neutrals with soul

From Habitat plus - decorating and colour trends 2021

Given the efforts to turn our spaces into more relaxing places to spend time, we’re embracing living a more clutter-free and thoughtful life.

Shades associated with minimalism, such as creams, beiges, greys, taupe and whites, have always been popular choices for anchoring interior colour palettes. But until recently, it seemed like the neutral everyone was after was cold, steely grey and it was seen as the epitome of what’s fresh and contemporary.

However, after a decade of ‘flat grey everything’, designers are embracing warmer neutrals once again, but in far more complex varieties than those that were popular in the 90s.

Those looking to bring a truly contemporary look to their homes can look to what we’ve come to call ‘character neutrals’ – hues with soul, which are much more intriguing than your typical true neutral and are anything but flat. Look to nude and mushroom taupe, terracotta, greige and warm stone grey as the base of your colour scheme, which will bring that little extra ‘something’ to your space thanks to their subtle undertones.

Even whites have gotten creamier and those that feature more colourful undertones have become desirable for their inherent simplicity that can also be manipulated with different types of lighting. Resene Thorndon Cream – a timeless cream that shifts dramatically richer and deeper as the sun sets – is a reigning favourite for this reason. Try it with beige neutrals like Resene Double Tea, blackened whites like Resene Alabaster or deep dusk greens like Resene Warrior.

Resene Quarter Blanc is another great option if you’d like a more neutral white that still carries plenty of character. Try it with a deep dusk blue like Resene Aviator, a smoky grey green like Resene Lemon Grass or a spicy rich red like Resene Pohutukawa.

The trick to warming up and bringing out the best in Resene Black White is combining it with other warmer Resene whites and greys. In this space, layers of Resene Westar, Resene Saltpan, Resene Double Sea Fog and Resene Quarter Chicago accomplish just that alongside slightly pink Resene Despacito and slightly celery Resene Celeste.

The subtle checkerboard pattern on the floor was created using two strengths of the same colour – Resene Black White, both in full strength and triple strength – adding interest without taking over and visually overwhelming the room. Warmer hues are added through key pieces of furniture: an almond-toned sofa, a coffee table painted in Resene Westar and a rattan pendant lamp painted in Resene Despacito.

Boho lounge: Wall, skirting board and shelf in Resene Black White, floor in Resene Black White and Resene Triple Black White, jug vase in Resene Gumboot and Resene Black White, large bowl in Resene Saltpan and Resene Gumboot, geometric plant pots in Resene Saltpan and Resene Quarter Chicago, ombre plant pot in Resene Celeste (top), Resene Terrain (middle) and Resene Cobblestone (bottom) and woven pendant lamp in Resene Despacito. Sofa and cushions from Me & My Trend, ottoman from Mocka.

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