Top interior paint trends for the new year

Are you a little bit over the safe, all-white look in your Hills District home? The major paint companies have released their new year colour forecasts and design experts say we’re looking forward to warmer and more colourful interiors. Read on for decoration inspiration! 

Embracing change

As we emerge from nearly two years of a global pandemic, our lifestyles and priorities have changed. Our homes have become retreats from the outside world and because we’ve spent more time at home than ever before, many of us have discovered a new appreciation of good design – and our own creativity. 

The Dulux Colour Forecast has been compiled every year for 22 years and Dulux colour and communication manager Andrea Lucena-Orr has worked on every one of them. She says, “I think every year has a significance with colour and design forecasts, however living through a pandemic has certainly made us feel much more connected to our homes. 

“The 2022 forecast is even more significant when you want to create changes and add a different feel to your home.” 

Dulux’s three new colour palettes, rather grandly named Flourish, Restore and Wonder, represent a “sense of adventure” (Flourish), a “calm and reassuring backdrop” (Restore) and a “dreamy and sentimental feel” (Wonder). 

Strong, bold colours

Colours in the Flourish range include petrol blue, desert red and dusty red, as well as warm neutrals and rich, vintage gold. These are strong, dramatic colours and you need a confident sense of how colours work together to achieve the best effect. 

One expert tip is to buy sample pots, paint A4 pieces of card with the colours you like and stick them on the walls you plan to redecorate. Leave them for a week to see how the colours work with the room’s natural and artificial lighting, flooring, furniture and accessories. 

If you love the colours but are hesitant about making a big change, it’s a good idea to consult an interior designer, or book an in-person or online consultation with a Dulux Designer

Earthy neutrals

The Restore palette is based on neutral colours and tones drawn from nature – a calming mix of buttercream, pumice, clay, forest green, moss and charcoal-purple. 

Earthy, neutral colours have a relaxing effect and one theory is that we have spent so much time working from home on computers that we crave more connection with nature. 

Neutrals are easier to work with than bold colours, but that doesn’t mean they are boring by any means. They also complement the trend for furnishings and finishes in natural materials such as wood, linen and textured stone. 

Bright and playful

Mood-boosting colours such as cornflower blue, lilac, lemon, green quartz and rose make up the Dulux Wonder collection. They are designed to evoke a sense of fun and a summery feel, and beautifully complement individual collections of retro-accented accessories and furniture.

As Andrea Lucena-Orr says, “There are so many ways you can bring your home to life with our Colour Forecast colours, whether done in a big or small way. You don’t have to change everything every year, but it’s lovely to experience subtle changes that evolve your decoration style over time. 

“And there are also many ways to add colour to a rental property with decor and furnishings or by painting a canvas.” 

These gorgeous colours are particularly appealing if you enjoy creating different moods throughout your home, from a child’s bedroom to your home office. 

However, do remember that tastes change and it is advisable to use any new colours selectively – not everyone will love a rose-pink bathroom when it’s time to sell and move on.

If you are considering selling your Hills District home and would like some free tips on which areas of your property to update or renovate in advance of putting your home on the market, please do not hesitate to get in touch.