Interior Fitout recently attended the Design Institute of Australia’s unveiling of the Dulux Colour Forecast for 2025 – and we have all the information you need to be poised for next year’s colour trends.
When it comes to commercial interiors, the impact of colour goes far beyond aesthetics.
The right shades and tones can profoundly influence how customers and clients feel when they step into a space.
Recently, Dulux revealed their 2025 Colour Forecast – highlighting three carefully curated palettes of trending colours we’re set to see more of in the year ahead.
As Dulux celebrates 26 years of guiding interior design with its colour forecast, the 2025 edition reflects both global movements and local influences.
This year’s forecast comes from extensive global research and colour insights and is not just a collection of hues – it’s tailored to address the nuances of our times, Dulux’s Colour and Communications Manager Andrea Lucena-Orr says.
“Colour forecasting is an evolving art,” Andrea explains.
“Our insights have grown with the times, influenced by economic shifts, natural disasters, and technological advancements.
“In unsettled times, people often turn to earth-based tones like browns, soft greens, and blues because these colours evoke a sense of strength and calm, offering solace and security when the world feels chaotic.”
For 2025, Dulux introduces three distinct palettes: Still, Recollect, and Emerge.
“The current cost of living crisis and ongoing overseas conflicts, plus reduced consumer sentiment tends to see colour trends shift less dramatically,” Andrea explains.
“One of the most significant shifts this year is the increase in warm neutrals across the three palettes.
“During these times we often see a move towards muted colours and calming, softer hues that help make us feel grounded and provide a sense of relief from everyday stresses.”
Andrea believes colour can be a powerful tool to lift spirits and provide warmth and comfort, making the colour forecast a handy guide for creating inviting and impactful interiors.
“I can see all of these colours used in commercial spaces.
“When I’m thinking of Recollect, I can certainly see those colours being used in hospitality, and also in hotel foyers – somewhere where you want that sort of mood created.
“In education and in health, some of the colours from Emerge and even from Still come to mind as well.”
As for cabinetry and furnishings, Andrea says the Still palette leads into utilitarian furniture choices and recycled materials with metal accents, plus large block-style cabinetry with natural finishes.
The Recollect palette plays into the classic and retro design pieces, gloss finishes for deep or bold colours and colours used through textiles, fixtures and fittings.
The Emerge palette celebrates circular forms in furniture plus tactile furnishings like soft velvet and buttery suede.
“There is so much fun and playfulness,” Andrea says of the Emerge palette.
In essence, colour plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions and experiences, making it a key factor in designing environments that resonate positively with everyone who walks through the door.
Story:
Bianca Keegan
Dulux Colour Forecaster & Stylist:
Bree Leech
Photos:
Lisa Cohen
Products:
Dulux Wash&Wear and Dulux Aquanamel.
