A homeowner adds lots of colour to their Arrowtown home

Moving across the country is the perfect opportunity to try something new. For Rae and Nick Prentis, the move from Auckland to Arrowtown prompted a fresh start when decorating their new home. “We wanted something classic but with heaps of personality and colour that would stand out in this charming town,” says Rae.

Homeowner Raw with basset hounds Beauregard and Huckleberry — Rae with basset hounds Beauregard and Huckleberry.

Their home – a new-build – has become a kaleidoscope of colour. The kitchen was painted first in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Bush, a traditional palm and everglade green. “Green is my favourite colour, and after trying countless shades, Resene Bush stole my heart and became the foundation of the whole scheme,” says Rae.

“I was obsessed with creating a colour palette that flowed perfectly throughout the home – no clashing or jarring transitions,” says Rae. “I wanted our home to feel bold but also classic, with an autumnal palette.”

One bedroom in this Arrowtown home is painted in Resene Arthouse, a chic deep red

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The first 2026 Resene Colour Home Awards finalist adds depth and character to their Wellington villa

Enter the 2025/2026 Resene Colour Home Awards

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See inside the winning home of the 2025 Resene Colour Home Awards

Sponsored by Resene

The living room was painted in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Blue Night, a dark blue with a feeling of depth and infinity. One bedroom was painted in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Arthouse. The chic deep red was a surprise to some, but Rae couldn’t be happier. “That deep pinot noir red feels warm, cocooning and timeless. I honestly can’t imagine the house any other way now.”

There are neutrals, too. The ceilings were painted in Resene Lustacryl in Resene Wan White and the second bedroom is painted in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Tino Pai, a blended bridge between grey and brown. They also painted the fireplace surround in the living room to create an interesting accent. “I wanted a grey in the mix to tie everything together. Resene Tino Pai works seamlessly with the other colours and gives balance to the richer tones,” says Rae.

The living room in this Arrowtown home is painted in Resene Blue Night and the fireplace is painted in Resene Tino Pai

There are still jobs to do and projects to tackle. Rae is spending her time dreaming up some new ideas to beautify their Arrowtown home. One thing’s for sure – the colour is here to stay. “It’s bold. It’s us.”

More Resene colours to try (from left to right): Resene Aroha, Resene Lakeside, Resene Rolling Hills.

How to enter

Click through here to find out how you can enter the 2026 Resene Colour Home Awards.

Content Producer Bryony Ammonds-Smith

With a background in lifestyle magazines, Bryony gets a kick out of talking to interesting people doing cool things. She is also a total magpie and loves putting together a shopping page. One day she'll put her MA in History to good use and live in a century-old villa. When she's not at work, she can most often be found in an opshop or bookstore.