dulux colour trend – The Interiors Addict

Summer 2019 paint trend: Soothing colours from Dulux

Just in time for summer comes the ‘Wholeself’ palette which is the next instalment in the 2019 Dulux Colour Forecast. With mindfulness a central theme, this summer trends palette focusses on soft minimalism and nurturing chalky hues.

“The Wholeself palette is all about slowing down and tuning into the things that really matter. Wellness has emerged as a major theme in the design world for 2019, with many of us looking to switch off our digital devices and focus on nurturing our tired bodies and spirit. The Wholeself palette brings this theme to life,” says Dulux colour and communications manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr of the palette that comprises powdery pinks, warm neutrals, muted citrus tones and minty blue-green.

“It has a serene yet cocooning feel, with gentle colours and subtle textural layerings, that hint at creative exploration and new beginnings. Powdery peach/pink has emerged as a key base colour, with accents of clay, gold and blue-green adding a fresh, modern spin,” says Andrea.

“This palette is a significant shift from the playful brights and rich, luxe tones of last year. Rather than looking outward for inspiration, this season’s understated colours and intriguing textures draw you inwards and encourage moments of stillness and mindfulness,” says Andrea who explains that the palette is easily paired with white, neutral grey and greige paint.

“When choosing colours from this trend palette, think about how they’ll work with your existing furniture, flooring and soft furnishings. You should also factor in the room type and any colours in adjoining spaces. One area this palette works particularly well is the bedroom. In this space it can create a calm and restful feel,” says Andrea.

The soothing, mindful colour palette also points to a larger life philosophy that is all about embracing what we already have in 2019. “Expect to see a paring back of the overdone or unnecessary; the idea is to surround yourself with furniture and accessories that serve a purpose and bring you happiness. Environmental awareness will be an important thread running through design in 2019 – rather than discarding those pieces we no longer have a use for, we’ll be encouraged to repurpose or reimagine them in a new way,” she says.

Andrea’s summer styling tips

Edit out the unnecessary; surround yourself with only those pieces you truly love and use.
Curves are key; choose furniture with rounded edges and soft, sumptuous cushioning.
Balance out soft pastels with warm, mid-tone timbers.
Add in contrasting natural materials, such as a stone, wool and linen in the form of side tables, accessories and cushions.
Inject small doses of unexpected brights, such as citrus, mint and gold, through decorative accessories such as vases and tableware.
Give new life to an old piece of furniture, by painting it in a complementary tone, or a contrasting accent colour.

Photographer: Lisa Cohen | Styling: Bree Leech

For more | How to choose white paint for walls

Dulux latest colour trend: Autumn has never looked so inviting

While terracotta has shrugged off its 1980s associations and has been trending for a while now, the latest Dulux colour forecast (titled The Kinship Palette) celebrates the earthy hue in a seriously major way. And with autumn just around the corner, we’re feeling inspired by the warmth and versatility of the shade – especially when cleverly combined with white.

“This colour palette exudes warmth, but in a sophisticated and contemporary way. It is easy to work with, allowing you to add character with minimal fuss,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour expert.

Combining terracotta tones with russet, soft grey-greens, cosy neutrals and vibrant red, the palette pairs fabulously with the tribal-inspired, earthy textures that are in vogue at the minute – think natural, warm timbers, stone and linen.

Wall: Dulux Natural White | Partition: Dulux Sassy

And while these colours do require some decorating confidence, like dark paint, sometimes just a splash is all you need to ramp things up a notch. “If you’re nervous about the idea of introducing deep colours to your space, you needn’t be. You’ll find that even a small amount of these richer hues against a white or neutral background, in the right spot, can make a big impact,” says Andrea. Accent areas, ripe for colour experimentation, include the front door, the edge of a shelf or even a storage nook.

“Paint is such an easy and affordable way to keep your interiors up-to-date, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone colour-wise can be incredibly fun and rewarding. Best of all, if a colour isn’t what you’re looking for, you can easily change it,” says Andrea.

Wall (upper): Dulux Natural White | Wall (lower): Beige Artifacts | Partition: Dulux Sassy

Michelle Halford, interior stylist, writer and Dulux Colour Trends 2018 contributor, has plenty of great ideas for making these rich, autumnal hues work in your home. “Offset rich colours with a soft, complementary neutral to create balance and introduce furniture and accessories in warm, natural materials, such as  a vintage timber console or dresser, rattan chairs, woven lighting and baskets. Bold abstract art, textured wall hangings and plenty of greenery provide the perfect finishing touches,” says Michelle.

Wall (upper): Dulux Natural White | Sideboard: Dulux Maiko

“You can also up the cosiness factor by adding in lashings of texture – think oversized knits, luxurious velvets and linens,” says Michelle who suggests using black accents in your furniture and artwork to ground your scheme.

Photography: Mike Baker | Styling: Bree Leech

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