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Answers to your questions from our colour experts, p. 112

Here's a taste of some of the Colour Expert questions and answers to help you with your own colour scheme.

If you would like more colour advice for your project, please ask our Colour Expert for help or come in and see our staff at your local Resene ColorShop or Reseller. Colours are a representation only.

 
 
 
 

Q&A   p. 112

Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online.


Q. What is the best way to choose dining chairs for a table when no one can agree?

A. One option to keep everyone happy is to choose a plain table and then matching wooden chairs. Let each family member choose a chair paint colour and paint their chair that colour. It’s great fun at teatime when everyone gets to sit in their favourite chair.

March 2022


Q. How do I add interest to a bedroom without overwhelming it?

A. Use the wall behind the headboard to indulge your favourite Resene colour or wallpaper. That way you’ll get to enjoy the look when you are in the room but it won’t keep you awake at night.

March 2022


Q. We are planning some hooks in our hallway but don’t want them to look ugly. Can you suggest any ideas?

A. Who said hooks had to be ugly and boring? Dip old door knobs into paint and then hang in a pattern on your wall. Each colour can be used for a different family member and they’ll still look good when not in use.

March 2022


Q. Why does it seem hard to pick white paint colours? Where should I start with deciding on colours?

A. Homeowners usually choose to use whites and off whites for two reasons – 1: because they love the feeling whites bring their home, or 2: they aren't confident to choose brighter colours so they choose whites and off whites thinking they are a safer option.

There are many shades of whites available and the key is to identifying the undertone in the white and how it is influenced by the lighting and the other furniture, accessories and decorating elements you have in the area you are painting. More than any other colour, whites and off-whites are influenced by other elements in the room. If you have a room full of blue furnishings, expect your white wall to take on a blue tinted look. Darker colours tend to hold their own more so are less likely to reflect the colour of other furnishings around them.

The more you work with colour, the better your eye gets at seeing the nuances in colour. For those new to colour, all whites can look alike at first glance. However if you compare them to each other, you can start to see colours with blue, green, red, black and yellow undertones. Slip a piece of plain white printer paper under a white that you are considering and this will help force your eyes to see the colour as it is.

To help homeowners choose, Resene has grouped favourite whites into colour families. These are Resene's most popular whites and neutrals and have up to six strength variations of each colour – from Triple through to Eighth – in the Resene Whites and Neutrals collection. This makes it easy to choose whites that go together – choose a full or half strength for the walls, a quarter strength for the ceiling and double or triple strength for the doors.

When choosing whites and neutrals, choices tend to differ around the regions. Aucklanders tend to favour whites like Resene Sea Fog and Resene Black White. These tend to feel a little cooler – ideal for humid areas. When you go further south, warmer whites become more popular, such as Resene Bianca. These are more naturally warmer, ideal for areas that tend to get much colder in winter. Newer homes tend to be finished in black or green tinted whites, such as Resene Black White, Resene Alabaster and Resene Thorndon Cream. More traditional homes, tend to opt for creamier whites, such as Resene Villa White and Resene Bianca.

The first step in choosing any colour, whether it is white or bright, is to decide how you want your room to feel – warm, cool, modern, traditional, etc and which elements of the room are being kept. Then consider the lighting – both natural and artificial. Then start choosing your paint colours. You may find you need to vary the strength or tone of your white in some rooms because the light may help it look beautiful in some rooms and washed out in others.

January 2022


Q. What is the bit between the wall and ceiling called and do I paint it the same as the wall or the same as the ceiling?

A. People often get a bit confused about that ‘thing’ that is at the top of the wall before the ceiling starts. Mostly they get confused about how it should be painted.

It is usually referred to as a scotia.

It is sometimes referred to as a cornice.

Or even a crown moulding.

But it isn’t called an architrave because that is what is around a door or a window. It isn’t called a dado or picture rail either as those are details between the lower wall and the upper wall.

Is there a rule? Yes and no. If the scotia is very minimal – a narrow piece only – then it is included as either part of the wall colour or as the ceiling colour. It is a personal choice as to what is chosen.

A cornice is more architectural – it could be made of wood that is cut in such a way that it forms an attractive shape.

It could be a more ornate plastered detail with garlands and swags or ziggurats or eggs and darts. So the decision must be made – should it be feature with a definite colour or multiple colours? Or should it be part of the white ceiling and let the shape speak for itself?

In the past – 1980 – 1990 – there was a definite ‘make it a feature ‘ theme and even if the scotia was minimal it was coloured. So too were the skirting boards, dado rails and door frames but things have changed and that is not something that is seen very much now unless it is a colonial style house, a listed building with historic relevance or a period villa.

In very modern new build home that detail sometimes isn’t there – that is when that area is referred to as ‘square stopped’. It shouldn’t be confusing as it is very simple. The difficulty may lie in making sure it is perfectly straight as a change of colour between the wall and the ceiling might be seen as a slightly wavering line. straight edge, masking tape and a steady brush may help to fix that problem. I have noted that since this sort of build detail has been a trend it coincided with ceilings and walls being painted the same colour. This was a way to minimise any less than straight and perfect square stopping.

September 2021


Q. We want to paint the exterior of our house with Resene paint. The house cladding is Hardiplank rusticated weatherboard. Our existing colour is Resene Pine Cone. Our aluminium joinery colour is Lignite which is dark brown. Can you help us with the choice of exterior colour?

A. You might check out the following colours to see if they appeal to you – very dark with Resene Black Magic, Resene El Paso, Resene Monkey or lighter options – Resene Bronco, Resene Quarter Lignite or Resene Schooner.

September 2021


Q. Which colours would match with Resene Half Titania? We’re keen to use this on the trim but we are not sure what to use on the walls as Titania looks yellow on some of our walls and green on others.

A. Resene Half Titania is a complex neutral – the colour changes you mention are exactly as I would expect. Each wall will show the colour differently according to the aspect of natural light – N/S/E/W. The colour is made using yellow and black colourants combined which creates an earthy warm grey/green.

