The warmth of wood, the lieu of a Mediterranean summer, and the dream of blue skies daily often influence decor trends. Style director Louise Hilsz shares how to bring warmth and subtle vibrancy to any room in your home using Resene paints.
New Zealand’s great outdoors is a constant inspiration for decor trends. From the warmth of wood to the sunny shades of lemon and blue, these trends speak to summer in all its glory. Read on to find inspiration for your next DIY paint project.
Wooden Warmth
Timber is a fantastic choice for outdoor spaces. It's durable, looks great, and can add a cosy touch to your home. Weatherboards stained with Resene Woodsman Cedar Natural Wood Oil Egmont give a rich, versatile, golden hue that goes with almost anything. Try using different shades of wood stain or oil on different parts of your outdoor space for a bit of texture. For example, a side trellis stained with Resene Woodsman Cedar Natural Wood Oil Aorangi would look great with a planter box stained in Resene Woodsman Cedar Natural Wood Oil Mount Aspiring. If you have a concrete patio, freshen it up with a coat of Resene Walk-on in a classic off-white like Resene Merino. This will complement the golden wood tones and help to hide any marks. Consider adding paint effects or a stencilled design for a more creative look. To complete the look, add planters and accessories in neutral colours like Resene White Pointer. These will add interest without overwhelming the space.
Furniture By Design Palma Oak Rattan Dining Chair, $240. Resene White Pointer paint available from Resene ColorShops. Città Harvest Planter, $199. Early Settler Kalise Reclaimed Timber Trestle Dining Bench, $799.
Sophisticated sunburst
Blue and gold are a classic colour combination that can add a touch of elegance and cheerfulness to your home. To keep the look sophisticated, stick to soft, muted shades. Try pairing sky blue Resene French Pass with a turmeric-toned yellow Resene Fuel Yellow on a chair. Add some warmth with deep wood accents stained in Resene Colorwood Bark. To let the colours shine, keep the rest of the room neutral. A floor painted in Resene Dust Storm, with a hint of pink and brown, will help to tie everything together. Accessories in blue and gold can add visual interest without overwhelming the space. By using a limited palette of two or three colours, you can create a simple yet sophisticated look. For added variation, look for areas where natural and artificial light will play differently on your main colours. This can create a subtle, interesting effect without complicating the overall design.
Resene French Pass from Resene ColorShops. Pip Studio Round Mini Vase Yellow, $43. Louis De Poortere Gallery Shapes Duck Song Rug, $1849. Wallace Cotton Manor Large Square Fringed Cushion Cover in Lagoon, $55.
Flawlessly imperfect
Want a cosy, Mediterranean-inspired look for your home? A lime-washed finish on your walls and furniture is a great way to achieve that warm, sunny vibe. Mix Resene FX Paint Effects Medium with lightly yellowed Resene Villa White, then paint it over a base coat of soft gold such as Resene Manuka Honey. This will create a beautiful, imperfect lime-washed effect that's airy and warm. Experiment with application techniques like sponging, rag rolling, or free-form brush strokes to get the perfect look for your space. Keep the rest of the room simple to allow the walls to be the star. A white floor will help to accentuate the feature wall. Add soft, peach, and apricot textiles for a cosy touch. A rattan headboard and accents of bronze, like Resene Brown Sugar, will add some personality without overwhelming the space. This look is all about creating a serene, easy-living atmosphere.
ido Ava Rattan Bedhead Queen, $1290. Resene Brown Sugar paint available from Resene ColorShops. Missoni Home Ambon cushion, $575. Boheme Home Circle Vase, $129.
How to embrace these tones in your home.