Sharp lines meet soft natural wood tones in this warm, sophisticated outdoor entertaining zone. Create an elegant, neutral backdrop with a painted wall in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream, a planter box in Resene Half Thorndon Cream and a whitewashed timber wall in Resene Woodsman Whitewash. Add a timeless touch with faux floor ‘tiles’ painted using slip-resistant Resene Walk-on tinted to Resene All Black and Resene Thorndon Cream for classic contrast. Layer wood tones with Resene Furniture and Decking Oil on a trellis screen, chairs and a coffee table in Resene Limed Oak and a trivet in Resene Woodsman Cedar Natural Wood Oil in Resene Kaimanawa to allow the timber’s natural beauty to shine through. Unify the space by repeating key colours in pots and planters of varying sizes then punctuate with a stool stained in deep Resene Woodsman Cedar Natural Wood Oil in Resene Tararua, adding a touch of drama and grounding the look with contrast and character.
Top tip: Resene Woodsman exterior stain colours can be tinted into Resene Colorwood interior wood stain for interior timber projects.
Other colours to try with natural wood finishes are – botanical greens, charred blacks or navy blues.
Layers of salty off-white bring a fresh, modern feel to this coastal-inspired space, without a trace of sea blue. Resene Tea, a complex and versatile neutral, offers light and warmth without the starkness of crisp white, making it an ideal wall colour for a serene, airy interior. Add subtle texture by using battens painted in the same shade to break up large wall areas and soften the overall look. For gentle contrast, layer in Resene Half Tea on flooring and décor pieces like a sculptural shell bowl. Introduce touches of the slightly crisper Resene Double Rice Cake on lamp bases, coffee tables and soft furnishings to enhance the palette while keeping it tonal and cohesive. Finish with natural elements like jute and rattan in rugs, lightshades or tealight holders to add warmth and a grounded, organic feel. The result is a modern coastal interior that’s understated, textural and effortlessly connected to nature.
Top tip: Mixing whites in one room works best if you use all cool or all warm whites.
Other colours to try with off-whites are – ochre greens, burnt oranges or greyed lilacs.
Delicate yet complex shades bring quiet personality to retreat spaces, offering calming colour that enhances without overwhelming. The aptly named Resene Soothe, a soft, powder pink, is versatile enough to act like a neutral on walls, as well as accent furniture such as bench seats, to create an elegant backdrop for your own creativity. Add personal detail with a freehand blossom mural in a barely-there pink like Resene Sauvignon for contrast and repeat the shade on decor items like a lamp. Use stencils or a sponge technique if you’re less confident in painting flowers and try Resene Vanquish and Resene Haven to finish the floral feature. Underfoot, wood floorboards stain colour washed in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy add subtle texture and warmth, complementing natural materials like rattan and cane. Complete the look with a single statement piece, such as a bedside table, painted in a restful yet eye-catching hue like Resene Half Halcyon.
Top tip: Don’t forget the floor in your colour palette. A painted or stained floor using Resene Colorwood or Resene Walk-on can revive worn surfaces and complete your look.
Other colours to try with dusky pinks are – rich wines, complex khakis or soft greys.
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