
Dulux Colour Awards
The Dulux Colour Awards is New Zealand and Australia's premier showcase of inspirational colour application in interior and exterior residential, public and commercial spaces.
This year, our judges selected 88 finalists for their stunning design and architectural work from 481 entries across eight categories.
Colour-blocking and murals impress judges
The prestigious and highly respected 39th Dulux Colour Awards has received the highest calibre of entries as one of the longest-running design awards programs in the region.
The level of sophistication and ambition was demonstrated in colour specification by design professionals broadly across all architectural typologies with palettes and applications of colour in each category consistently challenged stereotypes irrespective of scale, scope or program such as a sporting complex with a luxe suite of colours more usually seen in high-end hospitality; a community hub finely clad in joyous hues resulting in an intelligent show of place-making; and, a depot that turns expectations on their head via nuanced colour graduations, while still respecting its industrial origins.
"Year after year, we are presented with an extraordinary array of exceptional colour use that exemplifies the pivotal role colour plays in spatial understanding, placemaking and mood setting," says Davina Harper, Dulux Colour Specialist.
Stylistically, coloured ceilings and distinctive wall treatments star in projects from Australia and New Zealand alike. “The judges remarked upon the strength of colour-blocking interior surfaces, as well as the bold use of murals in retail and studio environments.
Hues of burgundy, gold-yellows and sage greens lead the bolder palettes in private residential domains, but warm whites maintain a consistent presence, this year married with ‘greiges’, mist greens and soft blues.
"Student and professional entries in all building types are universally employing colour with extraordinary skill, impact and effect, and it is our great honour to recognise the best of the best each year.”
Our finalists
Our judges
Five of New Zealand and Australia’s most prolific architects and designers, who have been recognised and awarded for their own work, judged the 2025 awards entrants based on innovation, expression and execution of colour.

Andrew Parr
Director, SJB
Andrew founded SJB in 1994 and brings his unique interpretations of contemporary minimalist style into design.
A winner of more than 10 interior design awards and shortlisted for many more (including Dulux Colour Awards in 2017 and 2020), Andrew has been setting the standard for high-end residential and hospitality design for more than 35 years.

Alex McLeod
Co-founder, at.space
Auckland interior design studio, at.space, has been recognised for its cohesive palettes and brave use of colour. It was awarded two gold pins at the NZ Best Awards and the supreme HOME Interior of the Year Award for 2024, and Alex was a panellist for the inaugural Auckland Design Week recently.
With a passion for nostalgic design, abstract art, and a textural material appreciation, Alex believes that design is in the detail, drawing from memory and context to produce interiors with connection.

Rachel Luchetti
Co-founder, Luchetti Krelle
Rachel brings a wealth of experience to this year’s judging panel, spanning both the hospitality and commercial sectors. Rachel refined her skills in conceptual realisation, spatial planning and ‘place-making’, leading to a host of award-winning hospitality, retail, commercial and residential designs across Australia.
As a highly respected innovator among the Australian interior design community, Rachel demonstrates a methodology that achieves intricate and layered, yet efficient and highly successful design solutions across the hospitality and hotel sectors.

Kim Bridgland
Co-founder and Director, Edition Office
Kim has built a globally recognised portfolio of commercial and residential projects through his Melbourne-based architect practice since 2016. His background as a fine artist and sculptor, alongside his knowledge of art and architectural history amplifies his ability to create architecture that both connects with and challenges its inhabitants and visitors alike.
Within just five years, Kim’s unique background and approach to design together with the team has led the Edition Office to take home numerous national and international awards, such as the 2019 Canberra Medallion and many more.

Kerstin Thompson
Principal, KTA
Adjunct Professor, RMIT and Monash universities
Kerstin is a committed design educator who regularly lectures and runs studios at various schools across Australia and New Zealand.
In recognition for the work of her practice, contribution to the profession and tertiary education, Kerstin was elevated to Life Fellow by the Australian Institute of Architects in 2017, appointed the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2022 and awarded the Gold Medal in 2023 – the Australian Institute of Architects’ highest honour – recognising distinguished services by architects.

Andrea Lucena-Orr
Colour and Communications Manager, DuluxGroup
Andrea Lucena-Orr has an extensive colour and design background, having worked at DuluxGroup for more than 35 years in many colour roles. Andrea researches colour trends and presents her findings to trade and retail markets, and the media.
She is a key member of the Dulux Colour Forecast team that leads the colour forecasting trends and is a trusted voice in the industry on colour insights. Andrea is the convening judge for the Dulux Colour Awards.
Previous winners and finalists
Revisit the projects that captured the attention of our judges.
Dulux Colour Awards terms and conditions
Finalists Each major category winner receives AU$1,000 in prize money. The Australian Student category winner receives AU$500 and New Zealand category winner receives NZ$500. All New Zealand finalists will receive $1,000 towards travel to the Dulux Colour Awards gala event in Melbourne.
Winners will be announced at the 39th Dulux Colour Awards on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at the National Gallery of Victoria. The Australian Grand Prix award will be chosen from the Australian category winners, excluding the Student category, and receive AU$5,000. The New Zealand Grand Prix award will be selected from the New Zealand finalists, excluding the Student category, and receive NZ$5,000.