Paint

Don’t just paint a room, drench it in colour – it’ll look all the better for it

The colourful works of Jen Sievers have collected a loyal and adoring following

Ready to start renovating, Kate Kelly chose a verdant shade to liven up her bathroom and old furniture

This year’s Resene Colour Home Awards winner’s work on her holiday house proves that a shoestring budget is no obstacle to true creativity

Future-proof your home with this year’s biggest exterior house paint trends

An iconic Wellington house shines just as bright, years on Designed by iconic Aotearoa architect Roger Walker, Mary and Michael Donn’s 1977 Wellington home is a burst of sunshine in the often-cloudy city. When it came time to paint the exterior, the couple initially planned a white facade with a contrasting trim. However, Roger strongly […]

Here’s how to paint your home green – whatever colour’s in the paint can Whether you’re painting your roof white to combat climate change, trying to reduce the paint smells that trigger your kid’s asthma or wondering how best to wash your paintbrush, there are a lot of reasons to think about the environmental impact […]

Resene’s paint experts help you get the results you want every time Need help with your painting projects? Don’t pick up a paintbrush without consulting Resene’s vast vault of how-to advice, which is easy to access online, in person or on video. Where to find it 1 The Resene website is a wonderland of free resources […]

Keen to get colour confident? Read on for the answers to your 10 most burning questions, plus on-trend ways to update with colour Colour is like a secret language, speaking to us on a subconscious level. “Colour is the first thing anyone will remember about a space. It shapes spaces and adds more emotion than any […]

Give a warm glow to your child’s bedroom with a bed nook in soft hues

Do you have a small room in your home that is big on impact? Have you done something bold or interesting with paint or wallpaper in a small room in your house? It could be an office, nursery, laundry or powder room – the only criteria is it’s small in space but big in impact. […]

A house gets a new lease of life with some bold colours Zoe Hallahan admits, “I was always terrified of colour.” But when she and her husband bought their home in Auckland, it was in serious need of a do-up, which only several cans of Resene paint could provide. The first room the pair painted […]

Add style and fun to your tween’s room that will last into the teen years Dressing up is fun, no matter what age, so create a corner for your tween that will spark their imagination. As they grow, transition this dress-up idea from superhero costumes to helping them find their own style. A great way […]

A hallway gets ‘tattooed’ with some punchy blue paint If you’re in two minds about getting a tattoo, why not paint one on your walls? That’s what Janeen Page did in her 1950s former state house in New Plymouth. Her hallway is now adorned with mermaids, marine creatures and other fantastical images, which look as […]

Show your potted plants off in a self-decorated container using our DIY expert’s step-by-step guide You will need • Brushes • Resene Waterborne Sureseal pigmented sealer for glazed pots or Resene Aquapel & Terracotta Sealer for terracotta pots • Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path paint or Resene Sandtex Mediterrranean effect coating • Resene Quick Dry […]

Set a playful scene in a child’s bedroom by framing focal points with bright murals Painting murals in your child’s bedroom is a fun and relatively quick way to make their space unique, while highlighting certain features of the room. In this case, the mural makes the bed the room’s natural focus, and the shelves […]

A front porch plays with shapes and punchy pops of pink Martine Connor’s front porch, previously an “aged, unsightly plain concrete”, is now unrecognisable from its former self. The exterior of her Whangārei home has been transformed into a Mediterranean-like beauty, complete with patterned flooring and a bright, bold front door. Martine had previously done […]

A state house is given a pop of colour, and then some Kareen Durbin is smitten with her “simple, stereotypical state house” in New Plymouth, she can’t deny it. “We love the blank canvas this humble home has offered us as we experiment with colour theory at scale via Resene paints,” she says. After entering […]

The winner of the Resene Small Room Awards harnesses the great outdoors through a love of colour Andrea Kurth’s decision to paint a punchy and playful mural on a white wall in her “plain” laundry turned out to be a winning move. The judges of the Resene Small Room Awards 2022 loved Andrea’s ingenious use […]

