2018 dulux colour awards – The Interiors Addict

Check out the Dulux Colour Awards 2018 winners

In its 32^ndyear, this year’s Dulux Colour Awards had a record number of entries (more than 300) from across Australia and New Zealand, many of which were pretty incredible. I’ve no doubt the judging panel (including industry luminaries Miriam Fanning, David Flack and David Hicks) had a tough time of it before the awards were handed down recently at a gala event at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Hawthorn residence, Bagnoli Architects. Photographer: Ari Hatzis

Taking out the top award in the ‘Single Residential Interior’ category was the ‘Percy St’ residence by Bagnoli Architects. The original Victorian cottage was renovated and extended and features the most glorious pastel paint shades.

“Underpinned by an innovative approach to its philosophy and execution, this entry has a beautiful energy and innocence, which captures the essence of what the Dulux Colour Awards mean to us. The exploration of colour is soft and serene, yet commanding, and responds to the architectural form rather than being simply applied to a surface. With greys, blacks and splashes of colour, the interior scheme flows seamlessly to the exterior, demonstrating how the consideration of colour in a design concept can add light and depth to a home,” says judge David Flack.

Special commendation went to Fiona Lynch’s ‘Elsternwick House’ project which another grand Victorian restoration. “This classically beautiful and sophisticated residence has been pared back for all the right reasons, and the monochromatic palette fits the architecture: white and black highlight structural elements and openings, while a range of greys tint the walls,” says David.

Fiona Lynch Elsternwick House — Image credit: Dulux Colour Awards 2018 – Single Residential Interior commendation. Elsternwick House by Fiona Lynch. Photographer: Sharyn Cairn

Another special commendation went to Arent&Pyke’s ‘Amarelo Terrace’ project which is a glorious celebration of blue. “The considered delivery of the whole project, fully resolved in composition, style and design, is evident here. It wasn’t forced, and results in a timelessness that is heightened by clever layering, materiality of finishes and an intimacy in the design and use of colour,” says David.

The ‘Multi-residential Interior’ category was taken out by Perth architect Simon Pendal for his daring ‘North Perth Townhouse’ project. “A clear, concise concept at the heart of this entry separates it from the rest. With bold hues cutting through a base of white, the internal spaces are cleverly defined, while a play of gloss and matte paint finishes adds another dimension to the form. There is no subtlety here; instead there’s an unwavering commitment to the use of contrasting tones to delineate the interior,” says David.

For more | Last year’s winners

With a record-breaking 305 entries from Australia and New Zealand, this year’s Dulux Colour Awards is perhaps its best yet. From blue to yellow, green and pink the bold and inventive use of colour this year is next level – honestly, there are so many amazing finalists I found it hard to play favourites.

“We were thrilled to see such dynamic and inventive use of colour in this year’s entries. Architects and designers have really pushed the boundaries with colour application to create uplifting, engaging – and often thoroughly surprising – interior and exterior spaces,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour planning and communications manager.

Colourful bathroom — Such inventive use of colour. ‘Modernist Wonderland’ by WOWOWA Architecture. Photographer: Martina Gemmola

A celebration of the exceptional use of colour, this year’s 305 entries have been eliminated down to a list of 124 finalists (across commercial and residential spaces) with the final awards due to be presented at a gala event on May 10, 2018 at the National Gallery of Victoria. The judging panel includes design experts including David Hicks, Miriam Fanning and David Flack.

Fitzroy North Townhouse by Lisa Breeze Architect. Photographer: Caitlin Mills

“Darker tones of black and charcoal continue to dominate in commercial and exterior spaces, but this year they’ve been punctuated with fun, vibrant accents of red, yellow and lime green in the form of panelling, door and window trims. There’s an unmistakable sense of 80’s nostalgia creeping in,” says Andrea.

“At the other end of the spectrum, we’re seeing a trend towards softer, warmer palettes in commercial interiors – chalky grey-greens, diluted pinks and earthy terracotta that add character and a cocooning vibe,” says Andrea.

Chalky grey paint — I love that chalky grey green. ‘Classic Mosman’ by Ann King Design. Photographer: Amanda Prior.

“Blue is emerging as a popular choice in residential interiors – warm denim tones are adding a relaxed elegance to bedrooms and kitchens, while funky turquoise is being used to energise and excite. Impactful tones of yellow are also making an appearance, often in unexpected places, such as ceilings and interior trims, adding a sense of unbridled joy into interior spaces,” says Andrea.

An unexpected splash of yellow on the ceiling. ‘Joyful House’ by Mihaly Slocombe. Photographer: Tatjana Plitt

“Grey has lost none of its appeal, particularly in residential exteriors, but rather than opting for a single shade, designers and architects are layering up multiple shades of the one colour for a more sophisticated and interesting, tonal look,” says Andrea.

‘The Matlock House’ by Danielle B for The Stylesmiths. Photographer: Nicole England

For more | Check out last year’s winners