Tap into the enduring appeal of coastal design with these chic Resene colour combos

There are certain quintessential design details that have become definitive representations of specific regions of the world – and for many of us,it’s coastal design. With our vast coastlines, pristine beaches and a lifestyle deeply intertwined with our connection to the sea, it's no surprise that coastal aesthetics consistently influence both interior design and architecture in our corner of the world. Often bright and breezy, coastal looks resonate for their ability to evoke feelings of relaxation, openness and a seamless connection to nature,sothe style is a natural fit for projects that wish to embrace our favourable climate and abundant natural light with relaxed and practical appeal. 

While natural materials, plentiful windows and open-plan architecture that supports an indoor-outdoor lifestyle can all play into coastal looks, choosing the right colour palette is fundamental to setting the right tone and mood to really sell the design concept. Depending on what aspect of the coast that you are drawing your inspiration from – elements like the sky, sea, sand, rugged rocks, shells, coral, driftwood, sea glass, seaweed or moss – the hues you’ll use could include pale and deep blues, misty whites, sandy beiges and taupes, rocky greys or organic wood tones. If you’re in need of some fresh, chic and contemporary coastal inspiration, look no further than these timeless and sophisticated Resene paint and woodstain colours to build out a soothing palette that’s sure to please. 

Misty whites

Inspired by the salty spray or crashing waves and billowing clouds, whites are unquestionably a cornerstone of coastal design. Not only are white paint colours useful for reflecting sunlight and enhancing the feeling of spaciousness, they’re the ultimate canvas for layering key accent colours and the tactile organic textures evocative of coastal environments. When it comes to contemporary coastal looks, a warm and inviting Mediterranean-inspired scheme is tough to beat. A true white like Resene Alabaster that echoes the white stucco exteriors of a coastal island town is always a chic option, but a slightly warmer option like Resene Anglaise is another great option for getting this look – especially when paired with an accent wall and floor that’s been given an alluring limewash paint effect. To up the ante, start your limewash statement wall with a basecoat in ReseneSandtex Mediterranean effect in Resene Calico to add some authentic texture softened with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Anglaise. On the floor, start with a basecoat in Resene Calico and add depth with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with a stony grey like Resene Cobblestone and a seaweed green like Resene Half Karaka and round out the palette with a statement sofa in a watery blue similar to Resene Comfort Zone.

Main walls painted in Resene Anglaise, left wall in Resene Anglaise with Resene FX Paint Effects mixed with Resene Calico applied on top, floor in Resene Calico with Resene FX Paint Effects mixed with Resene Cobblestone and Resene Half Karaka applied on top. Large floor vase in ReseneSandtex Mediterranean effect in Resene Calico with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Brown Sugar applied on top and smaller floor vase in ReseneSandtex Mediterranean effect in Resene Anglaise with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Calico applied on top. Sofa from Domo, striped cushion, serving bowl and candleholders from Città, solid cushion and side table from Republic Home, carafe set from Sunday Store, rug from Nood, shelf from Mood, bird ornament from World.

Halcyon sky blues 

Blue is naturally one of the most popular colours for creating coastal looks. In particular, pale sky-inspired blues are a soothing, livable alternative to whites for laying the foundation of an easy, breezy, beachy colour palette. While many New England, Cape Cod and Hamptons-inspired designs incorporate pale blues as part of traditional designs suitable for villas, pale blues like Resene Link Water, Resene Spindle and Resene Half Escape can also be a sophisticated option for newer builds and pared-down, contemporary settings. When used on walls, a slightly green blue like Resene Reservoir becomes evocative of an expansive, cloudless summer sky. Paired with an unexpected flooring colour like Resene Hippie Blue, furnishings in a deep brown-black like Resene Blackout, accents in a greyed-off white like Resene Hint Of Grey and whitewashed wood details finished in ReseneColorwood Whitewash, the combination feels both refreshing and exciting without overwhelming the senses and would suit a café, gallery or chic commercial office space. 

Wall and plant pot painted in Resene Reservoir and floor in Resene Hippie. Bench from Good Form, lamp and cups from Città. 

Deeper oceanic blues

Inspired by the depths of the sea, inky oceanic blues add richness and drama to a coastal colour scheme while still maintaining a soothing effect. Pair a deep navy blue like Resene Coastwith a crisp white like Resene Half Sea Fog and a playful pop of strong red like Resene Jalapeno for classic nautical contrast or combine it with softer neutrals for a more understated and casual combination. Uplift walls painted in deep Resene Bunting with a floor painted in a muted grey like Resene Shady Lady and accent with a sandy beige like Resene Coral, a pale denim blue like Resene Casper and warm timber tones stained in Resene Colorwood Natural along with stonewashed linen, cotton canvas and woven seagrass textiles.

Walls painted in Resene Bunting and floor in Resene Shady Lady. Chair and bench from Danske Møbler, bag from Flotsam & Jetsam, rug from Mulberi. 

Sandy taupes and beiges