Real design education extends beyond the classroom into industry conversations, client collaboration, and work recognised on some of Australia’s most prestigious stages. That’s why the Dulux Colour Awards matter to us, and why we’re proud to see Sydney Design School students named as finalists year after year.

What Are the Dulux Colour Awards?

Now in their 40th year, the Dulux Colour Awards are widely regarded as the leading program recognising innovative use of colour across the built environment in Australia and New Zealand. They champion colour as a discipline in architecture, interiors, and public spaces, and their student category connects emerging designers with the broader industry.

Dulux’s Role in Shaping the Industry

Dulux is far more than a paint company. Through initiatives like the Colour Awards, annual Colour Forecast, CPD programs and Commercial Colour Design Service, it has been instrumental in fostering a design culture that takes colour seriously.

For Interior Designers, colour specification is one of the most powerful and nuanced skills they develop and for 40 years, Dulux has created platforms that celebrate and advance that expertise.

Harley Wallace Dulux Colour Awards Finalist 2026

We’re proud to announce that Sydney Design School graduate of the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design Harley Wallace was announced as a finalist in the student category at the 2026 Dulux Colour Awards.

Selected from entries submitted by students at universities and higher education institutions across Australia and New Zealand this is an outstanding achievement recognising the calibre of our design education.

Harley’s café concept combined sustainability with a palette that was both joyful and intentional. Colour wasn’t applied for decoration but used strategically to shape the atmosphere and experience of the space which is exactly what expert colour specification looks like in practice.

Photo, at top: Harley Wallace (right) with Sydney Design School Founder and Director, Amanda Grace, at the 2026 Dulux Colour Awards.

Why is colour important in interiors?

Colour does far more than make a space look good, it shapes how we feel, how we behave, and how we experience a space. It’s a powerful design tool that can energise or calm, expand or enclose, connect elements or create contrast. Used well, colour brings clarity, personality, and purpose to a design.

Colour can express an individual’s personality in the home or reinforce a company’s brand identity and shape the experience for customers. A confident and considered use of colour is often what elevates a good interior into a memorable one.

We shape colour-confident professionals

Sydney Design School shares Dulux’s commitment to championing colour in design and colour excellence. By exploring colour theory, psychology and specification, our students build foundational skills they carry from their studies into their professional careers.

We offer specialised colour courses through our partner school, Interior Design Online that are designed to deepen expertise and build confidence in specifying colour and finishes for residential interiors, exteriors and commercial applications.

If you’re considering a career in colour consulting or interior design, we’d love to show you what’s possible.

You may also be interested to read:

Thinking About Studying Interior Design? Start with Open Day

Pathway to an interior architecture degree… without an ATAR!