Hello and welcome to Interiors by Style! I’m Bozica, a qualified interior designer and colour specialist, and today I’m reviewing one of the most popular grey paints from Dulux: Tranquil Retreat. This is a soft and sophisticated colour that works beautifully across different areas of the home — both internally and externally.

Whether you’re planning a renovation or choosing colours for a new build, this review will help you understand how to use Tranquil Retreat the right way.

What Is the Undertone of Tranquil Retreat?

Dulux Tranquil Retreat is a grey with a blue undertone — calm, cool, and versatile. To clearly see its undertone, compare it to Dulux Vivid White, which is a pure white with no undertone. This is an essential step when working with neutrals: always compare with pure white to accurately see what undertone is present.

What Is the LRV of Tranquil Retreat?

Tranquil Retreat has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 59, which means it has depth and moodiness but still reflects enough light to feel soft and not heavy.

• Too deep for open-plan living areas

• Perfect for bedrooms, home offices, and living rooms

• Ideal for cabinetry and exteriors

Where to Use Tranquil Retreat Indoors

This colour is excellent for:

• Bedrooms – pair with Lexicon Quarter on skirtings, architraves, and ceilings for a fresh contrast

• Feature walls – ideal for creating a cosy, contemporary space

• Kitchens – works beautifully with cool-toned marble or stone, especially with blue or grey veining

• Two-tone cabinetry – Tranquil Retreat on lower cabinets, white on top

Tranquil Retreat Colour Pairings for Interiors

For a cohesive interior scheme, pair Tranquil Retreat with:

• Lexicon Quarter or Lexicon (cool whites with blue undertone)

• Cool white marble or stone with blue/grey veining

• Matte black or brushed nickel finishes

• Soft furnishings in navy, charcoal, or muted blue-greys

Using Tranquil Retreat on Exteriors

This colour is a top choice for Australian homes. It:

• Looks 2–3 shades lighter outside due to natural light

• Hides dirt well

• Ages beautifully over time

✅ Perfect for weatherboard and rendered homes

Exterior Pairing Suggestions:

• Windows: White (timeless and versatile both inside and out)

• Downpipes: Must match! Use Colorbond Shale Grey — also has a blue undertone

• Roof: White Colorbond or Surfmist for a clean contrast

• Gutters & fascia: Match to Tranquil Retreat or keep white for a layered effect

Tips When Using Tranquil Retreat

• Always test in A4 size, never small chips

• Compare next to Vivid White to confirm the undertone

• Test outside in different light before committing

• Stick to a maximum of 2–3 exterior colours to avoid clashing tones

• Make sure your downpipes are in the same undertone as your wall colour!

Final Thoughts

Dulux Tranquil Retreat is a stunning grey with a cool blue undertone that works across modern, coastal, and classic home styles. It’s elegant, timeless, and incredibly flexible — especially when you pair it with the right whites, stones, and fixed elements.

It’s perfect for homeowners who want a neutral base with character, without going too dark or too plain. If you’re considering this colour, be sure to test it properly and think about the other undertones in your space — especially flooring, stone, and windows.

If you have questions or need help testing colours, feel free to leave a comment — I’m always happy to help!

🎁 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.