A place amongst the pines

From the Resene colour inspiration – latest looks gallery

Because rich forest greens with a touch of grey like Resene Jurassic have strong ties to nature, these hues make the perfect base for the walls of a chill space like bedroom or reading nook to help reduce stress.

Scheduling in some time for rest and relaxation becomes a far easier feat when you have the right physical space to make some mental space. Because rich forest greens with a touch of grey like Resene Jurassic have strong ties to nature, these hues make the perfect base for the walls of a chill space like bedroom or reading nook to help reduce stress. A whitewashed timber floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash creates balance and levity while supporting the woodland vibe by allowing the natural beauty of the wood grain to show through. Together, these contrasting tones create a strong base that’s neither too light not too heavy – and the resulting effect is a cosy, cocooning one.

While it may sound counter intuitive to a casual, restful retreat, adding some formality to the space through minimal timber wall panelling only enhances the tranquillity. Rather than standard wainscotting, which often includes ornate trims to create a recessed effect, opting for simple, linear panelling that protrudes from the wall puts an interesting, contemporary twist on a traditional idea. Plus, it’s also far more affordable and easier to install.

Most wall panelling on the market today is made from MDF. Once fitted and painted, it’s difficult to distinguish MDF from real timber panelling – but it comes at only a fraction of the cost. With little more than a tape measurer, level and power drill, you can install MDF panelling yourself over the course of a weekend. To make things easier, you can even get your panels and trims pre-cut to size at your MDF supplier or cut shop. Then, all you’ll need to do is measure and mark out your design using a pencil and a level at even intervals, and then your MDF can be attached to the wall with screws or glue. If you decide to screw your panels in, it’s a good idea to countersink your screws so that the heads will sit lower than the surface of your panels. That way, you can fill your holes with wood filler and sand them flat so that you’ll end up with a perfectly finished look.

If your MDF or timber panelling and trims are new, they will likely be uncoated; so you’ll want to prime those surfaces in Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat before you paint them. Once dry, you’ll be able to paint your wall and panelling in two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen tinted to Resene Jurassic or another colour of your choice. Selecting a paint formula for your walls and ceiling with either a matte or low sheen finish is an excellent idea for darker hues, as it reduces glare and swallows more light, creating a desirable velvety look. Keep in mind, however, that you may need to adjust the lighting in your space to accommodate your new saturated wall colour to further reduce glare and to ensure you have enough illumination for any tasks you intend to do there, such as reading.

By incorporating a shelf into your panelling design, you’ll have plenty of space to display books, accessories and DIY artwork in other serene pastel tones like Resene Emerge, Resene Urbane, Resene Half Rakaia, Resene Double Rakaia and Resene Alpaca. Because the walls of this space are on the darker side, we’ve opted for light coloured linen bedding that falls in line with the natural appeal of the colours in the space. As a finishing touch, add a few small details in a complementary contrasting hue like Resene Digeridoo, a warm brown with a red heart. While it’s a clear point of difference from the other colours in the space, it adds both interest and further cosiness without interrupting the woodland vibe.

Project by Laura Lynn Johnston. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2022