The following are some colours that work well with Resene Half Titania – Resene Foggy Grey, Resene Half Grey Olive, Resene Half Ash, Resene Truffle or Resene Copyrite.

September 2021


Q. I am repainting my home which was an army green with a light grey roof. I am using Resene Alabaster on the windows and trims and Resene Triple White Pointer on the outside walls. I need a darker shade for my roof. My fences have been stained in Resene Pitch Black (I think). Can you suggest a colour that would complement Resene Triple White Pointer? The inside walls are either Resene White Pointer or Resene Quarter White Pointer. The front and back doors are Resene Paprika.

A. You might check out the following roof colours to see if they appeal to you – Resene Windswept, Resene Element, Resene Nocturnal or Resene Ironsand.

September 2021


Q. We are having our Celcrete clad home repainted. We have a Windsor grey roof and silver pearl joinery. We have some greyish schist pillars at the entrance and chimney. Currently it’s a grey/taupe colour which looks very drab. We want to change to a white. We are changing the garage door to Windsor Grey also.

A. The following 'whites' are worth checking out – Resene Wan White, Resene Double Black White, Resene Concrete or Resene Athens Grey.

September 2021


Q. We are in the process of painting the walls Resene Half Sea Fog/Resene Triple Alabaster with Resene White for the ceiling, trim and skirtings. We are going to paint the kitchen next but it's on the south side of the house and has black granite benches and light cabinets. I am slightly concerned the paint is going to look even darker/too cold in the space. Do you think we should look at using perhaps Resene Double Alabaster here instead?

A. A. South facing rooms are not blessed with natural/warm light. I think you are right to have reservations about how the colour will look. Yes, you could use Resene Double Alabaster.

Alternatively, you could use a sweeter/warmer white like Resene Quarter Bianca.

September 2021


Q. We have a 1980s, fibrelite/cement board home with white aluminium windows. The house is currently white, with grey roof. We want to change it up a bit. We live rurally with paddocks all around and a view of the water in the distance. What Resene colours would you recommend we do for the house and roof?

A. The following are some rural inspired palettes of colour for the house for you to check out – Resene Quarter Grey Olive, Resene Quarter Napa or Resene Quarter Fossil.

For the roof you could try Resene Squall, Resene Canyon or Resene Windswept.

September 2021


Q. I’m trying to get advice on a dark blue feature wall in my son’s room. So far, I'm liking Resene Astronaut, Resene Blue Night and Resene Tangaroa. I need something that will work with Resene Triple Sea Fog.

A. I like Resene Tangaroa and Resene Blue Night. But Resene Blue Night may look quite black toned unless it was on a very sunny wall. An alternative worth checking out could be Resene Dark Knight. All of the colours would work with Resene Triple Sea Fog.

September 2021


Q. We are looking to find a crisp pearl white to paint all the walls inside my house.

A. Whites alter with changing natural and artificial light. The following are some options for you to consider – Resene Double Alabaster or Resene Quarter Merino.

September 2021


Q. What colour trim should I use for skirting and scotia etc to go with walls painted Resene Quarter Duck Egg Blue or Resene Half Duck Egg Blue.

A. I think either of these would work – Resene Alabaster or Resene Half Black White.

September 2021


Q. I am looking to paint my stucco house with terracotta orange roof tiles in Resene Half Masala. Do you have a complementary white colour that goes with Resene Half Masala for the window trims and soffits?

A. Either of these whites would work well with Resene Half MasalaResene Half Merino or Resene Sea Fog.

September 2021


Q. Our roof is Resene Navigator. The walls are currently slightly off white. We have chosen Resene Half Spanish White to repaint the walls. We are thinking slightly off white for under the eaves.

A. Either of the following would work well with Resene Half Spanish White – try Resene Quarter Albescent White or Resene Double Alabaster.

September 2021


Q. What teal type of colour do you recommend for a front door with a house painted in Resene Half Tea with Woodland Grey gutters and gates?

A. You could try Resene Deep Teal, Resene She’ll Be Right or Resene Casal. The three colours are deep, bright and more muted teal influences. The Woodland Grey is a wee bit of an odd man out as it is very earthy and olive/brown which works well with Resene Half Tea but not so perfectly with teals.

September 2021


Q. Our interior is currently painted Resene Half Tea. I like the Resene Half Tea but am wondering what a similar colour might be that we could update it with? We are in a coastal area with good light and Blackbutt flooring.

A. Perhaps one of the following modern colours may appeal to you – Resene Quarter Napa, Resene White Pointer, Resene Triple Sea Fog or Resene Quarter Foggy Grey.

September 2021


Q. We are installing an early settler modular kitchen with golden timber and are unsure what colour to paint the walls. The bathroom and laundry are both painted Resene Akaroa, should we stick to this theme? Other advice has been to go for Resene Sea Fog. We would like to keep a bit of the old age feel. The house is from the 60's.

A. I am not 100% certain about continuing with Resene Akaroa in the kitchen as it may look a bit muddy. It may be time for a different colour in the kitchen to enhance the golden timber units. You might check out the following – Resene Linen or Resene Quarter Lemon Grass.

If you were keen on a whiter look in the kitchen you might use a warm tone – Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream or Resene Half Rice Cake.

September 2021


Q. I have a fibre cement home and am looking to paint the exterior a light grey.

A. A light grey colour on fibre cement might make it look like industrial/unpainted concrete. Is that the look you are wanting to achieve? If that is the case, then the following may appeal to you – Resene Grey Area or Resene Half Delta. A much lighter/whiter may look fresher – try Resene Athens Grey or Resene Half Surrender.

September 2021


Q. Can you please recommend a ceiling and trim colour to go with Resene Eighth Spanish White walls and kitchen joinery? We have rimu skirtings and architraves in most places but the window reveals have been painted previously so will be painted in the trim/ceiling colour.

A. Try Resene Quarter Bianca, Resene Eighth Rice Cake or Resene Half Alabaster.

September 2021


Q. I’m redecorating a three bedroom 1940s house with Resene Double Alabaster ceilings. I want to use neutral colour tones on walls, in southern rooms something a little darker than the ceiling and in sunny rooms a little colour such as pale sage green or a sisal? And ideally something a little different on doors.

