In alignment with the turn of the season, Dulux has officially announced the palette of colours forecast to define the year that lies ahead. The forecast, evolved through an extensive and collaborative research process, serves as a signal that it is the year 2020 and acts as a reflection of the collective state of mind in this place and time.
The research draws inspiration from international sources, such as the Milan Design Fair, as well as examining current lifestyle trends and concerns and the way that they, in turn, influence design. Dulux’s findings highlight an increasing a desire for self-expression and empowerment alongside a need for calm, connection and comfort in the chaotic, tech-driven era that we find ourselves in. Much like moving from winter into spring, this year, it’s out with the cool greys and in with the warm hues.
Dulux has identified four tonal palettes through which these innermost human needs and desires are creatively and stylistically expressed; Grounded; Indulge; Comeback; and Cultivate. Together these palettes represent the essence of 21st century trends at a pivotal point in time, not only in design terms, but also on the world stage, and can be distilled into one unifying theme: Essence. “Inspired by the wellness movement – not only our personal wellbeing, but also our environment – Essence pushes back against the chaotic pace of life, reducing it to a greater state of calm,” explains Dulux Colour and Communications Manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr.
Here we have it, the Essence of the 21st century:
Grounded
Indicating a return to the appreciation of natural beauty and a world in which sustainability is a given, Grounded features minimal tonal variations and an earthy focus, promoting comfort and familiarity. This aesthetic was evident in the Milan showrooms, where textiles of heavy boucle or shearling and roughly refined stone finishes came to the fore. “It is a natural and soft palette that helps to create a sense of light, calmness and relaxation in any space,” says Andrea.
Indulge
Indicating a return to the appreciation of natural beauty and a world in which sustainability is a given, Grounded features minimal tonal variations and an earthy focus, promoting comfort and familiarity. This aesthetic was evident in the Milan showrooms, where textiles of heavy boucle or shearling and roughly refined stone finishes came to the fore. “It is a natural and soft palette that helps to create a sense of light, calmness and relaxation in any space,” says Andrea.
Comeback
Inspired by the centenary of the Bauhaus movement and the reissuing of classic pieces by major design houses, Comeback is a palette that embraces nostalgia and infuses it with contemporary references. The spectrum of blues and teals, complemented by warm reds and deep yellows provide what Andrea describes as a “refreshing change” to the colour forecast for 2020. As a palette, Comeback requires a degree of confidence, encouraging personal expression through eclectic, elegant layering of the past and present.
Cultivate
The fourth and final palette comes back full circle, returning to nature and the essence of life. Cultivate combines botanically inspired, calming shades of green, with a sprinkle of highlight colours that echo the harmony of the natural world. Complementary design elements feature transparent materials, such as coloured glass, iridescent resins and a restrained Japanese-inspired aesthetic.
Dulux
dulux.com.au
Styling by Bree Leech, photography by Mike Baker and Lisa Cohen
We think you might also like the furniture you love, reinvented by Tait and Mokum
