Interior trends are heavily influenced by the world around us, so it’s only natural that the Dulux Colour Forecast for 2023 hones in on our collective desire to create meaningful spaces that soothe and uplift in equal measure amid a chaotic world.
The annual Dulux Colour Forecast takes into account both global and local trends, adapting them to the Australian environment. Informed by arbitrators of taste such as Future Laboratory London, Colour Hive, and Milan Design Week, as well as fashion runways, trend reports and editorials, product and design launches, and engagement with global brands, the Dulux Colour Forecast is one of the most comprehensive — and often most accurate — releases.
“Colour forecasting for interiors is an evolution,” explains Andrea Lucena-Orr, colour and communications manager at Dulux. “While fashion is an important influencer, the shifts in interiors are more subtle and nuanced. The palettes we can expect to see in our homes in 2023 are predominantly warm and nurturing, with nature continuing to be a key driver of trends. Brighter hues continue, however, they are deeper than last year.”
The three colour palettes reflect the streams of longing that stem from the aftermath of the pandemic.
“We have all reacted to the upheavals of the last couple of years in different ways – some people crave lightness and whimsy, whilst others seek order and reassurance,” says interior designer Bree Leech. “The three palettes in the Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 reflect these differing needs, allowing you to create beautiful living spaces that reflect where you are in your life’s journey.”
Check out the Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 palettes below.
STYLING: BREE LEECH | PHOTOGRAPHY: LISA COHEN
Balance
Designed to evoke the gentle fluidity of the ocean, the Balance palette is defined by serene marine blues and gentle greens, accompanied by accents of deep garnet.
“Balance is very much inspired by a ‘less is more’ philosophy, with minimal detailing and a restrained approach to decorating,” says Leech. “Instead, the focus is on immersive colour and the beauty of complex, structured patterns found in nature, such as a simple seashell or fern frond.”
Understated elegance is achieved through the use of luxurious textures such as velvet and silk, furniture and décor with organic shapes and silhouettes, and abstract art. Leach suggests this aesthetic lends itself well to those looking for both emotional and design harmony with an inner-city apartment or terrace.
STYLING: BREE LEECH | PHOTOGRAPHY: LISA COHEN
Connect
Cottagecore lovers, this one’s for you. Drawing inspiration from the great outdoors, Connect is a nature-inspired palette laden with earthy tones of moss, wasabi, sandstone, muddied yellow-green, and burnt charcoal.
“[The Connect palette] speaks of calm, comfort and an honest approach to living, and brings in many of the pastimes we experienced during lockdown, such as hiking, cooking, quilting and gardening,” says Lucena-Orr. “Muddied yellow-green has something of a nostalgic, country-house feel, cinnamon is grounding, whilst rich, purple-brown adds an indulgent and contemporary twist.”
Ideal for those desirous of bucolic beauty, the Connect palette lends itself well to family homes and countryside getaways. Old and new collide, with pared-back rustic furniture in materials like timber, leather, and rattan accompanying stone flooring and modern lighting crafted from recycled materials.
STYLING: BREE LEECH | PHOTOGRAPHY: LISA COHEN
Revive
Out with rules and in with fun, the Revive palette epitomises dopamine dressing for the home. Bright hues such as rose pink, breezy blue, sunshine yellow, emerald, violet, and burnt orange meet playful trends such as neotenic design with a touch of Memphis style to create ‘retro futurism’. Think graphic florals, chubby furniture, and a mix of retro and contemporary styles.
“As we emerge from trying times, we’re looking for lightness and a sense of freedom to revive our spirits. So, when it comes to our homes, it’s out with the rule book, and in with the possibilities to create something truly magical,” says Lucena-Orr. “Pairing retro influences with futuristic features, such as pixel patterns and digital art, the Revive palette cleverly merges the past and present. And with its colourful, look-at-me accent walls and statement seating, it creates the perfect Instagrammable moment.”
Words by T. Angel
