Unique nature inspired ideas for your home office

It’s that time of year when most of us are back to work after a long, relaxing break. No doubt a lot of this time was spent outdoors enjoying the warm weather and all that nature has to offer. It can be slightly heartbreaking when we have to retreat back indoors to sit at our desk, but it doesn’t have to be all dull! With some uplifting Resene colours and wallpapers, you can bring the outdoors in and create a happy and enjoyable space to work. Let’s look at some ways you can bring nature designs into your home office. 

Peacocks and patterns

The repeat pattern of peacocks and topiary gardens make Resene Wallpaper Collection 2311-172-02 a great choice for a nature-inspired home office.

A unique twist on what we would usually consider ‘nature’, Resene Wallpaper Collection 2311-172-02, with its Turkish like pattern, is both calming and energising. It adds interest to the space, while bringing in the tranquil tones of greens and blues, creating an enjoyable space to work throughout the day. Try picking out shades from within this wallpaper for surrounding walls or trims, such as Resene Hemisphere, Resene Laurel or Resene Ottoman.

Gentle tropics

Not all tropical wallpapers contain busy and bright colours. Resene Wallpaper Collection M37304 is a subtle and gentle choice to help you relax and enjoy your work day. 

This simple ‘Japandi’ style space is the perfect choice for a home office where you need to work or explore your creative side. Paired with modest wooden furniture, living greenery and muted tones, you’ll be sure to find peace in this room and work without stress. To complement the space, pair this wallpaper with tranquil shades like Resene Half Merino, Resene Green White and Resene Half Lemon Grass.

Midnight meadow

Add depth to a small workspace with a bold wallpaper like Resene Wallpaper Collection SUM205.

Contrary to popular belief, dark colours don’t always make a room look smaller. If you have a smaller space, using a dark colour or design as a feature wall can give the illusion of the wall retreating further, as well as help to separate spaces within one room. This midnight blossoming print gives this home office its own unique corner. It is a bold choice and shows us that not all nature-inspired designs are leafy and green. For maximum effect, pair this with whites like Resene Alabaster or Resene Black White. If you’re feeling daring, pair it with other dark shades like Resene Nero or Resene Element for an extra cosy and cocooning office. 

Purr-fect print

This office is made chic and exciting with Resene Wallpaper Collection 36503-2. The ceiling is painted in Resene Half Sea Fog. Design by Leanne and Peter Grinder.

If you want to add a bit of character to your home office, why not try an animal print for some added style and depth. Keep in mind when choosing a busy wallpaper for a smaller space, it helps to choose one with a white background to help lighten the room and prevent it from becoming overwhelming. The pops of colour in décor and wooden furniture throughout this room make it a unique and striking space. Pair this design with neutrals like Resene Quarter Rice Cake, Resene Half Biscotti or Resene Double Merino.

Simple shades

This delightful space brings the colours of nature indoors for a calming work environment. The walls and frames are painted in Resene Thor, with floor in Resene Merino, desk in Resene Tea, chair in Resene Sorrento, bin and ball in Resene Breeze, pencil pot in Resene Gargoyle and pinboard in Resene Tiara. Faux plant from Adairs, lamp from Nood. Design by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Wendy Fenwick.

If wallpaper isn’t your thing, keep it simple by choosing a nature-inspired shade for your walls. This room is painted in Resene Thor, but other gorgeous greens and beautiful blues to try are Resene Norway, Resene Haven, Resene Longitude and Resene Half Spindle.

You can still add interest through battens, artwork, or painted frames like we have done. The empty frames, which you can recycle or source from an Op Shop, can also be used to pin important work notes or reminders. Alternatively, try painting inside the frame with Resene FX Chalkboard Paint for your very own office blackboard!

Warm workspace

This intriguing wall is painted in Resene Salted Caramel with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Athena. The floor is finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, desk in Resene Meringue, vase in Resene Liquid Gold and reading nook seat painted in Resene Athena. Lamp from Cane Collective, cushions from Citta, chair from Cane Collective, books from Father Rabbit, pouffe from AC Home, artwork from Maiko Nagao, pencil holder from H+M Home. Project by Melle Van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.

Using caramels, oranges or browns in an office can add warmth and depth to your space. These colours bring a natural, calming feel, making it an ideal environment for productivity. Plus, you don’t feel like you are missing all the sunshine outside! If you can’t decide on one colour, try using two similar shades and adding texture to create unique visual interest. Resene Salted Caramel is a delicious ginger gold, but other colours to try for a warm stone-like appeal are Resene Kombucha for a rusty terracotta look or Resene Sunbeam for a more mellow golden hue. 

The trick to getting paint effects to work is to use a product that allows you the time to work with the paint without drying too quickly. Resene FX Paint Effects Medium is a tintable acrylic medium that allows you to easily create unique paint effects. Often it only takes one Resene testpot of colour added to the medium to tint it to the right shade. If you are after a stone effect and want to amp it up even further, you could also use a textured product like Resene Sandtex as a basecoat for extra dimension.

Incorporate nature-inspired Resene colours and wallpapers into your home office to transform it into a vibrant and enjoyable workspace. These unique design ideas cater to various tastes, offering a refreshing twist on the conventional office setting.

For more advice on colours for your home office or your other home projects, head to your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Colour Expert.

Published: 15 Feb 2024

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.

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Resene Half Merino

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Resene Green White

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Resene Half Lemon Grass

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Resene Black White

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Resene Half Sea Fog

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Resene Quarter Rice Cake

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Resene Half Biscotti

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Resene Double Merino

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Resene Half Spindle

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Resene Salted Caramel

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Resene Liquid Gold

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