In an expansion of the programme, this year, an 8th category has been added: Temporary or Installation Design.

“Expanding the programme to award innovative colour use in non-permanent projects, such as exhibition spaces, installations and display suites, acknowledges the level of creativity that is being applied in this sector,” says Davina Harper, Dulux Colour Specialist.

The 2024 judging panel comprises Sarosh Mulla (Director of Pac Studio New Zealand); Shaun Carter (Founder of Carter Williamson); Monique Woodward (Co-Founder of WOWOWA Architecture); Eva-Marie Prineas (Founder of Studio Prineas); and, Nick Travers (Co-Director of Technē Architecture + Interior Design). 

Overall, the judges were impressed by the deeply considered, intelligent design pervading this year’s suite of finalists: hospitality venues and retail stores enticing customers through an understanding of colour psychology; primary schools with classrooms distinguished by colour to aid learning and navigation; and human-focused offices with masterful mood setting palettes.

The New Zealand finalist of the 2024 Dulux Colour Awards are: 

Commercial Interior - Public and Hospitality:

Te Whare ō Waitā — Levin Waitārere Surf Life Saving Club by Studio Nicholls 

Residential Interior: 

A Diaphanous Design by Lloyd Hartley Architects
Tea House, Auckland by Kanat Studio
Smale Street Home, Point Chevalier by Jessica Driver Studio

Commercial and Multi-residential Exterior:

Seven Colourful Little Houses, Faringdon by COMMON Architecture + Interiors

New Zealand Students:

Whenua by Henry Newberry of Te Pūkenga Unitec 
Natural Harmonies by Matthew Shennan of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington
Joyful Fury by Abigail Spence of Te Pūkenga Unitec
The Keeper of My Memories by Beth Williams of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

Having been part of the awards programme team for many years, Dulux Colour Communications Manager Andrea Lucena-Orr has a unique overview of the shifting colour and design trends. “This year, biophilia – the affinity of humans with the natural world – is a strong theme, with earthy colours playing a dominant role in interiors,” she says. “Olive greens, warm greys, muted taupes and dusky blues are coming into their own across several categories.” Another stylistic direction is the bold use of saturated colours, clashing and contrasting against one another in projects of all types.

Exteriors, too, are being used as canvases for all-encompassing tonal treatments, not only in pale neutrals, but other singular hues, resulting in impressions of shade, light and depth across elevations. “We’re also seeing bold graphics and murals in external applications, surprising contrast colours of pinks and blues, and a lot of textural effects,” says Lucena-Orr.

The 38th Dulux Colour Awards winners will be announced at an exclusive event at Sydney Opera House Bennelong, during Vivid Sydney on Wednesday 29 May.

For further information on this year’s finalists, judging criteria and terms and conditions, visit dulux.co.nz/colourawards