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
New Zealand's 2026 colour trends are ditching the rulebook for personal, story-driven palettes, as highlighted by the Dulux Colour Awards.
Designers are embracing "ugly-pretty" palettes—unexpected combinations like burnt reds with fresh greens. This shift favours richer, grounded colours over polished "Instagram homes." There is also a growing focus on creating a cohesive flow between exterior and interior colours, using paint to craft authentic spaces that truly reflect the people living within them.
.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
.jpeg)
The 1900s villa charmed them from the front, but it was what lay beyond the back door that sealed the deal
The 1900s Newtown villa has character, history and a rare backyard that became a family favourite.
Quirky and colourful: ‘It’s almost like stepping into Alice in Wonderland’
This colourful Kelburn home has quirky architecture, three levels, city views and a much-loved history.
Search
Other articles you might like
