Lighter than air

This turn towards self-care and wellness is materialising into a sweeping change of lifestyles and values, and a rethink of how we bring this into the design of our homes.

A renewed love of honesty in materials, which favours those that come from nature, have made linen, wood, cane, clay and stone incredibly desirable to decorate with for their longevity and inherent beauty – along with light, bright and breezy Resene paint and timber stain colour pairings and low sheen natural look clear finishes to suit. Simple, pared down silhouettes and Scandinavian influences like whitewashed timbers in Resene Colorwood Whitewash and minimalist furnishings that focus on quality and sustainability over quantity are hugely popular.

* A timber headboard finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash adds another layer of visual texture and variety to this airy tonal space. Wall in Resene Triple Pearl Lusta, floor and pendant lamp in Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta, artwork in Resene Half Black White, vases in Resene Triple Bison Hide and Resene Half Bison Hide, bowl in Resene Grey Olive and chair in Resene Jaguar. Linen from Foxtrot Home, cushion and pink vase from Città, candleholder, throw and mug from Blackbird Goods.

Trend: timber stains, see "Down to earth"

Home retreats

Our homes have become our sanctuaries from the stresses of everyday life – but especially our bedrooms. Simple creature comforts like sumptuously soft bedlinen and cosy rugs can make time spent recharging feel like a more decadent experience. Soothing colours that bring a sense of levity and clarity like Resene Soothe, Resene Peppermint, Resene Half Bison Hide and Resene Grey Olive are top picks for impacting the overall vibe of your sleeping space.

Beyond the bedroom, there is also a trend towards creating zen-like retreat rooms – or even just a corner within another room – where you and your house plants can sit together and soak in the sunlight and take time out with a book or magazine. Pick out some plant pots in pleasing shapes and paint them using Resene testpots in tonal hues that coordinate with your chosen colour scheme to make your plant babies an even more integral part of your design.

Seamless shelving

Floating shelves that blend into the wall have become more favourable than ones with visible brackets, which in many cases can detract from the style of a space or create unnecessary visual clutter. For an even more seamless look, paint your floating shelves in the same Resene colour as your wall or in a hue that matches or coordinates with your other furnishings.

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Printed copies of habitat highlights are available from late March 2024 at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.

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