Coastline canvas

From emerge magazine - issue 01, pick your palette

Coastal inspired interiors offer depth and sophistication or serene elegance...

A refined dining room in dark blue green

In this refined dining room the back wall, shelves and side table are painted in Resene Welcome and floor in Resene Colorwood Bask. Vases, head sculpture and bowl from Smith & Caughey's, chairs and table from Danske Møbler.

In this refined dining room...

Deep blues and rich greens evoke the mystery and drama of the ocean, bringing a sense of depth and sophistication to interiors. Moody hues like Resene Welcome, Resene Time Traveller and Resene Tangaroa are reminiscent of stormy seas and dense coastal forests, creating a grounding effect while adding a luxurious, enveloping feel to a space. When used on walls, cabinetry or furniture, they offer a bold and contemporary aesthetic, perfect for creating an intimate or cocooning atmosphere.

In contrast, sandy tones like Resene Akaroa, Resene Tic Tac Toe or Resene Half Sisal bring warmth and a natural softness to the palette, echoing windswept dunes and sunlit shores. These neutral shades act as the perfect counterbalance to the intensity of blues and greens, providing a sense of calm and openness.

Used on walls, flooring or upholstery, sandy hues create a relaxed and inviting feel, making a space feel airy and harmonious. Layering different textures – such as linen, woven fabrics and wood stained in Resene Colorwood wood stain – enhances their organic appeal, resulting in a serene coastal inspired interior that feels effortlessly elegant.

Decorating with coastal hues - blue and green

In this bold toned space, the back wall, shelves and side table are painted in Resene Welcome, cabinet in Resene Time Traveller and floor in Resene Colorwood Bask. Vases, head sculpture and bowl from Smith & Caughey's, chair from Danske Møbler, rug from Baya.

Coastal inspired mood board

Resene A4 drawdown paint swatches and Resene testpots in (from top) Resene Welcome and Resene Time Traveller.

top tip Pairing these darker tones with matte finishes enhances their depth, while accents of metallic or glass help reflect light and keep the look balanced. If you have an existing painted finish and desire a matte finish, apply Resene Concrete Clear Flat to reduce the sheen.

Using bold blue with suble colour

Bold blues meet subtle hues in this room. The back wall is painted in Resene Morning Haze, bedhead, front wall and doorframe in Resene Time Traveller, floor in Resene White Noise and the bottom half of the lantern pendant in Resene Colorwood Rising Tide. Bedding from Foxtrot Home, vases from Smith & Caughey's, chair from Danske Møbler.

Mood board with blues and white

Resene A4 drawdown paint swatches and Resene testpots in (from top) Resene Morning Haze, Resene Time Traveller and Resene White Noise

Decorating a living room in beachy colours

Reminiscent of sandy dunes, the back wall and pillar in this space are painted in Resene Akaroa, floor in Resene Tic Tac Toe and tray and pot in Resene Akaroa. Couch from Danske Møbler, mug from Smith & Caughey's, ottoman from Mocka, cushions and rug from Baya, curtain from Curtain Studio.

Home accessories with beach vibes

Tray in Resene Akaroa, plate in Resene Key Largo, scalloped plate in Resene Boundless, cup in Resene Time Traveller and teapot in Resene Morning Haze.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Testpot colours and products marked as "buy in-store" may not yet be available in our online ColorShop, however, they can be purchased at your local Resene ColorShop or reseller.

Paint swatch
Resene White Noise