The finalists for the 2018 Dulux Colour Awards have just been announced. This year, a record-breaking 305 entries were reviewed for the awards, with 124 finalists in nine categories – 15 from New Zealand.

The program is now in its 32nd year and recognises creative and outstanding use of colour across commercial and residential spaces in both New Zealand and Australia.

“We were thrilled to see the dynamic and inventive use of colour in this year’s New Zealand entries,” says Davina Harper, Dulux Colour & Design Specialist. “Architects and designers have pushed the boundaries with colour application to create uplifting, engaging – and often surprising – interior and exterior spaces.

“Darker tones of black and charcoal continue to dominate in commercial and exterior spaces, but this year they’ve been punctuated with fun, vibrant accents of red, yellow and lime green in the form of panelling, door and window trims. There’s an unmistakable sense of 80’s nostalgia creeping in.

“We were also very impressed with this year’s student entries, which delivered bold and original colour concepts and applications. With two shortlisted finalists, New Zealand is continuing to provide up-and-coming design talent.”

The 32nd Dulux Colour Awards finalists will now be judged by a panel of leading figures in the design industry: Murali Bhaskar (design director of Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner Team Architects); Miriam Fanning (founder and principal interior designer of Mim Design); David Hicks (director of David Hicks); Katelin Butler (editor of Houses AU magazine) and David Flack (founder of Flack Studio).

The winners will be announced at a gala event at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne on 10 May.

New Zealand finalists below:

Commercial Exterior / International

• BNZ Centre by Sheppard and Rout Architects 

Commercial Interior: Public & Hospitality / International

• Wahi by Bespoke
• The Wayward Pigeon by RM Designs
• Lady Wigram Retirement Village – The Club House by Kirkcaldie Interiors
• Radium by Honour Creative

Single Residential Exterior / International

• The Family Bach by Cymon Allfrey Architects
• Tree Villa by Matter
• St Joseph’s by McKinney and Windeatt Architects 

Single Residential Interior / International

• Duggal Residence by Indigo Design

International

• Pineapple Bar by Brendan Ryan Design
• Crimson Education Office by OPL
• Fernadale House by Inspiration + Co

Multi Residential Interior / International

• The Old Central Fire Station by ELEMENTO 

Student (years one to six)

• The Frankenthaler Apartment by Abbey Hale
• Dettaglio Colore by Lauren Gibbs of AUT University