From BlackWhite magazine - issue 09, colourful outlook
Six Resene Total Colour Award winners discuss their dream designer dinner dates, memorable projects and colour trend predictions.
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
I just love the warm tones coming through like Resene Biscotti, Resene Bianca and Resene Rice Cake teamed up with a deep rich brown like Resene Chocolate Brownie. These colours, when paired together with a little texture, create a sense of relaxed, easy living.
Annie Simpson
Simpson King Design
What’s been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have completed to date and what did you like best about the outcome?
I have just recently renovated my town house. In the bathroom area, I went for something pretty and painted the walls in Resene Cest La Vie, a warm rose white with a beige undertone, teamed up with marble tiles. I wallpapered the water closet in an elegant floral wallpaper, Resene Wallpaper Collection E307300. I love my bathroom now, and this has transformed a functional space into a room where design and art are combined – which gives me joy.
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
I leave the painting up to the professionals. However, I do enjoy wallpapering – a skill my father taught me many years ago. I was a little nervous when I was wallpapering my water closet at first, but once I got started, it turned out wonderful.
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
I love discovering great design books that I can refer back to many times over. My latest favourite is Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone, which has many designers’ projects in it. I also love old architecture with its different layers of design, art and history such as many of the beautiful buildings you see in Florence, which gives me great inspiration for mixing old with new.
What has proven to be the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received so far during your career?
Pushing boundaries in design, finding ways to add unexpected details and creating balance in a way that will allow the eye to settle into a space with ease have been my driving forces as a designer. When I started training many years ago, I was told to believe in myself and my gut feelings. This has proven to be the most valuable tool I have. I just know when my designs are right, as I feel it.
If you could have dinner with any architect, designer, artist or historical figure from the past or present, who would it be and what might you talk about?
Resene Wallpaper Collection E307300
Travelling around Europe in my early twenties, I was so impressed with the history, buildings and masterpieces by famous artists. I would love to meet Sandro Botticelli and ask him about his most famous work, The Birth of Venus. Where did his inspiration come from? Its appeal is so sensory. I wonder what he would think of its huge popularity, being that it’s considered one of the most famous paintings in the world today.
If you could magically invent something that does not exist, what would it be and why?
As I have gotten older, I would love to spend some time back with my younger self, knowing what I do now, to enjoy those special moments of life again. So, a time machine to travel back, but maybe not a DeLorean!
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
I always fancied being Wonder Woman back in the day! Such a great outfit, and she always turned up at the right time to help, looking fabulous! Plus, she had an invisible plane to travel anywhere she wanted anytime.
Which colours do you predict will be key trends over the coming months and how do you envisage they will be used?
There is an undeniable connection between the fashion and interior worlds that’s reflected through trending styles and colour palettes. So, looking ahead at that, I think Resene Chocolate Brownie may give deep greys a run for their money for both interior and exterior projects. I see trends looking less crisp, so rather than true whites, I think we’ll see softer tones on walls like Resene Ecru White or Resene Biscotti with accent colours moving towards Resene Cest La Vie or Resene Terracotta Hit. These earthy colours look great with textiles that include terracotta and navy or dark green hues as a complement.
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
I love greens for their connection to nature and that they evoke a range of emotions from serenity and comfort, a sense of strength and connection to the earth, to energised vitality, freshness and the vibrancy of nature and growth. I like Resene Waiouru, a rugged green that invokes feelings of stability; Resene Gimblet, a soft and soothing tone that’s tranquil and balanced; Resene Saratoga, a deep rich olive with an earthy grounding quality; Resene Grass Hopper, which is lively and energetic and sparks feelings of rejuvenation and optimism; and Resene Koru, the vibrant green of new growth that carries a sense of freshness and renewal.
Ceci Wilkinson
Thylacine
What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have completed to date and what did you like best about the outcome?
We have used Resene Colorwood wood stains in a number of projects at Thylacine. The Stardust to Supercontinents Timeline at the Eromanga Natural History Museum in Queensland remains my favourite. The display housing the showcase and timeline graphics was inspired by the museum’s banded tiger iron specimen from the Ord Ranges in Western Australia. The stone’s striking pattern consists of alternating layers of golden tiger eye, silver metallic hematite and red, brown or black jaspilite, which is reflected in the banded colours of the layered joinery. The Resene wood stain colours used were derived from the burnt umbers and iron oxide red found in the specimen and are descriptors for this period of the formation of the earth, dated three billion years ago, when the oceans of the earth were iron rich and rusty reds. Resene Colorwood Deep Oak, Resene Colorwood Meranti and Resene Colorwood Walnut accentuated the inherent colours of the timber, maintaining the textural organic quality of the underlying plywood grain.
