Pigment NZ

21/08/2026

This morning I attended the release of the 2027 Dulux Colour Forecast and as someone who works with colour every day, it’s exactly the type of event I look forward to.

The final palettes are always exciting but what I find most interesting is hearing about the journey, the 12 months prior to release. The research, the stories, the travel, the process of distilling international trends into something that actually makes sense for how we live here.

Trends can feel bold or out of reach in theory. These three palettes are different. They’re considered in a way that translates to NZ homes and NZ life.

Would love to know what you think when they’re released later this month.

👏 Davina Harper Dulux New Zealand

NB: the song doesn’t quite match the feeling in the room!

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19/08/2026

Lots of our clients struggle with bedrooms that feel too dark. Seeking a space of serenity, the obvious approach is painting it lighter or in a very soft blue or green.

In reality, most light colours end up looking flat and washed out. Instead, ask yourself: when do you actually use the room? If it’s at night, to relax and unwind before sleep, you’re probably not after a light, bright space.

Embrace the lack of natural light. Step the colour up one or two shades darker than you’d instinctively reach for. It’s the depth and a stronger undertone that create the sense of serenity — not the paleness. Earthy tones work just as beautifully as your traditional blues and greens.

Scroll across for some deeper inspiration 👉



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Image credit:
3. House & Garden Magazine
7. Flack Studio
All others. Pinterest

03/08/2026

Choosing paint colour isn’t just about finding a colour you like.

When I’m working on a home, I’m looking at how the light behaves, the undertones within exisiting materials, the way spaces connect and the overall feeling the clients want to create.

It’s the relationship between these elements that determine whether a scheme feels cohesive or slightly off.

It’s the part of the process clients don’t always see but it’s very much where the thinking happens.

Save this for when you’re ready to start choosing colours.



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Image 2. notooSTUDIO
All other images. Spaces recently captured by Amie White.

28/07/2026

Frame your whole room by painting your skirting boards, door frames and doors in a deeper colour.

Traditionally trims are kept the same as the walls or white for a stronger contrast but a neutral wall with a brighter hue can look really striking. Or go the other way with an organic neutral trim for an earthy, grounded feel.

It’s a perfect approach if you’ve moved into a home and don’t want a full repaint but a freshen up that makes the space feel like yours. And if you’ve got paint left over from another room, this is a great way to use it intentionally.



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Image credit
1,3. Lera Brumina
4. The Design Files
All other images via Pinterest

24/06/2026

3 days, 450 exhibitors across 8 design districts in a city that generates style effortlessly.

What I didn’t expect was how much work colour was doing.

Over on the Pigment blog, what I saw, what stopped me and what it means for the homes we live in here.

28/05/2026

The funny thing about being a colour specialist is that clients get in touch when things feel hardest. Mid-renovation, when decisions are stacking up, when nothing is quite landing.

By the time it all comes together, they’ve moved on. Which means this is usually what I’m working with.

Every now and then I’d love to see the after. So if your project is finished and looking as you hoped, tag us a photo 📸

20/05/2026

Saturday morning. Grey Lynn. Eight people around a table, each with a project that isn’t quite resolved.

Two hours later, every one of them leaves knowing exactly what to do next.

That’s what the Colour Direction Workshop looks like in practice. Not a presentation - a working session. Your samples on the table and I’m there to help you make the call.

2 spaces available. $165. DM if you’d like to join.

19/05/2026

18/05/2026

Interior doors are almost always painted white. It’s the safe decision when you’ve reached decision 123569 in a renovation.

But a door is a frame, a punctuation mark between spaces. Paint it the wall colour and it disappears. Paint it with intention and it becomes part of the architecture.

A dark door in a light room. A colour pulled from the room beyond. Saturated and high contrast. One decision, significant results.



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Image credit
1,3,5,6,7 via Pinterest
2.
4.
8.

30/04/2026

Most people don’t need more inspiration.
They need help making decisions.

I see it all the time, plans are done, materials are selected, Pinterest boards are full but the colour direction still isn’t landing.

So, I’m running a small group Colour Direction Workshop.

It’s not a lecture, it’s a working session. You’ll bring your project and I help you move it forward.

If you’ve got plans, materials or a shortlist of colours but can’t quite pull it all together, this is exactly what it’s for.

2 hours
$165 per person
Central Auckland venue

Spaces are limited to 8 people

Book your place via link in bio