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. New Zealand designers, highlighted in the Dulux Colour Awards, are embracing chaotic, story-driven palettes for 2026. A key trend is the 'ugly-pretty palette,' which pairs unexpected colours like burnt reds with soft greens.
This move rejects generic 'Instagram homes' for more personal, authentic spaces. Designers are also creating a cohesive experience by connecting deep exterior colours with related interior tones, ensuring the entire home tells a single, seamless story.
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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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