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
I delight in the quality, attention to detail and craft that good trades bring to a project. Having been a DIY perfectionist at home, I value the outcome but often the process is not worth the time, effort and frustration. Balancing high standards with practicality is the aim.
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
Our projects at Thylacine are rooted in story, which is often place based. The natural environment, the base on which layers of story exist, is my starting point for inspiration.
What has proven to be the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received so far during your career?
I’m lucky to have been mentored by Lucy Banyan, Senior Creative Designer at Thylacine. With regards to colours in museum design, she taught me to always select in sunlight first then in a dimly lit space, and once you’ve selected the hues, to test various saturations and lightness and keep testing until the colour is perfect.
If you were to splurge on any one home renovation project or décor item right now, what would it be and why?
I’m soon to move into a 70s townhouse, which would originally have had Berber carpet, but now has vinyl timber-look flooring. My big splurge will be replacing it with solid Australian hardwood floorboards. Why? Because of the look, feel and smell of the natural material, the way it ages and patinates with time and use and for the sake of environmental sustainability, being renewable, responsibly sourced and fully recyclable.
If you could have dinner with any architect, designer, artist or historical figure from the past or present, who would it be and what might you talk about?
I’ve recently discovered the art of Anni Albers who worked in weaving and printmaking combining form, material and process in colourfully vibrant work. I’d love to hear her reflect on her time at the Bauhaus and the influence of pre-Columbian culture on her art, specifically Peruvian weaving. She said ‘Art makes us breathe with a different kind of happiness’.
If you could magically invent something that does not exist, what would it be and why?
My daughter has just moved to London, so my magical invention would be a space transporter allowing me to pop over for brunch or an afternoon stroll with her. No travel time or carbon emissions.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
A bit woo-woo, but the only superpower I want is to accept and be at ease with myself for who I am and where I am in the world.
Which colours do you predict will be key trends over the coming months and how do you envisage they will be used?
In interpretive design, we use colour as a tool to complement the space, interpret the story, highlight various themes, set a mood and colour code. So, in our industry, we don’t create nor work to trends in colour design. At home and in my wardrobe, I’m loving autumnal, earthy tones and natural materials paired with warm neutrals.
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
While there are a tonne of Resene colours I love to use, there are four I find myself constantly returning to lately: Resene Quarter Black White, Resene Nero, Resene Nocturnal and Resene Alabaster. If I had to pick just one? Resene Nocturnal!
Dion Seminara
Dion Seminara Architecture
What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have completed to date and what did you like best about the outcome?
The project was an 1880s cottage painted in Resene Double Mondo and Resene Quarter Black White. The finished product turned out beautiful, with a serene and homely feel to it.
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
Leave it to the professionals! I am a massive advocate for the quality outcomes of combining professional design, professional materials and a professional build team!
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
In our modern world, I feel that there are many online resources that make the inspiration gathering process so much easier! I personally love using Pinterest, for the ease of finding and saving brilliant sources of inspiration. When it comes to offline inspiration, I find lots of great ideas can come from visiting, admiring and analysing great pieces of architecture from other parts of the world. Personally, attention to detail is one of the things I find most inspiring when looking at the work of others.
What has proven to be the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received so far during your career?
My favourite piece of industry advice and one that I like to pass on to others is, ‘don’t assume, always ask’. Though it sounds simple, it is amazing how easily complications can be avoided through clear communication.
If you were to splurge on any one home renovation project or décor item right now, what would it be and why?
A rooftop deck! I am a big fan of spaces that allow you to appreciate nature and quality architecture at the same time. Nothing provides the best of both worlds like watching a breathtaking sunset from a well-designed deck!
If you could have dinner with any architect, designer, artist or historical figure from the past or present, who would it be and what might you talk about?
Frank Lloyd Wright. His attention to detail and unique style have always held a special place in my mind.
