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.
Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online.
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Q. What colour should I use to paint my front door? The top of the house is painted Resene Truffle and the bottom storey is Resene Masala, trims in Resene Sea Fog and garage doors in Resene Triple Masala. It is currently painted in Resene Pohutukawa but I would like something other than red. I’m thinking of a mellow orange or mustard yellow. A. . See if any of these colours appeal to you: Resene Twisted Sister, Resene Influential, Resene Weathered Orange or Resene Alert Tan.  Resene Influential  Resene Twisted Sister March 2023 |
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Q. If I did a tonal colour scheme with Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream on the walls, what colour/s would you use for the skirtings and ceilings? The overall colour scheme of the house is on the warmer side (e.g. Levante carpet in Raw Brown and the lounge walls will be Resene Half Arrowtown). A. The first considerations are if you want the skirtings to be enhanced – if you want a subtle shift in colour then Resene Half Thorndon Cream will work – but it also depends on your door colour? The ceilings could remain Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream if you want a cosy ambience – or lighter with Resene Alabaster. Ceiling colours tend to look darker as they are in shadow – but Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream is light enough for the ceiling and walls. March 2023 |
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Q. We are recladding our house. The cladding colour is going to be Resene Double Foundry, the joinery is charcoal. The roof we have painted FlaxPod but this colour seems to change from a blackish colour to brownish in different lights. I am now uncertain about the cladding and roof colour match. How do you think this will look once the house is fully painted? We got these colours from another new build and the FlaxPod on that house didn't seem to have the brownish tinge. We are thinking now that Grey Friars might have been a better match. A. FlaxPod is a brownish black – the warmth will be enhanced in certain lights – and I suspect this is because FlaxPod is on your roof, and perhaps the new build had FlaxPod on the walls? Regardless if the house is not facing the same aspect and the light is different – colours can appear differently. Yes Grey Friars is probably a better match with Resene Double Foundry – which is a fabulous exterior colour. The red brown undertone of FlaxPod might be enhanced next to Resene Double Foundry which has a blue undertone. I suggest a slightly warmer toned cladding colour such as Resene Noir or Resene Nocturnal with FlaxPod. March 2023 |
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Q. I am looking for advice on a colour for the smallish, south-east facing bedroom in my 1960s home. The room has fairly large windows so isn't particularly dark but is south-east facing. The lounge, hall and main bedroom are painted in Resene Double Black White with Resene Alabaster trim. I'm quite keen on a colour and leaning towards pale pink (my granddaughter considers this spare room to be her room!) or green but I'm conscious that this room is visible from the lounge. A. I am so pleased you are adding colour to this bedroom – it will make the space so inviting for your granddaughter and suitable for other guests if necessary. East light emphasises green and blues – so green will become very green – south facing rooms tend to suit mid toned warm colours – not too pale – as the light is shadowed and cool, therefore, a south east facing room will suit a warm soft complex pink or neutral which pairs well with Resene Double Black White. See if any of these colours appeal: Resene Blanched Pink, Resene Shabby Chic, Resene Valentine, Resene Dawn Pink or Resene Spring Wood.  Resene Valentine  Resene Shabby Chic March 2023 |
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Q. We have a stained cedar house with avocado green joinery. We’ve just had the roof and garage door painted ‘Windsor Grey’ and would like to repaint the rendered block base (which includes a fence and plaster top layer of the house). I quite like dark colours with cedar on modern properties but am not sure if it would work on our place and want it to work in with the garage door/roof colour. We also have quite big soffit, and I wonder if we should colour match them to the roof? A. As you have a few different substrates – using a similar tone to the Windsor Grey is a good idea to create a unified appearance – I suggest Resene Times Square (Half Windsor Grey) for the block base and fence – this might be a bit heavy for the top plaster – perhaps a softer colour such as Resene Tino Pai. I suggest painting the soffit the same colour as the top layer – Tino Pai.  Resene Tino Pai  Resene Times Square March 2023 |
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Q. I have recently bought a second hand round outdoor table + 6 chairs. They are currently painted brown. I want to turn it into a statement piece at my seaside cottage in Hawkes Bay. I’m thinking bold colours. The example would be for table to be Resene Poppy red with some counterpoint coloured chairs – a whole range of concepts that I have considered, from pitch black chairs to vibrant green or alternatively red chairs and a different coloured table. I had considered a rainbow collection but think it might be a bit tacky. A. You might like to browse the Resene website – Inspiration ideas are plenty and will help you to choose colours – there are some good ideas under ‘DIY projects’ ‘fun with furniture’. It really is a personal preference when it comes to furniture and you can’t really go wrong – it’s about having fun and choosing colours you love – perhaps to narrow down the options – investigate coastal themes and choose a colour that you are drawn to for the table first – check out the Resene fashion colours for the latest in current colour ways – once you have your table colour chosen, we can help to co-ordinate colours for the chairs. Also consider the exterior and Interior colours of your home and garden – you might be able to draw inspiration from there and see if the colours sit well with these elements. I quite like the idea of different coloured chairs but not in a rainbow fashion as such – one might work as a neutral or white, and you can also introduce a lighter variant of the table on to one of the chairs – they don’t all have to be a contrast as such – this will help to create harmony – a teal, blue or red might be nice for the table. March 2023 |
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Q. The outside of our units are Resene Quarter Spanish White – will Resene Quarter Thornden Cream be complementary? The balcony balustrades are weathered and appear to be a lighter shade of Ironsand. I am thinking a fresh coat of Ironsand would smarten them up versus matching the dull brown that is there. A. Yes it will be complementary – Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream sits well with most colour ways – In theory they are both warm colours – and they are not sitting next to each other anyways, but the scheme will flow. Ironsand is a great option – it’s currently a popular colour. March 2023 |
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Q. I am painting the exterior of my house. I will be painting the window frames in Resene Baltic Sea (to complement a tiled area in the outdoor space). Can you recommend a couple of neutral colours for the walls please? A. Colours, including neutrals will lighten and brighten outside in natural light. Try Resene Triple Concrete, Resene White Pointer, Resene Triple White Pointer or Resene Silver Sand. March 2023 |
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Q. We have a villa painted Resene Periglacial Blue with Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream trim. I would love a yellow front door. Could you please advise an appropriate paint choice for the yellow? A. Try Resene Wild Thing – it will look superb! March 2023 |
