Nurture with nature

As Resene Colour Expert Jackie Nicholls says, nature-inspired design is the perfect anecdote to our busy, technology-focused lives. "The use of clever design, colours and finishes that link us to the natural environment creates a sense of wellness and serenity without having to directly replicate it."

As a starting point, think about the aspects of nature you love most and how you can honour those in colour. It might be deep ocean blue Resene Madison or crisp alpine white Resene Aoraki. Build from there.

Deep in the forest

Soft browns that celebrate the texture and look of wood create a space reminiscent of a forest cabin. Dark wood stained in shades like Resene Colorwood Charred Black and Resene Colorwood Bark makes a space feel cosy, while the visible wood grain and texture ensures it never feels dense or overwhelming. Pair dark wood finishes with deep, primordial greens you might find in a dense rainforest, like Resene Colins Wicket and Resene Waiouru, which also break up the dark hues without too sharp a contrast.

A walk in the park

There's nothing quite as simultaneously relaxing and inspiring as a stroll through a lush, green garden or wandering the pathways of a local park. Bring those fresh, soothing greens inside with shades like Resene Haven. Add accents in bold, rich greens like Resene Marshland and Resene Mangrove for depth. Blonde wood finishes rather than dark will give you a fresh, airy contrast in a nod to Scandi design.

Sweet sunrise

Sophisticated, dusted pinks, paired with sandy neutrals will lend your room the uplifting glow of a summer sunrise all year round. Delicate muted pink Resene Wafer has a biscuity beige tone that makes it versatile and perfect to use like a neutral. Pair it with off-whites and soft beiges like Resene Serene and Resene Merino. It's a palette that can be adapted with dark greens or crisp whites to take it from a cool beachy vibe to a cosy, luxurious finish.

Coastal elegance

Layers of sandy neutrals lend your spaces the relaxed lived-in feel of a coastal look, with added sophistication. Opt for layers of similarly toned neutrals in a mix of different colour depths and textures for a monochrome finish that feels warm, inviting and interesting. Resene Wheatfield is a versatile yellow-toned cream that comes in eighth through to triple strengths, giving you a broad palette while still keeping the look monochromatic.

did you know?

You can use plant-based paint for your DIY projects. Try Resene's growing range of plant-based hybrid waterborne alkyd paints including Eco Choice approved Resene Room Velvet low sheen, Resene Waterborne Lusta-Glo semi-gloss and Resene Waterborne Super Gloss.

Colours mentioned in this article

Products mentioned in this article

Projects: Megan Harrison-Turner, Vanessa Nouwens, Moneuan Ryan, Melle van Sambeek
Images: Bryce Carleton

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Printed copies of habitat/habitat highlights are available at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.

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