A Taste of the Trends

If there is one thing you can be sure of, trends never stand still. We asked the experts to give us a taste of what’s trending for 2018. MAXIMALISM
Forget minimalism and its constraints. Make a move towards maximalism — one of the hottest styles in interior design.
A blend of historical design and colours, layers and textures, and mixed artwork allows the maximalist to create an interior that not only melds the patina of time with contemporary decor, but creates an interior that is vastly unique.
“Maximalism allows you to let your imagination loose,” Rebecca Long, Resene Colour Expert, says. “The key here is to connect the dots and play close attention to design elements, such as repetition and shape, to build
your scheme.”

Darker colours, including smoky charcoals, are prominent at present. Resene Nocturnal, Resene Viktor, Resene Organic. (Photo: Wendy Fenwick).

An earthy, neutral palette is currently on trend. Resene Double Sisal, Resene Parchment, Resene Scrub, Resene Korma, Resene Triple Ash, Resene Pale Oyster (Photo: Wendy Fenwick).

GROUNDED NEUTRALS
Earthier, honest neutrals are right on trend. Choose a colour palette of earthy browns, tans, warm greys and greens — and especially terracotta.
“Terracotta is making a comeback and it isn’t just limited to pots,” says Rebecca. “Pair colours such as Resene Entourage and Resene Desperado with classic timber stains such as Resene Pitch Black and Resene Natural.’’
METALLICS
“Yes, we are still using metallic, but with an earthier twist,” interior designer and colour consultant Debbie Abercrombie says. “The mix of black and metallic, such as Resene Catch 22, is strong, elegant and very on trend.
Though it is stylish enough to outstand trends too.”
Whether it’s stools, chairs, wall units and planters painted in metallic hues, or simple metallic touches added to handles and legs, picture frames, textiles and wallpaper — metallics are a versatile choice. Use metallics to glam up a room, or pair them with handcrafted ornaments, natural stone or exotic wood.

Deep backdrops enhance the greenery of plants and the colours in artworks. Resene Indian Ink, Resene Whitewash, Resene Eskimo, Resene Wedgwood, Resene Half Sea Fog (Photo: Bryce Carleton).

Dark walls ensure a space doesn’t look empty. Resene Indian Ink, Resene Midwinter Mist, Resene Teal Blue, Resene Silver Aluminium, Resene Kalgoorlie Sands (Photo: Bryce Carleton).

DARINGLY DARK
There is a definite shift to embracing darker hues inside, taking cosy to a new level. This isn’t an all black story; instead it focuses on dark colours with deep blues and greens and smoky charcoals, such as Resene Indian Ink and Resene Coast. Dark walls ensure a space doesn’t feel empty. The deep backdrop enhances the greenery of plants and colours in artwork.
BOTANICALS
We’re not ready to let go of botanicals just yet. We’re still seeing bold-leafed plants in our homes, in particular “patterned” plants with leaves bearing stripes or splotches. Forget maidenhair ferns; consider calathea, croton and dieffenbachia instead.
Nature’s green hues are prominent too.
We’re also seeing the blues — from deep and dark to weathered blues. So easy to incorporate into a project, blues continue as a perennial favourite.

Darker hues take cosy to a new level. Resene Indian Ink, Resene Athens Grey, Resene Atmosphere, Resene Stack, Resene Blue Night, Resene Eighth Tapa (Photo: Melanie Jenkins).

Bold colour combinations are where it’s at. (Left) Resene Soothe, Resene Avalanche, Resene Sauvignon, Resene Alabaster; (right) Resene Delta, Resene Hot Toddy, Resene Double Gravel, Resene Double Merino, Resene Nero (Photo: Melanie Jenkins).

STATEMENT CEILINGS
This year is looking up - at least, as far as ceilings go.
Often referred to as the “fifth” wall, whether you choose to paint it, wallpaper it, or apply interesting textures to it, decorating the ceiling is a striking way to revamp a room from top to bottom.
Darker colours create a cocooning effect by giving the perception that a ceiling is lower than it actually is. If you’re concerned about “lowering” the room height, avoid painting the edges of the ceiling, and bring the wall colour up over the cornices. Using a matte finish, such as Resene SpaceCote Flat, will accentuate the depth of darker colours.
BRIGHTS
The future continues to brighten, as bold eye-catching colours give a fresh vibrancy to rooms. Whether it’s quirky and out-of-the-ordinary or intense and sophisticated, a lively palette inspires cheerfulness and a playful release.
Think palettes featuring accents of red, earthy oranges, aqua blue, yellows, and lime green.
COLOUR COMBOS
Pairing colours is where it’s at. Warm greys paired with tan, camel, terracotta and brown-blacks, for instance.
“The combination of black on tan or tan on black is a smart choice,” says Debbie.
"Also keep an eye out for ochres and colours of cracked earth. The key is seeing colour in combination. Colours isolated are often not the wow we are looking for. It is how we combine them.’’
When you’re choosing trends, remember the golden rule: always choose colours you love. That way you’ll enjoy them for years to come.

Eye-catching colours offer vibrancy to a room. Resene Nocturnal, Resene Palm Green, Resene Lonestar, Resene Marionette, Resene Whitewash (Photo: Bryce Carleton).

Grounded neutrals, including terracotta, are making a comeback. Resene Apple Blossom, Resene Wax Flower, Resene Quarter Tea, Resene Just Right (Photo: Wendy Fenwick).