A. The following warm colours might be considered for the southern rooms – Resene Spanish White, Resene Eighth Drought or Resene Quarter Fossil.

Sunny rooms may look lovely in one of the following – Resene Quarter Akaroa, Resene Quarter Sisal, Resene Kangaroo or Resene Harp.

If the trims are Resene Double Alabaster I would be inclined to use it for the doors as well. It would simplify the look and work with any of the palettes of colours used in all the rooms.

September 2021


Q. In my kitchen I have rimu heart flooring with an exposed beam in heart rimu and overhead cabinets with solid rimu heart fronts. My benchtop is HI-MACS concrete. What colour would you advise for the rest of my kitchen cabinet fronts? Ideally, I am looking for a blue, but would probably be happy with a different match too.

A. You might check out the following colours to see if they appeal to you – Resene Waikawa Grey or Resene Blue Bayoux. Or you could try green Resene Cutty Sark or Resene Lemon Grass.

September 2021


Q. I saw in habitat that you recommended Dark Slate as a good option for someone who wants to try darker tones without fully committing – could you recommend some other options along this line?

I have a large, somewhat characterless open-plan space in my mid 2000s apartment (currently Resene Half Truffle) and I'm tempted to make it feel more intimate/cosy by bringing the walls in – I'm just scared of going too dark and making it depressing. Most of the windows are northwest facing and so one side of the space is particularly cosy in the afternoon. And what whites would you recommend pairing with your suggestions?

Alternatively, should I look at giving it more character by painting it a bright colour such as Resene Chenin or Resene Thumbs Up; something that makes me smile every time I come home? Again, I'd love some recommendations as I worry about going too bright.

A. Deep colours like Resene Dark Slate are softer mid tones. They are easier to live with compared to darker colours that are black toned. Other softer mid tones like that are – Resene Balderdash, Resene Eighth Bokara Grey, Resene Mangrove or Resene Half Shark.

I love bright colours but I am very aware that they may have a shorter lifespan before we tire of them. You could use bright colour as cushions, throw rugs, artwork as a start point to introduce bolder colours.

Using paler neutrals – like the colour you have now – may be better than going to a white which may be too stark.

September 2021


Q. I have a 1957 basement style house which overlooks mature forest on a darker side of a suburban hill. We chose Grey Friars for the basement bricks and have done a first coat on that area and the bargeboards of our slanted roof. Then we did a first coat of Resene Ravine, expecting a definite green but it has turned out quite grey and too cool for the aspect from the road. It looks ok from the back. I'm thinking of doing the second coat of the front a more definite green that doesn't move too far from the Resene Ravine.

A. Resene Ravine is described as a dry, cloudy green, masculine and grey in tone. When seen in very bright light it would appear less grey – more of a cloudy green.

A greener type of colour might be one of the following – Resene Spanish Green, Resene Pewter or Resene Peace.

September 2021


Q. Our house is currently white with Gull Grey windows and roofing/fascia. Is there a colour that we could use in lieu of the white that would work with the lightness of the roof and windows?

A. Gull Grey looks grey with a lighter/brighter white as the main colour. If you wanted a definite colour, it may make the Gull Grey look lighter/brighter – a reverse of the look you have now. The following are some earthy greens and grey ideas for you to consider – Resene Mangrove, Resene Raptor, Resene Friar Greystone or Resene Grey Area. Alternatively, a 'coloured' white may work – Resene Triple Black White.

September 2021


Q. We are painting my son’s bedroom. My son would like a feature wall in Resene Ship Cove and we are struggling to know what colour to paint the other two walls (the fourth is cupboards and door so will remain white). We looked at Resene Duck Egg Blue but I think it’s too dark. Then we looked at Resene Quarter Duck Egg but not sure if it will look too 'white' and maybe boring?

A. Resene Ship Cove is a beautiful blue and slightly warmed colours and whites enhance it. Perhaps instead of the grey blues that you have mentioned you might check out the following colours – a soft light blue like Resene Breathless, a warm neutral like Resene White Pointer or a sharp yellow white – Resene Rice Cake. They all look really nice with Resene Ship Cove.

September 2021


Q. We have a large weatherboard house. We are repainting and have chosen the following colours but we have no creative bones so hoping you can confirm these will go well together – roof in Resene Ironsand, house in Resene Kangaroo and windows in Resene Black White.

A. The colours work well together. There is only one thought of mine – the windows could be a very slightly warmed white to go with the earthy olive/brown/charcoal roof and yellow based green colour – you could try Resene Double Alabaster.

September 2021


Q. We wish to update the exterior of the 2004 house we have brought. Other houses in the street are modern builds. The exterior of cream/yellow/beige brick and cream joinery will have to remain and the two trees in front are red maples. We want to paint the red concrete tiled roof, guttering, garage door and red strip of brick (that surrounds the house), plus possibly the downpipe. In the back is a white pergola attached to the house, should this be repainted another colour also? Ironsand would match, but we were thinking of greys. We’re not sure of the tonings to use, i.e. warm tints etc or whether to go for dark or mid greys??

A. Because you are wanting to make small changes to your house your options are compromised by what is staying as is.

The roof, garage door and guttering might be one of the following colours – Resene Element or slightly softer/lighter – Resene Windswept. Both of these colour suggestions are warm deep greys which work well with the bricks of your house.

You could use the same colour on the waistband of coloured red brick around the house. The pergola at the back of the house might be repainted in a cream to match the window joinery.

Alternatively, you could paint it the same as roof etc.

September 2021


Q. I want to paint a grooved panel feature wall in my main bedroom. I'd planned to use Resene White Pointer on all other walls and trims. Will Resene Blue Smoke work? I'm keen on dark greyish greens but am not sure how the Resene White Pointer will go against them?

A. I like your choice of Resene Blue Smoke as a feature colour. It isn't a very deep colour and if you favour using darker grey greens you might check out the following – Resene Rolling Stone or Resene Templestone. All these colours will work with Resene White Pointer.

