour: Dulux Sandymount. Cabinet: Dulux Kūaotunu. Ceiling, cornices, skirting in colour: Dulux Haast Half. Wall hanging on right – ‘Dakota Wall hanging’ by Three Queens Interiors via Greenhouse Interiors. Artwork above fireplace – ‘Little Vase’ via Castle and Things. Pink Lowdown Locker – ‘The Lowdown in Blush’ via Mustard Made. Salvador Table Lamp in Off White via Few and Far. Basket in front of fireplace – ‘Fez Small Natural Basket’ via Adairs. Kobbie Rattan Honey Bedside Table via Adairs. Printed cushion at front – ‘Pacha Linen Pillowcase’ via Sage and Clare. Maisy Knit Cushion via Sage and Clare. Throw on bed – ‘Mexica Mustard & Natural Throw’ via Adairs. Pure French Linen Quilt Cover in Mustard via I Love Linen. Pure Linen Mustard Standard Pillowcase. Pure French Linen Sheet Set in Soft Grey Stripes via I Love Linen. Daisy Rug by Armadillo & Co via Norsu Interiors.
Hallway: Wall colour: Dulux Cloudy Range. Door, skirting, cornices and ceiling: Dulux Remuera. Artworks – Castle and Things. Bizerte Floral Multicolour Runner Rug via Miss Amara. Asola Table Lamp via Domo Australia. Long Low Shelving by Sarah Ellison via Life Interiors. Bottom shelf on right – ‘Bloom Shallow Bowl Speckle’ by Alice Bell Ceramics via Greenhouse Interiors. Middle Shelf on left – ‘Buee Vases’ via Domo Australia. Top Shelf – tray + cup on the left hand side by R. L. Foote Design. Digitally Generated Porcelain Cup. Bubble Plate – Blue and Blue – Black. Middle shelf pink planter - Lightly: ‘Goblet Planter Orchid’. Available Via Lightly.
Reset
Kitchen: Wall (behind the artwork): Dulux Prebbleton, Cupboards: Dulux Woods Creek, Splashback: Dulux Cook Strait, IKEA bar stool: Hot Chillie, Ceiling: Natural White. The Pineapple Vase by Alice Bell via Greenhouse Interiors (with foliage on the counter). Tall Tapered Vase Green by Ella Reweti via Makers’ Mrkt (with wooden spoons). Returning Home Art Tea Towel by Leah Bartholomew via Greenhouse Interiors. Artwork on the counter by Karina Jambrak via Greenhouse interiors. Skogsta Bar Stool – Ikea (Spray painted in Hot Chillie).
Outdoor (title image): Dining Chair + Bench Seat in colour Dulux Woods Creek, Planter on the dining table painted in colour, Dulux Prebbleton. Linear Dining Table + Bench Seat – Made by Tait. Tidal Chair – Made by Tait. Pink planter on dining table – spray painted in Prebbleton.
Outdoor (reset image): Planter in Colour: Dulux Cook Strait. Side Table painted in colour: Dulux Morikau. Gladom Side table – Ikea (spray painted in Terra Rose). Ferm Living Ripple Carafe – Clear by Designstuff. Haven Rope Arm Occasional Chair by Globe West in Natural/White.
Loungeroom: Back wall: Dulux Mt Aspiring Half, Side table: Dulux Woods Creek. Como Square Cushion in Teal by Weave. Nevis Throw Rug in Umber by Weave. Elle Pillar Side Table in White Marble/White by Globe West. Mason Round Coffee Table in Snow Terrazzo/Grey Oak by Globe West. Art above fireplace - Womens Business II – Limited Edition Print by Natalie Jade via Greenhouse Interiors. Morning Pool Limited Edition Print by Charlotte Taylor via Greenhouse Interiors. Vessels next to the planter near fireplace - Terracotta and Green Striped Vessels by Formantics. Vessel on coffee table - Vessel # 5 by Emily Only via Makers’ Mrkt. Sculpture on coffee table - Diego Olivero Stacked Sculpture by West Elm. Vase on the tall coffee table Cloud Tulip Vase Light Blue by Marmoset Found via Greenhouse Interiors. U shaped vase on the low coffee table extreme left Valley Vessel by Clae Studio via Makers Mrkt.
