Going global

From the Resene colour inspiration – latest looks gallery

Stylist Amber Armitage takes a trip around the globe and translates her inspiration into spaces featuring statement prints, creative colour combos and exotic homewares.

• Set the scene with a large photo or print of a Moroccan scene and use its colours in your scheme.
• Bring in the plants - the hardy plants of arid climates bring a space to life and are easy to care for.
• Mix natural-fibre baskets and textural cushions with more contemporary elements.
• Don’t be afraid of things that look a little worn; they can bring a feeling of earthiness to a space.
• A collection of floor cushions can create the perfect spot to relax with a book.
• Give a room a subtle Moroccan vibe by trying a combination of chalky pinks and foliage greens.

Paint: Wall painted in Resene Dawn Chorus, floor in Resene Permanent Green.

Accessories: Moroccan Rooftops unframed A0 print, faux palm, both from Amber Armitage. Calcha embroidered cushion, Angulo cushion cover (by cactus), and large pillar candle, all from Citta. African grain basket, from Indie Home Collective. Elena Renker x Mark Antonia autumn candle, from Mark Antonia. Amber Armitage x Mood Store painted pots, from Mood Store. Terracotta pot, from Kings Plant Barn. Other items stylist’s own.

• Choose a large, oversized artwork and treat it like a window onto a beautiful view.
• Keep the space casual with a framed print leaning against the wall and a daybed rather than a sofa.
• Use treasures that you have acquired throughout your life and group them together in one space, such as hanging them on the wall.
• Avoid clutter; make sure there is room to relax and clear the mind.

Paint: Wall painted in Resene Black White, floor in Resene Alabaster. 

Accessories: Views From Amalfi unframed A1 print, from Amber Armitage. Tate daybed in grey, from Me and My Trend. Macramé wall hanging, grey velvet cushion, both from Mood Store. White duvet cover, Pony Rider striped cushion, small beaded basket, shell necklace, large white basket, marble cross, all from Indie Home Collective. Coffee mug, from Holly Houston. Other items stylist’s own.

• Use luxe velvet in a mix of different colours for a touch of old-money glamour.
• Be brave with colour, particularly with primary shades of yellow and red.
• Add a bit of brass bling in furnishings or some eye-catching lighting to mimic the glitter of the world’s brightest city.
• Go bold with your artwork.
• Keep personal items to a minimum to recreate that hotel lobby feel.
• Try painting the floor to add more colour, or even consider a bold pattern to take it to the next level.

Paint: Wall painted in Resene Black White, floor in Resene Jordy Blue.

Accessories: Yellow Arrow unframed A0 print, from Amber Armitage. Lobby chair, from Freedom. Mini drum ottoman, from Me and My Trend. Garden tote bag, from Mavis & Osborn. Yellow cushion, from Textilia. Gava planter (by hat), from Citta. Faux bird of paradise plant, from Mood Store. Field candle holder by Good Thing, from Tim Webber. Other items stylist’s own.

• Layer earthy tones of sand, taupe and terracotta with paler cream and beige.
• Pink highlights warm up the palette.
• Dried arrangements of leaves and flowers add subtle colour as well as evoking the blooms and plants of the desert.
• Wooden furniture in pale finishes and classical shapes adds texture and a sense of history.
• Simple white ceramics in a variety of shapes and sizes creates a mini Middle Eastern skyline.
• A splash of dusty blue adds a hint of the desert sky and salty waters of the Persian Gulf.

Paint: Wall painted in Resene Dairy Cream.

Accessories: Desert unframed A1 print, from Amber Armitage. Curve buffet, from Freedom. Beech wishbone chair, from Me and My Trend. White ceramics by Jonti Griffin, from jontigriffin.co.nz. Platform bowl by Good Thing, from Tim Webber. Linen house coat, from Mavis & Osborn. Pebble weave grey rug, from Nodi. Dried eucalyptus arrangement by Mark Antonia.

• The grey of the road is the basis for this palette. Start with neutral shades then pack a punch with yellow and blue.
• A simple cinderblock makes a cool, affordable side table and evokes the concrete of American sidewalks.
• Choose lights with a vintage feel like those you see in the roadside diners of yesteryear.
• Shiny plastic surfaces provide an interesting contrast to soft grey furnishings – white plastic still feels contemporary but has a fun, tacky vibe.
• Try painting blocks of colour on a feature wall to frame a statement print featuring similar tones.
• Keep your travel bag packed and ready for the next adventure!

Paint: Wall painted in Resene Mischka, Resene Broom and Resene Cobalt, floor in Resene Double Black White.

Accessories: On the Road unframed A1 print, from Amber Armitage. Noughts weave rug, from Nodi. Trim armchair, from Me and My Trend. Concrete lamp by Menu, Last stool by Hem, both from Tim Webber. Bam canvas bag, from Citta. Faux cactus, white pot, both from Mood Store. Other items stylist’s own.

Styling by Amber Armitage. Photography by Melanie Jenkins/Flash Studios. 2019