A nationwide snapshot of the 2026 Dulux Colour Awards finalists

The finalists for the 2026 Dulux Colour Awards have been announced, marking the program’s 40th anniversary and reaffirming the growing role of colour within the built environment.

Widely regarded as a benchmark across Australia and New Zealand, this year’s awards attracted a record 540-plus entries, with 94 finalists selected across eight categories by a panel of leading design professionals. Together, the shortlist offers a snapshot of how colour is being used today, not as decoration, but as a core design device.

This year’s awards were judged by a panel spanning architecture, interiors and design: Simone Haag (Simone Haag Interior Decoration), Ben Peake (Carter Williamson Architects), Buster Caldwell (Wonder Group), Sarah-Jane Pyke (Arent & Pyke) and Alix Smith (Hassell). Their selections point to a sophisticated and increasingly deliberate use of colour across the built environment.

One of the strongest themes this year is confidence. In Residential Interior, where nearly one third of all finalists were shortlisted, palettes move beyond safe neutrals into richer tonal territory. As Pyke noted, “While warm whites are still reigning, there are some exquisite deeply hued treatments that stand out, particularly dark-toned ceilings, painted stairs and nuanced details on architraves and skirtings.”

Across exterior categories, judges highlighted contextually responsive palettes, from bushland greens and harbour blues to reddish autumnal tones drawn from rural New Zealand landscapes. Red also emerged as a dominant chromatic thread, particularly burgundy, rust and brick hues used to create warmth, drama and definition across hospitality, residential and multi-residential projects.

Commercial interiors proved equally diverse, spanning rehabilitation centres, country clubs, bath houses, breweries, language schools and hotels. Despite the varied typologies, many shared a sophisticated use of colour, with blues and greens defining public environments while deeper reds shaped hospitality spaces.

Within this broader landscape, several New Zealand practices represented on ArchiPro feature across this year’s finalists.

Residential Interior

Waka Huia | Pac Studio

A bold, deeply personal villa renovation where colour leads the experience. Soft pinks, sunlit yellows and richly layered living spaces sit within a reworked plan that improves flow, while fine craftsmanship gives the interior warmth, clarity and character.

Dulux colours specified: Whitianga, Bluff Hill, Tokatoka, Solar, Rapunzel, Saxon, Taihape, Wairakei.

Soft Light Villa | Pac Studio

A warm, light-filled villa renovation where colour is used with quiet confidence. Muted citrus, earthy apricots and soft sage tones bring character to family living, while restored timber detailing and playful private spaces create depth, warmth and everyday ease.

Dulux colours specified: Spiralina, Battle Dress, Moorland, Lamb's Ears, Cadrona, Paekakariki, Coyote, Mornington, Claypipe Half, Claypipe Quarter.

Under Rimu | Pac Studio

A refined family villa renovation where light neutrals, warm materials and subtle colour moments create calm and connection. Heritage detailing is gently celebrated, while touches of dusty pink and blue bring surprise to a quietly contemporary interior.

Dulux colours specified: Natural Wool, Rottnest Island, Casper White Half, Coalition, Prebbleton.

Residential Interior + Single Residential Exterior

Rocket's House | Pac Studio

A dual finalist in Residential Interior and Single Residential Exterior, this fearless coastal villa renovation treats colour as architecture. Deep aubergines, mossy greens, pale yellows and vivid reds create richly individual rooms, while carefully balanced tonal relationships hold the home together as one confident, character-filled whole.

Dulux colours specified: Raw Cotton Quarter, Land Light, Smooth Beech, Capsicum Red, Aztec Glimmer, Brown Ranch, Pale Lilac Quarter, Te Rapa, Candidate, Dewpoint, Treetop Climb, Cornucopia, Fairy Wings Half, Retro Disco, Fairytale Ending, Airborne Quarter, Aniwaniwa, Mystification.

Commercial Interior | Public and Hospitality

EF Auckland | Studio DB, EF Architecture & Design Studio

this waterfront education campus uses colour to transform an industrial shell into a welcoming place of connection and learning. Coastal blues, muted greens and moments of pink respond to Auckland’s harbour setting while helping define zones for focus, collaboration and everyday ease.

Dulux colours specified: 30GG 72/032, 30GG 22/079, Alphatec Pink Spell Gloss 2884480G, Trade 02YR 45/229, Wedgewood Matt 9155247M, Intensity Evergreen Satin 90N6005S, Trade 50GY44/248, 70BG 40/050, Matt Black, RAL 5013 Eggshell Finish.

Commercial and Multi-Residential Exterior

Hellmann Extension | JWA Architects

this expansive office and warehouse facility uses form and colour to turn infrastructure into architecture. Earthy greys, browns and whites anchor the building within its landscape, while wing-like precast pylons and soaring rooflines reference movement, flight and identity.

Explore Dulux on ArchiPro and browse paint and colour finishes to see how colour is being specified across contemporary projects. Winners will be announced at the Dulux Colour Awards Gala at Bennelong, Sydney Opera House, on 27 May 2026.