Choosing an interior colour scheme for a new build

When deciding on an interior colour scheme for a brand new home, there are a few key factors to consider. Resene Colour Expert Meryl Southey explains what needs to be taken into account in terms of paint and wallpaper, with one important point: remember to think beyond white!

Finish first

Choosing your hard finishes first – flooring, benchtops, cabinetry and hardware – is the first thing you should do. These elements will be determined by the architectural style of the home and the decorating style you are aiming for. As there is a huge array of Resene paint colours available, it’s best to avoid choosing a definite paint colour palette before these design features are confirmed, or at least seriously considered. By all means keep in mind what you love but be open to change and new ideas.

Ace your base

When looking at colour palettes, consider the aspect of your rooms. Is the space bright and sunny or does it have low light? The type of lighting will affect your colour choices.

Once you have a good idea of the fundamentals, then work towards a cohesive palette for the whole home. Choosing three to five base colours will ensure there is good flow throughout the rooms. Consider soft neutrals and earthy tones, as opposed to whites – these are easier to layer with a tonal palette or to add bolder accents. They’re warm and inviting, whereas white needs the right light and plenty of it to work well.

Tones of home

When you have the basics sorted, you can look at how to use colour in unexpected ways and where to introduce bold or interesting hues, textures or patterns. Adding dimension to tonal layers stops a room from feeling flat and can give your home the wow factor.

Pop of colour can create zones in large open-plan areas that have lots of wall space. A colour between two spaces in the living or family area can create cosiness or a block of colour on the wall behind a piece of furniture can make a room feel cohesive and purposeful – creating purposeful features is a great way to introduce colour.

Botanical greens celebrate nature and add an uplifting note to this living room. The feature wall is painted in Resene Rivergum, other walls in Resene Quarter Akaroa, floor in Resene Akaroa, hall table and vase in Resene Rivergum, bowl, shelves and coffee table in Resene Black, plant pot in Resene Quarter Akaroa and small vase in Resene Laurel. On the shelves: cubes in Resene Rainee and Resene Spanish Green and plant pot in Resene Pumice. Sofa from Contempa, cushions from Freedom Furniture. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.

For a dramatic look, try layering slightly lighter greys over deep smouldering grey. Walls and flooring painted in Resene Suits, fireplace in Resene Noir, side table in Resene Thunder Road and vases in Resene Noir, Resene Poured Milk, Resene Route 66, Resene Grey Seal, Resene Ethereal, Resene Moccasin and Resene Barnstorm. Chairs from Contempa, rug from Freedom Furniture, Reuben Ireland ‘Only You’ arwork from Pop Motif. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Melanie Jenkins.

Emphasise a connection to the natural environment with layered tones of herbal green and natural fibres. These walls and floor are painted in Resene Secrets, cabinet in Resene Ravine, vases and ornaments (from left) in Resene Pumice, Resene Xanadu (ball), Resene Cabbage Pont, Resene Timber Green (small pot) and Resene Pumice, and DIY artworks in Resene Spanish Green, Resene Pumice, Resene Ravine and Resene Xanadu. Chair from Danske Møbler. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.

Paper power

Resene wallpaper is the most visual way to create a dramatic effect – a bedroom, powder room or home office is a great place to experiment. Choose light geometric patterns, add texture with grass cloth for a subdued palette, or try bold stripes, romantic florals or nature-inspired botanicals, all of which are currently trending. You might even consider using wallpaper on the fifth wall – the ceiling!

When incorporating wallpaper, it doesn’t mean you have to force a theme – if the colour tone is complementary and the style fits the room, you can be personal and creative in your selection. Small, soft repeated patterns can add interest to a room and suit a variety of spaces.

Start small

Powder rooms, laundries and entrances are all good spaces to introduce Resene wallpaper – because you don’t spend a lot of time in any of these areas you can be more daring with your decor.

Or you might want to add wall panelling to a bedroom and use bold wallpaper or a deep Resene paint colour above the panelling – the additional texture calms the overall effect of the paint or wallpaper and adds another dimension.

Make a statement

Murals such as those in the Resene Komar Heritage Wallpaper Collection make a beautiful statement – they tell a story and can be calming or dramatic depending on the aesthetic. Nature-inspired themes look particularly good in bedrooms and kitchen/dining areas that have a view outside. Murals tend to be large in scale, so they typically work best in larger rooms where there is more space to appreciate the design.

Photo finish

If you’re following the current trend of colour drenching, it’s always good to mix up texture to create interest, and varying sheen levels will help to create a subtle shift in colour and texture.

Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen is a durable paint finish which gives a silky appearance to walls, and being low sheen it is less reflective, therefore creating a more enveloping atmosphere.
Resene SpaceCote Flat is a matt finish paint which gives a beautiful velvety appearance and is great for hiding imperfections – especially good for ceilings and feature walls. It also helps to bring out the moodiness in darker colours, which works well in formal living areas, media rooms and bedrooms.
Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss and Resene Enamacryl gloss are variants of the waterborne enamel family – they are harder wearing and most suitable for cabinetry, furniture, woodwork and doors.