Dressed to impress

From the Resene colour inspiration – latest looks gallery

Dark sea greens and pale blues come together in a dressing room you’ll never want to leave.

We all dream of a closet to rival Carrie Bradshaw’s and while the fashion icon’s actual wardrobe (clothes, that is) will probably only remain in our dreams, we can attempt to channel her inner fashionista when it comes to designing and styling our dressing rooms.

Having a dedicated space for getting ready is a luxury in itself, but the area doesn’t need to be big. This dressing room highlights how you can make a small space appear and feel bigger to be used as something extremely functional.

Often, it’s assumed that dark colours will automatically make spaces feel smaller. This is not always the case and this dressing room is a great example of that. Having the dark wall on the inside of the dressing room actually helps to make the space feel bigger than it is as the dark earthy grey green of Resene Dark Slate creates depth. When layered behind lighter colours, such as Resene Zumthor on the top half of the front walls, this sense of space is heightened.

The front walls themselves create depth and intrigue with a nod to traditional wainscotting in the harlequin painted pattern in Resene Hermitage and Resene Zumthor. Trims in Resene Sea Fog create a clean contrast and introduce fresh lines to the space – a colour that is echoed in the mirror frame, picture frames and the clothes hanger. These lines also subtly demarcate one half of the wall from the other and frame the entryway to the room beyond.

You can recreate this pattern using masking tape. Paint the base layer first – we used Resene Zumthor – and allow to dry completely before marking out your diamond shapes with a pencil and a ruler. Use masking tape on these stencilled lines and paint the shapes with a darker colour – we used Resene Hermitage. Allow to dry completely before carefully pulling the masking tape off. Remember, you can create this pattern no matter what your colourway, you simply need one light shade and dark shade if you’re using a singular colour like blue, or two contrasting colours like apricot and pastel green if you want something bold but equally as beautiful.

Layers of icy blues and grey greens continue inside the dressing room with the desk in Resene Destiny, the round hat boxes in Resene Dark Slate (bottom), Resene Hermitage (middle) and Resene Zumthor (top) and the square boxes in Resene Hammerhead (bottom) and Resene Zumthor (top). Keep your palette firmly in this range for a look that’s calming, or introduce pops of difference like light coral pink Resene Paper Doll or yellow-toned beige Resene Yuma through soft furnishings and accessories. Due to their understated nature, these two colours will fit right in. For added depth, add a wooden stool in Resene Hammerhead or a dark, velvet pouf similar in colour to Resene Permanent Green.

Because of the moody and inviting colour palette in this room, good lighting is a must. Having one large pendant will help create a moody boudoir vibe, while lighter flooring in Resene Colorwood Whitewash will help to bounce light around the room. Bring in a beige or cream rug for a piece of comfort, tactile and cosy, that’s in keeping with the floorboards.

The best aspect of this room’s colour palette is that it’s neither feminine nor masculine. Dark and moody but soft and inviting at the same time, it appeals to both parties and will work in any style of home. So, your Mr Big will be just as happy as your inner Carrie Bradshaw.

Project by Kate Alexander. Images by Bryce Carleton. 2021