Return to retro: Orange is king

The resurgence of retro hues is palpable, with the fiery embrace of orange, yellow and red leading the charge.

Nostalgic ‘70s tones like bold Resene Sebedee and Resene Grenadier are staging a triumphant comeback, injecting homes with character reminiscent of a bygone era. A crafting area for kids is the perfect canvas to play with bold use of colour.

This affection for '70s colour palettes isn’t merely a revival of aesthetics; it's a celebration of an era defined by daring design and unabashed colour injections. The '70s embraced experimentation as homes became canvases for bold self-expression. While some may choose to leave behind shag carpets and avocado kitchens, designers are embracing the era's willingness to push boundaries and embrace vibrant hues like oranges and yellows.

Hot oranges like Resene Sebedee and Resene Grenadier offer an immediate sense of comfort and warmth, wrapping us in a nostalgic embrace. Orange has a unique ability to evoke feelings of familiarity, making it a great choice for creating inviting spaces in our homes. Paler and earthier oranges are just as on-trend – hues like Resene Manhattan, Resene Moroccan Spice, Resene Tuscany and Resene Twizel are gentler retro nods for a room.

Step into a vibrant world of creativity and fun with this colourful kids' craft space! Bursting with bold and bright hues in varying tones, this room is designed to inspire endless imagination and artistic exploration. Simple yet aspirational, it offers a delightful haven where young minds can unleash their creativity freely. It’s easy to replicate this look in your home and this space can also transform into a more mature work-from-home area by painting it in a neutral palette. Whether it's a playful hub for crafting adventures or a serene sanctuary for focused productivity, this versatile room adapts effortlessly to suit your needs and preferences.

This charming kids' crafting space can double as a work-from-home office. Bursting with bright hues, this room is designed to inspire imagination and artistic exploration. The back wall in Resene Eighth Bison Hide, a bleached grass neutral, provides a soothing backdrop, complementing the retro trend with its understated elegance. A hook shelf in Resene Tana, a soft, stony grey, adds a practical touch, its warm undertones harmonising with Resene Eighth Bison Hide behind it. We opted for a neutral tone for the hooks to keep the space feeling light, uncluttered and open. Pops of colour were reserved predominantly for the lower half of the room.

Step stools painted in Resene Butterfly and the iconic Resene Sebedee inject bursts of colour into the space. Resene Butterfly's soft cyclamen pink contrasts beautifully against the fiery joy of Resene Sebedee. These vibrant hues add buckets of character. Cubbies painted in Resene Wonderland, Resene Fringy Flower and Resene Grenadier provide storage, with multiple shades of lilac and orange working in harmony to create a dynamic visual impact. Purple and orange, with their complementary contrast, infuse the room with energy and vitality.

Inside the cubbies, boxes in playful blue-green Resene Aqua, apricot rose Resene Wax Flower and aqua green Resene Vista Blue offer additional storage, their tones adding further fun and dimension to the space. Light pendants in Resene Turbo add a playful touch, their electric yellow hue adding warmth and vibrancy against the backdrop of Resene Eighth Bison Hide.

Accessorising with mason jars in Resene Lola and Resene Drop Dead Gorgeous adds a little more whimsy, while ceramic cats painted in Resene Quarter Tana and Resene Bison Hide bring a quirky charm to the space.

If you’re considering whether a craft space is a worthwhile addition to your home, it has its benefits:

• Allowing kids to have their own crafting space promotes independence and decision-making skills. They can choose their own projects and materials, empowering them to take ownership of their artistic endeavours.

• Having a crafting area at home encourages reuse and recycling of materials, promoting sustainability and reducing waste. Instead of buying new items, it’s easy to repurpose old materials or use what they have on hand to create something new.

• Completing a craft project, no matter how big or small, gives a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. For children, it boosts their confidence and self-esteem as they see their creations come to life. Even for adults, it offers a sense of pride in creating something with our own hands.

Versatility is the hallmark of good design, and this kids' crafting space could absolutely transform into a more mature work-from-home area with a simple change of colour palette. Swapping contrasting lilac and orange hues for a more muted scheme would elevate the space from a craft room to an office using tones like Resene Quarter Tana and Resene Bison Hide on the walls and table, but bring in a quirky charm to the space by keeping the Resene Sebedee painted stools.

If you are designing a space to double as a kids' craft space and home office, consider:

• Opting for versatile furniture pieces that can serve dual purposes, like our desk that doubles as a crafting table.

• Using storage solutions like cubbies and shelves to keep craft supplies organised and easily accessible.

• Incorporating vibrant colours and playful accents to stimulate creativity in the crafting area.

• Keeping the workspace clutter-free by investing in storage bins and containers for office supplies.

The threads of nostalgia are woven deep. Embrace the retro resurgence of bold oranges, reds and yellows be it in a craft space or any other room in the home and revel in their warmth.

Colours mentioned in this article

Styling by Annick Larkin. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024