Sitchu

Looking for more home design inspiration? For styling tips, interior design trends and roundups of the hottest new furniture on the market, visit sitchu.com.au/home-design Colour-drenched interiors might be having a moment, but neutrals aren’t going anywhere. According to design experts Three Birds Renovations, who recently partnered with Dulux to share their go-to renovating advice, the shift isn’t away from neutrals but towards warmer, more layered palettes that are far easier to live with. What’s fallen out of favour is that stark, gallery-like look. In its place are softer whites, creamy tones and subtle warmth. These shades respond to natural light in a much gentler way, creating spaces that feel calm, cohesive and genuinely liveable without losing polish. The Shift Towards Warmth Cool whites and flat greys are giving way to warmer neutrals like Dulux Antique White U.S.A.® and Dulux Natural White™, bringing softness without sacrificing versatility. “We’ve found ourselves leaning into softer, warmer and more layered neutrals that add depth and soul to a space,” say Three Birds. They also sit comfortably alongside natural materials such as timber, stone and linen, which helps everything feel more connected and considered. Why Undertones Matter Neutrals might seem straightforward, but they’re anything but. A slight shift in undertone can completely change how a space lands. “Undertones are everything. A tiny shift from warmer or cooler tones can completely change how a space feels — especially once natural light gets involved,” say Three Birds. It’s why a colour that looks right on a swatch can feel off once it’s on your walls. Testing in your own space, at different times of day, is well worth the extra effort. Designing With Your Materials Paint should be considered alongside the materials already in your home. “We always look at the bigger picture. Timbers, stone, tiles and metals all play a part in how a colour looks, so your neutrals need to work with them, not against them,” the team explains. A warmer white can lift timber tones, while a crisper option like Dulux Lexicon® Quarter adds contrast where needed. What matters is how everything sits together, rather than focusing on a single shade in isolation. The New Neutrals to Know Neutrals are expanding beyond beige, cream and grey, with softer, nature-led tones coming through. Muted greens like Dulux Still, earthy clay tones like Dulux Terra Rosa bring sophisticated personality without overwhelming a space. They add depth while still feeling grounded. “Our top priority when designing homes is that they feel as good as they look, and these are the colours we keep coming back to,” say Three Birds. “Calm, nurturing shades that are a pleasure to live with.” Building a Cohesive Space A neutral palette comes together through consistency. Colours should flow naturally between rooms, responding to light, materials and furniture. “There are no hard rules for which colour suits which style, just thoughtful choices that work together to tell one cohesive story,” say Three Birds. That’s where neutrals really prove their value. They create a foundation that’s easy to live with and simple to evolve over time. SITCHU MAGAZINE Sitchu Picks 1. Few & Far Alfie Single Seater Chair, $3,495. 2. Beacon Astrid 1 Light Scalloped Table Lamp, $199. 3. Orion Linen Cushion - Natural/ Chocolate, $139.95. 4. Freedom Saidee Throw, $99.95. 5. Coco Republic Jonah Vase, $395. 6. RJ Living Twist Stone Vase Small - Red Burgundy Marble, $269. 7. McMullin Felix Floor Lamp, $1,299. 8. Few & Far Loren Sofa, $4,896.50. 9. Cooper & Co Poppy MgO Side Table Rose Tea, $229. Craving a neutral reset? Embrace softness and warmth with these chic home finds. 07 6. 9. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 2.

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