Interiors

Announcing The 2021 Dulux Colour Awards Finalists

While we tend to think about modern design as minimal and muted – a clever use of colour is imperative, even the most minimalist interior. We are always SO inspired by the finalists in the annual Dulux Colour Awards, and the creative, contemporary palettes on show!

Now in its 35th iteration, this year’s shortlist has just been announced – and it’s a goldmine of colour inspiration! See for yourself below, with a few of our fave projects from the 105 finalists. Add to moodboard!

Written
by
Sasha Gattermayr

Malvern Residence II by Studio Tate. Photo – Lillie Thompson.

Malvern Residence II by Studio Tate. Photo – Lillie Thompson.

Rodanthe by Amarot. Photo – Simon Whitbread.

North Sydney House by Lisa Burdus. Photo – Maree Homer.

Peek House by Kuzman Architecture. Photo – Tatjana Plitt.

Erskine House by Kennedy Nolan. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Erskine House by Kennedy Nolan. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Brunswick Apartment by Murray Barker and Esther Stewart. Photo – Benjamin Hosking.

Brunswick Apartment by Murray Barker and Esther Stewart. Photo – Benjamin Hosking.

Camberwell House by Sisalla. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

D’Estaville by NTF Architecture. Photo – Tom Blachford.

D’Estaville by NTF Architecture. Photo – Tom Blachford.

St Huberts by Robson Rak. Photo – Mark Roper.

Owston Hill by Meaghan White Architect. Photo – Jack Lovel.

Owston Hill by Meaghan White Architect. Photo – Jack Lovel.

Clifton Hill Residence by Studio Tate. Photo – Armelle Habib.

Clifton Hill Residence by Studio Tate. Photo – Armelle Habib.

Fitzroy Bridge House by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Fitzroy Bridge House by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Brighton Street Early Learning Centre by Danielle Brustman. Photo – Sean Fennessey.

Brighton Street Early Learning Centre by Danielle Brustman. Photo – Sean Fennessey.

Writer
Sasha Gattermayr
25th of June 2021

The prestigious Dulux Colour Awards recognises outstanding and innovative use of colour in built environments by design studios from Australia and New Zealand, and as always – we are so inspired by the shortlist!

From 437 entries, the judges chose 105 finalists across six categories, spanning residential projects and hospitality to commercial spaces. Among them were several projects featured on TDF! You might recognise the retro-inspired Pony by WOWOWA, the calming tones of Rosanna Ceravolo’s South Yarra Apartment, the fun shades and shapes of Danielle Brustman’s innovative early learning centre interior, and the mood-enhancing Erskine House by Kennedy Nolan.

Dulux colour and communications manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr, highlighted the fortitude of these designs given the challenges of the past 18 months. ‘We can’t help but view this year’s project in a slightly different lens,’ she says.

She noted the trend towards pairing dark cocooning exteriors with warm, earthy colours within as an indication towards our need for extra stability in the wake of 2020.

‘The prevalence of concrete, stone and timber, as well as warm metals, paired with warm earthy hues and deep green and blues indicates the need for a return to nature and its grounding effects in chaotic times,’ she adds. As we know, colours completely affect our moods!

This year’s judges are Jefa Greenway, director of Greenaway Architects; Melissa Bright, director of Studio Bright; Patrick Loo, director of Common Space (New Zealand); Sarah-Jane Pyke, co-founding director of Arent & Pyke; and Suzannah Waldron, director of Searle x Waldron Architecture.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners on August 31st. It’ll be a hot competition!

To see the full list of finalists in the 35th Dulux Colour Awards, click here.

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