5/4/24

Dulux Lexicon: The Ultimate Cool White with Blue Undertone for Modern Interiors & Exteriors

Welcome back to Interiors by Style! I’m Bozica, a qualified interior designer and colour specialist. Today’s colour review is all about one of the most popular Dulux whitesLexicon. Known for its cool blue undertone and fresh, crisp finish, Lexicon is a designer favourite, perfect for both contemporary interiors and coastal exteriors.

Whether you’re working on a new build, refreshing a bedroom, or selecting kitchen cabinetry, Lexicon can bring a modern, timeless look to your space — if you use it right.

What Is the Undertone of Dulux Lexicon?

Lexicon is a cool white with a blue undertone. To see its undertone clearly, compare it to Dulux Vivid White, which has no undertones. When natural light hits a Lexicon-painted wall, the coolness becomes more noticeable, especially in rooms with lots of windows or east/north-facing exposure.

This blue undertone makes Lexicon a great match for grey and taupe tones that also lean cool — like greys with blue or violet undertones, or taupes with a pink undertone.

What Is the LRV of Dulux Lexicon?

Lexicon has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 84, making it a bright white. While it reflects a lot of light, in low-light rooms (like north-facing) it may not brighten the room as much as expected. But don’t let that stop you — just layer with artificial lighting, accessories, and soft furnishings for balance and warmth.

Best Rooms to Use Lexicon

  • Bedrooms with grey-blue carpet or furniture

  • Living rooms for a crisp, modern feel

  • Kitchens with cool-toned marble or stone benchtops

  • Bathrooms with white tiles or cool-toned vanities

  • Trim and ceilings in homes with darker, cooler wall colours

Pair it with Lexicon Quarter or Vivid White for your architraves, skirtings, and doors to create a subtle but sophisticated contrast.

Interior Colour Pairings

If you're working with cool grey tones, Lexicon is a fantastic backdrop. Here are my go-to Dulux pairings:

  • Terrace White – a soft grey with blue undertone

  • Madigan – mid-tone grey-blue for depth on all walls or upholstery

  • Capital Grey – deeper grey-blue for feature bedrooms or cabinetry

These colours create a cohesive palette for open-plan living, where each room flows into the next. Repeating tones from walls to furniture and soft furnishings is key for balance.

Lexicon in Kitchens

Lexicon works beautifully in kitchens, especially when paired with:

  • Cool white or marble stone with subtle veining

  • Two-tone cabinetry – use Lexicon for upper or lower cabinets

  • Modern profiles and matte black or brushed nickel hardware

Always test against your stone and splashback first to ensure undertones match. The goal is to let the Lexicon enhance your fixed elements, not fight them.

Can You Use Lexicon Outside?

Yes, but with caution. While stunning, white exterior walls are hard to maintain. Dust, wind, and grime show up quickly, making white-on-white façades high maintenance.

Instead, use Lexicon as a trim colour:

  • On weatherboard trims, window frames, eaves, and garage doors

  • Pair with a main render colour that has a grey-blue undertone

  • Matches beautifully with Colorbond Surfmist or Shale Grey

Lexicon adds a crisp contrast without being too stark or too warm. It also looks fresh for longer when used in smaller doses.

Styling Tip: Repeat the Undertone

When using Lexicon:

  • Match flooring or large surfaces to its coolness — avoid warm-toned floors

  • Repeat the blue undertone in rugs, cushions, curtains, or artwork

  • Stick to two undertones max in one space for a cohesive look

Final Thoughts

Dulux Lexicon is the perfect cool white for homeowners who love minimalist, contemporary, or coastal style. It pairs effortlessly with greys, blue-toned marbles, modern lighting, and sleek finishes.

Whether you're refreshing one room or designing a whole home, Lexicon offers versatility, brightness, and elegance — just make sure your fixed elements align with its cool undertone.

If you’ve used Lexicon before or plan to, let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear how it’s worked for you.

🎁 Free Downloads to Help You Choose the Right White

Still unsure? Before you even pick up a brush, make sure you actually understand how to choose white paint and neutrals for your home. I’ve created two free downloads that will walk you through:

📌 Read This Before You Renovate or Build
📌 Understand the 4 Types of White + How to Choose the Right One for Your Home

They’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and feel more confident in your decision-making.

🎓 Want Step-by-Step Colour Selection Help?

If you're ready to learn how to choose white paint, test undertones, and create a full neutral colour scheme for your home, then join my online course. It's designed for homeowners who want to get it right the first time—without needing a designer.

👉 Check out the course here
It’s packed with visual guides, video tutorials, and includes access to a private Facebook group where you can ask me questions directly.

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