retreat into a neutral environment in order to recharge our emotional and physical batteries. Being constantly bombarded by technology, downturns in the economy, negative world events, non-stop barrages of videos and advertising using fast-paced graphics and constant social media input can be very exhausting. While dark colours make us feel comforted and safe, they can also feel daring to use, and bring a sense of drama. Designer Sylvia Sandford notes that the current instability and pace of change in our social, political and economic fabric has created huge diversity in design and decorating directions. There are no apparent rules. She points to two common elements that have emerged: sustainability and historical or nostalgic references. Why is it that retro looks continue to be strong, whether it’s looking back at mid-century styles or Art Deco design? For some it’s all about nostalgia, whereas for younger home decorators, those tried and true styles are new and exciting. Where did they come from? The soft misty colours of the Scandi look are certainly a soothing antidote to the fast-paced vibrantly coloured external world. And the handcrafted, simply made furniture and accessories answer a need for artisan versus mass-produced. Khaki greens and house plants. There’s little guessing where these came from. As our eco- consciousness grows, we embrace natural products and colours. As many of us have to live with small or no gardens, house plants bring nature close. Rich browns and texture are part of the same desire, as we make sure that ever-present technology doesn’t overtake our lives. Ethnic and tropical prints and colours. Our easy access to travel has seen a rise in a global eclectic look with mismatched furniture, assorted patterns and rich textiles. As we toil away at work, we dream of escape and remember our explorations. The travel trend dovetails into the desire for New Millennials and Gen Ys to seek out experiences over possessions. While most of us can’t constantly travel or seek out new experiences, we can certainly turn decorating into a personal journey. And we’re doing so more and more to create a more individual look for our homes - paint a mural on a wall, upcycle an old piece of furniture, decorate a pot with paint, make some table decorations or paint a simple artwork. Or use an exuberant wallpaper design. We are rebelling against a culture of mass- production, and seeking not only products made by local artisans, but discovering our own creative side. Sylvia Sandford says the pace of change and bombardment of trends has also led to more individual expression. “The eclectic mix from a myriad of influences and the confusion of ideas has led us to create great personal spaces of individuality. words Sharon Newey Top left: Adaptable neutrals are the backbone of an interior with botanic references and fresh greens. The shelf is Resene Steam Roller, the wall is Resene Sea Fog, the floor is Resene Colorwood Greywash and the cactus is Resene Grass Hopper. Top right and bottom right: Personalise your interiors with wall art like this Resene Copper Fire link design on a Resene Tangaroa wall, or by making your own hanging art, like this leaf-print art with a variety of Resene testpots in Resene Kamikaze, Resene Lightning Yellow, Resene Poppy, Resene Persian Red and Resene Ayers Rock. Bottom left: Deep cocooning greys, like Resene Nocturnal, and soothing greens make us feel safe. These are Resene Organic, Resene Seaweed, Resene Paddock and Resene Ciderhouse. feeling safe with cocooning colours create your own Resene Persian Red Resene Poppy Resene Tangaroa Resene Copper Fire Resene Kamikaze Resene Lightning Yellow Resene Ayers Rock A final word from Sylvia: “Home should be a true reflection of personality creating a sense of space where we can fly like a bird and a sense of intimacy where we can snuggle like a rabbit in a burrow. It must look after us.” Resene Sea Fog 33 trends