Tone on tone

Colour trends from NZ House and Garden magazine

Create a subtle and harmonious look.

A tone-on-tone Resene palette takes one primary hue and adds graded tones to match. It’s the art of using varying shades of the same colour (or closely related colours) to create harmony. Tone on tone isn’t about flashy contrasts or bold statements; it thrives on subtlety and depth. The emphasis is on creating a soft, refined look. By using tones of a similar colour, your eye “reads” a variety of objects or accessories as a cohesive grouping, not as a scattering of disparate and individual objects. You can add a little contrast with, for example, an artwork in complementary colours but the most successful tone-on-tone rooms rely on restraint. Layering hues also allows you to play with texture and pattern, making it an ideal technique for both minimalist and traditional interiors.

A harmonious tone-on-tone interior colour palette

A moodboard with a subtle tone-on-tone scheme

Upper wall painted in Resene Ashanti, lower wall in Resene Undercover, panel mouldings in Resene Hermitage, and skirting and floor in Resene Half Sea Fog. Sofa, bench and cushions from May Time.

Colours and products mentioned in this article...

Testpot colours and products marked as "buy in-store" may not yet be available in our online ColorShop, however, they can be purchased at your local Resene ColorShop or reseller.

Swatch
Resene Half Sea Fog