Live As We Feel – 25 Years With The Dulux Colour Forecast

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the annual Dulux Colour Forecast, with an exploration into the trends and moments in history that changed the nature of Australian interiors. The Dulux Colour Forecast has long led Australian design, predicting the way global events and subsequent trends will influence our way of life and the hues we gravitate to. The colour palettes released each year set the tone for both designers and consumers alike.

With the Dulux Colour Forecast beginning in 1999, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr, reflects on the many moments and events that have significantly influenced the way Australians connect with their homes and the built environment. “Throughout the last 25 years, Australians have faced a number of cultural moments that have influenced and inspired our interior colour trends,” Andrea says. “These include economic crises, natural disasters, political instability, advances in globalisation and digital technologies, climate change and war or terror-related disasters.”

In the first year of the Dulux Colour Forecast, the new standard for open plan interiors saw an increase in white to simplify larger spaces, whereas later in 2005, the Dulux Colour Forecasters identified natural tones and textures being used to reflect a desire for sustainable living.

In 2010, palettes of blues and calming tones were introduced as Australians sought to emulate a coastal aesthetic within their homes. In this instance, the Dulux Colour Forecast identified a trend that would develop into a signature interior design style across the country. The next decade saw a greater exploration of colour combinations and textures as the digital age progressed and our dwellings became more of our own important sanctuaries.

In 2010, palettes of blues and calming tones were introduced as Australians sought to emulate a coastal aesthetic within their homes.

Dulux Colour Forecaster and Stylist, Bree Leech, works alongside Andrea Lucena-Orr and Colour Manager Lauren Treloar to identify the influential trends that will affect the way we seek to live in our homes. “Colour trends are intriguing and complex; I love being able to bring them to life in imagery that is both beautiful and tells a story,” Bree says.

At present, those leading forecasting are observing a change of pace in the way consumers are reacting to influences from around the world. “As a community, we have never been more inter-globally connected, and interior trends are transitioning faster than ever before.” As the Dulux Colour Forecast celebrates its Silver Jubilee, we look forward to their guidance in understanding colour within our Australian interiors.

“As a community, we have never been more inter-globally connected and interior trends are transitioning faster than ever before.”