Make it Matisse

There are no rules when it comes to incorporating colour in a home.

Motifs and patterns in vibrant hues are a fantastic way to add flair to any room. Wild patterns in colours like Resene Rulebreaker, Resene Tequila Sunrise and Resene Indian Ink make for energising spaces that are sure to have you smiling. Be bold and extend art off canvases – make use of blank walls begging for brighter hues and infuse a room with personality with Matisse-inspired patterns.

We looked to the French artist Henri Matisse for design inspiration in this uplifting patterned room. His use of colour was revolutionary, he believed colour could express emotions and ideas in a way that no other medium could. Instrumental in the development of Fauvism (a movement that emphasised the use of bright and bold tones), Matisse used colour not only to convey emotion, but to create a sense of energy. Bold Matisse-inspired painted patterns and motifs work well in our homes because they create a sense of joy. With use of warm, bright tones like Resene Roadster and Resene Tequila Sunrise, they also create a sense of safety and warmth. Patterns paired with eclectic decor are ideal for transforming mundane spaces (like a home office) into energising environments. Productivity and creativity can increase too with a little playfulness and zest added to a space.

To create a feature wall, we chose Resene Black White for our backdrop. The colour is a bright white that never fails to allow other hues to pop. We painted leaf patterns inspired by Matisse’s ‘The Sheaf’, a cut-out large scale work of coloured frond shapes on a white background. We used Resene Skylight to create the leaves, a similar hue to that of the blue used in ‘Blue Nudes’ (a series of cutouts in blue and white that saw Matisse focus on the human form). Resene Tequila Sunrise, a cheery cocktail of orange and gold, works as an abstract central sun piece on the wall. The soft pink of Resene Coconut Ice and moodiness of deep Resene Indian Ink in polka dots and squiggles completes the art on canvas-look. Combining earthy warm tones with deeper, moodier hues keeps the look fresh and playful.

This feature wall would pack an extra punch with the colours reversed, if you were after a bolder look. For example, you could use Resene Tequila Sunrise as your primary background wall colour, with swirls, leaves and polka dots in hues like Resene Black White, Resene Indian Ink, Resene Roadster and Resene Coconut Ice. Freehand the designs, depending on your confidence level, or use a large stencil or painter's tape to create geometric patterns. For the leaf pattern, a stencil is your best bet. Simply trace a shape onto cardboard before cutting out the shape inside.

This feature wall design is effective in both a home office setting and kid’s bedroom. Too often home offices are overlooked, when they should be a place of joy, just as much as a bedroom. Working from home can be challenging – it's easy to fall into a rut or experience burnout. Cheerful colours can help to boost our mood and reduce stress levels, by injecting a little colour into a home office, working from home can be an experience we look forward to.

Keep your space feeling cohesive by pulling existing wall feature colours into furnishings. In a bedroom, a headboard in Resene Indian Ink is dramatic and bold and a pendant light in Resene Coconut Ice will keep the mood light. In a world that can often feel too serious, vibrant shades and bold patterns offer a welcome respite. They encourage a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of the carefree days of our childhood.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Annick Rennell. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2023