Guiding light

Staying abreast of global interior design trends is all part of the job for Meryl Southey, a Resene Colour Expert who works online liaising with clients across New Zealand and Australia.

“There are many things that inspire me,” she says, “from mother nature to cultural themes and social media. I watch reality TV shows on real estate and series such as The White Lotus which features international resorts with inspiring colour themes. I also look to fashion for current trends in colour and pattern, even wallpaper for paint colour combinations that might challenge me.”

Along with the internet, magazines such as habitat by Resene and books also provide Meryl with ideas for colour and decorating projects. “A favourite for colour information is Living with Colour by textile designer Rebecca Atwood. It’s a stunning book as well as practical.”

It is, however, important to consider how the New Zealand vernacular differs to overseas when considering colour schemes and to be mindful that direct translations don’t always work.

“Along with cultural and climate differences,” explains Meryl, “a key factor is how our natural light is different and how this can impact on how colours work. If you were to implement an identical colour theme into a New Zealand home, that you had been inspired by overseas, it might not bring the same joy.

“The architectural design of our homes is dedicated to the New Zealand environment so when selecting a palette of colours and gathering inspiration from international trends, consider how that colour palette works for your surrounding landscape, design, culture and style. A Resene Colour Expert can work with you to tweak the colour palette, so that the type of colour you are hoping to use works with the aspect of the space and architectural elements. For example, it may be that the international trends you are wanting to portray are used in smaller quantities.”

Three Techniques To Try:

Colour Drenching:  This is the art of applying one colour on all surfaces of a room. With versatile paints such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen that can go on multiple surfaces, it is cost and time saving. Depending on the colour, drenching onto all surfaces can either make a room feel open and spacious as there is no disruption to the eye via dominant contrasts, or it can make a space feel cosy and inviting with deeper shades. It is also a way to blend details which might not be appealing.

Varying sheen levels add interest. For example, use Resene Lustacryl – a semi-gloss waterborne enamel – for trims and woodwork, and a matt paint for ceilings, such as Resene SpaceCote Flat, or use a pop of colour as an accent in furnishings.

Textured and Tactile:  Wallpapers Elevate walls with texture and Resene wallpaper to bring out an exciting depth. The use of woven materials such as grass cloth echoes the trend towards environmentally conscious design choices and pairs well with the current trend towards warmer paint colours. Earthy colours in plain textured wallpaper bring a classic, timeless warmth to a room and are versatile to decorate around.

Layering Texture, Colour and Pattern:  This is a useful technique to create a snug home, with impact – especially with the current interior architecture of open plan and multi-functional spaces.

Textured coatings such as Resene Sandtex are suitable for interior wallboards and can be tinted to a selection of standard Resene colours, then paired with complementary colours or overcoated with a special effect such as Resene FX Metallic or Resene FX Paint Effects Medium in a random pattern. This is a useful way to define a dedicated space such as a dining area or office nook.

Colours and products mentioned in this article