Stencil make a space

From the Resene colour inspiration – latest looks gallery

Stencilling is one of those activities that is easy enough for practically anyone to do – even those among us who profess to be creative or artistically-challenged.

Virtually endless in its versatility, stencilling is unmatched in its ability to produce a big effect with very little effort. Stencilling differs to masking in that you generally won’t end up with super sharp edges. Instead, they’re softer and lend an informal, laid-back vibe.

By stencilling the triangular tiles in Resene Peace on to the Resene Elderflower floor, they bring a more casual look to the room with a bit of Mediterranean feel – not unlike the tiles you might find in a Greek or Italian trattoria. And yet, when used within a tonal colour palette, it still manages to look fresh and contemporary.

Since many of today’s homes – especially new builds – often don’t have a separate formal dining room, it’s left up to the homeowner or decorator to create a dining space within a grander open plan. In some layouts, it isn’t much of a challenge, but others need an element like a large area rug to create a cohesive dining area.  By choosing to stencil the rest of the floor except for beneath the dining table, the ‘negative space’ or ‘white space’ left creates the effect of a rug and delineates the dining area within the rest of the open plan living/dining room. Not only does this strategy serve the same purpose as using an actual area rug – without the need to splurge on one – it makes cleaning up a breeze should any spills occur.

Silver sage greens like Resene Peace, which was also used on the walls, have a restful vibe, which makes them a natural choice for a space you want to relax and spend some time in. Resene Elderflower, with its warm, fizzy yellow undertone, is another warm and welcoming choice for a dining room – and the ideal complement for yellowed greens like Resene New Leaf, used on the coat rack and skirting boards, and Resene Smoothie, seen on the tall vase and the woven pendant lamp shade.

By painting mismatched dining chairs and table in Resene Elderflower with legs in Resene New Leaf, it makes them feel more like a complete set and helps them to stand out from the Resene Elderflower floor while still working with it. The curves of the hooped backs are reflected in both the coat rack and the hoop of the handmade foraged wreath, which are both painted Resene New Leaf. It’s these natural, leafy details that are the icing on the cake in this easy-going space.

Try the exact same colour palette in a bedroom or home office and add in just a touch of on trend spicy saffron or bitter orange by incorporating a few small accessories painted in Resene Noosa, Resene Mai Tai or Resene Moroccan Spice, such as vases, plant pots or the edges of a bookcase. If orange doesn’t appeal to you, try a dusty sunset pink like Resene Florentine Pink, Resene Soothe or Resene Coral Tree.

Bitter oranges and spicy saffrons that work well with this colour scheme

Styling by Melle Van Sambeek. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2019