The last few years haven’t been easy on anyone. “The impact of the pandemic is undeniable,” says Dulux colour and communication manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr. “It is the predominant influence on everything, from global trends to domestic concerns.” Looking towards the future with hopeful eyes, the Dulux Colour Forecast for 2022 has revealed three palettes that respond to these concerns by exuding calm, optimism and empowerment.

The deep earthy hues and natural tones of the Restore palette are “minimal but meaningful,” according to Lucena-Orr, and meant to represent wellness and self-care. “The decadence and richness of the Flourish palette will unleash some of the predominant colours for 2022,” says Lucena-Orr, referring to the empowering deep blues, warm reds and dramatic colds. Finally, the pastel colours of the Wonder palette are about joy and optimism, “expressing our reconnection with the natural world and the sheer joy of spring and summer,” Lucena-Orr concludes.

Restore – the perfect panacea for health and wellness spaces

When it comes to luxury retail, relaxing wellness spaces or intimate hospitality and hotel venues, the Restore palette provides a rich and comforting energy with a dash of mystery. It’s easy to imagine deep, warm tones like ‘Obo D’Amore’ and ‘Black Caviar’ creating an intimate environment when paired with the candlelight of a low-lit restaurant.

On the other hand, the earthy and neutral colours like terracotta ‘New Penny’, warm-toned whites such as ‘Rice Crop’ and ‘Hog Bristle Half’, and deep forest greens like ‘Natural Flora’ and ‘Finnegan’ would be right at home in a spa or health retreat.

The palette is accentuated by tactility and imperfect, natural forms. Think chunky and curvy handmade items, natural stone, and charred wood. “The Restore palette embraces our need for solace and simplicity…” says the Dulux team. 

Flourish – a bold statement for hospitality and nightlife

Perhaps the most bold of the three palettes and ideal for the daring among us, Flourish is a celebration of potential and unrestricted expression. The palette will “both delight and surprise”, according to Dulux.

Darker, moodier spaces are curated through stormy blues like ‘Kenepuru Sound’ and ‘Benang’, browns like ‘Deep Leather’, and punctuated with warmer blushes like ‘Basic Coral’ and ‘Discretion’, bright reds like ‘Red Terra’ and bold textured gold, such as ‘Gold Vintage’.

Unpredictable details like studs, spikes and chains are mixed with materials of coloured glass, oxidised metal and stone. We’re imagining seductive hotel lobbies and audacious bars.

Wonder – encouragement for optimism in retail and education

Upbeat and playful, Wonder is a joyful summer palette that would be as at home in a quirky retail space or early childhood learning centre as it would be in a breezy seaside cafe.

An array of pastels like ‘Ice Lemon’, ‘Celery Green’ and ‘Pink Papaya’, are as crisp and light as they sound. Both serene and invigorating, the colours are meant to hint at environmental nostalgia of cut-grass greens and sunshine yellows.

“Mixed and matched botanical patterns will rouse a dream-like state in interiors, drawing inspiration from fields of flowers, blooming countryside, and lush cottage-style gardens,” says Dulux.

dulux.com.au