Classic colour combos for looks that last

From the Resene decorating blog

Look beyond the usual suspects to classic combos that stand the test of time.

When it comes to picking paint colours for our homes, it turns out that there's are fairly consistent palettes we turn to time and again no matter what decade we’re decorating in. These classic colours can’t be confined to a particular era, and for good reason: they’re endlessly versatile, working in rooms large or small, traditional, modern or eclectic.

For a lasting colour scheme you'll love in your home for years to comes, try one of these five combos for style that won’t go stale.

Black + White

Colour palettes don't get any more simple or classic than black and white. The high-contrast combination is sophisticated and dramatic. Try a true black like Resene Nero with a brilliant white like Resene Half Alabaster, Resene Jaguar with Resene Half Black White, or Resene Bastille with Resene Half Sea Fog.

The beauty of a black-and-white pairing is that any accent colour will work well with it. Bring in a bold red like Resene Jalapeno, a rich gold like Resene Pirate Gold or a cerulean blue like Resene Decadence.

While the neutrality of this combo is one of its benefits, it’s the high contrast between the two colours that makes it stand out from other neutrals. For equal contrast with added depth, swap out black for a near black that has just a hint of colour and a white with an undertone to match like Resene Indian Ink with Resene Zircon, Resene Karaka with Resene Merino or Resene Aubergine with Resene Eighth Blanc.

Top tip: Adding in fresh greenery and rich timber accents can help add warmth to a black and white palette and keep it from looking too stark. Let the natural beauty of wooden floors shine through with Resene Colorwood Natural waterborne wood stain or opt for Resene Pitch Black to match less-than-idea timber tones to the rest of the scheme.

Orange + Navy + Bright White

As the saying goes, opposites attract – and colours directly across from each other on the colour wheel, such as orange and blue, are no-fail combos. Keep complementary colours looking ageless by containing the shades to accent pieces and pairing with a hefty dose of white. Try walls in Resene Merino with furniture and accessories in Resene Bunting and Resene Twizel. Or try a more vibrant pairing like Resene Licorice with Resene Smoke Tree with Resene Alabaster walls.

Greige + Cream + Terracotta

‘Greige’, which combines the warmth of beige with the sophistication of grey, is broadening neutral horizons – think Resene Sisal, Resene Thorndon Cream or Resene Half Nomad. While it works in many styles, it is an especially strong choice for rustic decor. Accents of cream and terracotta, such as Resene Pearl Lusta with Resene Hot August or Resene Half Spanish White with Resene Raging Bull, help to brighten the nature-inspired scheme.

Alternatively, you could swap terracotta for a russet brown like Resene Pioneer Red, Resene Desperado or Resene Hairy Heath and go for a darker grey taupe, such as Resene Arrowtown, Resene Mondo or Resene Oilskin for an equally successful combination.

Silver + Seafoam

Pale greys that fall on the silvery side, such as Resene Flotsam, Resene Mercury or Resene Mystic, can give a space a little twinkle. It's an alternative to stark white and fits right in with the trend toward liveable colours.

To accentuate the frostiness of grey, pair them with a soft aqua or seafoam colour, such as Resene Breeze, Resene Duck Egg Blue or Resene Inside Back. Alternatively, mintier greens, such as Resene Kandinsky or Resene Surf Crest, and sage greens, such as Resene Bud or Resene Green Spring, can work equally well.

Other colours to try with soft silvers are dark jewel tones such as emeralds, sapphires and rubies such as Resene Deep Teal, Resene Elephant and Resene Avant Garde.

Earthy Greens + Yellows

Nature is a good teacher to look to when building a classic colour palette. Many earthy green shades live together in harmony, including moss, olive, and chartreuse like Resene Flax, Resene Clover and Resene Yuma. Ground the look and bring depth to a natural colour scheme with natural near-black accents in Resene Karaka or Resene Wood Bark and adding in a warm, golden yellow such as Resene Thumbs Up can keep the hues from looking contrived.

A tone-on-tone palette made up of barely there earthy tones can look both contemporary and classic. Think shades like Resene Arrowroot, Resene China Ivory and Resene Zen along with warm whites like Resene Rice Cake.

Other classic colour combos you can try:

• Try a deep red with a sophisticated navy, such as Resene Pohutukawa with Resene Bunting or Resene Red Oxide with Resene Indian Ink.
• Go for a coastal scheme built with layers of classic denim blues in a variety of contrasting shades, such as Resene Coast with Resene Dusted Blue and Resene Breathless.
• Stick to a single colour and use it in different strengths. Try a Resene Duck Egg Blue – one of Resene’s most popular timeless colours – in a mixture of Triple, Double, Half, Quarter strengths throughout a space.

Top tips:

• For fixtures and finishes that will likely stick around your home awhile, pick clean designs that aren’t too ornate to give them the most staying power and stick to a single finish colour, such as silver or brass, for the most cohesive look.
• Opting for a classic palette doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate touches of your own personal flair. Try using a muted pastel shade like Resene Half Secrets as your base wall colour and layer it with changeable soft furnishing in different and deeper tonal shades with pops of bold contrast. Look to the Resene The Range fashion colours fandeck for popular hues that pair well, like Resene RSVP or Resene Fast Forward.
• The best way to keep a room looking classic is to decorate with things you truly love. No matter what decade it was purchased in, it really speaks to you, you can find a way to work it in.

Did you know…  The Resene Classic Collection is a specially curated selection of shades that have staying power and look great in virtually any home. Grab a palette from your local Resene ColorShop and pick whatever colours speak to you, or try one of these tried-and-true combinations.

June 05, 2019

Visit your local Resene ColorShop for more colour ideas and all the expert advice and products you need for a superb finish on all your decorating projects.

Book a colour consult | Ask a Colour Expert | Ask a Paint Expert

Resene's decorating blog

Paint your home beautiful! Discover the latest decorating trends, tips and colour news.