With deep eggplant and teal tones dominating, the Winter 2016 Dulux colour collection plunges into the dark side of the colour wheel this season, with dramatic results.
Walls painted in Dulux Odyssey & Dulux Plush
“We have seen a shift towards darker colours being used in the home over the past few years. Darker hues are increasingly being featured as inspiration in magazines, Instagram and blogs as well as retail stores, as they add a particular mood and a sense of drama,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour expert.
Traditionally, people have shied from dark paint colours for fear that they will make a space feel smaller. But used as a feature wall or accent tone, the results can be stunning. Deeper shades are ideal for a home cinema room (the darker backdrop accentuates the viewing experience) or bedrooms as they are mostly used at night.
“Don’t feel afraid to use darker colours in the home. Darker colours can create an ambience that can’t be achieved with lighter hues. You can add vibrant accessories against the darker backdrop if you feel it needs a little more brightness,” says Andrea.
And for those unwilling to take the complete plunge, you can incorporate the look on a smaller scale. “Try painting canvases in the winter colours to hang against neutral backdrops and accessorise with metallics and darker, dramatic colours with smaller highlights in bright accents,” says Andrea.
After sifting through a record-breaking 256 entries, the 2016 Dulux Colour Awards finalists have been announced and the talented list is 80 deep.
Finalist Glenlyon by Louise Walsh
The annual award, which celebrates 30 years this year, recognises the most creative use of colour across nine categories and invites entries from across Australia and New Zealand.
Finalist Beech Hill by Design.spec Ltd
“We were thrilled to see entries pushing the boundaries of colour application and incorporating both futuristic and retrospective elements,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr Dulux Colour planning and communication manager.
Finalist OGRADY by Justin Mallia
“Residential exteriors were dominated by whites, neutrals and earthy tones whilst application created interest through multi-layered textures,” says Andrea.
Finalist Noble Hughes residence by David Boyle Architect
“Pastels and soft tones were popular throughout the residential interior categories, with accents of vibrant colour applied to doors, ceilings and cornices,” says Andrea.
Finalist Koot House by Doherty Design Studio
Winners of the 2016 awards will be announced at a gala event in Melbourne on April 28 this year.
When you consider a home’s street appeal, its front door is key. Often thought of in purely utilitarian terms, it pays to consider it from a design perspective and, this season, that means bright and bold.
Door painted in Dulux Mondrian Blue
“Don’t be afraid to be playful with the look of your entrance to create a welcoming pathway into the home,” says Dulux colour expert, Andrea Lucena-Orr who emphasises the power a fresh front door colour can wield.
“Add a new door mat or a colourful or patterned planter to complement it and you can completely transform the appearance of your home,” she adds.
Door painted in Dulux Sequesta
It’s a fun DIY project that is low-risk and cost effective and we like the idea of a seasonal upgrade to reflect the latest trends – blue is currently on point.
“From lighter blues and greyish blues to deep, dark blues and even charcoal blues, the power of a blue door is particularly enhanced when combined with natural stone and brick or neutral render colours,” says Andrea.
Door painted in Dulux Mondrian Blue
“You could highlight a traditional stained glass door surround by choosing a complementary paint colour,” says Dulux stylist Heather Nette King.
Door painted in Dulux Spice Girl
This fun approach can be continued inside the home too. Rather than painting a feature wall, transforming an interior door is small on cost but big on impact.
Following on from yesterday’s reveal of Dulux’s Autumn 2016 colour trend forecast, today we bring you the complementary how-to. Perfect for DIY-lovers, follow these simple steps to recreate the stunning diagonal wall paint effect you see below.
Walls in Dulux Pickled and Dulux Pretty Primrose
1. Like any paint job you’ll need your usual drop sheet, masking tape and brushes. However, because we’re creating a diagonal line you’ll also need a HB pencil, an eraser, calculator and measuring tape.
