In older homes you’ll often be faced with unusually shaped rooms, potentially creating a design conundrum. Rather than shy away from these odd shapes, it can be a great opportunity to make bold design decisions. In this room, painting the walled-in chimney recess in the light silver grey tones of Resene Concrete creates a beautiful space to display artwork. The deep charcoal shade of Resene Nocturnal on the cabinet and pendant complement this, while the cushion and tealight tie these together harmoniously. Using Resene Colorwood Shade on the flooring anchors the room and pairs well with the luscious caramel touches on the side table in Resene Colorwood Bask and neutral tones in the cushions and wall art. Choosing a fresh white couch and painting the coffee table in Resene Triple Concrete reflects the crispness of the wall colour. Overall, the classic combination of black, tan and white is given a sophisticated lift in this room with deep charcoal, soft lush caramel and soft grey.
Top tip: The final look of your wood stain will depend on the timber, test your colour on an offcut.
Other colours to try with soft grey – deep blues, soft greens and rich burgundies.
Reminiscing about the time spent in your great grandparents’ retro floral wallpapered kitchen may not evoke thoughts of modern style, but floral wallpapers are enjoying a major comeback. For a dining space like this one, harking back to a bygone era while still having its feet firmly planted in the modern world, try the delightful florals of Resene Wallpaper Collection 220482. Choosing to feature the wallpaper on the top section of the wall leaves an opportunity to use a colour within the pattern for the wall below, picking the less prominent vintage yellow tone makes classic Resene Spanish White the perfect choice. The light timber Shaker style round table brings a modern touch, surrounded with jewel coloured chairs. Resene Quarter Spanish White and Resene Double Spanish White team up on the floor in creamy tonal stripes. Resene Cest La Vie on the pendant and Resene New York Pink on the ceramic plant holder reflect the rose pinks in the wallpaper, while the rich emerald velvet of the chairs complements the wallpaper’s pastel hues.
Top tip: Test your colours in your room using Resene testpots painted on to A2 cardboard leaving a plain 2cm border.
Other colours to try with buttery whites – rich browns, olive greens and deep grey blues.
Colours have always had an effect on our sense of wellbeing and the choice of soft natural tones is a great way to create a tranquil haven. This bedroom uses a limited palette offering peaceful tones of cloudy greens and warm greys. Resene Ravine features behind the bed, eliminating the need for a traditional bedhead. Using Resene Sandtex tinted to the soft grey of Resene Concrete offers texture to the side wall, the colour offsetting the sea greens and floorboards finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, while staying within the natural tonal range that makes this space so peaceful. When deciding on accent colours, keeping to the same colour family will emphasise them without making too much of a splash. Soft olive green, lightly colourwashed timber and the peaceful tone of Resene Ravine work harmoniously with the pillow, pendant and planter. Creating a minimalist sanctuary doesn’t have to mean a clinical space. Using a neutral palette and soft tonal accents like these is a great way to create a peaceful retreat.
Top tip: Resene Anaglypta wallpapers can be another simple way to add texture.
Other colours to try with soft greens – grey browns, soft blues and rich toned oranges.
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