Dulux Colour Forecast 2022

The Dulux Colour Forecast 2022 comprises three exciting palettes drawn from our Earth’s surroundings that feature rich, earthy tones and natural textures, alongside joyful, summery hues that awaken our zest for life.

The world has changed, and we have changed with it. As we gradually emerge from another difficult year, we look to find a more positive meaning in all that we have endured. With new freedoms on the horizon, there is a desire to be bold, expressive, seek new experiences and, most importantly, discover a newfound sense of calm as we embrace our ‘new normal’.

There’s still a sense of uncertainty about what the future holds, and for this reason, we crave comfort and reassurance in our homes. Across the country, we have all been affected in different ways, and by spending more time indoors than ever before, we have a newfound appreciation for the importance of good design and choose to surround ourselves with things that are not just beautiful but enhance our wellbeing and quality of life.

“Living through a pandemic has made us feel even more connected to our homes,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour and Communication Manager. “When it comes to future trends, comfort is key. We want our living spaces to calm and nurture us, so we can process everything we’ve experienced over the last year, and at the same time, help us rediscover our zest for life looking forward.”

After months of restrictions, there’s a desire to be bold, expressive and try new things. At the same time, the lingering sense of uncertainty around what the future holds makes us seek comfort and security from our homes. With prolonged days indoors, we have a new appreciation for good design and functionality and look to surround ourselves with things that are not only beautiful but also enhance our wellbeing and improve our quality of life.

The Restore Palette

The Restore palette consists of gentle, earth-based neutrals alongside more rugged, natural tones; buttercream, pumice, deep blue, clay, rich forest green, moss and charcoal-purple. These colours recede and do not demand attention, however, instead soothe our senses and provide the reassuring backdrop which allows us to readjust to constant change.

Dulux Winter Terrace with a feature of Dulux Natural Flora

Furniture is chunky and comforting, with curves that follow the lines of the body, accessorised with simple handmade and crafted décor pieces in interesting, and often imperfect, shapes. Detailing throughout is kept to a minimum, with the focus firmly on form and function.

Walls in Dulux Opononi Double with a feature wall of Dulux Black Caviar

Traditional, accepted norms no longer seem relevant in today’s world, which has us looking to innovate old processes. Breaking away from the past brings with it a sense of liberation, awakening a desire to live more boldly, travel further and experience everything life has to offer. At the same time, we feel empowered as a community, celebrating diversity and inclusivity, and taking a collective pride and mindset in making it through challenging times.

Walls in Dulux Rice Crop with joinery in Dulux Finnegan

Main walls and ceiling in Dulux Stowe White and feature wall in Dulux New Penny

Walls and trim in Dulux Hog Bristle Half

What I love about the Restore Palette from the Dulux Colour Forecast 2022

• I am a big fan of warmer whites and green is my favourite colour so I love this Restore palette.
• It's interesting to see the return of Dulux Hog Bristle Half being used in a contemporary space.  This was one of the best sellers for Dulux for many years and just when we thought it had gone away, it is back leading trends for next year.  It is such an approachable white so this is great to see.  I have used Dulux Hog Bristle Quarter on my internal doors and trim in my house and I haven't tired of it.  I'm not a fan of the bright whites, so it depends what you like, but this is encouraging to see.
• I have specified the Dulux Opononi range of colours from quarter through to double strength and again, this is a really lovely warm greige and it has always been successful.
• Black Caviar is a gorgeous warm off black with a touch of purple and suits these neutrals more than a charcoal blue black like Dulux Domino.
• Terracotta and natural clay tones have been back on trend, so to see a feature wall in Dulux New Penny brings this room to life.
• This palette truly is an enveloping one, based on comfort and relaxation, which is perfect for these trying times.

Related posts:  What is greige?  Find out how to use it in your home and Trend Report – Terracotta

The Flourish Palette

The Flourish palette speaks to our newfound sense of adventure and passion for life – featuring rich, sensual hues such as petrol blue, desert red and dusty rose alongside warm neutrals and a pop of vintage gold. This creates a feeling of warmth and intimacy in any space. Here’s where we can all be inventive and re-write design rules.

Cabinet is in Dulux Dark Door, Walls in Deep Leather and Bongo Drum with the ceiling painted in White Dune Quarter

Interiors are layered, expressive and unapologetically individual, with decadent fabrics such as velvet, silk and natural leather, paired with one-off vintage finds, such as a quirky 1960s lamp or an authentic 1940s mirror. The exaggerated curves in sofas and general seating evokes a ‘70s disco vibe, with additions such as marble and oxidised metallics adding a luxurious and thoroughly modern edge.

Walls and trim are in Dulux Kenepuru, Feature colour is Dulux Gold Vintage and the ceiling is Dulux White Dune Quarter

As we emerge from much time indoors, there’s a sense of reawakening and celebration as we prepare to connect with friends, family and our everyday lives. This is a time for regeneration and personal progression. Nature grounds us as we take those first tentative steps into a new future.

Walls in foreground in Dulux Pipe Clay Half with Dulux Discretion and the ceiling in White Dune Quarter

This is a new celebration and acknowledgement of what joy and inspiration we can discover. We take to hiking, camping and exploring local bush trails, viewing the world around us as if for the very the first time with a child-like enthusiasm.

Walls are painted in Dulux Basic Coral with White Dune Quarter trims

What I love about the Flourish Palette from the Dulux Colour Forecast 2022

• These colours are bold and strong and leave no doubt that this is a forecast that is also about resilience.  There can be no more hiding away from the world with these dominant hues.
• I really like the layering of colour, particularly in the first image which shouts luxury and elegance.
• Again, although some of the colours are cool, the accents and whites to accompany them are warm.  Hints of gold and brass bring a touch of opulence and add to the effective layering of colours and tones.

Walls and trim are Dulux Benang with Dulux White Dune Quarter on the ceiling

Related: How to work with a dark colour palette

The Wonder Palette

The Wonder palette reflects our desire to be less serious and welcome fun back into our lives. Colours are playful, summery and 80s inspired – think cornflower blue, lilac, lemon, green quartz and rose gold. Together, they create a dreamy and sentimental feeling that evokes memories of carefree days and helps us imagine possibilities going forward.

Walls are Dulux Pinkham and the stripes are in Equatorial Forest with Vivid White ceiling

Unexpected combinations emphasise the whimsical nature of this look; think quaint florals with eclectic colour and checks paired with sleek, contemporary furniture; needlepoint cushions and fluted glass; or woven rattan furniture set against a wall of candy stripes.

Walls, trim and ceiling in Dulux Pax

Furniture is sustainably sourced, handed down or made from recycled materials, underpinning the belief that we all share the wonders of our beautiful planet with a hopeful vision.

Walls are painted in Dulux Edvard

What I love about the Wonder Palette from the Dulux Colour Forecast 2022

• I love the optimism of this colour palette.  We haven't seen much of this for a while and it's refreshing to see bright, and lively colour again.
• Soft lavender tones are a nice alternative to pink for bedrooms.  You just need to be careful with this colour as it can be cold and in some instances a little draining, so ensure you use this in a light and sunny room.
• Weatherboard houses lend themselves so well to colour and this tone below is perfect for an uplifting coastal home.

Related: Why I love a weatherboard home

More information can be found at Dulux Australia

You should always start an interiors project with a mood board.  I have a free e-book in my Free Resource Library for you to download which guides you through how to put a mood board together.  I also have lots of other comprehensive checklists and e-books to help you with your next new build, renovation or decorating project.

I also offer online colour consultations for those of you who are stuck with finding the right colour or finish for your home.  Find out more here.