Bright Ideas

New paint types, colours and a computer software program are all designed to help you achieve the look you want for your kitchen, says Resene.

Low-maintenance surfaces are a priority for most homeowners planning a new kitchen. This applies to walls as much as benchtops. However, such finishes needn't be at the expense of good looks. Traditionally, glossy enamel paints have been favoured for kitchens as they are easy to keep clean. Today, new paint technology brings extra durability to waterborne, low-sheen surfaces, which are a popular alternative, says Resene marketing manager Karen Warman. The company's new Resene Zylone SpaceCote is a low-sheen, waterborne paint that provides a tough, durable, enamel-like finish, well-suited to kitchen surfaces.

Kitchen

The Range from Resene offers 160 classic and contemporary colours, developed to reflect inter-national and local trends. Melville says the colourful elements have been tempered by stainless steel surfaces and frosted glass cabinetry. Resene Voodoo frames the frosted glass doors of the island. The island is cantilevered over a raised wood floor to provide a comfortable height for guests socialising with the hosts.

"In the past, homeowners were forced to use solventborne enamel paints when painting trim, joinery and wet areas," she says. "Acrylic paints, while easier to apply, were limited to broadwall dry areas, because of their lack of durability in interior wet areas.

"Resene Zylone SpaceCote low-sheen, waterborne enamel is not only hard wearing, it also provides all the benefits of a waterborne paint, such as low odour and easy clean-up," she says.

Dining Room

Lounge

The grapevine colours of the kitchen and dining area are a recognition of the strong association between food and colour, says the architect. Bright colours enliven the kitchen and family areas of this home designed by Michael Melville of John Mills Architect. Resene Bunting features on walls in the living room. Painting the back walls in this shade provides a degree of privacy from neighbours, as the dark wall prevents silhouettes from showing. However, the walls around the windows in this room are painted in Resene Tea, a lighter colour that limits glare and contrast.

The paint is versatile enough to suit virtually any interior application, from wet to broadwall areas, and trim and joinery both inside and outside the home.

Warman says in critical light areas, Resene Zylone SpaceCote's reduced side sheen will minimise the appearace of surface imperfections.

"Combined with a skim coating of Resene Broadwall Surface Prep, a great finish is easy to achieve," she says.

Colour selection need not be a problem either. The Resene Zylone SpaceCote range now extends to more than 1500 Resene colours, including the new shades presented on The Range fandeck.

This fandeck presents more than 150 of the latest local and international paint trends. The fandeck also makes suggestions about complementary shades that work well together.

Another easy way to choose colours is by using the Resene EzyPaint virtual painting software. This program gives you the opportunity to preview and change colour schemes on your computer. The software is free to download, or you can purchase or borrow a copy on CD from your local Resene ColorShop. Also online, TechSpec can help you choose the right type of paint.

All Resene paints are available from Resene ColorShops.

Find out more home design, landscaping and decorating ideas at www.trendsideas.com.

Resene Paints Ltd – www.resene.com