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Q. I am trying to choose colours for a house exterior repaint. It's a 1960s weatherboard. My ideas are roof in Resene Licorice, walls in Resene Wavelength, window frames in Resene Umber White, door in Resene Apple Blossom and base coats in Resene Wanaka. Our ranch slider is silver. A. The intensity of colour increases with outside, bright light – if you take a blue paint palette outside, you will see – Resene Wavelength for example will become a very vibrant blue – is this what you are hoping for? I suggest slightly more muted tones to suit the lovely heritage of your house. Once painted and viewed outside – the undertones will be enhanced. Resene Umber White for the windows might appear a bit pink compared to your Aluminium ranch slider – so I will suggest a neutral which won’t match exactly, but closer in hue. It is a good option to contrast the base on this style of house – but it doesn’t need to be a big contrast and you could also paint the posts and deck off the ranch slider at the rear the base colour – Resene Apple Blossom is a great choice for the door and on point at present. Try the roof in Resene Coast, walls in Resene Lynchpinpin, base in Resene Watermark, window frames in Resene Rice Cake and door in Resene Apple Blossom. March 2023 |
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Q. I’m painting a new bathroom. The trims and ceilings are Resene Alabaster and I have used Resene Half White Pointer on the walls but want more punch. Will Resene Green Meets Blue go with these colours as a feature wall? A. Yes it will – this will be a great combination – you might also like to try a slightly softer contrast – Resene Unite. March 2023 |
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Q. I'm looking for complementary colour recommendations for Resene Ming which is being used for a feature wall in a master bedroom. I had a look at the colour swatches but have found that Resene Sea Mist doesn't work well in the space. I would like a light blue/green, but something that is not too cold. The room gets afternoon sun. A. Resene Ming is a great ceramic blue green. Try it with Resene Jet Stream, Resene Unwind, Resene Morning Haze or Resene Ashanti. March 2023 |
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Q. We are renovating an ensuite bathroom and powder room. They are both on north/northeast facing outside walls so get good natural light. We have chosen Resene Quarter Spanish White for the walls. Historically ceilings have often been painted in a ‘plain white’ rather than the wall colour. My question is – is the trend for ceilings in bathrooms to be painted in a different colour to the wall or the same? There are some stained rimu planks on part of the ceiling. A. Both trends are popular – it really depends on the situation and design elements. Painting the walls and ceiling the same colour will help to elongate the space and create less contrast against the wood – therefore creating a cosy ambience. If you have good natural light you don’t have to worry about the room appearing too dark, plus Resene Quarter Spanish White is pale enough to do both. March 2023 |
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Q. I am painting the interior of the house with Resene Alabaster ceilings and window trim with Resene Double Sea Fog on the walls. The house has Rimu doors and some recycled Rimu furniture that we treasure. The carpet is a mushroom grey wool looped pile. I would like to introduce a muted green colour paint somewhere. A. See if any of these greens work for you: Resene Field Day, Resene Bud, Resene Flax or Resene Half Washed Green.  Resene Field Day March 2023 |
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Q. I recently bought a house. There is large amount of white at the front of the house. I need something that will go with the cream brick and greenish schist. A. See if these two options appeal: Resene Foggy Grey or Resene Half Tapa. We recommend you test the colours with Resene testpots – colours tend to lighten outside and undertones may be enhanced. March 2023 |
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Q. My house is painted in Resene Haven. I need a suitable colour for the roof. Resene Thor was our pick but it seems like it looks different on board and metal when we painted it on to check. A. Painting directly onto an existing colour on the roof may actually alter the appearance of the colours you are testing – however – the colours all seem a bit too blue in bright light. I suggest you try Resene Atmosphere and keep the roof a light neutral colour rather than adding more colour – if this doesn’t appeal look at Resene Gecko, Resene Green Spring or Resene Ravine. March 2023 |
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Q. I am looking to paint the outside of my house in neutral colours. It has a brick base but I don’t want to use a colour that makes the house look squashed up. I like Resene Athens Grey for the walls. For the gutter I was thinking a silver colour? Just to keep it looking light and fresh. A. Resene Athens Grey will work well for the weatherboards. I suggest Resene Quarter Silver Chalice for the gutters and Resene Silver Chalice for the base, to balance the roof, with white windows and trims. March 2023 |
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Q. Currently all my interior walls are Spanish White. I would like to repaint the walls with a warm but less intense tone. I was thinking Resene Quarter Spanish White or Resene Eighth Spanish White but am worried that these might still be too yellow and perhaps the eighth might go peachy. Is Resene Chalk Dust too similar? Most rooms are very sunny, except the entrance way and lounge. Carpet and curtains are very neutral colours too. A. Resene Chalk Dust is a great option – and a contemporary effect – with less yellow, but warmth. March 2023 |
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Q. I have painted my walls in Resene Chalk Dust. It's a lovely colour and reminds me of Resene Half Blanc which I have in my bathroom at home. I have painted a testpot of Resene Half Parchment on a ok large board and like the softness. My husband thinks full Resene Parchment would give more colour. There are four doors facing the lounge room. Do you think full strength would be too dominating as you don't want them as a feature. A. Full strength Resene Parchment is not dominating – and generally doors are finished in a semi-gloss finish which helps to ‘lighten’ the effect. March 2023 |
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Q. I need a suggestion for a dark colour for a half wall that wraps around our bar area. I have used Resene Half Washed Green for our kitchen cupboards and Resene Half Orchid White for the rest of the cupboards. The bar top is timber, and the half wall area is on the outside of the kitchen area (it's all open plan). I would like a colour that tones in with those colours, but is also quite a lot darker. I'm thinking of a dark charcoal or other neutral but I'm not really sure which one. I've tried Resene Foundry on some cardboard but I think it's a bit too dark. A. Yes I feel Resene Foundry might be a bit too dense. Try Resene Gravel or Resene Fuscous Grey – they are a bit more complex. March 2023 |
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Q. I am renovating a small 1960s concrete block building. The roof is charcoal. I think I will get matte charcoal joinery. I need a neutral colour to paint the building and surrounding fences. I don’t really like grey but I thought you might suggest a colour that is boring light grey. A. To work with the roof and joinery – which will look great matte charcoal, consider the following Resene colours – for the fascia and block fence Resene Tuna, for the main walls Resene Taupe Grey or Resene Double Stack or try Resene Courtyard for the fascia and block fence with the main walls in Resene Stepping Stone. Colours can appear lighter on exteriors – but with this building and being block walls – a mid-depth of colour will work well. The top fascia and the block fence can be deeper – but not too deep or you will risk giving the building a ‘squat’ effect. March 2023 |
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Q. Our neighbour has agreed to repaint their extremely reflective shed steel roof. What is the least reflective paint you offer? They have suggested as a possibility Resene Element with an approximate LRV of 6. Is this a reasonable one or are there better, less reflective ones? A. Resene Element is one of the least reflective colours with a LRV of 6% and it is a great colour, which is well suited to a lot of environments. March 2023 |
