Colour is a key part of any space, and the annual Dulux Colour Awards are all about celebrating projects that aren’t afraid to use colour in bold and exciting ways.
This year, a record number of 527 entries from some of Australia and New Zealand’s best interior designers, architects and students were submitted to a panel of industry experts, who shortlisted just 83 finalists.
Dulux colour and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr says the 38th instalment of the prestigious industry awards revealed a trend towards saturated candy-like colours, alongside clashing and contrasting tones to create playful spaces.
‘It is an uplifting trend that shows a newfound optimism and confidence to try unexpected combinations for surprising and fun spatial impact,’ Andrea says.
‘Biophilia — the affinity of humans with the natural world — is another strong theme, with earthy colours playing a dominant role in interiors,’ she says. ‘Olive greens, warm greys, muted taupes and dusky blues are coming into their own across several categories.’
In addition to the usual seven categories focusing on residential and commercial spaces, a new award has been added in recognition of temporary or installation design.
One of the standouts from the Residential Interior category includes a beachcomber-style holiday home that’s been reimagined with a yellow kitchen (painted in Dulux Butterblond) thanks to a redesign by Architect George.
A Sydney family apartment by Studio Johnston also drew from nostalgic references, using the owner’s Greek heritage to play with soft coastal tones like Dulux Northern Sky.
Plus, the deep blue living room of Hamilton House by interior decorator Lauren Egan and the accents of Dulux Olive Blend in Hugh-Jones Mackintosh‘s Rosetta project show how impactful a singular injection of colour can be.
The 2024 judging panel is made up of Carter Williamson founder Shaun Carter, WOWOWA Architecture‘s Monique Woodward, Pac Studio director Sarosh Mulla, Studio Prineas founder Eva-Marie Prineas, and Technē Architecture + Interior Design co-director Nick Travers.
The judges will deliberate on these impressive projects, before the winners are announced at the Sydney Opera House Bennelong on May 29!
