Out of the box

A tonal colour palette of green greys is translated into three unique spaces with a clever wall feature and cosy, on trend styling.

Sometimes thinking outside the box means literally painting a box on your walls. In this case, the large square wall feature painted in Resene Pumice spans across a corner of the room and stands out against the walls and floor in Resene Ravine. It immediately catches the eye and delineates this corner as a space to play.

This type of colour-blocking works particularly well in open plan spaces, where zones within a larger area need to be defined. The styling and furniture in this space extend beyond the square on the wall so it doesn’t feel too close or blocked in. Rather, they’re more of a suggestion of space within a larger space. Paint your square across your floor as well to demarcate the space at all angles and achieve the full effect of this feature. Depending on how large you want your square to be, you could also continue its shape across the ceiling.

To get the lines of your square straight, make sure you use a ruler and a level when marking them out. When painting, use masking tape, carefully and firmly placing it over your marked lines, ensuring it is straight and there are no air bubbles under the tape. After you have painted your square, allow the paint to completely dry before removing the masking tape.

Top tip

Remember to trial your colour choices via Resene testpots on a small area or surface to get an idea of how your chosen colours will look together. You’ll also have a clearer idea of how your hues will play against the light in your room.

These rooms have used a soft tonal colour palette of gentle green greys to create calming and welcoming spaces. Tonal decorating, or monochromatic decorating, is a sure-fire way to achieve a relaxing space that is entirely cohesive. The trick, however, is to add in contrast and texture to prevent the room from feeling too flat or of one note.

In the living room, the large coffee table in Resene Pewter and the nesting tables in Resene Haven (large) and Resene Harp (small) tie in beautifully with the cabinets in Resene Blue Smoke. Tonally, these dewy green greys are very similar, so pops of fresh white and darker charcoals are called on to add some visual contrast. These come in through the vases on the cabinets, which are painted in the armour-like grey of Resene Armadillo and the pale grey of Resene Harp. Fresh white couches with warm wooden legs achieve the same effect. The print on the wall adds a similar graphic contrast while continuing the room’s palpable angular motif. Bring in rectangular shelving and other sharply designed furnishings to highlight this theme even further.

When this space is transformed into a home office, similar colour rules are applied with the same stylish effect. The tonal palette is carried across with the desk and bookshelf in Resene Blue Smoke, the ladder in Resene Pewter and the vases in Resene Napa, Resene Pewter, Resene Ravine, Resene Pumice and Resene Haven. Contrast is introduced through the chair in Resene Harp and the plant pot in Resene Yucca. Add more leafy verdure to offset strong lines and soften the overall look.

To prevent this boxy space from feeling too, well, square, texture and curves are important finishing touches. A soft rug will always work wonders, as will generous throws and cushions. Foliage such as eucalyptus is the perfect addition to this tonal space as it fits in with the colour palette beautifully while also adding textural softness.

Accessories: Palm springs sofa, chair, textured rug, whitewash basket and striped cushion from Freedom, green cushion and patchwork cushion from Citta, throw from Allium, earthenware pot from Allium, beige/white rug and Hayley Bridgford ceramic vessel from Citta, fawn cushion from Freedom, artwork from Etsy, faux Eucalyptus stems from Allium, rectangle cushion with fringe and dark green cushion from Shut the Front Door.

Project by Vanessa Nouwens. Images by Wendy Fenwick. 2021