2. Before you begin putting paint to plaster it’s a good idea to visualise your design first. For best results, plan your look taking into account furniture and art in the room because this will help inform your decision.
3. To make life easier, paint the entire wall in your lightest colour first. For step-by-step instructions on how to mask, cut and lay-off your wall click here.
4.Using the tape that is masking the trim, mark where you would like your diagonal line to start and finish. Once you are happy with these points use string and get someone to help by holding it taut at each end, lining up with the start and finish for your diagonal line – now mark this at increments along your wall. You could also use chalk line – this is an effective way to mark the diagonal line on the wall making it very easy to then mask it.
5.Now you’re ready to mask your line. It helps to have someone holding the tape taut from one end as you line it up with the increments you’ve marked out. Don’t forget, your tape must line up to the outside of your design – It seems obvious but it’s an easy mistake to make. Press your tape with a putty knife to prevent paint bleeding through.
6.Now for the fun part. Grab your brush or roller and begin painting your secondary coat of paint.
7.Paint the second colour in your design. Once your second coat is completely dry, carefully remove your tape at a 45 degree angle to prevent paint from peeling. If you notice any bleeds from underneath your tape you can easily patch it up with a fine brush.
8.Now all that’s left to do is tidy up and invite your friends over to admire your new look. Voila!
Combining the classicism of traditional, earthy hues with a splash of bright colour, Dulux continues to inspire with its new Autumn colour palette titled Future Past.
Walls painted in Dulux Pickled and Dulux Pretty Primrose
The decadent collection combines luxurious browns (Dulux Loose Leather is a standout), earthy greens (Dulux Pickled) and a splash of salmon for a modern twist – Dulux Pretty Primrose is a delicious shade of warm pink.
“While the 2016 Autumn palette can be seen to comprise stronger hues, don’t be afraid to add a darker colour into your home. The warmth these colours can add will transform any space and make it feel more inviting and snug, creating a cosy room to cocoon in during the colder seasons,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour expert.
Walls painted in Dulux Loose Leather
This colour collection combines traditional shades with contemporary ones, a trend that can be applied in a general sense throughout the home. “Celebrate antiques, heirlooms and traditional décor in a modern setting. Update older pieces with new finishes such as upholstery in bold colour or pattern, or a coat of paint to add a modern colour twist,” says Bree Leech, Dulux creative consultant and stylist.
As for interior styling in the cooler months, Andrea has some words of advice. “Ensure you love the colours you select for your home, and that the hues you select will work with your space, especially with lowering light in Autumn,” says Andrea.
But if, like us, you’d love to recreate that fabulous diagonal paint effect on your walls, be sure to check in tomorrow for our easy DIY how-to.
Last year's Grand Prix winner: Lexus Pavilion by Mim Design. Photo by Sean Fennessy.
Entries are now open for the 2016 Dulux Colour Awards, which marks the renowned program’s 30th year of fostering and showcasing the use of colour in built environments.
An esteemed judging panel has once again been handpicked to deliberate on the winning projects, combining leading names from Australia and New Zealand’s design and creative industries. Chosen for their differing areas of expertise, the panel consists of: Meryl Hare, principal at Hare + Klein Interior Design; Clare Cousins, director at Clare Cousins Architects; James Harper, principal at BrookingHarper and director at Design Institute of Australia; Matt Gibson, director at Matt Gibson Architecture + Design; and Alex Fulton, director at Alex Fulton Design (NZ).
Last year’s Grand Prix winner: Lexus Pavilion by Mim Design. Photo by Sean Fennessy.
The 2016 Dulux Colour Awards is accepting entries across nine categories between now and February, giving architects, designers and interior designers the opportunity to submit work across residential and commercial environments.
Last year’s Single Residential Interior winner: The Courtyard House by Aileen Sage Architects. Photo by Tom Ferguson.
