Embracing optimism

From the Resene decorating blog

Here are some ideas for embracing joy in interiors for everybody from devotees of colour and pattern to devout minimalists.

One of the most fun recent interior design trends is optimism. What that means in simplest terms is embracing fun and cheerful looks that just make you feel good when you’re in them. It can mean adding splashes of bold bright colour, playing with shapes and patterns or building backdrops for fun, eye-catching pieces of decor.

Optimistic design is ultimately going to be slightly different for everyone, as we all find different things uplifting, but the goal is to play with colours and looks that imbue spaces with your personality and imagination. The finished results should make you smile, give you an immediate mood boost to look at and give your guests something to talk about.

Here are some ideas for embracing joy in interiors for everybody from devotees of colour and pattern to devout minimalists.

Keeping it chic and simple

For Resene colour consultant Jackie Nicholls optimistic designs don’t have to mean sacrificing style and sophistication.

“Optimistic colours create a fresh and fun vibe but can be more stylish if you choose slightly complex colours.

“Colours that are very clear can appear a bit cold and lacking in character. Some of the latest Resene shades are beautiful colours with a twist,” she says.

Jackie suggests skipping primary or one-note colours for those that are more multi-dimensional, such as Resene Tropical which is a punchy mix of pink and orange, Resene Chenin, a soft citrusy yellow, or Resene Summer Green, a fresh blend of blue and green.

“These colours can be most effective in smaller amounts to provide a lively focal point in a room,” Jackie says. “You can use them in different ways of course. For example, you could try one of these colours on a ceiling in a small space which is a great way to add colour that’s not in your face.”

A coloured ceiling can be one way for those with a minimalist aesthetic to add extra optimism to their spaces without them feeling cluttered or visually busy. Try painting the oceanic blue of Resene Idyllic on a ceiling against icy white walls in Resene Aoraki for an uplifting cool and crisp finish.

Other ideas Jackie suggests for adding colourful optimism that won’t interfere with a simple minimalist finish is to paint a single piece of furniture in an uplifting shade or add colour inside a cupboard or small study nook that can be closed off.

“It’s fun to open up a usable corner or small room and be greeted by an uplifting colour. These are ways to add visual interest and optimism without overpowering the space.”

Uplifting outdoors

When choosing bolder, brighter colours outside, Jackie suggests testing with larger swatches each painted with a Resene testpot to make sure the colours work. “They can look very different on a sunny day compared to a cloudy day. You may find that the colours you choose need to be a touch deeper and earthier than you originally thought.”

Outside furniture is the perfect thing to be more adventurous with, especially when you surround it with flowers and plants in similar tones for a fun and inviting finish.

“If you think of exterior spaces as another room and a chance to express your personality, you will get more enjoyment out of them,” she says.

Another way to add a splash of uplifting colour outdoors could be to treat one section of a fence or pergola just as you would a feature wall inside. If you’ve opted for a dark stain like Resene Woodsman Iroko, try a section of fence or exterior wall in an uplifting gold like Resene I Dare You or a subtle but rich red of Resene Very Berry. Add plenty of lush perennial green planting and vivid flowers for a vibrant and joyous look at any time of the year.

The joy of surprise

One of the simplest ways to add joy and optimism to any finished space is through the unexpected. For example, in a house that is almost entirely neutral and minimalist in its colour scheme with walls in popular off-white Resene White Pointer, there might be one room that is a celebration of your favourite colour; perhaps a sweet aquamarine like Resene Retreat or warm violet Resene Honey Flower.

These contrast colours don’t need to be bright. The optimism and joy in the finished look comes from the unexpected. The same effect can be achieved in a single monochrome room, where classic Resene Alabaster and Resene Black are interrupted by a single note of contrast on a chair or shelf in something dramatic like magenta Resene Lip Service or grass green Resene Bilbao.

Finding optimism in the unexpected can also come from simply combining two bolder colours you might not have considered as natural partners. Perhaps it’s teal blues and brick reds – try Resene Teal Blue with Resene Mexican Red, coral pink with emerald green – try Resene Green Pea with Resene Sakura, deep purples with rusted copper – try Resene Aubergine with Resene Korma or sea blues with vivid yellows – try Resene Ocean Waves with Resene Light Fantastic.

The light fantastic

Lots of natural light is an instant way to make a room more uplifting. Where you can, maximise your windows by pulling back curtains or raising blinds to bring light in. Where you’re battling against a room that is naturally darker, add bright sunshine shades like Resene Adrenalin or Resene Daylight on feature walls or showcase decor pieces and opt for good bright artificial lighting with a few mirrored or metallic surfaces to help bounce light around.

Of course you can also find joy and optimism in cosy spaces, so you could lean in to the darker nature of the room with walls in Resene Half Bokara Grey, then find your optimism in those sharp contrasts with a soft pink like Resene Pink Lace or try fresh green Resene Staycation against deep olive Resene Seaweed.

Other ideas for some instant optimism:

• Wallpaper a portable room divider. A simple hinged wooden screen wallpapered in a vibrant or quirky design can work like a piece of art in your space. Use the floral explosion of Resene Wallpaper Collection 38821-1 or a simple geometric pattern in a vibrant colour like Resene Wallpaper Collection 38723-2

• Go primary. The classic primary colours of red, blue and yellow can combine nicely for a simple expression of joy. Shades like Resene Jalapeno, Resene Aviator and Resene Galliano work particularly well against a crisp black and white in Resene Eighth Black White and Resene Blackjack. Use the brights as accents to keep the look sophisticated rather than childish.

• Add pattern. Whether it’s through a wallpaper design, a geometric pattern or a hand drawn mural, touches of pattern in your finished look can really showcase your colour scheme and bring visual joy. Adding patterns can also be a way to add elements of nature, with fluid lines and curves that are always uplifting. For an unexpected element try stencilling or painting your patterns on the floor.

• Grab a canvas. If you’re unsure about committing to brighter colours – or murals – on walls and furniture (though remember, most things are easy to paint over if you change your mind) grab a stretch canvas and let your creative flair free. Simple select a range of Resene testpots in colours you love and experiment with either a free hand painting or a masked out geometric design.

The colour you find optimistic will always be personal to you. Use Resene testpots and colour swatches to experiment with a colourful palette that makes you feel excited and happy.

April 17, 2023

For help choosing colours to suit your projects, visit your local Resene ColorShop, ask a Resene Colour Expert online or book a Resene Colour Consultation.

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