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Q. I am painting Resene Hippie Blue for my windows and doors. I want an off white colour neither too white nor yellow to go with it. A. Try Resene Quarter Bianca, Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream, Resene Eighth Rice Cake or Resene Quarter Rice Cake. March 2023 |
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Q. My two storey cedar townhouse house is redwood with a white lower level. l have a new COLORSTEEL® Karaka Green roof. I want to install a need a new garage steel door but am not sure what colour would go best if the front door is painted in Resene Porter? And also if Resene Porter is the right colour for the door. A. Yes Resene Porter will sit well with your colours. For the garage door – you could use COLORSTEEL® Karaka or COLORSTEEL® Slate is the equivalent to Resene Porter. Generally the garage door is matched to the roof, when the roof is new especially, unless the roof is not prominent and the front door is more in line with the garage if that makes sense. March 2023 |
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Q. I’m just gearing up to paint my house. It’s a concrete bungalow and sits below street level so the roof is very prominent. The house also gets hot in summer so I would like a light coloured roof. I think I have settled on Resene Rainee walls with white trims, bargeboard and soffits. But what colour roof? I like Resene Atmosphere but I wonder if it will look too wishy washy. It will be a big change from grey walls and our previous rust coloured roof! A. Resene Atmosphere might be a bit light for your house – all colours appear even lighter when on a roof in bright natural light. These two colours might work for you and are not too dark – try Resene Gauntlet or Resene Lattitude. March 2023 |
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Q. We are looking at having light grey aluminium joinery with an off white colour exterior with stone work inside and out. We are looking at having a black kitchen with wooden flooring but we are confused about paint colours or if the light grey joinery will work with the black kitchen. A. Generally blacks and greys will work together – depending on the undertones of each – the wooden floors will bring warmth. This scheme lends itself to a few interior options so don’t be concerned – at this stage the best advice I can give to you is to make sure the kitchen space/lighting is fitting to a black kitchen – which it sounds like it will be with your description of the house – and see if you can obtain a sample of the joinery. Take it with you to a kitchen studio/supplier to see what type of blacks work – then you can investigate interior wall colours. March 2023 |
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Q. I am painting walls in my villa Resene Half Bianca. What colour would you recommend for the window trims? The same colour? Or another white? Also I need to give the painting a ceiling colour – is there one you suggest? Is it ceiling white? I am also looking for a duck egg blue shade for a living room – would you be able to recommend a Resene shade? A. Resene Half Bianca is a lovely fresh white with a hint of warmth – it looks great teamed with Resene Alabaster for the trims and ceiling – or if you want a lighter ceiling – Resene Half Alabaster. Duck egg shades to consider are Resene Duck Egg Blue, Resene Half Duck Egg Blue, Resene Periglacial Blue, Resene Emerge or Resene Half Emerge. March 2023 |
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Q. I am a bit lost. After years of complaining about everyone painting their houses white, I now have a new 50s style wooden house so I decided to go nuts with colour. Easier said than done. I now know why people just go with white. I don’t think I can paint the ceiling dark because it’s not a high ceiling and I don’t have blazing Mexican light. And it would take some courage to use all these colours. Anyway all the experiments have been a disaster. Meanwhile the floors are being sanded on Thursday. So I have a big looming deadline. So I gave up and picked a white from the Karen Walker Paints collection. Firstly Resene Ecru White which I then changed to Resene Bleach White. I am going to do one wall in the turquoise and Resene Maestro looks perfect! Any suggestions for an orange to go with it in the adjacent room would be fab. A. If the orange is for one or two walls Resene Daredevil looks great with Resene Maestro or if you want to paint all walls in the adjacent room then Resene Sebedee might work for you. March 2023 |
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Q. We have a 1970s house with vertical board. The exterior is currently Mission Brown. Can you please recommend a Resene CoolColour in black? A. Investigate Resene CoolColour Black or Resene Nero – these are two of the most popular CoolColour blacks. March 2023 |
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Q. Please can you help me choose a neutral colour for the entry/boot room for our period lifestyle cottage house. The front door is painted in Resene Eau De Nil and the floor, door, skirts and architrave will be rimu wood finished. I am looking for a warm classic neutral colour for the walls. A. A classic warm neutral which will pair with the Resene Eau De Nil and Rimu is Resene Quarter Spanish White or Resene Albescent White. See if either of these classics work for you. March 2023 |
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Q. I have painted much of my lounge in Resene Bleach White from the Karen Walker Paints collection I want to paint one wall in colour. What blues or turquoise shades would work with this colour? I would like to try something perhaps more vibrant or darker. And also what would work on the ceiling? A. Resene Sea Green, Resene Aquamarine or Resene Maestro will pair well with Resene Bleach White. For the ceilings try Resene Quarter Albescent White or a true white such as Resene Half Alabaster. March 2023 |
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Q. I am putting in a new kitchen yet am struggling to decide on colours. I would like to incorporate a shade from the Resene Merino colour family (likely Resene Merino or Resene Half Merino) onto the wall in my kitchen as the rest of my house is in Resene Double Merino. I want darker cabinetry blue, green or black but am not sure what to put with that. A. Resene Merino will pair well with cabinetry colours such as Resene Welcome, Resene Epic or Resene Black Sand. March 2023 |
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Q. We need to recoat our house. The roof is an orange terracotta. The joinery is a mix of white and a blackish colour. Currently, the bargeboard/fascia/base board and accents on the house are green, and the HardiPlank weatherboards are a light yellow. A. I suggest you lighten the bargeboards/fascias and accents with a fresh white such as Resene Alabaster and paint the HardiPlank walls an earthy shade such as Resene Truffle, Resene Half Napa, Resene Eighth Arrowtown, Resene Quarter Tapa, Resene Half Friar Greystone or Resene Kensington Grey.  Resene Half Friar Greystone March 2023 |
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Q. We are changing our creamy exterior wall colour and joinery surrounds. We are keeping the dark blue joinery and dark blue roof. Would Resene Eighth Lemon Grass walls with Resene Alabaster or Resene Black White surrounds work? Would Resene Quarter Coriander walls with Resene Alabaster or Resene Black White surrounds work? Which would best complement natural greens in the garden? Which would look lighter? A. I suggest looking at Resene Half Coriander or Resene Coriander – all colours lighten in natural, bright light and the deeper variants will suit the dark blue joinery and roof. Resene Coriander sits well with plants and blue. Resene Alabaster surrounds will create a fresh, modern appearance. March 2023 |
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Q. I’m after a ‘modern – classic neutral’ to go with my terracotta roof. I’m a little tired of all the dark charcoal trends. A. Try Resene Double Thorndon Cream or Resene Triple Thorndon Cream. March 2023 |
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Q. I would love some advice on our exterior colour scheme please. Our roof is Titania and the aluminium joinery is Desert Sand (both existing when we purchased the house). I want an earthy greyish colour to go with them both and am finding it very tricky with the Desert Sand colour! I quite like Resene Mondo or Resene Half Mondo. I also looked at Resene Pravda. Am I looking at the right tone to bring them together? A. Resene Mondo might work. Also try Resene Credence or Resene Stepping Stone for contemporary colours which might pair well. March 2023 |
