This year’s forecast champions warm earth-based neutrals, rich burnt oranges, caramels, and greens such as moss and spearmint. Soft pinks and vintage rose tones also feature, alongside tender pastels and muted berry shades. Harper says, “New Zealanders are feeling digitally overwhelmed. There’s a strong shift towards emotional reconnection — with ourselves, with others, and with nature. This translates into a need for warm, calming interiors that encourage reflection and joy.”

While each of the three palettes are distinct, there is universal yearning for wellness, stability and reconnection that can be seen within each of the palettes.

“As part of this research, the Dulux Colour Team closely collaborates with international brands, attends design shows and seminars, and global events such as Milan Design Week,” says Harper. “We also draw from customised trend research and insights accessed through Dulux’s global network across the UK, Europe and Asia-Pacific. As members of the Color Marketing Group (CMG), we analyse key reports from CMG as well as forecasting firms such as Color Hive - Mix Magazine and LS:N Global to ensure our forecasting reflects what’s ahead.”

Harper adds “Each palette has been thoughtfully designed allowing consumers to mix and match shades with ease by staying within the confines of each palette. This flexibility empowers people to personalise their spaces in a way that truly reflects their style and lifestyle.”

Dulux Ethereal

Dulux Ethereal is a soft, feminine, and whimsical palette that offers a magical celebration of nature’s nurturing power. Designed to uplift and soothe, it draws on themes of wellness, quiet strength, and spiritual selfcare. This delicate yet playful palette encourages a reconnection with the natural rhythms that shape our lives over time.

Inspired by fantasy fiction, and restorative rituals, Dulux Ethereal provides a gentle escape — offering calm and comfort in a time of global uncertainty. “Dulux Ethereal features a delicate pastel-like blend of soft and mid-tone hues — gentle greens, mauves, and blush pinks — that evoke a sense of serenity and joy,” says Harper. “With romantic tones like Dulux Snowdon Forest, Dulux Different Pink and Dulux Mask, alongside subtle pastels such as Dulux Wainui Beach, Dulux Lake Camp and Dulux Waitiki Landing, this palette feels playful, uplifting, and quietly luxurious.”

“This is our most expressive palette,” says Harper. “The materials feel soft and inviting — like soft oak, bleached wood, and plush fabrics with gentle botanical designs. Shiny surfaces like glass and chrome bring light, whilst sand-blasted textures soften the shine, creating a dreamy, layered look.”

See more about Dulux Ethereal…

Dulux Elemental

Dulux Elemental offers a calm, grounded response to the overstimulation of modern life. Rooted in anti-burnout culture, this brutalist-inspired style embraces slow living, emotional clarity, and purposeful simplicity. The mood is calm, thoughtful, and intentional, with pieces that feel solid, enduring and quietly beautiful.

“Dulux Elemental is a tonal, grounded palette built around warm whites and neutrals such as Dulux Duvauchelle and Dulux Tōrere Quarter and enriched with golden brown hues such as Dulux Kingsland and Dulux Herald Island,” says Harper. “Subtle layers of grey, including Dulux Godley Head and Dulux Boulder Beach, bring stillness and structure, whilst darker charcoal tones add depth and dimension. The result is a timeless, cohesive palette that feels quietly confident.”

“Dulux Elemental reflects a desire for thoughtful consumption and balanced living. It’s not about having less for the sake of it but making room for what truly matters.” adds Harper. “The materials are made to be durable and products are designed to be easy to repair — think clean linens, raw concrete, and polished marble, which combine both style and practicality. Chrome and aluminium bring a modern, industrial feel, softened by warm tones and small hints of copper.”

See more about Dulux Elemental…

Dulux Evoke

Dulux Evoke is an optimistic, bold and expressive palette that channels individuality, reminiscence and emotional warmth. Inspired by maximalist interiors and ‘nana chic’, the Dulux Evoke palette reflects a conscious shift towards circular design — celebrating sustainability, repurposed materials, and the beauty of imperfection. This sentiment is reflected in the rise of antique shopping for one-of-a-kind pieces, and the growing number of designers creating new works inspired by the elevated design of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s.

“Dulux Evoke is likely to be popular with home enthusiasts as the colours lean into deep, comforting tones rather than bright hues,” says Harper. “Clay pinks like Dulux Benhar, burnt oranges like Dulux Ligar Bay, and warm golden tones such as Dulux Desert Road are layered with deeper hues like Dulux Warkworth, Dulux Wink and Dulux Red Jacks to create personality and depth.”

“Dulux Evoke favours eclectic, character-filled styling,” adds Harper. “It features vintage-inspired materials, handcrafted elements, and curated clutter, making spaces feel alive and layered, adding to our collections over time. Chrome and aluminium replace gold, whilst bold colour layering and clashing prints add texture, charm and a sense of layered character.”

See more about Dulux Evoke…

View all colours in the Dulux 2026 Colour Forecast palettes here.