In the world of interiors, contrast is everything, and this season, the high-impact pairing of soft baby blue with striking red is reasserting itself as the colour story to watch.
Once associated with traditional Americana, the blue-and-red combination is now enjoying a thoroughly modern makeover — one that plays with tone, proportion, and texture to evoke elegance, energy, and effortless sophistication. In this new palette, cool, powdery blues dominate the space, setting a serene, expansive base. Think Resene’s Time Out or Breathless — soft yet grounded hues that offer calm and neutrality with just a hint of nostalgic charm. Against this, accents in pops of red appear like punctuation marks, delivering welcome moments of visual tension.
From crimson to coral, even the smallest touch of Resene’s Smashing, Tall Poppy, or Red Hot can shift the mood. It’s all about balance — let the blue breathe across walls and key upholstery, and use red with intention to bring dynamism and depth. Brass detailing and cream or ivory-toned neutrals add warmth and elegance, preventing the scheme from veering too severe.
Together, this duo proves that opposites not only attract, but harmonise. Whether you’re drawn to coastal calm or postmodern cool, Resene’s carefully curated palette makes it easy to tailor this colour story to your style.
Colours To Try