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Q. Our house is all white (wooden windows also white); and we have terracotta tiles in the front leading up to the front door. We are trying to find a colour to paint our front door – can you please give us some ideas? A. Blues and greens always look great with terracotta tiles. See if any of these appeal to you – Resene Deep Teal, Resene Unite, Resene Boost or Resene Epic. March 2023 |
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Q. We love Resene Half Secrets and are painting the walls throughout our new build this colour. The backdrop of house is native bush, the front view is the ocean. I want to have one bold green feature wall in the living area and a small area of dark green tiles in open linear kitchen. We want to paint ceilings the same colour (a slightly lighter shade) throughout. What colour would you choose? I have looked at Resene Half Alabaster or maybe Resene Eighth Secrets. The joinery is Ghost Grey. A. I suggest Resene Half Alabaster – keep it simple. This will make the process of changing colours easier later on if you choose to. March 2023 |
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Q. I recently moved home. The exterior joinery newly painted by the previous owners is Resene Half Sea Fog. Our new COLORSTEEL® roof is Karaka. What colours would work for weatherboards? I would like something light, fresh and contemporary. The property is rural and older style. A. See if any of these appeal to you, which work with Karaka and Resene Half Sea Fog – Resene Triple Merino, Resene Eighth Arrowtown, Resene Linen, Resene Thorndon Cream or Resene Double Rice Cake. March 2023 |
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Q. I have a large gable at the front of my house. It was once rough sawn cedar but has been painted by the previous owners. I had hoped to restore it but it is too difficult to strip. I am currently painting the house Resene Pumice with window trims in Resene Hint Of Grey. The concrete base of the house is two shades darker than Resene Pumice. What colour will look good for the gable? The area gets no sun and is surrounded by trees. I am leaning towards a very dark colour. Note there is a brick feature wall by the front entrance. A. For balance consider painting the gable the same colour as the base or deeper. Try these colours as a deeper, alternate colour to the base – Resene Cape Cod, Resene Trout, Resene Charade or Resene Mangrove. March 2023 |
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Q. I am having the exterior of my brick and tile house painted. The home is near to the beach. I painted the fence dark blue but I can't remember the colour now. I like modern colours. The house is painted a mix of creams and green at the moment. I am starting with the triangles on the roof which are dark grey. The window frames are dark brown aluminium. A. The following colours might work for you – they work with most bricks and brown aluminium windows – Resene Masala, Resene Bokara Grey, Resene Ironsand or Resene Triple Truffle. March 2023 |
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Q. A project I am working on at present requires the exterior colour to be within the Groups A, B, or C as defined within BS5252. How do I identify those BS5252 colours? A. The Resene BS5252 chart is available online to view – the groups are named at the top of the chart – A, B, C, D and E. Alternatively you can find the chart at a Resene ColorShop. March 2023 |
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Q. What is the equivalent of Resene Double Foundry in COLORSTEEL®? A. I suggest COLORSTEEL® Ebony to go with Resene Double Foundry. There isn’t an exact match – it will be darker but it will tone. You might like to contact COLORSTEEL® direct to see what they recommend from their range – you can also contact them online. March 2023 |
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Q. I am looking for the most popular colour combinations for a successful house sale. I need interior and exterior colours. This is a reno southern highlands cottage. We will have a walnut stain timber floor throughout and the veranda will be stained in a walnut two shades lighter. This house sits down on the lower side of the street. We want an upmarket Hamptons/soft light fresh welcome home feel. A. A very popular colour combination for a Hamptons theme and to suit your home is: Resene Nocturnal for the roof with Resene Quarter Silver Chalice for the weatherboard and Resene Double Alabaster for the trims, windows and doors, including the finial (attached to bargeboard). For the interior – soft whites, duck egg blues and soft grey greens will work – consider Resene Half Rice Cake for walls in main areas, with Resene Alabaster for ceilings, trims and doors. It is safe to include shades of Resene Duck Egg Blue perhaps for the living room, and a green such as Resene Half Emerge for the master bedroom. Consider a soft grey for the bathrooms such as Resene Quarter Rakaia. Homes are rarely one colour throughout. It is important to dress the rooms to suit the look – the above colours I have mentioned are ideas to work towards for soft furnishings, fabrics etc and of course lots of texture and white gives the Hamptons feel. March 2023 |
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Q. I want Resene Ottoman for the walls, Resene Quarter Wheatfield for the trim and Resene Double Grey Friars for the doors. My roof is going to be painted in Resene Squall. Will my three colours go with a Resene Squall roof? My alternative would be Resene Grey Nickel for the walls. A. Resene Grey Nickel for the walls is a much better option to put with your scheme - this combination will look great! March 2023 |
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Q. I am painting our wooden bungalow. It has a red iron roof. I would like to try perhaps Resene Quarter Lemon Grass on the walls and a white on the windows. I’m not sure what white! Would this work? A. Resene Quarter Lemon Grass with a red iron roof will look great! Resene Alabaster works well with this colour scheme. March 2023 |
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Q. I am completely repainting the interior of a house. The house (a 1950s style) was flood affected and has had new plasterboard to all walls. I was thinking of going Resene Sea Fog on the walls and ceiling with Resene Triple Sea Fog to the doors and trim. I’m not sure if I should just do the doors with Resene Triple Sea Fog and the trim with Resene Sea Fog A. If your architraves and skirtings are standard size then I suggest Resene Sea Fog – generally they are painted in a semi-gloss Resene Lustacryl paint which helps with contrast. If either are deeper than standard size then highlighting this is a good idea with Resene Triple Sea Fog – either way the doors will look great with Resene Triple Sea Fog. Consider Resene Half Sea Fog for the ceilings – only because whites appear in shadow on ceilings so might appear darker than the walls – unless you are happy with that effect. March 2023 |
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Q. We are looking for a colour between Resene Quarter Taupe Grey (our exterior house walls) and Resene Grey Friars (our roof) for our front porch. What colour ranges are between these two (more towards the lighter end)? A. Try Resene Half Stack or Resene Eighth Tapa. March 2023 |
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Q. I'd like to do a feature wall for my baby's nursery. It’s a standard new build guest room, so smallish. It's currently a standard white colour. Three of those walls will remain white, and the other wall will be either soft yellow or soft mint-ish green. The furniture and sheer curtains will also be white. Which of the two colours do you recommend for the feature wall? If so, what specific Resene paint and colour? We want bright, but soft and warming. A. If you want bright, warm and soft then a yellow is the way to go and will balance the coolness of the white walls – it will pair best if it isn’t too creamy with the white walls. There are a few options available to you for painting a nursery depending on your priorities and requirements – consider durability for a feature wall as they generally show wear and tear first, and consider whether you want a no added VOC paint like Resene Zylone Sheen Zero. Talk to your local Resene ColorShop staff they have the knowledge to guide you in the right direction. See if any of these yellows appeal – as you are only painting one wall – the yellow won’t intensify as much as it would if it was painted on all walls – Resene Moonbeam, Resene Pale Prim, Resene Half Moonbeam or Resene Sweet Corn. March 2023 |
