Tag: paint

Dulux & Laminex launch complementary paired colourways

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 30, 2019
1 Comment on Dulux & Laminex launch complementary paired colourways

Laminex 'French Navy' pairs beautifully with Dulux 'Pacific Line'

In what is one of the cleverer collaborations of 2019, Aussie design industry powerhouses Laminex and Dulux have joined forces to make your next renovation a seamless one. The design partnership has launched a palette of 42 paired colourways, making it easier than ever to match your paint with your cabinetry.

“Laminex and Dulux are both industry-leading brands in colour and décor. In fact, Laminex laminates and Dulux paints are specified together more often than not. Brilliant in its simplicity, it just made sense for us to bring them together as seamlessly as possible,” says Laminex general manager of marketing, Sacha Leagh-Murray.

Laminex 'Just Rose' pairs with Dulux 'Lilac Hint' — Laminex ‘Just Rose’ pairs with Dulux ‘Lilac Hint’

To start with, Laminex did a thorough assessment of its range and came up with a list of its most popular colours. There are 42 shades in total, and each of them have been paired with a Dulux paint colour, taking the guesswork out for you. “All of the validation work has been done, so you can specify your preferred colours and be sure they’ll work beautifully together,” says Sacha.

Laminex 'Green Slate' pairs with Dulux 'Spirulina' — Laminex ‘Green Slate’ pairs with Dulux ‘Spiralina’

Unsurprisingly, due to their popularity, there’s a plethora of white in the mix, as well as a host of other neutrals. “Australians love white and Laminex is known for its extensive range of whites, as is Dulux, so it was a key colour to get right,” says Sacha. For instance, one of Australia’s most popular shades of white paint, Dulux ‘Hog Bristle,’ has been paired with one of Laminex’s newest decors, ‘French Cream.’

Laminex 'Lava Grey' paired with Dulux 'Klute' — Laminex ‘Lava Grey’ pairs with Dulux ‘Klute’

Other notable couplings include the soft taupe shade Laminex ‘Seed’ which has been paired with Dulux ‘Still.’ There’s also a soft green, Laminex ‘Spinifex,’ which matches back with Dulux ‘Coalition,’ and a deep grey, Laminex ‘Stormcloud,’ which has been paired with Dulux ‘Western Myall.’

For colour lovers, there’s plenty of accent and bright colours to choose from too, including a bright orange, rose pink, cobalt blue and fiery red.

Photography: Lillie Thompson | Art direction: Bek Sheppard

Check out the complete Dulux/Laminex range | How to choose between grey paint shades

Tags colour, dulux, interior design, interiors, laminex, paint

Interiors Addict

Haymes Paint 2020 colours: A new millennial pink?

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 28, 2019
No Comments on Haymes Paint 2020 colours: A new millennial pink?

Something of a cultural barometer, the 2020 Haymes Paint colour forecast ‘Calibrate’ was released this week; its soothing hues an antidote to the chaos of modern life.

“Our new colour library is influenced by the conversations that are currently inspiring society, such as climate change, equality and work balance. We have listened, and our new colours reflect on the attitudes and feelings of our audience,” says Haymes Paint colour and concept manager Wendy Rennie.

Comprised of three palettes (Equilibrium, Positive Light and Home Grown), the collection looks to the natural world for inspiration – the green of plants, the blues of the ocean and the terracotta tones found in the earth.

Equilibrium
This palette explores our connection to nature and is dominated by soothing green shades. With sage, olive and moss in the mix, this fresh colour palette offers a fabulous, contemporary alternative to the usual neutral tones.

Surprise entry, ‘Pastel Pine’ is a fabulous neon mint colour that Haymes is pitching as a gender-neutral, ageless alternative to millennial pink. We love!

Positive Light
One for the blue lovers, this is the boldest palette of the three, with the colours taking their cues from our beautiful oceans. There’s a bold cobalt, rich indigo, deep midnight and powder blue; Haymes explains that this palette is inspired by rising sea levels and more general climate change concerns.

'Debonair' forms part of the Positive Light palette — Positive Light’s moody ‘Debonair’

Home Grown
The ‘safest’ most user-friendly of the palettes, these elegant skin-toned neutrals are inspired by natural dyes and the wider Australian landscape. There’s colours ranging from varying shades of rust and earth to complex neutrals with red undertones.

The warm and inviting Home Grown palette

Photography: Annette O’Brien | Styling: Ruth Welsby

For more on Haymes Paint | Visualise paint colours with new digital render service

Tags colour, colour forecast, colours, haymes paint, interior design, interiors, paint, trend forecast

Interviews

Paint trends 2020: Wattyl forecasts two distinct looks

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 7, 2019
No Comments on Paint trends 2020: Wattyl forecasts two distinct looks

As colour palettes they couldn’t be more disparate, but that’s because Wattyl’s 2020 trend release draws on two very different themes; the fast-paced digital world and our desire to get back to nature. “We are moving forward, whilst looking back. The digital and the natural are so close – and yet worlds apart!” says Sarah Stephenson, Wattyl’s colour and design expert.

Bright Future
With its saturated, bright and bold primary colours, this palette evokes the paintings of Piet Mondrian. “There is a growing focus on artificial and digital tones that pop on screen as much as they do in real life. The youthful, tech brights of Bright Future create the feeling of an art installation,” says Sarah.

Cobalt blue (Space Odyssey), bold red (Firefly), bright yellow (Secret Shrine) and orange (Made in Mars) sit alongside the calmer almost duck egg blue (Pretty Polly) and charcoal (Grey Ember). A palette for the brave, these colours would work best in a child’s playroom or a commercial space.

Natural Connection
By contrast, the Natural Connection palette is rooted in the gorgeous organic tones that bring us back to earth and many of the shades would look glorious at home.

