Made Local: How Dulux Colour Trends Are Born
Ever wondered how Dulux sees into the future to know the colours we'll be coveting in the year ahead? Here, we find out
The Dulux Colour Forecast, released in August or September each year, is a hotly anticipated event in the local design calendar, giving architects, designers and homeowners a sneak peek at the colour and design trends we’ll be loving in the year ahead. Using hundreds of hours of research, the Dulux colour team releases three carefully curated palettes using the brand’s colours to illustrate next year’s key looks, along with stunning photography showing exactly how to use the hues in your home or design project.
But how does the Dulux team predict colour trends before they happen? And what’s their approach to deciding which paint colours make and miss the cut? We went behind the scenes to find out.
But how does the Dulux team predict colour trends before they happen? And what’s their approach to deciding which paint colours make and miss the cut? We went behind the scenes to find out.
Left to right: Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager; Lauren Treloar, Dulux colour manager; and Bree Leech, colour forecaster and stylist.
When the forecast first launched, it was just a one-person project led by Lucena-Orr. Since then, the team has expanded to reflect the forecast’s growing following among local design pros and aficionados.
The forecast is now put together by a team consisting of Lucena-Orr, colour forecaster and stylist Bree Leech, Dulux colour manager Lauren Treloar, and colour and design specialist for Dulux New Zealand, Davina Harper.
When the forecast first launched, it was just a one-person project led by Lucena-Orr. Since then, the team has expanded to reflect the forecast’s growing following among local design pros and aficionados.
The forecast is now put together by a team consisting of Lucena-Orr, colour forecaster and stylist Bree Leech, Dulux colour manager Lauren Treloar, and colour and design specialist for Dulux New Zealand, Davina Harper.
Each member of the Australian team has a specific role to play. Lucena-Orr researches colour trends and presents her findings to the media, trade and retail markets. Stylist Leech keeps her finger on the design pulse to inform the team of upcoming trends as well as producing and styling the final forecast imagery. And Treloar uses her extensive marketing experience to make sure the forecast is delivered to the right audience.
Keen to add colour to your home but not sure where to start? Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz
Keen to add colour to your home but not sure where to start? Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz
Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 – Connect palette. Images by Lisa Cohen. Styling by Bree Leech. Arch painted in Dulux Apparition. Walls in Dulux Basset Brown.
So how does Dulux hope the forecast is used by those renovating or working on a home? “The Colour Forecast is a constant evolution of colour that allows homeowners and designers to introduce on-trend colours through paint, textures and layering to ensure the home is reflective of the current design trends year-on-year, whether that’s with minor styling adjustments or full-room transformations.
“The best way for your home to stay current is by adding and changing small elements every year. This could be as simple as bed linen, cushions, a rug, chair or paint highlights,” says Lucena-Orr.
So how does Dulux hope the forecast is used by those renovating or working on a home? “The Colour Forecast is a constant evolution of colour that allows homeowners and designers to introduce on-trend colours through paint, textures and layering to ensure the home is reflective of the current design trends year-on-year, whether that’s with minor styling adjustments or full-room transformations.
“The best way for your home to stay current is by adding and changing small elements every year. This could be as simple as bed linen, cushions, a rug, chair or paint highlights,” says Lucena-Orr.
Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 – Revive palette. Images by Lisa Cohen. Styling by Breech Leech. Walls painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter. Ceiling painted in Dulux Purple Celebration.
The process of pulling the colour forecast together takes a full 12 months and involves hundreds of hours of research, with work beginning on next year’s trends practically the moment the previous one has been announced.
The process of pulling the colour forecast together takes a full 12 months and involves hundreds of hours of research, with work beginning on next year’s trends practically the moment the previous one has been announced.
Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 - Balance palette. Images by Lisa Cohen. Styling by Breech Leech. Feature wall in Dulux Green Alabaster Half. Hallway in Dulux Casper White.
Local and global research underpins the Dulux colour findings, which means extensive travel, attending trade shows and staying abreast of the societal issues impacting design shifts.
“Consumer sentiment is important so we always look at what is happening culturally and how this influences interior colour trends, such as economic crises, innovation and advances in globalisation. We also look at fashion design forecasts and media as these platforms heavily influence interior colour and design trends,” says Lucena-Orr.
Local and global research underpins the Dulux colour findings, which means extensive travel, attending trade shows and staying abreast of the societal issues impacting design shifts.
“Consumer sentiment is important so we always look at what is happening culturally and how this influences interior colour trends, such as economic crises, innovation and advances in globalisation. We also look at fashion design forecasts and media as these platforms heavily influence interior colour and design trends,” says Lucena-Orr.
Bree Leech, colour forecaster and stylist.
“We attend industry events, read trend reports, attend fashion catwalks, product and design launches, engage with global and international brands, and conduct customised research among Dulux’s extensive network in the UK, Italy and France,” she says.
