A sea of tranquillity

In this outdoor dining space, we’ve taken inspiration from the sea and the sky of the Mediterranean.

The power of colour is not a new concept: its ability to transform a space and give rebirth to an interior in a way that furniture struggles to is world renown. Paint allows us to capture our tastes and feelings in certain hues, hence we paint out our homes in colours that excite and delight us. What continues to surprise and delight is the ability for a feature colour to take a space to new heights. By simply bringing in our favourite Resene hues as a strong, single feature, what our spaces mean to us gets transformed.

This concept is perfectly suited to the outdoor space, an area which is sometimes dismissed as not worthy of being painted as it is outside the home. But colour, in even its most simple form, can evoke a feeling of nostalgia or place that speaks to us no matter where. You don’t need much to make a statement using colour; a simple hue can pack a punch and be the storyteller for your setting.

In this outdoor dining space, we’ve taken inspiration from the sea and the sky of the Mediterranean. Its azure waters, white-washed houses with cobalt blue doors, fresh seafood and warm climate live in the hearts of those who have fallen in love with them. Spain, Greece, Italy – their inspiration knows no bounds, providing us with the creativity to capture this Mediterranean mystique. What is key to a Mediterranean-inspired setting is its easy, effortless nature, which draws us in and makes us want to linger in its comfortable setting.

Travel to any Greek island and you’ll see the countless homes or doors coated in a striking blue. It beckons the surrounding sea and the cloudless sky, both of which provide an alluring quality. Although there are many Resene blues to choose from, ranging from green-tinted teal to pretty powder hues, we’ve focused on Resene Resolution Blue and Resene Polo Blue to bring a level of energy to this space.

Resene blues such as these associate with strength, tranquillity and peace. Ultimately calming, these true blues immediately take us on an emotional journey to a seaside destination, where relaxation is paramount. Its perfect partner can be found in crisp white, so to create this look we coated our walls in Resene Eighth Black White. This sets the scene for our creative approach to paint. To start with we tapped out an arch and painted it firstly in Resene Resolution Blue then lightly sponged over the top with a small amount of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Polo Blue to soften it.

The serene blue palette continues onto the table and chairs coated in Resene Polo Blue. We’ve brought a textured effect to the shutters, applying Resene Polo Blue with smudges of Resene Zircon and Resene Half Resolution Blue mixed in with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium. The loose motion we’ve used to apply this using a rag creates the result of a rustic and weathered aesthetic.

Mimicking the whitewashed paint effect on many of the Mediterranean houses, our DIY painted pots create this mottled look too. It’s an homage to this architecture, but also brings a soft, character-filled element to the crisp blue and white colours we’ve embraced. We started by applying Resene Resolution Blue to the background then mixing Resene FX Paint Effects Medium with Resene Zircon to create a mottled, worn effect. Achieve this look by using a rag and dabbing the paint on in a loose fashion to make the pots look weathered.

With your blue and white backdrop in place, it’s simply a matter of laying your accompanying Resene colours on top for further interest. This can be done as much or as little as you like; we’ve brought in Resene Alabaster, a fresh white, to the freestanding plant pot to continue the white wall theme. We’ve also brought in a happy combination of the blue and white hues by way of Resene Zircon, an iced blue white, on the small tray.

A third element of colour and texture is used through bamboo ceiling, raffia side table and basket. This softens the blue and white palette through its rippled surfaces and warming earthy tones. It’s a touch that reminds us of the artisans often round in the Mediterranean towns and villages, the markets and stalls that burst with handmade creations. The overall effect creates a slow oasis at home, taking its lead from the Mediterranean in all its peaceful colours and tones.

Finally, come the finishing touches where we bring in accent colours by way of plants and fruit to add hues that complement our paint colours. The bright yellow of a bowl of lemons and the lush green of a plant work perfectly with the blue and white scheme. Another surprise tangent from the blue and white palette is where we find Resene Element on the wall light, elegantly offsetting the Mediterranean palette.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Melle Van Sambeek. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024