Options galore

NZ House & Garden, Resene / Colour expert

Felicity Brenchley finds herself spoilt for choice when selecting paint colours.

Auckland-based architect Felicity Brenchley specialises in residential projects, taking time to carefully select paint colours for her clients.

Why do you love working with Resene colour?

The Resene colour range is comprehensive and there is always a suitable option for every space. The tricky part is narrowing them down to a final selection which is where A4 brushouts and testpots become critical.

Typically when selecting a colour I’ll get 10-15 A4 brushouts to narrow down my options and then at least five of my favourites as testpots to be painted in the space. It is amazing how different spaces change the way a colour looks so this is a really critical part of the selection process.

What effect does paint colour have on an interior?

It has a huge impact on the way people feel, so it’s important to select the right colour based on the purpose of the space. For example I love to use dark colours in spaces that will be used during the evening, as spending time in darker spaces before going to bed can improve sleep quality. There is also evidence that exposure to natural colours, in particular greens, can have a calming effect on the nervous system so I tend towards more natural tones in residential spaces where people spend a lot of time.

What are your current three favourite Resene colours and why?

Resene Half Merino has been my go-to white for nearly a decade. I love the way it works with native timber floors and other natural materials. It is bright without being starkly white. Resene Jurassic is a dark green that I used in my own home several years ago and I am still in love with it. This green has a grey undertone which softens it nicely and means it can be used in combination with a range of other colours, including the terracotta vibes of Resene Tuscany and peachy Resene Dawn Glow, which I also love.

Any advice on using colour?

I build my colour schemes based on key items – flooring, feature tiles and lighting – and select paint colours that tie everything together. Choose any whites last as there are so many options you’ll always find one to work in with all of the other finishes.