Quarter Merino conservatory: RESENE

While conservatories aren’t nearly as commonplace in New Zealand as they are in the United Kingdom, that doesn’t mean you can’t steal some elements of classic English conservatory design to create your own.

There’s nothing better than a barbeque with friends on the back lawn or relaxing on the deck in the sunshine with a good book. One way to bring the outdoors in – whether you have limited outdoor space or are just looking for a way to fill in an empty corner or room – is to create a lush conservatory.

A conservatory is the perfect way to create an inside oasis when the weather isn’t playing ball. Repurpose your spare room, or even just a corner of another living space, for reading and relaxing while being surrounded by plants. The trick to creating a conservatory space is an abundance of natural light, so choose an area that’s close to a window. Paint the walls in a cheerful, neutral tone with warm or green undertones. Off-whites work perfectly for this, choose colours such as Resene Double Merino to add a touch of warmth and reflect light for a luminous space.

If you have a larger room, consider splitting it into different areas for different plants. Use indicators to identify the areas, such as a colour block on the wall in deep Resene Karaka. A painted floor is a great way to add some flair to your conservatory. Paint it in a deep green or blue, such as Resene Blue Night, or use a stencilled effect with a lighter colour to create a sophisticated and interesting space.

This conservatory space couples walls in Resene Double Merino with a feature wall in Resene Quarter Karaka, creating the impression of depth and also introducing colour into the space. Using different strengths of the same colour, such as Resene Merino, will allow your space to feel cohesive without becoming boring. Another important element to consider when creating a conservatory space is texture. Layering textures such as rattan, rugs and wooden shelves can be incredibly effective and will add life to the space.

Paint
Back wall in Resene Double Merino, left wall in Resene Quarter Karaka, floor in Resene Foggy Grey with Resene Paint Effects medium coloured with Resene Quarter Merino, back wall bench and boards in Resene Quarter Merino with top in Resene Quarter Merino with Resene Paint Effects Medium coloured with Resene Foggy Grey.

Accessories
Fermob Cocotte Low Stool in Willow Green from Jardin, Fermob Luxembourg Barstool in Clay Grey from Jardin

Get inspired at your local Resene ColorShop, www.resene.co.nz/colorshops.