Make it modern

Sometimes we all need a reminder that room design should be fun – there are no rules, after all.

One design approach that ensures the joy of decorating is kept alive is designing a room as if it's a blank canvas. An abstract mural wall, for example, in shades like Resene Destiny, Resene Hermitage and Resene Rainee makes for a fantastic talking point in a living space. Designers have shifted away from stark minimalism, instead reaching for bolder hues and opting for more personal pieces that channel modern art masterpieces.

Designers like Kelly Wearstler (well known for her love for bold and large-scale patterns) and celebrities like Cara Delevingne and Florence Welch have led the charge, transforming their spaces into veritable art galleries where every surface brims with personality. This new wave of creativity invites us to view our interiors not merely as rooms, but as immersive experiences that reflect our love for art and colour.

The resurgence of daring interiors can be linked to a broader cultural movement towards self-expression. Social media has played a significant role, showcasing imaginative interiors that defy convention. No longer are celebrity or influencers’ homes secret – we can peer inside them with social media, whether it’s a snippet of a backdrop, or a full-blown house tour on Architectural Digest. Plenty are experimenting currently with vibrant hues, outrageous patterns and eclectic designs. Designers themselves are drawing heavily from modern art, with its fearless embrace of abstraction and shape. Whether it's the chaotic vibrancy of Jackson Pollock’s work or the geometric precision of Piet Mondrian, modern art offers endless opportunities for exploration.

Channelling this artistic approach, we created a living space by imagining the room as a piece of modern art. Our star feature is a roller wall mural in uplifting blues and greens, accented with light, fresh hues to create an invigorating atmosphere. Its vertical lines (reminiscent of torn paper) extend the height of the room visually.

The colours we opted for (Resene Destiny, Resene Hermitage, Resene Rainee, Resene Chamois, Resene Bali Hai, Resene Spanish Green, and Resene Sugar Loaf) form a harmonious yet dynamic composition. Blues evoke calm and serenity, while greens bring a sense of balance and connection to nature, grounding the room. A mural like this is a fantastic one-day project that anyone can tackle with the right tools and preparation.

To recreate the look:

• We began by giving our feature wall a light sanding and dusting to ensure a smooth surface.

• We applied two coats of Resene Hermitage as our base colour, allowing ample drying time between coats.

• Using a pencil, we sketched a loose guide for our mural, considering the scale and placement of furniture in the room.

• For painting, we used a mix of small to medium-sized paint rollers and trays along with Resene test pot brushes for detailed edgework. Starting from the edges and working inward, we carefully applied each colour, allowing sections to dry before layering the next.

• Adjustments were made along the way to achieve a balanced composition.

• Once satisfied with the overall look, we applied a final topcoat to each section to ensure an even finish. In just one day, we transformed the wall into an artistic masterpiece.

The mural is anchored by a front stepped wall in Resene Destiny, a soft, muted blue that harmonises beautifully with our mural. For the skirting boards, we chose Resene Dark Slate, a deep, grounding hue that offers a striking contrast to the lighter colours above. This deliberate use of darker tones adds definition, framing the artwork-like walls.

Styling the room around such a bold feature required well thought-out choices. A mint green leather armchair serves as a funky focal point, its unconventional hue adding a playful yet chic touch. A wooden sculpted side table adds a little depth and darkness. Accessories further enhance our artistic vibe: a basket in Resene Gun Powder introduces a moody accent, while vases in Resene Santas Grey, Resene Dark Slate, Resene Bali Hai and Resene Chamois bring a mix of textures and tones that echo the mural’s palette. To complete the look, we added a bowl planter and plate in Resene Sugar Loaf, a soft mauve that provides a subtle counterpoint to the greens and blues, and a small round dish in Resene Spanish Green for a fresh pop of colour.

Keep in mind that some negative space is key in a room where a feature wall takes centre stage. We added in plenty of colourful accessories, but also were thoughtful about where and how we added things like vases and plants.

Think about:

• Layering your smaller items like decorative bowls, candles or books in odd-numbered groupings for visual balance.

• Using trays or plates to keep accessories together and tidy.

• Avoid overcrowding – again, negative space is essential for a clean, organised look. Rotate seasonal pieces or colours to keep the display fresh.

Transforming a room with a large-scale wall mural isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about embracing the joy of creation. The process is as rewarding as the result. By stepping away from convention and treating your home as a canvas, you can jam-pack any room with personality.

Paint project – Roller Wall Mural:

We gave our feature wall a light sand and dust to prepare the surface then applied two coats of Resene Hermitage, allowing time to dry in between,.

We then sketched out a rough guide for our colour placement in pencil on the wall with consideration to the scale of the furniture we chose for our room space. We chose a selection of paint rollers sizes from very small to medium sized with matching trays for this project along with Resene test pot brushes and smaller paint brushes for edge work.

We started painting our roller sections from the outside edges first, and worked our way to the centre, allowing each colour to be touch dry before starting on the next. We reworked some areas and edges until we were happy with our overall balance and composition. Then applied a final top coat to each colour where necessary. We took one day to do this painting project from start to finish, including painting the front stepped wall and skirting boards.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Project by Moneuan Ryan. Mural by Hannah Tapner. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024