fine dining

From habitat highlights - issue 43, pick a palette

The way your dining space feels is just as important as what’s on the menu.

Dining spaces aren’t just for eating. They’re for laughing until your cheeks hurt, sharing stories over second helpings and making memories that outlast the meal. The right dining space invites everyone in and makes them want to stay a little longer.

Parisian-style dining room courtyard featuring a distressed wall effect

French

Distressed effect wall painted in Resene Double Blanc and Resene Half Blanc, window shutters in Resene Melting Moment, pavers in Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path in Resene Grey Chateau, table distressed with Resene Melting Moment and Resene Paris White, chairs distressed in Resene Family Tree, pot in Resene FX Faux Rust Effect and lavender pot in Resene Frozen. Candle and dinner set from Maman.

Romantic floral dining room featuring walls with Resene Wallpaper Collection 2311-168-02

Floral

Wallpapered in Resene Wallpaper Collection 2311-168-02, floor stain colour washed in Resene Colorwood Shade, lampshade in Resene Vintage and Resene Bardot, table in Resene Sea Nymph, chairs in Resene Bone and vases in Resene Bardot, Resene Blackberry and Resene Vintage. Candle from Maman.

Resene Colour Consultant Veronika Vuletic says that designing an eating space for both function and aesthetics is essential. “To create a warm and inviting space, opt for warm, earthy shades which evoke a sense of relaxation", she suggests. “For a bolder look, consider adding a Resene wallpaper to create visual interest and express your personality.”

French connection

If a Parisian courtyard is calling, textured surfaces can help create this style. Think a limewashed wall that feels sun-kissed paired with a rust-effect urn created using Resene FX Faux Rust Effect, and painted pavers with pebbles in between. “A table painted in Resene Melting Moment and Resene Paris White using a distressed technique adds an authentic touch,” says stylist Katrina Hobbs.

Coming up roses

Staying with a romantic theme, a statement wallpaper wraps the room in blooming beauty. “I used Resene Wallpaper Collection 2311- 168-02 as the starting point for this design,” Katrina explains. “The Resene Colour Palette Generator tool pulled tones from the design, which I’ve highlighted on the table and chairs.”

Beautiful dining room with walls painted in soft blush Resene tones

Blush

Wall painted in Resene Just Right, battens on wall stain colour washed in Resene Colorwood Becalm, floor in Resene Colorwood Bleached Riverstone, chairs, table base and cabinet interior in Resene Half Stonewall, cabinet exterior, tabletop and jug in Resene Quarter Blanc, lampshades and vases on table in Resene Rickshaw, artwork in Resene Sea Fog and decor on shelf in Resene Quarter Blanc and Resene Rickshaw.

Courtyard dining space with a light wall and contrasting deep cool-toned decking and trellis

Contrast

Wall painted in Resene Half Fossil, trellis stained in Resene Waterborne Woodsman English Walnut, decking in Resene Woodsman Tiri, planter box and ground pot in Resene Ironsand, trestle legs in Resene Double Fossil, tabletop in Resene Gunsmoke ragged over with Resene Castle Rock and chairs in Resene Eighth Fossil.

We’re blushing

A softer (but no less stylish) palette in Resene blush tones are great to give your room a glow that works beautifully with timber stained with Resene Colorwood wood stain, greenery and vintage touches. It’s proof that neutral doesn’t mean boring.

Consider using wall panelling to add depth and interest. It could be vertical battens, wainscoting or contemporary fluted designs. The benefit of panelling is it introduces subtle shadow play that enhances the overall atmosphere. Layer in textured art to continue the tactile story. It’s easy to create your own textured art by rough brushing finishes like Resene Sandtex.

Another easy trick is to paint the interior of a bookshelf or cabinet in a complementary or contrasting hue. This unexpected pop draws the eye to your favourite objects or crockery and adds dimension without overwhelming the calm aesthetic.

Contrast effect

Playing with contrast can completely transform a courtyard dining space. A light wall, like Resene Half Fossil, paired with deep, cool-toned decking or trellis stained in Resene Woodsman Tiri or Resene Woodsman English Walnut creates a sophisticated balance that feels both grounded and refreshing. This approach works especially well in outdoor areas where sunlight and shadow naturally enhance the effect. It’s moody, modern and made for evenings that turn into long, relaxed nights.

It’s amazing how much surface colours or textures can shift the whole feeling of a space. Want something cosy? Choose velvety or deeper colours in Resene SpaceCote Flat. Craving a bit of drama? Go glossy with Resene Enamacryl gloss waterborne enamel or embrace darker tones. Resene wallpaper, Resene FX finishes and Resene wood stains all add layers of interest.

Need help pulling it all together? Resene Colour Experts are just an email or visit away and are ready to help you create spaces that feel right for you, and the moments that matter.

Start with art

Got a piece of artwork or a stunning wallpaper you want to build your room around? Upload an image of it and the Resene Colour Palette Generator will instantly create a custom Resene colour palette based on the most prominent colours in your image. Try it now at www.resene.com/palettegenerator.

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.