Tonal takes a twist

There was a time when a ‘tonal’ scheme was all about pale dreamy schemes using variations of light neutrals. It’s time to break out of the light neutrals zone. We’re seeing more and more tonal schemes based on colour, or on darker neutrals.

The beauty of any tonal scheme, whether it’s colourful or has a more classic neutral palette, is that it injects interest in the form of layered colour without becoming too busy on the eye.

It’s also a great way of avoiding paint colour paralysis. “Which green should I choose?” Well, why not use all three?

Left: Side diamonds in Resene Tequila, large central diamond in Resene Cashmere, smaller diamonds in Resene Just Right. Floor in Resene Umber White, table in Resene Bone, tall vase and large bowl in Resene Just Right, medium vase in Resene Tequila and small vase in Resene Alpaca.  Right: You can check your tonal scheme by viewing A4 drawdown paint swatches in the colour library at Resene ColorShops and resellers. Or you can order some to take home. Lay them out with some of the other elements you’re planning for the room, like cushions or ornaments, to see how your look will come together.

Indulge a few favourite colours, like the decorator who let loose with this stunning diamond patterned wall, which uses three soft pink and peach tones, rather than just one. Such a dramatic, impactful shape can fall into the trap of becoming a bit visually overwhelming. However, painted in desert or sunset Resene paint colours, this feature wall creates a beautiful and modern backdrop.

While shape trends are shifting from strict geometrics to more organic forms, by using tonal colours, this diamond pattern avoids being jarring and too contrasting. It’s also much easier to achieve than more free-form shapes.

If multi-coloured isn’t your style, try a variation on a classic monochromatic scheme by adding layers of complex greys, and dramatic darks. Add sleek, bare timber or whitewashed accessories with natural fibres in furniture and floorcoverings to create a clean coastal style, or furnish in bold jewel-toned golds, blues and reds for something more luxe and dramatic.

The aim is to create a calming and beautiful colour scheme to relax into. Invest in a lush armchair and good literature and you’re good to go.

Dare to go dark and moody, or bright and sunshiny

The green tableau (below right) has a wall in Resene Cutty Sark, the tall table is Resene Green Meets Blue, the lower table and vase are Resene Juniper, the square corbel is Resene Breeze and the round corbel is Resene Quarter Duck Egg Blue.

The yellow shelf unit is in Resene Pizza, the wall is in Resene Galliano, the vase is in Resene Marzipan, the large truncated pyramid shape is Resene Astra and the small one is Resene Sand.

Check out the Resene Multi-finish collection

The Resene Multi-finish collection is a handy decorating help mate when it comes to building colourful tonal schemes. Each palette card in the collection follows a colour theme, whether it’s blues or greens or yellows. It’s easy to choose, say, three or four colours from one card or neighbouring palette cards that work well together.

Top tip: The handiest tool to creating a tonal colour scheme is paint. Instead of combing the shops for a vase that’s just the right shade, you can simply paint one using a Resene testpot or two. Op shops and $2 shops are the perfect place to pick up an affordable knick-knack that you can finish in your favourite colours.

Left: Use layers of classic monochromatic tones with a background in Resene Nero, and A4 drawdown paint swatches in (from top) Resene Half Gravel, Resene Delta, Resene Double Merino, Resene Black White and Resene Atmosphere. Right: Walls in Resene Black White, floor in Resene Nero, peg stools in Resene Half Gravel and Resene Delta, ladder in Resene Double Merino, plant pots and drawer fronts in Resene Double Merino, Resene Atmosphere and Resene Quarter Gravel.

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