Fast, simple ideas for spring and summer

From the Resene decorating blog

Here are some tips from Resene for adding the fresh brightness of spring to your home that are simple, cost-effective and adaptable.

While redecorating every season is unrealistic for most of us, there is something about the onset of warmer, sunnier weather that gives us all a hankering for fresh, clean interiors and new looks.

A lounge with floral wallpaper

Florals are synonymous with spring but the stylised rendering of Resene Wallpaper Collection 38722-2 gives the pretty pinks a modern edge.

Try them paired with a pale fresh green like Resene Springtime and wood finishes stained in Resene Colorwood Natural or Resene Colorwood Oregon.

A blue and white coastal style bedroom

Blue and white is a classic coastal scheme perfect for introducing the feeling of a perennial spring or summer into your rooms.

View full accessory list / colours

Here the wall is Resene Half Alabaster with arch in Resene Lakeside. The floor is Resene Half Alabaster. The bedside table is Resene Half Sail and Resene Bermuda Grey. The DIY artwork is Resene Alabaster with Resene Bermuda Grey, Resene Lakeside, Resene Wedgwood and Resene Half Sail. The large vase is Resene Half Sail and the small vase is Resene Half Alabaster. Bed linen from Adairs, dark blue cushion from Farmers, throw from H&M Home. Project Vanessa Nouwens, image Bryce Carleton.

The great thing about taking inspiration from spring for your interiors is that in most spaces they can work all year round, adding airiness, light, crispness and colour. To adapt for different times of the year, just layer different accessories and textures for warmth and cosiness.

Here are some tips from Resene for adding the fresh brightness of spring to your home that are simple, cost-effective and adaptable.

A fresh start

Before tackling a makeover Resene colour consultant Jill Marsh suggests giving everything a good clean down first so you can really see what you're working with. Clean surfaces and good preparation also help ensure the life of any new paintwork.

“Give rooms a spring clean with Resene Interior paintwork cleaner and a micro fibre cloth to help remove dust and marks on the walls without any unsightly swirls on the walls from wiping.”

Jill also recommends carefully treating any areas of mould with Resene Moss and Mould Killer – and make sure you find what’s causing the problem to prevent it recurring and ruining your new paintwork or wallpaper.

“Look to freshen any areas that need a new coat of paint, particularly any areas of peeling or flaking. A spring clean of older bedding and soft furnishings like curtains, or furniture will also help freshen spaces. Giving the carpets and floors a deep clean also helps bring the room back to life,” Jill says.

A botanical green lounge with a delicate floral line drawing

The soft, botanical greens of this room are emphasised by the delicate floaty floral line drawing. The walls are painted in Resene Ravine with skirting in Resene Sea Fog. The mural and floor are Resene Quarter Linen. The side table is Resene Paddock, the drawers are Resene Half Lemongrass, the cup, saucer and small vase are Resene Half Rivergum, the candlestick is Resene Mangrove, the large planter is Resene Scoria. Sofa from Danske Møbler, footstool from Spotlight, throw and cushions from Freedom. Project Annick Larkin, styling Moneuan Ryan, image Bryce Carleton.

Light and bright colours

To add freshness to your room Jill suggests reaching for crisp whites and neutrals, such as Resene Alabaster or Resene Black White, particularly on ceilings and trim areas. “Then try Resene Half Rice Cake, Resene Half Bianca or Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream for the walls.”

This will give you a layered neutral finish that makes a perfectly fresh but blank canvas to layer with other colours and textures.

“For soft, shades that will add soothing colour that is still fresh check out the Resene Karen Walker colour range of colours which includes Resene Half Periglacial Blue, Resene Buttery White, Resene Weathered Yellow, Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue or the stunning Resene Blanched Pink, Jill says.

“There are also some stunning summer colours in the latest Resene The Range Fashion Colours that are reminiscent of spring blooms, like Resene Valentine, Resene Tuscany or Resene Tropical.”