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Q. I’m wondering when it is good to DIY a project or when I should bring in a professional (designer or architect)? A. When you are renovating or building, no matter the size of the project, there are so many decisions to be made constantly – enlisting a professional designer or architect early ensures that every decision made is adding value by making an informed decision and a successful design aesthetic is the outcome. Designers and architects have trained knowledge, skills and know the current trends and products – as well as having contacts in the industry which they know how to negotiate and debrief with. They can save you money, time and undue stress – by limiting the choices with an expert eye and advice – whether you are building a new home or renovating a bedroom. There is so much advice and information available online, and via other sources – Resene share decorating advice, tips and tricks, generously via their website and promotional materials – if you are wanting to DIY. DIY projects are easily achievable with instructional videos and quality products/accessories on hand – such as Interior/exterior painting, wallpapering, upcycling furniture, minor improvements and tiling – consider confidence, safety, is it saving you money in the long term and do you have all the resources and correct information on hand and enough time to do the DIY well? March 2023 |
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Q. I have chosen Resene White Pointer for our walls. What colour ceiling paint and trim paint would you choose? I was thinking of Resene Quarter Black White for trims. I'm stuck on the ceiling. A. I suggest Resene Half Black White on the trims and Resene Quarter Black White on the ceilings. Resene Quarter Black White is near white and good for a ceiling – as due to the way light reflects or lack of – on a ceiling – whites appear in shadow – so will look a little darker anyway. March 2023 |
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Q. I would like advice on colours for my bathroom. My colour concept is darkish blue, white, wood with chrome tapware with a bit of grey. I am a keen house plant person so there will be plants in the bathroom as well. I would like a warm bathroom that is sophisticated, calming and timeless (aka will look good in 20 years’ time. The house is a 1950s brick and tile. The exterior wood is painted in New Denim Blue. I have bought a floating vanity which I can custom colour with any Resene colour. The top of the vanity is white and I have bought a light grey bowl. The tapware is chrome. I have a white bath and toilet and a rimless shower that I can tile. I am going to have the floor tiles removed and cross my fingers I can restore the wood, otherwise I was thinking of black and white tiles or a neutral light grey. The wall will be half tile and half wood panelling – painted. I like the idea of a blue such as Bunting for the vanity – would that be too dark? Can you please advise on a colour palette that would work? A. Resene Bunting will look great! It is a navy as such – but not too dark as the vanity is floating so it won’t give the heavy impression as one would if it was on the floor – plus darker cool toned colours tend to recede rather than overpower. As for the rest of the palette – this really depends on the tiles – I recommend you choose your wall and floor tiles to match – a light grey which works with the tones of your vanity bowl – this will make the space appear larger and uniform. With the timber panelling, vanity top and cabinetry – I feel the black and white floor will be a bit overwhelming – bringing in the plants is a great idea and a wooden floor would be fantastic – linking back to the plants – this may lend itself to a different colour for the wall tiles although I still think a grey will suit well to match the bowl – otherwise the bowl is not relating to another colour. A classic colour like Resene Rice Cake will work for the wood panelling but this does depend on the tiles. Perhaps take a colour chart – the Resene whites and neutrals – to a tile studio with you and compare colours with the tiles you like – it does depend on your lighting so I suggest you take two or three tiles home and view the undertones in your space before you decide. March 2023 |
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Q. We have chosen Resene Foggy Grey for weatherboards and Resene Templestone for the Axon panel detail, we want a pop of colour on front door can you suggest some good colours? A. See if any of these colours appeal Resene Aroha, Resene Wild Thing, Resene Clockwork Orange, Resene Sunbeam or Resene Weathered Orange.  Resene Sunbeam  Resene Aroha March 2023 |
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Q. We are painting the exterior of our new studio Resene Pearl Lusta, with the roof painted in Resene Noir and window trims. The interior will be Resene Rice Cake with Resene Eighth Rice Cake trim. The exterior windows and back door are white. I had been going to paint the front door white inside and out. I’m wondering though, would painting the outside of the door Resene Noir, and the inside Resene White work? If so should the edge of the door also be Resene Noir? A. Yes definitely this will work and it will look great! The edge of the door should be Resene Noir. March 2023 |
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Q. How do I get my exterior and interior colour scheme to work in with my garden? A. The most vital aspect of choosing a colour scheme for your house and garden is to do it together – the best outdoor spaces including the garden are an extension of the interior. Consider the architectural design of your home, the setting and the theme you are creating or have created inside – this will lend itself to what design, colours/plants to bring outdoors. Look to rooms adjacent to your outdoor space which perhaps have a view of the garden – it is then a good idea to think about what colour you might like for that room – the aspect of the room (natural lighting) will help determine a colour palette – warm or cool colours – then look to the garden to see if there is a colour that could be added or repeated. Colour and light are key elements in the home and the garden. Wellbeing and valuing nature is bringing with it a trend for more colour/vegetation in the garden including natural weeds and wild flowers – this gives plenty of scope for accent colours within the home – for established gardens – look to colours in the garden which can be incorporated into rooms to refresh wall colours cabinetry, objects, furniture, or create paint effects which incorporate two or three colours. Resene have a great little habitat plus booklet with special effects create with paint which gives plenty of fun and creative ways you can add colour indoors and outside. If colour in the garden/home is not your thing – greenery and complex earthy palettes, with structural elements and lots of texture, both inside and outside, will help to create cohesion between the house and garden. If you have limited space, there are plenty of ways to add colour by painting/staining planters and pots, outdoor chairs, decks, patios, fences or privacy screens – take inspiration from the interior design of your home and the same principles apply as for homes with full gardens. Choosing a neutral base colour for the exterior of your house can make it easier to incorporate complementary or contrasting colours into your garden/outdoor space – you only have to repeat an accent colour from the garden onto your front door for example to link the two together. March 2023 |
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Q. I am painting the exterior of my house and using Resene Baltic Sea for the window frames. I'm thinking of a white for the walls. What white would you recommend to complement Resene Baltic Sea? A. Resene Sea Fog is a great white to put with Resene Baltic Sea and isn’t too stark. Consider Resene Double Sea Fog as whites do look lighter outside. March 2023 |
