Step Inside the Homes Shortlisted for the Dulux Colour Awards
The Dulux Colour Awards 2021 finalists have just been announced – see the stunning interiors that made the cut
Georgia Madden
29 June 2021
Love the idea of adding colour to your home but not sure how to go about it? You’ve come to the right place. The 27 finalists in the residential interior category of the Dulux Colour Awards 2021 have just been unveiled, and these spectacular spaces are sure to fuel your design thinking.
“We can’t help but view this year’s projects through a slightly different lens,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager. “While our focus is always on recognising innovation and excellence in the use of colour, our appreciation of the quality of work is heightened given the challenging climate in which these projects were created and completed.
“Undoubtedly, this has contributed to the increased use of biophilia in design, and a resulting swing towards more nurturing tones and natural finishes. The prevalence of concrete, stone and timber, as well as warm metals, paired with warm earthy hues and deep greens and blues, indicates the need for a return to nature and its grounding effect in chaotic times,” she says.
Lucena-Orr also observed a return to timeless treatments, particularly the ever-stylish pairing of black and white. “Reflecting the mood of the time, we are seeing a trend towards dark, cocooning exteriors, with deep greys, charcoals and black contrasted with light, warm interiors, especially in residential projects. These combinations are no less innovative, but they are suggestive of designers and clients seeking reassurance, permanence and security,” she says.
The winners of the 35th Dulux Colour Awards will be announced in the coming months, so keep an eye out for our story.
“We can’t help but view this year’s projects through a slightly different lens,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager. “While our focus is always on recognising innovation and excellence in the use of colour, our appreciation of the quality of work is heightened given the challenging climate in which these projects were created and completed.
“Undoubtedly, this has contributed to the increased use of biophilia in design, and a resulting swing towards more nurturing tones and natural finishes. The prevalence of concrete, stone and timber, as well as warm metals, paired with warm earthy hues and deep greens and blues, indicates the need for a return to nature and its grounding effect in chaotic times,” she says.
Lucena-Orr also observed a return to timeless treatments, particularly the ever-stylish pairing of black and white. “Reflecting the mood of the time, we are seeing a trend towards dark, cocooning exteriors, with deep greys, charcoals and black contrasted with light, warm interiors, especially in residential projects. These combinations are no less innovative, but they are suggestive of designers and clients seeking reassurance, permanence and security,” she says.
The winners of the 35th Dulux Colour Awards will be announced in the coming months, so keep an eye out for our story.
Ceiling and upper wall in Dulux Natural White. Joinery to left in Dulux Wimbledon. Front of island in Dulux Spanish Olive.
Single Residential Interior Finalists
Designer: Studio Tate
Project: Malvern Residence II
Photographer: Lillie Thompson
Single Residential Interior Finalists
Designer: Studio Tate
Project: Malvern Residence II
Photographer: Lillie Thompson
Walls in Dulux Eclipse Blue.
Designer: Sisalla Interior Design
Project: Camberwell House
Photographer: Eve Wilson for The Design Files
Could your home do with a dash of colour? Find a local interior designer on Houzz to help you get it right
Designer: Sisalla Interior Design
Project: Camberwell House
Photographer: Eve Wilson for The Design Files
Could your home do with a dash of colour? Find a local interior designer on Houzz to help you get it right
Walls and ceiling in Dulux Cosmic Aura.
Designer: Studio Tate
Project: Clifton Hill Residence
Photographer: Armelle Habib
Designer: Studio Tate
Project: Clifton Hill Residence
Photographer: Armelle Habib
Lower wall in Dulux Hog Bristle. Upper wall and ceiling in Dulux Berkshire White. Cabinetry in Dulux Heifer.
Designer: O’Connor and Houle Architecture + Landscapes
Project: Oliver Lane Apartment
Photographer: James Geer & Nicole England
Designer: O’Connor and Houle Architecture + Landscapes
Project: Oliver Lane Apartment
Photographer: James Geer & Nicole England
Walls in Dulux Duck Egg Blue.
