Cart 
The finalists of the 2020 Dulux Colour Awards have been announced, showcasing projects featuring an original and masterful use of colour and texture by trailblazing Australian and New Zealand design studios. And as always, the shortlisted projects have got us inspired to whip out the paint rollers!
Every year, these awards highlight the ever-changing ways designers are using colour in Australian and New Zealand homes. In the last 12 months, there’s been a shift towards rich brown-based hues (as called by our interiors columnist, Lauren Li!) as a dominant interiors shade. Colours in this family join terracotta, beiges, earthy greens and warm greys as popular ‘new neutral’ shades, as designers continue to move away from cooler whites.
Also notable among this year’s projects is the use of texture, such as concrete effects, patinas, French wash and suede effects. ‘Repetition of these textures paired with unexpected tones was apparent, such as yellow, red and coral in the form of accent walls, cabinetry, doors, skylights and trims,’ says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour planning and communications manager.
Several projects featured on TDF are among the residential interior and exterior finalists, including one of our favourite homes of 2019, The Quarter Deck by Studio Gorman, who won the category last year! Doherty Design Studio are the ones to beat in the residential interiors category with three finalist projects, including the vibrant St Kilda Residence and sophisticated Thornton Residence.
The Dulux Colour Awards continues to grow every year, with a record 450 entries received in the 2020 program. On the judging panel this year are: Adele Winteridge, director of Foolscap Studio; Jean-Pierre Biasol, director of Biasol Design Studio; Jonathan Richards, director of Richards Stanisich Architecture; Kathryn Robson, director of Robson Rak Architects & Interiors; and Toni Brandso, director of New Zealand’s Material Creative.
Keep an eye out for the winners announcement in the coming months!
