Sunset tones

Not too long ago this gorgeous mellow-toned room would likely have been awash in millennial pinks but here there’s a subtle shift away from that side of the spectrum into the modern trend for peaches and nudes.

And why use just one peach or nude tone when you can use a few by way of this striking diamond feature wall? Such a dramatic, impactful shape can fall into the trap of becoming a bit overwhelming to the eye. However, painted in desert or sunset tones from Resene, this feature wall creates a beautiful and modern backdrop.

To balance out the over-sized pattern, a tonal colour scheme keeps it soft and pretty, using sandy, dusky peaches and pinks to create a grown up look; soft but not effeminate. While shape trends are shifting from strict geometrics to more organic shapes, by using tonal colours, this pattern avoids being jarring and too contrasting. It’s also much easier to achieve that more free-form shapes – just mask with tape and get painting.

The scheme is further softened by adding lots of natural textures to the look, from fringed cushions to macramé wall hangings.

Finish off with flooring and furniture painted in natural tones, such as Resene Umber White (floor) and Resene Bone (coffee table).

Other colours to try with sunset shades could be smoky teals, faded blacks and leather browns.

Other interesting shapes to use to enliven your walls include:

• Polka dots can be a fun way to decorate a child’s bedroom, or even a fun bathroom. Rather than cover a whole wall, try creating patterns out of small groups of different size dots. Gold, silver and copper metallic lend a more sophisticated vibe to polka dots. To get perfect circles try cutting out a stencil from thin card or using a round sponge applicator.

• For a more retro circle design, try interlinked outlined circles of different sizes.

• Go for a 3D effect in a bedroom or sitting room with a triangles of all shapes and angles butting up together in different shades of white to dark grey.

• Contrasting lines in a bold geometric pattern is a very modern, stylish way to add interest to a wall. Trying going asymmetrical rather than repeating the same shape to add drama and interest.

• Diagonals or stripes in graduated shades of the same colour, or using complimentary colours, can add extra dimensions to a small or square room. It’s also a good way to soften a particularly large, blank stretch of wall. When using different colours across one wall remember lighter shades at the top will open the space up, using darker shades at the top can decrease the “looming” sensation of a large wall expanse with a high ceiling.

Top tip: Keep busy geometric designs to one wall only of a room, and make sure to use the same and complimentary shades throughout the space. That way the wall will be integrated into the whole room, rather than being jarring or overwhelming. Incorporate it into the room as you would a showcase piece of art.

Paints: Left diamond: Resene Tequila. Left triangles: Resene Just Right. Middle diamond: Resene Cashmere. Right triangles: Resene Alpaca. Floor: Resene Umber White. Table: Resene Bone. Small vase: Resene Alpaca. Medium vase: Resene Tequila. Tall vase: Resene Just Right. Large round bowl: Resene Just Right.

Styling by Emily Somerville-Ryan. Photography by Melanie Jenkins. 2018