Inside style
The feeling is neutral
Georgia Langridge of Modi Design in Christchurch on the enduring appeal of Resene Black White.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS WHITE?
Resene Black White is such a popular paint tone and is one of Resene’s top sellers, so it’s sometimes seen in the industry as a bit commonplace. But there is peace of mind with this paint because there isn’t too much undertone, allowing a blank canvas. This works particularly well with a dynamic, high-contrast interior such as this project, where the crisp white works seamlessly to highlight the textured dark materials that are layered throughout. In this home, we used Resene Half Black White throughout the interior – walls, ceiling and doors – changing only the sheens between surface planes.
WHY IS PAINT SUCH A SIGNIFICANT CONSIDERATION?
It’s crucial. So often, we find homeowners have tried to select paint colours and got it wrong, and then they come to us. Choosing the correct undertone and bringing the scheme together cohesively is so important. Paint is a base to an interior but can also be so much more, especially with different finishes such as plaster finishes and paint effects.
ANY GOOD TIPS?
Pick your paint colour last. We are so lucky in that there are so many paint colours to choose from, and you can even create a custom paint colour! That means it’s easier to find a paint colour that works with any tiles, piece of art, stone benchtop or fabric you’re basing your interior around, rather than trying to find multiple finishes to work with a paint colour. The right paint colour ties everything together.
WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER FAVOURITE NEUTRALS?
My top pick for a warm interior is to use Resene Half Cararra on the walls in a low- sheen finish, with the ceiling in Resene Alabaster in a flat finish and the doors and architraves in Resene Alabaster in semi-gloss. This works well for all sorts of homes, from beach properties to villas, and is great with brass or bronze metals. For a moody den, use Resene Baltic Sea – and colour-drench the room for extra impact.