Retreat
Dining room (title image): Backwall: Dulux Franz Josef Quarter, Ceiling: Dulux Remuera. Designer Rugs: ‘Aerial Dots’ rug available via Designer Rugs. Huset ‘Menu Dancing Pendant By Iskos-Berlin for Menu’. Globewest ‘Daphne Arm Chair’. Globewest ‘Ronald Arm Chair’. Artworks by Casey Freeman artist. Available via Greenhouse Interiors. Greenhouse Interiors: “Alice Bell Ceramics’. Available Via Greenhouse Interiors (on the right). Lightly: ‘Infinity Bowl, Black and Enamel. Available via Lightly. ‘Marmoset Found, Balloon Vase - Blue’. Available via Greenhouse Interiors.
Bedroom one (Retreat story): Backwall + ceiling colour, Dulux Kūaotunu. Greenhouse Interiors: “Krini Limited Edition Print” by Bibi Ana and Co. Available via Greenhouse Interiors. (On left). Greenhouse Interiors: “Paved Paradise Limited Edition Print” by Bibi Ana and Co. Available via Greenhouse Interiors. (On right). Life Interiors: ‘Elton Side Table’. Available via Life Interiors. Lightly: ‘Zenith table lamp - Sage’. Available via Lightly. Scribble Tartan Linen Flat Sheet. Available via Kip & Co. Colombo Cotton Pillowcase (on right). Available via Kip & Co. St Barts Stripe Linen Pillowcase (on left). Available via Kip & Co. Coconut Linen European Pillowcase. Available via Kip & Co. Colombo Cotton Quilt Cover. Available via Kip & Co.
Study nook: Ceiling: Dulux Remuera. Back wall: Dulux Five Fingers Peninsula. Greenhouse Interiors: Georgie Wilson, ‘Caramel Sunday Print’. Available via Greenhouse Interiors. Globewest: Luca Study desk in cocoa available via Globewest. Huset: Fibre Armchair by Iskos Berlin for Muuto. Available via Huset. Designer Rugs: ‘Twill, Blue’. Available via Designer Rugs. Klay Life ‘Nais Table Lamp’. Available via Klay Life. Black Looksie Eye on the desk Greenhouse Interiors: Kaz Morton Ceramics. Available via Greenhouse Interiors. Planter painted pot by Steph.
Bedroom two (Retreat story): Wall Colour: Dulux Teahouse. Ceiling, Dulux Remuera. Greenhouse Interiors: ‘Sun Drenched’ Print. Available via Greenhouse Interiors. Dress, bag and perfume - supplied by Steph. Lights Lights Lights: ‘George Nelson Pear pendant’. Available via Lights Lights Lights. Greenhouse Interiors: “Alice Bell Ceramics’. Available Via Greenhouse Interiors. French Linen Quilt Cover and Pillowcase in Marine Blue – Available via I Love Linen. French Linen Flat Sheet in Marine Stripe and European Pillowcase – Available via I Love Linen. Belgian Vintage Washed Lined Charcoal Long Cushion – Available via Adairs. Life Interiors: ‘Amara Curve Side Table’ in White. Available via Life Interiors. Muscat Mustard Throw – Available via Adairs
Bedroom three (Mood and Colour, Space by Space Image): Wall Colour: Dulux Cardrona. Life Interiors: ‘Amara Curve Side Table’ in White. Available via Life Interiors. KLay Life: ‘Calo Pendant’. Available via Klay Life. Greenhouse Interiors: ‘Shark Bay Series III’, Print’. Tom Hegan. Available via Greenhouse Interiors. “Moonage Daydream” Greenhouse Interiors: Artwork by Anna Cole. Available via Greenhouse Interiors. Linen Duvet Cover – Tobacco via Greenhouse Interiors. Linen Standard Pillowcase – Tobacco Via Greenhouse Interiors. ‘Returning Home Art Qiult’ – Greenhouse Interiors. Linen Flat Sheet – Sea Mist – Greenhouse Interiors.