As New Zealand Fashion Week dazzles with bold palettes and playful textures, interiors are taking their own turn on the catwalk. The message is clear: colour has power, not just to decorate but to heal, soothe and uplift.
This year’s interior forecast reflects our collective need for calm and comfort in an unsettled world. Expect palettes that offer warmth, positivity and a sense of sanctuary.
“New Zealanders are feeling digitally overwhelmed. There’s a strong shift towards emotional reconnection – with ourselves, with others, and with nature. This translates into a need for warm, calming interiors that encourage reflection and joy,” says Davina Harper, Dulux Colour Specialist
Among the standout shades for 2025 are those that bring softness and serenity. Think the playful blush of Dulux Snowdon Forest, a dusky pink that feels both romantic and grounding, or kaboodle’s Juniper, a misty blue brushed with subtle grey undertones. Together, these hues create a sense of quiet stillness, perfect for bedrooms, reading nooks, or open-plan living spaces where we long to exhale.
For those leaning toward a more pared-back aesthetic, tonal whites and warm neutrals are on the rise. Dulux Duachevelle, with its gentle warmth, and kaboodle’s Canellini, a creamy soft neutral, act as versatile foundations. These hues anchor a space with timeless appeal and are the perfect base to layer with texture, linen, rattan, stone, or timber, for a naturally elegant finish.
While calm is key, 2025 also makes room for moments of richness and drama. Accent shades like Dulux Herald Island, a deep blue-green, or kaboodle’s Truffle Oak, a sumptuous timber finish, add a contemporary edge when paired with lighter bases. These deeper tones introduce contrast and sophistication, elevating interiors beyond minimalism to something layered and enduring.
Green remains a cornerstone of the forecast, its ties to nature speaking to our collective desire for reconnection. Muted, earthy greens like Dulux Mt Stevens or kaboodle’s Saltbush bring understated luxury to kitchens, bathrooms and living zones. Their versatility allows them to feel bold yet grounding, instantly harmonising with natural light and organic materials.
John Harrison, Marketing Manager at kaboodle kitchen, notes that colour is playing a bigger role than ever in how we feel at home.
“The colours we live with shape how we feel,” he says. “The colours we’re seeing are inspired by earth, clay, stone and moss, which invites mindfulness and presence. It helps make home a place to reset.”
kaboodle’s new Trends Range embodies this philosophy, reflecting a growing demand for kitchens and interiors that prioritise wellbeing. By embracing colours tied to natural elements, the range brings warmth and tactility into the heart of the home.
The overarching forecast suggests that New Zealanders will gravitate towards palettes rich in warmth, texture and natural character. From grounding neutrals to earthy greens, from gentle blushes to deep berry and caramel accents, the possibilities are endless.