This Autumn Dulux brings into focus the Nourish Palette - one of three trend colour palettes identified in the 2021 Dulux Colour Forecast. With sun-baked neutrals that provide gentle warmth to interiors, the mix of earthy tones such as buff, ochre and olive, together with a soft neutral white exudes a sense of calm.
Colours: Dulux Kauri Cliffs, Kūaotunu and Haast Half
Artwork: Looking Down from Above #4 by Ali Mcnabney-Stevens
Artwork: Looking Down from Above #4 by Ali Mcnabney-Stevens
“Most of us are still spending time at home, and after a tough year, we’re all ready for a change,” says Davina Harper, Dulux Colour Specialist. “Colour can add interest to every corner of your home, breathing new life into tired spaces and helping you fall back in love with where you live.”
Describing the colours of the Nourish palette as being like a gentle hug - warm, comforting and grounding, Davina says "There’s a lightness and optimism to the palette that speaks of better times ahead. And with their soft, natural feel they’re just the thing to surround yourself with if you struggle to switch off after a busy day working from home.”
The Nourish colours are versatile too, pairing easily with the soft whites and neutrals that many of us already have in our homes, and they suit both traditional and contemporary architecture. Davina suggests combining them with raw textures, honey-toned timbers and plenty of natural light for a look that feels fresh and welcoming.
To show you just how easy it is to integrate these upbeat hues into your interior, stylist Bree Leech transformed an open-plan living/dining space in a traditional home using the Dulux Nourish palette.
Before
After
Colours: Dulux Kauri Cliffs, Kūaotunu and Haast Half
Artwork: Looking Down from Above #4 by Ali Mcnabney-Stevens
Artwork: Looking Down from Above #4 by Ali Mcnabney-Stevens
“The home is bathed in natural light and the owners have some great furniture – through this mini makeover, I aimed to add another level of warmth and character to their quite neutral interior,” says Bree. “There were also some charming period features we wanted to bring out using colour, including sash windows and a decorative fireplace.
“The Nourish colours curated by Dulux are a fresh spin on the rich, saturated colours we normally associate with autumn – think the soft tones of freshly fallen leaves. And they work so well here, adding warmth without sacrificing the light and open feel,” she says.
To keep the makeover short, sweet and economical, Leech reused many of the existing pieces in the room and focused her attention on the clever integration of colour. “Paint is your best friend if you’re looking for big impact with minimal outlay. And it’s quicker than you might think – a makeover like this could be done in a weekend,” she says.
Colours: Dulux Kauri Cliffs
Bree Leech chose Dulux Wash&Wear in Kauri Cliffs– a soft biscuit shade – for the walls and painted the feature alcoves beside the fireplace in a tonal shade of Dulux Kūaotunu. “This tonal combo makes the space feel more soothing, and draws you in,” she says. “Adding colour to the walls also allowed the minimalist pendant lights over the dining table to be a stronger feature – they now contrast against the new colour. We used Dulux Wash&Wear in a Low Sheen finish, so there was some subtle illumination.”
A couple of coats of Dulux Aquanamel Gloss in popular Haast Half were used to highlight the fireplace, cornices and woodwork,” she says.
Leech worked with the foundation pieces already in the room –the sofa, rug and dining table. She swapped out the classic dining chairs for something more dramatic; curvy upholstered styles in burnt terracotta with a 70s vibe. Chubby occasional chairs in olive and caramel leather add punch and provide an irresistibly comfy spot to sit.
Before
After
Colours: Dulux Kauri Cliffs, Kūaotunu and Haast HalfArtwork: The Magic Sandhill by Mel Obst
Autumn Styling Tips
Texture time
Style an earthy palette like this with raw textures and natural finishes.
Choose the right white
Dulux Half Haast is a popular soft white with a subtle beige undertone that work best in open-plan rooms with plenty of natural light.
Consider the view
When you’re layering tonal colours like this, step back and view the room as a whole before deciding what to apply where.
Add one or two statement pieces in richer hues
This grounds your palette and creates a sense of balance.
Avoid clutter
To keep the look calm and open, leave plenty of breathing space around furniture and décor items (this also helps show off their beautiful shapes).
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To learn more about Dulux’s 2021 Colour Forecast visit Dulux.
Choose the right white
Dulux Half Haast is a popular soft white with a subtle beige undertone that work best in open-plan rooms with plenty of natural light.
Consider the view
When you’re layering tonal colours like this, step back and view the room as a whole before deciding what to apply where.
Add one or two statement pieces in richer hues
This grounds your palette and creates a sense of balance.
Avoid clutter
To keep the look calm and open, leave plenty of breathing space around furniture and décor items (this also helps show off their beautiful shapes).
Colours: Dulux Kauri Cliffs, Kūaotunu and Haast Half
Styling by Bree Leech / Photography by Lisa Cohen