Each category winner will receive prize money and a certificate. All entries, except for the student category, will also stand the chance of taking out the Grand Prix title. The Grand Prix winner will receive $5000 cash prize and certificate. Entries for all nine categories are open until Monday 8 February 2016, with winners announced and celebrated at a gala function in Melbourne on 10 March 2016.
With Dulux having just released their colour trends for summer 2016 (it’s all about earthy tones and muddy pastels), we spoke to Bree Leech, Dulux’s creative consultant and stylist, on how to best style your home this summer.
1. Use combinations that provide some contrast and interest such as warm and cool shades together or light and dark. Try using unexpected mixes of pastel mauves and muddy neutrals.
2. Counterbalance the softness of the hues with striking angles. Inspired by geometric forms introduce these angles through furniture detail, pattern, art or feature wall designs.
3. Dulux’s summer palette, Bio Fragility, celebrates the perfection of imperfections – soften paint lines between colours by creating a rough brushed edge that plays on this trend detail
4. Texture is an important element – use cushions with different fabrics or introduce another textural layer to the space with an area rug.
5. Add living things to your home. Feature plants that are curious and provide interest such as cacti, succulents or bromeliads.
6. Always consider the lighting in the space to ensure you are making the most of natural daylight to create a beautiful summer experience.
7. Remember to review existing furnishings to ensure these colours will work with fittings that cannot be changed easily.
8. Look to your surrounding environment and colours in your garden for inspiration.
This season, interiors are set to be inspired by a softer collection of muddy pastels derived from nature and living matter; with Dulux’s colour trends for summer 2016 consisting of delicate hues such as greys, dirty pinks, nudes and natural greens.
Dulux’s summer palette, Bio Fragility, creates a beautiful, tranquil setting that is very easy to live with, as Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr explains: “The summer palette for 2016 is quite neutral and has easy-to-use colours that most consumers would feel confident using in their homes. The palette has evolved from a more pastel feel last year, offering subtle muted undertones with a certain earthiness.”
Homeowners can create a relaxed interior with beautiful detail by introducing these gentle summer hues that add a touch of colour, but are not overwhelming. Pale colours derived from natural matter create softness in a space and can be counterbalanced with unexpected mixes of warm and cool shades.
With summer calling for a more refined offering, the season’s colours can be easily adapted to virtually any room. For those not bold enough to transform an entire room, try using these refreshing and light colours in smaller volumes on accents, trims and accessories. “For a mini summer makeover a lighter shade can be introduced in smaller applications to complement colours in soft furnishings such as cushions and ceramic items,” explains Andrea. “Neutral accessories work really well with these more subtle and muted shades as well as soft and subdued combinations.”
Dulux’s Summer predictions are the product of research into global design, colour and finishes inspired by trade shows, fashion, technology, media and trends agencies.
Anything that makes DIY easier gets a big tick of approval from me, and Duramax from Dulux not only eliminates hours from the design process, but it enables you to achieve a long-lasting, fade resistant, streak-free finish in only one hour.
Dulux Duramax in Terracotta Chip Gloss and Namadji Gloss from $11.45.
A premium high performance enamel spray paint that provides excellent coverage on wood, metal, and most plastics, Duramax dries 10 times faster than normal spray paint and is available in 29 signature Dulux colours, as well as a wide range of specialty finishes.
Dulux Duramax in Gogo Blue Gloss and Velvet Violet Gloss from $11.45
Perfect for rejuvenating old furniture and accessories (which is so popular these days!), it is incredibly quick and easy and perfect for a weekend DIY project. “So many of us have old furniture redundantly wasting away in the garage or spare bedroom that can so easily be brought back to life with a spray of colour,” explains Dulux colour expert, Andrea Lucena-Orr. “The only limit is your imagination. Chairs, cabinets, small tables, bedheads, bookshelves, vases, lamp bases, ceramic bowls, metal accessories, pictures frames, wicker baskets – the opportunity to upcycle is endless.”
