The combination of a rich, warm grey basecoat like Resene Masala with a topcoat in Resene Greige mixed with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium adds textured softness to the walls of any room you want to feel cosy, yet sophisticated. A similar approach on the floor, using a lighter painted base in Resene Half Jumbo and a topcoat in Resene Greige mixed with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium, completes the cocoon-like appeal of the room while keeping it airy and inviting. A darker sideboard in Resene Invincible adds to the moodiness but is balanced by lighter greys in a Resene Tino Pai stool and a fruit bowl in Resene Flotsam. These complex mid-tones are extremely versatile and perfect to layer in neutral spaces for variety and depth. Warm charcoal shades also work well with contrast accents in a golden sandy beige like Resene Tua Tua and warm, rich natural wood finishes.
Top tip: Using flatter finishes like Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen gives deeper colours a soft, suede-like finish.
Other colours to try with charcoal are – dusted peaches, soft mustards or delicate greens.
Simple blocks of bolder shades in a palette of layered neutrals brings drama and extra dimension to an otherwise quite monochromatic look. In functional, high-use areas such as a hall or entranceway, keeping to a pared-back colour palette by using a neutral like Resene White Linen on both the wall and floor can keep the area feeling clean and uncluttered. A block of darker contrast in Resene Oilskin breaks up the space; a perfect way to punctuate a long hallway or create separation and shape around an entrance to keep things visually interesting. Tie the area together with layers of other analogous neutrals, such as wall hooks in Resene Tide and Resene Americano, a bench seat in Resene Tide and a planter in Resene Thorndon Cream. The result is a space that feels curated and intentional with enough subtle colour to be visually interesting and welcoming.
Top tip: Use Resene Walk-on and Resene Concrete Wax on floors for a durable finish that is easy to clean but not slippery.
Other colours to try for a layered palette are – sunkissed creams, cornfield yellows or toasted ochres.
Delicate, muted greens are a beautiful alternative to classic neutrals to bring a touch of nature inside and create a dreamy, soothing retreat. Use soft shades like Resene Green White on both the floor and walls for a seamless backdrop that will make your room feel spacious. Add character and texture to a large stretch of wall with wood battens painted in a subtly deeper shade like Resene Moon Mist. Choose a batten pattern that suits the size and shape of your room and paint the battens before attaching them. Layer the look with darker greens like Resene Flax on furniture and add accessories, such as vases, painted in Resene Frontier. Finally, pull it all together with layers of natural fabrics like linen and wool for comfort and style, including a bolder, but still muted shade like terracotta for contrast.
Top tip: If painting in cold temperatures consider Resene Wintergrade Additive to help your paint cure, or in warm weather use Resene Hot Weather Additive to give you more time to get a smooth finish.
Other dusted colours to try – blushed beiges, cloudy blues or desert pinks.
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