First launched in 1999, The Dulux Colour Forecast is like an annual report that captures the current mood and converts it into a carefully chosen palette of inspiring shades that stay in trend almost the whole year. Every year, homeowners, interior stylists, and design enthusiasts eagerly await the Dulux Colour Forecast because the announced shades work as a great place to start for inspiration.
As we are almost reaching the end of 2025, everyone around is thinking, “What is the Dulux Colour Forecast for 2026?” Well, the wait is over, and now we know the colours that will be in trend in 2026. According to the forecast, we can definitely see a shift towards warm neutrals, soft pastels, earthy tones, and a hint of boldness.
Why Dulux Colour Forecasts Matter
A colour forecast might appear to be aimed at interiors at first glance. And while furnishings and finishes undoubtedly have a role, what the forecast indicates is what matters most to us as custom and luxury home builders. It encapsulates the desire for a sense of belonging. Compared to Europe, Australia’s light behaves differently. It mutes and softens colour in ways that are specific to our hemisphere. We can effectively influence how colour and light are experienced on a daily basis by considering a home’s orientation, glazing, and materiality.
The Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 reflects the mood more than it does a list of colours. It makes us think: what kind of emotional impact should this house have?
The Theme of Dulux Colour Forecast 2026
The annual Dulux Colour Forecast is based on in-depth, year-round research into local and international trends that will influence Australian interior design and lifestyle choices. It is led by the Dulux Colour Team, which includes Colour and Design Manager Lauren Treloar and Colour and Communications Manager Andrea Lucena-Orr.
The Dulux Colour Team works closely with international brands, attends design shows and seminars, runway presentations, and global events like Milan Design Week as part of this research. Each year, a particular theme is held by the colour palettes from the forecast, which are the result of much research and expertise.
This year, the universal desire for stability, well-being, and reconnection is reflected in the three carefully chosen palettes of Dulux Colour Forecast 2026. The theme of the colours is a combination of optimism, calmness and nature’s nurturing power. These colour schemes enable you to customise your area in a way that accurately captures your own distinct aesthetic.
The 2026 Colour Palettes and Key Shades
The Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 is likely to feature three distinct palettes, each offering a fresh take on how colour can shape our everyday experience.
1. Elemental
Elemental provides a soothing, grounded reaction to the excessive stimulation of contemporary life. It brings stability and quiet order to your home and is inspired by brutalist design principles. It also reflects a growing desire for emotional clarity, slow-living, and intentional simplicity.
Some of its principal shades are-
- Warm whites and neutrals such as Dulux Blended Cream and Dulux Hog Bristle® Quarter
- Golden brown hues such as Dulux Caramel Sundae and Dulux Coffee Dust
- Warm grey like Dulux Clear Concrete and Dulux Reckless Grey
2. Ethereal
Inspired by optimism and the natural world, Dulux Ethereal provides a calm and energising haven. The colour scheme reflects a universal desire to stop, re-establish connections, and rediscover the wonders of nature and our daily lives. Gentle greens, mauves, and blush pinks are among the soft, mid-tone colours that make up Dulux Ethereal’s delicate pastel-like blend, which evokes feelings of happiness and tranquillity.
Some of its primary hues include-
- Romantic tones like Dulux Different Pink, Dulux Savin, and Dulux Mask
- Subtle pastels such as Dulux Tiamo, Dulux Blue Shell
3. Evoke
Evoke is a vibrant, bold, and expressive colour scheme that evokes uniqueness, reminiscence, and affection. Dulux Evoke honours the return of individuality and maximalism, as well as the desire for change and support for both domestic and international designers. Based on vintage aesthetics, it values treasures and accepts imperfections, fusing aspects of the past and future to produce a novel and eclectic look. Evoke creates depth, character, and warmth by leaning towards warm hues.
Some of its primary rich tones are-
- Blush pinks, like Dulux Baked Clay
- Warm mustard/golds like Dulux Germania
- Muted oranges such as Dulux Magic Melon
How to Utilise Dulux 2026 Colours in Your Home in a Smarter Way?
Finally, here is some advice on how to incorporate the Dulux 2026 colour schemes into your house for the upcoming year-
- Test First: Colour is influenced by lighting, so order paint sample pots or A4 paint samples to see the colours in your house.
- Add a layer for depth: To achieve a sophisticated designer finish, combine several shades from a single palette.
- Consider beyond the walls: Joinery, doors, trims, and ceilings are great places to use trendy colours.
- Begin modestly: Are you not prepared for complete walls? Use décor, rugs, or cushions to add colour.
Which of These Colour Palettes from Dulux 2026 is Your Favourite?
We know it’s hard to pick one, but it’s even harder to achieve a combined look while incorporating the trendy shades in your current look of the property. Additionally, to get a flawless and put-together result, your chosen painting company must provide premium-quality paints and apply them in the proper technique.
Wondering which professional painters in Sydney you should go for? Look no further and call Priority One Coatings today. Our Dulux accredited painters are always updated about the colour trends and will help your property get the updated and flawless look it deserves.
