In the summer months many of us soaked up sun’s warm rays, be it at the beach or on one of New Zealand’s remote hiking tracks.
Often these lazy, hazy days are blessed with glorious sunsets, the kind that stop us in our tracks as we try to keep the image of beautiful sun-baked Resene colours in our memories forever.
From fiery pinks to earthy yellows, spicy orange to roaring reds, the ombre of colours in these sunsets are always breath-taking – why not invite these sunny skies indoors too?
This is a year-round palette, oozing a balmy vibe in the warm months and drenching your home with much-needed cosiness on cold days.
Summery sunset-inspired hues. Walls in Resene Wild West with Resene Paint Effects medium coloured with Resene Sante Fe, floor in Resene Sante Fe, bench base in Resene Korma, plinth in Resene Korma and front/left wall in Resene Bitter.
(Credit: Project by Gem Adams, image by Wendy Fenwick.)Such laid-back, enriching hues are a talking point in interiors as we put more soul into neutrals and celebrate uplifting colours.
We are savvier of turning our houses into homes through intuitive use of colour, one that makes us feel good. Nothing beats a tiring day than uplifting, energising colours to reset ourselves. These hues provide a sense of optimism in difficult times.
Consider your relationship with nature when making choices about your home and let the environment influence your choices – it’s a relationship we all benefit from.
After all, a feel-good home that evokes positivity and connection with nature is what we’re all craving. Creating a home that encourages relaxation, ensures we’re in just the right place. Home is at the centre of all we do, it’s where we feel at ease, protected and safe. So, expand your horizons by tapping into these balmy sunsets using warm colours with a hint of earthiness to energise and bring visual warmth. Their immediate impact is one of cosiness and comfort.
Just as colours in a sunset are fluid, so are on-trend pinks. This colour has taken on a fresh attitude in interiors right now, leaning towards terracotta. Terracotta pinks blend the grounding nature of brown and the playfulness of pink with a balance that radiates joyful energy, depth and light-heartedness.
The brown-orange of terracotta gives it a versatility so easy to pair with other colours. Wall in Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta, ’tile’ floor in Resene Tuscany with grout in Resene Raven, door in Resene Felix.
(Credit: Project by Kate Alexander, image by Bryce Carleton.)Bring in the warm apricot of Resene Beethoven and the pink-orange of Resene Florentine Pink, which embrace a balmy vibe. Soft watermelon tones of Resene Glorious will soothe and comfort, as will the duskier features of Resene Cashmere. For a notch deeper, use the restoring mid-tones of warm brick Resene Crail and the flamingo orange Resene Sunglo.
You may want a terracotta of a more decadent nature, in which case look to Resene Mexican Red and Resene Raging Bull.
Follow the lead of Mother Nature by adopting a tonal look. In a sunset, orange and pink sit side by side, so why not embrace this at home?
Pair your terracottas with muted pinks, gentle Resene Coral Tree and sweet Resene Paper Doll, or the lighter tones of sorbet Resene Vanilla Ice. For a touch of peach, take up the mango-toned Resene Tacao and the pastel orange of Resene Sandy Beach.
While the decadent grounding browns of the 1970s are spicing up homes right now, only a small touch is needed to evoke a welcoming feel. Wall in Resene White Pointer with stripes and arch in Resene Cumin, skirting board in Resene White Pointer, grooved floor in Resene Half Raven.
(Credit: Project by Laura Lynn Johnston, image by Melanie Jenkins.)Celebrate the freewheeling spirit of the 1970s with cosy spaces that invite sensuality in orange and pink-tinted browns. Use orange-hued Resene Hot August and the clay inspired Resene Wild West on walls, the camel hued Resene Twine and the Tuscan tones of Resene Sante Fe on accents in soft forms and inviting curves. For a touch bolder, look to the warm copper of Resene Cumin, whether it’s on statement accents or an entire wall cooled perfectly next to off-white Resene Blank Canvas.