A sunny nursery receives the golden touch A nursery is always a tricky interior to decorate, but Alysia Simkin’s honey-toned mural masterpiece adds the perfect note of sweetness to a small space. Alysia’s vision for her young son’s bedroom was something “fun and creative for a kid’s room but not too out there that we […]

A family home creates waves with a colour palette that’s as evocative as the ocean itself Drawing inspiration from nature is nothing new but in Marie and Matt Weavers’ case, taking their design cues from native fauna and flora to inform their oceanic blue colour scheme proved irresistible. Their Upper Hutt 1940s build was slowly […]

Make your own wall art from leftover MDF. Nikki Kettle’s abstract piece was inspired by her local environment You will need • MDF off-cuts. I used what was left from the headboard I’d made more than a year ago • Primer, I used Resene Quick Dry undercoat • Marker pencil • Jigsaw or coping saw […]

Have you used Resene paints at your place? You could win $5000 Entries are open! Get your entry in by 21 October 2022 and you could be one of our first finalists. How to enter: Email photos and a 200-word-or-more description of your space to [email protected] with your last name and ‘Resene Colour Home’ in the subject line. Please […]

A white laundry wall is transformed with playful motifs from nature A white wall in Andrea Kurth’s laundry had always bugged her, calling the space “so plain”. The Taupiri local wanted to do something that could be painted on top of the existing coat of Resene Black White, rather than repainting the wall entirely. A […]

A dollhouse inspired a starry, whimsical makeover for this sweet space When Laura Bunea’s daughter, Sophie, requested a pink dollhouse for her room, what followed was a makeover of mythic proportions. “It’s such a gorgeous piece of furniture, I knew I wanted to create a whimsical space for her and this was the perfect base […]

From ivory to cream, add some light, bright touches indoors Winter whites are making a comeback this frosty season, even though it’s dark by 5pm, inside you’re just getting started. Consider winter a time to inject some much-needed light into your home through the monochrome magic of white. Don’t get left out in the cold […]

This year’s Resene Colour Home Awards winner had some sleepless nights about her edgy paint colour choice, but it was a champion decision The 2022 Resene Colour Awards winne r rewrote the rule book when it came to using bold, unapologetic colour without compromise. Awash in a world of white kitchens, Arna Marshall’s fearless use […]

Playing is not only fun it’s also essential for a child’s healthy brain development. Max out the space PAINT BOOKSHELF (left) From top to bottom: Blue box painted in Resene Lustacryl in Resene Takaka and animal in Resene Sante Fe. Books in Resene Tussock and Resene Twizel. Blue storage tub in Resene Half Resolution Blue. […]

The winner of the Resene Powder Room Awards 2021 revels in effortless glam and deep sultry blues. Homeowner Mel Spooner’s (right) decision to heed interior designer Clare Kitching’s advice to embrace the lack of the light in her Remuera powder room and create a dark and moody space has turned out to be a winning […]

Get playful and have some fun with waves, squiggles and curvy blotches Wall Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen and floor Resene Walk-on, both in Resene Bone, Resene Kalgoorie Sands. Headboard: Resene Kalgoories Sands. Painted wall frame: Resene Beethoven. Boucle chair from Kmart. Tobacco stripe euro pillowcase and tobacco duvet cover and pillowcase from Foxtrot Home. Cloud […]

There are no white walls in this power powder room – even the ceiling called for colour. When dreaming up the look for her Christchurch powder room, Rebecca Taylor knew she wanted it to be “surprising and a bit fun.” She found Resene Tropic Exotic Wallpaper 220122 fit the bill for the ‘fun’ aspect, but […]

A chic little powder room leaves a lasting impression on guests, with some saying it’s too pretty to use. What happens when you combine an old hallway cupboard and a seldom used wardrobe? For Kate Alcock, it was a sweet little powder room that most guests almost can’t bring themselves to use because it’s too […]

A dramatic powder room that was designed to provoke discussion from those who visit it. Helen Sheppard wanted guests visiting her powder room to feel as though they’d stepped into another world. And her choice of swirly-patterned wallpaper paired with a dark blue ceiling does just that. The dramatic room, painted with Resene Tangaroa to […]

