Finalists for the iconic programme, now in its 33rd year were chosen across six categories: Commercial Interior: Public and Hospitality (23 finalists); Commercial Interior: Workplace and Retail (24 finalists); Commercial and Multi-Residential Exterior (16 finalists); Residential Interior (29 finalists); Single Residential Exterior (11 finalists); and Student (11 finalists). A panel of colour experts selected the 114 finalists for their exceptional and inventive use of colour in built environments across both commercial and residential spaces.

“We were thrilled to see the calibre of submissions for this year’s awards program,” says Davina Harper, Dulux Colour Specialist. “Architects and designers have really set a new precedent with their masterful and innovative employment of colour to create unexpected, lively, playful and refined interior and exterior spaces."

“We have seen moody reds and maroon emerge as dominant colours in retail and commercial interiors, paired with unexpected tones such as peach and clay in the form of accent walls, stairwells, doors and trims."

“Deep shades of blue were a popular choice in residential interiors — from azure through to dark navy —  seen in cabinetry, trims through to feature walls. Meanwhile, greens ranging from soft sage to emerald have lost none of their appeal adding sophistication, character and a sense of quiet luxury."

“There has been a shift away from greys and cooler neutrals which have dominated interiors in previous years, with nature-based warm hues, such as beiges, terracotta and caramels coming to the fore."

“Classic all black and all white remains popular, particularly in residential exteriors — they are shades being used to contrast against red brick or being layered to create a modern textured and tonal look."

“We were also impressed with this year’s student entries, which delivered brave and unique colour concepts and applications.”

The 33rd Dulux Colour Awards finalists will now be judged by a panel of leading figures in the design industry including; Simon Farrell-Green, Editor of HOME New Zealand magazine; Rosa Coy, Director of Coy Yiontis Architects; Mardi Doherty, Director of Doherty Design Studio; Matt Gibson, Director of Matt Gibson Architecture + Design; and Carole Whiting, Director of Carole Whiting Interiors + Design.

The judging panel will select winners across the six categories, with all New Zealand category winners (excluding the Student category), having the chance of taking home the New Zealand Grand Prix title and NZD $5,000.

Winners of the 33rd Dulux Colour Awards will be announced at a gala event at the National Gallery of Victoria on 8 May 2019.

NZ FINALISTS

• Commercial Interior: Public and Hospitality: Wains Hotel Dunedin, Yellow6
• Commercial and Multi Residential Exterior: Mount Roskill Municipal Building Restoration, Matthews & Matthews Architects
• Commercial and Multi Residential Exterior: Rangiora RSA by Andrea Robertson Design
• Commercial and Multi Residential Exterior: Napier Lane by JWA Architects
• Commercial and Multi Residential Exterior: The Wine House by Crosson Architects
• Residential Interior: The Pines by Glamuzina Architects
• Residential Interior: Yolk House by Pac Studio
• Single Residential Exterior: DNA House by Crosson Architects

NZ STUDENT FINALISTS

• Student (1-6 Years): The Performance Terrain Theatre by Lauren Gibbs, Auckland University of Technology
• Student (1-6 Years): within by Chang Huang, Auckland University of Technology
• Student (1-6 Years): The Commons by Abbey Hale, Auckland University of Technology