6 minute read
TRENDS: SHIFTING GEARS
SHIFTING GEARS
Mid-tone colours will continue to dominate Australian interior design, however, the palettes are more muted compared to previous years.
Dulux has unveiled its annual colour forecast for 2025, which sees uplifting and soothing colours come to the interiors of our homes and commercial spaces as a response to recent periods of uncertainty.
The three palettes Still, Recollect and Emerge show how colours with warm, brown undertones play an important role in evoking a sense of nurture and positivity, according to colour and communications manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr.
“During times of instability such as the current cost-of-living crisis and ongoing overseas conflicts, reduced consumer sentiment tends to see colour trends shift less dramatically,” she says.
“However, colour can be a powerful antidote to lift spirits and provide a sense of comfort and warmth, which is evident with this year’s colour palettes.”
She explains that Australians can feel overwhelmed due to our continual connection to the digital world and the rise of AI, which is further compounding this feeling.
The three palettes Still, Recollect and Emerge show how colours with warm, brown undertones play an important role in evoking a sense of nurture and positivity.
“There is a sense to slow down and appreciate life’s everyday moments, to look for joy in our surroundings and find comfort in reminiscing about times when we felt safe and secure. These shifts have informed the three colour forecast palette trends for 2025 in a way that’s relevant for Australian interiors,” she adds.
“One of the most significant shifts this year is the increase in warm neutrals across the three palettes. During uncertain times we often see a move towards muted colours and calming pastels that help make us feel grounded and provide a sense of relief from everyday stresses.
“As a counterbalance, brighter and joyful colour is emerging as a trend, used to create expressive interiors that bring a smile to your face. Pink continues to be present, however, it has a brown undertone, making it a perfect neutral base within a colour scheme and we are seeing a greater influence of lilac and purple. Cobalt blue continues to feature as an accent shade, but blue with a purple undertone is a newer direction next year.”
When applied in commercial spaces such as retail and office areas, the Dulux colour team says that there is no boundary on how each of the colours within the palettes could be used. Australian interior designers and architects have been leading the way in their expressive use of colour, which will no doubt continue in 2025.
However, whilst tonal colour schemes have proven popular in years past, we will see more contrasting colour schemes begin to reemerge for a more energetic and sophisticated palette. Where neutral colour schemes are concerned, warmth and tactility will prove to be a key influence in interior spaces.
“Still is a palette that is likely to prove popular with home enthusiasts as it features beautiful warm neutrals alongside muted darker tones.”
With so many neutral colours including beiges, tans, browns and warm whites forming a base for accents of greens, blues or rich burgundies, the 2025 Dulux colour forecast palettes are suited to any architectural style of home, according to the team.
Consumers looking to refresh their home interiors to reflect the new trends can choose to add a few colours or many from one of the three palettes and feel assured it will be effective in creating positive change in their space.
Still
Driven by our need to appreciate things in the slow lane Still has an instantly calming effect that can create a nourishing and comforting environment. Encouraging a deeper connection with nature, the palette is subdued where warm grey subtly emerges as an accent against yellow based neutrals and greens, blending with greyed off and serene cool blues.
“Still is a palette that is likely to prove popular with home enthusiasts as it features beautiful warm neutrals alongside muted darker tones,” Lucena-Orr explains.
Bree Leech, Dulux colour forecaster and stylist, adds that texturally, Still integrates biophilia and the use of eco-friendly, non-toxic materials and finishes, undyed textiles—design pieces developed for their circular sustainability.
“Stone ceramics, wood, organic cotton, linen and hemp are seen alongside patterns that feature primitive line work style patterns,” she says.
“Dulux Still emphasises quality and craftsmanship, avoiding ‘flashy’ elements, instead opting for understated luxury.”
Recollect
As a response to seeking comfort and security, Recollect is a moodier palette that evokes a sense of nostalgia, reflection and sophistication. Yellow-based greens and deep olive shades are paired alongside rich wine shades ranging from grape to plum, which feature as key colours for both walls and accessories.
Lucena-Orr adds that Dulux Plum Sauce is an emerging colour direction we’ll be seeing more of in 2025. “It’s a colour that’s gained a much bigger personality, it’s grounded and adds a level of sophistication and a feeling of cosiness we’re searching for.”
As a response to the economic downturn, Recollect reflects both an appreciation for classic design and a desire to seek out unique vintage pieces that tell their own story, Leech explains.
“Dark timbers such as walnut will feature on furniture, alongside high gloss in solid colours, coloured glass and glass brick. Texturally, we will see rich coloured fabrics with clashing patterns alongside crushed velvet, chenille and damask to evoke a feeling of opulence.”
Emerge
An uplifting palette of soft and mid-tone hues, Emerge has a feelgood energy and is filled with soft greens, mauves and a deep red to bring joy without overwhelming a space, Lauren Treloar, Dulux colour manager, explains.
“Emerge embodies individuality, inclusivity, collaboration and empathy, reflecting an expressive and eclectic style that celebrates connection,” she says.
“Evoking a sense of cautious optimism, the Emerge palette is a balanced curation of warm muted hues including biscuit yellow, warm orange-based pinks, greyed off lilacs and a hint of brown and light grey blue.”
Emerge features soft rounded forms and expressive collections of decor that ignite feelings of joy and optimism, Leech adds.
“Coloured boucle, soft velvet and buttery suede set a cosy mood, whilst large-scale terrazzo brings a bold and textured statement to floors and countertops. In artwork, digital imagery and quirky florals take hold in a mix of pastel and bolder hues serving as focal points.”