September 2021


Q. Can you please give me colour suggestions to go with Resene Black White for my young son’s room and young daughter’s room? I am thinking a feature wall in each. Probably a very soft pink for my daughter and open to ideas for my son.

A. Perhaps one of the following colours may appeal to your son and daughter – for pinks try Resene Vanilla Ice, Resene Sauvignon or Resene Pot Pourri. For other colours try Resene Feijoa, Resene Escape or Resene Corn Field.

September 2021


Q. I have painted my house and deck Resene Half Atmosphere but my deck gets very muddy as we live in the country so I want to repaint it a darker colour. I started painting it Resene Double Atmosphere but I think it is still too light. Can you suggest a darker grey instead?

A. Too light a colour or too dark a colour can both be a problem on the deck. You might check out the following mid toned colours – Resene Condor, Resene Gunsmoke, Resene Half Chicago or Resene Dune.

September 2021


Q. We have picked Resene Permanent Green for our roof and Ironsand for our windows and doors. We have a big wraparound veranda. What colour would suit the cladding?

A. You might check out the following colours to see if they appeal to you – Resene Stonehenge, Resene Friar Greystone, Resene Gauntlet or Resene Eighth Ironsand.

September 2021


Q. Can you please help me find two colours for interior walls – a British racing green and a dark navy blue.

A. Perhaps one of these greens might be right – but would need to be a very high gloss paint to replicate the richness of the colour – Resene Bush or Resene Palm Green. A dark navy might be one of the following – Resene Dark Side, Resene Indian Ink or Resene Zinzan.

September 2021


Q. We are looking to paint our fence a very light grey.

A. There are a huge variety of very light greys. Perhaps one of the following might be worth checking out – Resene Concrete, Resene Quarter Foggy Grey, Resene Quill Grey or Resene Half Gull Grey.

September 2021


Q. I'm looking for a light sage green to go in a hallway with little natural light. I don't want anything with a blue tint and would prefer olivey to anything minty.

A. Try these colours to see if they suit – Resene Linen, Resene Half Tana or Resene Aspiring.

September 2021


Q. I have painted the ceiling and trims in my bedroom Resene Buttery White and now want to paint the walls of my ensuite Resene Buttery White as well. Can you recommend a colour that I could use on the bathroom ceiling that would match Resene Buttery White but be a bit lighter to add depth to the ceiling?

A. One of these colours could be used – Resene Half Bianca, Resene Half Orchid White or Resene Half Pearl Lusta.

September 2021


Q. I am looking at having my kitchen cabinetry painted Resene Kelp or Resene Seaweed. Can you please give me some suggestions for a neutral colour for the walls and doors to do with this? It’s a new build with FlaxPod joinery and a light oak ceiling and floor.

A. Some off-white neutral colours that you might check out are the following – Resene Half Merino or Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream. Or for deeper coloured neutrals, try Resene Double Merino or Resene Thorndon Cream.

September 2021


Q. We currently have Resene Half Tea on walls in our large lounge and dining and kitchen. We are going to repaint. Is this colour still on trend?

A. Yes, all of the Tea palette is still very popular. If you felt like a subtle change, you could check out the following colours to see if you liked them better than what you have now – for warmer tones try Resene Fossil walls, with Resene Quarter Fossil trims and Resene Eighth Fossil ceiling. Or slightly more of a grey/beige with Resene Half Truffle walls with Resene Quarter Truffle trims and Resene Eighth Truffle ceilings.

September 2021


Q. Our house has had the plasterboard replaced so it is a blank canvas with white aluminium joinery. It’s a modern design open plan with plenty of light. I’m looking at Resene Double Sea Fog with Resene Alabaster for ceilings, trims and maybe the doors. I will have a walk in pantry as well where I would like to put a little colour and perhaps bring some into the kitchen by way of splashback or under the breakfast bar. As for bathrooms one is a little ensuite the other is average in size. Shall I take the Resene Sea Fog all the way through the bedrooms/bathrooms as well.

A. I like your idea of using Resene Double Sea Fog all the way through the house with Resene Alabaster for the ceilings and trims. Colours in an interior can often look deeper in tone (or brighter depending on the type of colour) so it is wise to consider which spaces require a bit more light. You may also consider using Resene Sea Fog for rooms that are dim or much smaller.

Some ideas to get you started for the pantry and splashback are Resene Nourish, Resene Chorus Line or Resene She’ll Be Right.

September 2021


Q. I have an interior colour question for my 50s house. I have tested with A2 card all colours and have settled on Resene Triple Sea Fog in north facing rooms and Resene Double Sea Fog in the southeast facing rooms with Resene Alabaster for the hallway. I'm looking at painting a feature wall using Resene Indian Ink in the lounge, Resene Rhino in the bedroom and Resene Blue Night in the bathroom. Do these blues work well with Resene Triple Sea Fog and Resene Double Sea Fog? I want to ensure they don't clash against the Resene Sea Fog colours and against the other blue feature walls in the house.

I'm looking at painting the very thick windowsills and trims Resene Alabaster but am worried this is too bright against the Resene Triple Sea Fog and Resene Double Sea Fog and against the feature walls (there are windows on each of the feature walls). Do you have other colour suggestions for painting windowsills/trims on the feature walls that will still match the trims and windowsills throughout the house.

A. Your main colours – Resene Double Sea Fog, Resene Triple Sea Fog and Resene Alabaster work well with strongly contrasting blues. Resene Rhino is the softest shade of grey/blue and possibly suits being used with Resene Double Sea Fog best.

Where there are windows etc on a designated feature wall you might consider using that feature wall colour for the woodwork. The feature wall colour shouldn't have to compete with another colour. If that idea sits uncomfortably with you then using the main wall colour of the room instead of the lightest/whitest colour may be less intrusive.

Will the windows that are on the feature wall have blinds or drapes on them? That might stop the window surrounds from being a dominant 'look at me ' statement in the rooms.

Think through the options and carefully test in one area only to see if the ideas work with you. Undercoating (white) the frames and then completing the feature wall colour will give you a dress rehearsal of what it may look like.