Designer: Kennedy Nolan
Project: Erskine House
Photographer: Derek Swalwell
Designer: Kennedy Nolan
Project: Erskine House
Photographer: Derek Swalwell
Joinery in Dulux Prestige Blue.
Designer: Melanie Beynon Architecture & Design
Project: St Kilda House
Photographer: Sharyn Cairns
Browse more images of beautiful Australian bathrooms on Houzz
Designer: Melanie Beynon Architecture & Design
Project: St Kilda House
Photographer: Sharyn Cairns
Browse more images of beautiful Australian bathrooms on Houzz
Ceiling in Dulux Clay Pipe. Walls and joinery in Dulux Lexicon Half.
Designer: Mosmo Living
Project: KWR Residence
Photographer: Aaron Citti
Designer: Mosmo Living
Project: KWR Residence
Photographer: Aaron Citti
On walls: Dulux Red Vine. On chimney breast: Dulux Unforgettable.
Designer: Lynne Bradley Interiors
Project: Art House
Photographer: William Horner
Designer: Lynne Bradley Interiors
Project: Art House
Photographer: William Horner
Arched doorway in Dulux Kenepuru. Walls in Dulux Lexicon Quarter.
Designer: NTF Architecture
Project: d’Estaville
Photographer: Tom Blachford
Designer: NTF Architecture
Project: d’Estaville
Photographer: Tom Blachford
Joinery in Dulux Maiko.
Designer: Windust Architecture x Interiors
Project: Forest Bathing
Photographer: Christine Francis
Designer: Windust Architecture x Interiors
Project: Forest Bathing
Photographer: Christine Francis
Blue detailing in Dulux Dolphin Daze.
Designer: Possible Studio
Project: Porous House
Photographer: Jonathan Roberts
Designer: Possible Studio
Project: Porous House
Photographer: Jonathan Roberts
Walls in Dulux Morocco.
Designer: Lisa Burdus Interior Design
Project: North Sydney
Photographer: Maree Homer
Designer: Lisa Burdus Interior Design
Project: North Sydney
Photographer: Maree Homer
Joinery to right in Dulux Wayward. Front of island and upper joinery in Dulux Gold Vintage.
Designer: Amarot
Project: Rodanthe
Photographer: Simon Whitbread
Designer: Amarot
Project: Rodanthe
Photographer: Simon Whitbread
Walls in Dulux White on White. Stairs in Dulux Very Terracotta. Exposed steel in Dulux Metalshield in Black.
Designer: Kuzman Architecture
Project: Peek House
Photographer: Tatjana Plitt
Designer: Kuzman Architecture
Project: Peek House
Photographer: Tatjana Plitt
Walls in Dulux Natural White; oak veneer finished in Dulux Silver Tea Set.
Designer: Robson Rak Architecture and Interiors
Project: St Hubert’s
Photographer: Mark Roper
Designer: Robson Rak Architecture and Interiors
Project: St Hubert’s
Photographer: Mark Roper
Walls in Dulux Dark Door. Ceiling in Dulux Natural White.
Designer: Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
Project: Fitzroy Bridge House
Photographer: Derek Swalwell
Designer: Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
Project: Fitzroy Bridge House
Photographer: Derek Swalwell
Walls and joinery in Dulux Silkwort.
Designer: Studiofour
Project: Cunningham Street Residence
Photographer: Shannon McGrath
Designer: Studiofour
Project: Cunningham Street Residence
Photographer: Shannon McGrath
Main joinery in Dulux Dieskau. Feature joinery at centre in Dulux Potters Pink half strength.
Designer: Keta Interiors
Project: Sydenham Residence
Photographer: Martina Gemmola
Designer: Keta Interiors
Project: Sydenham Residence
Photographer: Martina Gemmola
Walls in Dulux Timeless Grey.
Designer: Chelsea Hing
Project: Emerald Terrace
Photographer: Rhiannon Taylor
Designer: Chelsea Hing
Project: Emerald Terrace
Photographer: Rhiannon Taylor
Rear joinery in Dulux Helena Rose.