Dulux Duramax in Passionate Blue Gloss, Gogo Blue Gloss and True Blue Gloss from $11.45
Extremely cost-effective and low risk, Duramax allows homeowners to get creative and adventurous with colour, without fear of failure.
Deciding on the right hue for your room can be a daunting task, but Dulux’s new digital tool ColourView (a much-anticipated update to the Dulux Colour App), aims to make that easier.
Encouraging homeowners to experiment with colour and reinvent their homes before they’ve even picked up the paintbrush, ColourView allows you to easily visualise how a splash of colour can create impact, softness or completely transform the mood of a space. From walls and ceilings to tabletops and craft projects, revamping a room is as easy as snap, colour and view.
Simply select the ColourView feature in the Dulux Colour App, take a photo of a room, or upload an existing one to the app, then select a Dulux colour to virtually paint a section of the image and see ideas come to life. With the ability to experiment with more than 4,000 Dulux colours until the hue is just right, the possibility of disappointment and desire to re-paint once the job is complete, is a thing of the past.
Incredibly easy-to-navigate, the Dulux Colour App also includes a host of existing features which equip users with the best tools and inspiration anytime and anywhere. This includes the clever Colour Capture function, which easily finds the closest Dulux colour match to any colour using the device’s camera, and Browse Colour, to discover the expansive collection of more than 4,000 Dulux hues. The Dulux Colour App also provides the latest information and images showcasing popular colour trends.
Compatible with iPhones, iPads and Android, ColourView features on the free Dulux Colour App. Download it now.
From the Street, Jenny McCown’s home is a hidden gem amongst the palms that surround the front veranda. It isn’t until you step through the lattice threshold and see her bright pink front door that you become aware of the beauty and flair that lies within this unique abode.
It has been decorated with well-travelled collections, cool vintage and country glam aesthetics, where the colours pink and blue seamlessly tie the whole home together.
Jenny is an artist, a recent empty nester who shares her four-bedroom East Brisbane Queenslander with a family who frequently come and go. East Brisbane is an older suburb with many original Queenslander homes; it has a strong community spirit which is made up of both long term residents and new.
Perched on the slope of a hill, Jenny’s home was originally built in 1905 by a grazier for his three daughters to live in. Jenny bought the home in late 2009 because it was simply the only house she could imagine herself really living in.
Jenny’s paintings often capture the magic of her colourful home, where flowers bloom inside beautiful vintage jugs placed on bright coloured tablecloths or well-loved stools. A collection of bright coloured artworks, including her own pieces, adorn the home’s walls.
Jenny and her family were keen to keep the original character and style of the home therefore preservation has been an important focus. Jenny also prefers to reuse and recycle where possible, opting to update the home by painting the interior entirely white with Dulux Fair Bianca, including the original silky oak kitchen.
They also upgraded the hardware in the kitchen and bathrooms. The open plan kitchen/dining area was transformed by adding a black and white linoleum floor.
Jenny’s decorating style is instinctual; she deliberately chooses to decorate with pieces that speak to her sentimental or emotional sides. She styles her home with happiness in mind, literally by layering her home with a varied range of treasured possessions that make her smile.
In the main bedroom is a gallery of sentimental artworks and trinkets; three artworks are particularly special to her because they were creations of her boys when they were little.
Jenny’s passion is colour and is particularly fond of bright shades of pink; the front door (before you ask!) is painted in Dulux Lickedy Lick.
While it’s not quite the same as Pantone’s colour of the year announcement, any trend watcher worth her salt, sits up and takes notice when Dulux releases a new colour forecast. Something of a colour barometer, it usually gives us a strong hint as to the kind of hues that will adorn our walls (and interiors in general) come next season.
Bio Fragility palette
Split into four palettes, Dulux has worked with local craftspeople to bring the colour themes to life. “This year, we are drawing upon international trends as well as celebrating the contributions and growing influence of local designers. Working with the four ‘makers’ has demonstrated the versatility of each palette when introduced to the interior environment,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour Planning and Communications Manager.
