When the weather turns chilly and travel plans seem more stressful – or expensive – than soothing, there’s something wonderfully inviting about creating a cosy winter retreat right at home.
A well-designed staycation space offers all the relaxation, warmth and luxury of a getaway without the packing, airport lines or hefty price tags. With just a few thoughtful touches and the right Resene colours, you can transform your home into a personal winter haven or tropical-style staycation that helps you unwind, recharge and truly enjoy the magic of the season.
Where to start creating your perfect staycation
Your first step in creating a staycation space in your home is to think about what kind of mood or experience you’re trying to evoke. Is it a secluded city break, designed for retreat and relaxation or do you want to recreate the feeling of a tropical getaway that feels both sun-drenched and chilled out?
Once you have an idea, start putting together a staycation mood board as inspiration. It can be as simple as a folder of images on your laptop or phone that help you narrow down the colours, motifs and textures you want to combine in your space.
Your second step is to take a good look at the space you have to work with and be practical about what you can and can’t achieve in the space you have, within your budget. The good news is even if you just have a small corner of a living room or bedroom – or even a tiny WC – to play for your creative, holiday themed design, it can still give you that uplifting burst of joy every time you see it.
Cosy hotel chic at home
There’s nothing quite like that feeling of walking into a beautifully decorated hotel room. Even if you’re there for work, there’s a sense of relaxation, seclusion and escape that is an enticing vibe to try and capture at home.
One of the best parts of staying at a hotel is stepping away from your everyday routine and the hustle of daily life but by thoughtfully styling a part – or even all – of your home, you can recreate that same sense of escape.
You might also consider giving your spare room or rental property a touch of hotel-inspired luxury to attract guests and earn some extra income.
Resene Colour Consultant Connor Watson says creating a cosy staycation room that feels like a luxurious hotel, needn’t cost ‘luxury’ prices.
The secret, he says, is using soft textures with low sheen finishes like Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in deep, warm shades, and adding touches of metallic or reflective glamour that feel cocooning and soothing.
“To create a chic hotel vibe in my home, I’d keep it simple, layering soft textures like linen and velvet, swapping out harsh overhead lights for warm, ambient lamps and adding a few details that feel a little indulgent. Think a marble tray, a candle that smells like a holiday, fresh flowers by the bed and crisp bedding with a luxurious throw that turns everyday moments into something special.”
To emphasise the cocooning feel of a space, Connor suggests using one, deep shade such as dark khaki Resene Suburban or navy Resene True Blue over all walls and the ceiling without breaking it up with a contrast trim. This works particularly well if you have built-in architectural features in the room such as shelving, wainscoting or a fireplace and mantel.
“This type of monochrome scheme is designed to let the architecture sing in your room. The darker colours recede so the built-in features really shine, and by using a Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen finish everywhere, you get a quietly sophisticated finish that appears almost suede-like.”
If you do want to add a touch of contrast Connor suggests working with a patterned wallpaper in a colour palette that complements your wall colour such as the slightly weathered look of Resene Wallpaper Collection 39670-1 which offers just enough pattern to break up the dense and deep colour scheme, without detracting from it.
For additional sophisticated touches against your low sheen finish choose a few key decor items that will reflect light, such as a glass light fitting or mirror, or pots and object in a gently shimmering metallic such as contrasting Resene FX Metallic Rose Gold or analogous Resene FX Metallic Atom.
Neutral sophistication
If rich, deep colours aren’t for you, start with a simple neutral base and build layers of luxury reminiscent of either cosy stately hotels rooms or breezy resorts.
For a warm and welcoming foundation, soft neutrals like Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream or Resene Half Fossil pair beautifully with rich tones such as Resene Jurassic or Resene Vibe, creating a cosy, jewel-toned atmosphere ideal for a restful staycation. If you’re aiming for a breezier, more uplifting feel, opt for cooler neutrals like Resene Black White or Resene Barely There, alongside accents in shades like Resene Dusted Blue, Resene Vista Blue or Resene Norway for a light and summery palette.
Notes of calm
If you’re unsure where to begin with a hotel holiday-inspired style, starting with calming tones is always a safe bet. Muted blues like Resene Bluff or Resene Periglacial Blue offer a serene base, while dusty pinks and sun-warmed peach hues – such as Resene Sakura or Resene Just Right bring softness and charm. Earthy greens and nature-inspired neutrals, including Resene Wasabi or Resene Napa, also create a tranquil, grounded space perfect for unwinding.
Outdoor staycation escape
If you don’t have space for an escape zone inside your home, look outside. Finding a sheltered spot surrounded by plants, blankets and even an outdoor fire, barbecue or heater, if it’s safe, can feel even cosier when you’re outside.
Choose dark, warm colours like Resene Waterborne Woodsman Shadow Match wood stain, or Resene Element paint on trellis screens or exterior walls and fences to create a den-like feel. Add rusted or plaster-like textures on planters and screens or chairs using Resene FX Faux Rust Effect or Resene FX Paint Effects Medium for rustic contrast touches. Repurpose second-hand cupboards and shelves to store blankets, magazines, candles and cushions so everything you might need is at hand and protected from the elements. You could also repurpose a second-hand armchair or two, reupholstered in weather-proof fabrics and stained in your favourite Resene Woodsman shade.
If you don’t want to go as dark with your colours, create a sense of warmth with burnt bolds like Resene Bullseye, Resene Kamikaze and Resene Fuel Yellow.
A taste of the tropics
If you want a tropical holiday vibe at home, start by embracing the lush, vibrant greens found in nature. Rich tones like Resene Crusoe, Resene Permanent Green and Resene Kaitoke Green instantly evoke the feeling of dense, tropical forests alive with energy and warmth.
For those endless summer sky shades, look to brilliant cerulean blues such as Resene Malibu, Resene Optimist and Resene Endeavour, while teal-infused hues like Resene Deep Teal and Resene Hullabaloo capture the spirit of lagoons, ocean coves and vibrant coastlines.
Balance the intensity of these vivid colours with soft, sandy neutrals like Resene Half Villa White, Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream or Resene Albescent White to create a sense of open, relaxed breathing space within your palette.
For a lively contrast, weave in the fiery glow of a tropical sunset with shades like Resene Adrenalin, Resene Vanilla Ice or the bold coral warmth of Resene Rock n Roll.
For a simple and efficient tropical makeover it’s also hard to beat wallpaper with either lush vibrant prints like Resene Wallpaper 39647-1 or the pared-back palm-leaf elegance of Resene Wallpaper Collection 39338.
Whatever your design destination, your staycation can be one of elegance, sophistication and relaxation.
If you need help getting starting or deciding on the colours that bring the best holiday style home to enjoy all year round, come in and visit your local Resene ColorShop, Ask a Resene Colour Expert free online, or book a Resene Colour Consultation free instore or virtually or a paid home visit in selected areas, www.resene.com/colourconsult.
