The new black

Colour trends from NZ House and Garden magazine

Turn to charcoals to add depth to exteriors.

When it comes to exteriors, charcoal is the new black. Dark colours recede and can make deck areas seem larger. Smoky dark greys sit within the landscape more readily than pure black, tying in with the greens of trees and other plants. Brown-infused blacks also meld with the land and for an even gentler effect, try a Resene Woodsman wood stain – these add depth and colour to timber while allowing the beauty of the grain to show through. Charcoal is also superb as a backdrop to highlight brighter colours such as lime green foliage or bold-coloured flowers. It’s also the perfect partner for on-trend natural colours such as clays, swampy greens and smoky blues. When choosing a dark colour outside, consider a Resene CoolColour which will help to reflect more heat than a normal colour to keep the paint and surface cooler.

A charcoal exterior

A charcoal moodboard

Wall and large planter in Resene Nocturnal, decking stained in Resene Woodsman Uluru, bubble sculpture in Resene Alabaster and Resene FX Faux Rust Effect, table in Resene Waiouru.

Colours...

Swatch
Resene Charred Black

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Other colours to try –

Complement charcoal with rich nature-inspired colours such as Resene Salted Caramel, Resene Smashed Avocado and Resene Wayfarer.

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NZ House and Garden magazine, December 2022