Colour with influence

The colours we choose to decorate our homes affect not only the look of the interior, but also the way we feel, says Resene

Renovation projects are all about improving our living environments. And one of the most simple yet dramatic changes we can make is to alter the colours in our homes. A fresh coat of paint can change the ambience of a room and the way it makes us feel. Using newly developed fashion shades is also a way to update a home's interior, says Karen Warman of Resene.

Resene recently released The Range 2004, a collection of 160 classic and contemporary shades based on international colour predictions that have been tailored to suit New Zealand lifestyles and our environment. Warman says many of the colours reflect a desire for quiet, introspective surroundings that are an antidote to busy lives.

"There's a definite move toward smoky tones, and greens have become the new neutrals," she says. "Green can be a grounding, optimistic and vital colour, and the various shades in this range move through soft neutrals to dark olives and citrus tones. The chart also includes new hues such as Resene Chill Out and Hypnotic."

Warman also says that although looks with a sense of tranquillity are popular, many people are reserving space to add a touch of drama through clever colour combinations and the use of metallics and pearlescent finishes. Feature walls remain a popular way to make a colourful statement.

If you are looking for ideas on how to incorporate colour in your home, you can visit the Resene Inspiration Gallery on the company's website. This features a collection of projects from families all over New Zealand.

"The Resene Inspiration Gallery showcases everything from bedrooms to exteriors, and is an ideal way to get decorating ideas," says Warman. "We also welcome new submissions from decorators with finished projects."

Another easy way to choose colours is by using the Resene EzyPaint virtual painting software. This program gives you the opportunity to preview and change colour schemes on your computer. The software is free to download, or you can purchase or borrow a copy on CD from your local Resene ColorShop. Also online, TechSpec can help you choose the right type of paint.

All Resene paints are available from Resene ColorShops.

The warm tones of Resene Well Read enliven this master bedroom in a David Reid home.	Resene's EzyPaint software lets you experiment with colour on your computer.
The software programme includes all the latest shades released in The Range 2004.	Another program, TechSpec, can help you choose the right type of paint.
Colours from The Range 2004 feature in this room setting by Bos Design. Resene Wasabi is used on the corner walls and Resene Tea on the larger wall areas.

Find out more home design, landscaping and decorating ideas at www.trendsideas.com.