From Habitat magazine - issue 11
Vibrant and acidic, or soft and liquid, ambiguous greens perfectly complement these summery table settings.
Photo one
Of all the words describing all the colours, green has become overwhelmingly wedded to one thing – environmental friendliness. Green has always been linked to nature for obvious reasons, so its current association with the protection of our natural world stands to reason.
The word green is closely related to the Old English word growan, meaning ‘to grow’. Aside from its nature connotations, it also describes inexperience, jealousy, or illness.
Green has always been popular for decorating our homes, from the soft sages of Victorian times to the mints of the 1950s, the acid greens of 1960s and earth and emerald greens of the 1970s.
It’s a colour well represented in the latest fandeck from Resene, The Range 2010. There’s the mature and earthy Resene Rutherford, the playful lime Resene Limerick and the seafoam blue/green of Resene Reservoir.
The green palette has shifted as we combine our lifestyles with more sustainable living rather than just sustainable living defining lifestyle. There is a move away from basic earthiness towards the warmth and comfort of copper browns, such as Resene Desperado, while healthy oranges and pinks, such as Resene Daredevil and Resene Vibe, pack some punch. A fusion of warmth with the green palette sees brown enhanced golds, such as Resene Hot Toddy, warmed yellow greens, such as Resene Kombi, and rich dusty greens, such as Resene Rutherford, growing in popularity.
A sprinkling of yellow greens with fresh and acidic undertones, such as Resene First Light and Resene Poprock, is remindful of fresh spring foliage and the energy of youth. There is a misty and thoughtful cast over sectors of the green and blue palette, with frosted, pale aquatic colours, such as Resene Glacier and Resene Comfort Zone. The soft focus hints of subtle depths and lends a sense of ethereality. The feeling is cool, dominated by blues with additions of pale greens, such as Resene Reservoir and Resene Kandinsky, and soft putty hues, such as Resene Fleetwood and Resene Miso, for a complete look.
Blues are a natural companion to green, and the increasing prevalence of blues in the palette reflects their growing popularity. Ambiguous colours, such as Resene Maestro and Resene Patriot, cross the line between blue and green.
With the complications of busy modern lifestyles and the concerns of the economy and the environment we yearn to escape our daily routine – made possible with refreshing and dynamic colour inspired by exotic places. Hot reds, such as Resene Jalapeno and Resene Del Toro, meet rust and exotic oranges such as Resene Vindaloo and Resene Ayers Rock.
Taupe, such as Resene Perfect Taupe, continues to strengthen as a key anchoring neutral as we move away from cooler grey tones. Taupe has many subtle nuances because of its ability to adapt to other colours and influencers in the space it is used. Browns, such as Resene Stonewashed and Resene Half Pravda, are softening towards taupe.
The latest colour trends are showcased in the Resene The Range 2010, available from Resene ColorShops or you can order a copy online from the Resene website.
Photo one (accessories): Background: Resene Patriot. Spin cereal bowl and side plate, Spin dinner plate, from Nest. Deauville cutlery set – 32-piece set, from Nest. Capeli Tide glass, and Frangipani Flower placemat, from Corso de Fiori. Crown Lynn boat vase and blue glass vase, stylist’s own. Ash dining table from Simon James Design, in various sizes. See overleaf for stockist details.
Photo two (accessories): Background: Resene Ipanema. Jengala jug, from Corso de Fiori. Greta water glass and champagne flute, from Nest. 250 oven-to-table dinnerware: soufflé dish, small plate, large plate, from Nest. Deauville cutlery set – 32-piece set, from Nest. Iron Sand placemat, from Corso de Fiori. Spotted Bodum paper napkin and cube sculpture, stylist’s own. Ash dining table from Simon James Design, in various sizes.
Photo three (accessories): Background: Resene Vitra. Purple glass vase, from Highbury Galleria. Crinoline Lady Teapot (not for sale); Royal Albert June Glory cup, saucer and plate, crocheted sugar bowl cover, silver sugar cube tongs, Royal tea spoon, knitted lamington, embroidered napkin. All from The Tea Lady. Doily placemat, from Romantique. Ash dining table from Simon James Design, in various sizes.
Photo four (clockwise from left): Resene Kombi, Resene Vitra, Resene Patriot, Resene Ipanema , Resene Kumutoto, Resene First Light, Resene Flourish (at right).
Stockists Corso de Fiori, www.corso.co.nz, 09 307 9166. Highbury Galleria, 09 418 0428. Nest, www.nest.co.nz, 09 361 5555. Romantique, www.romantique.co.nz, 09 480 2232. Simon James Design, www.simonjamesdesign.com, 09 377 5556. The Tea Lady, www.thetealady.co.nz, 09 420 6257.
Words: Liz Kerby
Pictures: Mark Heaslip
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Printed copies of habitat highlights are available from late March 2024 at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.
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