Meet the super neutrals

Turn a forgotten corner into a modern reading nook with super neutrals from Resene. The monochromatic tones in this space manage to keep it timeless yet still contemporary.

Cool whites and dramatic darks create a classic canvas that can be easily brought to life and adapted to different styles. Add sleek, bare timber or white-washed accessories with natural fibres in furniture and floor coverings to create a clean Scandi style, or furnish in bold jewel-toned golds, blues and reds for something more luxe and dramatic.

Mood board: Background in Resene Nero, A4 swatches (top to bottom) Resene Half Gravel, Resene Delta, Resene Double Merino, Resene Black White and Resene Atmosphere. Accessories: Me and My Trend – Egg chair in mouse grey velvet Rug, books and cup – stylist’s own.

Here Resene Black White on the walls brightens up the corner, with a strong Resene Nero anchoring the scheme on the floor, and on the wall frame and the chest of drawers. Complimentary darks in Resene Half Gravel and Resene Delta on the peg stools add more interest for the eye, while complementary neutrals on the furniture and fittings tie it all together. Here the ladder is in Resene Double Merino, the plant pots are in Resene Double Merino, Resene Atmosphere and Resene Quarter Gravel. The drawer fronts cleverly use a combination of all three.

The overall result is to create a calming and beautiful colour scheme to relax into. Invest in a lush armchair and good literature and you’re good to go.

Other ways to adapt a monochromatic colour scheme are:

For easy-to-change contemporary accents try pots, shelves or stools painted in the very on-trend brick reds or saffron-toned yellows.
For a fresh bach-feel, reference the leafy plants in this look with accent colours in darker, lush greens then add some accessories in green-toned neutrals for another layer of interest.
Monochrome also makes a great base for a children’s room because it’s quickly brightened up with fun decorations that can be easily changed as your children grow. Try bright crayon-type colours in blues, greens, pinks and reds that will tie in easily with the colours of toys and books.
Don’t know what to do with the kids’ old drawers? Paint them up, place water-tight lining within each drawer, and fill with succulents and hardy indoor plants.

Paint colours: Walls: Resene Black White Floor: Resene Nero Trellis: Resene Nero Peg stools: Resene Half Gravel and Resene Delta Ladder: Resene Double Merino Drawer frame: Resene Nero Drawer fronts and plant pots: Resene Double Merino, Resene Atmosphere and Resene Quarter Gravel