Looking at the relentless pace of our work, lives, and connection to the digital world, the Dulux Colour Forecast for 2020 focuses on that which grounds us. More than ever, the home is a sanctuary from the demands of the outside world, and our desire to pause and reconnect with what matters to us most reflects the overarching theme for the next year’s colour trends – Essence.

A connection to the environment – as well as a rapidly growing concern for it – has also influenced the 2020 forecast. Bringing together gentle neutrals and muted brights, these tones are taken from the natural world. ‘These colour trends are influenced by what’s happening in the world around us,’ says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager. ‘With more focus on mental health, the wellness movement continues to gain momentum, as does an emphasis on natural materiality.’ 

Here we unveil the key palettes: Cultivate, Comeback,  Grounded, and Indulge – think longevity and a renewed appreciation for nature – these colours represent the essence of current social trends and global movements.

Cultivate

An increased appreciation for our natural environment and personal wellbeing has informed Cultivate, with its palette of natural greens, that dips into wattle, grey-blue and plum hues. We celebrate nature more and more in the home space by growing our own food, and styling with indoor plants, and the layers of green in Cultivate, from deep Rosseau Green to the golden Warm Woollen, help to bring the outside in and relax our home spaces.

‘The colours and textures in Cultivate are easy to work with and have a warmth that really conveys the essence of “home”,’ says Andrea. ‘They look beautiful paired with raw, mid-tone timbers, natural stone and transparent, coloured glass.’

Comeback

Comeback spans fresh and invigorating shades of blue-green, azure and amber highlighted by warm tones of burgundy, rust and clay. These confident, predominantly retro hues are a nod to iconic design eras, from Arts and Crafts to mid-century modernism, and through to the 80s.

The palette is a reflection of the current consumer penchant for styling with a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. One can imagine these shades adorning a rich velvet sofa with curved lines complemented by an artwork with black accents.

‘There’s a lightness and fluidity to the ocean tones in this palette that speak of creativity and adventure, while the warm, earthy shades add cosiness,’ says Andrea. ‘It’s the ideal backdrop to combine furniture from different eras – from mid-century through to the 80s – in elegant and refined shapes.’

Grounded

As we become more mindful about our impact on the world, our idea of luxury has shifted. Grounded represents a greater appreciation for craftsmanship, longevity, authenticity and understated beauty – reflections on where our new values lie.

‘We’re seeing a more tonal palette for 2020, and Grounded is a perfect example,’ says Andrea’ It has a soft, neutral feel that creates a sense of relaxation in a space, with gold and coral adding touches of luxe.’

Bright whites are swapped for more earthy influences in White Dune and Ghost Town Quarter, warmed up by Hint of Lavender and Gold Pheasant.

Indulge

Romanticism and nostalgia are strong themes of Indulge, a palette that responds to the current desire to unwind, dream and travel. Rich burgundy, eggplant, earthy browns, faded terracotta and soft corals inspired by ‘70s disco and art deco are all included in the collection.

‘This palette is not for the faint-hearted – it’s dramatic and exciting and is guaranteed to add wow factor to a master bedroom, dining room or living room,’ says Andrea. ‘Pink, a key colour of the last few years, makes an appearance, but in a more neutral tone that’s closer to tan, alongside a warm, dusty rose.’

The shades in Indulge are soft in nature but add personality to a space. They are best suited to vintage, lived-in interiors that feel indulgent and dramatic.