Neutral paint colours

From creamy latte to soft, cosy grey, classic neutral paint colours originate from a palette of black and white with warm and cool pigments. But finding the right neutral for your home can be tricky. Light heavily influences the colour you choose to paint a room. Here, Louise Hilsz shares the popular neutrals and how to get a shade to suit any room.

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Creamy Lattes

These warm, neutral paint colours offer a comforting yet refreshing ambience like our favourite coffee beverage. Perfect for large gathering spaces, these hues can transform your living room into a cosy and energising retreat. Sometimes, selecting the ideal living room colour palette, like crafting the perfect latte, requires a personalised approach.

Resene Cameo and Resene Sour Dough paint available from Resene ColorShops. Coco Republic Alpine Coffee table, $5245. Mocka Felix Sherpa chair, $440.

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Choosing neutrals for south-facing rooms

South-facing rooms are generally the easiest to decorate because they are flooded with intense, clear light throughout the day. However, the intensity of the light will amplify warm undertones, so choosing a neutral with hints of blue or green will balance and cool the light and create a relaxed sanctuary.

Black and White

Neutral paint colours aren't typically associated with boldness. However, you can create a striking and impactful design using high-contrast hues. A modern black-and-white colour scheme is an excellent example of this approach. Consider using it in a bathroom with black and white tiles or a hallway to achieve a clean and uniform look.

Resene All Black paint and Resene Alabaster paint available from Resene ColorShops. Waterware Standard Height Basin Mixer Antique Copper, $312. Kip & Co Black & White Pebbles Turkish Hand Towel, $57.

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Choosing neutrals for north-facing rooms

When a room is north-facing, the light is often cold, so neutrals with green, grey, or blue tones can make it appear dingy. To give the room warmth, choose a warm neutral with undertones of red, yellow, or pink instead. Or you can embrace that gloom and use a deep, dark grey or taupe to create a cosy hideaway.

Romantic Neutrals

Don't underestimate the power of pink. A subtle blush shade can breathe new life into an old space. Add simple touches like a coffee table, flowers, or a single throw or pillow to infuse the room with a delicate dose of colour. This warm tone blends seamlessly with most other neutrals.

Resene Bambina paint and Resene Urbane paint available from Resene ColorShops. es+ilo Arch Calacatta Bookend, $293. IDO Newport Fabric Arm Chair Brown, $1150.

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Choosing neutrals for east- & west-facing rooms

East-facing rooms get warm morning light and become dim in the afternoon and evening. In west-facing rooms, the light gets warmer as the day goes on. Consider when you use the room, and choose a bright neutral to highlight that changing light.

cosy greys

Like most neutral paint colours, no two greys are the same. This hue comes in various intensities and nuances that can add a designer-like touch to any décor. Choosing the right shade is a matter of personal preference. First, consider the natural light for your space: airy, earthbound, or dramatic. Then, select a grey shade that aligns with this intention.

Resene Shuttle Grey paint and Resene Silver Aluminium paint available from Resene ColorShops. Weave Home Como cushion, $99. Klippan NZ Lambswool Throw, $275.

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New Neutrals

While neutrals are often associated with whites, browns, and greys, a touch of colour can elevate them. When paired with classic neutrals like bright white, cream, or light grey, soft hues like sage green or chalky yellow can create a harmonious and stylish palette.

Resene Rice Paper paint and Resene Mellow Yellow paint available from Resene ColorShops. Early Settler Rochelle Lever Basin Set PVD, $549. Mood Benne Fruit Bowl, $146.