There has been a major resurgence in the popularity of paint effects, especially washed looks that resemble mottled suede or marble. They're an easy way to dial up the texture in a space and get a desirable aged effect in the span of a few hours, rather than centuries. Starting with a lighter base colour usually works best, as it will glow through the topcoat and stick to two or three hues that are close to each other in the colour spectrum. This serene space radiates warmth thanks to the toasty colours used. The wall in Resene Anglaise has been given a ragged wash with a topcoat in Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Calico. On the floor, the same effect has been achieved over Resene Calico before building up layers of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Cobblestone and Resene Half Karaka. For even more texture, the tall vase has first been coated with Resene Sandtex Mediterranean effect before being painted in Resene Anglaise.
Try colourwashing over a textured finish, such as Resene Sandtex, for added dimension.
Other colours to try with red-tinted cream – sienna browns, Nordic blue greens and deep earthy greys.
Partially partitioned living areas present a unique challenge as attention needs to be paid to how your colour palettes transition from one space into the next. If there are places where both palettes are visible, it’s a great idea to plan for them to share one or more colours in common. But, you’ll want to start with base hues that are adaptable enough that you can mix and match the colours you layer them with. Dusty pastoral greens are extremely flexible, and hues like Resene Xanadu and Resene Kelp might as well be neutrals for their ability to blend with a wide range of colours and styles. Both make excellent choices for walls, as they’re easy to live with and can be completely transformed by switching up your accent colours. The left and right walls in this living space are in Resene Kelp while the dining area is in Resene Egg Sour. To provide continuity between the two areas, vases, objects and furnishings have been painted in Resene Nero and timber flooring stained in Resene Colorwood Dark Ebony has been carried the whole way through.
Use Resene testpots to paint accessories in your hero hues and create continuity between adjacent spaces.
Other colours to try with soft medium green – masculine taupe, ebonised charcoals or deep forest greens.
In a nation surrounded by the ocean, many of us love to be out on the open sea. A bedroom like this, which carries a strong nautical theme, can be a fun way to bring that love for sailing ashore. Strong linear shapes, such as the Resene Tangaroa tongue-and-groove wall, the Resene Half Black White nightstand and headboard and the striped bedding play off one another and help the space to feel masculine and cohesive. For balance, some curves have been layered on top: a rope wrapped life preserver in Resene Raging Bull, the buoy garland in Resene Raging Bull and the unique coiled rope lamp on the bedside table. Together they create a cocooning effect offset by timber floorboards finished in light and soft Resene Colorwood Mid Greywash. As a finishing touch, the lidded container on the nightstand has been painted Resene Raging Bull to play off of the garland and life preserver while the coaster in Resene Indian Ink provides a visual link to the wall colour.
Use Resene Lustacryl tinted to a single hue to unify mismatched or upcycled furniture.
Other colours to try with deep marine blue – bold orange reds, gauzy off-whites and burnt lime greens.
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