“Our homes become sanctuaries with a priority for calm and comfort. The harmony of mid-tone colours creates a calming, cosy environment,” says Sarah of the palette that is comprised of six colours that draw on grounded, mineral hues, textured surfaces and sustainable materials.

The 'Natural Connection' palette — The ‘Natural Connection’ palette

There’s a gorgeous pinky-terracotta tone (Red Ochre), a shade that evokes red wine (Sea Grape), a pinkish purple (Ridgey), a gold tone (Indiana’s Gold) as well as the cooler toned teal (Point Byron) and Moccacino which looks just as lovely as it sounds.

The inspiration behind the 'Natural Connection' palette — The inspiration behind the ‘Natural Connection’ palette

For more

Tags 2020 paint trends, colour, expert comment, interiors, paint, paint trends, Wattyl

Design Designers Interviews Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: Blue kitchen block transforms townhouse

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 20, 2019
No Comments on Real reno: Blue kitchen block transforms townhouse

Located in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Balaclava, this compact 2001 townhouse was creatively redesigned recently, on time and to a tight budget, for a father and his two sons. “This was an exercise in tailoring a space to a client’s needs,” says the project’s architect Richard King of RK-D.

The architect maximised storage space and turned the former maze of rooms into a much more open plan environment with the striking blue kitchen undoubtedly the star. “My client loves the blue and how it juxtaposes with the timber floor and nearby white library,” says Richard.

“A simple, blue block of built-in-joinery defines the new kitchen/pantry and WC. I wanted to create a singular element that neatly collected everything together. I also wanted for it to add a pop of colour,” says Richard who designed it in such a way that the laundry and WC are efficiently tucked away at the back while the pantry, fridge and rangehood are at the front.

“The blue wall is a cluster of built-in joinery. It’s a simple element that neatly contains everything whilst hiding its useful contents from sight,” says Richard who came up with the concept after seeing a similar wall at a London art gallery.

The laundry is concealed behind the blue kitchen — This simple white laundry is concealed behind the blue kitchen

A clever joinery solution was also employed in the adjacent lounge area – the multitasking space functions as a library, place to watch television and study area. “My client wanted to add in more storage capacity, so I designed a bespoke library/storage wall. He also wanted a space to do out-of-hours work so I included a study nook into the library wall,” says Richard.

The multi-purpose wall unit has a space for a large television, hi-fi system, as well as shelves to display the owner’s beloved record collection too.

Lounge — Considered lounge room joinery allows things to be stowed neatly away

Nearby, a bathroom and WC were combined to create one larger, light-filled space. “We converted an enclosed WC into a walk-in shower room and relocated the WC to the other side of the bathroom, allowing for a large freestanding bath and new purpose-built vanity,” says Richard.

The bathroom’s light material palette and reflective surfaces also contribute to a greater feeling of space. And again, the room showcases a flash of blue – a gutsy tile choice that has really paid off.

Shower and bath — I love that bright double shower!

Photography: Tom Roe Photography

For more on RK-D | Another Melbourne home that celebrates blue

Tags architect, colour, interior design, interiors, kitchen, melbourne, paint, real reno, reno, renovation

Before & Afters Interviews RENO ADDICT Styling

Before & after: Blogger’s $500 living room revamp

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 17, 2019
No Comments on Before & after: Blogger’s $500 living room revamp

BEFORE Nikki Parkinson in her living room

While we’ve always believed in the transformative powers of paint, this latest ‘before and after’ proves, yet again, just how wonderful it can be. The lounge room of stylist and blogger Nikki Parkinson of Styling You, the former sombre space is rendered almost unrecognisable after a crisp new white paint job.

AFTER White paint has really freshened the space!

“I wanted to create a fresher, lighter and brighter area, quickly and cost effectively,” says Nikki who achieved the result using the British Paints TimeSaver series and shares the key things she took away from the experience below.

Sample pots
When it comes to paint, trying before you buy is a no-brainer really, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this step. “We bought four different white paints from Bunnings, painted them on each wall and observed how they all looked at various times throughout the day and night,” says Nikki who ultimately settled on British Paints’ ‘Star White’ in half tint.

Get the right tools and do the prep
As with any DIY project, it’s important to get hold of the right tools and carry out the appropriate prep before commencing. Nikki found that British Paints Paint&Prime wall and ceiling paint really helped move things along in this regard.

“The main barrier for me starting the project was the time and skills involved. As a paint and primer in one, British Paints Paint&Prime hides surface imperfections in just two coats without compromising on quality – it’s perfect to achieve the makeover in less than a weekend,” says Nikki who used the paint brand’s “Plan, Prep, Paint” guide and online videos in preparing for the project too.

Indoor plants are a key feature in the restyle — Nikki’s indoor plants really pop against the fresh white paint

Final touches
Paint aside, Nikki changed the room’s furniture layout, added some new soft furnishings and incorporated existing items. “We added accent colours of black and pink through some new cushions and light fittings and are really happy with the outcome. It’s amazing what a simple paint refresh and some clever revitalisation of décor items can do to really transform a room!”

For more on British Paints | Visit Nikki’s blog

How to choose between grey paint shades

Tags before and after, interiors, paint, real reno, reno, renovation, styling

Expert Tips

Dulux colour forecast 2020: Restrained, nature-inspired

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 5, 2019
2 Comments on Dulux colour forecast 2020: Restrained, nature-inspired

It’s hard to believe that we’re looking at the 2020 trend forecasts already but the Dulux one hit our inboxes recently and it’s a beauty. The result of extensive trend research by the brand’s colour and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr and stylist Bree Leech, the nature-inspired palette draws on our desire to escape the digital onslaught and reconnect with the natural world – botanical, mineral and oceanic.

“These colour trends are influenced by what’s happening in the world around us. With more focus on mental health, the wellness movement continues to gain momentum, as does an emphasis on natural materiality,” says Andrea of the collection titled ‘Essence’ that consists of four palettes: Comeback, Grounded, Cultivate and Indulge.

