Your Home: Soften the Mood with Subtle Summer Hues

This summer interiors will be inspired by a softer collection of muddy pastels derived from nature and living matter. According to Dulux, the Colour Trends for Summer 2016 will comprise delicate hues such as greys, dirty pinks, nudes and natural greens.

Dulux Colour Expert, Andrea Lucena-Orr, says the key colours of Summer, such as Dulux Mangaweka, Old Eagle, Silkwort, Partita and Snow Season, create a beautiful, tranquil setting that is very easy to live with in the home.

“The Summer palette for 2016 is quite neutral and has easy-to-use colours that most consumers would feel confident using in their homes. The palette has evolved from a more pastel feel last year, offering subtle muted undertones with a certain earthiness,” said Andrea.

“Homeowners can create a relaxed interior with beautiful detail by introducing these gentle Summer hues that add a touch of colour but are not overwhelming. Pale colours derived from natural matter creates softness in a space and can be counterbalanced with unexpected mixes of warm and cool shades together to add interest.”

With Summer calling for a more refined offering of hues, the season’s colours can be easily adapted to virtually any room.

For those not wanting to transform an entire room, try using these refreshing and light colours in smaller volumes on accents, trims and accessories.

“For a mini Summer makeover, a lighter shade such as Dulux Partita with Snow Season Quarter can be introduced in smaller applications to complement colours in soft furnishings such as cushions and ceramic items.”

“Neutral accessories work really well with these more subtle and muted shades as well as soft and subdued combinations.”

Andrea’s top tips for homeowners using colour this Summer are: “Always consider the lighting in the space to ensure you are making the most of natural daylight to create a beautiful Summer experience. Remember to review existing furnishings to ensure these colours will work with fittings that cannot be changed easily, and look to your surrounding environment and colours in your garden for inspiration.”

For more colour or painting advice view the Dulux ‘how to projects’ online www.dulux.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER: LISA COHEN, STYLED BY BREE LEECH AND HEATHER NETTE KING FOR DULUX COLOUR TRENDS 2016 – BIO FRAGILITY PALETTE.