Tropical goes sophisticated

From the Resene colour inspiration – latest looks gallery

When you think about a tropical inspired interior it often evokes images of green palm leaves, pink flamingos and light-coloured cane furniture in bright sun-drenched rooms.

This colour scheme, inspired by the wrapping paper featured in the frame, takes the concept for a more sophisticated spin.

The key textural elements and motifs of a tropical theme are all still present in this look, but anchored in the deep smouldering tones of Resene Quarter Bokara Grey it becomes elegant and modern, rather than kitsch.

The designer has doubled down on the moody grey by opting for Resene Eighth Bokara Grey on the floor and the living room sideboard, and by filling the space with grey bed linen, cushions and rugs. That deep base makes the plum Resene Virtuoso on the bedhead, bedside table and the vase bloom like a tropical flower.

The whole look is kept fresh with notes of barely pink Resene Ethereal on the lightshade and ladder, a duskier tone on the bedside Resene Rebel tealight holder and crisp notes of Resene Dreamtime on the wall planter and bedside vase, Resene Despacito on the tall living room vase and Resene Dreamtime on the floor basket.

Natural fibres and colours, so important to the tropical theme, remain and are even given a touch of bling with Resene FX Rose Gold on the sideboard basket; a hint of shimmer to a very jewel-like finish.

Paint colours: Wall in Resene Quarter Bokara Grey. Floor in Resene Eighth Bokara Grey. Cane headboard and side table in Resene Virtuoso. Pendant light and ladder in Resene Ethereal. Slender vase, tea light and hex wall planter in Resene Dreamtime. Cork tealight holder in Resene Rebel.

Other looks to try:

• Instead of the warm pink tones you could try bold jade greens such as Resene Away We Go or Resene Mother Nature.

• Other, less tropical but equally dramatic shades to try with charcoal grey walls are a bright red such as Resene Poppy or turmeric yellow such as Resene Thumbs Up. For a softer look, try a paler rose pink such as Resene Shilo.

• Remember grey is essentially a neutral, even in this strong saturation, so it will work well with a lot of other colours.

• If the charcoal grey used here isn’t your cup of tea, think about bitter browns such as Resene Sambuca with a burnt orange such as Resene Clockwork Orange, or a midnight blue such as Resene Indian Ink with a primary yellow such as Resene I Dare You or a tropical turquoise such as Resene She’ll Be Right.

Styled by Vanessa Nouwens. Images by Melanie Jenkins. 2019