If you could magically invent something that does not exist, what would it be and why?
I would love to invent a device which made it easy to travel the world, exploring all the amazing architecture across the globe, while retaining perfect health!
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
To heal the world of all suffering, famine and dictators causing havoc.
Which colour do you predict will be a key trend over the coming months and how do you envisage it will be used?
I may be biased, as it is my favourite colour, but I expect we will see Resene Nocturnal take the residential design sector by storm! It is chic, modern and pairs amazingly with brick – making it the perfect choice for industrial-style projects, which have been gaining popularity.
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
Resene Half Merino has been my go-to white for nearly a decade. I love the way it works with native timber floors and other natural materials. It is bright without being starkly white. I also use it in combination with Resene Merino in spaces that call for a slightly darker tone. Resene Jurassic is a dark green that I used in my own home several years ago and I am still in love with it. This green has a grey undertone which softens it nicely and means it can be used in combination with a range of other colours – including the terracotta vibes of Resene Tuscany and peachy Resene Dawn Glow.
Felicity Brenchley
Felicity Brenchley Architects
What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have completed to date and what did you like best about the outcome?
I put off painting my mid-century home in Titirangi for four years due to the complexity of working around existing timber rafters and high ceilings. It was a huge challenge to prep the walls and ceilings for repainting, but in the end, it was worth every hour spent. Putting in the hard work to repaint it properly breathed new life into the house and made sure it will continue to be loved long into the future.
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
I am definitely someone who likes to do a lot myself, mostly because I enjoy the process of making so much, and the cost savings help too.
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
These days I start every morning in nature, bare feet on the ground, anchoring myself in my body. From that place, my creativity is able to flow more naturally without my overthinking mind taking over.
What has proven to be the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received so far during your career?
To focus in on what you are good at and just do that, rather than trying to solve all of the world’s problems all at once. We all have something valuable to contribute but often we get distracted from our true path by an idea of what success should look like, comparison with others or feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of world events. My focus these days is on deepening into my creative practice in a way that is life affirming for myself – rather than the always-on hustle culture that for a long time I was prescribing to.
If you were to splurge on any one home renovation project or décor item right now, what would it be and why?
Recently, I have been dreaming of setting up a pottery and glass making studio in my shed. I currently attend classes at the Mairangi Arts Centre and want to establish my own studio so that I can integrate my art practice more fluidly within my working week. To do that, I am going to need to build a workbench and shelving as well as invest in a kiln.
If you could have dinner with any architect, designer, artist or historical figure from the past or present, who would it be and what might you talk about?
I would love to meet the ancestors of mine who spent their lives as craftspeople. I feel very connected to making things with my hands but have spent much of my life ignoring that in favour of working in a ‘profession’. I probably have a way too nostalgic view of the life of a full-time craftsperson though, so it would be great to go back and fact-check with them about whether or not diving off the deep end and changing my career is a good or bad idea.
If you could magically invent something that does not exist, what would it be and why?
I would invent something to completely clean our soil and waterways of all pollutants. We have spent centuries mistreating our most precious resources, forgetting that human health is tightly interwoven with the health of our environment. Reducing the toxicity of building materials and minimising waste during construction would be a good first step.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
My kids ask me this question all the time. Honestly, I feel like I have all of the superpowers I need, I just need to get better at tapping into them! Being human is such an incredible gift. Our ability to be creative and to connect with others is unique on this planet and something to be celebrated.
Which colours do you predict will be key trends over the coming months and how do you envisage they will be used?
I see a diversity in trends developing as there are so many sources of inspiration available to all of us these days, which makes it easier for niche styles to evolve. For me, personally, I love the shift towards biophilic design and think this will continue to be a trend moving forward. Bringing the outdoors in and taking inspiration from the colours of nature, I imagine we will see earthy browns like Resene Yogi, buff clays like Resene Amaranth and mustard yellows like Resene Salted Caramel combining with deep greens like Resene Vantage Point and Resene Seaweed.
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
Resene Alabaster is my go-to base white. It’s very crisp and pure, and very good at accentuating light and space. I use Resene White Pointer when I want a white that isn’t white. It’s much softer than typical whites with a warm depth of colour. I like Resene Midnight Moss for a dark moody green that reminds me of the depth of a forest. Resene Boulevard is a nice soothing colour, similar to a duck egg colour with hints of green and blue. And, of course, Resene All Black. If I’m going black, then I’m supporting our team.
