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Your home should be your sanctuary – a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And what better way than with an earthy, elegant aesthetic that delivers a sense of calm and sophistication. The Stormy Bay palette seamlessly blends natural, oceanic tones of the outdoors with texture and versatility to suit indoor spaces, making Stormy Bay an ideal choice to both inspire and delight this season.
With most of the population still tied to urban areas, a shared craving for a deeper connection with nature has emerged, both in the way we live and the spaces we live in.
“A desire to unplug and disconnect, where we can enjoy a calmer and quieter mind in tune with the natural world, draws us to simplified forms, organic detailing, and natural hues and textures, inviting warmth and relaxation,” reveals Jane Wright, Bunnings design and trend manager.
Rooted in the idea that humans have an innate tendency to connect with nature and other living things, the Stormy Bay colour trend takes inspiration from outdoor spaces and blurs the boundaries between indoors and out.
In fact, biophilic design (design that connects people with the natural world) draws on green spaces, organic materials, natural textures, and eco-conscious design choices, all of which form the foundations of Stormy Bay.
A Stormy Bay-inspired interior channels a new Nordic aesthetic, combining the simplicity and tactile minimalism of Scandinavian design, with a moody palette of deep and complex colours.
Texture is key, with aged or natural materials pairing well with Stormy Bay tones. “This is a story of contrasts,” says Mindy Mason, Bunnings design and trend specialist. “Polished metallic surfaces are combined with organic detailing and warm, tactile materials. And they retain their natural textures, with lustrous metals and wood grains revered for their unique characteristics.”
At the core of the Stormy Bay palette are natural colour swatches inspired by the diverse and moody ocean habitat. A deep grey-blue features heavily (try Dulux ‘Starfish’ or Taubmans ‘Shindig’), while a muted sage (like Taubmans ‘Spruce Grove’ or Dulux ‘Nephrite’) conjures a coastal foliage. Neutral shades are soft and calming, featuring a subtle greige, such as Dulux ‘Terrace White’ or Taubmans ‘Windsor’.
“Sustainability and living more simply are at the forefront here and earth-based neutral paint colours talk volumes,” Jane explains. “They are also extremely versatile for warming up a room and working with a variety of architectural styles.”
Natural materials, like timber, stone, concrete, coloured glass, and brushed brass are equally important in capturing this look.
“The Stormy Bay colours speak to our growing appreciation for natural craftsmanship, whether that’s with a D.I.Y. travertine stone paver side table or a fabulous natural teakwood table from our outdoor furniture collection,” adds Jane.
Paint is a powerful and simple way to transform your home into a Stormy Bay-inspired haven. Use a deep blue shade on all four walls to turn your room into a cosy coastal cabin or capture the complex tones of a moody sky with hues of grey-beige or a muddy grey-green.
Warmth and comfort are key design elements of this moodboard. Imagine cocooning inside, protected from the elements, while a storm rages outside. Bring that sense of comfort and warmth into your home with soft furnishings in a range of textiles, like linen, velvet, bouclé, and felted wool. “A textured floor rug in natural fibres and undyed yarns brings a sense of nature into the home,” suggests Mindy.
You can also tap into that cosy and comforting sensation with hardware and accessories in earthy materials or warm metals. For example, try updating cabinet handles to satin brass or bronze. And look for lighting in brass with textured or reeded glass, designed in organic or irregular shapes. And don’t forget to add textured accessories – plush towels, amber glass vessels or matte brass tapware – to a bathroom.
Like a lightning bolt of inspiration, you can transform your wall by painting a custom D.I.Y. abstract artwork using the latest colour trend hues.
Photo Credit: James Moffatt
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
