Page 159 - Marie Claire Australia (January 2020)

LIFESTYLE

t’s the ultimate contradiction but oh so
telling that the biggest trend heading
into the next decade is a shift away from
the flock. Good design takes time. The
Ienvironmental, ethical and financial
fallout of consuming fast fashion has taught
us this much. When it comes to home – the
average house now costing roughly seven
times the average income – it’s essential that
it is in touch with our values. There’s less of a
desire to adopt the latest and, instead, more
of a need to respond to our relationships
and roles, the changing nature of work,
our impact on the planet and the impact
on us living right here, right now.
Fresh from Milan Design Fair (Salone del
Mobile), Dulux colour and communications
manager Andrea Lucena-Orr and trend
forecaster Bree Leech predict the rise of
recycled materials, nature-inspired palettes
and furniture that blends old and new. It’s
about stepping away from all the background
noise in our lives to have more authentic,
grounded experiences. Their Dulux Colour
Forecast for the new year is gentle and calm.
“Colours for 2020 are more restrained than
in previous years,” says Lucena-Orr. “Brights
are pulled back and influenced by nature.
They appear in smaller doses – think feature
walls and details – and are often used tonally
as a backdrop for hero furniture pieces.”
Their 2020 palettes are ready to
work with, though Lucena-Orr says
never be afraid of going off trend. “Trends
can be a useful road map when choosing
colours, but it’s those little touches of the
unexpected that give your home personality.”

Bulkhead in Dulux
Pancake Mix; wall in
Dulux Grey Reflection.
OPPOSITE PAGE
Wall in Dulux
Powdered Gum.