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.

Gill South
Last updated: 11 May 2026 | 2 min read
AI

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Forget the old rules! The latest Dulux Colour Awards reveal a shift towards bold, personal colour choices, moving away from polished "Instagram homes."

Designers are embracing 'ugly-pretty' palettes—unexpected combinations like volcanic red with peppermint green. Richer, earthy tones like burnt reds, sage, and clay are also popular, layered across entire spaces rather than single feature walls.

A key trend is creating a cohesive link between interior and exterior colours for a unified home experience.

Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Elemental palette. Photography: Lisa Cohen, Styling: Bree Banfield

Waka Huia interiors layer pinks, apricots, and timber for a warm, cohesive feel.

Rocket’s House uses desert tones and capsicum red to give each room its own distinct personality.

Author

Gill South Gill South
Business and property journalist