Colours of the world

Colourist Megan Harrison-Turner brings home the colours of the Americas, and the Resene colour matches, so you can get the look at your place.? One look is pale and relaxed, the other is hot and sizzling.

Published: 27 Jan 2016

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

Coastal California

Californian style is perfect for laid-back summer days. You can almost feel your heart beat slow with thoughts of soft sea breezes, glistening surf, sugary white sand and blue skies. You don’t have to be slavish with this look and its colours are truly versatile. A quick change out of a few accessories and it can go Cape Cod, French Provincial or Nordic. 

·       Add retro touches like a lava lamp or over-sized peacock chair or a butterfly chair for a Beach Boys vibe.
·       Use beach finds like driftwood, kina shells and beach stars to decorate. Use a vase of fruit salad leafs instead of flowers.
·       Hang an old surfboard on the wall and use a colourful sarong as a chair cover.
·       Nothing should be too fussy. Keep lines simple and accessories casual.
·       Add some elegant mid-century lighting or furniture. 
·       Featured above is wallpaper from the Black and Light range (code 356100), available through Resene ColorShops – perfect for this look.

Get the look with Resene

Sandy neutrals and coastal blues seal this dreamy California look. For a subtler nod to the theme, choose a pastel grey-blue such as Resene Casper – pastel neutrals are a big interior trend this season.

Mexico modern

The colours of Mexico are braver, bigger, bolder and brighter than many other countries, and with our strong sunlight, these colours work well here, too. So if you’re not one for pale colours, try these for size. Or use them in smaller doses against crisp white walls. Here, we've perked up a drab courtyard with a table painted in Resene Optimist and chair in Resene Flashback.

·       Take inspiration from a painting by Frida Kahlo or Diego Rivera, or from modernist architect Luis Barragan. Their works are known for their use of saturated colour.
·       Painted furniture is great with this look. Use pieces with strong clean lines to let the colour to be the hero.
·       Go to town with gritty Resene Sandtex or Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path paint to add texture to walls and pots.
·       For an authentic finish, use Resene SpaceCote Flat – the combination of the chalky paint and saturated colour will look amazing.
·       Add big pillar candles and spiky looking plants such as mother-in-law's tongue, cactus or succulents.

Get the look with Resene

Some like it hot! If this is you, go for hot, sizzling shades of yellow, fuchsia pink, sharp turquoise and citrus tones. Get more tips from Resene for getting a Mexican theme into your own home: Make your home say hola with its interior design.