make it your own

From habitat highlights - issue 42, colour trends

Home decorating today is all about creating spaces that are as flexible as they are inspiring and personal.

A soothing brown bedroom in Resene Cement and Resene Doeskin.

Earthy, rich browns are soothing in this bedroom haven.

Wall painted in Resene Cement and Resene Doeskin mixed with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium. Floor painted in Resene Cement, table in Resene Sandal and vase and tealight holder in Resene Sandtex in Resene Sandal. Bedlinen and patterned cushion from Kmart, throw and cushions from Adairs.

Authenticity is key. In a fast-moving world it makes sense that we want spaces that feel safe, calm and joyful. As Resene Colour Expert Meryl Southey says: “We’re driven by a desire for peace, authenticity and hope, those values will be reflected in our decorating choices.”

Rather than sticking to rigid ‘rules’ that tell us a design looks good, the focus is shifting towards thoughtful colours, textures and materials that speak to mood rather than just visual impact.

Resene stylist Moneuan Ryan says: “Another key descriptor being used in colour and design globally is ‘warmth’. Bringing that into our spaces will push us toward warmer colour palettes and materials.”

Wellbeing

As sustainability becomes increasingly embedded in our design thinking, we’re starting to look at our own personal sustainability – or wellbeing – and how that is supported by our home. Creating a calm haven within your home may be just what you need to unwind and destress. Use greyed neutrals like Resene Black Haze or Resene Eighth Ash that pair well with earthy shades like Resene Cement or moody blue Resene Deep Teal and one or two décor pieces that lift your mood.

Muted mid-tones

Soft, weathered tones are versatile and a good way to add colour without dominating. Use smoky blues like Resene Double Duck Egg Blue, earthy greens like Resene Contour or even dusky pinks like Resene Valentine. Pair them with wood stained in Resene Colorwood Natural and layers of soft beige neutrals like Resene Blanc or Resene Half Spanish White for a year-round beach holiday vibe.

A muted blue entranceway in Resene Quarter Powder Blue

Muted blues create an elegant backdrop for this entrance.

Walls painted in Resene Quarter Powder Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection, floor stain washed in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, chair in Resene Powder Blue, shelf in Resene Clouded Blue and planter in Resene Periglacial Blue and Resene Powder Blue.

A soothing, rich brown bedroom in Resene Cement and Resene Doeskin

Faux wood panels and a textured finish add visual interest to a large stretch of wall.

Wall painted in Resene Contented topcoated with Resene Ebb and Resene Albescent White mixed with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium. Floor stain washed in Resene Bleached Riverstone.

View full accessory list / colours

Table in Resene Albescent White, vase in Resene Half Blanc, console table in Resene Cest La Vie, planter in Resene Half Sauvignon and vase in Resene Twisted Sister. Chairs from Danske Møbler.

top tip Mix Resene FX Paint Effects Medium with your chosen colours to create a range of textured looks such as colourwashing and limewashing.

Versatility

Spaces we can adapt to suit our changing lifestyles are becoming ever more popular, going beyond a home office. Versatile can mean your house evolves through the different stages of your life, different seasons or simply different activities.

Add adaptable, moveable elements to your rooms and outdoor spaces. Room dividers or screens on castors in versatile neutrals like Resene Half Tea, can change how you use different spaces, whether it's siblings sharing a room, accommodating guests, working from home or making the most of unused spaces. This approach to design can also be useful for renters wanting to personalise their spaces with pieces they can take with them when they move.

Texture

Texture has been an integral design feature in recent years and we’re all getting better acquainted with how texture can transform a space, it’s not going to go anywhere.

As Resene Colour Expert Amy Watkins says: “You can add physical texture through a Resene wallpaper or fabric or visual texture with pattern or effects. It might mean using products such as Resene FX Paint Effects Medium to create different layered two-tone effects.”

Texture is really anything that gives a room added interest. It might be as simple as wood panels in a Resene Colorwood stain or different paint sheen levels.

Moveable features like screens, benches and planters make this outdoor nook super versatile for different weather and uses.

Deck stained in Resene Woodsman Tiri, with wall and trellis screen in Resene Karaka, bench and shelf pots in Resene Cape Palliser and shelf in Resene Quarter Karaka. Planters in Resene Quarter Karaka, Resene Pendragon and Resene Cape Palliser. Cushion from Baya.

A bold pattern with muted colours adds flair without overwhelming

A bold geometric pattern in a muted colour palette adds dramatic flair without overwhelming this room.

Walls painted in Resene Rice Cake with diamonds in Resene Casper and Resene Double Sea Fog. Table in Resene Divine, headboard in Resene Hammerhead, vase in Resene Dusted Blue, coaster in Resene Twisted Sister and pendant light in Resene Sunbeam.

top tip If your rooms function as both high wear-and-tear family zones and relaxed social spaces use a durable paint finish, like Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, that’s easy to wipe clean.

Go bolder

We always love our neutrals for their ease and versatility, though more bold colour is sneaking its way into our interiors.

“We’re seeing more expressive and personalised design ideas that push boundaries and reflect personality. These often feature bold colours used together in a single space,” says Resene Colour Expert Brooke Calvert.

Start small. For your first project go with either a bold pattern or a bold colour. Use a deep red like Resene Rudolph in a simple stripe with a fresh neutral like Resene Rice Cake or go for a bolder, busier pattern and use just Resene Element and Resene Black White.

A powder room or small bathroom is an easy space to start your journey into going bolder. It doesn’t take long to decorate and you can try out ideas you might not be brave enough to use in other rooms.

The point of bold is to have a punch of drama and joy that elevates everything around it.

Colours mentioned in this article

Colours marked as "buy in-store" may not yet be available in our online ColorShop, however, the testpots can be purchased at your local Resene ColorShop or reseller.