TANTALISING THE TASTEBUDS
paint and timber stain selections will get you get a lot of impact for a relatively small spend. Plus, they’re often something that can be changed up over the course of a weekend if you decide to go in a new direction.
There are some Resene hues, though, that are natural fits for cooking and dining spaces. These colours are not only timeless classics, they are rich in character, evoke comfort and cosiness and can even stimulate the appetite. Try these scrumptious selections and suggestions that are sure to stir the senses.
For a palette that pleases the palate, you can’t look past red and yellow based hues. Studies on the psychological impact of these colours have long found them to stimulate the appetite – a key reason why many fast food brands use these hues as their hero colours.
Tapping into this psychology doesn’t mean you have to deck out your space garishly, but looking to warmer tones like Resene Gold Coast, Resene Sante Fe, Resene Beachcomber, Resene Half Drought, Resene Quarter Biscotti or Resene Serene – which each have subtle yellow or red undertones tied up in a soft and dusky package – are amazing and highly-livable options for painting walls, ceilings, cabinets or floors in a way that can subtly influence the appetite.
Blue, on the other hand, is said to be the least appetising colour. This is attributed to the lack of blue that occurs in edible nature and the hue’s association with mould. That doesn’t mean blue should be off the table as an option for decorating your dining room or kitchen, but it is worth considering that it could have an effect on you, your family and your guests. For many, blue is thought to be among the most soothing of hues – which means that if you plan to spend a lot of time relaxing in your kitchen or dining space, working with a watery colour palette could be ideal.
Everyone is different, and so are their colour associations, so it’s best to go with your gut and test your colours before you commit. Pick up Resene testpots in your shortlisted colours and paint the entire contents of each one on to its own A2 sheet of card in two coats, leaving a 2cm wide white border around the edges. Then, move your samples around the room you’ll be using them in at different times of the day and evening so that you can view them in different lighting conditions until you settle on a winner.
And when in doubt, stick to toned down coastal classics like Resene Duck Egg Blue, Resene Half Inside Back, Resene Bluff or Resene Coast if you’re on the lookout for a blue that says mellow over mouldy.
Blue-based tones can be a comforting colour choice for spaces intended for relaxing. Try Resene Wallpaper Collection 2008-147-03 on upper walls with lower panelling in Resene Coast, timber floors stained in Resene Colorwood Natural, pendant lamps in Resene Quill Grey and accessorise with Resene Escapade and Resene Silver Chalice in your dining area.