As local estate agents here in The Hills we’re always watching design and colour trends – not just for what makes a home look current, but also what will appeal to buyers, show well in photos and make a property feel welcoming.
Colour has a powerful influence on mood and atmosphere, shaping how we feel in different spaces. Warm shades like reds and oranges tend to energise and stimulate but can feel aggressive, while cooler tones such as soft blues and greens create calm and encourage relaxation. Neutrals provide balance and versatility, giving a sense of comfort and familiarity. Even subtle variations can shift how a room feels, making colour choice an important part of both design and wellbeing.
We noticed recently while browsing the web that many websites and home improvement pages from YouTube to Instagram were posting blogs about how to decorate with blue.
Curious, we started searching and our investigation revealed that in the northern hemisphere, Dulux announced its 2026 colours and, you guessed it, they’re shades of blue.
That mystery solved, we compared it with what Dulux is forecasting for Australia ‒ but first, let’s talk about the blues.
Northern hemisphere Dulux colours: Rhythm of Blues
Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2026 in the northern hemisphere is a family of blues called Rhythm of Blues.
The three hero tones are:
- Free Groove: vibrant and expressive, a strong punch of colour.
- Slow Swing: deep, rich navy; grounding and dramatic.
- Mellow Flow: soft, powdery blue with grey undertones; calm and serene.
These tones reflect a shift away from warm terracottas and pinks back towards cooler colours.
Blues are being used not only in coastal homes but also in modern, traditional and minimalist settings. Across social media, this has taken off: reels, posts and boards now show deep-blue feature walls, navy cabinetry and pale blue accents for calm bedrooms.
These shades provide depth and mood and they photograph well in the softer, greyer light of Europe and North America. However, we don’t believe those particular blues work well in our harsher Australian light – and the Dulux Australia designers agree.
Dulux Australia’s 2026 colour forecast: Ethereal, Elemental, Evoke
For 2026, Dulux Australia has introduced colour palettes that reflect the need for harmony, resilience and creativity in our homes. The ranges include grounding natural tones, uplifting pastels and deep, moody shades that add sophistication. If you’ve been paying attention through the pandemic and beyond, you’ll notice that greens that reflect our Australian natural environment still feature prominently.
Together these palettes encourage Australians to design interiors that nurture, inspire and reflect a balance between modern life and restorative spaces.
- Ethereal comprises soft greens, mauves, blush pinks and delicate pastels. As the name suggests, this is a dreamy, calming set of shades.
- Elemental uses warm neutrals, sandy creams, charcoals and golden browns inspired by natural materials such as stone, bronze and timber.
- Evoke gives us rich, nostalgic colours – burnt oranges, deep rose, golden ochres – layered with character and warmth.
These palettes reflect the Australian desire for calm, connection and grounding, designed to work with our natural light, lifestyle and architecture.
Why Dulux Australia’s palettes work better here
Here are a few reasons why Dulux’s Australian colours make sense:
Stronger sunlight
Bold blues can look harsh or clinical under our sun. Softer pastels and warmer neutrals help soften glare. Our rooms experience golden mornings, harsh midday sun and warm evenings. Muted neutrals adjust more gracefully across the day.
Local materials
Timber floors, stone benchtops and open-plan living spaces suit earthy tones and muted pastels.
Heat and cooling
Light neutrals help keep interiors cool. Darker colours, while striking, can absorb heat and feel heavy.
Resale and photography
Homes styled in warm, neutral tones photograph better and appeal to a broader buyer base. The Australian palettes feel so natural here in The Hills: they pair well with our light, our architectural style and buyer expectations.
Why colour matters for homeowners and sellers
Colour isn’t just about style; it affects mood, perception and value. Warm neutrals and pastels are restorative, while bold accents energise. Light colours make rooms look bigger and brighter; keep in mind, online listings rely on photos. Neutral walls and soft accents show best across devices. Strong colours can feel personal, limiting a home’s appeal. Balanced neutrals invite more buyers to picture themselves living there.
Use whatever colour palette you love in your home but think about if or when you decide to sell. A repaint in a modern, neutral palette is one of the simplest, highest-value updates before selling.
The bottom line for The Hills
If you love blue, you can still embrace it. You’ll find plenty of online advice on how, including our article on how to achieve Hamptons style in your home. We suggest you use blue carefully as an accent rather than across entire rooms. Here in the Hills Shire, Australia’s Dulux palettes of Ethereal, Elemental and Evoke are better suited for whole-home schemes. They work beautifully with our natural light, local materials and lifestyle ‒ and they’ll make your home more appealing to buyers when the time comes to sell.
Thinking of selling or need selling advice in The Hills?
We have buyers looking for homes in The Hills, Beaumont Hills, Box Hill, Kellyville, North Kellyville and Tallawong. As established real estate agents, we’re here to help. Get in touch today by calling us on 02 8883 0777.