“We attend industry events, read trend reports, attend fashion catwalks, product and design launches, engage with global and international brands, and conduct customised research among Dulux’s extensive network in the UK, Italy and France,” she says.
Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 - Balance palette. Images by Lisa Cohen. Styling by Breech Leech. Upper walls painted in Dulux Kimberley Sea. Lower walls painted in Dulux Pure Blue Half.
Browse more images of stunning Australian living rooms where blue stars
Browse more images of stunning Australian living rooms where blue stars
While at Salone del Mobile Milano recently, the Dulux colour team held a special event with textile designer Bethan Laura Wood to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Colour Forecast.
“We attend many trade shows and seminars during the year, both locally and internationally, to see what other brands are doing, discover new products, and design launches and hear from influential people about new design and architecture trends and cultural shifts to anticipate trends for the following year,” says Lucena-Orr.
“We attend many trade shows and seminars during the year, both locally and internationally, to see what other brands are doing, discover new products, and design launches and hear from influential people about new design and architecture trends and cultural shifts to anticipate trends for the following year,” says Lucena-Orr.
Andrea Lucena-Orr speaking at the Dulux event at Salone del Mobile.
“We recently visited Salone del Mobile Milano, which is one of the biggest events in the design calendar. The Color Marketing Group workshops are another fabulous way to stay ahead of the trends,” she says.
“We recently visited Salone del Mobile Milano, which is one of the biggest events in the design calendar. The Color Marketing Group workshops are another fabulous way to stay ahead of the trends,” she says.
Christina Earls, Dulux colour marketing director, at the Dulux event at Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy.
“We also talk with key opinion leaders and design experts from all over the world to inform [our findings],” says Lucena-Orr. “We mainly look at Western Europe design, as this has the largest influence on Australian and New Zealand design. After running the Dulux Colour Forecast for 25 years, we are very fortunate to have access to a huge global network to help and guide us with the right information and reporting.”
“We also talk with key opinion leaders and design experts from all over the world to inform [our findings],” says Lucena-Orr. “We mainly look at Western Europe design, as this has the largest influence on Australian and New Zealand design. After running the Dulux Colour Forecast for 25 years, we are very fortunate to have access to a huge global network to help and guide us with the right information and reporting.”
Davina Harper, colour and design specialist for Dulux New Zealand.
After countless hours of research, travel and conversing, it’s time to head back to the Dulux office to pull all the information together.
“There is so much information, both macro and micro trends, to filter through!” says Lucena-Orr. “Organising and digesting all the insights is a long process and we take our responsibility to inspire consumers and designers very seriously.”
After countless hours of research, travel and conversing, it’s time to head back to the Dulux office to pull all the information together.
“There is so much information, both macro and micro trends, to filter through!” says Lucena-Orr. “Organising and digesting all the insights is a long process and we take our responsibility to inspire consumers and designers very seriously.”
“We look at Dulux’s catalogue of over 5000 colours and carefully select the shades that match the trends we’re seeing locally and around the globe, and filter these to ensure they will work in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
“We also show how to match colours featured in the palettes as inspiration for projects that can be used to influence paint decisions, as well as how these colours can be styled with different textures and layers such as cushions, curtains, lighting, rugs and so on,” says Lucena-Orr.
“We also show how to match colours featured in the palettes as inspiration for projects that can be used to influence paint decisions, as well as how these colours can be styled with different textures and layers such as cushions, curtains, lighting, rugs and so on,” says Lucena-Orr.
“Based on all of the information gathered, we curate three carefully selected colour palettes that respond to societal sentiment and shifts in what consumers and specifiers need for many projects, ranging from homes to commercial projects like retail and office spaces. This could be a palette that’s a joyous and playful sentiment or one that is designed to create calm and balance,” she says.
The team also needs to ensure the Colour Forecast palettes will resonate with the Australian market. To do this, they analyse the current cultural shifts, characteristics and changes within Australian interior design, and cherry pick the trends they believe local homeowners and designers are likely to embrace.
“Once selected, we then need to ensure the trends work together in harmony, with the result being three distinctive styles and considered colour palettes that bring the Colour Forecast to life,” says Lucena-Orr.
“Once selected, we then need to ensure the trends work together in harmony, with the result being three distinctive styles and considered colour palettes that bring the Colour Forecast to life,” says Lucena-Orr.
Dulux Forecast 2023 – Balance palette. Images by Lisa Cohen. Styling by Breech Leech. Walls painted in Dulux Mornington.
“The palettes aren’t finalised until the very last minute to ensure they are truly reflective of the latest trends. There’s also a lot of work that goes into the planning for photoshoots to ensure we have the right style of home and furnishings to reflect each trend,” she says.
“The palettes aren’t finalised until the very last minute to ensure they are truly reflective of the latest trends. There’s also a lot of work that goes into the planning for photoshoots to ensure we have the right style of home and furnishings to reflect each trend,” she says.
Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 – Connect palette. Images by Lisa Cohen. Styling by Breech Leech. Walls in Dulux Namadji.
Capturing the three new trends in a series of inspiring photoshoots is a key part of the process as it shows renovators and design professionals how to use them in the home.
“We use Bree’s styling expertise to lead the Colour Forecast shoots and showcase the transformative power of the new Dulux colour trends. We lean on Lauren to ensure the Forecast is reaching those who need this inspiration and to bring the Colour Forecast to life,” says Lucena-Orr.
Capturing the three new trends in a series of inspiring photoshoots is a key part of the process as it shows renovators and design professionals how to use them in the home.
“We use Bree’s styling expertise to lead the Colour Forecast shoots and showcase the transformative power of the new Dulux colour trends. We lean on Lauren to ensure the Forecast is reaching those who need this inspiration and to bring the Colour Forecast to life,” says Lucena-Orr.
Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 – Revive palette. Images by Lisa Cohen. Styling by Breech Leech. Walls painted in Dulux Paper Brown. Cabinets painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter. Island painted in Dulux Perplexed.
The colour team works with a trusted team of photographers who are familiar with the signature Dulux look. “Before the shoot, we provide a detailed brief with information about the location, palette and mood for each of the trends that need to be captured. I then work closely with the photographer to capture the perfect angle, composition and mood for each image on the day,” says Leech.
The colour team works with a trusted team of photographers who are familiar with the signature Dulux look. “Before the shoot, we provide a detailed brief with information about the location, palette and mood for each of the trends that need to be captured. I then work closely with the photographer to capture the perfect angle, composition and mood for each image on the day,” says Leech.
Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager.
And then it’s time to unveil the new forecast! “Each year, we share a Colour Forecast announcement where we reveal the new design trends and colour palettes for the upcoming year,” says Treloar.
“This is shared with designers, architects, media and industry leaders. Throughout the year, we also hold industry events and training courses to discuss the latest trends and how to incorporate each palette’s colours, textures and decorative layers within their own designs, and to reveal the research and insights behind each palette.”
And then it’s time to unveil the new forecast! “Each year, we share a Colour Forecast announcement where we reveal the new design trends and colour palettes for the upcoming year,” says Treloar.
“This is shared with designers, architects, media and industry leaders. Throughout the year, we also hold industry events and training courses to discuss the latest trends and how to incorporate each palette’s colours, textures and decorative layers within their own designs, and to reveal the research and insights behind each palette.”
Lauren Treloar, Dulux colour manager.
“Consumers can also find information and inspiration on the Dulux website and social channels,” says Treloar.
“Dulux has a dedicated Colour Forecast section on its website where customers can explore the annual colour palettes with schemes and helpful styling tips. Homeowners can also book an online or in-home colour consultation with a qualified interior designer to bring one of the palettes to life in your own home or office space,” she says.
“Consumers can also find information and inspiration on the Dulux website and social channels,” says Treloar.
“Dulux has a dedicated Colour Forecast section on its website where customers can explore the annual colour palettes with schemes and helpful styling tips. Homeowners can also book an online or in-home colour consultation with a qualified interior designer to bring one of the palettes to life in your own home or office space,” she says.
Phew! It’s a lot of work, but the passionate colour team feel it’s well worth it. “The most enjoyable part of the process is connecting with inspiring industry experts from across the world and continuously learning from a talented network of designers and architects locally.
“It’s also incredible, once the palettes are launched, to see how homeowners and designers incorporate them in their own homes or projects, as that’s ultimately why we do the Colour Forecast,” says Lucena-Orr.
“It’s also incredible, once the palettes are launched, to see how homeowners and designers incorporate them in their own homes or projects, as that’s ultimately why we do the Colour Forecast,” says Lucena-Orr.
Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 - Revive palette. Images by Lisa Cohen. Styling by Breech Leech. Walls painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter. Striped walls in Dulux Breezy Half and Dulux Paper Brown. Front door in Dulux Pink Chi.
Your turn
Has the annual Dulux Colour Forecast helped you choose paint colours or a palette for your home? Let us know in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
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Your turn
Has the annual Dulux Colour Forecast helped you choose paint colours or a palette for your home? Let us know in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Want to read another ‘Made Local’ story? Don’t miss this inspiring Made Local: Your Cup of Coffee From Tree to Takeaway
The Dulux Colour Forecast will be celebrating 25 years with its 2024 release later this year – a crystal ball revealing the hues we’ll want next year and beyond. And it all started back in 1999, when the paint experts decided to showcase directions in local, rather than global, colour trends.
“Other design trend announcements at the time were better suited to the European market, and weren’t really tailored to the local market’s needs or wants,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager.
“Also, there weren’t any announcements specifically on colour trends. So, Dulux began carefully curating the annual Colour Forecast palettes to help inspire homeowners, designers and architects, and provide them with design trends suited to the Australian market,” she says.