Leading colour for 25 years

The Dulux colour trends in 1999 and the early 2000s revealed we were in a period of transition as trends became more fickle and varied. Colour was no longer timid and certainly not taking a back seat to design and textures as in the past.

Seeking connection at home was the key influence of the 2003 forecast with a focus on the effects of technology, spiritualism, textures and form, the environment, culture, and fashion.

The 2005 Dulux Colour Forecast was inspired by memories of a setting sun, aqua blue oceans, shells, flamingos, pumice stones and golden sands.

A fashion-inspired eclectic approach dominated the colour landscape in2006 with indulgent texturing, patterns, layering and shimmering metallics.

Mixing styles and textures to ensure an individual touch at home or work was the key to creating some of the hottest looks for 2007.

The 2008 theme took inspiration from fashion, technology, the environment and consumer attitudes.

Each palette displayed a very different personality and represents our extensive research of global fashion, design and architecture trends.

With 2010 marking the beginning of a new decade, Dulux revisited significant moments from the past to interpret key influences for the future.

As a direct response to years of economic instability following the global financial crisis, yellow makes a huge comeback after 20 years of being considered ‘unfashionable’. Warm reds, oranges and pinks fill the home with positivity.

This was a particularly challenging year to predict colour trends, due to globalisation and digitisation impacting the cycle and emergence of new trends at a rapid pace. Australians begin to work from home and embrace the use of multiple shades of a single colour within interior design.

Dulux identifies six different palettes reflecting global trends that are set to dominate design in 2013, including the rise of technology (Facebook buys Instagram, Pinterest’s audience grows exponentially) and social change (President Barack Obama becomes the first black president). Movement and empowerment are key themes that influence this year’s palettes, featuring textures and colours of concrete greys, muted pastels and monochromatic schemes with metal and stone touches.

A particularly vibrant and joyful Colour Forecast that introduces plenty of metallic shades such as gold and brass, in addition to Bold and bright colourways - much like what we have seen again in the next cycle for 2022 and 2023 Colour Forecasts with the Wonder and Revive palettes respectively. With the colour rulebook out the window, 2014’s colour trends are influenced by looking to the future, whilst also reminiscent of the digital culture of the '70s, '80s and '90s.

Incorporating shades of green within our homes to feel closely connected to nature, catapults as a trend in 2015 as a result of Australians and the world feeling constantly ‘plugged in’. This trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, particularly as Australians’ concerns about climate change grow and sustainability becomes a strong influence for interior design. Other colours reflect untamed, natural landscapes with ashy blues, clean white and dark greys. These hues are softened with textures such as timber, fur and leather.

Research and exploration in space inspires moody hues and deep shades juxtaposed with splashes of acid colours, such as Dulux Ripening Grape, Loose Leather and Emerald Forest, as seen within the Future Past palette.

After a particularly bold and ‘newage’ focused Colour Forecast in 2016, cooler, tonal palettes of blue and greige (grey and beige) offer a remedy for the senses as a result of modern challenges from the digital age. Connection, tactility and balance prevails.

As life moves into the fast lane, the desire to shift gears and slow down takes over as reflected in the Kinship, Essential, Escapade and Reflect palettes.

Shades of pink (read: millennial pink) send shockwaves through the design world and dominate interiors both at home and abroad. Australians’ confidence with colour emerges and organic shapes, frayed edges and repurposed vintage pieces are placed against backdrops of earthy neutrals, saturated greens and citrus brights. Mindful consumption and sustainability is also at the forefront of Australians’ minds. Brighter hued palette Identity encourages the rule breaker in all Australians, with clashing patterns and unexpected colour combinations.

Reconnecting was at the centre of the Grounded, Comeback, Cultivate and Indulge palettes of 2020.

The global pandemic puts a halt to daily freedoms and routines and as people take refuge inside their homes, an interior renovation boom begins. Australians cocoon in soothing shades of earthy greens and gentle mauve-greys. Richer and brighter hues awaken the senses, allowing for moments of optimism and playful mash-ups of pink and terracotta hint to 70s nostalgia – inspiring a wave of retro-inspired interiors that’s continued to grow in popularity today.

Soft comforting neutrals with rich, invigorating accent hues that allowed moments of personal expression.

We revealed three emotive palettes in 2023 inspired by the need to reconnect with nature, desire for balance and calm, as well as reviving our spirits with joy and play.