“Colours for 2020 are more restrained than in previous years. Brights are pulled back and influenced by nature. They appear in smaller doses – think feature walls and details – and are often used tonally as a backdrop for hero furniture pieces. Neutrals are soft and sophisticated, with a gently faded feel that speaks of stillness and calm. Clay, with its warm, earthy appeal, is emerging as a key neutral,” says Andrea.

Comeback
This palette features rich ocean and mineral inspired shades of blue-green, azure and amber alongside warm tones of burgundy, rust and clay. “There’s a lightness and fluidity to the ocean tones in this palette that speak of creativity and adventure, while the warm, earthy shades add cosiness. It’s the ideal backdrop to combine furniture from different eras – from mid-century through to the 1980’s – in elegant and refined shapes,” says Andrea.

The title of the palette, Comeback, reflects a shift in how we view luxury. The current Kondo-esque ‘less is more’ approach is seeing us turn away from cheap, mass-produced pieces to seek out quality and it is often found in recycled and vintage wares.

Grounded
The most neutral of the palettes this one runs from soft grey and biscuit to muddy lavender with a touch of warm coral for opulence. “We’re seeing a more tonal palette for 2020, and Grounded is a perfect example. It has a soft, neutral feel that creates a sense of relaxation in a space, with gold and coral adding touches of luxe,” says Andrea.

This palette really picks up on the textural, natural materials trend with a view to the positive effects they can have on our mental health – bringing the outside in is key whether it’s growing our own food or cultivating an indoor plant collection.

Cultivate
My favourite of the palettes, Cultivate is a celebration of green with layering of different shades of the the hue looking rather effortless in the inspiration shots. From soft olive and pistachio to forest green it’s a rather sumptuous yet calming look that is offset by tones of plum, curd and chalky blue.

“The colours and textures in Cultivate are easy to work with and have a warmth that really conveys the essence of ‘home.’ They look beautiful paired with raw, mid-tone timbers, natural stone and transparent, coloured glass,” says Andrea.

Indulge
As the name suggests, this palette brings together a rather decadent array of colours including rich burgundy, eggplant, earthy brown, faded terracotta and soft coral. Mmm.

“This palette is not for the faint-hearted – it’s dramatic and exciting and is guaranteed to add wow factor to a master bedroom, dining room or living room. Pink, a key colour of the last few years, makes an appearance, but in a more neutral tone that’s closer to tan, alongside a warm, dusty rose.”

Dulux Indulge — Faded terracotta and soft coral make a heavenly combination

Photography: Lisa Cohen | Styling: Bree Leech

For more | Australian bathroom trends: August 2019

Tags Bree Leech, colour, dulux, interior design, paint, paint trends, trend forecast

Interviews

Family-owned Haymes named Australia’s best paint brand

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date August 27, 2019
1 Comment on Family-owned Haymes named Australia’s best paint brand

Haymes Paint beat stiff competition including Dulux, Taubmans and British Paints to be named Australia’s number one paint brand by Canstar Blue recently, for the second consecutive year. Not bad for a fourth-generation family-owned paint brand that was founded in Ballarat in 1935, and still calls the town home.

“Competing as a manufacturer in a category dominated by multi-nationals presents its challenges, but we are so proud that as an Australian family-owned business we have been able to maintain our independent roots. It also reinforces our founding philosophy of never taking shortcuts on quality,” says director Tim Haymes.

Haymes Paint Vol.12 ‘Free Flow’ palette. Paint colour: Haymes Paint Mortar Rolled Straw

In the recent survey, over 1,000 Australians scored paint brands on areas ranging from overall satisfaction to durability, ease of application, value for money, quality of finish and range. Haymes Paint was the only brand to score the maximum five stars across all six categories – no other brand attained a five-star rating in any category.

It was Tim’s grandfather Henry Haymes who set off for England in 1935 to learn how to manufacture paint. Never one to compromise on quality, Henry would be no doubt proud of the way the brand has evolved from a regional paint manufacturer to one that is now available across Australia. And when you consider it’s not available in major hardware stores, the brand’s success is even more impressive.

“We only sell our products through independent, specialist distribution partners. We don’t sell to corporate hardware stores and will soon be the only major paint manufacturer in the country to have Australian owners,” says Tim.

The product is still manufactured at its Ballarat headquarters – a deliberate decision by the brand who are committed to providing regional employment and growth. “We have a strong team culture, and we see our employees as an extension of our family. Without them we wouldn’t have been able to grow and evolve, and be the business we are today,” says Tim.

Haymes Paint Chinchilla Fur (panelling) and Greyology 4 (walls) used in Jen’s kitchen

With an eye to the future, the brand is keen to be known as a one-stop-shop for surface coating for all types of painting applications from architectural interior finishes and industrial coating, to wood care and more. “With the fourth generation of Haymes coming through, we want to continue this path of evolving our brand, while sticking to our family philosophy. This award and recognition give us a compass that we’re on the right track and we feel really proud of this.”

Haymes Paint family and staff celebrate the recent win

Photography: Martina Gemmola | Styling: Ruth Welsby

For more | Visualise paint colours with digital render service

Tags ballarat, canstar, haymes paint, paint

Interviews Styling

Porter’s Paints debuts impasto finish & 44 new colours

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date July 31, 2019
No Comments on Porter’s Paints debuts impasto finish & 44 new colours

It used to be that painting a house white was fairly standard practice but (controversial opinion!) I predict those days are numbered. Yes, white paint is always a classic, clean look but it can be a little lazy from a design perspective which is why it cheers me to see so many people embracing colour inside.

“Australians’ confidence with colour is growing, and with this the drive to create spaces that reflect our individuality and personal expression,” says Porter’s Paints colour expert Melanie Stevenson. Cue the brand’s latest release; a glorious palette of 44 rich and uniquely textured colours with a velvety matte finish, appropriately titled Smooth Impasto.