Designer: WOWOWA Architecture & Interiors
Project: Pony
Photographer: Martina Gemmola
Designer: WOWOWA Architecture & Interiors
Project: Pony
Photographer: Martina Gemmola
Cabinetry in Dulux Ghostly Green. Bench in Dulux Candidate.
Designers: Murray Barker and Esther Stewart
Project: Brunswick Apartment
Photographer: Benjamin Hosking
Designers: Murray Barker and Esther Stewart
Project: Brunswick Apartment
Photographer: Benjamin Hosking
Walls in Dulux Shale Grey.
Designer: Clements Burrows Architects
Project: Divided House
Photographer: John Gollings
Designer: Clements Burrows Architects
Project: Divided House
Photographer: John Gollings
Walls and ceiling in Dulux Fair Bianca.
Designer: TomMarkHenry
Project: Wahroonga House
Photographer: Damian Bennett
Designer: TomMarkHenry
Project: Wahroonga House
Photographer: Damian Bennett
Joinery and walls in Dulux Snow White.
Designer: Renato d’Ettorre Architects
Project: K House
Photographer: Diana Snape
Designer: Renato d’Ettorre Architects
Project: K House
Photographer: Diana Snape
Walls in Dulux Natural White.
Designer: Rosanna Ceravola Design
Project: South Yarra Apartment
Photographer: Sean Fennessy
Designer: Rosanna Ceravola Design
Project: South Yarra Apartment
Photographer: Sean Fennessy
Walls and ceilings in Dulux Antique White USA.
Designer: Meaghan White Architect
Project: Owston Hill
Photographer: Jack Lovel
Designer: Meaghan White Architect
Project: Owston Hill
Photographer: Jack Lovel
Walls in Dulux Klute.
Designer: DesignOffice
Project: The Carringbush Hotel
Photographer: Tom Ross
Your turn
Which of these rooms is your favourite? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Want more on colourful homes? Check out this story: 22 Ways to Lift Your Home With Joyful Colours
Designer: DesignOffice
Project: The Carringbush Hotel
Photographer: Tom Ross
Your turn
Which of these rooms is your favourite? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Want more on colourful homes? Check out this story: 22 Ways to Lift Your Home With Joyful Colours
Related Stories
Paint
How to Choose Your Perfect Paint Colours
By Erin Carlyle
Three USA designers share tips to pinpoint your style and mine memories to find the right paint palette for your home
Full Story
Renovating Advice
How to Choose Your Wall Colour to Complement Floors and Furniture
Which colour should I paint my room to suit the flooring and furniture? We've all asked it – and here are the answers
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Pick the Right Paint Colours for Your Federation House
By Joanna Tovia
Roof colour, wall materials and emerging trends all come into play for Federation paint schemes that work
Full Story
Colourful Homes
Suffering From White-Wall Syndrome? How to Add Colour Confidently
White walls are great... until they stop being inspiring. Five paint colour experts share how to transition to colour
Full Story
Expert Opinion
An Interior Designer Reveals How to Mix Colours and Make it Work
By tidgboutique
Don’t want to confine yourself to neutrals but lack the confidence to embrace colours? We have you covered
Full Story
Made Local
Made Local: How Dulux Colour Trends Are Born
Ever wondered how Dulux sees into the future to know the colours we'll be coveting in the year ahead? Here, we find out
Full Story
Interior Design
20 Honey-Hued Interiors That'll Make You Melt
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Awards
Paintbrushes Poised! 2023 Dulux Colour Awards Finalists Are In
Looking for interesting ways to add colour at home? Check out these shortlisted projects in the 2023 Dulux Colour Awards
Full Story
Picture Perfect
31 Great Ways With Colour for Every Room in Your Home
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Trade Shows
What Colours Will We Want in 2023? Maison & Objet Reveals All
By Claire Tardy
Nuanced jade, soft pinks and beiges, and blocks of purples and oranges offer colourful salves to troubled times
Full Story
Excellent article Houzz! thank you for naming all the colours - makes this type of article so much more useful
Interesting range of whites.
I appreciated the colours being named. Would have that in the award winners article.