All eyes are on this glam powder room, which embraces its dark and moody setting. Not much light filtered into Mel Spooner’s (left) Remuera powder room, so interior designer Clare Kitching of PeachHaus Design and Development decided to embrace the lack of light to create a dark and moody space with a nod to Hollywood […]

A small powder room with an exotic rainforest vibe. In a home filled with neutral hues, Charlotte Woolston’s powder room is a standout. “It was the perfect place to create a ‘wow’ moment for guests,” she says. She’s certainly achieved that, the room is a popular talking point. “We get such differing opinions,” says Charlotte. […]

This home’s Cape Cod-style and its sweeping sea views made choosing a colour palette easy Meet & greet Keryn (planner) and Jeffrey Broughton (consultant), Rosie, eight, Bill, six, and Izzy, three. Keryn and Jeffrey Broughton spent a year poring over every design decision for the renovation of their Cape Cod-style Dunedin residence. They had many […]

After one daring decision, there were no more qualms about colour in this home – only how much of it to use There were a few sleepless nights for Arna Marshall after she forged ahead with her decision to paint her kitchen in Resene Black. But she needn’t have worried. Despite warnings that it would […]

Create a simple crate storage shelf using plywood and a smattering of paint You’ll need: • 1 sheet of 2400mm x 1200mm plywood (at least 17mm thick) • Measuring tape • Pencil • Skill saw • Wood glue • Screws • Drill • 3 wooden crates • Paint brush • Resene Dusky Pink, Resene Sea […]

Walls looking a bit bare? Take a leaf out of Nikki Kettle’s colourful book and paint a show-stopping mural Out with the old The wall in Nikki’s living room has been an ever-evolving project, originally with just the one palm tree painted in the corner. She was inspired by the retro patterns she found on […]

This year’s Resene Colour Home Awards winner started small by painting vases before going all out with eye-catching murals Soothing pools of colour that uplift and bring a sense of joy were the impetus for the home of the Your Home & Garden 2021 Resene Colour Home Awards winner. The murals were painted by Jasmin […]

Decorative paint guru Annie Sloan takes us through her Normandy home which, as you’d expect, is a rainbow of colours You may recognise Annie Sloan’s name from the side of a paint tin of her eponymously named paint. As a fine artist-turned-decorative artist she wanted to create deliberately undetectable restorations and head-turning murals in houses […]

Take comfort in your surroundings as the chill arrives with seasonal winter updates to your favourite rooms. Front walls painted in Resene Leather. Back wall in Resene Quarter Linen. Floor stained in Resene Colorwood Dark Ebony. Vase painted in Resene Calico. Rug from Nodi, chair and vase from Domo, shelf from Citta, armchair and coffee […]

A new coat of a paint is an easy way to instantly refresh your home, so here interiors expert Shannon Vos shares his top tips on how to paint walls like the pros Painting your walls is an easy way to instantly refresh your home, whether you’re freshening up your white walls or are planning […]

Bold colour choices inject personality and fun into every corner of this lively family home. See why its our sixth 2021 Resene Colour Home Awards finalist Colour choice can often be a tricky decision, but Philippa Masoe finds it intuitive. When asked why she picked the range of whites, burnt oranges, slate greys and dark […]

A previously stark contemporary home is given a lively makeover with bold colour, fearless pattern and travel treasures on display. You could never accuse Emily Hunt of being afraid of a challenge. Move to New Zealand from Australia? Channel a love of interiors into a design business?  Take on a major renovation that others might […]

Rust is trending this season. Add a touch of aged charm to your patio or garden with Resene’s exciting new rust effect paint. Earthy and naturalistic, the rustic look of weathered steel adds a welcoming feeling – and now it’s easier than ever to achieve this rich, storied look thanks to Resene’s new FX Faux […]

Successfully creating separate zones inside an open-plan area is as easy as using paint, colour and some well-chosen furnishings 1. Colour When defining zones, colour is your best friend. Use objects and furniture from the same colour family to create visual separation, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add a feature wall in a statement hue […]