Porter's Paints Anchorage — ‘Anchorage’ is one of the new shades from the Smooth Impasto range

Application is key for the range with the end result characterised by a lack of uniformity — subtle but visual brush marks create an undulating texture and shadow effect. I remember a similar look from the nineties but the paints look thoroughly modern here courtesy of the palette and stylist Heather Nette King’s sophisticated interpretation of them.

The sumptuous colours run from a rich grenache tone to a verdant green, terracotta, burnished red and vintage blue and the 44 new shade are also available in existing Porter’s Paint finishes such as their signature wall paint Eggshell Acrylic or Low Sheen Acrylic which is perfect for high traffic areas.

Warm reds
“Warm terracotta and burnished reds, such as Dolce Vita and Santa Cruz hint at an Eastern influence, and pair beautifully with natural materials, such as warm timbers, stone and linens,” says Melanie. Heather Nette King has styled these earthy hues with an array of handmade ceramics in the campaign imagery — the perfect complement for tones that are grounded in nature.

Smooth Impasto 'Santa Cruz' and 'Dolce Vita' are paired here to lovely effect — Smooth Impasto ‘Santa Cruz’ and ‘Dolce Vita’ are paired here to lovely effect

Deep greens
One of my favourite tones from the range, Gulf Stream is a rich teal tone that looks fabulous with brass accessories and that rich red Derek Swalwell print.

'Gulfstream' is a highlight — ‘Gulfstream’ is a collection highlight – the print is by Derek Swalwell

“Complex deep greens like Nori and Andalusian Olive, decadent blue-greens such as Gulf Stream and Viridian, and vibrant olive tones like Castelvetrano and Extra Virgin create an elegance, moodiness and theatre, which can work well in studies, dining spaces or master bedrooms,” says Melanie.

'Castelvetrano' — ‘Castelvetrano’ is a rich olive green

Blues & greys
“Smoky, cool and muted blue-greys, such as Anchorage, Duck Egg and Vintage Blue denote laid back drama, sophistication and simplicity, complementing furniture and accessories with minimalist lines, particularly in black and metallics,” says Melanie of the Smooth Impasto range’s blue based tones. Anchorage in particular works beautifully with the paint’s unique texture and is another collection highlight.

Photography: Mike Baker | Styling: Heather Nette King for Porter’s Paints

For more | 2019 paint trends

Tags heather nette king, interior design, interiors, paint, porters paints, styling

DIY RENO ADDICT

Budget DIY ideas: Our six most popular posts!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 21, 2019
No Comments on Budget DIY ideas: Our six most popular posts!

The great thing about the online world is that it’s very easy for us to see which stories you guys are loving. And it would seem that we have a very enthusiastic band of DIY’ers in our midst because our budget makeover stories are consistently some of our most popular. From how to paint laminate cabinets to three cheap ways to transform a kitchen bench top, here are some of your favourites.

How to paint laminate cabinets
We all know that a kitchen renovation is anything but cheap so it’s little wonder this post is so popular. From cleaning to priming and painting, this is the perfect guide to painting your own laminate cabinets.

How to paint laminate cabinets

3 ways to cheaply transform your bench top
As with updating cabinetry, replacing the kitchen bench top can be a very costly affair. If your bench top is still in good condition but simply needs a modern overhaul, this post shows you how to use specialty resurfacing products to maintain what you already have and thus help you save the big bucks.

3 ways to transform your benchtop for a few hundred dollars

How to paint tiles
As with replacing a bench top or cabinetry, replacing bathroom or kitchen tiles can a very messy and expensive exercise which is where tile paint comes in. Not only is tile paint relatively cheap, easy and quick to use, painting your tiles means you don’t have to find somewhere else to live while your bathroom or kitchen is given an instant facelift. Genius!

How to paint tiles and save a fortune!

How to paint a bathtub
As with kitchens, bathroom renovations really add up so if you can avoid replacing the bath that can only be a good thing right? Not only is ripping out a bath tub a major hassle, but it’s super costly too which is why a DIY paint job could be just the thing. This post is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to tackling the task.

How to paint a bath tub

How to revamp your driveway
We talk a lot about kerbside appeal and freshening up your driveway is just one of the important pieces in the exterior makeover puzzle. If your driveway is looking a little well-loved, this DIY talks you through the simple steps to giving it an overhaul.

Driveway paint: A cheap way to boost kerbside appeal!

How to refresh a garage door
As with updating the driveway, refreshing the garage door can make a huge difference to the outside of a home. And first impressions are key right? Especially if you’re selling. From prepping to painting, check out our full-proof garage door revamp method below.

How to: Easily and cheaply refresh a garage door

Check out our dedicated renovating section RENO ADDICT for more renovating inspiration

Tags home reno, home renovation, paint, reno, reno addict, renovating, renovation

Before & Afters DIY Interviews Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Before & after: Stylish exterior reno for suburban home

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 11, 2019
3 Comments on Before & after: Stylish exterior reno for suburban home

“At around 14 years old it’s only a relatively young house with good bones and lots of potential. There was certainly nothing offensive about it though there wasn’t anything special either. It just looked like any other slightly dated, somewhat neglected house in the neighbourhood – particularly the one right next door which happened to have the exact same colour scheme!” says DIY decorator Kristine Franklin (of The Painted Hive) who gave this Melbourne home a facelift for a friend recently.

The home of her friend’s late father, Kristine offered to help get it ready for sale by working on it over a three-month period – primarily on weekends. “Mainly we just wanted to make the most of what we already had on as small a budget as possible! Given the house has quite a simple classic design, and is located in a semi-rural area, I wanted to bolster the subtle cottage feel in a fresh, contemporary way,” says Kristine of her design choices.

