Neutrals with warmth

Cool neutrals can create a sleek and contemporary feel. Warm neutrals, on the other hand, feature more depth in their subtle undertones – they exude a sense of cosiness and comfort, making them perfect for creating inviting spaces. The subtle hint of yellow, brown or gold in a neutral tone can completely transform the mood of a room, infusing it with warmth and character.

There’s been a noticeable shift away recently from traditional minimalist interiors with stark colour palettes, however, this doesn't mean that minimalism is completely out of style. Minimalist styles and colour palettes never truly date. By adding a touch of warmth to these minimalist spaces, they can feel more modern and inviting. Warm neutrals provide the perfect opportunity to soften the clean lines and wide open spaces of minimalist design, adding depth and character without overwhelming the space.

Warm neutrals are the go-to currently for creating sophisticated and welcoming spaces. Resene Eighth Bison Hide, for example, is tinged with green, beige and gold, adding warmth to any room. Other light grey or whites like Resene Quarter Spanish White or Resene Swirl also have warm hints in them, creating a pared-back yet inviting atmosphere.

In this entranceway, warm neutrals set the scene. A wall painted in Resene Eighth Bison Hide provides a subtle backdrop, offering warmth. A hook rack in Resene Quarter Tana is both practical and chic, offering a stylish solution for hanging coats and bags. The subtle contrast between Resene Eighth Bison Hide and Resene Quarter Tana adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. Light and warm neutrals are fantastic for areas with a lot in them, such as shoes, coats and bags, as it keeps the space feeling open rather than overcrowded.

A cubby bench seat in Resene Quarter Tana is a functional yet stylish addition to our entranceway. Not only does it offer a place to sit and take off your shoes, but it also adds a little more friendliness to the space. Crates painted in Resene Linen, Resene Triple Rice Cake and Resene Rice Cake for storage under the cubby bench adds to the cohesive look while providing a great storage solution.

To keep entranceways light and open:

• Maximise vertical space: Install wall-mounted shelves or hooks above a shoe area to store hats, bags, and accessories. Using vertical space like we have with hooks keeps the floor clear, creating a sense of openness.

• Use multi-functional furniture: Opt for entryway furniture with built-in storage compartments. A bench with under-seat storage (like the crates here) or a table with drawers provides hidden storage for shoes, reducing visible clutter.

• Consider strategic organisation: Assign specific storage spots for each family member’s belongings to prevent chaos. Each family member might have a shoe box or hook for their belongings.

To complete the entranceway, we added accessories like a vase in Resene Duck Egg Blue and Resene Eighth Tana. These subtle pops of colour add personality to the space, while still maintaining the overall sophistication of the room. A stool in Resene Triple Lemon Grass, a melody of shadowy grey and green, adds deeper contrast while floors in Resene Breathe Easy ground the space and keep it feeling airy and spacious. The greenery of plants softens the entranceway; spaces for storage can look quite harsh without soft furnishings or foliage of some sort.

Top tips to keep a neutral-coloured entranceway feeling warm:

• Layer textures: Incorporate a variety of textures like plants and rattan baskets or crates for storage. This keeps the space feeling friendly and welcoming.

• Play with lighting: Soft, diffused lighting will also aid in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Entranceway lighting doesn’t have to be over-head.

• Add pops of colour: Introduce subtle pops of colour through accessories like a stool painted in Resene Triple Lemon Grass or vases in Resene Duck Egg Blue.

• Bring in natural elements: Incorporate natural materials like wood and plants.

• Personalise your space: Adding personal touches like family photos, treasured artwork or meaningful objects can make an entranceway feel more inviting and lived-in.

By embracing warmer neutrals in an entranceway, you’re inviting anyone who enters the home to relax and unwind. With their subtle hints of yellow, pink, brown, green and gold, warm neutrals add character to any space and offer a perfect backdrop for layering textures.

Colours mentioned in this article

Styling by Annick Larkin. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024