OPEN SEASON
Nature is an elixir to trying times, and our gardens and outdoor spaces have given us the breathing space required to get through some of the challenges we’ve faced this year. We’re a nation that generally favours the great outdoors, so it makes sense to use the long weekend as an opportunity to give a little TLC to a part of our homes with the help of Resene.
THE OUTDOOR AREA
Whatever alert levels we find ourselves in, rest assured that these outdoor spaces are there to give us motivation, inspiration and a chance to connect with loved ones surrounded by fresh air and a shared meal with loved ones.
From gardens to a classic Kiwi deck, keeping things simple and easy on the eye is key to a harmonious outdoor space both easy on the eye and practical.
Speaking of our decks, it’s important to think of long-lasting stains. The Resene Woodsman outdoor stains range is a popular choice, or finish it with Resene Furniture and Decking Oil.
Darker tones are also ideal when choosing exterior colours, as the sun will make the colour seem lighter.
With any darker colour, consider using the Resene Coolcolour range, formulated with special pigment technology to reflect more of the sun’s energy. This keeps the coating and substrate cooler, reducing the likelihood of heat damage such as warping.
For tonal colour schemes, make sure there is enough contrast between the different colours so that it doesn’t all end up looking the same under outdoor light conditions. When it comes to considering colour, a controllable number of colours to use in an exterior scheme is four: one for the main cladding, one for the trims, one for the roof and spouting, and an accent that you might use on the front door.
You can then use one of these on the fence too. Opt for earthy hues here for a palette that won’t date. Some of our favourites to work with include Resene Alamo, Resene Aspiring or Resene Moon Mist — amplified with a mottled Mediterranean-style effect with Resene FX Paint Effects medium.
The more colours you end up with, the more you should consider using colour families or variants of the same colour. If you use too few colours, your house may end up looking bland and lacking personality. A hit of bold colour on the front door in a Resene Enamacryl gloss finish could be the remedy.
As temperatures rise for summer, it’s an opportunity to think of cooling textures that provide respite from the heat. It’s the reason why a Mediterranean design and holiday homes of Cape Cod come to mind when we need some outdoor inspiration.
“Always start with function over form” landscaping expert Xanthe White explains. “If you break it down to a logical process — where is the sun and the views? Where do I want to sit? Where do I need to walk and where do I need access? — you start to create limitations. These help because lots of decisions can be overwhelming. “To support your greenery, take the opportunity here to delve into this timeless hue, and our recommendation would be a cool sage to work with smaller outdoor spaces like Resene Amulet, or go warmer for more native outdoor areas like Resene Awol and Resene Citron.
Speaking to experienced local landscape gardener Aaron Bell-booth, the most common mistake people make is that they go too small and twee and bitsy. “If you go for a few statement pieces with a nice sculptural tree in good strong form, you can keep it simplistic elsewhere” says Aaron. “Grasses will create a more relaxed appearance, or you could add a flowering perennial for a prairie-style look. Soften and layer the sculptural forms with low bowls of succulents or spilling plants.”
Expert tip: Once you’ve finished painting, remember to plan a house wash every year using Resene Bio-cleaner or Resene Paint Prep and Housewash. Just like cleaning your car, a house wash will keep your home looking good.