Tonal stripes

Stripes are a design classic for many reasons.

They’re simple to achieve, have endless variations and can be adapted to suit almost any look, from the full nautical ensemble of blue and white to something more minimalist and natural like this refreshing, inviting space.

Here stripes on the walls add interest and layers to what could otherwise be quite a neutral space. Using soft, spring Resene greens as the base palette, this bedroom is also nod to the current love of organic colours.

The setting plays with stripes in various ways, including the effect on the wall using (from top) Resene Travertine, Resene Miso and Resene Nirvana with a skirting board in Resene Fawn Green.

Mood board: Headboard painted in Resene Fawn Green with lattice in Resene Miso, A4 drawdowns in (from bottom) Resene China Ivory, Resene Coconut Cream, Resene Just Right and Resene Nirvana. Accessories (mood board): Grace Pillowcase, Frilly Succulent, Succulent 22cm, from Shut The Front Door; Regina Throw 120x150cm, from Freedom Furniture; Sage Oxford Linen Pillowcases Pair, Feruto Slippers Blossom, from Thread Design. Accessories (room): Serville Rattan Chair Natural, Fringe Cushion Natural, Cushion Woven 40x60cm Grey, Pip Table Lamp, Frilly Succulent, Oslo Planter Ice White Medium, Silver Dollar Vine Plant, Aloe Vera, Succulent 22cm, Aurora Mug in Stone, Grace Pillowcase, Grace Quilt Cover Queen, from Shut The Front Door; Shaggy Cushion 35x60cm Ivory, Long Beach Cushion 40x60cm Natural, Regina Throw 120x150cm, Rogue Sandflower Zolin in Pot, from Freedom Furniture; Sage Linen Duvet Cover Queen, Sage Oxford Linen Pillowcases Pair, Natural Oxford Linen Pillowcases Pair, from Thread Design.

A lattice effect on the headboard brings added interest and texture, painted in Resene Fawn Green and Resene Miso. The look is paired with warm, natural tones and textures, from the rattan chair to a cosy throw.

To bring more of a summery vibe, the chunky throw is swapped out for a patterned coverlet and pillowcases with a touch of pink and a small vase painted in Resene Alpaca.

These graduated, tonal stripes used in this slightly unusual way can add height to a smaller room. The paler shade up high, gives the sense of the whole space opening up and makes the room feel bathed in light.

Other colours to try with spring green include warm pale browns, stormy blues and mid greys.

Bedroom accessories

Things to consider when painting in stripes:

As this room shows, stripes aren’t always about alternating one colour with white, think about tones that complement each other: build from a brick red to a pale terracotta for example. Using different strengths of Resene colours from a double all the way to an eighth, is a fun, simple way to achieve this effect.
That said, alternating sage green or sea blues with white or cream in vertical stripes can add a beautiful classic, summery look to a bach kitchen or sun room, reminiscent of old-style canvas awnings.
Wallpaper can also be a great – and easier – way to decorate a feature wall with stripes, with some patterns allowing you to experiment with interesting angles, without the hassles of measuring and masking. Check out the range of wallpapers at Resene ColorShops.
Floorboards stained in alternating shades of white wash, and darker green or charcoal toned shades can make create a dramatic beachy effect in a bach kitchen, bathroom or porches. See the Resene Colorwood range of wood stains for inspiration.
Stoic and strong vertical black and white stripes can work especially well with stark white trims in large foyers, particularly of older homes.

Paints: Wall top: Resene Travertine. Wall middle: Resene Miso. Wall bottom: Resene Nirvana. Headboard: Resene Fawn Green with Resene Miso lattice. Skirting board: Resene Fawn Green. Shelf: Resene China Ivory. Peg stool: Resene Coconut Cream. Small pot: Resene Eighth Tapa. Small vase: Resene Alpaca.