COLOUR YOUR WORLD WITH DULUX From home… to sanctuary

Emerging colour trends

The colour geniuses over at Dulux have given us a snapshot of current colour trends – Balance, Connect, and Revive. These three emotive palettes are inspired by our desire to bond with the environment, or communities and the people we love, with warming, earth-drawn neutrals, natural textures, and an array of brighter hues.

Balance

The balance palette is a refined and reassuring palette of serene marine blues, gentle greens, weathered pastels and accents of deep garnet that evokes beauty and fluidity of our oceans and shoreline.

Don’t stress over seasonal adjustment

Colour is one of the easiest ways to add personality to a space, whether on the walls, the furniture or within decorative elements. Andrea says colour is easily adaptable and cycles evolve slowly.

“Choosing a colour scheme is not like buying a sweater for winter. Colour schemes evolve very slowly and neutral colours won’t tire quickly,” Andrea says.

Adding colour with furniture

Connect

Our homes continue to be our refuge in 2023 – the place we seek security, calm and comfort. The key colours from the Connect palette include natural and quietly stable hues, such as moss, wasabi, sandstone, muddied yellow-green and rich, purple-brown bring warmth and intimacy to interiors to set a relaxed and welcoming tone.

When

it comes to colour, it’s personal

Colour creates a connection and offers a chance for homeowners to personalise the space to make it feel like their home.

“Everyone has an individual stance on colour and the key is to find what makes you feel secure and restful. For some that might be darker, earthy tones whereas others might prefer winter blues and greys. The most important thing is to personalise a space and make it your own,” Andrea says.

Revive

Whilst the colours in the Revive palette are a little deeper than last year’s, it draws from the same philosophy; it’s out with the so-called ‘design rules’ and in with the personal expression. Think mustardy yellows, breezy blues, rose pink, lavender and striking emerald splashed across everything from walls to furniture, creating spaces that instantly make you smile.

For those who prefer a neutral background, consider using furniture to add colour to a room – whether in small touches or large bursts of colour. Fabrics and textiles such as rugs, pillows, throws and window furnishings are perfect for inviting colour and can add pattern and texture. Alternatively, colourful artwork introduces different hues and shapes.

“Wall colours are often neutral today so you can layer your room with colour. You can add texture with rugs, cushions, quilts, and artwork. This also helps with continuity across seasons, as you can mix and match and adapt with natural and neutral wall colours,” Andrea says.

A home of many uses

There has been a shift toward home being a sanctuary as people spend more time in their homes than ever before. They are opting for softer and lighter colours and more natural lighting to create a tranquil space at home. Andrea says that comfortable furnishings are also in, noting that “we have seen the creation of separate workspaces, with spare bedrooms and dining table space turned into study nooks with desks, shelving, and cupboard doors. Murphy beds (pull-down beds) are also being added to adapt a bedroom space to a study space.”

To discover Dulux colours, go to www.dulux.com.au/colours

Put in your notice ASAP

If you’re currently renting, you’ll need to give your landlord plenty of notice of your intention to leave. Regulations differ slightly between states, but you’ll generally need to provide written notice two weeks in advance of your planned exit date. Grab a form off your local tenancy authority’s website and be sure to have it filled out and submitted in advance.

2

Hire a cleaner

Doing your own exit clean might seem like a great way to save money but trust me… you’ll want to hire a bond cleaner. Bond cleaners are absolute professionals who will get the job done properly, and it’ll also free up your time for other jobs. A win-win!

3 Update your contact details

You’ll want any mail to reach you at your new home, but it can take some time to let banks, utility providers, and other important contacts know that you have moved. Redirecting your mail with the post office can save a lot of hassle (not to mention lost mail) and buy you a bit more time to update your details with all the relevant parties.