September 2021


Q. I have royal blue joinery and an orange tile roof. Just seeing if you have any good suggestions for an exterior paint colour. The house is monolithic cladding.

A. When you have extremely definite colours on your house that are not being altered it can be much harder to make any changes.

Colours like the following are possibly like what is there now but they work well – Resene Spanish White, Resene Biscotti and Resene Orchid White.

September 2021


Q. I am renovating and restoring a 1970s house with rimu stairs and flooring along with a stone feature wall in the lounge that had been covered over that I have reinstated. I am also using Resene Lignite in areas inside and out which works well but I would like to brighten everything up and use a compatible white on all the walls that goes with timber flooring and the brown shade of carpet. I see in some brochures that Resene Rice Cake in varying strengths seems to be used with timbers and browns so would like advice on that and also which white to use on the ceilings? I anticipate using Resene Alabaster for architraves, doors etc. I would also love some suggestions for a mid-century yellow, orange or blue for my front door.

A. If you are going to use Resene Alabaster for the wooden trims, doors etc then perhaps it would be appropriate to continue using it for the ceilings. Resene Rice Cake is lovely with rimu and brown shades. You would not go wrong choosing that as your main light/bright interior colour.

Some mid-century bright colours for consideration for your front door might be the following – Resene Sunflower, Resene Wild Thing, Resene Melon Orange, Resene Energise, Resene Bondi Blue or Resene Into The Blue.

September 2021


Q. I am painting a bedroom and looking for a warm neutral (that's not yellow). I was thinking a pinky-grey colour. I like the colour Resene Swiss Coffee, but I think it's too pink for my tastes. Are you able to recommend something that would have more grey in it? Or even more brown?

A. You might check out the following warm neutrals to see if they are more the grey/beige tones you hope to have – Resene White Pointer, Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe, Resene Quarter Truffle, Resene Eighth Tea or Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown.

The colours have warmth but are completely different to each other – you need to trial them to see how they respond to your natural and artificial light and every other coloured element seen close to them.

September 2021


Q. We are painting the ceiling, walls, window frames and doors of our media room. We have researched and it reads that the ceiling should be darker than the walls. We are looking for a warm grey (grey/brown) and are thinking of painting the door Resene Black. Can you advise of some colours you would recommend? The adjacent room is our bar and is painted in Resene Half Rice Cake.

A. You might check out the following colours to see if they are what you have in mind – Resene Eighth Friar Greystone walls/window frames/door frames with Resene Half Friar Greystone ceiling and Resene Nero door. Or for deeper shades Resene Eighth Masala for walls/window frames/door frames with Resene Half Masala on the ceiling and Resene Blackjack for the door.


Resene Eighth Friar Greystone

Resene Half Friar Greystone

September 2021


Q. We are looking for a soft warm grey to go with Resene Alabaster trims and a Resene San Juan or Resene Baltic Sea feature wall (with tongue-and-groove). We were looking at Resene Sea Fog but it might be too cool?

A. I think you may need a slightly more coloured soft grey – not a slightly off white – to have the warm look you are seeking. You might check out the following to see if any of these colours suit you – Resene Midwinter Mist, Resene Athens Grey, Resene House White or Resene Double Sea Fog.

September 2021


Q. The exterior of our weatherboard house is Resene Stack with Resene Black White trim and a New Denim Blue roof. We are giving our interior a full makeover. We have some large wall spaces with floor to ceiling windows on the north side but darker rooms on the south side. I would like the ceiling and trim to have an obvious contrast to the walls but would like a neutral palette. We have chosen a combination of black and Melteca Fog cabinetry for our kitchen with some stainless steel benchtops and some natural timber. We are making a feature out of our plastered fireplace using Resene Quarter Stack to complement the kitchen cabinetry. The flooring is rimu with a smoky grey shade carpet. I love Resene Black White as a ceiling and trim colour but am struggling to find a suitable neutral wall colour that is subtle but also a contrast. I don't want the ceiling and walls to look the same. Can you recommend a suitable wall colour?

A. Resene Black White is a very obliging white that works well in association with many colours. As a contrasting neutral tone for the walls, you might check out the following colours – Resene Triple Black White or slightly lighter – Resene Double Black White or Resene Quarter Silver Chalice or Resene Athens Grey.

September 2021


Q. We would like a clear and fresh shade of pale green for our next colour. We are repainting our roof and will be using Resene Lignite. We love the colour Resene Linen and have it in two bedrooms but worry it is too pale for an exterior colour? I have looked at Resene Double Tana but am worried it’s too grey (I don’t want grey). Do you have any suggestions?

A. You might check out the possibility of using Resene Double Linen on the exterior. You could use a cleaner white, such as Resene Alabaster, which would enhance the depth of the green. A fresher, more vibrant green that you could also check out is Resene Coriander.

September 2021


Q. We are having Resene Half Robin Egg Blue on our internal walls with Resene Half Alabaster trim and ceiling. It is a small ex state house. I am looking for a greyish colour for the inside doors.

A. One of the following greyish colours may appeal to you – Resene Silver Chalice, Resene Quarter Tapa, Resene Triple Sea Fog or grey/green Resene Helix.

September 2021


Q. We are getting a new roof for our bach. It is going to be COLORSTEEL® Sandstone Grey. We are taking the opportunity to paint the house at the same time. We would like quite a dark grey for the house.

A. I would suggest trying Resene Baltic Sea, Resene Half Masala or Resene Masala to complement your Sandstone Grey roof.

September 2021


Q. I want a warm snuggly feel to my lounge but want something more adventurous than cream. My lounge only gets light from one end of the room and is quite small and the predominant colour that will come in from outside is green from the lawn.

A. I would suggest trying Resene Rebel, Resene Rocky Mountain, Resene Sunbaked or Resene Virtuoso.


Resene Rocky Mountain

Resene Virtuoso

Resene Sunbaked

September 2021


Q. What colour deck stain or oil should I use? Our house is bluey grey. It's next door to natural cork flooring. We are looking at painting our fences in Resene All Black.

