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Painted basics


Interiors – from Latitude magazine

Creating a beautiful, well-designed space takes more than just having a creative eye. We talk to Resene Colour Consultant Rebecca Long about key design elements.

A wall with a painted geometric pattern
Using key design elements...

Colour can subconsciously influence us so it is important to think about the mood you are trying to create. Do you want to surround yourself with colours to suit your fast-paced lifestyle or do you want colours to relax you after a long day at work? For example, rich, deep burnt oranges and smoky browns such as Resene Ayers Rock and Resene Desperado are ideal in lounges to create a sense of comfort. Deep purples evoke luxury, reds bring energy and soft blues such as Resene Unwind are fresh and soothing.

Are there any tricks to make my space feel larger?

Yes, there are plenty! You can make your room feel more spacious by painting your joinery in a slightly lighter shade than your walls and ceilings. This tricks your eye into thinking that the wall is further back. The Resene Whites & Neutrals collection allows you to select a lighter shade very easily. For an effortless scheme, try pairing a double shade with a half shade. For example, Resene Double Thorndon Cream and Resene Half Thorndon Cream.

How can I make my room feel balanced?

Nature’s rules are great ones to follow when it comes to creating balance and harmony:

How do I know what sheen level to use?

When selecting a sheen level, you need to decide how the surface needs to look, feel and perform. For example, ceilings are generally painted in a flat finish, such as Resene SpaceCote Flat, to mask any imperfections whereas walls are often painted in a low sheen finish, such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, to improve cleanability and durability. Semi-gloss and gloss finishes, such as Resene Lustacryl and Resene Enamacryl, provide a harder finish which makes them more suitable for contact areas such as doors, joinery and skirting boards.

What about texture?

Textures add visual interest to a space or an object. Whether you put up a textural wallpaper or add a fluffy throw to your couch, it all helps add life to your home. However, it is important to bear in mind how textures integrate with sheen levels and colour choice. Smooth substrates can look fantastic in a gloss whereas an earthy, textured finish will look better with a low sheen/flat finish. Gloss finishes also make colours appear bright and more powerful.

 

Resene Colour Expert, Rebecca Long is passionate about the difference colour and paint can make to a home. If you have a paint, colour or wallpaper query, visit your Resene ColorShop for expert advice, or book an appointment with a Resene Colour Expert online.

Stylist: Emily Somerville-Ryan. Photography: Mel Jenkins. September 2018

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Decorating and design ideas, tips and inspiration
View more articles from Latitude magazine in the Resene decorating inspiration gallery.

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Colours shown on this website are a representation only. Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online.   See measurements/conversions for more details on how electronic colour values are achieved.

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