HOME TRENDS RELAX
Some tips on how to create a soothing space in your home where you can unwind
CREATING A SPOT to unwind and decompress at home seems more important than ever, when our homes are often also workplaces and study zones.
Think about what you and your family need to relax. It might be cosiness and warmth; it might be light and airiness. You’ll also want to consider which colours will help get you in a calm, mindful and relaxed state.
Declutter first
It’s a good idea to remove all distracting clutter first so you have a blank canvas.
Decorate simply, with one or two things you really love and will help give you a mood boost. It might be a piece of art, a vase of garden flowers, or perhaps an upcycled, repainted table topped with your favourite book or a magazine.
Add in items to your relaxation space thoughtfully rather than just because you need somewhere to put something. Do you want to be able to listen to music? Do you want to binge-watch your favourite show? Will you need somewhere to put food or drink? Or do you just want somewhere comfortable to sit quietly under a cosy blanket with a scented candle burning? Everything in your space should be there to serve the function of making you feel good and relaxed.
If you need to share your space with others, keep the things you need to make it relaxing for you in a handy drawer or storage box.
Choose your palette
As a rule, it will make sense to choose more muted or even pastel shades, rather than bright primary colours — but that doesn’t mean your room needs to be onedimensional and strictly neutral. There’s still plenty of room for personality.
One way to do this is to play with different colour strengths of one paint colour. If you want a moody olive green, you could try Resene Colins Wicket as your main shade, but paint different surfaces in eighth, quarter, half, double or even triple strengths of it. It will give your space depth and interest without cluttering it with competing colours. If you wanted a pop of something different add some highlights in deep-blue Indian Ink, or a fresh note of pastel Provincial Pink.
Soft sky blues such as Resene Bali Hai or Kashmir Blue remind us of warm, lazy summer days. Pair with a bold note of darker Blue Bark for some structure, or add wood surfaces stained in Colorwood Mahogany.
Grey blues like Resene Remember Me or Duck Egg Blue work very well as neutrals will lend your space some quiet strength and work well with a darker smoky shade such as Coast or, for a muted contrast try the soft tan of Papier Mache.
Most shades of green inspire a sense of calm and connection with nature. Try herbaceous tones like Resene Sage with muted yellows in Sapling and Reef Gold. Or try mellow Spanish Green with greytoned Hermitage and beige Thistle.
Teal, an iteration of green and blue, is another wonderfully soothing colour, and very on-trend. To invoke the ocean try Resene Sea Green lightened with trims in Foam. If you want your relaxation space to resemble a really cosy retreat try the deep intensity of Deep Teal, with silvery Tasman. For contrast add some notes of curry-hued Korma.
Pastel purple or a hint of lavender can make a room very restful. Try the subtle violet of Resene Blue Haze with notes of brighter French Lilac, then, for a botanical touch add highlights in the fresh green of Granny Apple or Tusk.
Colours in the ‘natural’ spectrum such as beige, taupe and cream often feel immediately calming because they can make a space feel very grounded and earthy, and make your room light and airy. i Try the grey-brown of Resene Greige, with creamy Half Scotch Mist.
Top tip: Before you commit to colours, think about whether you want your space to feel cool or warm, light or dark, cosy or spacious.
For more decorating ideas and expert advice, visit your local Resene ColorShop.