Dulux Colour Awards finalists announced

The Dulux Colour Awards is Australia and New Zealand's showcase of inspirational colour application in interior and exterior residential, public and commercial spaces. 

This year, the judging panel selected 88 finalists for their stunning design and architectural work from 481 entries across eight categories.

The prestigious 39th Dulux Colour Awards has received the highest calibre of entries as one of the longest-running design awards programs in the region. 

The judging panel for the 2025 edition features prominent voices in architecture and design, including Andrew Parr of SJB, Alex McLeod of at.space, Rachel Luchetti of Luchetti Krelle, Kim Bridgland of Edition Office, and Kerstin Thompson of Kerstin Thompson Architects.

The level of sophistication and ambition was demonstrated in colour specification by design professionals broadly across all architectural typologies with palettes and applications of colour in each category consistently challenged stereotypes irrespective of scale, scope or program such as a sporting complex with a luxe suite of colours more usually seen in high-end hospitality; a community hub finely clad in joyous hues resulting in an intelligent show of place-making; and, a depot that turns expectations on their head via nuanced colour graduations, while still respecting its industrial origins.

Image: Harbour Early Learning / supplied

"Year after year, we are presented with an extraordinary array of exceptional colour use that exemplifies the pivotal role colour plays in spatial understanding, placemaking and mood setting," says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager.

Stylistically, coloured ceilings and distinctive wall treatments star in projects from Australia and New Zealand alike. 

“The judges remarked upon the strength of colour-blocking interior surfaces, as well as the bold use of murals in retail and studio environments,” Lucena-Orr says.

Hues of burgundy, gold-yellows and sage greens lead the bolder palettes in private residential domains, but warm whites maintain a consistent presence, this year married with ‘greiges’, mist greens and soft blues.

"Student and professional entries in all building types are universally employing colour with extraordinary skill, impact and effect, and it is our great honour to recognise the best of the best each year,” Lucena-Orr says.

In the Residential Interior category, projects like Claremont by WOWOWA Architecture and Coronation House by Brunsdon Studio demonstrated bold use of colour to create vibrant living spaces. The Single Residential Exterior category featured standout designs that integrated colour seamlessly with architectural form.

Image: Quinn Bar / supplied

Commercial spaces also received recognition, with the Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail category highlighting offices and retail environments that utilised colour to enhance functionality and aesthetics. 

The Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality category celebrated spaces like community centres and restaurants where colour played a pivotal role in user experience.

The Commercial and Multi-Residential Exterior category showcased large-scale projects where colour contributed to the building's identity and presence. In the Temporary or Installation Design category, entries demonstrated how colour can transform transient spaces into memorable experiences.

For more information about the finalists head to the Dulux Colour Awards website.

Image: Larnangurrak Our Place - Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre / supplied