Recognised as the pinnacle colour awards programme for innovative use of colour in the built environment, the Dulux Colour Awards have become synonymous with architectural excellence.

This 37th iteration sees finalists selected in seven categories: Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality; Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail; Commercial and Multi-Residential Exterior; Residential Interior; Single Residential Exterior; and, Student work for both Australia and New Zealand, culminating in the coveted New Zealand and Australian Grand Prix awards.

“Each year, the level of excellence increases, which makes our job particularly challenging,” says Dulux Colour Specialist Davina Harper. “It reflects the growing appreciation of the role that colour plays in the built environment, as well as the courage architects and designers display with exciting innovation.”

“This year’s finalists demonstrate the capacity for colour to be a fundamental and versatile design tool,” says Davina. “There are residential projects in which colour is cleverly used to delineate contemporary additions to older homes, competing with houses bearing bold graphic statements, and others in which subtle, yet all-encompassing tonal nuance is the primary design strategy.

“…the days of ‘conservative’ and predictable palettes in this sector are changing. There is a notable playfulness and vibrancy demonstrated in all sectors, from education and office fitouts to health, retail and hospitality.”

^{-Davina Harper, Dulux Colour Specialist}

“Similarly, there is an exceptional breadth of colour usage evident across the commercial categories and, it is safe to say, based on the extent of this year’s entries, that the days of ‘conservative’ and predictable palettes in this sector are changing. There is a notable playfulness and vibrancy demonstrated in all sectors, from education and office fitouts to health, retail and hospitality, with the use of murals, block colour and feature signage more prevalent than ever.

“As far as emerging trends, the use of colour-blocking and graphic devices in bold hues on neutral bases is notable throughout, with some stand-out examples catching our eye early.”

^{-Davina Harper, Dulux Colour Specialist}

“We are also seeing the fun and functional use of colour in the highly competitive student category, where projects are typically forward-thinking and adventurous. “As far as emerging trends, the use of colour-blocking and graphic devices in bold hues on neutral bases is notable throughout, with some stand-out examples catching our eye early,” says Davina.

“Earthy tones are always strong — this year, particularly, warm whites and neutrals, muted pastels and subtle greens are permeating many residential projects. “Contrastingly, deep, colour-saturated interiors are coming through, especially in moody blues, environmental greens, burnt reds and dusky pinks. We have also noticed a shift toward the consideration of painted architectural details, such as skirtings, window frames and doors, which inevitably adds a level of refinement to any project.

“Overall, this year’s finalists embody a renewed vigour and energy, suggesting that designers’ and architects’ confidence in using colour is enabling them a greater degree of freedom and experimentation. It bodes well for the built environment and the future bearing bold graphic statements, and others in which subtle, yet all-encompassing tonal nuance is the primary design strategy.

The final judging panel comprises Sarah Carney, Project Director of CTRL Space; Brahman Perera, Interdisciplinary Designer and Director of his eponymous studio; Lisa Lee, Senior Interior Designer of Snøhetta and, Byron George, Director of Russell & George.

The winners of the Dulux Colour Awards will be announced Thursday 11 May at an exclusive event at Space & Time in inner-city Melbourne and hosted by design identities Dana Tomic Hughes (Yellowtrace) and Sarah-Jane Pyke (Arent & Pyke Interior Design).

For further information visit dulux.co.nz/colourawards