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Q. We’re going to paint the exterior of our one storey 1960s weatherboard home, which gets heaps of direct sunlight. It’s currently bright yellow with green shutters. We will be having white windows and Ironsand joinery and will paint the roof Resene Ironsand. I’m looking for a white that will go well with Resene Ironsand. We’ve used Resene Elderflower on the inside so are considering that or Resene Rice Cake, Resene Black White or Resene Merino. We prefer warmer tones, edging toward browner shades but also want to be on trend as it’s looking likely we’ll sell in the next year. A. Resene White Pointer has the undertone you are looking for and pairs well with Resene Ironsand. Colours including whites lighten and brighten outside – especially north facing walls – consider Resene Double White Pointer, Resene Triple White Pointer (very popular) or Resene Truffle – the latter will give you that soft light beige tint.  Resene Elderflower March 2023 |
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Q. I am painting the walls of an interior bedroom and lounge. I was thinking of using Resene Half Sea Fog but I was looking at putting VJ panelling a quarter of the way up the wall and wondered what colours would complement Resene Sea Fog making a contrast but not too much of a contrast. I would like the outcome to look warm clean and crisp what would you suggest? A. I suggest you use Resene Half Sea Fog with either Resene Triple Sea Fog or the slightly warmer Resene Triple Merino which is a calming soft grey. The Resene Sea Fog family suits muted colours rather than brighter clear colours. March 2023 |
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Q. My new home has Resene Sea Fog walls. I want a light green like Resene Lemon Grass in some bedrooms. Which green/grey colour would tone with Resene Sea Fog white? A. Resene Half Lemon Grass would look lovely – it will give a vintage feel as it appears as a washed grey green. Other colours to try are Resene Haven, Resene Secrets, Resene Tasman, Resene Half Washed Green or Resene Emerge. March 2023 |
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Q. We have two old fibro beach-front shacks. The house needs painting but the roof is COLORBOND® Deep Ocean and won't be changed. What colours would you recommend for the exterior that would go with the roof to keep it a nice beachy/coastal feel? We don't like that sandy/beige kind of colour most often seen with Deep Ocean roofs. All the interior walls are white and in one of the houses there are polished pine floorboards. A. I have been looking at colours for your two beachfront properties – and these two colours stand out for me – Resene Bermuda Grey or Juniper – you can use both (one for each bach). The window joinery I suggest Resene Quarter Spanish White for the Resene Bermuda Grey – and Resene Juniper with Resene Alabaster for the bach with white aluminium and brick. Alternatively you could opt for lighter variants such as Resene Half Opal and Resene Jet Stream – both with Resene Alabaster joinery. For a neutral scheme – Resene Tino Pai is a green based grey (more green than appears online ) and this could be paired with Resene Aoraki for the windows and trims (blue white).  Resene Aoraki Resene Tino Pai March 2023 |
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Q. My old weatherboard house has just been reroofed in FlaxPod. I would like advice on what colour to paint the outside for the walls and window frames. We live in a rural area and have a bush background and would like the house to blend in. A. Test these colours to see if any appeal – all will pair with FlaxPod and blend into the bush setting – I suggest using an off white, with a green oxide undertone for the window frames, such as Resene Merino – not too stark for the setting. Try Resene Cobblestone, Resene Castle Rock, Resene Sandstone, Resene Double Truffle or Resene Climate. March 2023 |
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Q. I’m painting my house in Resene Quarter Bokara Grey and have done window frames and soffits in Resene Half Wan White which looks great. I am at a loss for gables and doors. They are currently stained black …maybe a lighter grey ? that still goes with the other two colour but contrasts enough but open to any suggestions would be great thanks. A. I suggest to keep them the same as the walls – Resene Quarter Bokara Grey. The different texture (substrate) will give contrast and to be honest the gables are not the feature – if you paint them lighter the eye will be drawn to them – and the colour won’t relate – the house looks great and the white on the fascias and soffit gives the house visual height. Resene Quarter Bokara Grey on the gables will appear much lighter than the current black. March 2023 |
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Q. I have had your advice for a white kitchen to use Resene Black White with white walls in Resene Alabaster. I am just thinking that I want to add in a bit of very dark grey/charcoal on the island to break it up if you could recommend a colour? We are having gunmetal grey tapware and sink with a marble look porcelain benchtop. A. It is a great idea to break the scheme with a charcoal – see if any of these work for you – paint up samples if possible and compare with the gunmetal tap ware and Resene Black White and Resene Alabaster. Try Resene Ebony Clay, Resene Shark or Resene Foundry. March 2023 |
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Q. I just want to freshen up the walls in our house without painting the skirting or ceiling which are painted white. What colour would make the ceilings look whiter – I am currently thinking either Resene Pearl Lusta or Resene Half Pearl Lusta for the walls but I’m open to options. A. Painting with the deeper variant, in this case Resene Pearl Lusta, will make the ceiling appear whiter – however, depending on the aspect of the room – Resene Pearl Lusta can appear more yellow – in north facing rooms which receive a lot of light for example. Resene Pearl Lusta is a good colour to decorate with if you are wanting to inject brighter hues in accessories/furnishings etc. Perhaps in south facing rooms or rooms with low light consider Resene Pearl Lusta and rooms with plenty of light consider Resene Half Pearl Lusta. March 2023 |
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Q. I have used Resene Double Truffle as an exterior colour choice on our home which has an Ironsand roof. The home is 70s style block and wooden window frames. I’m stuck on what to choose as a colour for the wooden sashes. I’m not wanting to blend it in but bring in earthy feel. I can change roof colour if the current is not right as it is due for recoat The decks are stained matai and the front door is island mahogany. I love browns and greens. A. The roof colour pairs well with the weatherboards – for the windows – see if any of these colours appeal: Resene Groundbreaker, Resene Sandstone, Resene Half Sandstone, Resene Castle Rock, Resene Hindsight, Resene Stonewall, Resene Rocky Point or Resene Flax.  Resene Hindsight March 2023 |
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Q. Can you please recommend a colour for skirting and doors that will go with Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta, which I am planning through most of the house? The living room is Resene Half Buttermilk. A. Try Resene Meringue. It is in between Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta and Resene Half Buttermilk and will tone nicely. March 2023 |
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Q. What colour would you suggest we paint the bottom of our house? The top floor is split neutral stone, with a darker pink grouting, with inserts of a white stone chip. Currently the bottom part of the house is in a pale lemon colour. A. See if any of these colours appeal – Resene Double Spanish White, Resene Sandcastle, Resene Perfect Taupe, Resene Tua Tua or Resene Open Sesame.  Resene Tua Tua  Resene Open Sesame March 2023 |
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Q. We're doing an extension which is to be clad in shadowclad. Minimum LRV recommended for that is 42. We originally wanted black, but agree that can't be done. Are you able to please recommend the darkest grey we can get here with an LRV of 42% or higher? A. The darkest grey will be colours such as Resene Half Jumbo (LRV 42), Resene Kensington Grey (LRV 43), or Resene Quarter Stack (LRV 51). Each Resene colour has the LRV ratings listed on the chart. Consider using a Resene CoolColour finish which will help to reflect more heat than the standard version of the colour. March 2023 |
