Take neutral up a gear

“Floaty curtains in beautiful linen shades will create a coastal vibe along with oversized rattan light fittings. For a different look, opulent looking velvet fabrics will add a high-end dramatic vibe and their beautiful colours could be echoed on a feature wall.”

If you’re feeling truly creative, why not paint a showstopping tonal mural – a great way to use up all those Resene testpots from when you were ‘stuck in neutral’ trying to pick a shade! And by using these you’ll know the exact colours to use in the rest of the space.

Start by creating a tide line across the wall, painting lighter neutrals in one semi-circle and deeper tones in the other. A mural such as this takes the place of artwork, and sets the tone for your accessories, furniture and furnishings.

You want your bedroom to be a relaxing space – not just for night-time but as a sanctuary where you can read, dream and take a siesta. A clean, uncomplicated neutral like pale pewter Resene Gull Grey ticks the box perfectly, not least because you can layer it with a wide range of accent colours.

Organic materials warm up spaces and help to ease stress because they evoke memories of being in the outdoors – and the mental wellbeing benefits of being in nature are well documented. So, complement the potentially cool grey with timber flooring, and finish in a stain like Resene Colorwood Natural that lets the beautiful grain show through. Lush leafy plants and fresh or dried flowers will enhance the effect.

As much as you want harmony in your space, avoid everything feeling too same-same and formal by incorporating cheery accents in bright, contrasting hues. A lovely tangerine like Resene Big Bang will infuse joy, positivity and energy.

“Over the last few years, there has been a shift away from colour to a clean, stark palette of white shades but it can look quite sterile and cold, especially at night-time,” says Jackie.

“There is now a realisation that even neutrals benefit from gentle undertones and some complexity. Colours in nature are always the best inspiration such as pumice, stone and sand. These colours are more nurturing and will mix and match with other elements such as wood and linen.”

Break up your space by layering differing shades of warmer neutrals – soft stone, taupe, suede, blush and creamy undertones. A painted wall design, especially one featuring curves and arches, not only creates visual interest but adds softness.

To paint your curves, use a wide, flat or angled professional quality paintbrush – available at your local Resene ColorShop – and make sure it’s dense with lots of soft bristles. A brush like this gives you greater control when following the curved shape. As you paint your arch from the outside in, be sure to ‘feather’ the brushstrokes in towards the centre as you go and then fill in the middle area with a roller.

Brown and grey make for an earthy, comforting combo. The key is to go for natural browns such as stained timber and look for greys with a warm undertone to keep the colour palette cohesive. Think brownish greys like Resene Greige or green-tinged greys like Resene Cobblestone, which pair well with many timbers and natural materials. Greys with purple or lavender undertones are feminine and warm.

A warm grey/brown palette conjures up moody June afternoons and certainly delivers the cosiness we crave in the cooler months. But it’s equally an all-season-friendly pairing. In the warmer months, change things up with lighter accents, accessories and furnishings – think Hamptons-style contrasts with plenty of tan, white and organic textures like wicker chairs and rattan lamps. For the darker months, snuggle up to those deeper greys – bedlinen with accents of charcoal, black or deep maroon and accent paint colours like the sumptuous reddish-brown Resene Cab Sav or lighter Resene Duck Egg Blue.

If you’re unsure of the right neutral for your home ask a Resene Colour Consultant for advice and remember you aren’t restricted to just one neutral throughout your home, mix and match depending on the type of room and the amount of light. Whether you opt for Resene Tea in the kitchen or Resene Sea Fog on a coastal conservatory, the perfect colour is just a Resene testpot away.