The annual Dulux Colour Forecast is a collection of uplifting and soothing colours in response to recent periods of uncertainty.
Distilled into three beautiful palettes Still, Recollect and Emerge demonstrate how colours with warm, brown undertones play an important role in evoking a sense of nurture and positivity.
In 2025, Dulux predicts that rich burgundies and wine hues will become more prominent throughout residential interior design, alongside increased use of green including olive, sage and vibrant yellow-green.
Suited to any architectural style of home, these colours allow you to refresh your interiors with confidence and create an on-trend positive change in your space.
Ceiling
Remuera
Remuera is a traditional and timeless warm white that works beautifully with most colour schemes inside and out in any style of home. Remuera works well with warm neutrals such as Ōpononi and Mason Bay.
“During times of instability, such as the current cost of living crisis and ongoing overseas conflicts, reduced consumer sentiment tends to see colour trends shift less dramatically," Dulux Colour Specialist Davina Harper says.
"However, colour can be a powerful antidote to lift spirits and provide a sense of comfort and warmth, which is evident with this year’s colour palettes,” Harper adds.
Ceiling & Trim
Zingiber
Yellows are vibrant and reflective and can create a happy and bright environment. Yellow is warm and is perfectly suited for south-facing spaces. Yellows can be used in casual living areas, hallways and entry spaces to create a light-filled bright setting.
Harper says New Zealanders can feel overwhelmed due to our continual connection to the digital world and the rise of AI, further compounding this feeling.
“There is a sense to slow down and appreciate life’s everyday moments, to look for joy in our surroundings and find comfort in reminiscing about times when we felt safe and secure. These shifts have informed the three Colour Forecast palette trends for 2025 in a relevant way for New Zealand interiors.”
“One of the most significant shifts this year is the increase in warm neutrals across the three palettes. During uncertain times we often see a move towards muted colours and calming, softer hues that help make us feel grounded and provide a sense of relief from everyday stresses.”
Ceiling
Hagley Park
Hagley Park is a soft and cheerful yellow that creates the feeling of sunshine. It is perfect for providing more light reflectance in a south-facing space and is an ideal partner for warm whites such as Southern Alps and Cardrona Half.
An uplifting palette of paired-back pastels, Emerge is filled with soft greens, mauves and a deep red to bring joy without overwhelming a space.
As a response to seeking comfort and security, the moody Recollect palette evokes a sense of nostalgia, reflection and sophistication with yellow-based greens and deep olive shades paired with rich wine shades.
Driven by our need to appreciate things in the slow lane the Still palette has a calming effect that can create a nourishing and comforting environment.
The Dulux Colour Team researches global and local trends predicted to influence Australian interior design and how we live, engages global and international brands, and attends seminars, catwalks, product and design launches, and Milan Design Week.
Colour Specialist Davina Harper (right) and Colour Forecaster and Stylist Bree Leech also review research and insights from the UK, Europe and Asia-Pacific and trend reports from Colour Hive, MIX Magazine and LS:N International as well as through our membership with the global Color Marketing Group (CMG).
AJAR | Angelucci 20th Century | Arthur G | Aura Home | Beeline Design | Bonnie and Neil | Brillo | Bungalow Trading Co. | Castle & Things | CCSS | Craft Victoria | Cult Design | Design By Them | Design Stuff | Designer Rugs | Fanuli | Fenton & Fenton | Figgoscope Curates | Formantics | Frey | Gallery Smith | Greg Natale | Halcyon Lake | Hali Rugs | Harbro | Heatherly Design | In Good Company | Jan Vogelpoel | Jardan | Just Adele | LLH Studio | Lightly Design | Linen House | Living Edge | Maryanne Moodie | Origine | Pepite | RJ Living | Ross Didier | Southwood | Studio Gallery | Stylecraft | Top 3 by Design | Trit House
Colours displayed should be used as a guide for your colour selection. To ensure best accuracy, test your colour choice at home by ordering Dulux sample pots and large colour swatches.