The finalists for the 37th annual Dulux Colour Awards have been announced by this year’s esteemed judging panel.
The five design industry professionals from Australia and New Zealand narrowed down this year’s record number of entries to 113 finalists across commercial and residential and public spaces.
Renowned as the pinnacle colour awards program recognising the innovative use of colour in the built environment, the Dulux Colour Awards has become synonymous with architectural excellence.
This 37th iteration sees finalists selected in seven categories: Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality; Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail; Commercial and Multi-Residential Exterior; Residential Interior; Single Residential Exterior; and, Student work for both Australia and New Zealand, culminating in the coveted Australian and New Zealand Grand Prix awards.
Dulux Colour and Communications Manager Andrea Lucena-Orr, who also sits on the judging panel for selection of the finalists, said the level of excellence increased each year, making the panel’s job particularly challenging.
She continued: “It reflects the maturing appreciation of the role that colour plays in the built environment, as well as the courage architects and designers display with exciting innovation.
“This year’s finalists demonstrate the capacity for colour to be a fundamental and versatile design tool.
“There are residential projects in which colour is cleverly used to delineate contemporary additions to older homes, competing with houses bearing bold graphic statements, and others in which subtle, yet all-encompassing tonal nuance is the primary design strategy.
“Similarly, there is an exceptional breadth of colour usage evident across the commercial categories and, it is safe to say, based on the extent of this year’s entries, that the days of ‘safe’ and predictable palettes in this sector are changing.
“There is a notable playfulness and vibrancy demonstrated in all typologies, from education and office fit-outs to health, retail and hospitality, with the use of murals, block colour and feature signage more prevalent than ever.
“We are also seeing the fun and functional use of colour in the burgeoning student category, where projects are typically forward-thinking and adventurous.
“As far as emerging trends, the use of colour-blocking and graphic devices in bold hues on neutral bases is notable throughout, with some stand-out examples catching our eye early.
“Earthy tones are always strong – this year, particularly, warm whites and neutrals, muted pastels and subtle greens are permeating many residential projects.
“Contrastingly, deep, colour-saturated interiors are coming through, especially in moody blues, environmental greens, burnt reds and dusky pinks.
We have also noticed a shift toward the consideration of painted architectural details, such as skirtings, window frames and doors, which inevitably adds a level of refinement to any project.
“Overall, this year’s finalists embody a renewed vigour and energy, suggesting that designers’ and architects’ confidence in using colour is enabling them a greater degree of freedom and experimentation.
“It bodes well for the built environment and the future use of colour ahead.”