“We were excited to see such an exciting and imaginative use of colour in this year’s entries,” said Dulux Colour Specialist, Davina Harper. “Architects and designers have really pushed the boundaries with colour application to create inspiring, engaging - and often surprising - interior and exterior spaces.”

The projects from New Zealand are:

Residential Interior
Casper’s House by Dessein Parker
Private Residence, Remuera by Space Studio
Tidy Space by Atelier Jones Design
Paparoa Street by Kate Carter
Kimiora Apartment by Kate Pilot Design
Heron House by Pac Studio
Eden View by Pac Studio

Commercial and Multi Residential Exterior
Riverbank Quarter by Stufkens and Chambers Architects
Castor Crescent by Tennent Brown Architects

Student (Years 1-6)
Cine55: Envisioning the Realm of Memory in Film by Jessica Long (University of Auckland)

“Across the commercial categories, deeper and darker tones are emerging, as well as simple vivid colours in reds, blues and greens,” Harper added. “We have also seen rich, warm, earth-tones that bring an inviting feeling to public and hospitality venues. Retro 80’s inspired pastel shades of pinks, apricot, lemon and green, offering a touch of excitement and fun, have been injected into retail and work spaces too…I love the joyous colours that have been woven into these projects, by simply using hues that add life and a sense of delight to these settings.”

“Deeper tones of blue and green were popular amongst residential interiors, showcasing diverse moods in areas and differentiating functional use in a space - from deep and dark, to bright and lively - applied to cabinetry, trims and walls to create a peaceful, relaxing interior setting. Impactful tones and washed walls are also making a presence, bringing a sense of moody sophistication to interiors.”

Harper also commented on the increasing amount of emerging architects and designers in this year’s finalists, remarking that they were “already making their mark on the industry - foreshadowing a future where they will continue to push the boundaries of both their own practices and the wider architectural profession.”

The jury for this year’s Dulux Colour Awards included Adriana Hanna, Director of Architecture at Kennedy Nolan; Cushla McFadden, Director at Tom Mark Henry; Olivia Macfarlane, Director at UNDERCURRENT NZ; Adam Pustola, Principal at Lyons Architecture; and David Welsh, Principal at Welsh+Major.

The winners of the Dulux Colour Awards will be announced at a gala event in Melbourne later this year, which will be live streamed to a celebration with the New Zealand finalists in Auckland. Further details of the Gala Event will be announced in the coming months. The New Zealand finalists are also eligible to win the New Zealand Grand Prix Award, which was taken home last year by Undercurrent for their design of the Central Hotel in Queenstown.

See the complete shortlist at dulux.co.nz.