Finalists for the 2025 Dulux Colour Awards have been announced, with some of Australia’s most high profile bar openings of the last 12 months recognised for their creative and innovative use of colour in design.
Now in its 39th year, the annual awards program selected 89 projects from almost 500 entries across New Zealand and Australia, with several bars highlighted in the Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality category.
In New South Wales, both Liquid & Larder’s hotel lobby bar Bar Julius and House Made Hospitality’s Southeast Asian diner Island Radio were recognised for the sophistication and ambition demonstrated in their chosen colour palettes.
Both venues opened less than six months ago in Redfern’s huge new hospitality precinct, Wunderlich Lane, which features highly curated bars, restaurants and retail stores. The precinct’s accommodation offering, The Eve Hotel, which houses Bar Julius, was also named a finalist.
Located in Currumbin, Gold Coast, Burly Bar was also named among a short list of Queensland finalists, boasting rich colours and a warm, luxurious ambience.
While each of the Australian bars shortlisted as finalists predominantly feature a warm colour palette, New Zealand finalist Quinn Bar goes against the grain. Located in Auckland, the cocktail bar shifts from warm hues into electric blue tones.
Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager, says: “We should no longer be surprised by the ingenuity we see in this awards program. Year after year, we are presented with an extraordinary array of exceptional colour use that exemplifies the pivotal role colour plays in spatial understanding, placemaking and mood setting.”
Take a look at the finalists below:
Quinn Bar, Auckland. Photography: Jono Parker. 
Quinn Bar, Auckland. Photography: Jono Parker. 
Island Radio, Redfern. Photography: Steven Woodburn. 
Island Radio, Redfern. Photography: Steven Woodburn. 
Bar Julius, Redfern. Photography: Anson Smart. 
Bar Julius, Redfern. Photography: Anson Smart. 
Bar Julius, Redfern. Photography: Anson Smart. 
The Eve Hotel, Redfern. Photography: Anson Smart. 
Burly Bar, Currumbin. Photography: Jessie Prince. 
Burly Bar, Currumbin. Photography: Jessie Prince.
Noting some of the key trends observed across the categories this year, Luceana-Orr said coloured ceilings and distinctive wall treatments were prominent, with coloured lighting also being used to enhance the impact of paint palettes.
“The judges remarked upon the strength of colour-blocking interior surfaces, as well as the bold use of murals in retail and studio environments.
“Colour washing across all elements has been employed as a design device, and we have also seen sunny yellow with primary contrasts, and strong terracottas and reds in the mix,” Luceana-Orr added.
The winners of the Dulux Colour Awards will be announced at an exclusive event held at the National Gallery of Victoria on Wednesday 28 May.