look book
latest
habitat tv
Say goodbye to the morning scramble for keys, coats and sunglasses and hello to this… see this and more videos
blog
Reader roundup: A tiger themed bedroom, a cottagecore bathroom and feathery friends
We’ve got a great roundup of projects from our readers this month. From a rainbow… more
look book 
In this harmonious space, the wall and frames are painted in Resene Thor, floor in Resene Merino, coffee table in Resene Thor, console table in Resene Sorrento and short bobble vase in Resene Gargoyle. Sofa from Nood, black vase from Spotlight, black cushion from H&M Home, artwork and plant pot from Freedom, faux eucalyptus leaves, throw and other cushions from Adairs. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Don’t let summer end, bring the warm season into your home all year round with meadow-like designs like Resene Wallpaper Collection 333120 paired with other warm tones.
In this moody living space, the walls are painted in Resene Monkey, floor in Resene Space Shuttle, tiny vases in Resene Americano and Resene Double Felix, plant stands in ReseneKilamanjaro (tall) with pot in Resene Kabul and Resene Americano (short) with pot in Resene Space Shuttle, DIY artwork in ReseneKilamanjaro, tall plant pot in Resene Felix and magazine holder in Resene Americano. Sofa from Contempa, brown velvet cushion cover and throw from H&M Home, rug from Freedom, round cushion from Country Road. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Your guide to creating a cosy living room this winter
Creating a cosy living room is all about choosing the right elements that bring warmth, comfort and style to your space. With Resene's extensive range of paints and wallpapers, transforming your living area into a snug retreat is easy. From moody florals to warm pastels, we’ve got some inspiring ideas that will suit every aesthetic, so grab a hot cuppa and let’s take a look.
Floral elegance
This inviting living room features Resene Wallpaper Collection 538236 on walls and Resene Wallpaper Collection 538342 above the fireplace.
Dark colours are a great way to create a sense of cosiness, especially in the living room where they can give an enveloping feeling inviting you to settle in and relax. Resene Wallpaper Collection 538236 boasts a dark floral pattern with rich greens, pinks and browns to create a refined and sophisticated backdrop. The mustard velvet couch stands out against this moody canvas, adding a vibrant touch of luxury, while the fireplace and rug enhance the warmth and cosiness of the space, making it a perfect spot to unwind.
If you’re wondering how to choose furniture and décor for your space, take a small swatch of your Resene paint colour or wallpaper with you when you are shopping so you can pick items that match the shades in them. For example, this wallpaper would pair well with Resene Deep Teal, Resene Black Forest and Resene Aubergine.
It’s all about the colour
In this harmonious space, the wall and frames are painted in Resene Thor, floor in Resene Merino, coffee table in Resene Thor, console table in Resene Sorrento and short bobble vase in Resene Gargoyle. Sofa from Nood, black vase from Spotlight, black cushion from H&M Home, artwork and plant pot from Freedom, faux eucalyptus leaves, throw and other cushions from Adairs. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Using just one or two shades is a great way to create an inviting and cohesive space. This blue-green hue envelops the room, extending from the walls to the furniture, creating a serene environment. The cream-coloured couch, floor and artwork provide a light, contrasting touch, while cosy cushions and a throw invite relaxation. The key is to use a lighter shade and a darker shade that complement each other, such as Resene Greige and Resene Hint Of Grey, or Resene Raven and Resene Designer White.
Pastel delight
Don’t let summer end, bring the warm season into your home all year round with meadow-like designs like Resene Wallpaper Collection 333120 paired with other warm tones.
Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean you have to go gloomy or dark with your design. This space is light and summery, especially when the sun pours through the window. The gentle tones and delicate floral pattern in Resene Wallpaper Collection 333120 bring warmth and happiness to this space. This design highlights how lighter shades and subtle patterns can create a cheerful and welcoming living room, which is what we all want during the cold months and shorter days.