The process began with a thorough declutter where Kristine cleared the old decor, removed the dated security screen door and removed the aluminium shade from the sidelight. She then painted the front door a lovely shade of blue (Dulux Duck Egg Blue), installed a new light fitting and added some stylish accessories too. “The front door was a virtual black hole prior and now it’s bright and welcoming and one of the highlights of the facade. It’s probably my favourite little area,” says Kristine.

“Although faux plants aren’t usually my thing, I wasn’t keen on forking out a small fortune on a feature tree for beside the front door given the house is unoccupied and nobody would be caring for it regularly. The fiddle leaf is actually artificial though it looks amazing and is guaranteed not to die throughout the entire sales campaign!” says Kristine.

AFTER faux plants and stylish pots now accessorise the front door

Another integral part of the renovation, Kristine painted the original mottled stone coloured bricks using Dulux ‘Texture Medium’ in Antique White USA. “I’m sure some people will wonder why I decided to paint the brick. To be honest, it was never awful however it does look much better in most of the before pics than it did in reality. It actually presents as almost an earthy sandstone when it was actually a mottled cream/yellow with dirty brown mortar. Plus, the house next door has the exact same brick which is never a great thing when you’re looking to sell. I wanted a fresh start,” says Kristine who chose a white paint colour to contrast with the home’s black trims.

AFTER The wall baskets are from Early Settler — AFTER the wall baskets are from Early Settler

A master at DIY, Kristine also built the gable pediment and decorative shutters herself – the latter was painted in the aforementioned Dulux Duck Egg Blue. “All up they cost less than $60 and add the perfect touch of charm and character I was after,” says Kristine.

And while Kristine originally wanted the garage door to be replaced with a black alternative, she’s happy with the way the timber-look steel Gliderol one from Bunnings turned out. “I love the simple panelled design and warm timber-look finish. It complements the other timber elements and duck egg accents perfectly, as well as helps warm-up all the white,” says Kristine.

“This is the first full facade transformation I’ve ever worked on and I learned a lot! It was so lovely to have several neighbours walk by as I was taking the ‘after’ photos and comment on how good it looks now,” says Kristine.

Tags before and after, diy, dulux, home reno, home renovation, kristine franklin, melbourne, paint, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation, the painted hive

Before & Afters Interviews

Before & after: Stylist Julia Green revamps living room

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 5, 2019
No Comments on Before & after: Stylist Julia Green revamps living room

Bringing her signature sophisticated use of colour to the project, stylist Julia Green transformed this plain white living room recently with a few clever styling tricks and paint shades from the lovely Dulux Wholeself palette – one of the four palettes in the 2019 Dulux Colour Forecast.

“This living room in a heritage apartment building had lovely bones – high ceilings, plenty of natural light and a little nook with bay windows – but it felt cold and one-dimensional. Think bare, white-washed walls and furniture in various shades of grey. It was crying out for personality, layers and colour,” says Julia.

The Dulux Wholeself palette proved the perfect mix of shades on which to hang all of her design decisions on. “With its muted pinks, greens and mauve-greys, there’s something incredibly soothing and gentle about this palette. The colours feel fresh, modern and relaxing – the perfect choice for a living room,” says Julia.

Upcycling
To minimise costs, Julia made sure that her paint colour choices complemented the existing furniture in the room – most notably the more expensive items such as the grey sofa and mid-tone timber coffee tables. “It’s important to work with what you’ve got when making over a room – this can really help keep costs down, particularly when you’re talking big-ticket items such as sofas and flooring,” says Julia.

AFTER coffee tables & accessories — AFTER The coffee tables and accessories were upcycled with paint

And for the pieces that just didn’t work, such as side tables and storage, Julia upcycled them with a lick of paint. The stylist freshened up the coffee tables by painting the top of the larger one with Dulux Aquanamel in New Life and the legs of the smaller one in Gold Dust. She also brought the fig-leaf planter to life by repainting it in Dulux Aquanamel in Italian Clay.

Feature paint
“To make a feature of the bay-window nook, we painted the walls a soft apricot shade, Dulux Wash&Wear in Pinkham, and kept the remaining walls in their existing colour, Dulux Wash&Wear in Natural White. Painting the walls in different colours this way is a great trick for creating individual zones in an open-plan room,” says Julia.

AFTER Dulux Pinkham pops agains the white window frames — AFTER Dulux Wash&Wear in Pinkham helps to create two zones in the open-plan space

Julia then paired the soft apricot wall with an abstract artwork filled with soft shades of duck egg blue and deep pink. “We also picked up these colours in the smaller pieces of furniture and accessories to add depth to the room,” says Julia.

Cosy seating
A must in any living area, cosy seating is key and Julia added to the mix of existing seats by bringing in a pair of curved-arm rattan and velvet armchairs. “They add textural interest to the room and their round shape helps soften the harsh lines of the room’s architecture. We finished off by livening up the plain sofa with a sumptuous throw and a medley of scatter cushions in different shapes and fabrics that pick up on the colours in the main artwork,” says Julia.

Pick a palette
“This makeover is a great example of the power of colour. The brilliant thing about working with a palette like this is that Dulux has done all the hard work for you in choosing the perfect combinations – all you have to do is find a palette you love, and you’ll be able to transform rooms in your own home in no time by working within these tonal confines.”

Imagery courtesy of Dulux Australia
Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Julia Green

For more | Dulux Colour Awards 2019: Winners

Tags before and after, colour, design, dulux, interior design, interiors, interviews, julia green, paint

Interiors Addict

Dulux Colour Awards 2019: Winners announced

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date May 13, 2019
No Comments on Dulux Colour Awards 2019: Winners announced

Flack Studio's 'Elmore Homestead' project received a commendation in the 'Residential Interior' category. Photography: Sharyn Cairns

Currently in its 33^rd year, the 2019 Dulux Colour Awards were announced last week and this year’s crop show some of the most courageous and sophisticated use of colour yet. “Architects and designers have really set a precedent with their masterful employment of colour to create unexpected, lively, playful and refined interior and exterior spaces,” says Dulux colour planning and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr.

