Today we have the pleasure of sharing this season’s colour trends from Dulux. Updating the colour of the walls is a quick and easy way to reinvent any room. If you’re decorating a gender-neutral nursery, the subtle use of colour against a neutral base works wonders. Earthy tones are grounding and calming and are excellent choices in a kids room.
Stylist Bree Leech has transformed a bland, all-white kid’s bedroom using the Dulux Grounded palette. The result is stunning, so check out her top tips and styling guide for more details!
before
AFTER
“We’ve seen a much more tonal palette coming through this year,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager. “The bold colour contrasts of previous years have made way for subtle layering of natural hues. Depth is added through texture and materiality.”
Andrea suggests starting your colour adventure in a cosy space like a bedroom. “It’s perfect for experimenting with colours you’ve been dreaming about. Paint a feature wall behind the bed, repaint the walls or upcycle one or two pieces of furniture. And if you tire of it down the track, simply whip out your paintbrush again!”
The Grounded palette – one of four trend palettes identified in the 2020 Dulux Colour Forecast ‘Essence’, combines gentle, earthy neutrals and warm whites. Accents of soft coral and lavender create a cosy, laid-back feel. And as the weather cools, it’s the perfect palette to add warmth and character to our homes.
“The Grounded palette is so easy to work with and has a relaxed yet sophisticated feel,” says Lucena-Orr. “Warm, biscuity tones feel calm and comforting. Adding in touches of muted coral, mauve and gold gives the look a contemporary edge.”
WARM IT UP
“This bedroom’s all-white palette made it feel a little uninviting – the exact opposite of what you want in a child’s room,” says stylist Bree Leech who worked her magic on the room. By updating the colour scheme, the space has been completely transformed. “The Grounded palette was perfect. It’s cosy and inviting, but still manages to feel light and airy. With its tones of putty and biscuit, it’s versatile enough to make a great base for either a girl’s or boy’s scheme. Add some personality with elements of soft grey and terracotta or lavender and coral, as we’ve done here,” says Leech.
COLOUR CODE
Bree shares her approach to colour, explaining “When you’re choosing a palette, it’s best to start with one main colour, to use across large walls. Then add a supporting hue and one or two accents. We retained the existing warm white (Dulux Wash&Wear in Natural White) for the fireplace and ceiling and chose a soft clay (Dulux Wash&Wear in Pancake Mix) for the walls as a feature. This ties in with the warmth of the timber floor and the detailing on the bed. To add colour, we used a muted lavender (Dulux Wash&Wear in Hint of Lavender) on the new door of the fireplace opening; and added touches of coral in the bedding.”
SOFT TOUCHES
“We made the bed the hero of the room by piling it high with comfy pillows and using bed linen in shades of grey and coral. An inexpensive rug adds softness underfoot – its round shape echoes the curves in the furniture. To accentuate the fabulous fireplace, we kept it white to contrast with the walls. “It’s important not to add too much clutter to a child’s room, particularly if it’s small, as you want to give them space to relax and play. We left plenty of breathing space and kept the sheer linen curtains to allow soft light to filter in,” says Leech.
BREE’S AUTUMN STYLING TIPS
- Go tonal: For larger expanses such as walls and sofas, layer different shades of one key colour.
- Keep it simple: Don’t overfill the space – include only those pieces you need and love.
- Create a focal point: Every room should have one hero piece to draw the eye, whether it’s a stunning side chair or a beautiful artwork.
- Add texture: Seek out must-touch upholstery fabrics, such as rich weaves and boucle’s to add textural interest.
- Celebrate natural: Don’t cover up imperfections such as the swirls and veins in a timber floor –their natural, honest feel fits with this look.
- Embrace curves: A round ottoman, an arched mirror or a curvy sofa are on-trend and will break up the hard lines in a room.
For more inspo, check out the Dulux Teen Makeover
Stylist: Bree Leech
Photographer: Lisa Cohen
