37th Annual Dulux Colour Awards Finalists Announced

The finalists for the 37th annual Dulux Colour Awards have been announced by this year’s esteemed judging panel. The five design industry professionals from Australia and New Zealand narrowed down this year’s record number of entries to 113 finalists across commercial and residential and public spaces.

Renowned as the pinnacle colour awards program recognising the innovative use of colour in the built environment, the Dulux Colour Awards has become synonymous with architectural excellence.

This 37th iteration sees finalists selected in seven categories: Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality; Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail; Commercial and Multi-Residential Exterior; Residential Interior; Single Residential Exterior; and, Student work for both Australia and New Zealand, culminating in the coveted Australian and New Zealand Grand Prix awards.

“Each year, the level of excellence increases, which makes our job particularly challenging,” says Dulux Colour and Communications Manager Andrea Lucena-Orr, who also sits on the judging panel for selection of the finalists. “It reflects the maturing appreciation of the role that colour plays in the built environment, as well as the courage architects and designers display with exciting innovation.”

“This year’s finalists demonstrate the capacity for colour to be a fundamental and versatile design tool,” says Andrea. “There are residential projects in which colour is cleverly used to delineate contemporary additions to older homes, competing with houses bearing bold graphic statements, and others in which subtle, yet all-encompassing tonal nuance is the primary design strategy.”

“Similarly, there is an exceptional breadth of colour usage evident across the commercial categories and, it is safe to say, based on the extent of this year’s entries, that the days of ‘safe’ and predictable palettes in this sector are changing. There is a notable playfulness and vibrancy demonstrated in all typologies, from education and office fitouts to health, retail and hospitality, with the use of murals, block colour and feature signage more prevalent than ever.”

“We are also seeing the fun and functional use of colour in the burgeoning student category, where projects are typically forward-thinking and adventurous.”

“As far as emerging trends, the use of colour-blocking and graphic devices in bold hues on neutral bases is notable throughout, with some stand-out examples catching our eye early,” says Andrea.

“Earthy tones are always strong – this year, particularly, warm whites and neutrals, muted pastels and subtle greens are permeating many residential projects,” Andrea says. “Contrastingly, deep, colour saturated interiors are coming through, especially in moody blues, environmental greens, burnt reds and dusky pinks.

We have also noticed a shift toward the consideration of painted architectural details, such as skirtings, window frames and doors, which inevitably adds a level of refinement to any project.”

“Overall, this year’s finalists embody a renewed vigour and energy, suggesting that designers’ and architects’ confidence in using colour is enabling them a greater degree of freedom and experimentation. It bodes well for the built environment and the future use of colour ahead.”

The final judging panel comprises Andrew Piva, Director of B.E Architecture; Brahman Perera, Interdisciplinary Designer and Director of his eponymous studio; Lisa Lee, Senior Interior Designer of Snøhetta; Sarah Carney, Project Director of CTRL Space; and, Byron George, Director of Russell & George.

The winners of the 37th Dulux Colour Awards will be announced Thursday 11 May at an exclusive event at Space & Time in inner-city Melbourne and hosted by design identities Dana Tomic Hughes (Yellowtrace) and Sarah-Jane Pyke (Arent & Pyke Interior Design). With food by restaurateur Andrew McConnell’s Handemade Events, colour-inspired beverages by mixologist Joe Jones and floral décor by artist Hattie Molloy, it is set to be the design-industry, colour event of the year.

For more information on this year’s finalists, judging criteria and terms and conditions, visit dulux.com.au/colourawards