Fade to grey & blue

Calming and soothing, these are colours that speak softly rather than shout. They remind us of cloudy skies, refreshing waters, icy slopes and delicate shells.

Weathered blues and greys are timeless, but their popularity has peaked in recent times.

Offering an escape to solitude, they allow us to switch off from the ceaseless digital chatter and bombardment of bright advertising messages.

Mood board: Soft stains enhance the look. Background in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, Resene Colorwood Greywash and Resene Raindance, narrow vase in Resene Raindance, wide vase in Resene Lazy River, A4 drawdown paint swatches in Resene Poured Milk, Resene Quarter Baltic Sea and Resene Sea Fog.

In a land where water is an ever-present natural feature and the sea is never far away, these colours hold an intrinsic nostalgic pull.

Left: Walls in Resene Sea Fog, bench seat wall and seat top in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, cupboard doors in Resene Colorwood Greywash and Resene Raindance, floor in Resene Colorado Natural, coffee table in Resene Poured Milk (left) and Resene Quarter Baltic Sea (legs), honeycomb vase in Resene Lazy River, textured vase in Resene Raindance, candlesticks in Resene Poured Milk and diamond-patterned pot in Resene Influential.  Right: Panelling and floor in Resene Half Dusted Blue, upper wall in Resene Quarter Albescent White and dado rail in Resene Paper Mache.

These soothing colours are easy to insert into most interior schemes and, in fact, work superbly as neutrals. Palest mist grey and watery blue work as replacements for icy white yet still allow stronger colours to come and go as accessories, or to marry with more grounded tones in warm brown and sandy taupes. They also become a powerful message as part of a tonal scheme, ranging from soft duck egg blue through to deep stormy blue or graphite.

Gently ethereal, these colours marry beautifully with waxed and chalky finishes, or matte paints such as Resene SpaceCote Flat which enhances the subtle beauty of the colours. Tactile accessories and texture are made for these colours whether it’s translucent sheer fabrics, rubbed metals, roughened basketry or aged timbers.

Weatherboards in Resene Half Periglacial Blue, deck in Resene Woodsman Driftwood stain, chair and bench in Resene Coast, pots in Resene Grey Seal and Resene Slipstream.

Well washed

Check out the Resene Colorwood stains range for two finishes that merge perfectly with weathered greys and blues. First there was Resene Colorwood Whitewash, with its classic ephemeral look, then came Resene Colorwood Greywash (below left), with a more antiqued aged look. Both look surprisingly different depending on the type of timber they are applied to, and both are surprisingly versatile, suiting many interior styles from traditional to contemporary.

Right: Perfect for a beachy vibe. Background in Resene Poured Milk, weatherboards in Resene Half Periglacial Blue and A4 drawdown paint swatches in Resene Coast and Resene Slipstream.

Other weathered blues and greys to try:

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