Spin the classics

Make it mid-century

The bright, bold feel is created using stylised patterns, edgy colours, statement lighting, streamlined furniture and the odd addition of 50s pop art. Since much modern Scandi furniture is mid-century inspired, it’s an easy look to replicate.

To bring the mid-century feel to your modern interior, keep the following pointers in mind:

• Avoid ornate frills; keep it simple and uncluttered.

• Incorporate organic, curvy shapes and materials like metal, glass and vinyl.

• Mix earthy colours – muted mustardy yellows like Resene Lemon Ginger and browns like Resene Woodburn – with bold, saturated hues. Try aquatic blues such as Resene Gulf Stream and bright reds like Resene Jalapeno for a burst of energy. There are also many mid-century inspired colours in the Karen Walker Paints collection such as Resene Clementine Orange and Resene Robin Egg Blue.

• Use colour-blocking.

• Incorporate graphic fabrics with a screen-printed look.

• Use plywood and mid-toned timber furniture.

Tuscany on tour

Rather than the traditional olive greens, rusty reds and golden yellows, think sandy, creamy colours that still echo nature but which keep the feel airy and spacious.

Spicy desert hues like Resene Korma and Resene Wild West will keep the Tuscan look modern and fresh. If one colour is too intense consider using Resene FX Paint Effects Medium to layer two paint colours to create a look that mimics natural materials such as mudbrick or adobe. We began with two coats of Resene Wild West then, once dry, we applied Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Sante Fe with loose brushstrokes. Then quick-smart we went in with a clean, dry rag to buff the wet medium and soften the effect. The beauty of combining these two hues is that the contrast is subtle, avoiding that rather dated ‘rag-rolled’ look so beloved of 80s DIYers. For the best result, work up multiple thin layers to get a gradual build-up.

Seventies style

And yet it’s a look that’s very much trending right now – because actually there’s a lot to like about it. Yes, those avocado greens, browns, harvest golds and rusty oranges are back in favour – but now they’re curated, used more strategically with pared back furnishings or as accents and retro pops of colour rather than an all-out 70s tribute.

For that earthy 70s flavour in your colour scheme look for browns from suede to espresso like Resene Dusty Road and Resene Felix; avocado greens like Resene Avocado and Resene Lichen; and biscuit beiges like Resene Double Biscotti and Resene Half Akaroa.

Want to go bolder? Why not include an accent wall with paper that harks back to the over-sized florals, giant colourful swirls and trellis designs of the era. The lack of matching curtains and clothing will instantly make this a modern take on the look!

For furniture with retro vibe, think minimalist Scandi and Bauhaus to low-slung sofas and organic shaped plastic, vinyl and fabric chairs. In-vogue materials of the time were acrylic, glass, vinyl, leather, metal, chrome and timber – all elements you can easily incorporate into your modern interior as a nostalgic nod to the era.

And we’ll say one thing for 70s homemakers; they really knew how to have fun with furnishings and accessories – we’re talking Turkish-style poufs, hanging wicker chairs and lots of texture with shag, macrame and rattan. Adding in some of these details will bring instant playfulness and warmth to your look.

Whether it’s a Hamptons-inspired with modern blues and cool toned whites or an earthy 70s inspired room that’s thrivin’ and jivin’, you can master the classics while keeping things contemporary through clever uses of Resene paint colours.