Finely toasted

From the Resene colour inspiration – latest looks gallery

While dark looks have been dominating design trends lately, too much of a good thing could leave you with a room that seems more like a cavern than a cocoon.

To keep smouldering hues from swallowing up the space, get inspired by this mature-looking lounge and balance things out with softer shades and mix in plenty of tactile textures.

Mood board: Timber flooring in Resene Suits, vase in Resene Noir, tealight holder in Resene Barnstorm and A4 drawdown paint swatches in (from left) Resene Thunder Road, Resene Moccasin, Resene Route 66, Resene Rebel, Resene Poured Milk and Resene Noir.

Sophisticated yet cosy, soft yet dramatic, it seems like the perfect place to tuck in with a book and a beverage and wait for winter to run its course. Layers of cognac-coloured accessories in Resene Route 66 and Resene Barnstorm with hints of creamy Resene Poured Milk balance out the near black walls and timber floors in Resene Suits. The smoky side table and basket in in Resene Thunder Road and Resene Rebel layered alongside highly-textured soft furnishings in leather, toasted marshmallow and toffee tones create a rich look that is steeped in depth.

For a completely different look, near blacks also look great with soft pastels such as lilacs, baby blues or peachy pinks – try Resene Mozart, Resene Slipstream or Resene Soulful.

Paint: Wall and Floor: Resene Suits. Fireplace: Resene Noir. Side table: Resene Thunder Road. Basket: Resene Rebel. Low vase: Resene Noir. Low dish: Resene Poured Milk. Large vase: Resene Route 66. Small ribbed vase: Resene Grey Seal. Tall bottle vase: Resene Ethereal. Tall vase in Resene Moccasin. Cork tealight holder: Resene Barnstorm. Round vase (on side table): Resene Barnstorm. Candlesticks: Resene Poured Milk and Resene Route 66.

Accessories: Framed Reuben Ireland print titled “Only You” from Pop Motif; Trim Armchair in Dark Grey Velvet, Knox Armchair in Black Leather, Sloane Velvet Armchair in Taupe Velvet from Me and My Trend; Rushdi Floor Rug, Megalo Floor Rug, Rogue Dried Berry Stem and Dry Branch Core Brown Berry from Freedom Furniture; Design Republique Chunky Chain Knit Cushion in Natural from Bed, Bath & Beyond; Twill Wool Checked Throw with Fringe, Velvet Round Cushion in Petal from Citta; Hannah Chunky Knit Throw in Violet, White Band Reactive Mug from Kmart; Freya Side Plate in white and platter in black from Shut the Front Door; Books and magazines, stylist own.