Dulux colour forecast 2021: just in time for a spring pick-me-up
Extra, extra! Coming to you fresh from the palette predictors at Dulux, its Dulux’s very own colour forecast for 2021. And not a moment too soon, we say!
Covid may have cancelled major design and architecture shows around the world, but that hasn’t stopped Dulux from coming out with its annual colour predictions for the year ahead. Having scoured the virtual halls of Dezeen, Maison & Objet and Stockholm Design Week & Furniture Fair (just to name a few), the forecast includes three fresh palettes to feast our eyes on. Just in time for spring, the strong focus is nature combined with bold pops of colour to lighten the mood and brighten our outlook.
Dulux’s Reset palette for 2021
“Surrounding colour can be a remedy for the soul in challenging times,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux’s colour and communications manager. A colour refresh is just what we may need to carry us through the rest of this year and into a brighter 2021.
The range of soft, earthy neutrals, muted greens and gentle mauve-greys provide a comforting connection with nature, while the bolder hues of coral and stormy blue induce positivity and inject energy into a space.
The Retreat palette in all its glory
Drawing on your environment for optimism and productivity has become even more crucial as the lines between home and work become more and more blurred.
“The global pandemic has changed our relationship with our homes. We need flexible spaces that can multi-task as spaces to conduct our professional lives and perform household tasks, however, at the same time we need our homes to provide balance, calm and a sense of comfort and security,” says Andrea.
Retreat
A refreshing palette of warm whites, brown-based neutrals and dusty blues, it conveys a sense of a soft luxury, alongside vintage-inspired tones of burgundy and deep ocean blue.
“The Retreat palette feels tranquil and sentimental – reminiscing tradition, whilst hinting at better times to come,” says Andrea. “It speaks of renewal and growth. As work-life boundaries blur, we look to style our interiors to be hybrid and high-functioning; spaces are mindfully curated with versatile pieces in authentic designs and materials, and art and decoration that has personal meaning.”
Nourish
Warm honey and cinnamon porridge is what comes to mind when we see the gentle neutrals and accents of tan, soft olive and muted ochre. The Nourish palette embodies our renewed appreciation for natural beauty.
“These colours allow for moments of stillness and quiet; an opportunity to reduce the stress and digital fatigue we’re currently experiencing,” says Andrea. “Use them to delineate areas in your home where you can switch off and ground yourself in the moment. Pair them with simple, handcrafted pieces with raw textures and matte finishes.”
Reset
Reset offers a bold and uplifting palette of bright hues of blue, coral and warm rust is enriched with splashes of pink and terracotta.
“As we retreat indoors, fond memories of past adventures and discoveries inspire our home spaces,” she says. “Life may be slower, but there’s joy to be had in a less frantic pace. We draw closer to family and our local community, building new connections with those around us. There is much to be grateful for and building resilience is our latest attribute.”
The comforting hues of Nourish
Which Dulux palette is right for you?
After months of being stuck indoors, we don’t blame you for wanting to create a change. While a trip to Bali or Europe is currently off the table, a quick room refresh could be the perfect mood booster.
With such a great palette range, it can be challenging to settle on just one. Dig deep and really think about what look and feel you’re trying to create. Consider the existing colours in your home, as well as furnishings and décor. Unless you’re planning to replace the existing carpet or joinery, these elements will need to be taken into account before diving into any colour updates.
An absolutely stunning example of the Reset palette
“Simple ways to introduce colour include painting your front door, creating an accent wall behind your bed or in a study nook, or colours in this year’s forecast will work beautifully on exteriors too,” says Andrea.
If it’s a subtle, neutral look you’re after, then the Nourish palette is perfect. For something a little more dramatic, why not give Retreat a go? Otherwise, if its bold and bright accents, then Reset may be just what your interior needs. Do you have to stick to just one? Not at all! A mix and match approach can be the perfect way to create an interior that is uniquely you.
The key is to start small and work your way from there. For example, the bedroom is an ideal canvas to experiment on – a quick lick of paint or some fresh sheets and you can instantly gauge whether your chosen colours work for you. You can then carry these hues across the rest of your interior – or give each space its own particular palette.