Classically curved

In an age where it can sometimes feel like trends change even faster than the weather, classic design styles and colour combinations will always be in high demand.

But, formulating a design that doesn’t border on boring or feel like it’s been frozen in history can take a bit of finessing.

Creating a look with real longevity starts with forging the right foundation to build upon – well-constructed furniture in timeless designs, durable finishes, and a flexible palette that complements a whole spectrum of colour choices.

Mood board : Background in Resene Merino and A4 drawdown paint swatches (from top) in Resene Indian Ink, Resene Swiss Caramel, Resene Alabaster and Resene Route 66. View accessory list...

The colours in this lounge, inspired by the kimono-like pattern of the cushion, are part of the Resene Classics Collection – a specially curated selection of shades with staying power that look great in virtually any home. The range is focused on outlasting the trends, with colours that have been popular for many years and will likely be popular for many more.

But just because a palette is built with classic colours, it doesn’t mean that your space needs to look traditional. This contemporary room has a unique painted wall feature in Resene Indian Ink, Resene Route 66 and Resene Swiss Caramel over a Resene Merino background. The organic feel of the hand-painted shapes is echoed throughout the room in natural looking fibres and finishes, like the sofa, the plushy high-pile wool felt rug, the cosy cotton knit throw and hand-woven linen cushions, and the dried floral arrangements.

The coffee table and pendant lamp in Resene Indian Ink bring the palette from the walls into the rest of the room, along with the sideboard in Resene Swiss Caramel. Hints of watery blue, like the vases in Resene Excalibur, provide extra interest, break things up and play off of the tones in the patterned cushion and the ‘pearl’ candle.

Paint: Main wall colour: Resene Merino. Small wall circle (top right): Resene Swiss Caramel. Large wall circle (left): Resene Indian Ink. Corner wall circle (bottom right): Resene Route 66. Pendant lamp: Resene Indian Ink. Coffee table: Resene Indian Ink. Tray: Resene Route 66. Round vase (on coffee table): Resene Excalibur. Round cork tealight holder: Resene Merino. Sideboard: Resene Swiss Caramel. Tall vase: Resene Excalibur. Small vase: Resene Route 66.

Accessories: Peony Sofa, High-Pile Cream Wool Felt Rug from Freedom Furniture. Oak Look Coffee Table (painted Resene Indian Ink), Oak Look Sideboard (painted Resene Swiss Caramel), Blue & Gold Round Cushions from Kmart. Bloomsbury Cushion Cover (on sofa), Cotton Velvet Rectangle Cushion Cover in Midnight (on sofa), Cotton velvet cushion cover in Eggplant (on floor), Hand Woven Linen Cushion Cover (on floor), Reversible Cotton Knit Throw toffee/tea (on sofa), Monroe Cork Coaster Set (on coffee table), Café Mug from Citta. Round pearl home fragrance candle from Adairs. Eva Woven Tan Leather Slides from The Mood Store. Books and Mags are stylist’s own.

Dinining room