A. I would suggest using Resene Woodsman Decking Stain tinted to either Resene Bleached Cedar, Resene Smoky Ash or Resene Nutmeg.

September 2021


Q. I have Resene Sea Fog chosen for kitchen cupboards. I am looking at greys for the walls and a darker colour for a room that has sliding doors off the main room. It is north facing and has a concrete floor.

A. I would suggest trying Resene Quarter Foggy Grey or Resene Athens Grey to complement your Resene Sea Fog kitchen. Pair with Resene Silver Chalice or Resene Quarter Fuscous Grey in the next room.

September 2021


Q. I have painted most of the house now just have the sliding door to complete. The main house is Resene Tiara with Resene Quarter Rice Cake trims and the accent colour is a greyish/brown. We are looking for the colour to paint the sliding door. I was contemplating a bold splash of colour.

A. Your palette looks great so far and a splash of colour is always a lot of fun! I would suggest trying Resene Clockwork Orange, Resene Hive or Resene Eye Candy.

September 2021


Q. I have bought a 1960s house and would like some ideas with exterior colours. I would like to use Resene Ironsand on the roof and would like suggestions for the rest of the house.

A. I would suggest trying Resene White Pointer on your plaster and Resene Half White Pointer on your timber joinery, fascia and soffit. Alternatively, I would suggest trying Resene Half Stonehenge on your plaster and Resene Merino on your timber joinery, fascia and soffit.

September 2021


Q. We are building using lots of wood – cedar wooden joinery, rimu flooring and birch ply ceilings/kitchen cupboards. As we are using a lot of wood, I was thinking of keeping a very minimalist paint palette using a grey white like Resene Wan White for walls… what are your thoughts on this?

A. A modern white such as Resene Wan White would complement your cedar, rimu, ply and beautiful natural environment. Alternatively, I would suggest trying Resene Merino or Resene Half Barely There.

September 2021


Q. Could you please suggest a white paint for the outside of our house (plaster over concrete). Something like the white in the Greek Islands. This deck will eventually have a white pergola built over it.

A. To achieve a Greek-Islands inspired look I would suggest trying the classic Resene Alabaster. Alternatively, try Resene Quarter Black White.

September 2021


Q. We are currently painting the exterior of our house, the weatherboards are Resene Kensington Grey, the barge boards are Resene Double Foundry, the windows sashes are Resene Black White. We are looking for a grey that is darker in colour than Resene Kensington Grey for the window frames, this colour would also go on the trim on the apex and the decking of the porches. Can you suggest any greys that would be complementary please?

A. A slightly deeper grey than Resene Kensington Grey might be one of the following colours – Resene Eighth Gravel or Resene Gunsmoke.

September 2021


Q. We have just painted our entire home Resene Ash with Resene Quarter Ash on trim. What would you suggest for the fence?

A. If you wanted to use exactly the same colours (as the house) for the fence that would definitely work.

If you wanted one colour only you might use a lighter/whiter colour as a traditional picket fence statement – Resene Double Alabaster. Or a deeper variant of the house colours – Resene Triple Ash. Or a very dark statement colour – Resene Dark Web.

September 2021


Q. We are painting our house exterior and have done the windows and trims in Resene Black White. Can you suggest what colour to do the weatherboards? I would like them slightly darker than Resene Black White to contrast, but not too stark a contrast, and would like to stay in the grey family.

A. For a subtle approach, I would suggest Resene Triple Black White. Alternatively, try Resene White Pointer.

August 2021


Q. I have a 1900s villa with a high stud that I am renovating. I want a white that is warm, brightening and modern and not a white that is cool or which will cast shadows. The room is of medium size with high stud and has a medium grey carpet. While it isn’t a dark room, it doesn’t get flooded with natural light due to it being street facing and having to have privacy blinds/nets. I’d like to have the trim and windows the same colour. I have testpots of Resene Alabaster, Resene House White and Resene Quarter Black White but I’m still confused as to the best choice. The Resene Alabaster looks bright so that the Resene House White looks grey hued besides it.

A. Resene Alabaster is a classic white and will look beautiful on your timber trims. It's difficult to compare colours side by side as you're right, they do influence each other and, in this instance, Resene House White is appearing quite grey. You're also comparing the whites against your current blue/green colour which will make the whites appear brighter in contrast.

While bright whites will certainly brighten up your street facing room, they won't necessarily bring the warmth that you're after. Resene House White has a subtle warm grey tone that is versatile with a variety of décor. I wouldn't suggest Resene Half Concrete as this has a cool, silvered blue undertone.

For further warmth, I would suggest trying Resene Merino and Resene Half Rice Cake.

August 2021


Q. We have four double garages we would like to paint. We are looking for something light to help with visibility as there is no natural light when the garage doors are shut. What's your recommendation? We have just sealed with concrete primer as it's a block base.

A. Resene White Pointer is a soft neutral with a subtle hint of black. Resene White Pointer will brighten the space without making it appear too stark. Alternatively, I would suggest Resene Rice Cake for further warmth.

August 2021


Q. I am trying to decide what colour to paint stairs, a small deck and the garage door. The rest of the house will be Resene Pavlova and Resene Cumin (small area), white fascias and soffits.  I have considered Resene Raven and also thinking about Resene Baltic Sea. Do you have any suggestions?

A. Resene Baltic Sea is a nice option, one of my favourites for a neutral based grey, and it works beautifully as a decking colour. Alternative colours to try are Resene Chicago and Resene Tuna

August 2021


Q. When painting a window that swings outward on hinges, what colour should the frame edge along where the hinge line be? Our window frames are yellow on the outside faces, white on the inside and the surrounding area to which they are attached is blue. So which colour which you apply to the face or surface of the window frame that has the hinges attached... blue, white or yellow?

A. I would suggest painting the frame edge along the hinge line white. That way when it's completely open the window will appear all white from the outside.

August 2021


Q. What is a good roof/barge board colour to go with Resene Quarter Friar Grey on the weatherboards and Titania on the windows?

