The summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home with colours that reflect the season’s easy-going, nature-inspired feel. It’s about embracing warm hues that bring comfort and calm, with a touch of fun. Neutrals will always be popular, but this season bursts of sunshine hues, soft pinks and calm greens are calling.
Sorbet dreams
While warm neutrals set the foundation, a splash of vibrancy is also on the horizon. Expect to see bold pops of colour both inside and out. “We’re seeing a shift towards warmer, complex mid-tones with vibrant or saturated accents adding a fun, fresh energy,” says Resene colour expert Meryl Southey. This is echoed in the colour forecast of The Mix, with warm honey and pink tones coveted because they evoke a sense of joy and optimism.
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Sorbet dreams: Paint and style a sunroom to relax in with sorbet-like colours.
Front wall and candleholder painted in Soothe, back wall painted in a vertical stripe with Eighth Bison Hide and Half Moonbeam, floor in Colorwood Bleached Riverstone. Skirting boards in Alabaster, coffee table in Petal, side table in Pewter, chair in Bone, tall planter in Double Spanish White, vase in Cut Glass and books in Quarter Tea and Fluffy Duck.
Calming hues
Wellness trends are shaping colour choices with wellness podcasts and influencers a growing industry. “Health and longevity are big themes right now, and that’s influencing interiors,” says The Mix. Beyond aesthetics, colour psychology plays a role in these choices – calming greens, turquoises and blues are known to reduce stress. Resene colour expert Meryl Southey says, “Look out for mint and teal tones like Morning Haze and Kandinsky. Soft sky blues with hints of violet – such as Half Sail with Portage – will also be popular. Earthy greens and warm stone greys, like Siam and Half Chicago, will keep exteriors looking effortlessly stylish. Shades like these work beautifully with home exteriors, baches, cabins and caravans.”
Wall painted in Haven, floor in Bleached Riverstone. Bedside table, larger vase, chair and desk in Mangrove. Bedhead slats and lamp base in Rock Salt. Lampshade on bedside table and small dark vase in Marshlands. Vase on table in Olive Green, taller vase in Poured Milk, small vase in Olive Green. Woven basket at front of bed stained in Whitewash
Warm it up
Now it’s time to welcome warmth back into our homes with soft beiges, nudes and creamy tones are making a stylish return, bringing a cosy, inviting feel. “Beiges and nudes have been predicted for a while now, and I think we are finally ready to embrace them,” says Resene colour consultant Michelle Aschoff, from Canterbury. “Try Resene Blanc, Albescent White or Eighth Canterbury Clay for a fresh take on this comforting trend.”
For a timeless, sunlit look, warm neutrals are a go-to. “Warmer neutrals will be everywhere by spring,” says Dunedin-based Resene colour consultant Jill Marsh. “Think Resene Biscotti, Sandspit Brown and the stunning cream of Resene Bianca.” These colours provide a soft, elegant base for layering natural textures and materials. Whether paired with crisp whites for a coastal feel or with deeper browns for an inviting aesthetic, these hues bring a sense of effortless style to any space.
A nook that’s made for warm days and balmy nights. Wall in Spanish White, floor, floating shelves, stool, lamp base and round trinket box in Colorwood Bask, cabinet and hurricane candleholder in Quarter Spanish White. Lampshade and clam shell on cabinet in Triple Spanish White, ‘Shhh I’m Reading’ sign in Colorwood Bask with writing in Triple Spanish White, shell vase and clam shell on second shelf in Double Spanish White, coral in White and shell on stand in Half Spanish White.
A bright space for relaxing. Walls and coffee table painted in Albescent White, floor in Sorrell Brown, seat in Quarter Sorrell Brown, small pots in Albescent White and Grain Brown. Large pot created with Sorrell Brown, Grain Brown, Jetsam Brown and Albescent White.
Projects Annick Larkin, Melle van Sambeek, Vanessa Nouwens
Images Bryce Carleton
