Autumn is just around the corner – a time of year when we gravitate indoors as the days get shorter and the evenings turn crisp. As we head into the cooler months, we want our homes to feel cosy and inviting – a space where we can relax with the ones we love, while at the same time providing a front-row seat to the beauty of the changing seasons outside.
This autumn, Dulux colour forecasters predict the warm neutrals and muted yellow-greens in Connect, one of three palettes identified in the Dulux Colour Forecast 2023, will take centre stage. Together, these colours can create a calm, earthy vibe that’s perfect for laid-back entertaining and family gatherings as the weather cools, whilst blurring the lines between inside and out.
Armed with the Dulux Connect palette, the creatives at Dulux transformed a spacious open-plan lounge and dining area into a cosy and welcoming family retreat. “This lounge is flooded with natural light and surrounded by gorgeous garden vistas,” says Harper. “The original space looked beautiful in Dulux Cardrona, but it lacked a sense of comfort and soul. However, by adding these natural paint colours, St Bathans and Pataua Beach from the
Connect palette, it has created a sense of comfort and relaxed style. The new scheme has achieved a beautiful calming space that really draws you in.”
Bree Leech, Dulux Colour Forecaster and Stylist, reveals exactly how she and her team tackled the makeover.
“We wanted to make this a space perfect for gathering with the fireplace at its heart; So, we painted the main walls and ceiling in Dulux Pataua Beach, a lovely creamy honey hue, to tie in with the timber beams and offset the stone look floor tiles. We then used a slightly richer colour on the fireplace wall (Dulux St Bathans) to make the fireplace the clear focal point.”
“Using two warm earthy colours and running them from floor to ceiling, like we’ve done here, wraps the room in warmth. We carried these colours through to the adjoining dining room, where you can also see Dulux Gentle Annie through the opening that leads to the home’s main entrance and featured behind the shelves in the study nook.”
“This is the time of year when we want our homes to feel intimate, familiar and inviting, so pull out the paint brush and have fun experimenting with some cosier colours. While saying goodbye to your white walls might feel a little scary at first, remember that paint is the easiest low-commitment update you can make for your home,” says Harper “Once you get started with colour and paint, the connection and emotive qualities gained means you’ll never look back.” Says Leech.
Bree Leech, Dulux Colour Forecaster and Stylist, reveals exactly how she and her team tackled the makeover.
“We wanted to make this a space perfect for gathering with the fireplace at its heart; So, we painted the main walls and ceiling in Dulux Pataua Beach, a lovely creamy honey hue, to tie in with the timber beams and offset the stone look floor tiles. We then used a slightly richer colour on the fireplace wall (Dulux St Bathans) to make the fireplace the clear focal point.”
“Using two warm earthy colours and running them from floor to ceiling, like we’ve done here, wraps the room in warmth. We carried these colours through to the adjoining dining room, where you can also see Dulux Gentle Annie through the opening that leads to the home’s main entrance and featured behind the shelves in the study nook.”
“This is the time of year when we want our homes to feel intimate, familiar and inviting, so pull out the paint brush and have fun experimenting with some cosier colours. While saying goodbye to your white walls might feel a little scary at first, remember that paint is the easiest low-commitment update you can make for your home,” says Harper “Once you get started with colour and paint, the connection and emotive qualities gained means you’ll never look back.” Says Leech.
Dulux colour Forecast 2023 connect Palette Autumn Styling Tips:
- Up the texture: For a cosy and comfortable feel, mix soft-touch, tactile fabrics such as linens, velvets, corduroy, shearling, and soft leather.
- Take in the view: Do you have a beautiful backyard outlook? Make it a highlight by keeping window coverings to a minimum or dispensing with them altogether, like we’ve done here.
- Wrap the room: For a truly enveloping feeling,
run your chosen room colour onto the ceiling as well. - Go big with rugs: Furniture in large, open-plan spaces can sometimes look lost – define clear living and dining zones by adding large floor rugs.
- Try something different: Try painting small furniture pieces, such as side tables, planters or vases, and then add in cushions and throws in similar tones. Use the palette as your decorating scheme.
- Highlight special features: Use a rich, warm natural
grey colour from the Dulux Connect palette, such as Dulux Hammer Grey, as a backdrop for your favourite artwork or behind shelving. - Bedroom beauty: The neutrals in Dulux’s Connect palette are perfect for creating a serene and nurturing feel in a bedroom. Consider Dulux Pataua Beach on walls with a timeless white like Dulux Remuera on the door and trims.
- Take it outside: The earthy, natural colours in the Dulux Connect palette also work beautifully on a façade, balcony or outdoor entertaining area. Using them inside and out helps visually connect your interior and exterior.
- Test it out: It’s always a good idea to test paint colours in your home before you commit. Order Dulux A4 Colour Swatches or Sample Pots from dulux.co.nz in your chosen colour(s) and view them at different times of day and night, under both natural and artificial light. Or, if you’d prefer to get help from a design professional, contact the Dulux online colour advice team or book an in-home or online appointment with the Dulux Colour Design Service.
Supplied by Undertow Media
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