Bio Fragility palette
Melbourne ceramicists Porcelain Bear have created a porcelain bowl for Dulux’s Bio Fragility palette that draws on delicate hues comprised of subtle, chalky tones of pale aqua, lilac and dusty pink.
Retro Remix palette
Bringing the past into the present, Retro Remix is a celebration of mid to late century design – Grazia & Co’s custom designed ottomans and side table evoke the retro feel of this palette.
Future Past palette
Moody and romantic, Future Past draws on nostalgia and tradition with a colour scheme of burgundy and grape tones, rich brown and deep emerald. Perfume maker Emma Leah, of Fleurage, has brought this colour way to life with a custom room scent.
Infinite Worlds palette
Evoking the seventies and its futuristic science fiction obsession, Infinite Worlds is a celebration of hues made popular at the time – amethyst and teal. Textile artist Elise Cakebread brought this look to life with printed and constructed textiles. Retro Remix palette
Spring will bring with it a slightly masculine air this year as we throw open our doors and windows and bring a little of our surroundings inside. It’s the forecast from leading colour experts at Dulux who predict earthy browns and greens will be the hero colours for the 2015 spring season.
“Think about a formal room or a casual sanctuary and create the mood of a library or space to escape,” Dulux creative consultant and stylist Bree Leech says. “The ambience won’t be strictly traditional in style, but rather will have a sophisticated mix of old and new items, with plenty of plants to bring nature inside.”
They say reducing our impact on the earth continues to be a crucial community goal as we aspire to get in touch with nature on a more personal level. Responding to the trend, the Dulux Earthwerks palette includes the range of greens we might discover in our own landscapes, forests and gardens and explores our desire to have greenery in our homes and workspaces.
There are nature-inspired greens, from soft silvery greens through to moss and sage leaf and beautiful earthy sepia browns and ochres. “Natural colours such as green and neutrals with green undertones will be pivotal this spring,” Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr says. “This includes earthy colours, such as Dulux Federal Fund and Dulux Peppercorn Rent; and brighter shades, such as Dulux Gooseberry Fool and Dulux Domain. Even the most neutrally toned home can benefit from splashes of colour.”
Above all, homeowners should remember a fresh coat of paint is a simple and inexpensive way to add colour, personalise or create a place to feel comfortable, inspired and happy.
Style tips for spring 2015 from Bree Leech, creative consultant and stylist for Dulux
• Create a stylish, sophisticated and moody feel by pairing brown with a limited palette of neutrals, such Dulux Domino and Natural White.
• Add a highlight of green to brown schemes to lift the mood and provide a point of interest. • Green and brown are great together but choose one as the hero and the other as a support. Colours can be lost when applied in equal amounts.
• Brown is a nostalgic colour; keep it contemporary by mixing nostalgic pieces, such as art and antiques, with modern furniture, lighting and accessories.
• Adding a touch of pink to an all-green colour scheme can give it a modern edge and draws on inspiration from spring blooms.
• For a touch of luxury, add metallic highlights of gold and brass, either in your accessories or using a special finish such as Dulux Dusty Gold Design Metallic.
Check out this beautiful retro buffet by Alicia Parsons, isn’t it stunning? Here’s how she created it.
Products:
Feast Watson Clear Varnish (Satin)
Feast Watson Timber Primer
Feast Watson Prooftint (Walnut)
Intergrain Woodblend (Teak/Blackwood)
Dulux One-Step
Wood glue
Before and after
Planning:
Choose a sturdy, well-made piece. Look for interesting details such as an unusual shape or distinctive hardware.
Preparation:
Prepare the timber by removing anything foreign, such as drawer lining and bits of sticky tape. Also remove the glass doors and shelf.
Flatten any raised veneer with wood glue and place bricks (or something heavy and flat) on top until dry.