A. I would suggest trying Resene Grey Friars, Resene Gauntlet and Resene Squall.

August 2021


Q. We are looking at painting our house from the original greens to black with white windows, I'm keen to hear if there are any other colour combinations you believe would be better suited.

A. would suggest a smoky, black hue to complement your natural façade. Resene Ironsand CoolColour and Resene Bokara Grey CoolColour will deliver a rich, black statement with a subtle brown undertone. Pair with a crisp white on the joinery such as Resene Double Alabaster.

Alternatively, nestle your home into its natural environment and explore the shade Resene Half Forest Green paired with Resene Quarter Ash on the joinery.

August 2021


Q. We have recently purchased a house which has a Pioneer Red coloured roof and we want to repaint the whole house. Personally I do not like the colour of the roof, but as its only 6 years old my husband won’t consider painting it, which is fair enough. But I am at a loss as to what will work nicely with this roof and modernise the current 'dated' look? I like grey/white colour schemes like Resene Double Stack or equivalent, but am worried that this won't suit the roof? Am I better to stick to a cream/beige colour scheme if this roof is to stay? I would also love some advice on whether to highlight the exposed rafters or to keep it all the same as the weatherboards?

A. I think ultimately by limiting the colours used this will give a modern look, one colour for the weatherboards and one for the window frames. A grey scheme can definitely still work with a red roof.

For the timber weatherboards you could try Resene Double Stack, Resene Double Silver Chalice or Resene Foggy Grey.

August 2021


Q. We have recently moved into a home 100 metres from the beach and are trying to create a casual beachside home. We have panelled a wall with Vj boards and are unsure what colour to paint the boards?

A. Vj board feature walls are a nice way to introduce texture and interest. Depending how much you would like the wall to pop out, you can opt for more of a neutral colour and allow the texture to stand out. Or for more a pop of colour, you could try Resene Mantle, Resene Triple Duck Egg Blue, Resene Liberty, Resene Madison, Resene Blue Smoke or Resene Foggy Grey.


Resene Triple Duck Egg Blue

Resene Liberty

August 2021


Q. We are painting our small mid 70's 2 bedroom unit with Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream for the interior walls. The bathroom and kitchen fixtures will be just ‘standard’ white. We were thinking about painting the rear wall of the toilet a different colour just for some visual interest. It is a very small plain room with only natural light from the skylight. I am considering Resene Kangaroo, Resene Half Lemon Grass or Resene Moon Mist and would appreciate your insights? Also I assume the best ceiling colour will just be Resene Ceiling White?

A. Resene Kangaroo, Resene Half Lemon Grass and Resene Moon Mist are all beautiful colours that would complement your Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream walls and white fixtures. It now just comes down to personal preference. You're welcome to paint your ceiling with untinted Resene Ceiling Paint or opt for a white with a light, blackened edge such as Resene Alabaster.

August 2021


Q. I want to paint my back fence - I am having pleached titoki trees put in front of it for added privacy (they are going in at 2m high and will let then grow about 1.5m above fence). As the section is very thin, I want to create an illusion of it not being so narrow as well as looking good against the trees. My house is mainly a dark charcoal stain with one white plaster wall and my fence out the front is stained a dark charcoal too. I was thinking of an off white originally for the fence to break it up but then read that makes the section appear smaller and darker is best. I thought perhaps Resene Bokara Grey or Resene Nocturnal? You can see the front deck/fence from the back deck and vice versa.

A. Resene Bokara Grey and Resene Nocturnal are both great options. I would suggest Resene Nocturnal as that extra bit of depth would link well to your other deep hues. Alternatively I would suggest staining your fence with Resene Waterborne Woodsman Sheer Black.

August 2021


Q. We are currently building and the exterior of our home will be a mix of plaster and stria. We have used COLORSTEEL® FlaxPod for the roof and will use a similar dark colour on the stria feature and silver pearl joinery but I am struggling on what white to use. On our previous house we had a Resene Double Alabaster interior which we loved but it has been suggested Resene Double Black White might work better with our colour scheme. Any suggestions for a white that will not be too bright but also not too grey?

A. I would suggest trying Resene Sea Fog which has a subtle hint of grey. It is deeper than Resene Double Alabaster but not as grey as Resene Double Black White.

August 2021


Q. Please advise what colour I should paint my front door. The outside colours of the house are Ironsand and Titania. The style of the house is contemporary. The inside wall colour is Resene Rice Cake and I want to create a light, airy and modern feel

A. For a seamless look, continue Resene Titania onto your front door. Alternatively, Resene Half Friar Grey will offer a subtle contrast and Resene Artemis will offer a refreshing statement.

August 2021


Q. We are deciding on external colours for a cluster of buildings which have black aluminium joinery and white timber joinery. We are looking at off white walls and a green roof, perhaps using Resene Black White and Resene Aquamarine. Is there a more logical combination?

A. Resene Black White and Resene Aquamarine would complement your black aluminium joinery and white timber joinery. Alternatively I would suggest pairing Resene Merino with Resene Canyon for a sophisticated look.

August 2021


Q. We are doing a total renovation of interior paint, carpet, lino, kitchen and don't know where to start! The joinery is cream coloured and is probably the only thing staying. We will probably go for a wood grain vinyl in the kitchen and possibly white cabinetry if it won't look foul with the joinery? We're thinking we'd like to paint one colour throughout. The house is generally north facing and sunny. We are looking for something fairly neutral for future sale and our own enjoyment in the meantime. We had no idea there were so many whites. We'd love some expert advice and some options for walls, ceilings, skirtings etc.

A. It's important to consider the joinery when selecting your new colour scheme. Some whites will make the joinery stand out in contrast if they're too grey or white! I would suggest trying neutrals such as Resene Albescent White, Resene Quarter Wheatfield and Resene Eighth Sisal on the walls. Pair with Resene Half Rice Cake on the ceiling and timber joinery. As for the kitchen, I would suggest a white with a subtle cream tone as well. Take your paint swatches in and discuss with your kitchen specialist.

