How to Paint a Colour Flow Wall with Dulux Colour of the Year 2024

The Dulux Colour of the Year 2024, Sweet Embrace^TM, is a versatile colour that can be used on its own or as the foundation for other colour combinations. Think of it as the perfect springboard for your creativity, especially if you’re keen to try different paint effects, such as a striking colour flow feature wall.

Put simply, it’s subtle gradients of colours that blend effortlessly from one to another. It’s also sometimes called an ombre wall. A colour flow feature wall is a great way to use different colour paint in one room. You can do it freehand in 6 simple steps (see below) and be left with a cool, contemporary, and eye-catching look.

Want to give it a go? Here’s how to use our Colour of the Year 2024, plus two other shades from the uplifting colour story, to create your own subtle feature wall.

• Tin of each of your chosen paint colours
• Paint stirrers
• x3 small rollers and tray
• x3 medium-size, wide paint brushes with synthetic fibres
• x1 small paint brush (optional)
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Scissors
• String
• Chalk
• Masking tape
• Paint tin opener
• Gloves

Using a tape measure and a pencil, mark the halfway point on the wall.

Cut a long length of string and, using masking tape, stick either end to the edge of the wall at the height of your pencil mark. Cover the string with chalk and ping it against the wall to make a horizontal chalk guideline. 

Using a roller, paint the top half of the wall in the Dulux Colour of the Year, Sweet Embrace^TM.

While the first colour is still wet, apply a wide band of the second colour underneath. Here, we used a soft ochre from the Uplifting Dulux Colour of the Year palette to complement Sweet Embrace^TM.

While both colours are still wet, use a criss-cross motion to blend the colours together. You’ll need to work quickly with two brushes, blending upwards and downwards simultaneously for a smooth effect.

Blend upwards with one hand, lightly brushing the bottom colour into the top section. Blend downwards with the other hand, lightly brushing the top colour into the section underneath.

Top tip: It’s a good idea to practice this technique on paper or cardboard before you start painting, so that you can feel confident about blending smoothly before attempting it on the wall.

Using a roller, paint the bottom section of the wall in your third colour up to the painted section, and repeat the blending steps above where the second and third colours meet. Use a soft brush to feather the edges.

That’s it! Now step back and take in your stunning colour flow feature wall.

Find more Sweet Embrace^TM colour ideas and wall painting tips for a do-it-all space, here.