With a plethora of blue and green shades in the finalists list, it’s no surprise to see Kennedy Nolan’s extremely verdant Caroline House take out the top award for best ‘Residential Interior’ – who could forget that green staircase?

Caroline House by Kennedy Nolan. Photographer: Derek Swalwell — Caroline House by Kennedy Nolan. Photography: Derek Swalwell

“Classic black and white with a punch of colour is eternally effective, and its articulation in this home is especially inspiring. At the home’s core is an inspired interaction of colour – the near-apple green hue on the stair, including its underside and hand rail, is a central connecting device, mirroring the greens of the pool, itself a focal point of the home, and subtly aligning inside and out,” says judge Carole Whiting, director of Carole Whiting Interiors + Design.

Perennial favourite David Flack received a commendation for his Elmore Homestead project. “Much like a curated gallery, this is a finely wrought design whose effect relies upon the courageous use of colour. Unexpected moments are created as dark tones give way to splashes of brightness, delineating informal and formal spaces, while also serving as a strong foundation for the contemporary art and sculpture peppered throughout,” says Carole of Flack Studio’s dramatic project.

Elmore Homestead by Studio Flack. Photography: Sharyn Cairns

John Wardle Architects’ Tasmanian restoration project Captain Kelly’s Cottage received a commendation too. “Colour and paint is an important factor in restorations, and this project demonstrates their thoughtful use. It is not just the applied colour, but also the removal of colour to retain the original surface of the cottage and preserve its history that is so impressive. The use of green in the bedrooms is neither stark nor overbearing, and the matching of original colours is respectful and appropriate,” says Carole.

Captain Kelly's Cottage by John Wardle Architects. Photography: Trevor Mein — Captain Kelly’s Cottage by John Wardle Architects. Photography: Trevor Mein

The ‘Single Residential Exterior’ category was an interesting one too with Studio Gorman’s Alma Residence project taking out top honours. “From the fabulous front door to the charming extension, the use of many and varied colours in this residence is sophisticated and refined. Anything but conservative, the subtle palette is full of surprising layers and complexity,” says judge Mardi Doherty, director of Doherty Design Studio.

Alma Residence by Studio Gorman. Photography: Prue Ruscoe

Making fabulous use of blue too, Mario Danos Architecture’s converted 1850’s bank project The Bank received a commendation in the ‘Single Residential Exterior’ category. “A strikingly simple structure, this converted 1850’s bank has been given new life as a dwelling by strategic injections of colour. The faded original exterior, its warm, soft-red bricks and sandstone base, is punctuated by a perfectly contrasting blue on the front door and window frames, articulating these elements in a simple, impactful gesture,” says Mardi.

The Bank by Maria Danos Architecture. Photography: Trevor Mein

For more | Last year’s winners

Tags 2019 dulux colour awards, colour, dulux, dulux colour awards, interiors, paint

Expert Tips Interviews

Paint trends 2019: Colour & concrete star this winter

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date May 9, 2019
No Comments on Paint trends 2019: Colour & concrete star this winter

While a paint refresh is often reserved for the warmer months, there’s no reason why you can’t head down that route in winter. Given we spend more time indoors in winter (often looking for a rainy-day project!) a new paint scheme might be just the thing to revitalise your home. From bold emerald green and navy to concrete finishes, there’s plenty of comforting and cocooning options for every taste as the temperatures drop.

I love the warm wintry vibe of this front door that's painted in Dulux Aquanamel in 'Italian Clay' — I love the warm wintry vibe of this statement front door painted in Dulux Aquanamel in Italian Clay

Shades of grey
“If your style is monochromatic, tonal layering of putty greys is subtle and beautiful, easy to achieve and is an effective look for any living space. To create visual interest, experiment with texture, which can be perfect as an accent wall – a concrete finish, such as Dulux Concrete Effects in Pale Elements, is popular and works well in a modern or contemporary home,” says Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr who likes to pair that finish with Dulux Wash&Wear in Milton Moon, a lovely neutral grey.

Dulux 'Concrete Effect' in 'Pale Elements' creates the textural effect of polished concrete on the fireplace in this room. — Dulux ‘Concrete Effect’ in Pale Elements creates the textural effect of polished concrete on the fireplace in this room. Dulux Wash&Wear in Milton Moon complements the look.

Dramatic colour
Contrary to popular opinion, vibrant shades aren’t simply the domain of summer as these images styled by Bree Leech attest – a bold splash of navy and emerald green proves a winning combination when paired with a neutral white shade.

“To add a level of vibrancy, yet still retain a classic look, use whites such Dulux Lexicon on your walls and ceilings and introduce plenty of colour to your stairwell, front door or accent walls – peach tones, forest greens and deep blues are colours that can be seamlessly intertwined to enhance the space and add your own personality.”

Photography: Mike Baker | Styling: Bree Leech

For more | Are natural, non-toxic paints the way of the future?

Tags 2019 paint trends, colour, dulux, interior design, interiors, paint, paint trends

Before & Afters Expert Tips Interviews

Stylist Julia Green uses bright, bold colour in bedroom

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date April 23, 2019
3 Comments on Stylist Julia Green uses bright, bold colour in bedroom

It’s a familiar scene – the room is a nice enough space, but it’s been painted a safe shade of white, the overall effect of which is rather underwhelming. It’s a predicament that stylist Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors found herself in recently when Dulux asked her to overhaul a bland bedroom.

“The room was a blank canvas. While it had lovely features such as wooden floorboards, white walls and shutters, it was crying out for some character,” says Julia who looked to the Dulux ‘Repair’ palette for inspiration before making over the space with lashings of vibrant colour and texture.