Fill any larger holes with the Woodblend putty.
Use a sheet sander to smooth out the surface, firstly with a coarse grit then a fine grit. Wipe it clean.
Achieving your vision:
Apply a few coats of Feast Watson Timber Primer mixed with Prooftint, slowly building up the colour with each coat.
Lightly sand and clean.
Apply two coats of Feast Watson Clear Varnish (Satin) for a lustrous finish.
Paint the inside centre panel with Dulux One-Step. Once dry, cut the wallpaper to size, wet it with a sprayer bottle and adhere it to the back panel and the inside of the drawers.
Finally, clean the glass doors and shelf and fix back into place
“When it comes to upcycling be patient – wait until you find a piece you fall in love with. Also look for a piece that is well made and has great character.” – Alicia Parsons
NB: Always test the colour on an off-cut or inconspicuous area of your piece prior to coating the whole to ensure you’re happy with the colour.
This beautiful reclaimed pallet coffee table and tripod lamp is by Tina Vanspall of Vintage Movement. A former art dealer, Tina is the go-to girl for thrifty vintage buys and easy DIY how-to’s. Find out how she did her latest makeover:
Products:
Feast Watson Liming White Stain and Varnish (Gloss finish)
Feast Watson Liming White Stain and Varnish tinted to Danish Dust (Satin finish)
Feast Watson Clear Varnish (Gloss)
Dulux Metal Shield Enamel in Black
Planning:
Choose something in need of refreshing with a good bone structure. When working with timber finishes and wood care products consider the wood grain and how it will appear once treated. Feel free to test your products on a piece of scrap wood to begin, as this will give the best idea of the number of coats required to achieve your desired effect.
Take inspiration from the kind of style you love and there will always be incentive to overcome any potential obstacles faced along the way. Rustic, modern Scandi style homes were the inspiration for this project.
Before
Preparation:
The table
Prepare your surface by sanding, ready for painting.
Block out and protect the table top by using painter’s tape to tape around your table.
Make sure all dust is removed prior to coating the furniture.
The lamp
Sand the base entirely and unscrew the nuts and bolts at the top of the tripod, then remove the legs for painting.
Create a template for your veneer cutouts by cutting out a rectangle with a curved half-moon edge on one side approximately two inches wide and three inches long.
Cut your veneer clams/shingles.
Achieving your vision:
The table
Use Dulux Metalshield in Black (Satin) to paint your table base.
Leave to dry overnight before adding a second coat and leave to completely dry for one-to-two days.
To create the patterned table top, start by lime washing the timber using Feast Watson Liming White Stain and Varnish (Gloss). The number of layers depends on your timber and the effect you want to achieve but use at least three-to-five coats. I used five coats, spaced out by no less than three hours each time. You could also use Feast Watson Liming White to lime wash your table top – you may only need one or two coats of this product to reach desired effect.
Once your liming layers have dried, lightly sand to enhance the milky weathered look.
To create the chevron pattern you need to create a block out stencil using painter’s tape, placed at points across the table top. You can do this by eye or by measuring and taping at precise points. The easiest place to start, is to make a large crisscross across the table by taping from one corner to the other on both sides. This splits the surface into four blank triangle sections and you then need to create additional three evenly spaced graduating triangles within each of the four blank sections. To do this simply tape each section with triangles as though you are taping out a parquetry style flooring pattern. Once you have blocked out each section with taped triangles remove every other triangle starting with the first. Make sure to leave the large cross taped firmly in place. I used two-inch painter’s tape for this process.
Apply Feast Watson Liming White Stain and Varnish in Danish Dust (Satin) to the blank spaces on the table. I used two coats with three-to-four hour gaps between coats.
Once the Liming White in Danish Dust has dried carefully peel back the painter’s tape.
To enhance the rustic look you can sand the top then finish with a coat of Feast Watson Clear Varnish (Gloss). Using a painter’s brush, apply the varnish in long even strokes in the same direction. Leave to dry for 24 hours.
