Outdoor flair

Floors might not be the first thing that come to mind when it comes to transforming an outdoor space with colour, but it pays not to underestimate their power.

This outdoor area may be small but feels incredibly luxurious and spacious with a modern painted effect on its tiles. Resene Off Piste contrasts beautifully with Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path tinted to Resene Landscape Grey and creates a coastal, soothing outdoor scene. Outdoor spaces are a fantastic place to be more daring with colours and patterns – it’s often the confidence boost needed to bring that adventurous design spirit indoors.

Whether you're looking to create a relaxing oasis or a vibrant entertainment space, painted floor patterns transform outdoor areas into something special. Ensure you start with the right materials. We used a paint specifically designed for outdoor use – Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path paint. This style of acrylic paint gives a durable, tough, non-skid finish for areas with a lot of foot traffic.

Before you begin painting, you'll need to prepare your tiles by cleaning them thoroughly. Use a mild detergent and warm water to scrub away any dirt, grime or grease and rinse them well. To create a flower and cross pattern on your tiles, cut out a stencil. You can either purchase a pre-made stencil or make one yourself using a piece of cardboard or thick paper. Draw the shapes onto the stencil and cut it out using a craft knife.

Once your tiles are dry and your stencil is ready, it's time to start painting. If the tiles are smooth apply Resene Laminate and Melamine Primer first to help the topcoats grip. Then use a roller or paintbrush to apply Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path tinted to Resene Landscape Grey as your background colour. This will create a neutral base for your flower pattern. Once the background paint is dry, place the stencil onto the tile and use masking tape to hold it in place. Use a paintbrush or sponge to apply Resene Off Piste to the stencil, making sure to keep the paint within the stencil's boundaries. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next tile and repeat the process. Create a cohesive pattern by having an idea of where each flower will sit, you can be as symmetrical or asymmetrical as you like. Resene Off Piste adds a vibrant pop of colour to the tiles, while Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path provides a durable and long-lasting base.

For added flair outdoors, add potted plants. It’s an easy way to bring some greenery and life to your space. These planters are painted in the moody Resene Grey Chateau, Resene Poet and Resene Jimmy Dean. For a relaxing outdoor oasis, make sure to include comfortable seating in your space. This hanging egg chair is the ultimate combination of style and comfort painted in Resene Black.

The weatherboards have been kept subtle and subdued in Resene Half Grey Chateau. It’s a popular colour choice for outdoor spaces due to its versatility and timelessness. Greys make for an elegant backdrop to any outdoor area, while still offering a sense of warmth and comfort. One of the biggest advantages of Resene Half Grey Chateau is its ability to complement other elements. It pairs beautifully with natural materials like stone, wood and greenery, making it ideal for outdoor deck and patio areas. The hue also allows the patterned tile to stand out and take centre stage.

To complete this monochrome look, a coffee table in Resene Grey Chateau blends seamlessly into the space. If you’re after a brighter pop of colour to create a statement piece, try pastel tones like Resene Geneva or Resene Half Pale Rose that complement cool grey hues.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Megan Harrison-Turner. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2022