Spiced just right

A shade that’s not quite pink and not quite brown but not exactly beige or red either, it’s a somewhat difficult hue to define. Since it's generally considered to be the colour of natural clay pots, and because the colour of clay differs wildly from region to region, it’s only to be expected that the word will mean different things to different people.

For the most trendy terracottas, look to Resene Sunbaked, Resene Moccasin and Resene Raging Bull. Try them with on-trend dusty pinks like Resene Just Dance and Resene Shabby Chic for a tonal look.

If a browner shade is what you’re after, try Resene Desperado, Resene Redwood or Resene Hairy Heath with a soft olive such as Resene Smoothie or Resene Bubble N Squeak, a darker version like Resene Untamed or Resene Waiouru, or go for a peach like Resene Tacao.

Top tip: When creating a hand-painted wall feature, it’s a good idea to plan out your design first on paper and then use a pencil to draw it onto the wall before you pick up a brush.

Painted wall feature: The colours in this lounge, inspired by the kimono-like pattern of the cushion, have a worldly feel – but thanks to the creative painted wall feature, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The wall is painted Resene Merino with shapes (clockwise from top right) in Resene Swiss Caramel, Resene Route 66 and Resene Indian Ink. The coffee table and pendant lamp are also in Resene Indian Ink, the sideboard is in Resene Swiss Caramel and the vases are in Resene Excalibur and Resene Route 66.

Kilim cool

Handwoven kilim rugs by artisans from Kabul to Casablanca are particularly popular and can be used to adorn floors and walls alike. The ones in this room are all 60-90 years old, hailing from central and southwestern Afghanistan, and play off the warm terracotta walls in Resene Sunbaked and the floor in Resene Napa. Vases in Resene Soulful and Resene Moccasin rest on a woven tray in Resene Despacito sitting atop a coffee table in Resene Sambuca. The sisal side table in Resene Rebel holds a vase in Resene Just Dance. Snuggle in for a nap on an armless sofa like this one – its natural oatmeal colour lends itself well to being covered with cushions and cosy grey or caramel-coloured throws.

Freshly squeezed

This rich, warm dining space is a spicy and sophisticated take on classic citrus shades. The orange rear wall is in Resene Twisted Sister, a biting orange-meets-yellow, while the accessories are in softer, more muted variations like Resene Thumbs Up, Resene Moonlight, Resene Yuma and Resene Crowdpleaser. The sideboard is painted in Resene Swiss Caramel, and the chair in Resene Moccasin plays off the key colour in the artwork – resulting in a scheme that’s fresh and appealing that escapes the risk of being too ‘pretty’.

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