10 New Paint Colour Ideas from the Walls of Real Aussie Homes

Given that we’re stuck at home at the moment, I thought it’d be nice to explore (and get inspired by) some of my fave bold Dulux paint colours. You know, tones that are so radiant and refreshing that we might finally give up our obsession with white.

I also love seeing paint colours in actual homes, don’t you? It certainly makes it easier to visualise how they’ll look in your own interior. That’s why this roundup of paint ideas from the 2020 Dulux Colour Awards is so good. You get to see colour executed in real-world ways by some of the best creatives in the country. And hopefully it moves you to be bolder with your own paint choices at home.

The Dulux Colour Awards got tonnes of entries this year and the winners will be announced shortly. Below I’ve picked out some of my fave rooms from the finalists. I’ve also included the main Dulux paint colours used in each room, so you can make a note of them for your next paint-buying adventure.

I’d love to hear which space you’re feeling drawn to. Drop me a comment at the end of this post and let me know.

1. Dulux Black

I thought it best we start with a striking kitchen look, it being the hub of the home and all. I’m loving the application of Dulux Black on that range-hood, aren’t you? It’s such an effective way to draw the eye to something that ordinarily isn’t visually pleasing in a kitchen. It speaks to the black in the arm of the pendant and dining table, connecting the two spaces wonderfully. Gorgeous work here by Lucy Bock Studio. Photographer: Derek Swalwell.

2. Dulux White Cabbage

There’s such a move toward making bathrooms a more immersive, sensory experience (more on the top bathroom trends for 2020 here). And I feel like this space taps into that vibe organic perfectly, utilising the calming Dulux White Cabbage. Designed by Carter Williamson, the hint of green above the tiling encourages you to look up in what is a rather confined space. It feels so serene. Photographer: Katherine Lu.

3. Dulux Raspberry Kahlua

I had already declared pink as a tone to watch this year, so it pleases me to no end to see it executed in a bedroom like this. What’s not to love about this application of Dulux Raspberry Kahlua? Pairing it with emerald green tones was a genius move by designer Studio Bright. The space feels visually balanced, and I love the depth this colour takes on as it hits the shadowy corners of the room. Photographer: Rory Gardiner.

4. Dulux Black Water

Be still my beating heart. What a chic industrial style kitchen we have here by Chelsea Hing. I’m loving the sense of drama that’s being evoked here. And it hasn’t happened by accident. By using bold Dulux Black Water on the kitchen cabinetry, it’s really allowed gold to pop against it. And can we talk about the concrete effect paint on the walls and ceiling? I’m dead. Photographer: Rhiannon Taylor.

5. Dulux Chalk Blue

Dulux Chalk Blue on the joinery in this space by Doherty Design Studio has made this bedroom feel so soothing to the eye. And yet it doesn’t feel juvenile at all. The graphic black moments make it feel wonderfully mature, and I love the minimalistic styling. I know… me loving minimalism! Who have I become? Photographer: Derek Swalwell.

6. Dulux Baltic

Keeping the blue appreciation going, I wanted to showcase this stunning space by Esoteriko Interior Architecture because it just feels so chic. People are often afraid to adopt bold colour en masse at home, but I’m hoping this changes your mind. I’m loving the Dulux Baltic that’s been splashed across the joinery, and I’m living for the black and white accents too. Photographer: David Wheeler.

7. Dulux Domino

We had a pop of black in the kitchen at the top of this post. And if that had your heart racing than this space is going to deem a medic necessary! Moody Dulux Domino adorns the walls in this bedroom designed by Wellard Architects and it goes such a long way in making the space feel rich and inviting. I hope this illustrates just how good dark colours can be on walls. Of all the Dulux paint colours showcased in this post, this is possibly my fave. Such a stunner. Photographer: Derek Swalwell.

8. Dulux Battle Dress

The Australiana trend that landed a few years back (and is still going strong) has certainly made its way into this home. And I absolutely adore the mid-Centruy vibe that’s at play too. The earthy green Dulux Battle Dress that’s been applied to the wall behind the dining table pairs so well with the concrete floor and warm tones in this charming space. Ava Shirley Architect has created such a welcoming vibe here. Photographer: Michael Nicholson and James Deck.

9. Dulux Blue Lobelia

Perhaps you’re not ready to commit to one of these Dulux paint colours across all of your walls in a room. Thats OK. The good news is that you can choose to confine colour to a smaller area and still create a sense of drama. The punchy Dulux Blue Lobelia you see on the staircase in this home by Sibling Architecture is a perfect example of that drama at play. It’s visually striking against a more subdued palette, and it definitely gives the stairs a sense of presence. Photography: Katherine Lu.

10. Dulux Yellow Mask

Zesty Dulux Yellow Mask is the last on the list of Dulux paint colours I’m daring you to try at home this year. And how good does it look in this industrial space by Cloud Dwellers and Diana Azzarello? Zesty tones are such stunners against cold materials like concrete, which is why this zone feels moody and fun at the same time. Definitely one to try if your space is industrial in style. Photographer: Andy Macpherson.

Which of the Dulux paint colours showcased here do you have your eye on? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.