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
Get ready to ditch the colour rulebook. The latest trends, highlighted by the Dulux Colour Awards, favour personal and unexpected palettes that tell a story.
Designers are embracing "ugly-pretty" combinations, pairing colours like burnt reds with soft greens. This move rebels against polished 'Instagram homes', creating more authentic spaces. There's also a strong focus on connecting exterior and interior colours, using tones like deep greens and olives to create a seamless, cohesive experience throughout your home.
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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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