Although we associate orange with a drop-dead gorgeous sunset, some may find it a little ‘out there’ as an interior shade, and thus a tricky one to work into a room. Stimulating and bold it might be, there are ways to create a beautiful on-trend space using orange.
Muted, dusky versions are less harsh on the eye and are flexible to work with. Burnt orange borders on terracotta and brown-pinks, making it easy to incorporate into sunset-inspired schemes. Take Resene Chelsea Gem with its caramel richness or Resene Moroccan Spice, with notes of bitter brown.
Earthy accent colours in the bedroom. Wall in Resene Travertine, floor in Resene Ravine, bedside table in Resene Blackout, hanging ‘birdhouses’ in Resene Middle Earth with edges painted in Resene Ravine.
(Credit: Project by Laura Lynn Johnston, image by Bryce Carleton.)Forever optimistic, yellow makes itself known in sun-baked hues through on-trend spicy mustards. A cheerful touch to a space, it guarantees character in any setting. The mellow yellow tones of ochre-based Resene Pirate Gold, the spicy Resene Fuel Yellow, or the beige cream of Resene Putty, will bring opulence to rooms bathed in such soothing colours.
As to how you want to incorporate these colours into your home, start by thinking of whether you want airy spaciousness with lighter shades or richer tones for a more cocooned setting.
Experiment with your sunset colours, complementing them with shades you wouldn’t necessarily find in a sunset itself.
These warming colours naturally gravitate towards interiors with a boho feel. Still, they are making their way into spaces with a minimal aesthetic, using curved lines and natural textures to enhance the sensuality of these colours.
Varying tones of soulful pale hues keeps the space interesting. Wall in Resene Eighth Canterbury Clay and floor in Resene Eighth Joss.
(Credit: Project by Melle Van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.)Even within a classical architecture setting, such as a villa with ornate detailing, sunset tones work beautifully against unexpected colour combinations. Coat internal doors in the mustard of Resene Pirate Gold with the cool, duskiness pea-green of Resene Earthstone on the walls. Or steer your spicy mustard towards a touch of lilac, such as the mauve-tinted Resene Poet or muted-purple of Resene Deluge.
Pink and orange meet their match in blues and combined the pair make an ideal duo. Blue is commonly known for soothing, calming effect, the perfect antidote for anxiety. We all know pink’s joyful, energising properties that soothe and bring happiness, and orange is encouraging and uplifting. Knowing the effects on our emotions of these colours, when paired together, they look good and make us feel good.
The pale-tones of playful Resene Jordy Blue, misty Resene Spindle, or brighter Resene Havelock Blue will give a light-hearted feel to desert tones. More mid-toned blues such as the deep navy of Resene Matisse or soft Resene Seachange will bring a more grounding feel. These pops of surprising colour break up your space in a refreshing way, even if it’s in a painted vase or lampshade or a mural on your wall.
Take Resene Tacao in its mango-sorbet sweetness, offset when paired with Resene Wet N Wild. Not too heavy and not too light, this mid-toned blue brings the perfect level of depth and lightness. Remember, it’s simply a matter of playing with colours to create a look that works. Pinks bathe beautifully with the cool tones of quiet Resene Green Spring or frosty Resene Secrets.
Layering creamy neutrals with rusty oranges and golds so often linked with the 1970s will easily create a sanctuary at home. Wall in Resene Half Akaroa, floor in Resene Mondo.
(Credit: Project by Laura Lynn Johnston, image by Bryce Carleton.)To accentuate your sun-baked palette, celebrate it with accessories in décor that echo your chosen hues and items made of natural fibres. Rattan rugs and lampshades, handmade ceramics and coloured glass in soft curves will all strengthen your escape-like aesthetic.
By channelling these captivating sunsets with terracotta pinks, spicy mustards and burnt oranges, sunset hues nourish our spirits and spread positivity, which we all need.
For help getting started with your decorating project, ask a Resene expert at your local Resene ColorShop or on the Resene website with the free Resene Ask a Colour Expert service, www.resene.co.nz/colourexpert. View hundreds of decorating ideas from other homeowners online, www.habitatbyresene.co.nz.
