From a pool of 437 entries across six categories, the finalists of the 35th annual Dulux Colour Awards have been announced, with Melina Design Group representing the ACT.
The Dulux Colour Awards is Australia and New Zealand’s premier showcase of inspirational colour application in interior and exterior residential, public and commercial spaces.
Narrowed down to 105 finalists by a panel of design industry experts from Australia and New Zealand, the projects exemplified the most innovative use of colour in the built environment.
Melina Design Group was recognised for their Commercial Interior for Commonplace, a boutique co-working space located in Narrabundah.
Challenged to create a space that was both motivating and inspiring, Melina Design Group used raw and natural materials to evoke a sense of calm and focus on the space, combining natural timbers, concrete and elements of greenery with Dulux colours ‘Maiko’ and ‘Cuddlepot’.
In certain spaces Maiko and Cuddlepot stand out as a feature in their own right, while in others serving as a bolster to the natural materials selected; both in cohesion and contrast.
Feature spaces such as the boardroom and meeting booths were colour blocked in Maiko, while depth was added by introducing texture in the form of the roll-on Acratex.
The boardroom also features a ‘pinkboard wall’ finished in Dulux Dry Erase which adds a fun function while maintaining the colour block theme.
According to Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager, the range of outstanding finalists across these categories is particularly noteworthy.
“We can’t help but view this year’s projects through a slightly different lens,” said Ms Lucena-Orr.
“While our focus is always on recognising innovation and excellence in the use of colour, our appreciation of the quality of work is heightened given the challenging climate in which these projects were created and completed.
“Undoubtedly, this has contributed to the increased use of biophilia in design, and a resulting swing towards more nurturing tones and natural finishes … concrete, stone and timber, as well as warm metals, paired with warm earthy hues and deep greens and blues, indicates the need for a return to nature and its grounding effect in chaotic times,” she said.
Ms Lucena-Orr also observed a return to timeless treatments, particularly the ever-stylish pairing of black and white, in both the Australian and New Zealand Dulux Colour Awards entries.
This year’s judging panel comprised: Jefa Greenaway, director of Greenaway Architects; Melissa Bright, director of Studio Bright; Patrick Loo, director of Common Space (NZ); Sarah-Jane Pyke, co-founding director of Arent & Pyke; and Suzannah Waldron, director of Searle x Waldron Architecture.
The judges will select winners and commendations across the six categories, with winners eligible for the Australian Grand Prix title and prize money of 5,000.
The Dulux Colour Awards winner’s announcement will take place at a gala event in Melbourne and live streamed to interstate attendees, which will also see the launch of the 2022 Dulux Colour Forecast: an opportunity for guests to experience the new palettes and colours of the coming season.
For more information, visit www.dulux.com.au/colourawards