“The colours in the Repair palette felt calm yet invigorating – for me, it was love at first sight. When it comes to choosing colour, I believe it’s the emotional connection we make that is the most important thing – perhaps even more important than how we dress a space. I knew the deep greenish blues and hints of cinnamon from the palette would be perfect for creating a warm, welcoming feel in this bedroom,” says Julia. And I’d have to agree! While there was nothing ‘wrong’ with the original space, the result showcases Julia’s formidable talent for colour. Who would have thought that a bright teal shade (Dulux Sea Creature) could feel so invigorating yet simultaneously serene?

AFTER bedside table – Julia used Dulux Plasticine to upcycle it

As she is inclined to, Julia built the room around the artwork – a bold piece by artist Georgie Wilson. “I chose an artwork for the back wall that was filled with beautiful, earthy tones, all present in the Dulux Repair palette, and used this to inform the rest of my colour choices,” says Julia who then layered paint, accessories and soft furnishings into the space to complement.

“I selected a bold hue for the back wall to give the room depth – Dulux Wash & Wear in Sea Creature, which is a luscious, green-blue. I layered this up with touches of rich green by painting the existing bedside-table drawer with Dulux Aquanamel in Plasticine and adding lush velvet soft furnishings and tall potted plants on either side of the bed,” says Julia.

Julia also used a variety of other accent shades to complete the look – Dulux Aquanamel in Cinnamon Sand (a soft terracotta shade) was painted on the mirror trim while Dulux Auburn Flair was painted on the base of the large ceramic pot in the corner. A sizeable blue tonal rug, touches of raw timber, velvet and linens were then brought in to finish the space.

“You don’t have to be an expert to achieve great results with colour – it’s such fun to experiment, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it can transform a space. Safe is boring; my advice is to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Chances are, you’ll fall in love with playing with colour and never want to stop!”

Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Julia Green

For more | 2019 Dulux Colour Awards finalists

Tags colour, dulux, greenhouse interiors, interior design, interior designer, interiors, julia green, paint, styling, stylist

Interiors Addict

Are natural, non-toxic paints the way of the future?

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date April 10, 2019
No Comments on Are natural, non-toxic paints the way of the future?

With people’s increasing interest in non-toxic living, health and sustainability we’ve noticed a complementary trend taking flight – the movement toward natural paint. “It is in everyone’s best interest to transition to a lower tox way of living. We have seen a big transition towards health in other industries and I believe the trade industry is the next frontier where this transformation is greatly needed,” says natural paint proponent Anthony Kanavakatini of Eco Lux Painting and Decorating.

Anthony’s natural paint exploration began when he was on a quest for a healthier, more sustainable painting approach after hearing a few older painting colleagues had fallen ill. “I began looking into the long-term health effects of using conventional paints and what I found was quite alarming. It didn’t take long to convince me that I needed to make a change ASAP – for my health, for my family, and for my customers and their families,” says Anthony who favours the Bio Products range of natural interior paints and varnishes.

The main issue with traditional paint seems to be the presence of VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds. “VOCs release into the atmosphere not just while the paint is drying but can negatively affect air quality for months and even years after application. This is where that ‘freshly painted’ smell comes from. You are smelling a mix of chemicals which are majority carcinogenic and have the potential to cause serious health risks long term,” says Anthony.

By comparison, natural paints are free of VOCs and are formulated with ingredients like pine resin, linseed oil, lemon peel oil and other plant oils, earth pigments, clay, iron oxides, metal oxides and water. “Natural paints solve a huge problem for me the painter and for you the home owner, because they register an incredible 0 per cent VOC reading which makes them free from nasty chemicals and carcinogens,” says Anthony.

And in good news, traditional paint brands are heading down the low-tox route too. Wattyl’s new I.D Advanced is an ultra-low VOC formula that has less than 1 gram of VOCs per litre (a level that far exceeds green building requirements) while Haymes Paint’s Elite Interior paint is 99 per cent VOC free and the Dulux Professional Enviro2 Interior Low Sheen range contains less than 1 gram of VOCs per litre.

Wattyl paint — Wattyl’s I.D Advanced paint range is a great low-VOC option

“People are eliminating the bad chemicals from their homes. I think it is great and should be seen only as a positive. We are in a time where the average consumer is highly conscious of health and sustainability and many people are now choosing a more eco-friendly, natural way of doing things which is a win for everyone.”

Real home: Melbourne townhouse features layers of navy

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date April 2, 2019
No Comments on Real home: Melbourne townhouse features layers of navy

Formerly an unused space, Jessica created an office area at the entry to the home — Image: Eclectic Creative

From cobalt to teal, and the myriad shades in between, there’s no doubt that blue is having a moment. And this Melbourne renovation, carried out recently by interior designer Jessica Viscarde of Eclectic Creative, is further proof that a deep version of the hue is a dramatic yet tranquil option. “My clients, a young family, wanted to go with a calming and relatively neutral scheme but were open to introducing some hints of colour,” says Jessica who managed to convince them to take the plunge.

“Upon entering the main living, dining and kitchen area there is a main wall incorporating a beautiful contemporary fireplace and the ideal spot for placing a television. A moody and sophisticated colour and design concept was presented incorporating Dulux Grid and Signature paint colours on the main wall with the intention of both camouflaging the television and highlighting the fireplace. A slightly lighter tone, Signature, was specified for the facade of the fireplace drawing it out visually and the darker shade Grid was used for the majority of the wall as it recedes. This actually made the room feel larger!” says Jessica.

Eclectic Creative — Dulux Grid and Signature are used on the home’s TV wall

The TV wall was finished with simple solid timber open shelves including one designed at desk height that also doubles as a functional nook for the family. “It’s the perfect spot for homework!” says Jessica.

“To balance the boldness and depth of the moody blue tones, hints of similar blues were used throughout the space with soft furnishings, artworks, upholstery and window furnishings,” says Jessica. The curtains are a natural linen in a soft blue grey tone and the living room artwork is steeped in blue too. “We commissioned local artist Tory Burke to create a triptych series to hang in the dining room that is directly across from the accent wall of the living room which balances the colour in the living area,” says Jessica.

