From habitat magazine - issue 25, editorial
Colour is an element that’s best seen in company, and nothing exemplifies that more than our stunning cover.
A ripple of colour from dark to light contained within triangles on a wall, and punctuated by an accent of golden yellow
Created for us by stylist Megan Harrison-Turner, it uses 10 brand new colours from the Resene The Range fashion colours 18, a collection that has just been unveiled and which features 95 stunning new paint colours. Call me a colour geek but when it landed on my desk, I was in colour heaven. You can get your fix at your local Resene ColorShop or reseller, and by trying out the colours with Resene testpots.
The philosophy of not viewing colour in isolation is expressed elsewhere in this issue by lighting designer David Trubridge ("lighting the way"): “Colours are like musical notes: separate them out and they lose much of their effect. When the notes are placed together in a melody or harmony they come alive and sing.”
Adventurous colour combinations are a feature of this year’s Resene Total Colour Award winners (see "spirited solutions"), and a striking house we feature on "in the beginning"
Combinations of colour are limited only by our imaginations. Celebrate that freedom, look beyond the safety of white, and have fun painting this spring and summer.
Sharon Newey editor
When it comes to choosing colours, beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. There is no ‘right’ colour, and equally there is no ‘wrong’ colour.
Never choose a colour just because everyone else is using it. Just as we all have different tastes in foods, we all have different tastes in colour. What one person sees as the perfect calming colour combination, another can see as bland and boring. An exciting colour palette for one can be overwhelming for another.
When you’re choosing colours, it can be tempting to ask everyone for their opinion. Given enough opinions you can guarantee you will end up with plenty of contrary ideas. Always remember this is your home, your project and therefore your choice. The best time to get suggestions is when you’re looking for inspiration. Gather lots of ideas and narrow them down to those that suit you and your project.
Of course, if you are sharing a home, then you’ll need to accommodate more preferences and styles. Encourage everyone to share their colour favourites and dislikes, and ensure each person has at least one space that they will feel truly comfortable in, such as a bedroom, and make communal spaces, such as living areas, appealing to all.
You don’t have to completely reinvent your entire home every year or two in the latest fashion colours. Think of them as fresh inspiration that add to your options. Just as you might add a new jacket or shoes in the latest colours to complement your wardrobe, so too can you add a touch of new fashion colour as a feature to freshen up your home.
Enjoy your colour journey and take your time to choose colours you love. Happy decorating!
the Resene team
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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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