Natural beauty

Looking to nature is always a good plan for interior looks that invoke spring vibrancy. As well as the colours of spring blossoms, bring in botanical greens like Resene Contour, Resene Nirvana and Resene Wabi Sabi.

These work particularly well with Scandi-style wood finishes like Resene Colorwood Whitewash, Resene Colorwood Rock Salt, or Resene Colorwood Natural. If your wood surfaces aren’t up to a natural finish or you simply want more coverage, pair your botanical greens with greyed browns or wooded greens like Resene Domino and Resene Off The Grid.

Finish off your space with plants for a lush look and add accents in natural textures like linen, raffia, or undyed wool to connect the indoors with outside.

The other, simple way to replicate the freshness of nature for a spring or summery finish is with wallpaper. Try a textured neutral like Resene Wallpaper Collection 38099-2 with contrast furniture painted in a forest green like Resene Dell or oceanic blue Resene Tarawera.

For an all-in spring botanical finish try the delicate blossoms of Resene Wallpaper Collection 38726-2 or the layered greenery of Resene Wallpaper Collection 295176.

A nature inspired interior

Inspiration from nature, particularly the coast adds a relaxed and ‘undone’ summery feel to this room. Upper wall painted in Resene Linen, with lower wall in Resene Dusted Blue and dado rail in Resene Atomic. Skirting in Resene Half Inside Back and floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Shelf in Resene Diesel with vases in, from left Resene Flax, Resene Sea fog, Resene Seaweed, Resene Double Pavlova, Resene Juniper, Resene Atomic, Resene Norwester, Resene Linen, Resene Flax, and Resene Rivergum. Barrel table in Resene Diesel, teal planter in Resene Atomic, stool in Resene Atomic and coral on tray in Resene Quarter Linen. Patterned planter in Resene Atomic, Resene Quarter Linen, Resene Dusted Blue, and Resene Juniper. Sofa from Nest-direct.com Project Moneuan Ryan, image Bryce Carleton.

Spring moodiness and summer heat

When we think of spring and summer-inspired interiors, it is tempting to veer toward muted hues or more delicate pastels but there is room to play with bolder or moodier brights that will feel warm and playful without becoming garish.

Beachy tones can be one way to go. Try deeper sea blues like Resene Green Meets Blue or Resene Boost against parched and weathered-looking woods washed in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy or Resene Colorwood Becalm.

Desert sunset shades can also lend a space an exotic touch, that feels calming rather than overheated. Try Resene Awaken and Resene Apple Blossom layered with a pink-hued neutral like Resene Cashmere.

Darker greens, reminiscent of the deep forest will also add soothing freshness. Try Resene Turtle Green or Resene Seaweed, lightened by notes of Resene Foundation or dusky pink Resene Summer Rose.

Small spring projects to try Seasonal makeovers don’t need to be whole rooms. There are lots of ways to add small touches of spring and summer to different spaces. Here are some to try:

Spring planting – add some potted colour to your home, inside and out, with seasonal annual flowers planted in brightly coloured pots painted with your choice of Resene testpots
Cupboard love – give cabinetry like shelves, doors, desks and tables in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry and bedroom a colour boost with a new paint colour. It can be a simple way to add a burst of bright colour against a neutral background. Adding colour to removable items like tables, shelves and desks is also a great option for renters. You could also try adding snippets of your favourite wallpaper to the back of shelves or the front of drawers.
Express yourself – let your artistic side out to play and paint a mural on an interior feature wall, or a section of fence outdoors. Try simple geometric shapes if you’re less confident in your drawing skills, or let the kids help decorate the side of a playhouse or pet bed.
Exterior beauty – give the street appeal of your home a lift by choosing a bold contrast colour that pops against your house colour and add it to the mailbox, a garden feature such as a large planter, pavers or section of fence, and then the front door. Against a neutral house colour like Resene Tea, a bold shade like Resene Pohutukawa or Resene Clockwork Orange can lead a visitor’s eye from the street, through your front yard to the door.