The Dulux Colour Forecast for 2026 highlights a growing shift toward soothing and emotionally engaging tones in response to ongoing global uncertainty and the impact of digital fatigue.

Grouped into three curated collections – Ethereal, Elemental, and Evoke – the forecast brings together earthy neutrals, deep burnt oranges, golden caramels, and calming greens like sage, moss, and spearmint. Soft pinks and nostalgic rose tones sit alongside gentle pastels and subdued berry hues, creating a comforting and grounded palette for the year ahead.

Dulux Ethereal: A Soft, Uplifting Escape

A palette inspired by nature, grounded in hope, and designed for emotional restoration.

Dulux Ethereal is a refined blend of soft and mid-tone hues – greens, mauves, and blush pinks – that feel both joyful and restorative, filled with vintage rose, warm buttercream, and gentle pastels. With romantic tones like Dulux Snowdon Forest, Dulux Different Pink and Dulux Mask, and subtle pastels such as Dulux Lake Camp and Dulux Waitiki Landing, this palette feels sentimental, uplifting, and quietly luxurious.

Dulux Ethereal invites a soft form of escapism, creating playful, whimsical spaces filled with serenity, tenderness, and a dreamlike sense of calm. More than just an aesthetic, it’s a feminine inspired sanctuary designed to ease stress and foster a deep sense of peace and joy.

Dulux Elemental: Calm, Grounded and Purposeful

Designed for those who value function and mindfulness, its architectural calm and minimalist focus creates restful, purposeful, and sustainable spaces.

Dulux Elemental is a tonal, grounded palette rich in warm whites and neutrals such as Dulux Whale Bay and Dulux Duvauchelle, accented by caramel including Dulux Kingsland, a burnished red Dulux Tikitiki, and deep chocolate hues like Dulux Herald Island. Layered greys such as Dulux Godley Head and Dulux Boulder Beach bring a sense of structure and serenity, whilst deep chocolate and charcoal add weight and balance – creating a cohesive, timeless, and soothing space.

This palette showcases the natural environment with furniture, finishes, and design choices prioritising repairability, durability, and lasting utility over fleeting trends.

Dulux Evoke: A Celebration of Character and Creativity

Rooted in vintage aesthetics, it embraces imperfection and cherishes treasures, blending elements of past and future to create a fresh and eclectic style, reflecting a conscious shift toward circular design, sustainability, and the reuse of materials.

The colours in Dulux Evoke lean into rich, comforting tones instead of brights – creating depth, character, and warmth. Clay pinks like Dulux Benhar, burnt oranges such as Dulux Ligar Bay, and warm golds like Dulux Desert Road form a versatile base, while dramatic shades, including Dulux Warkworth, Dulux Red Jacks, Dulux Wink, and Dulux Deep Aqua, add contrast and a cultured edge.

This palette embraces a move away from uniform, pared-back interiors in favour of maximalism, warmth, and a more sustainable way of living.

Designing with the 2026 Dulux Colour Palettes

• For an immersive colour experience, consider painting all four walls in mid-tones like Dulux Wink or Dulux Benhar from the Evoke palette – especially effective in bedrooms or formal living areas.
• To make a room feel brighter and more open, a white like Dulux Mt Hutt reflects light beautifully, creating an inviting and serene atmosphere. For more intimate spaces, try softer hues like Dulux Snowdon Forest or Dulux Mask from Ethereal.
• Be bold with colour placement. Painted ceilings are having a moment, but trims, doors, and dado rails offer great opportunities to introduce trending colours in a subtle but impactful way. Colour can also be layered through furnishings – cushions, linens, reupholstered pieces, or tableware all help tie your palette together.
• If you're looking for a subtle refresh, consider mid-tone greens like Dulux Wainui Beach for a soothing touch in bedrooms or bathrooms. For playful areas like children’s rooms or home offices, pair romantic hues like Dulux Snowdon Forest or Different Pink with airy pastels like Dulux Waitiki Landing or Dulux Lake Camp.

Bring Your Vision to Life with Guthrie Bowron

Whether you're drawn to one of the three colour stories or inspired to mix and match, the Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 offers endless creative potential. Colour is one of the most transformative tools in interior design – helping you create spaces that feel personal, expressive, and connected.

Visit your local Guthrie Bowron store to explore the full Dulux 2026 colour collection. With a wide range of Dulux paints and expert guidance on hand, we’re here to help you create a home that feels truly your own.

Images supplied by Dulux. Styling by @bree.banfield, photography by @lisacohenphoto.