Dulux has unveiled its annual Colour Forecast for 2025.
This year’s Dulux Colour Forecast showed that uplifting and soothing colours in homes and commercial spaces have been a response to recent periods of uncertainty.
Distilled into three distinct palettes, Still, Recollect, and Emerge demonstrated how colours with warm, brown undertones have evoked a sense of nurture and positivity.
In 2025, Dulux has predicted that rich burgundies and wine hues will become more prominent in residential interior design, alongside an increased use of green, including olive, sage, and vibrant yellow-green.
Led by the Dulux Colour Team, comprising Colour Specialist Davina Harper, Colour and Communications Manager Andrea Lucena-Orr, and Colour Forecaster and Stylist Bree Leech, the annual Dulux Colour Forecast was based on year-round research into the latest global and local trends predicted to influence interior design and how we live.
As part of this research, the Dulux Colour Team engaged with global and international brands, attended seminars, product and design launches, and events such as Milan Design Week, and reviewed customised research and insights sourced through Dulux’s extensive networks across the UK, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
“During times of instability, such as the current cost-of-living crisis and ongoing overseas conflicts, reduced consumer sentiment tends to see colour trends shift less dramatically. However, colour can be a powerful antidote to lift spirits and provide comfort and warmth, evident with this year’s colour palettes,” said Harper.
She added that we can feel overwhelmed due to our continual connection to the digital world and the rise of AI, which further compounds this feeling.
“There is a sense to slow down and appreciate life’s everyday moments, to look for joy in our surroundings and find comfort in reminiscing about times when we felt safe and secure.”
These shifts have informed the three Colour Forecast palette trends for 2025 in a way relevant to New Zealand interiors.
One of the most significant shifts this year was the increase in warm neutrals across the three palettes and a touch of grey.
“During uncertain times, we often see a move towards muted colours and calming pastels that help make us feel grounded and provide a sense of relief from everyday stresses.”
As a counterbalance, brighter and more joyful colours have emerged as a trend, used to create expressive interiors. Pink continues to be present; however, it has a brown undertone, making it a perfect neutral base within a colour scheme.
“We are seeing a greater influence of lilac and purple. Cobalt blue continues to feature as an accent shade, but blue with a purple undertone is a newer direction this year.”
Leech said that because each palette has been expertly designed to work together cohesively, consumers can confidently combine colours from each palette.
“As consumers turn their attention towards their home interiors and seek to make lifestyle and design changes to reflect their needs, they can look to the Dulux Colour Forecast for inspiration and feel reassured for their next project.”
Driven by the need to appreciate things in the slow lane, Dulux Still has an instantly calming effect that can create a nourishing and comforting environment. The palette was subdued, encouraging a deeper connection with nature.
Warm grey subtly emerged as an accent against yellow-based neutrals and greens, blending with greyed-off and serene cool blues.
“Dulux Still is a palette that is likely to prove popular with home enthusiasts as it features beautiful warm neutrals, including Dulux Shelly Beach, Dulux Kaikorai Valley and Dulux Kauri Cliffs Half, alongside muted darker tones, Dulux Boggyburn, Dulux Te Aroha and Dulux Urenui,” said Harper.
Leech added that texturally, Dulux Still integrated biophilia and the use of eco-friendly, non-toxic materials and finishes, as well as undyed textiles and design pieces developed for their circular sustainability. Stone ceramics, wood, organic cotton, linen and hemp were seen alongside primitive line work style patterns.
Dulux Still emphasised quality and craftsmanship, avoiding ‘flashy’ elements and opting for understated luxury, while Dulux Recollect was a moodier palette that evoked a sense of nostalgia, reflection and sophistication. It reflected an appreciation for classic design and a desire to seek out unique vintage pieces that tell their story.
Yellow-based greens and deep olive shades, including Dulux Zingiber and Dulux Olive Blend, have been paired alongside rich wine shades ranging from grape to plum, such as Dulux Plum Sauce and Dulux Danseys Pass, which feature as critical colours for both walls and accessories.
Harper said that these vibrant shades of plum, red and burgundy would be the colour direction that we’ll be seeing more of in 2025.
“Colours such as Danseys Pass have gained a much bigger personality, adding energy and a feeling of cosiness we’re searching for.”
Dark timbers like walnut will feature on furniture, alongside high gloss in solid colours, coloured glass, and glass brick. Texturally, rich-coloured fabrics with clashing patterns will be used alongside crushed velvet, chenille, and damask to evoke a feeling of luxury.
With an uplifting palette of soft and mid-tone hues, Dulux Emerge has a feel-good energy filled with soft greens, mauves and a deep red to bring joy without overwhelming a space. Dulux Emerge embodied individuality, inclusivity, collaboration and empathy, reflecting an expressive and eclectic style celebrating connection.
“Evoking a sense of cautious optimism, the Dulux Emerge palette is a balanced curation of warm muted hues including biscuit yellow, orange-based pinks, greyed-off lilacs and a hint of brown and light grey blue.”
Dulux Emerge featured softly rounded forms and expressive collections of decor that ignited feelings of joy and optimism. Coloured boucle, soft velvet, and buttery suede set a cosy mood, while large-scale terrazzo brings a bold and textured statement to floors and countertops. Digital imagery and quirky florals take hold in pastel and bolder hues, serving as focal points in artwork.
Harper also shared some tips about using Dulux Colour Forecast 2025. When considering using mid-tone paint colours, she recommended using them on all four walls, especially in bedrooms and formal living spaces.
For smaller spaces, use smaller volumes on either one or two walls. Ceilings also work well in mid-tone hues, and doors can be a great surface to paint in Colour Forecast colours.
With so many neutrals in this year’s palettes, add vibrant red or burgundy accents to decorative objects, textures, and furniture.
For colour accuracy, order free A4 Colour Swatches or purchase Sample Pots and view these colours in your home’s natural light conditions.