The lamp
Use painter’s tape to block out the surrounding timber near the hardware and apply two coats of Dulux Metalshield in black leaving five hours drying time between coats.
Use Feast Watson Liming White in Danish Dust and apply two coats to the timber base.
Leave at least two hours drying time between each coat.
Once dry, lightly sand and scuff the timber to create a rustic look.
When the legs are completely dry reassemble the tripod. The tripod is now ready to be wired by an electrician at your local lighting repair store.
Choose a few pieces of the veneer off cuts in different colours. Tint a selection with a coat of Feast Watson stain leaving the rest bare. Leave to dry.
“Find something with good bones and use quality paints, finishes, fixtures and fittings. Take your time and allow sufficient dry time between coats – the final finish will be worth the wait!” – Tina Vanspall
NB: Always test colour and stains on an off-cut or inconspicuous area of your piece prior to coating the whole to ensure you’re happy with the colour.
Bronte Terrace by Arent & Pyke. Image by Felix Forest
With greater renovation confidence and consumers taking cues from their favourite eateries and venues, we are seeing dark and bold colours, less typically not seen in residential spaces, inspiring homeowners. While a commercial trend would traditionally take three years to appear en masse in residential spaces, we are seeing this transition shorten, with homeowners instantly introducing creative ideas from commercial designs into their home.
Colour and communications manager at Dulux Group, Andrea Lucea Orr, says: “Being bold with colour isn’t something to fear, it’s a look to embrace. Highly colourful interiors are a way to show your personality and create a space you love. With blacks, dark and light blues, and eclectic mixes of bright pops, we are seeing more and more homeowners move away from safe neutrals and make their mark with colour in a way previously not seen.”
For consumers willing to be bold and brave with colour, we’ve identified three striking looks from the 2015 Dulux Colour Awards, announced earlier in the year:
The cafe style look
The café style look uses materials not commonly seen in the home, such as plywood and concrete, paired with practical applications such as Chalkboard paint, a look that can be achieved with Dulux DryErase.
Local House by MAKE Architecture. Image by Peter Bennetts
Typically paired with a bold base colour, such as Dulux Black or Black Caviar, this mix of materials create spaces perfect for entertainers who want the same experience at home as they get from dining out.
McGill House by Jacinta Preston. Image by Michael Malherbe
Block colour used for impact
Moving away from traditional whites, there is a movement towards a range of blues used to create stunning and calming interiors. Both of these looks by Arent & Pyke reference a chic, romantic and effortless style, created through the shades of blue and timber tones.
The Avenue by Arent & Pyke. Photo by Anson SmartBronte Terrace by Arent & Pyke. Photo by Felix Forest
Recreate these looks (above) with Dulux Blue Steel (Bronte Terrace) and Dulux Hildegard (The Avenue). These blues are great choices with the former displaying a dark, dramatic essence and the latter a lighter hue. To finish the look, blues work beautifully alongside various natural earthy and brown tones.
Colour in unexpected places
Colour is being used differently and we are seeing great results when people think of innovative ways to introduce colours into a space.
In the Awards, we saw colour used to create interest, through appealing shapes and patterns. Colour was used in nooks above doorways, it was used on the ceiling and also moving down the ceiling onto the walls. To achieve this look in your home, find areas you could introduce pops of colour, such as nooks and the ceiling, then think about how colour could enhance the feeling and sense of function in this space.
Courtyard House by Aileen Sage Architects. Image by Tom Ferguson
In the commercial categories in the 2015 Dulux Colour Awards we saw a brilliant graphic trend appearing. Keep an eye out for graffiti style art making its way into interiors very soon.