Dining room — Original works by Tory Burke complement the blue theme

“My favourite part of the project is the bold and moody colour palette and I’m so glad that I encouraged my clients to get a little out of their comfort zone. I applaud my clients for jumping on board and entrusting my vision – it’s a reason you hire a designer, to suggest ideas you mightn’t have otherwise considered.”

“The colour works well because we have balanced it with large proportions of neutral and light timbers, so it doesn’t feel obtrusive or dark. The darker background also makes for wonderful television viewing I am told, as well as allowing the equipment to blend into the background.”

Photography: Stephanie Rooney

For more | Pops of blue star in Melbourne real reno

Tags blue, colour, design, eclectic creative, interior design, interior designer, interiors, melbourne, paint, real home, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation, styling, stylist

Design Interviews

2019 Dulux Colour Awards finalists: Blue & green reign

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 27, 2019
No Comments on 2019 Dulux Colour Awards finalists: Blue & green reign

With awards season in full swing, I was thrilled to hear that the finalists for the Dulux Colour Awards have just been announced. For a colour obsessive like myself, there’s always so much original colour inspiration to be found within these awards and this year is no exception with blue and green strong recurring themes.

Wrixton House by Lynne Bradley Interiors. Photographer: Anson Smart

Beechwood project — Beechwood by KWD. Photographer: Armelle Habib

Currently in its 33^rdyear, the awards continue to grow, and this year there were a record-breaking 435 entries from Australian and New Zealand designers. Ultimately the 114 finalists were chosen for their creative and innovative use of colour with this year’s entries some of the best I can recall.

Who would have thought that a green staircase could look so good? Caroline House by Kennedy Nolan. Photographer: Derek Swalwell

“We were thrilled to see the calibre of submissions for this year’s awards program. Architects and designers have really set a new precedent with their masterful and innovative employment of colour to create unexpected, lively, playful and refined interior and exterior spaces,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour planning and communications manager.

Ivanhoe Residence by Flack Studio. Photographer: Sharyn Cairns and Caitlin Mills

Cleveland Rooftop by SJB. Photographer: Felix Forest

A couple of colour trends stand out with statement shades of blue and green used in countless projects. “Deep shades of blue were a popular choice in residential interiors – from azure through to dark navy – seen in cabinetry, trims and feature walls. Meanwhile, greens ranging from soft sage to emerald have lost none of their appeal adding sophistication, character and a sense of quiet luxury,” says Andrea.

With earthy hues another solid interior trend, it’s no surprise that those tones featured heavily too. “There has been a shift away from greys and cooler neutrals which have dominated interiors in previous years, with nature-based warm hues, such as beiges, terracotta and caramels coming to the fore,” says Andrea.

Pepper Tree House by Alwill Interiors. Photographer: Prue Ruscoe

Lilyfield residence by Woods & Warner. Photographer: Simon Whitbread

House and Cart by Khab Architects. Photographer: Aaron Citti

“Classic all black and all white remains popular, particularly in residential exteriors – they are shades being used to contrast against red brick or layered to create a modern textured and tonal look,” says Andrea.

Centennial Park house — Centennial Park House by Madeleine Blachfield Architects. Photographer: Prue Ruscoe

All of the Australian finalists are in the running to take home the Australian Grand Prix title (worth AUD $5000) while New Zealand entrants are eligible for the New Zealand Grand Prix title (worth NZD $5000). Winners will be announced at a gala event at the National Gallery of Victoria on 8 May, 2019.

Blue Moon by BayleyWard. Photographer: Eve Wilson

For more | Last year’s winners

Tags colour, dulux, dulux colour awards, interior design, interiors, paint

Expert Tips

New Haymes Paint hues celebrate beauty in imperfection

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 25, 2019
No Comments on New Haymes Paint hues celebrate beauty in imperfection

Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi (the celebration of beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete), comes ‘Flow’ the latest from Haymes Paint. “This volume is one that resonates with my philosophy of finding beauty in fragility, vulnerability and the stories behind objects and pieces that we own,” says Haymes Paint colour and concept manager Wendy Rennie.

“I was lucky enough to visit Japan a few months ago and saw the Wabi-sabi concept brought to life in many different environments. Central to Flow is embracing what is and has been without trying to change it or make it perfect. It’s about keeping us balanced and seeing the beauty in simple palettes and objects,” says Wendy.

'Deep Calm' palette — ‘Deep Calm’ palette. Paint colour: Haymes Paint Artisan RenderCoat in White Stone

Comprised of four palettes, the paint colours are designed to provide a sense of flow in our homes by imbuing them with tranquillity and comfort. ‘Deep Calm’ is all about imperfect minimalism achieved through texture, materials and natural light. “The focus is less on colour and more on tonal shifts that graduate throughout the interior space, which is peaceful and practical, showing how beautiful simplicity can be,” says Wendy.

'In Balance' palette — ‘In Balance’ palette. Paint colours: Haymes Paint Olive Drab and Ironstone

‘In Balance’ is full of much deeper, moodier tones. “A sense of balance is evoked through this ethereal colour palette where the saturation in the deep green sits in harmony with the pink,” says Wendy.

'Free Flow' palette — ‘Free Flow’ palette. Paint colour: Haymes Paint Mortar Rolled Straw

‘Free Flow’ is full of warm, organic tones designed to be used in transitional spaces that are free flowing and flexible. “This palette recognises that our personal style and belongings creates an authenticity in our homes that is multi-layered, providing a connection to our history and passions too,” says Wendy.

‘Slow Life’ has a much more rustic feel with its copper and rust shades. “This palette focuses on exploring the soul of our home, and how important it is to feel a sense of our true self in this space. This is a raw, organic, exposed and textural theme that feels both comforting and secure.”

For more | Visualise paint colours with new digital render service

Tags expert tips, haymes paint, interiors, paint, paint trend