In a world often tumultuous, seeking solace and connection becomes a paramount quest. Enter Sweet Embrace™, Dulux’s embodiment of comfort and belonging, poised to paint our homes with the softest hues of tranquility. Inspired by the gentle touch of feathers and the serene allure of evening clouds, this pastel pink shade promises to cocoon spaces in warmth and welcome. The selection of Sweet Embrace™ as the Colour of the Year stems from a meticulous exploration of global social dynamics, design inclinations, and evolving consumer trends. In an era of uncertainties, a collective yearning to belong prevails. Spaces that evoke calmness while sprinkling everyday moments with joy are what we seek.

Rooted in comprehensive research and endorsed by both in-house color mavens and international design connoisseurs, three pivotal trends emerge to define our living experiences in the impending year. Life’s complexities often push us to reimagine our surroundings, prompting fresh beginnings and contemplation of the road ahead. Dulux’s innovative approach unfolds with three distinct color stories orbiting around Sweet Embrace™, beckoning us to infuse our homes with resilience and an embrace of life’s challenges. Amidst societal flux, the focal point pivots to crafting our personal sanctuaries—nurturing spaces that ground us in cherished memories and intimate relationships. Sweet Embrace™, our beacon of harmony, intertwines effortlessly with its trio of complementary color palettes. Together, they offer a canvas to personalize our environments, aligning them with the pulse of our times. These palettes serve as pillars of stability, sprinkling moments of sheer delight across our dwellings.

As the world undergoes its perpetual metamorphosis, our homes stand as havens—a reflection of our resilience, a sanctuary where personal stories unfurl, and where joy finds its place amidst the ebb and flow of life. Dulux’s Sweet Embrace™ and its symbiotic color narratives invite us to embrace tranquility, weaving a tale of stability and delight into the very fabric of our spaces. “Our Colour of the Year 2024, Sweet Embrace is a delicate, welcoming, and soothing tone that brings a sense of stability and softness to a space. Sweet without being saccharine, it works beautifully as a stand-alone shade, and can also act as a positive foundation for a host of other shades. Working with the colours in our new palettes, offers a wealth of possibilities for our customers to create a space that feels just right for them,”, says Dulux colour expert Palesa Ramaisa. As part of the 2024 ColourFutures™ colour trend report, three decorative paint colour stories have been designed around Sweet Embrace to help consumers choose on-trend and harmonious wall colours that reflect their unique personalities:

A Warm Colour Story (a personal space) 

The warm colour story reminds you of home, a place that feels comfortable and safe, and combines shades of stone, soil and clay. The global earth tones can help create a personal space that’s familiar and embracing – somewhere we can feel snug and find comfort. 

A Calm Colour Story (a simplified space) 

The calm colour story has fluid natural tones which evoke thoughts of nature and the essence of life. Bringing together the soft greens and blues of the woods and sea to create a quiet space where we can clear our minds, feel peaceful, and understand the value of the simpler things. 

An Uplifting Colour story (a friendly space) 

The uplifting colour palette with its modern pastels puts a smile on your face with dreamy lilacs and modern yellows to create a friendly, light-hearted space where we feel energised, joyful, and open to new possibilities. “As we try to redefine our place in the world while searching for meaning, simplicity, and moments of joy, it’s more important than ever to create a space where we feel completely at ease – a place where we belong. This year’s Colour of the Year and its complementary palettes promise to achieve just that with useful ease. We hope it inspires you to transform your home into a beautiful space to reset, refocus, and rediscover your strength,” adds Nathalie Sweeney, Marketing Director for Dulux Paints, Sub Sahara Africa. 

For more information about the Colour of the Year 2024, visit the webpage and follow #CF24 on social media.