Currently in its 33rd year, the 2019 Dulux Colour Awards were announced last week and this year’s crop show some of the most courageous and sophisticated use of colour yet. “Architects and designers have really set a precedent with their masterful employment of colour to create unexpected, lively, playful and refined interior and exterior spaces,” says Dulux colour planning and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr.
With a plethora of blue and green shades in the finalists list, it’s no surprise to see Kennedy Nolan’s extremely verdant Caroline House take out the top award for best ‘Residential Interior’ – who could forget that green staircase?
“Classic black and white with a punch of colour is eternally effective, and its articulation in this home is especially inspiring. At the home’s core is an inspired interaction of colour – the near-apple green hue on the stair, including its underside and hand rail, is a central connecting device, mirroring the greens of the pool, itself a focal point of the home, and subtly aligning inside and out,” says judge Carole Whiting, director of Carole Whiting Interiors + Design.
Perennial favourite David Flack received a commendation for his Elmore Homestead project. “Much like a curated gallery, this is a finely wrought design whose effect relies upon the courageous use of colour. Unexpected moments are created as dark tones give way to splashes of brightness, delineating informal and formal spaces, while also serving as a strong foundation for the contemporary art and sculpture peppered throughout,” says Carole of Flack Studio’s dramatic project.
John Wardle Architects’ Tasmanian restoration project Captain Kelly’s Cottage received a commendation too. “Colour and paint is an important factor in restorations, and this project demonstrates their thoughtful use. It is not just the applied colour, but also the removal of colour to retain the original surface of the cottage and preserve its history that is so impressive. The use of green in the bedrooms is neither stark nor overbearing, and the matching of original colours is respectful and appropriate,” says Carole.
The ‘Single Residential Exterior’ category was an interesting one too with Studio Gorman’s Alma Residence project taking out top honours. “From the fabulous front door to the charming extension, the use of many and varied colours in this residence is sophisticated and refined. Anything but conservative, the subtle palette is full of surprising layers and complexity,” says judge Mardi Doherty, director of Doherty Design Studio.
Making fabulous use of blue too, Mario Danos Architecture’s converted 1850’s bank project The Bank received a commendation in the ‘Single Residential Exterior’ category. “A strikingly simple structure, this converted 1850’s bank has been given new life as a dwelling by strategic injections of colour. The faded original exterior, its warm, soft-red bricks and sandstone base, is punctuated by a perfectly contrasting blue on the front door and window frames, articulating these elements in a simple, impactful gesture,” says Mardi.
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