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 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.
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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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