Dulux Colour Forecast: A Retrospective

Hues of cool and calming blues begin to emerge within New Zealand homes to recreate that coveted coastal feeling at home. This trend has since transformed into one of New Zealand’s most loved interior styles, particularly as advances in digital technology have allowed people to work remotely, answering the need for a comfortable and inviting home office space.

This was a particularly challenging year to predict colour trends, due to globalisation and digitisation impacting the cycle and emergence of new trends at a rapid pace. New Zealanders begin to work from home and embrace the use of multiple shades of a single colour within interior design.

Dulux identifies six different palettes reflecting global trends that are set to dominate design in 2013, including the rise of technology (Facebook buys Instagram, Pinterest’s audience grows exponentially) and social change (President Barack Obama becomes the first black president). Movement and empowerment are key themes that influence this year’s palettes, featuring textures and colours of concrete greys, muted pastels and monochromatic schemes with metal and stone touches.

A particularly vibrant and joyful Colour Forecast that introduces plenty of metallic shades such as gold and brass, in addition to Bold and bright colourways - much like what we have seen again in the next cycle for 2022 and 2023 Colour Forecasts with the Wonder and Revive palettes respectively. With the colour rulebook out the window, 2014’s colour trends are influenced by looking to the future, whilst also reminiscent of the digital culture of the '70s, '80s and '90s.

Incorporating shades of green within our homes to feel closely connected to nature, catapults as a trend in 2015 as a result of New Zealanders and the world feeling constantly ‘plugged in’. This trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, particularly as New Zealanders' concerns about climate change grow and sustainability becomes a strong influence for interior design. Other colours reflect untamed, natural landscapes with ashy blues, clean white and dark greys. These hues are softened with textures such as timber, fur, leather.

Shades of pink (read: millennial pink) send shockwaves through the design world and dominate interiors both at home and abroad. New Zealanders' confidence with colour emerges and organic shapes, frayed edges and repurposed vintage pieces are placed against backdrops of earthy neutrals, saturated greens and citrus brights. Mindful consumption and sustainability are also at the forefront of New Zealanders' minds. Brighter-hued palette Identity encourages the rule breaker, with clashing patterns and unexpected colour combinations.

The global pandemic puts a halt to daily freedoms and routines and as people take refuge inside their homes, an interior renovation boom begins. New Zealanders cocoon in soothing shades of earthy greens and gentle mauve-greys. Richer and brighter hues awaken the senses, allowing for moments of optimism and playful mash-ups of pink and terracotta hint to '70s nostalgia – inspiring a wave of retro-inspired interiors that’s continued to grow in popularity today.