shape up

From Habitat plus - kids' spaces

Bold geometric shapes are a popular way to add colour without going overboard and can add real flair to a child's room with little effort.

Bold stripes, triangles, chevrons and squares are all easy to create with just a bit of masking tape. It's a look that's simple enough that older children may even want to try creating them.

Bold shapes lend themselves to bold colours and unexpected matching. Double down on a daring palette and try mixing deep blue like Resene Surfs Up with a bright green, such as Resene Neva or Resene Tutti Frutti, or burnt orange like Resene Smoke Tree with vibrant turquoise, such as Resene Seeker or Resene Sea Green. Another great option is graduated stripes in different saturations of one colour, starting with the deepest at the bottom of the wall to the palest where it meets the ceiling.

If stripes aren't your thing, try blocking out shapes in different areas of the room to delineate spaces within it, such as a study zone, vanity or sleeping area.

Grid lock

Strong lines do a strong job of communicating the ‘grid' theme in this minimalist ‘Memphisstyle' teen's bedroom. It's an effect that's dependant on the combination of high-contrast colours with careful measuring and masking. Wall in Resene Kandinsky, floor and wall grid effect in Resene Wet N Wild, plant pot and bud vase in Resene Jalapeno, bedside table in Resene Breathless with drawer in Resene Wet N Wild and picture frame and lamp in Resene Alabaster.

Monkey around

Kids will love this modern take on a jungle-themed bedroom with its vibrant stripes and splashy palette. The walls are in deep Resene Bunting with Resene Hi Jinx and Resene Keppel stripes and accents. Hints of stained wood, natural textures and plants keep bold palettes fresh and stop them becoming overwhelming.

Rejuvenate timber flooring with Resene Colorwood wood stain and finish with Resene Qristal ClearFloor to enhance the colour while still allowing the grain to show through.

› Learn more about this look

Block out

Try unique combinations like this colour-blocked feature wall to break up a big space and keep things grounded. This room is finished in navy Resene Blue Night, Resene Big Bang and Resene Flower Power against a backdrop of Resene Half White Pointer on the walls and floor. The same colour scheme can be used for fun and easy DIY art projects to decorate the space.

Top tip: Start with a duvet or cushion your child already loves and let them pick out two or three other colours to complement it.

› Learn more about this look

All that glitters

Go full glam with these bold gold and white stripes in Resene FX Metallic Gold Dust and Resene Black White, which was also used on the floor. Subtle pink accessories, such as the bedside stool in Resene Pot Pourri and the wooden heart wall hook in Resene Pink Terrace (try Resene Cosmos), add softness to balance out the crisp stripes. As a unique detail, the underbed storage box has been painted Resene Pot Pourri and repeats the pattern of the bedding in Resene FX Metallic Gold Dust.

Other colours to consider that can really make gold sparkle are navy blue or bright magenta, such as Resene Surfs Up and Resene Colour Me Pink.

› Learn more about this look

Point the way

A patch of bright chevrons pops in Resene Curious Blue and sends the message that this space is a fun place to be. While blue is a popular choice, whatever colour your child loves best would look just as good over the top of clean and contemporary Resene Triple Concrete walls. Monochromatic accents, such as the wooden box in Resene Half Tuna and the wooden blocks in Resene Picton Blue, in an otherwise neutral room create continuity while keeping things fresh and interesting.

› Learn more about this look

Born free form

Blurring is a creative alternative to conventional linear shapes. Bleeding colours into each other can really change the perspective of a room and keep it from becoming too boxy. Resene Ruby Tuesday (try Resene Japonica) bleeds into Resene Point Break (try Resene Mariner) on the wall of this vibrant, surprising nursery to spark a lifetime of imagination.

›
Born free form

Want to get your own free copy of future issues of habitat magazine?

• Retail customers and homeowners: All Resene ColorShop and DIY Cardholders are sent a copy of each issue of habitat. Sign up for your free card here - Australian residents - New Zealand residents.
• Specifiers: Sign up for habitat here.

If you have an idea, project or story that you think would suit habitat plus, we’d love to hear from you. Please drop us an email with your details and include photos if submitting a project.

habitat plus are not mailed directly. They are available free from Resene ColorShops and resellers while stocks last and available for viewing online.