The Dulux Colour Forecast 2021

In response to the pandemic, the 2021 forecast reflects the desire for reassurance and strength, with three nurturing palettes that speak of familiarity and comfort. ‘This year’s soft, earthy neutrals, muted greens and gentle mauve-greys provide a reassuring connection with nature, while richer and brighter hues, such as coral and stormy blue, awaken our senses and allow for moments of optimism,’ Expressed as three tonal palettes, there’s an emphasis on natural colours and textures for comfort and security, with moments of stronger colour to brighten our outlook and wellbeing.

The familial warm whites, brown-based neutrals and dusty blues of the Retreat palette are a reaction to the current instability of the world, offering a sense of familiarity and refuge. This palette includes Eveneer Woodwall Ravenna and Angora, pared with unpredictable material and colour combinations such as burgundy and deep ocean blue.

The Nourish palette features Elton Group’s Woodwall in Frosted Oak complimented by mossy and sage greens, turmeric and citrus that play into the collective longing for earthly connection, as technology use increases. Gentle, buff neutrals and touches of tan, soft olive and muted ochre capture our renewed appreciation for natural beauty. Finally, the Reset palette contains uplifting hues of blue-green, energetic reds and contrasting neutrals to brighten our outlook as we adapt to home life.

Reference ‘Soothing Shades and Natural Textures’
Design Files August 2020 Amelia Barnes

Dulux Australia
Dulux New Zealand
Photography by Mike Baker
Styling by Bree Leech

Elton Group creative team offered up options for Friday night fish and Chips, inspired by our Japanese collaborators, of seared spiced tuna cubes with Wasabi cream, and to balance the high tech AIDA live stream, our signature take on the Old Fashioned. A warming textured whisky based cocktail with a woody aroma. (Recipes available from EG)

Winners were announced across seven primary categories as well as the Sustainability Advancement Award, sponsored by EG which was awarded to Jackson Clements Burrows Architects for Gillies Hall, cited by the jury as ‘an exemplar project design demonstrates the ability to integrate sustainability through all the touchpoints in multi-residential student accommodation, from the living, sleeping and studying quarters through to the planning of communal and collaborative spaces.

This is really exciting and visible sustainability put to great effect, with exposed CLT panels, the use of FSC timber and plenty of natural ventilation, all of which places people at the core of the sustainability proposition.’ Aligning with EG principles through its sustainable initiatives, it puts the health and wellbeing of its residents first and foremost.

While the project was challenging, the outcome offers healthy, comfortable and engaging spaces for its students to live and study in. Interior spaces are generous, well ventilated, have consistent interior temperatures and offer rich views to its leafy native bush campus setting.