Looking to paint your floors? It’s an easy and affordable way to give your space a stylish new look. Here’s how to apply paint to any floor surface A few years ago none of us would have dreamed of painting the floor, but suddenly it’s all the rage and no one can remember quite why […]

Take your winter colour palette cues from centuries past, bringing deep yet comforting blue-based shades into your cosiest living spaces Blue is associated with calm and tranquility, as well as healing and health. For this reason, transform your walls with this palette in areas you spend your downtime, such as your living room or bedroom. […]

This expert guide will show you how to take inspiration from nature and design your interior using the latest paint and wallpaper combinations Resene ‘Fast Forward’ Taking cues from nature to guide our interior style is a popular way to decorate.  As summer leaves turn gold and amber beneath sweeps of grey-blue sky, Mother Nature’s […]

Seven essential questions to ask yourself when choosing paint colours Whether it’s for a new build, a renovation or just a room makeover, choosing paint colours can be a daunting exercise. Here are some questions to ask yourself: 1. What is the room going to be used for? Different colours evoke different emotions, so a […]

Need a living room makeover but having trouble picking a palette? We created five different looks using the same key furniture pieces to show how a single space can be transformed through confident use of colour The three key pieces of furniture: Hugo velvet sofa, $2695, from Me & My Trend. Tilt coffee table, $1290, […]

Creating a mean, green, themed bedroom can be remarkably simple with the help of a tonal Resene palette and some cheap and cheerful DIY projects   Resene Kids’ corner Many kids will want a themed bedroom at some stage – it could be anything from Batman or Lego to animals or fairies. For some parents, this […]

The last finalist in the 2019 Resene Colour Home Awards, this mid-century Wellington home used muted tones of Resene blue and green as the final flourish in its recent renovation Lara Maher, 32 (stay-at-home mum), Ben Maher, 34 (foreman/builder for Planit Construction), Charlotte, 3, and Ollie, 6 months. When Ben and Lara Maher bought their […]

With its combo of colours and finishing touches, this fun, jungle-inspired bedroom proves you can give a stylish spin to a themed look If you’re looking for a child’s bedroom scheme that’s neither too young or too grown-up, take inspiration from this punchy, tiger-themed room. A bookshelf that also doubles as a headboard takes centre […]

Create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere for entertaining – and just being – with the use of soft blue hues throughout your home How to decorate with blue paint for a coastal inspired makeover Using multiple shades of blue in a single room is a wonderful way to add layers to an interior while maintaining […]

Dulux’s summer palette is filled with gentle, nurturing colours that even the colour-phobes will want to give a go This subtle paint palette will give you the confidence to add colour to your home There’s a no-mans land in the colour world. It’s here you’ll find those who can’t stand the idea of opting for […]

Whether it’s a complete kitchen makeover or simply painting your front door, these interior tips will make you happy and boost your home’s value in the process How to spruce up your interior (and increase your home’s value) While the thought of completely transforming your home is pretty exciting the reality of the cost, time […]

It’s time to think 50 shades of grey, without needing to blush. Tonal decorating is your secret weapon to a calming, fashion-forward space This is why your next room makeover should be tonal Search the streets of fashion week and you’ll see tonal dressing is back in vogue. And as with most fashion trends, this […]

Add some pink pops of happiness into your interior spaces with a sophisticated colour palette. From picking hues to matching tones, Resene shows us how you use pink at home like a pro This is how you use pink paint in your home like a sophisticated grown-up From the windows to the walls, it’s time […]

It’s easy to add depth and interest to your neutrals by complementing your interior with Resene’s carefully picked palette of paints and textural wallpapers These timeless colours will stop any neutral interior from feeling flat When it comes to your neutrals for 2018, off-whites are anything but banal. Think Out Of Africa, sun-baked dunes, all […]

With careful consideration, colour can create more than just visual interest. This vivid home shows how effective daring decor can be 8 ways to use colour creatively like this dreamy pastel townhouse We love taking a peek into the homes of clever creatives such as knit designer Rikke Gravengaard. Her unique townhouse shows how sweeping […]

