2024 Dulux Colour Awards finalists revealed

Eighty-three of 527 entered projects have been selected as finalists of the 38th Dulux Colour Awards.

The program invites architects, designers, specifiers and students from Australia and New Zealand to submit their projects that have demonstrated an innovative use of Dulux paints. The categories include Commercial Interior - Workplace and Retail; Commercial Interior - Public and Hospitality; Commercial and Multi-residential Exterior; Residential Interior; Single Residential Exterior; and Student AU and NZ. In 2024, a new category of Temporary or Installation Design was introduced to the program.

Biophilia and bold, candy-like colours have been hallmarks of the 2024 entries, according to Dulux colour and communications manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr. "It is an uplifting trend that shows a newfound optimism and confidence to try unexpected combinations for surprising and fun spatial impact," she said. "Architects and designers, as well as their clients, seem to have shaken off the gloom of the lockdown years and are expressing a profound sense of freedom through paint colours that epitomise playfulness and joy."

The jury comprises founder of Carter Williamson, Shaun Carter; co-founder of Wowowa Architecture, Monique Woodward; director of Pac Studio, Sarosh Mulla; founder of Studio Prineas, Eva-Marie Prineas; and co-founder and director of Technē Architecture and Interior Design, Nick Travers.

The awards will be announced on 29 May at Sydney Opera House Bennelong.

On the shortlist are:

Berry Hair Salon - Studio Co and Co