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Q. Would the following work on a heritage weatherboard exterior? Either Resene Silver Chalice or Athens Grey on the weatherboards with Resene Black White or Resene Sea Fog trims and a COLORSTEEL® roof painted in Resene Gauntlet or Resene Atmosphere? A. For a heritage home Resene Gauntlet will be lovely for the roof. I suggest going Resene Half Silver Chalice on the weatherboards with Resene Half Black White for the trims. March 2023 |
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Q. I am building a house with galvanised iron walls, gutter and roof. I want to paint the PVC downpipes a matching colour to the galvanised iron so they will not stand out too much. What colour paint should I use? A. Investigate Resene Aluminium. Alternatively you could try a standard grey such as Resene Kensington Grey or Resene Silver Chalice. March 2023 |
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Q. We are building a new home with a mono pitch ply ceiling and polished concrete living areas. We have an end wall with a floating concrete hearth and fireplace. We would like to paint the walls in Resene Siam and the fire wall in Resene Foundry to give the firewall some drama. Do these colours work together? A. Yes definitely! They are both great colours and pair together well. March 2023 |
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Q. We are looking to paint our small bach inside. Our aim is to lighten the colour tones and use the same colour on all surfaces: walls, ceiling, trims and doors. Currently it is a grey colour. We would like to keep the grey tones but in a much lighter colour. The bach does not get any sunlight directly inside, so we want a warm colour. We have tested Resene House White, which is an option we are considering. Can you suggest any other options? What are the current trending grey/white warm tone colours for internal use. A. You might like to consider Resene Triple Black White, Resene Sea Fog or Resene Half Sea Fog. March 2023 |
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Q. Is Resene House White a warm or a cool colour? A. Resene House White is considered to be a slightly warmer grey/white depending on what you pair it with because it is complex and has more tints such as yellow ochre in it, than a true grey made up of black and white. However, if you compared it to a greige or beige it will appear cooler. March 2023 |
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Q. I've chosen Resene Quarter Milk White for a lot of the interior walls of our new build. What would be a complementary colour for the ceilings and skirtings? A. I suggest Resene Quarter Alabaster which will keep the scheme fresh and bring out the undertones of Resene Quarter Milk White. March 2023 |
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Q. We are repainting two areas. The first area is a deck – we want a colour to complement Resene Quarter Spanish White (our house colour) which is darker but not too dark. Our window joinery is Ironsand. The second area is a flat roof that is not visible – the roof is Ironsand. The colour needs to reflect as much heat as possible, but the colour not too light to show dirt. A. Investigate Resene Mountain Mist for the roof with Resene Quarter Sandstone for the deck or Resene Half Mountain Mist for the roof with Resene Quarter Stonewall for the deck. Please note that colours may appear lighter outside. March 2023 |
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Q. I am painting my roof Ebony and was looking at Resene Taupe Grey for the outside of the house. Will these look okay together given one has a blue base and one green? The current colour is Resene Napa which I like but it would be nice for a change. The soffits will be Resene Sea Fog. A. As Ebony is so dark – you possibly could get away with Resene Taupe Grey – but it might look a bit brown. A colour to test which is similar but with a cooler undertone is Resene Half Tapa, this also works well with Resene Sea Fog. March 2023 |
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Q. I’d like a colour palette for an exterior roof, walls etc. I plan to use dark grey with slightly blue inside for roof, eaves, frames, but light grey for wall (weatherboards). What do you recommend? A. Try this palette – roof, gutters and fascia in Resene Grey Friars, eaves and window frames in Resene Half Black White and weatherboards in Resene Half Silver Chalice. March 2023 |
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Q. I have a weatherboard coastal house. The main colour is Resene Periglacial Blue. I am looking for a mid-grey to complement for the concrete base, sill (face only) and maybe roof. I will use Resene Black White around windows. One wall gets all day sun, the rest only partial sun through the day. Would Resene Half Grey Friars be dark enough? A. Resene Half Grey Friars will lighten quite a bit – on the roof especially. Having a softer contrast such as half strength for the windowsill facings and base is quite nice – as the scheme overall is soft and coastal. Perhaps consider full strength Resene Grey Friars for the roof only. March 2023 |
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Q. I want Resene Silver Sand for her cladding but I need to get it down to LRV 35% to comply with the Hanmer Springs Design Standard. Would half or quarter strength Resene Silver Sand work? A. Half or quarter strength of Resene Silver Sand are lighter variants so the LRV rating will be higher than Resene Silver Sand – you actually need to go darker – consider Resene Jumbo it is in the same family. It has a LRV rating of 32% but this does make it appear more grey. March 2023 |
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Q. I want to paint my master bedroom with a sage green colour – what colour would you suggest? Do I paint the whole room or do one feature and do a muted tone on remaining walls? I will also have a natural coloured headboard. A. You can definitely paint all the walls in a soft sage green – if you choose a deeper version then perhaps use a muted tone for the rest of the walls, and paint only behind the bed with the deeper green – but my preference is to paint the entire room. For softer versions, try Resene Spanish Green, Resene Peace, Resene Field Day, Resene Green Spring. For deeper versions, try Resene Paddock, Resene Cabbage Pont or Resene Rivergum – muted colours to go with these greens are Resene Double Merino, Resene Linen, Resene Ecru White or Resene Ash. March 2023 |
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Q. We have an older wooden house. The roof is New Denim Blue and we have just painted the house in Resene Quarter Tea, but I'm stuck with picking a contrast colour for the lower windowsill and base boards. The barge boards have been painted white. A. I quite like the Resene New Denim Blue family together – consider Resene Half New Denim Blue for the sills and base or the slightly less blue – Resene Westminster or a green grey blue such as Resene Baring Head.  Resene Baring Head  Resene Westminster March 2023 |
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Q. I’m currently renovating and redesigning my family beach house. It’s time to choose a colour scheme for the kitchen and living room. For the kitchen we have decided on a shade of green for the walls, the new kitchen cabinets are white, stone back marble benches and stainless appliances. This room has an outlook to the mountains behind so green will be lovely. I also need a shade of white, to tie into a dark moody wall for the living area, the dark wall will have the TV on it. None of these walls face the beach, the white will be beach facing. There is a large FlaxPod aluminium ranch slider and lots of windows. A. For the kitchen consider Resene Field Day, Resene Vantage Point, Resene Peace or Resene Green Spring. The white consider Resene Half Sea Fog – this will take on a warm or cool effect depending on the adjacent colours – and will work well with a beach facing vista and wood. Deeper complex greens or greys will work well with your scheme for the TV wall – consider Resene Jurassic, Resene Mangrove, Resene Armadillo or Resene Thunderstorm.  Resene Peace Resene Field Day  Resene Vantage Point March 2023 |