Try using warm whites like Resene Blanc and Resene Spanish White to warm up your lounge or you can opt for pastel yellows like Resene Rum Swizzle and Resene Scotch Mist to really bring the sunshine indoors.
Drenched in darkness
In this moody living space, the walls are painted in Resene Monkey, floor in Resene Space Shuttle, tiny vases in Resene Americano and Resene Double Felix, plant stands in ReseneKilamanjaro (tall) with pot in Resene Kabul and Resene Americano (short) with pot in Resene Space Shuttle, DIY artwork in ReseneKilamanjaro, tall plant pot in Resene Felix and magazine holder in Resene Americano. Sofa from Contempa, brown velvet cushion cover and throw from H&M Home, rug from Freedom, round cushion from Country Road. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
For those who prefer a more dramatic and intimate setting, why not try the popular colour drenching trend. This living room is drenched in dark brown tones – everything from the walls to the floor and couch is cloaked in deep brown, creating a cocoon-like effect. This monochromatic approach makes the space feel incredibly cosy and secluded. Despite the dark colour scheme, the room exudes warmth and sophistication, perfect for a cosy night in – especially with some candles lit around the room.
If you’re thinking of trying the colour-drenching method, you can of course use the same shade for everything, but to break through the monochrome try using similar shades from the same colour card as we have done. Try blue toned greys together, like Resene Regent Grey and Resene Atomic and Resene Blue Charcoal or greens like Resene Cabbage Pont, Resene Mangrove and Resene Marshland.
Modern chic
Contemporary meets cosy lodge in this living room, with Resene Wallpaper Collection 423204RB adding texture to the space.
This is modern living with a unique twist. Resene Wallpaper Collection 423204RB resembles a concrete texture, setting a contemporary and stylish tone for this living room. The white wall in the middle, adorned with candles instead of a traditional fireplace, adds a warm glow and focal point to the room. Stacked wood in the corner and wooden features introduce casual and rustic elements, balancing the modern design with a cosy touch. This setup demonstrates how industrial-inspired designs can still feel inviting and comfortable. Greys and whites always work well together, and are a great neutral base to build your palette and design from. Try warmer greys and whites for a cosier, welcoming feel, such as Resene Thorndon Cream and Resene Cararra paired with Resene Quarter Stonehenge and Resene Eighth Masala.
Creating a cosy living room is all about choosing the right colours and patterns that resonate with your personal style. Whether you prefer dark and moody, serene green sanctuaries or modern concrete chic, Resene offers a wide range of options to help you transform your living space into a cosy haven. Head to your local Resene ColorShop for more advice and to view the full colour range, Ask a Colour Expert free online for some help or book a consultation with a Resene Colour Consultant.
Published: 21 May 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Designer White
Resene Designer White
Resene Spanish White
Resene Spanish White
Resene Space Shuttle
Resene Space Shuttle
Resene Blue Charcoal
Resene Blue Charcoal
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Stonehenge
Resene Quarter Stonehenge
Resene Eighth Masala
Resene Eighth Masala
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
more inspiration
Get a worldly, well-travelled vibe with one of these wallpapers
As summer approaches, so does travel season – and one… more
Joanne and Chris bring beachy brights to their B&B
With orange as her happy colour, it’s no surprise to… more
Pete and Sarah bring vigour to 100-year-old villa
Thanks to its owners, age is just a number for… more
Steve and Lynn’s slice of country in suburbia
Getting the feel and feature of a rural lifestyle property… more
Sandra and John’s designer oasis in suburbia
When landscape designer Sandra Batley and partner John Eagleton were… more
Resene Designer White
Resene Designer White
Resene Spanish White
Resene Spanish White
Resene Space Shuttle
Resene Space Shuttle
Resene Blue Charcoal
Resene Blue Charcoal
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Stonehenge
Resene Quarter Stonehenge
Resene Eighth Masala
Resene Eighth Masala
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
