Tranquil tones: the art of a neutral bedroom

A surge in discussions surrounding ‘wellness culture’ has seen the design world shift.

Incorporating neutrals in a bedroom doesn’t have to be predictable. Embracing unique painting techniques, textured natural materials and a multitude of soothing hues can add playfulness to a room. Tones like Resene Creme De La Creme, Resene Parchment and Resene Rocky Point evoke images of nature and set the scene for a restful bedroom retreat.

A surge in discussions surrounding ‘wellness culture’ has seen the design world shift. No longer is interior design solely focused on aesthetics. Instead, it’s evolved to take a more holistic approach, one that focuses on creating spaces that uplift our physical and mental health. Biophilic design, mindful colour palettes and minimalism, for example, have come to the forefront with this culture shift.

A focus on quality sleep has emerged with our heightened interest in wellness. Once regarded as a mere necessity, or even a luxury to be sacrificed, sleep has been dubbed an essential pillar of overall well-being. People are more conscious of creating sleep-friendly environments, implementing consistent bedtime routines and establishing regular sleep schedules. We are actively seeking ways now to carve out dedicated time for quality sleep, viewing it as an investment in our overall well-being rather than a hindrance to productivity. This appreciation of sleep has led to greater acknowledgement of the factors that contribute to a restful night's sleep, particularly creating a calming ambience in a bedroom.

This tranquil bedroom uses a soothing neutral colour palette in soft brush strokes, minimalist decor and natural elements. One of the easiest ways to create a calming and serene space is to start with your walls. We used a combination of Resene Creme De La Creme, Resene Parchment, Resene Rocky Point and Resene Rice Cake in this space. A basecoat of Resene Creme De La Creme was applied, then strokes of each hue were brushed over top.

These four tones are your go-to team for achieving a cohesive and harmonious look. Resene Creme De La Creme is a creamy, warm off-white that exudes comfort and cosiness. Resene Parchment is a soft, warm beige that adds depth and richness to the walls. Resene Rocky Point is a neutral grey with warm undertones that balances the warmth of the other colours, while Resene Rice Cake is a pale, neutral taupe that adds warmth and depth to the space.

To create a sense of continuity and flow, we finished our floor with Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, a light, neutral grey that sets off the wall colours and provides a neutral base for the room. The stain is ideal for rejuvenating and enhancing wooden floors.

Keep your furniture and decor minimalistic, natural-feeling and leaning towards a warmer palette. Resene Hindsight on the headboard, for example, is an ochre grey-green neutral blend that doesn’t take away from the complexity and depth of the wall. A side table in Resene Rocky Point will tie in hints of the same hue on the wall, creating a sense of continuity throughout the bedroom.

Embrace biophilic design when it comes to additions in a bedroom. Biophilia refers to our innate affinity for nature, and biophilic design aims to bring elements of the natural world into indoor spaces. Incorporating natural materials like wood and stone has been shown to reduce stress. Collect natural elements like rocks or shells on the beach and paint them for your bedside table. We used Resene Morning Haze, an early morning, misty violet-blue that adds a hint of colour and visual interest. To finish off the space, we incorporated other natural elements like a plant pot, wooden accents, a cane pendant painted in Resene Rice Cake and warm textiles. With a brushed-paint neutral wall as its backdrop, a truly serene and restful bedroom retreat results.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Annick Rennell. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2023