Bring your holiday home with these globally inspired outdoor spaces
Whether you have a large back garden, a cosy courtyard or a tiny terrace you can still instil plenty of personality in your outdoor spaces while recreating the spirit of holidays at home. To help get the ideas flowing we’ve decorated this outdoor space in four ways, each inspired by different holiday destinations.
No matter what kind of theme or mood you want to create in your outdoor space, the key to a successful design that is authentic and true to you, is to start with how you want the space to feel, rather than how it will look, says Resene Colour Expert Meryl Southey.
“Just as you would in an indoor room, think about how the space will be used, then use basic design principles like keeping to all cool or warm colours, and being mindful of proportions to start bringing together the feel you want. Use unifying motifs, like repeated patterns or colours to keep everything cohesive, and work with the colours and pieces you love. That’s how you start to create your own unique design style.”
Be creative in the Med
In this Mediterranean inspired space, the patio flooris painted in Resene Triple Concrete with sponged layers of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Double Stack and Resene Eighth Black White. The wall is painted in Resene Eighth Black White and zig-zag arch in Resene Resolution Blue, with a top layer in Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Polo Blue, shutter in Resene Polo Blue with layers of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Zircon and Resene Half Resolution Blue, pots in Resene Resolution Blue with top layer in Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Zircon, table and chairs in Resene Polo Blue, light in Resene Element and tray in Resene Zircon.
Nothing inspires creativity quite as well as joy and being in an uplifting environment. For a ‘create’ space, use vibrant contrasts in a selection of fresh Resene whites and sea or sky blues that evoke the sun-drenched glamour of the Mediterranean. Let your creativity sing by making your own DIY art or design feature using Resenetestpots as a conversation starter and consider a textured finish with a washed or ragged effect for a relaxed note. Add natural tones with plenty of greenery for softness.
Try vibrant blues and zesty yellows to get this look using shades like Resene Endeavour, Resene Torea Bay, Resene Broom and Resene Quarter Turbo.
Be excited in the Hamptons
To get this Hampton’s look, the decking is stained in Resene Woodsman Natural with side wall painted in Resene Halcyon and rear wall in Resene Bluff, concrete paver design painted in Resene Walk-on paving paint in Resene Halcyon and Resene Bluff, sideboard in Resene Hammerhead, table in Resene Quarter Blanc, planters in ResenePale Prim, light in Resene Solitude and small pot in Resene Halcyon. Chair, cushions and pots from French Country Collection.
For an energising, fun outdoor space look at ways to incorporate shapes and patterns that seem to clash, but that, with unifying Resene colours, neutral touches and soft, draped finishes will actually complement each other. For an ‘excite’ space reinvent a classic Hamptons look using an almost-shimmering, bright sea blue such as Resene Halcyon with contrasts in bolts of citrus yellow. Then soothe things down with inkier blues, greys and lush climbing plants.
Other popular Hampton’s inspired shades to try are ReseneBounty, Resene Casal, Resene Coast and Resene New Denim Blue.
Entertain in Japan
In this cosy Japanese bar inspired space, the deck is stained in Resene Woodsman Decking Stain Tiri with walls stained in Resene Woodsman Charred Black, tabletop painted in Resene Cobblestone, stools in Resene Burgundy, tall planter in Resene Bullwhip and planter box in Resene Dark Rum. Lanterns from Look Sharp Store, bowls from Hospice shop. Bamboo screen lightly ragged with Resene Woodsman Bark.
Even when the sun is shining and temperatures are rising, an outdoor entertaining area needs some sense of cosiness and connection for successful entertaining. For a simple, elegant ‘entertain’ space, perfectly suited to smaller areas, look to Japanese style for inspiration with informal wood finishes using a range of Resene wood and decking stains, dark contrasted against light, and, for that personal flair, add unexpected warm tones in burnt orange or deep red, such as Resene Burgundy.
To get this look, try dark wood stains like the Resene Woodsman range tinted to Resene Bark or ReseneBushtrack paired with deep burgundies like Resene Rustic Red and Resene Volcano.
