Feature article
Goodbye, colour rules: 2026 is all about 'ugly-pretty' palettes
New Zealand's top designers are embracing chaotic colour combinations that tell a real story.
AI summary
Forget colour rules; the 2026 trend is about personal expression, as highlighted by the Dulux Colour Awards.
Designers are embracing 'ugly-pretty' palettes—unexpected combinations like burnt reds with soft greens. This shift rejects polished "Instagram homes" for richer, organic tones that tell a story.
Expect a stronger connection between exterior and interior colours, using deep greens and earthy reds to create a cohesive home experience from the outside in.
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Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Elemental palette. Photography: Lisa Cohen, Styling: Bree Banfield
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Waka Huia interiors layer pinks, apricots, and timber for a warm, cohesive feel.
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Rocket’s House uses desert tones and capsicum red to give each room its own distinct personality.
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