Dulux predicts the colours of winter

Inviting warmth and a particular energy into your home can be a crucial first step to successfully transitioning to indoor living and entertaining during the winter months.

To help you get there, why not integrate the latest colour trends to establish a welcoming, yet intimate atmosphere for all to enjoy?

Dulux’s Restore palette – one of three colour palettes from the 2022 Dulux Colour Forecast – includes the rich colours of Dulux New Penny, Hog Bristle Half, Black Caviar and Natural Flora, which evoke a feeling of comfort and warmth, often much-needed to combat the winter blues that can accompany a seasonal change.

Dulux colour and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr said the Restore palette was perfect for a winter makeover as the colours will be easy to use in most spaces due to their natural appeal.

“Dulux Natural Flora and Hog Bristle Half have a warmth that will create a comforting and restful space, perfect for bedrooms. The deeper colours of Dulux Ferry, Finnegan and Oboe D’Amore are well suited as accents for communal areas, like the living room or entry, to help liven up these high-traffic spaces.

“To add a scheme, the more muted, neutral colours of Dulux Rice Crop, Stowe White, Opononi Double, Tranquil Retreat and Winter Terrace will be incredibly popular across all interiors this season as they sit back and shouldn’t create a sense of feeling overwhelmed.”

To showcase these idyllic hues in the home environment, Dulux colour forecaster and stylist Bree Leech undertook a multi-room makeover in a renovated ’80s brick home, integrating colours from the Restore palette.

“We chose to make over three rooms – a toddler’s bedroom and two entry areas – showing the versatility of the palette to energise different interior spaces,” Andrea said.

One room in two ways, the toddler’s room was completely reinvigorated with the option of New Penny or Natural Flora as the feature colour, paired with Hog Bristle Half, a warm white to help soften the space.

“Both accent colours add interest and make the bedroom more inspiring for a young child but are also colours that they can keep as they grow,” Bree said.

“To add even more texture and warmth to our toddler’s space, we featured pale timber, woven cane and natural fabrics such as linen, cotton and wool; we also amped up the texture by adding a thick pile rug to the already carpeted floor.”

With the two entries, the intention was to make both spaces feel more inviting, sophisticated and memorable for the homeowners as well as first time or returning guests.

“The entries have gorgeous, exposed beams and curved arched doorways; we wanted to celebrate both architectural features and did so through colour and decor,” Andrea said.

“Using the gorgeous Dulux Ferry on the ceiling in the main entry and Finnegan as an accent in the secondary, we paired each with striking art and handmade ceramics
to give both rooms more character.

“A more sophisticated edge is provided through the feature pendant lighting. The addition of a rug breaks up the floor space for a cosy yet spacious look and feel.”

According to Andrea, there will be many colours that resonate with both first-time decorators and long-time colour lovers, due to the naturality of these hues.

“My advice is to just have a go! Not much can go wrong using this gorgeous, soothing and relaxed palette. Whether you’re transforming a bedroom, living space or hallway/entry, it’s amazing how a change in colour gives you a whole new perspective on the space.”