Anglesea House 4 by Emma Mitchell. Image by Dianna Snape
This makeover by Simone Barter from Style.Life.Home is pretty special, is it not?! She created it for last year’s Feast Watson Re-Love campaign, which this year I am attempting (wish me luck!) and Simone is participating in again. We can’t show you our finished products just yet, so in the meantime find out how she made this beautiful desk and chair…
Products:
Feast Watson Timber Primer
Feast Watson Stain & Varnish Black Japan Satin
Dulux Super Enamel in Tango Semi Gloss
Dulux Super Enamel in Malay Grey Semi Gloss
Planning:
Decide where the furniture item will be placed with the aim to make it work with the rest of the chosen space. In particular, this will affect the colour palette you choose.
Choose a desk with a large framework to enable a large workspace. Look for smaller features such as stationery drawers for added utility. Chairs with details are great and make sure that it is also comfortable.
Shop around and explore old and loved stores, you never know what you might find or what bargain you could stumble across.
Preparation:
Choose colours that will add a wow factor. I chose Feast Watson Black Japan, Malay Grey and Pop of Tango from the Dulux range for a dramatic effect.
Prepare the wood by sanding back the old varnish using coarse sand paper.
Use finer sandpaper to smooth the timber in preparation for the paint and stain.
Make sure all dust is removed prior to coating the furniture.
Achieving your vision:
Apply the Feast Watson timber primer and allow to dry.
For the desk, make sure you remove all drawers before applying the first layer of Feast Watson Black Japan Stain & Varnish. Build up coats to desired colour. Allow to dry between coats.
For the chair apply the Dulux Super Enamel in Tango Semi Gloss then allow to dry.
Use painters tape approximately 10cm from the bottom of each chair leg, evenly wrapped all the way around each leg. Then paint the bottom section of each chair leg. Remove the painters tape when the paint is completely dry.
“It all starts with the search,” says Simone Barter. “Shopping in some of my favourite little re-loved stores and finding pieces to re-create.”
NB: Always test colours and stains on an off-cut or inconspicuous area of your piece prior to coating the whole item to ensure you’re happy with the colour.
This makeover by Kristine Franklin from The Painted Hive knocked our socks off. Here’s how she did it…
Products:
Feast Watson Prooftint in Teak
Feast Watson Prooftint Colour Reducer
Feast Watson Scandinavian Oil
Dulux Paint: Wash & Wear Flat in Black
Dulux Paint: Prep Lock Primer
Dulux Paint: Aquanamel Semi Gloss in Pastel Mint
Planning:
Choose something quite basic and generic so you can completely transform it. Finding the potential in those sometimes overlooked secondhand pieces of furniture is rewarding and cost-effective.
Preparation:
Carefully measure then cut sheets of ply into pieces of cladding
Cut the feet from a length of square pine
Sand the timber for a smooth finish
Sand the drawer fronts and bedside table sides in preparation for painting
Remove all dust.
Achieving your vision:
Stain the timber. Use two coats of Feast Watson Prooftint in Teak combined 50/50 with Feast Watson Prooftint Colour Reducer.
Apply one coat of Feast Watson Scandinavian Oil to seal all of the edges prior to attaching to the bedside tables.
Paint the drawer fronts with one coat of Dulux Wash & Wear Flat in Black.
Paint the bedside table sides with one coat of Dulux Prep Lock Primer followed by two coats of Dulux Aquanamel Semi Gloss in Pastel Mint.
Attach the cladding using a combination of wood glue and screws.
Complete oiling the cladding using four-five coats of Feast Watson Scandinavian Oil.
Attach the handles and label holders.
Line the drawers with unique patterned paper. You can use pages from an old street directory to go with the map drawer theme.
“Have a vision in mind but also be open to change,” says Kristine. “Try to see any problems that may arise during the transformative process as possibilities to be creative.”
NB: Always test colours and stains on an off-cut or inconspicuous area of your piece prior to coating the whole to ensure you’re happy with the colour.
Walls painted in Dulux Pickled and Dulux Pretty Primrose
Bio Fragility palette