Relax in Morocco
Welcome home Morocco with a captivating design like this. The upper wall is painted in Resene Apple Blossom with a top of layer of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Quarter Solitaire, dado rail and stars in Resene Solitaire, tabletop in Resene Woodsman Bark with star border in Resene Manhattan, large planters in Resene Cinnamon and Resene Mocha, lanterns in Resene FX Faux Rust Effect, decking stained in Resene Woodsman Decking Stain Tiri and fruit bowl in Resene Cinnamon. Cushions from Yuva.
For an outdoor ‘relax’ space that is both comforting and eye-catching, work with layers of texture and textiles in Resene’s soothing desert-kissed shades, recalling the laid-back comforts of Morocco. Choose brown-toned brick reds such as Resene Apple Blossom, with fresher neutrals, Resene Woodsman stains on timber to enhance the colour and touches of luxury with muted jewel tones and soft fabrics. For the finishing touch add a layer of natural fibres and hand-crafted detail.
Try other spicy shades to layer for a Moroccan inspired look, like Resene Wafer, Resene Twizel, Resene Crail and Resene Hairy Heath.
Don't be afraid to experiment with international trends in your home, as the possibilities are endless and can lead to a truly inspiring and beautiful space. If you need some advice on colours head to your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a ResenePaint Expert online today. If you’re looking for some global interior trends, check out our article Beyond borders: International themed interior ideas.
projects Melle Van Sambeek
images Bryce Carleton
Published: 08 Jan 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Double Stack
Resene Double Stack
Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Resolution Blue
Resene Resolution Blue
Resene Polo Blue
Resene Polo Blue
Resene Zircon
Resene Half Resolution Blue
Resene Half Resolution Blue
Resene Element
Resene Element
Resene Endeavour
Resene Endeavour
Resene Torea Bay
Resene Torea Bay
Resene Broom
Resene Halcyon
Resene Halcyon
Resene Bluff
Resene Hammerhead
Resene Hammerhead
Resene Quarter Blanc
Resene Quarter Blanc
Resene Pale Prim
Resene Pale Prim
Resene Solitude
Resene Solitude
Resene Bounty
Resene Casal
Resene Coast
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene Cobblestone
Resene Cobblestone
Resene Burgundy
Resene Burgundy
Resene Bullwhip
Resene Bullwhip
Resene Dark Rum
Resene Dark Rum
Resene Bark
Resene Bushtrack
Resene Bushtrack
Resene Rustic Red
Resene Rustic Red
Resene Volcano
Resene Volcano
Resene Apple Blossom
Resene Apple Blossom
Resene Quarter Solitaire
Resene Quarter Solitaire
Resene Solitaire
Resene Solitaire
Resene Manhattan
Resene Manhattan
Resene Cinnamon
Resene Cinnamon
Resene Mocha
Resene Wafer
Resene Twizel
Resene Crail
Resene Hairy Heath
Resene Hairy Heath
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Double Stack
Resene Double Stack
Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Resolution Blue
Resene Resolution Blue
Resene Polo Blue
Resene Polo Blue
Resene Zircon
Resene Half Resolution Blue
Resene Half Resolution Blue
Resene Element
Resene Element
Resene Endeavour
Resene Endeavour
Resene Torea Bay
Resene Torea Bay
Resene Broom
Resene Halcyon
Resene Halcyon
Resene Bluff
Resene Hammerhead
Resene Hammerhead
Resene Quarter Blanc
Resene Quarter Blanc
Resene Pale Prim
Resene Pale Prim
Resene Solitude
Resene Solitude
Resene Bounty
Resene Casal
Resene Coast
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene Cobblestone
Resene Cobblestone
Resene Burgundy
Resene Burgundy
Resene Bullwhip
Resene Bullwhip
Resene Dark Rum
Resene Dark Rum
Resene Bark
Resene Bushtrack
Resene Bushtrack
Resene Rustic Red
Resene Rustic Red
Resene Volcano
Resene Volcano
Resene Apple Blossom
Resene Apple Blossom
Resene Quarter Solitaire
Resene Quarter Solitaire
Resene Solitaire
Resene Solitaire
Resene Manhattan
Resene Manhattan
Resene Cinnamon
Resene Cinnamon
Resene Mocha
Resene Wafer
Resene Twizel
Resene Crail
Resene Hairy Heath
Resene Hairy Heath
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.