Want to get ahead of the curve with your interior colour scheme? Resene consultant Rebecca Long gives Cityscape the skinny on the trends and where they come from.

Do interior fashions follow catwalk fashions? Yes! Don’t be surprised to see that your outfit complements your interior colour scheme. Runways produce an array of colours and styles and often illustrate social movements and change. For example, with the increase in concern for the environment, fashion designers are experimenting with natural fibres and finishes. These fabrics are also used for interior décor (curtains, cushions etc) and patterns and colours often follow on after. Soft greens such as Resene Peace create a beautiful backdrop for these fabrics to enhance the sense of wellness.

What dictates where interior colours and styles are going? Colour trends are influenced by what is going on around us in the world. For example, pastel pink tones were popular in the 1950s and offered optimism after the grim war years. Today’s smoky, almost peach ‘millennial’ pink is a colour born out of the global movement towards gender fluidity. People have always used colour for self-expression and trends can differ between different cultures and religions.

Is it true that all fashions, including interior, roll around again? Yes! Colours often roll around again. For example, today’s mustard can certainly feel nostalgic and brings a lot of people joy. A lot of people find happiness when reminiscing and mustard can take us back to a simpler time. For a pop of nostalgia in your home, try Resene Thumbs Up. Everyone reacts to colour differently and colour can carry a lot of emotions. Trends are a great inspiration but it’s always important to stay true to yourself. The best colour schemes are chosen with your personality in mind.

Where do you look for inspiration? Inspiration is everywhere! I’m always subconsciously seeking inspiration. Autumn and winter are such beautiful seasons for colour. Leaves are such a great source for inspiration and can delight our eyes with an array of greens, oranges, yellows, reds and plums. I also get inspiration from the new, bustling Christchurch, new café/restaurant fitouts, especially tableware, branding and food presentation. Also raw steel frames, gravel, murals and the mix of heritage/urban/modern.

Are we over the single-colour everywhere trend yet? The next step up from a single colour scheme is to incorporate more shades of the single colour, for example, a mix of soft warm whites, burnt creams and soft, rosy off-white beiges. It’s important to incorporate sheens and textures in any scheme, particularly pared-back ones, to avoid the space feeling sterile. There are so many ways to add statement colours to your home. Statement colours can be as tame or as wild as you like and are a great way to add personality.

What's the most common question you get asked about home style and colour? What white should I select?

Does Christchurch have its own flavour or do we tend to do what everyone else does? While we’re certainly inspired by global trends, Christchurch is one of a kind. I love seeing the rebuild evolve – we are putting our own stamp on this city.

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