Scamper and Scoot, left, and Bounce and Hop in your Elemental-The Remarkables lounge Dulux NZ 2026

Dulux NZ 2026 Colour Forecast: Ethereal & Elemental Palettes

We’re looking at the Dulux NZ 2026 Colour Forecast as Southland New Zealand daylight hours wane. The slow down helps us savour the last golden light as we prepare our homes and hearts for the quieter, more reflective rhythm of winter ahead. (Though I know some of you lucky ones are already dreaming of crisp mornings on the Queenstown ski fields!)
 
I get a real lift looking at the new Dulux NZ palettes. Especially meaningful is how hopeful and nurturing they feel — perfectly timed for creating cosy, peaceful spaces as the days grow shorter.

Grounded colour tones for Kiwi homes

 
Dulux NZ has given us three thoughtful palettes this year: Ethereal, Elemental, and Evoke. Today I want to focus on the first two — the ones that speak most warmly to that calm, grounded feeling many of us are craving as we ease further into autumn.

Ethereal offers pure dreamy escapism.

Bounce and Hop, top, and Gambol and Flit in an Ethereal-Wainui Beach relaxation spot -Dulux NZ 2026
Bounce and Hop, top, and Gambol and Flit in a Wainui Beach relaxation spot.
Ethereal‘s soft blush pinks, gentle mauves, and uplifting greens create a whimsical yet restorative mood — like soft morning light or the last blush of my roses and petunias in quiet autumnal bloom in the short er, cooler days. These hues feel joyful and serene, perfect for rooms where your spirit can breathe and lift, even as the weather turns.

Elemental wraps you in warmth and stability

Frolic and Romp, left, and Tango and Twist with your family in your-Elemental Tikitiki spaces. Dulux NZ 2026
Frolic and Romp, left, and Tango and Twist with your family in your Elemental Tikitiki spaces.
Warm whites, rich caramels, deep chocolates, burnished reds, and layered greys bring a sense of quiet strength and comfort. These are the colours of earth and home — honest, reassuring, and deeply nurturing. They remind me of the expansive shores of Oreti Beach (our Invercargill beach) scattered with driftwood, and framed by tall tussock dunes — resilient, grounded, and full of understated beauty.

Scamper and Scoot, left, and Revel and Rejoice in an Ethereal -Different Pink quiet place-Dulux NZ 2026
Scamper and Scoot, left, and Revel and Rejoice in your Ethereal Different Pink quiet place.

Moving On, the grounded colour dance


What delights me most is how my own colourful abstract paintings seem to dance with these palettes.The newly framed pieces from my Moving On collection, finished in fresh white moulding, feel especially alive and optimistic against both Ethereal and Elemental. The crisp white frames keep everything light and breathing. Therefore, allowing the joyful marks and flowing colours to add that extra spark of movement and hope. It’s exactly what “Moving On” means to me — stepping forward with lightness and possibility, even as the season gently slows us down.
There’s something truly magical about seeing these pieces sitting confidently against these grounded, nurturing wall colours. The white moulding creates a clean, elegant edge that lets the energy inside each painting shine through beautifully.
(And yes, my smaller pink-framed Pink Chatter pieces still add their own cheerful conversation against the softer ethereal blush tones!)

Colour choices for the Southland way of life

I feel these palettes speak straight to our Southland of life — valuing time with family and friends, finding joy in simple moments, and creating homes that nurture us and those we love.  And, preparing for the quieter winter months gathered closer to the wood-burner. Indeed, these Dulux NZ 2025 palettes remind me to hold onto hope, gratitude, and the beauty of moving forward — one joyful brushstroke at a time.

Which is your favourite?

Which of the Dulux colour choices to you most right now — the dreamy softness of Ethereal or the warm embrace of Elemental? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
And if you have a favourite wall that’s whispering for a refresh as autumn settles in, I’d be so happy to help you imagine how one of my Moving On pieces might feel there. Just send me a photo by clicking here so that I can send you a mock-up.

Back in the studio


I’m currently rebuilding parts of my website with Shopify to make it easier for friends around the world to purchase directly from me. The beautifully framed Moving On and Hurly Burly pieces will be available to bring home soon — I can’t wait to share them with you properly.
More colourful adventures are ahead. Next we’ll explore how my work plays with the rich elegance of Benjamin Moore’s 2026 choice from the US.
It’s shaping up to be a joyful, inspiring month! Indeed, I treasure this upcoming season, in part because I will share some precious downtime with Bill before our special 25th anniversary cruise on Doubtful Sound.
With joy, and gratitude
Beverly

Hustle and Hum in your Elemental - Boulder Beach Reception space Dulux NZ 2026
Hustle and Hum in your Elemental Boulder Beach Reception space.

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