August 2021


Q. What charcoal colour goes with New Denim Blue spouting and guttering on a house exterior? Brown aluminium compounds problem of needing a colour that is not too grey and not too brown.

A. I would suggest trying Resene Foundry, Resene Baltic Sea and Resene Double Cod Grey.

August 2021


Q. I like the idea of a lavender grey (floor) to go with Resene Consuela (feature wall). I also need some help with a cream or similar for the opposing wall (this is for a hallway).

A. I would suggest pairing Resene Consuela with Resene Solitaire, Resene Half Villa White or Resene Cararra.

August 2021


Q. For our exterior we are switching to New Denim Blue (bargeboards, similar to the roof) and Resene Half Sail for the main weatherboards, using Resene Sonyx 101. I am not sure about the cornerboards, upper detail criss-cross boards, and windows. We want these white, what whites would work well? Can we just use plain white, as I think the windows are currently Resene Lustacryl White?

A. Your colour scheme sounds lovely! Yes, you could use Resene White or if you wanted something with a small amount of tint, Resene Quarter Alabaster is also an option.

August 2021


Q. Our fence is in Resene Woodsman Pitch Black stain and our house is in Resene Thorndon Cream with white trim and some blue around some window frames and door ledges. What should I do the posts and gate in?

A. My suggestion is to either paint the post and gate both in the white to tie back in with the white timber windows. Alternatively paint the posts in Resene White and the gate in Resene Thorndon Cream.

August 2021


Q. I am wondering whether to paint the top 80cm and ceiling of a sloping bathroom a very deep matt sapphire blue. The tiles are up to 2m on the wall, white on two sides and grey terrazzo, with that blue in large flecks, on floor and back wall. The bathroom has a sloping ceiling and is 1.64m x 3.95m (white tiles on longer walls). There is one window, a glass panel in the door and a solar tube light going in. I’m not sure what it will do to the room... make it seem bigger, smaller or just interesting!

A. A sapphire blue would highlight the blue flecks in your tiles and would make a beautiful statement. Dark colours can create the illusion of a small space but as you are contrasting against the light relief in the tile and plenty of white features, I wouldn’t be concerned that you're making the space too dark. Sapphire blues such as Resene Aviator, Resene Bondi Blue and Submerge would bring a luxurious feel to your bathroom.

August 2021


Q. We want to repaint the roof on our 1960s weatherboard and corrugated iron house. The weatherboards are painted in Resene Linen and have a few more years left in them, so we want a roof colour that will go well with that. What colours would you suggest?

A. I would suggest trying Resene Grey Friars, Resene Mid Grey or Resene New Denim Blue.

August 2021


Q. We are in the process of painting our art deco house in Resene Delta. The roof is in Ironsand along with the front door. Our concrete steps and house trim (at back of house) will be in Resene Half Ironsand.

We have an art deco decorative feature on the front of the house near the top that we would like to stand out a bit. What colour would you recommend for the art deco decorative feature? I think using Resene Half Ironsand would be too much of a contrast and wondered if a monochrome effect would be better.

I wasn't sure if Resene Double Delta would provide enough of a slight contrast though. What do you think? Are there any other colours that could work?

A. I would suggest trying colours such as Resene Double Stack, Resene Tapa and Resene Gunsmoke.

August 2021


Q. I want to repaint our house’s exterior. The roof and garage are both Pioneer Red, as well as the front door. What are your recommendations for exterior colour? And should the soffit colour still be white and the downpipe colour white or the same as the exterior colour?

A. I would suggest trying colours such as Resene Triple White Pointer, Resene Blanc and Resene Ecru White to complement your Resene Pioneer Red roof, garage door and front door. Continue Resene White onto your soffit and fascia for a modern look and paint your downpipe the same colour as your weatherboards.

August 2021


Q. I have just painted a bedroom in Resene Half Beryl Green with white accents. I would like to add a dusky pink but I'm not sure.

A. Dusky pinks such as Resene Shilo would work beautifully with Resene Half Beryl Green. Try upcycling some old furniture with Karen Walker Chalk Colour from Resene ColorShops or introducing soft pink fabrics into your bedroom for energy and warmth.

Alternatively, pair Resene Half Beryl Green with deeper greens such as Resene Smoky Green or a brooding navy such as Resene Safehaven.

August 2021


Q. We are painting the exterior of our weatherboard 1950s house. The leading contender is Resene Casper for the weatherboards, and we want some advice about what colour we should paint the concrete base of the house. We are looking for a deeper or darker colour than Resene Casper to create a bit of contrast, but we are wanting the weatherboards (in Resene Casper) to be the feature so we don’t want a colour that will compete with Resene Casper or is too dramatic. Our roof colour is New Denim Blue, but it is a flat roof and is not very visible so it doesn't play a big part in the colour scheme.

A. Assuming the house is one level on a flat section, the concrete base would be standard minimal height. If this is the case, look at Resene Quarter Fuscous Grey. This is a dark grey charcoal that complements and is a great contrast with Resene Casper. A small amount of this dark colour at ground level will work very well.

It the house is two levels with more concrete base to it, then look at Resene Sea Fog. This is an off white, and also works very well with Resene Casper. This is a very good bridging colour, allowing Resene Casper to stand out by itself without competing with another colour.

August 2021


Q. I am renovating my bathroom and have Resene Periglacial Blue for the walls. I also have Resene Rice Cake and was going to paint the windows, ceiling and a new cavity slider door with this, plus of course the door jamb (both sides). Is this a good combination for a south-facing room? The shower is large (900x1200) with two white walls and silver trim and the vanity is white with woodgrain sides. There is a mirror cabinet with white surrounds (won't see much white). The flooring is a vinyl tile in a stone colour. I love the blue and white idea and the rest of the house is neutral colours. I would like to do two Roman blinds in a textured white as well.

A. I think Resene Periglacial Blue and Resene Rice Cake will look fantastic. Resene Rice Cake will provide a soft warm contrast. The great thing about Resene Periglacial Blue, is that it still feels neutral enough to work with other colours. Perfect if you want to add colour with your towels etc.

August 2021


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