Moody is modern

Move over lights and neutrals, moody hues are set to dominate outdoor spaces.

Gone are the days when decks and patios could only be coastal-themed, light and breezy with a focus on cool blues and sandy beiges. Instead, we’re seeing a rise in darker, more sophisticated colours – designers are embracing smoky hues like Resene Rhino and Resene Bitter. These rich tones give patios and decks a modern and dramatic feel, perfect for those looking to make a statement. This moody trend is expected to gain significant traction, offering the perfect opportunity to explore a deeper palette outdoors.

Traditionally, outdoor spaces have leaned into natural, earthy tones that reflect our surrounding landscape. Colours like sandy beiges, soft greens and light blues have been popular choices, blending seamlessly with the environment. This lighter palette was heavily influenced by Mediterranean and coastal styles, where whitewashed walls, blue seas and sun-kissed surfaces were the go-to choices for exteriors. Colours like Resene Solitaire, Resene Breathless and Resene Sand have long been associated with open skies and long summer days.

The approach to outdoor spaces is shifting. This trend towards moodier hues takes inspiration from design periods where deeper colours dominated. Think dramatic Victorian gardens with rich green hedges or the moody interiors of gothic architecture with their deep blues, greys and blacks. These darker tones evoke a sense of mystery and sophistication inside – but too often we forget their use outdoors can create a similar impact.

Fear not, it’s not out with the light and brights completely. One of the most compelling aspects of this moody outdoor aesthetic is how it can be contrasted with brighter shades. Deep, inky blues like Resene Dark Knight or greens like Resene Palm Green paired with bright whites or soft creams such as Resene Half Spanish White create a stunning effect. A darker wall can always be juxtaposed with a light outdoor dining set, offering some balance. This play between dark and light is on trend for outdoor design.

We created a modern and luxurious outdoor patio by embracing a moodier colour palette. Our star feature is a textural wall in Resene Bitter, a rich olive green that brings great depth to the patio, particularly great in a small space.

To recreate this look:

• Start by lightly sanding your wall and dusting it to create a clean surface. If your wall isn’t in the best condition, a textured finish is an excellent way to hide imperfections and turn a less-than-perfect wall into a feature.

• We chose Resene Bitter as our base colour – a rich, earthy green that’s darker than the accent colours we’ll layer on top.

• After applying two coats of Resene Bitter allowing it to dry between coats, we mixed two accent colours: Resene Celeste (a light grey-green) and Resene Miso (a fresh yellowed neutral), with equal parts Resene FX Paint Effects Medium. Using small brushes and rags, we applied these colours randomly across the wall.

• If you have an inspiration image of a textured wall you like, it’s a good idea to keep it handy as a guide for your placement and technique. The beauty of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium is it allows you to keep working the paint until you’re happy with the effect, without it drying too quickly.

• After layering the two accent colours, we allowed the wall to dry before adding highlights with Resene Gimblet (an ochre green). We used a testpot brush to apply this sparingly, then smudged it with a rag to make the highlight colour pop against the more subtle tones of the Resene FX Paint Effects Medium.

Adding lighter contrast with our outdoor furniture was key to balancing the moodiness of our textured wall. We opted for a sleek tulip table and chairs in Resene Half Barely There, a cool grey-white. The lightness of this shade works as a counterpoint to the darker wall, keeping the patio feeling balanced and airy. For the decking, we applied Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain in Resene Natural. This kind of stain enhances the wood’s natural beauty while giving the patio a sophisticated finish that complements our darker walls. The natural wood grain adds more texture and warmth to the patio.

Accessorising a moody outdoor space is key to bringing the look together, otherwise it can feel a little too cave-like and unwelcoming. We referenced mainly the same hues on our wall in our accessories with a wall light in Resene Celeste for a soft glow on the patio in the evening, and for extra cosiness, a teapot and plate in Resene Rhino. Our small cups and saucers in Resene Bitter continue the moody green theme. A milk bottle painted in Resene Celeste adds another pop of light colour, while a milk jug and frilled edge plate in the zesty Resene Gimblet bring a touch of earthy warmth. A dish in the deep grey Resene Cobblestone works as a fruit or salad bowl.

Planters are another great feature to use in a moody outdoor space; they will soften your look. Our smallest planter is painted in Resene Triple Tana, while our small lipped planter pot is in Resene Half Barely There. A tray underneath in Resene Celeste adds a subtle contrast. The largest planter, also in Resene Celeste, holds a statement tree, grounding the space and bringing in some natural greenery. A watering can in Resene Miso is subtle and stylish. The result is an outdoor space that feels not only stylish and modern but also deeply inviting – the perfect blend of drama and comfort ready for summer evenings outdoors.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Moneuan Ryan. Paint effects by Hannah Tapner. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024