Add joy and whimsy with summer styling

After a long gloomy winter, Australians are inviting warmth, lightness, and optimism back into their lives – starting at home.

This summer, Dulux colour forecasters predict a move toward romantic tones and airy pastels that promise to uplift, soothe, and spark a more hopeful outlook.

“Dulux Ethereal – one of three palettes from the Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 – offers a dreamy combination of colours that can be layered and combined to restore joy in our homes this summer,” Dulux colour and design manager, Lauren Treloar, said.

 

Designed with summer living in mind, the Ethereal palette is soft, feminine and whimsical, evoking a sense of serenity through delicate pastel tones. Rounded furniture, tactile finishes and curved accessories perfectly complement these hues, resulting in interiors that feel light, gentle and inviting.

“The Ethereal palette is filled with colours that will resonate with homeowners,” Treloar said. “They’re subtle, versatile and easy to work with in any style of home.”

She said this shift toward softer, more romantic colour reflects a collective desire to rediscover beauty in the everyday. “In a world marked by uncertainty, we’re seeking ways to create calm and nurture our emotional wellbeing. The Ethereal palette allows homeowners to do just that – every colour has an emotive quality that can transform a space into a beautiful sanctuary.”

 

Lighter shades such as Dulux Blue Shell and Dulux Soft Fresco are ideal for smaller rooms, helping to create the impression of a more open, airy space. Pinks and greens pair beautifully together, with Dulux Silver

Thaw working as a warm neutral alongside the depth of Dulux Tiamo for a grounded, calming effect. For those seeking a soft, tonal scheme, Dulux Aroma and Dulux Mask layer seamlessly to create a serene, harmonious look.

To bring the Ethereal palette to life, Dulux teamed up with stylist Bree Banfield to transform a family home – taking it from a neutral, mostly white backdrop to a soft, pastel-filled escape.

 

Banfield said the key to capturing a summer mood is choosing colours that lift the space and spark joy – think sun-faded pastels, soft blues that echo the beach, or even fresh citrus-inspired hues that bring in a sunny vibe. “In the living room, we wrapped the curved walls in Dulux Blue Shell and painted the ceiling in Dulux Soft Fresco. That simple change instantly opened up the space, making it feel cooler, calmer and so much more inviting.

Banfield also leaned into the room’s architecture, using its curves to enhance Dulux Ethereal’s playful, soft character. “This palette is all about creating a mood that feels effortless and light, highlighting the gentle lines of the space helps emphasise the playful mood,” she said. She used curved furniture and rounded, tactile accessories – including a boucle coffee table, woven rug, curvy occasional chair and oversized cushions – to echo the shapes of the room and reinforce the dreamy, relaxed mood. Pastel-toned sculptural ceramics provided the final touch.

 

Dulux Amazon Depths was used on the cabinetry, while Dulux Tiamo echoed through soft furnishings to create a seamless flow between the room. “Through colour and styling these spaces were transformed into

rooms you want to linger in,” Banfield added. “The soft pinks, blues and greens set a calm, relaxed tone that still feels uplifting. The mood feels lighter, creating that effortless feeling we associate with summer.”

In the main bedroom, the team took a bolder approach, colourdrenching the walls and ceiling in Dulux Mask, a moody, romantic pink that completely transformed the space. “Going from plain white to this deep, embracing pink has given the room such a dreamy, elegant feel,” Treloar added. “Colour drenching is such a powerful way to uplift a space and make it feel larger and more unified.”

 

Rather than starting from scratch, Banfield worked with what was already in the room. She kept the existing cabinetry and linens, then layered in fresh details – floral-patterned cushions, artwork and a lamp with textural accents – to create a bedroom that feels romantic, restorative and effortlessly summery.

“It doesn’t take a full renovation to transform a room,” Banfield said. “Simple updates like new bedlinen, light cotton or linen throws, or even swapping out artwork can completely reset the mood for the season. Don’t be afraid to mix pattern and colour in unexpected ways – it’s those combinations that really bring the Ethereal palette to life.

“Light, sunny colours like these are one of the easiest ways to create an uplifting, welcoming space. They make the whole mood of the room feel lighter – exactly what we crave in summer.” Treloar added.