Dulux Colour Awards 2018 finalists announced

Finalists for the Dulux Colour Awards have been announced following a record-breaking 305 entries. A panel of design experts have selected 124 finalists in commercial and residential spaces.

Now in its 32nd year, the iconic program continues to recognise and celebrate the exceptional use of colour by Australian and New Zealand design professionals.

This year’s finalists were chosen across nine categories: Commercial Interior – Workplace & Retail (20); Commercial Interior – Public Space & Hospitality (20 finalists); Commercial Exterior (9 finalists); Single Residential Interior (29 finalists); Single Residential Exterior (14 finalists); Multi Residential Interior (6 finalists); Multi Residential Exterior (3 finalists); International (13 finalists); Student (10 finalists).

“We were thrilled to see such dynamic and inventive use of colour in this year’s entries,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour Planning and Communications Manager. “Architects and designers have really pushed the boundaries with colour application to create uplifting, engaging – and often thoroughly surprising – interior and exterior spaces.”

“Darker tones of black and charcoal continue to dominate in commercial and exterior spaces, but this year they’ve been punctuated with fun, vibrant accents of red, yellow and lime green in the form of paneling, door and window trims. There’s an unmistakable sense of 80s nostalgia creeping in.”

“At the other end of the spectrum, we’re seeing a trend towards softer, warmer palettes in commercial interiors – chalky grey-greens, diluted pinks and earthy terracotta that add character and a cocooning vibe.”

“Blue is emerging as a popular choice in residential interiors – warm denim tones are adding a relaxed elegance to bedrooms and kitchens, while funky turquoise is being used to energise and excite. Impactful tones of yellow are also making an appearance, often in unexpected places, such as ceilings and interior trims, adding a sense of unbridled joy into interior spaces.”

“Grey has lost none of its appeal, particularly in residential exteriors, but rather than opting for a single shade, designers and architects are layering up multiple shades of the one colour for a more sophisticated and interesting, tonal look.”

“We were also very impressed with this year’s student entries, which delivered bold and original colour concepts and applications.”

The 32nd Dulux Colour Awards finalists will now be judged by a panel of leading figures in the design industry, including; Miriam Fanning – Founder and Principal Interior Designer of Mim Design; David Hicks – Director of David Hicks; Katelin Butler – Editor of Houses magazine; David Flack – Founder of Flack Studio; and Murali Bhaskar – Design Director of Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner Team Architects in New Zealand.

The judging panel will select winners across the nine categories, with the best of the category winners awarded the Grand Prix prize. Winners of the 32nd Dulux Colour Awards will be announced at a gala event at the National Gallery of Victoria on 10 May 2018.

Each category winner will receive AUD $1,000 in prize money (winners of the Student category will receive AUD $500). All category winners, excluding for the Student category, will have the chance of taking home the Grand Prix title and AUD $5,000.

For more information on the 32nd Dulux Colour Awards, visit dulux.com.au/colourawards.

See the full list of finalists here.