Using light and airy grey blues as a neutral creates living spaces that invoke the comfort and relaxed vibe of summer beach holidays. Paired with moodier, muted dark blues they lend the finished space a clear colour contrast that is still relaxed and visually soothing. Playing with curves and organic shapes is another way to create a softer finish. Archways are definitely back in vogue, allowing for open-plan living that lets you really experiment with the play between light and dark colours. In this inviting living area, a dark blue hallway wall in Resene Coast, opens up to a light, fresh lounge in Resene Half Dusted Blue. Resene Dusted Blue is used on both the curved hall console table and coffee table to emphasise the contrast and further connect the two spaces. Layers of other similar shades like Resene Surrender on the floor and Resene Shadowy Blue on the small coffee bowl add visual texture, with Resene Indian Ink on the light fitting adding a final accent note.
Use matte finishes, such as Resene SpaceCote Flat, to soften a tone-on-tone palette.
Other colours to try with muted grey blues are fresh botanical greens, classic mauves and warm whites.
Yellow is a colour that can often be overlooked in interior design, beyond considering popular yellow-toned neutrals like Resene Spanish White. However, with the right shade and the right colour combination, yellow can make your rooms glow with the optimism and joy of a perfect summer’s day. Opting for muted amber-toned yellows paired with creamier and more neutral yellows and fresh, milky whites will make your rooms feel sun-drenched and mellow. This living room with its walls in Resene Marzipan also shows how breaking up a bold colour choice with contrasting stripes in Resene Half Buttermilk softens the finished effect. Keep your paler stripes to the top third of the wall to make the space feel taller and more airy. The floor is finished in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, a creamy whitewash that soothes and anchors the yellow without detracting from it. Try a slight off-white such as Resene Sea Fog to keep the yellows looking fresh and layer your room with warmer textures like wood finishes and wool rugs for a luxury finish.
Use each one of your accent paint colours in at least three places within your space to create a cohesive look.
Other colours to try with amber-toned yellows are muted khaki greens, mustard golds and warm deep blues.
For a soothing, cohesive and creative retreat at home, try a ‘goddess’ colour palette of warm pinks and earthy reds and browns. The right combination of these shades can create a calming colour gradient, moving from fresh and light to dark and moody. Layer lighter and darker pinks and reds on different surfaces to add depth and dimension to the room. Make use of the flooring and ceiling in your retreat space by painting them in shades from the same tonal palette. It will enhance the sense of warmth and enclosure. Opt for lighter fresher tones on these surfaces to keep the space feeling summery, light and fresh. The rear wall and small bud vase in this harmonious bedroom are Resene Sakura with the side wall in Resene Lonestar and the floor in Resene Tom Tom. To extend the colour gradient of this further you could add accents of creamy Resene Half Dutch White and moody Resene Aubergine.
When painting a floor opt for a hardwearing paint like Resene Walk-on and finish with Resene Concrete Wax.
Other colours to try with warm pinks include deep purples, muddy greens and pastel blues.
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