Illustrative vs illusions

From BlackWhite magazine - issue 11, wallpaper

From tactile textures to provocative pictorial designs, there’s something to suit every style in the Resene Wallpaper Collection.

Painterly peacocks

Our favourite illustrative wallpaper designs are atmospheric, transporting the perceiver to another place or time. Resene Wallpaper Collection V & A Decorative Papers II 2412-183-02 features an otherworldly garden punctuated with charming peacocks rendered in painterly brushstrokes – without the need to commission an entire mural masterpiece. For lovers of myths and legends, it offers an invitation to daydream and would make a fun feature for a public library or residential reading room. Pair it with paint colours and wood stains like Resene Saratoga on adjacent walls, Resene Miso and Resene Prairie Sand on accent décor and Resene Colorwood Bark on timber furniture and flooring to echo the earthy hues from the design and complete the fantasy.

Different strokes

As the saying goes, fortune favours the bold – and making a daring impression with a bold, illustrative wallpaper design might be exactly what your project needs to make it sing. Resene Wallpaper Collection Aquila DGILA3011 reimagines the natural world through a modernist lens with towering, stylised trees rising against boldly contoured hills and craggy mountain peaks. The interplay of soft washes and saturated hues creates a serene and striking abstract landscape that bursts with mood and movement. Contrast this bold, contemporary take on wilderness in a reception area with subdued tones like Resene Copyrite and Resene Eternity supported with select touches of Resene Palm Green and Resene Flourish to let this spectacular mural be the star of the show.

Sketch up

In our digitised world, there is something about the organic look of hand-drawn lines made with pencil or charcoal that feels both comforting and refreshing. With its expressive scribbles that mimic grassy plants, Resene Wallpaper Collection Fashion for Walls 10373-10 channels the raw, intuitive energy of a landscape architect’s sketchbook. The design captures the essence of terrain in flux, where tangled lines suggest a field of bushy foliage without ever settling into certainty – and thanks to the approachable achromatic colour palette, it can work in virtually any space. Combine it similarly silvery neutrals like Resene Half Concrete, Resene Silver Chalice, Resene Armadillo and Resene Colorwood Tiri in a pared back commercial office to create a calming and humanistic atmosphere.

Coastal craft

When you’re trying to create a serene and grounded interior, don’t overlook an artistic wallpaper design that evokes the rhythmic calm of island life while celebrating cultural heritage. The rich blue greens and earthy browns in Resene Wallpaper Fashion for Walls Collection 10371-19 come together in an immersive tapestry of leafy fronds that is reminiscent of handprinted island textiles, evocative of the rhythm and richness of tropical landscapes and artisanal traditions. Complement it with warm and soothing tones like Resene Eighth Malta and Resene Stonewashed on adjacent walls and flooring, cabinetry in Resene Oilskin and select accents in Resene Energy Yellow in a spa-like space to build a sensory escape that pays homage to island culture.

Slat simplicity

A wallpaper design that delivers the warmth and structure of slim, vertical timber slats is an ideal solution for a stylish, trend-forward update that’s renter-friendly and low commitment. Resene Wallpaper Collection Botanica 33960 masterfully mimics the clean, architectural lines of a timber slat wall, offering a refined, textural look without the installation complexity and demanding maintenance. Whether used to create a sophisticated backdrop in a restaurant or the illusion of added height and dimension in a hallway, support this faux batten effect with adjacent walls painted in Resene Nero, wood flooring stained in Resene Colorwood Nutmeg and accents in Resene Sandcastle and Resene Lignite for further depth and dimension.

Artisanal artistry

While it can make for a beautiful effect, installing authentic mosaic tiling is a pricey endeavour. Resene Wallpaper Collection Artifice M763-09 recreates the intricate beauty of a mosaic through a dynamic pattern of overlapping concentric circles in deep blue, pale grey and burnt orange. This design’s graphic rhythm and rich palette bring energy and sophistication to a space – without the cost, commitment or labour-intensive installation of real tilework. Ideal for feature walls or creative zones where a touch of artistry is desired, this faux mosaic offers a striking visual statement that’s accessible and alluring. Team it with a floor in Resene Escapade, a ceiling in Resene Merino, timber furniture finished in Resene Colorwood Bask and decorative accents in Resene Triple Bison Hide for an effortlessly artisanal commercial or residential dining space.

Peachy papercraft

A true conversation starter, Resene Wallpaper Collection Artifice M800-05 demands a closer look to take in its clever three-dimensional papercut illusion. This imaginative design captures sculptural layers of monstera leaves, rendered in a soft, peachy pink that adds warmth, whimsy and depth, transforming any wall into an enchanting botanical installation. Perfect for a creative studio or a stylish powder room, balance the design’s artistic sensibility with a timber floor finished in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, furniture painted in Resene Quarter Blanc and accents in Resene Biscotti and Resene Terrain in any space that craves a touch of the unexpected.

Stacked up

There are plenty of reasons why a real stone wall wouldn’t be possible or practical for some projects, but that doesn’t mean getting a similar organic, earthy effect is off the table. Resene Wallpaper Collection Essentiell 34611 offers the elegant, understated appeal of a stone wall with modern sensibilities, rendered in a soft, uniform greige that will effortlessly suit minimalist, contemporary interiors. With its raised texture and tonal depth, this design captures the cool sophistication of stone without the investment, structural demands or permanence of the real material. Perfect for spaces where installing actual stone would be impractical such as retail environments or apartments, pair this wallpaper with a floor in Resene Mondo, furniture in Resene Colorwood Driftwood and Resene Drought and accessories in Resene Dark Buff for a serene hospitality space that prioritises simplicity and practicality.

› For more wallpaper inspiration, check out the habitat plus – wallpaper book at your local Resene ColorShop or online and get a taste of the latest wallpaper releases.

Colours and products mentioned in this article