The ‘It’ Colours of 2023

Ellie Spinks, (pictured) co-founder and architect at Lande Architects, is looking forward to how 2023 will define its colour palette. “We are definitely seeing a real yearning for positivity and optimism as we emerge from the pandemic,” Ms Spinks says.

In Dulux’s colour forecast for 2023, we can definitely see this move to evocative, experimental, and playful colour palettes.

What colours can we expect?

Dulux has released three colour palettes for 2023, which are perhaps symbolic of the headspace we currently find ourselves in.

“Vibrant and evocative colours and materials are being selected and we are finding no two projects are alike at the moment. I think there is a real resistance to conform with trends – so different is in,” Ms Spinks notes.

Dulux’s first palette is called ‘Balance’ and consists of sea greens and marine blues paired with warm whites and gentle darks. Dulux notes that in a post-pandemic world, this palette offers calm, security, and balance.

The second palette is ‘Connect’, which consists of ochre reds and yellows and warm neutrals. This, Dulux says, is representative of a move away from urban environments and a growing connection to nature. It’s all about authenticity, warmth, and reconnecting with the things we love.

The third palette is ‘Revive’, which is all about saturated blues, pinks, and purples – it resists tradition and prioritises play. It is reflective of a clash of trends from the 1920’s through to the 70s and is creative through and through.

What do these colours say about us?

The last three years have had significant and enduring social effects on the global population. We have seen these effects influence everything around us – the way we

consume, live, and create. Colour is no different.

“We are seeing a real investment in quality of life, and that starts at home. Our clients are coming to us more educated than ever before and they are wanting something unique and that speaks to them, their history, their ideas, their stories.” Ms Spinks says.

This desire for individuality, experimentation, and connection to the home is palpable in the interiors zeitgeist at the moment.

“We feel people are moving towards more complex and interesting colours. As I look at our materials library, I am seeing lots of burnt toffees, terracottas, deep crimsons, and inkwell blues spending more time on the meeting table than on the shelves.”