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Inside the Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 | A Story Told in Ethereal, Elemental and Evoke
In Partnership With: Dulux
Style Sourcebook Profile: Dulux
Every year, colour tells the story of where we’ve been and where we’re heading. It mirrors our collective mood, translating the intangible into something we can see, feel, and live with every day. The Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 is more than a palette reveal; it’s a reflection of this moment in time, distilled into hues that move us.
For its 27th edition, Dulux invites us to step into three distinct worlds of colour, each born from the rhythm of today’s shifting landscape: Ethereal, Elemental and Evoke. Specifically, they involve calming and connecting colours in response to continued global uncertainty and digital fatigue.
From tones that ground us in calm familiarity, to shades that encourage bold reinvention, and others that spark playful curiosity, this year’s forecast reminds us that colour isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a catalyst for how we experience life, with the power to lift spirits, offer emotional reassurance, and bring a sense of calm into our homes.
“Australians are feeling digitally overwhelmed. There’s a strong shift towards emotional reconnection - with ourselves, with others, and with nature. This translates into a need for warm, calming interiors that encourage reflection and joy.”
Andrea Lucena-Orr, Colour and Communications Manager
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Ethereal Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Evoke Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
As always, the Dulux Colour Forecast is a touchstone for Australian design, setting the pace for how we’ll shape our interiors in the year ahead. 2026 is about embracing dualities: quiet and loud, nostalgic and futuristic, restorative and energising. Together, the palettes create a journey that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Come with us as we explore the Dulux Colour Forecast 2026: a story told in colour, ready to be written in your mood board projects.
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Elemental Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
ETHEREAL
With a delicate yet playful palette, Ethereal encourages a reconnection with the natural rhythms that shape our lives over time. It offers a magical celebration of nature’s nurturing power, providing a gentle escape. Drawing on themes of wellness, quiet strength, and spiritual self-care, this palette is designed to soothe.
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Ethereal Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Ethereal Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
Featuring a delicate blend of pastel-like hues that feel soft, feminine, and uplifting in a dream-like form. Gentle greens, mauves, and blush pinks come together to create a palette that evokes serenity and joy, with calming tones perfect for crafting spaces that feel restorative and nurturing. Romantic tones such as Dulux Savin, Dulux Different Pink, and Dulux Mask are balanced with subtle pastels like Dulux Tiamo, Dulux Blue Shell, and Dulux Soft Fresco, bringing together shades that feel inviting and radiate charm.
“This is our most expressive palette. The materials feel soft and inviting - like soft oak, bleached wood, and plush fabrics with gentle botanical designs. Shiny surfaces like glass and chrome bring light, whilst sand-blasted textures soften the shine, creating a dreamy, layered look.”
Andrea Lucena-Orr, Colour and Communications Manager
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Ethereal Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
ELEMENTAL
Dulux Elemental is a palette that speaks to the need for calm and clarity in an overstimulated world. Inspired by brutalist forms and the principles of slow living, it embraces simplicity, durability, and quiet beauty.
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Elemental Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Elemental Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
Warm whites and neutrals such as Dulux Blended Cream and Dulux Hog Bristle® Quarter form the foundation, enriched by golden browns like Dulux Caramel Sundae and Dulux Coffee Dust. Subtle greys add structure, while deep charcoals bring grounding depth. With raw concrete, polished marble, and clean linens paired with accents of chrome and copper, Elemental creates timeless spaces that feel intentional, balanced, and enduringly elegant.
“Dulux Elemental reflects a desire for thoughtful consumption and balanced living. It’s not about having less for the sake of it but making room for what truly matters.”
Andrea Lucena-Orr, Colour and Communications Manager
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Elemental Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
EVOKE
Dulux Evoke is a joyful, expressive palette that embraces individuality and the beauty of imperfection. Inspired by maximalist interiors and the nostalgia of ‘nana chic’, it celebrates sustainability through circular design, antique finds, and handcrafted pieces that tell a story.
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Evoke Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Evoke Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
Blush pinks like Dulux Baked Clay, burnt oranges like Dulux Magic Melon, and golden tones such as Dulux Germania are layered with deeper hues like Dulux Misty Grape, Dulux Wink, and Dulux Red Jacks to create rich, character-filled spaces. With vintage-inspired materials, curated clutter, and bold colour clashes, Evoke feels alive, eclectic, and deeply personal, perfect for homes that grow and evolve over time.
“Dulux Evoke favours eclectic, character-filled styling. It features vintage-inspired materials, handcrafted elements, and curated clutter, making spaces feel alive and layered, adding to our collections over time. Chrome and aluminium replace gold, whilst bold colour layering and clashing prints add texture, charm and a sense of layered character.”
Andrea Lucena-Orr, Colour and Communications Manager
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 - Evoke Palette | Styling: Bree Banfield | Photographer: Lisa Cohen
The Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 is an exploration of how colour can shape the way we live, feel, and connect with our spaces. Whether it’s the soft escapism of Ethereal, the grounded strength of Elemental, or the expressive optimism of Evoke, each palette offers the flexibility that empowers people to personalise their spaces in a way that truly reflects their style and lifestyle. We can’t wait to see how the story of colour is told in your mood boards, lifting the spirit of home.
If you’re ready to begin designing with Elemental, Ethereal, and Evoke, see the Dulux 2026 Colour Forecast in our product library, and use our mood board tool and Project Studio to create a story told in colour.
