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 traditional colour rules. The 2026 trend, highlighted by the Dulux Colour Awards, embraces 'ugly-pretty' palettes and personal expression over polished perfection.
Expect earthy combinations like burnt reds with soft greens and deeper, more complex exterior tones. This shift, led by designers like Wonder Group, is a rebellion against generic "Instagram homes." The focus is on creating cohesive experiences by connecting interior and exterior colour schemes for a seamless transition throughout the entire property.
.jpg)
_(1).jpg)
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Elemental palette. Photography: Lisa Cohen, Styling: Bree Banfield
.jpeg)
Waka Huia interiors layer pinks, apricots, and timber for a warm, cohesive feel.
_(2).jpg)
Rocket’s House uses desert tones and capsicum red to give each room its own distinct personality.
Author
Discover More
The three words she uses to describe her ‘treehouse’ home: ‘Different, quirky, peaceful’
A quirky Plimmerton A-frame offers two bedrooms, privacy in the trees and a peaceful coastal lifestyle by the beach.
Create your own animal sanctuary in small town NZ (animals not included, well except for some chooks)
A 3.6ha Lawrence lifestyle property offers a four-bedroom home, sheds and space for animal lovers to thrive.
Search
Other articles you might like
