Project by Laura Lynn Johnston. Photography by Wendy Fenwick
Tree leaves turning green to amber and the crackling of a golden-hued fire… autumn is rich with vibrant colours.
What resonates about these hues of nature is how they offer a sense of protection, cocooning us and leaving us feeling nurtured.
As autumn approaches, it makes sense to tweak our homes, not so much to fit in with the latest paint colour trends, but to bring in the sense of cosiness and comfort.
These are the months when the cool temperature sets in and we spend more time indoors, so it’s worth transforming your home into an autumnal haven.
Celebrating a change in the seasons that is all about regenerating ourselves and slowing down.
From peacock blues to browny reds, the spectrum of the autumnal palette to guide us into winter is rich. “Autumn is always a great source of colour inspiration as we explore brooding hues and new depths,” says Rebecca Long, a colour expert at Resene. “Autumnal Resene hues keep us warm as we head into the cooler months and will transform your house into an inviting home.”
This palette nods to nature and its role in the seasons in our daily lives. But this year, we’re seeing a more playful element and a mixing of unexpected pairings; think warm beiges, brown-tinged pinks, golden yellows, earthy oranges and teal greens.
The key is to adopt hues that evoke the cosiness we associate with the cooler seasons without creating an interior too dreary or dull. To do this, look for colours with richness to them. “Celebrate the vibrancy of autumnal hues,” Rebecca says. “Resene Florentine Pink offers a hint of early morning sun and is the perfect colour to inject energy into your entrance or living room. Explore the depths of Resene Plum in your bedroom and bring out its vibrant, violet undertone with warmed, ambient lighting.”
Another suitable pairing is Resene Florentine Pink with the subtle, off-white cream Resene Cararra, Rebecca says: “A warm contrast is key to allow Resene Dawn Glow to shine.”
Rebecca suggests painting all of your bedroom walls, joinery and ceiling in Resene Plum for an indulgent, contemporary approach: “This simplistic, daring approach will create the ultimate cocooning feeling perfect for a deep sleep.”
While we all know when we find a colour that speaks to us, some autumnal colours are particularly popular.
“The opulent Resene Hot Toddy is the perfect blend between whisky and gold, perfect for an evening lounge,” Rebecca says. “Resene Turtle Green‘s deep, bronzed undertone brings vibrancy to feature front doors and the deep, blackened Resene Kilimanjaro makes a striking, entrance feature wall.”
During these colder months, the rooms in our homes that offer relaxation, celebrating restorative activities such as sleeping and watching a movie with loved ones, should be paid extra attention.
“Resene Toffee channels the memories of a dusty road on a warm summer’s day and brings comfort to a living room during the cooler months,” Rebecca says. “It’s the perfect blend of visual warmth and nostalgia warms both your mind and soul.”
Explore paint effects using Resene FX Paint Effects Medium and layer light coats of Resene Beethoven over Resene Bone in a criss-cross motion to build a subtle, autumnal warmth.
While autumn colours are versatile to fit into any room, it’s key to consider the atmosphere specific colours will create and what suits each space.
“Autumn hues are perfect for all areas of your home, depending on the look and feel you are after. Always question how you would like your room to feel and select colours to suit your needs. Resene Hot August can be used on all of your living room walls to bring energy to a social living room, whereas if you prefer to relax in your living room, you may prefer to introduce its fiery undertone onto just one wall to produce a comfortable, cosy warmth. Paying attention to proportions is always key to achieving your desired look.”
Remember, although autumn colours call for you to slow down and restore, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with them. Pair vibrant brights with your earthy hues for a lively burst, Rebecca says: “For a citrus boost, pair Resene Southern Cross with Resene Billy T and create a halfway wall in your living room. Elevate your look by using Resene SpaceCote Flat for a velvety smooth finish.”
If you have distinctive design features in your home’s interior, this is a chance to bring in autumn colours, such as a curved archway that could otherwise be easily overlooked.
“For a more tonal look, layer Resene Planter with Resene Highball over two feature walls by using Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Not only is Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen durable, but it also has an aesthetically pleasing smooth, low sheen finish,” she says. “Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen can be used throughout your home and will help your new colours look their best for longer.”
Deciding on the right colour choices is important, but it’s even more vital to do the practical groundwork to ensure your application is perfect.
“Preparation is key to achieving a flawless finish and, depending on the condition of your walls, can take longer to do than the painting itself. Allow yourself time to get the preparation right and select the right materials and tools to get the job done. Sandpaper is available in a variety of finishes to meet the requirements of your job; using the right primer/undercoat will ensure your finish lasts for longer and using the correct roller sleeve for the job will help you achieve a smooth finish.”
Once your chosen palette has been pinned down, add the finishing touches so perfect for a cosy atmosphere. Add to these decor in organic shapes and curved lined lines and plenty of texture that feeds the senses. These will help create a soft, inviting setting that feels beautiful. Think sheepskin rugs, chunky woollen throws and soft velvet cushions to sink into.
For help choosing colours for your next project, visit your local Resene ColorShop or book a colour consultation online, virtually, instore or at home in selected areas. View the large A4 swatches of Resene colours in the colour library at your local Resene ColorShop to see how your colours will pair together on a larger scale.