Greg Young
Young Architects
What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have completed to date and what did you like best about the outcome?
I’ve been working on an alteration to a heritage homestead for a few years. Every decision is made in close consultation with the owners (their family built the original house in the 1870s) and every decision needs to mean something. We have used a number of different finishes in the home, including a beautiful wallpaper in the is autumnal, with the design representing the passing of time. It links the work on the alteration with the history of the property and its park-like setting.
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
I’m a tinkerer. I’ll have a go at fixing things, but I can never meet my high standards, so I employ specialists when it matters.
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
My designs are inspired by their own ‘place’. They’re very site specific and influenced by my clients’ wishes more than our particular style.
What has proven to be the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received so far during your career?
Understand why you’re doing it as well as how you’re doing it.
If you were to splurge on any one home renovation project or décor item right now, what would it be and why?
Landscaping. Outside spaces are so under-valued. My lawn is going to be replaced with planting.
If you could have dinner with any architect, designer, artist or historical figure from the past or present, who would it be and what might you talk about?
Samuel Farr. He’s an early pioneer architect who worked in Christchurch. That period of work fascinates me, as does Samuel Farr’s life.
If you could magically invent something that does not exist, what would it be and why?
Political harmony. Imagine what we could achieve if everyone was on the same page!
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Time manipulation. I always seem to be short on time to spend with my family, with my friends and with myself.
Which colours do you predict will be key trends over the coming months and how do you envisage they will be used?
I see natural colours being used more. Rather than pure whites and greys dominating, I think softer colours like Resene Parchment and Resene White Pointer will be used in spaces where light is important while darker greens or blues like Resene Dark Knight will be used in spaces where you want relief from the light.
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
Resene Dusty Road, Resene Blanc and Resene Sandcastle. I am currently renovating our own family home and feel myself very drawn to these warm and subdued tones.
Katie Peck
Kurio
What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have completed to date and what did you like best about the outcome?
I worked with a lovely client of mine on a period villa in Berhampore and we really went to town with the colours in that space. We used Resene Envy on the ceiling in the living room, Resene Celtic on the walls and Resene Holly on the trims. The result was amazing and really all from using paint. We carried this through to other rooms using variations of the greens and contrasting them with pinks like Resene Dust Storm and Resene Wafer. We really like colour drenching, but if it is a really dark colour and you’re not too sure, you could always go half the strength on the ceiling.
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
I definitely love a spot of DIY and will turn my hand to a lot of things, but plumbing and electrical gets left for the professionals!
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
I find a lot of inspiration in music and art. I’m lucky that I have a lot of friends in the art industry, both artists and gallery curators, so am often surrounded by the creativity of others.
What has proven to be the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received so far during your career?
a) Keep learning, keep upskilling. You never know everything or what you’re doing every step of every moment, you just get better at making it look like you do. b) Network, network, network. You never know what opportunities can come up simply from a chance meeting, sometimes years later. This has proven itself on multiple occasions.
If you could have dinner with any architect, designer, artist or historical figure from the past or present, who would it be and what might you talk about?
Designer Roisin Lafferty from Ireland. I love her style and stunning, original uses of materiality, form and colour across all her projects. I would love to deep-dive into her mind for a few hours and chew her ear off about business and her career in general.
If you could magically invent something that does not exist, what would it be and why?
We are working on our own range of furniture and homeware products right now that, design wise, complements a lot of our interiors work but also fills some gaps that we’ve found in the New Zealand market. If you can’t find it, make it yourself, right!? We are hoping to have those released under our sister company, Ivor, later this year.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
To manipulate time – slow it down and even reverse it. I would love to visit the past, from both a design perspective and a personal one. In general, I could just really do with more hours in the day for the work/mum-life juggle!
Which colours do you predict will be key trends over the coming months and how do you envisage they will be used?
I think earthy, umber tones like Resene Rickshaw, Resene Leather and Resene Desert Sand are ready for a renaissance of sorts, especially mixed with hits of burgundy and merlot tones like Resene Espresso, Resene Scoria and Resene Burnt Sienna. I think we’ll see these coming through a lot more in soft furnishings and accessories.
Product mentioned in this article...
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