See: Paint ideas for every room – how to choose the best paint colors every time Dulux (opens in new tab)and its paint mixing service have been a long-standing middle-class decorating secret. Offering premium paint shades, that are hard-wearing, without the price tag. However, with the help of the new Heritage range which launches in March, Dulux is hoping to burst out of the budget box. Thanks to a vast array of stunning shades that promise an opulent velvet matt finish. ‘With the Heritage range, we have combined the finest colors from important periods of decorating history with the most stylish contemporary hues to create a truly gorgeous collection that adds beauty and luxury to every kind of home,’ explains Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, who has been instrumental in the curation of the Heritage range. The range includes 112 different paint shades from pale duck egg to deep aubergine, all in a variety of tones. The names of the shades take inspiration from British design and locations such as Chiltern White, Golden Ivory, Potters Pink, and Raven’s flight. However, while the collection has one eye on the past, the other seems to be set very firmly on the future. ‘It’s also unashamedly modern in design when it comes to the paint itself,’ adds Marianne. ‘The rich, creamy formulation is easy to apply and dries to a premium matt finish which is tough enough to deal with everything real life throws at it.’ Like with all Dulux paints, the range promises to be fit for purpose in a modern family home. The brand claims it is easy to use and offers the same long-lasting wear that has made it one of the UK’s favourite paint brands. Apparently, this is one paint that you shouldn’t be afraid to touch once it is in on the walls. In fact, Marianne encourages customers to feel the incredible finish once it has dried. ‘The pure delight lies in how it feels to the touch,’ she says. ‘ Soft and smooth like silk velvet. Now that is the kind of luxury every wall deserves. Who wouldn’t want to drape themselves and their walls in the finest velvet?’ See: Easy paint ideas – clever ways to decorate your home with color The range is made up of the unique ‘Velvet Matt’ finish paint for walls and ceilings, Eggshell for decorating wood and metal, and a premium undercoat. It has been developed with the aid of professional decorators. That means you hopefully won’t need to worry about your decorator grumbling when you present your chosen paint. The Dulux Heritage range will be available from Homebase stores nationwide and other leading decorators’ merchants. It’s up to you whether you keep it a secret.