From fabrics and lights to wallpaper and paint, this inspiring guide to our favourite interior trends will help to inspire your home this year  Flooring Hard-flooring trends this season are inspired by the colours, shapes, motifs and mosaics of Morocco. Rusty, earthy terracotta tones are key, while dark wood and blackened steel create depth. Time-honoured techniques […]

This dramatic glow-in-the-dark scene was worth the time and effort for a very lucky three-year-old. Mum Debbie reveals how they designed the special space The fifth Resene Colour Home Awards finalist is a space-inspired nursery Simon Raine and Debbie Jones of New Plymouth went all out for their 3-year-old son Elliot’s bedroom. “What started as […]

The third finalist of the Resene Colour Home Awards unveils a soft palette in her dreamy farmhouse in Blenheim. We discover how the project brings them one step closer to opening their home as a B&B The third Resene Colour Home Awards finalist is a dreamy modern farmhouse David and Kirsty Wraight’s home reveals their […]

A beautiful family home opens its doors to international travelers who connect with its thoughtfully chosen palette which reminds them of home. Discover how you could also get the chance to win $5000 This family home doubles a boutique bed & breakfast with a thoughtful paint palette A creative Whanganui couple has turned their house into a boutique […]

Here’s an Insta-worthy destination to add to your travel bucket list. An Indonesian slum is now a vibrant village thanks to a splash of bright paint An Indonesian slum becomes a tourist destination after going technicolour An Indonesian village, that was once considered a slum, has been transformed into a technicolour dream thanks to junior […]

It’s a design dilemma we hear often – what to do with a dark and dingy Lockwood interior so its original character is retained  while giving it a fresh new look. Here’s a Lockwood renovation idea that won’t break the bank! How to give your Lockwood a cosmetic update “Two words,” says interior designer Alex Fulton. “Paint […]

The kitchen of this quaint holiday-cottage in Bluff was given a cheerful makeover before its Invercargill owners bade it farewell   The kitchen of this quaint Bluff cottage was given a vintage-vibe makeover Who were the owners? Peter and Karyn Necklen (pastors), Josh, 23 (engineering student), and Melody, 20 (fast food manager). Where is the […]

A once neutral-toned Lower Hutt home has been given an injection of colour and personality through the use of bold paint and wallpaper choices and clever, cohesive styling First impressions can be deceiving. From the outside, this 1930s former state house looks like many others in the surrounding Lower Hutt streets. But pass through the […]

A New Plymouth couple paint a room in shades of pink that are fit for a princess At a glance Heidi and Kris Herbert purchased their 2.8-hectare lifestyle block in New Plymouth last August, providing more space for their two children, Bren, 3, and Ivy, 2. The four-bedroom home was in dire need of a […]

A Blenheim bathroom embraces villa-style features such as batten and board paneling, tongue and groove and a claw-foot bath The background Kirsty and David Wraight’s new build in Blenheim is anything but modern. With a shared love of heritage homes, it’s no wonder David – a builder who owns a business specialising in villa-style homes […]

A big family with a love of the simple life have painted their little bach in the shades of the sea Just how a family of seven can fit into a two-bedroomed bach is a wonder, but somehow interior designer Jackie Jones has made it work. She and husband Jeremy had been searching for somewhere […]

This gorgeous scheme for a girl’s room allows plenty of scope for growth This room cleverly combines soft pink with a wall of metallic gold stripes to create a girl’s haven that can grow with her. Rather than opting for an overwhelmingly pink theme – which has a limited life span – soft dusty pinks […]

Homes to Love chatted to Davina Harper, a Dulux colour and design specialist, about which colour schemes sell at auctions and how The Block NZ: Villa Wars teams’ choices stack up Davina, what paint colours did the teams choose and what is your assessment – did they nail colour combos overall? Sarah and Minanne Interiors:  Dulux ‘Remuera’, […]

Colour story: Chequerboard. Rennee Lawrence and her husband Bryan renovated their kitchen in Pukerua Bay north of Wellington, on a tight budget and are thrilled with the results. They chose dark shades to contrast with crisp white and bright red accents, with Resene ‘Blackjack’ on the dining room wall and Resene Blackboard Paint in the […]