When a neutral isn't neutral - Dulux colour predictions for Winter 21
Walls in Dulux Lake Brunner, ceiling and trim in Dulux Mt Aspiring Double. Fast Forward, original artwork by Liam Snootle, from Studio Gallery Photographer @LisaCohenPhoto Stylist: @BreeLeech
Every year I feel like winter appears out of nowhere, one day I’m flinging the windows open and complaining of being too hot and then suddenly the nights are longer, the fire is lit and the house is getting a cozy-up for the colder months.
Colour is such a big part of how I experience the seasons, and autumn and winter are my favourite. There is such a richness in how we experience our homes when it’s dark by 5.30pm and it’s something to be embraced until the long summer days start creeping back in.
The Dulux NZ colour predictions for this winter highlight rich, earth-based colours - oceanic blues, soft greens, earthy browns, tans and reds, as well as touches of mustard. As Davina Harper, Dulux Colour Specialist explains “The cooler months call for richer hues and cosy textures, and never more so than in a year when most people’s worlds have been turned upside down.”
While blues are predominant, I think it’s really interesting to note their warmth and softness. Two of the highlighted colours Dulux ‘Puhoi’ and ‘Five Fingers Peninsula’ are both blues that I have used several times (we painted our cottage exterior in Five Fingers at our last house and it was divine), and as a resolutely “warm palette” dweller I loved them and no doubt will use them again.
Dulux describes many of these colours as “earth-based neutrals” and I think it’s really important to remember that neutrals are absolutely not just shades of grey, but colours that sit harmoniously amongst others. They play nice with other neutrals, and/or provide a base for brighter, bolder colours as well. So while, a colour like ‘Urewera’ (sandy brown) or even ‘Moncks Bay’ are significant colours in themselves they also work really well with many other tones, which makes them super adaptable as your design changes. For examples I would use ‘Urewera’ in a tan/cream/natural timber scheme, but I’d also love to see it highlighted with pops of cobalt blue or acid yellow.
Left: Walls in Dulux Remuera. Right: Walls in Dulux Lake Brunner, ceiling and trim in Dulux Mt Aspiring Double. Fast Forward, original artwork by Liam Snootle, from Studio Gallery Photographer @LisaCohenPhoto Stylist: @BreeLeech
Stylist Bree Leech used a palette of ‘Lake Brunner’ (inky blue) with ‘Mt Aspiring Double’ (for the ceiling and window detailing) to transform this child’s bedroom using colour. Keeping existing furniture and adding texture through textiles and artwork, “You want your child to love spending time in their room – it should be somewhere they can escape, relax, read and play. The quickest and easiest way to switch up the mood is with colour,” says Bree.
When working with a high contrast colour like ‘Lake Brunner’ in a restful space, carefully consider the accent colour and replace bright white with a soft greige. It will still look sharp and fresh, but creates yet more of that softness . It’s a subtle but significant consideration which can make a big difference to how you experience a room. I know (first hand!) that choosing a white can seem more daunting even than choosing a bold colour - look at the Dulux palettes and the neutrals they suggest as a starting point and don’t forget you can order free swatches online at Dulux.co.nz to view them in the light of the room.
Walls in Dulux Lake Brunner, ceiling and trim in Dulux Mt Aspiring Double, tables in Dulux Five Fingers Peninsula. “Long Doggie”, artwork by Rachel Castle. Photographer @LisaCohenPhoto Stylist: @BreeLeech
And if you’re still feeling a bit nervous about bringing in colour to your home, Davina Harper has some solid advice “If you’ve been all about white for as long as you can remember, get a taste of using stronger colours by starting with a single wall – say the wall behind the bed, It will not only make a feature of your bed, however, it will create an opportunity for any artwork to pop. This can also stretch your new confidence into using colour elsewhere in your home.” Which you know, I’m all about!
Head over to Dulux to get inspired, learn more about these colour predictions and find your own colours. You can order free larger sized colour swatches too which are so helpful! They also have a live chat team online who can answer any and all questions you have, whether it’s about colour or paint.
And if you’re interested to check out last years winter colour picks - you’ll find my post here. It’s so interesting to look back and consider how our world affects the colours we’re drawn to. We’re all different and experience colour differently too, so take this as inspiration to explore your own colour story and think about what you want the colours in your home to reflect back at you!
Walls in Dulux Lake Brunner, ceiling and trim in Dulux Mt Aspiring Double. Photographer @LisaCohenPhoto Stylist: @BreeLeech
SUPPLIERS: ‘FAST FORWARD’ BY LIAM SNOOTLE – STUDIO GALLERY MELBOURNE; BEDHEAD – SOFT STUDIO; STOOL, TARTAN CUSHION, WALL HANGING – FENTON AND FENTON; LAMP – MONMOUTH STUDIOS; SHEETS, PILLOWCASE, QUILT COVER – THE SHEET SOCIETY; TAN THROW – A&C HOMESTORE; CHARCOAL THROW – RACHEL CASTLE; OTTOMAN – ARTHUR G; CABINET – HOUSE OF ORANGE; RUG – THE RUG COLLECTION; CHAIR – MODERN TIMES.
This post is part of my ongoing partnership with Dulux NZ in my role as Dulux Colour Ambassador. You can find out more about my work with Dulux here!