Judges for the 2015 Dulux Colour Awards have reviewed a record breaking 249 entries, narrowing the field down to 78 finalists in this year’s search for the best application of colour to transform a space.

Above: DCA Commercial Interior Public Spaces and Hospitality 2015 Finalist: Mandoon Estate by Bremick Group / Photo by Ron Tan Photography

Now in its 29th year, the Dulux Colour Awards recognises and rewards innovative use of colour across nine categories, with the best of the category winners awarded the Grand Prix prize.
The Commercial Interior categories were incredibly popular with 27 finalists selected across Office Fitout & Retail (12) and Public Space & Hospitality (15). Single Residential Interior followed closely with 14 entries; Commercial Exterior with 10; Single Residential Exterior and Student with 7 each; International with 6; Installation and Event with 4; and Multi Residential Exterior naming three finalists.

Dulux Colour Planning and Communication Manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr, said 2015 was another exceptional year with submissions pushing the boundaries in colour application.
“It was an exciting day of judging with not only an increase in entries from previous years but an increase in the calibre and standard. The theme of ‘revealing the artist’ was embraced with an imaginative use of colour,” said Andrea.

“Commercial entries showcased creative experimentation with colour in increasingly innovative applications. In the Commercial Interior Public Space & Hospitality category we saw great new initiatives around colour and pattern, whilst in the Commercial Interior Office Fitout & Retail there was an emergence of graphic pattern born from collaborations with graphic designers and graffiti artists resulting in unique and customised designs.

Above: DCA Single Res Interior 2015 Finalist: Anglesea House 4 by Emma Mitchell / Photo by Dianna Snape

“In residential, exteriors were dominated by shades of grey, celebrating the natural products used, such as local stones, timber and bricks. Splashes of ‘pop’ colour, mainly in reds and greens, were used to highlight key architectural features. Interiors continued to explore daring use of colour, with highlighted ceilings, interesting patterns and juxtaposed colour combinations.

“The two new categories, International and Installation & Events, provided an exciting new element to the Awards. With the former showcasing the role of colour in heritage and culture and the latter exploring a sense of freedom with striking effects,” Andrea said.
The 2015 Dulux Colour Awards finalists will now be judged by a panel of design leaders, including; Andrea Wilson, Senior Associate at ARM Architecture; Hannah Tribe, Principal and Founding Director of Tribe Architects; David Bromley, contemporary artist; Sian MacPherson, interior designer and editor of EST magazine and Simon James, contemporary furniture designer from New Zealand.

With entries received from Australia and New Zealand, the industry judging panel will select winners across nine categories – Commercial Interior (Office Fitout & Retail), Commercial Interior (Public Space & Hospitality), Commercial Exterior, Installation and Events, Single Residential Interior, Single Residential Exterior, Multi Residential, International, Student and an overall Grand Prix winner.

Winners of the 2015 Dulux Colour Awards will be announced at a gala event in Melbourne on Wednesday 25 March, 2015.

2015 Dulux Colour Awards