The 2015 Dulux Colour Forecast, aptly named Connection, explores the
bonds between the earth, the people, their heritage and creativity in commercial
spaces. Connection is represented in the form of four colour palettes, inspiring
Australian design professionals to embrace colour.
The four Connection palettes Wildland, Silentshift, Modhaus and
Earthwerks, range from the dark and moody to bright and bold, representing concepts
associated with connecting, reconnecting and disconnecting in the real world.
The 2015 Dulux Colour Forecast follows the careful examination and
analysis of trend forecasts from around the world through a process of
collaboration between Dulux and leading design professionals Juliet Moore and
Ben Edwards from architectural practice Edwards Moore, and Bonnie Ashley and
Neil Downie, textile designers and owners of Bonnie and Neil.
Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour Planning and Communications Manager explains
that one of the most exciting elements of the Dulux Colour Forecast each year is
the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals from different
fields of design.
Both Edwards Moore and Bonnie and Neil have taken the four colour
palettes and delivered beautiful and inspirational examples of how colour can
add an extra dimension to projects using some of the most on-trend colours.
Edwards Moore – Wildland and
Silentshift
Past Dulux Colour Award winners, Edwards Moore are known for their
passion for design and are driven by a belief in the art of architecture and influenced
by the Australian landscape, organic references and moody colours to create the
Wildland set.
According to Ben Edwards, Wildland illustrates a story through the contrast
of light and dark – virtuous versus malevolent, a story of discovering the
beauty in what nature has created and embracing its imperfections. The Wildland
palette features colours that reflect untamed landscapes from the harshest ice
terrains to the wildest forests and mountains, inspired by the most primitive
of materials such as timber, stone, leather and fur, and allowing people to reconnect
with their primal selves.
To evoke the Australian landscape and nature, Edwards Moore turned to
colours such as Dulux Powdered Gum, Dulux Cascade Cove and Dulux Man Friday to
personify Wildland.
Edwards Moore was also the creative force behind the Silentshift palette
with their vision for the colours focused on creating another world to
represent disconnection from the real world. In its soft colour palette, Silentshift
uses simple curves and block colours in cosmetic hues to create ethereal spaces
with a dreamlike quality, conducive to silent moments
Colours including Dulux Pink Marble, Dulux Voyager and Dulux Mud Berry
are included in the palette to represent Silentshift’s aim to find a new
balance between fast paced and slow living.
Bonnie and Neil – Modhaus and
Earthwerks
Bonnie Ashley and Neil Downie from Bonnie and Neil have merged their
collective backgrounds in floristry, art, textiles, furniture and set design to
bring Modhaus to life using one of their signature design styles of bright
patterns.
Inspired by bold Dulux colours, shape and pattern, fashion and modern
art, in particular the Memphis design of the 1980s, Modhaus, according to
Bonnie is a playful approach to design, allowing reconnection with a time when
there were fewer restrictions on creativity.
Modhaus uses contrasting colour blocks spliced between graphic patterns,
often in black and white, against geometric shapes. Colours used in the Modhaus
palette include Dulux Blue Surf, Dulux Hot Embers and Dulux Mineral Green.
Known for incorporating botanical motifs in their work, Bonnie and Neil
created the Earthwerks set, drawing on greens and mineral hues to create spaces
where imitated or real nature blends seamlessly with future interiors.
Neil explains that Earthwerks allows people to connect with nature on a
more personal level. The natural theme ranging from earthy to plant tones is
reflected in the Earthwerks palette using Dulux colours such as Dulux Havana,
Dulux Canadian Pine and Dulux Becker Blue.
Images: Dulux