The new neutrals

From the Resene colour inspiration – latest looks gallery

Our concept of what a neutral colour is changing. No longer are we talking only about whites, creams, beiges and greys when we talk about neutrals.

Among the surprising new neutrals are a range of terracotta shades, from subtle apricot tones all the way through to sun-baked clay. While not being what we might traditionally think of as neutrals, these shades are extremely versatile and work well in lots of, often unexpected, combinations. This bedroom is a perfect example of one such surprising, but effective combination.

Mood board: The warmth and shades of a desert sunset with A4 drawdown paint swatches in (left to right) Resene Despacito, Resene Just Dance and Resene Raindance. The top vase is Resene Shilo, the bottom one is Resene Sorbet sitting on a circle of Resene Sunbaked and against floorboards in Resene Colorwood Greywash. Accessories: Waffle Duvet in Duck Egg and Sove Linen Pillowcases from Citta Design, Laundry Bin from Mavis and Osborne, Globe Cushion in Duck Egg from Klay, cup from Dryburgh Pottery, Petra Leary Salt Lake 1 photographic print from endemicworld, Izipizi Reading Glasses, Milligram Linen Notebook and Kaewko Fountain Pen from Father Rabbit, honesty leaves from Green Point.

Here walls in Resene Raindance are given extra drama and interest with graduated layers of terracotta shades in the Resene Just Dance footstool topped with the small vase in pale peach Resene Sorbet, the mid-sized vase in Resene Shilo through to the bold Resene Sunbaked of the taller vase and the lightshade. The floor anchors everything with a subtle shade of Resene Colorwood Greywash. The overall result has all the drama and beauty of a desert sunset.

Blue meets pink accessories.