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Q. Our driveway has a 'seventies brown' fence around it. We'd like to repaint it in something more modern, but it still has to blend in with the house including a green roof and green holly hedge. It should be a dark colour as the area gets dirty. We considered grey, but there is no grey at all on the house, and we don't think it would fit the 'environment'. We tried a rust brown, but it still seemed too dated. We are now thinking perhaps Resene Double Caffeine – to partly match the aluminium frames around the windows. We'd like a colour for the fence that is modern but that still 'looks right' in the environment. A. Resene Double Caffeine may be susceptible to fading as all colours, but some fade quicker than others – due to the high red content – it may also appear a little purple over time. Consider Resene Bokara Grey – it will tone with the brick and joinery and has a warmth to it – it is a combination of red, brown and olive – it is a great fence colour and works well with planting – two coats is best when testing colours. March 2023 |
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Q. We have used Resene Element on our kitchen cabinets. We wanted to use it again on our very high A Frame ceilings in another part of the house. They are water damaged and a full coverage paint is the only option. However the colour looks a little grey, rather than the nice inky appearance it has in our kitchen. Is there another option that is close, but a bit 'inkier' in colour without being black? A. Try Resene Noir. It is similar toning to Resene Element but definitely inkier – please paint two coats when testing colours.  Resene Noir March 2023 |
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Q. I wish to use an oil-based stain on dressed pine fence post. The house is Resene Element. Which Resene Woodsman Wood Oil colour closely approximates Resene Element? A. Resene Shadow Match will work well with Resene Element. March 2023 |
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Q. I own a 60 square metre flat, a rental and am soon to paint the walls and put in a new kitchen, gloss egg white with a splashback. I will also repaint the ceiling, skirting boards and doors at the same time. I love Resene Spanish White and have it in my own home by the sea and never ever tire of this colour. I don’t like white or grey in fact any of the cool colours on walls. I had thought of Resene Rice Cake as a more modern alternative but the testpot was too yellow so I am scurrying back to the familiar. The flat gets the morning sun. I have lived with the tonal look of one colour in varying strengths and found this very bland. Could you suggest a contrast for the doors and windowsills as I would probably lean towards a white like Resene Alabaster but wonder if this colour would be too stark. A. Resene Spanish White is a warm versatile neutral which works well with most colourways so I can see why you like it! I have also lived with it in a coastal home and I loved it too. Resene Alabaster will keep it looking fresh and modern so I do think you could definitely consider this as a contrast – an alternative to Resene Spanish White you might like to try is Resene Chalk Dust, Resene Half Fossil or Resene Parchment. March 2023 |
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Q. We are renovating our coastal home. The joinery is in Resene Ironsand. I am stuck for ideas on the paint for our home (Hardiplank exterior cladding) and what to choose for our roof. I like Resene Atmosphere and think it looks quite good with the Ironsand? The only choice we are firm with is Ironsand joinery. A. Resene Atmosphere and Ironsand will work together and I like this combination for a Hardiplank house – as it lends itself to using darker colours on the cladding – which will complement both and not enhance the joinery. See if any of these colours appeal Resene Half Fuscous Grey, Resene Gauntlet, Resene Eighth Bokara Grey or Resene Foggy Grey.  Resene Eighth Bokara Grey March 2023 |
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Q. We currently have a monolithic two storey home that has cream aluminium windows and the roof is a dark grey side with a green tinge. We are recladding it in weatherboard and would like some tips on colours that would link with the roof and joinery colours. A. A complex neutral which complements the joinery and enhances the undertones in the roof will work – without seeing the exact undertone of the roof – I have given you a few options, all a bit different but worth trying – try Resene Quarter Arrowtown, Resene Craigieburn, Resene Foggy Grey, Resene Double Ash or Resene Epitome. Colours tend to appear lighter in natural light. March 2023 |
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Q. We recently purchased a very old Queenslander. We are currently renovating her after many years of neglect. I’d like to paint her Resene Siam but a consultant said it’s too dark for our climate making our house too hot etc. A. Resene Siam is a favourite of mine! It is a fantastic colour – it is a mid to deep tone though – investigate using Resene CoolColour paints – this is basically where due to clever pigment technology, more of the sun’s harmful rays are reflected away from the substrate reducing heat related issues. Resene Siam may be a little too dark for your architectural style – see if any of these appeal – they are slightly lighter but I do still recommend CoolColour paints if this is available in your colour – Resene Bitter, Resene Bandicoot, Resene Hindsight or Resene Grey Olive. March 2023 |
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Q. I am currently painting a property with the exterior in Resene Triple Sea Fog main body, Resene White for blockwork and Resene Baltic Sea for the downpipes, front door and garage door. I have a wooden deck and a stain may not be appropriate due to the aged timber, so it’s probably best to paint. The deck isn’t huge. I feel painting the decking in Resene Baltic Sea will make it look smaller? I’m not sure what Resene Half Baltic Sea would look like. Is there a grey that’s a mid-grey that would work on the decking you can recommend? A. Although generally dark colours recede – on a deck, because it is a horizontal surface I do feel painting it darker is going to enclose it a bit, plus dark colours heat up more underfoot – investigate Resene CoolColour paints even for mid greys underfoot. Resene CoolColour paints basically due to clever pigment technology reflect the sun’s harmful rays away from the substrate, reducing heat underfoot and heat related issues. I suggest trying a warmer and softer grey which complements Resene Baltic Sea – colours do lighten on decks – yes paint the steps and deck the same colour. Try Resene Quarter Fuscous Grey, Resene Half Baltic Sea and Resene Scarpa Flow. March 2023 |
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Q. Is Resene Half Alabaster a cool or warm white colour? How would it perform in a darker space like a hallway? A. Resene Half Alabaster is considered a cool toned, true white. For a dark space especially a hallway – it might appear cold – it does depend on the entire scheme of the home, adjacent colours, flooring, etc. Generally cooler whites suit lots of light, or spaces where you layer warmth through texture, or rooms with natural texture such as wooden floors. Sometimes a slightly warmer white which borrows light is a better option for darker spaces, where you don’t have the option to add a lot of texture, such as fabrics and window dressings to balance the coolness of the walls – whites such as Resene Quarter Rice Cake or Resene Half Bianca. March 2023 |
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Q. I have bought a house with the most beautiful, polished matai floorboards and a very, very high ceiling. We are 200m from the sea. Absolutely everything needs repainting and refurbishing. I've used Resene exclusively for the past 50 years. The home I've bought is framed by a large charcoal house so I need to take that into consideration. A. How wonderful you have been using Resene colour for 50 years! That is very impressive and we appreciate your loyalty. Warm, soft whites and rich warm creams, and even some green edged whites look wonderful with Matai – they complement the lovely warm red/gold undertones of the wood, such as Resene Solitaire, Resene Meringue or Resene Bianca – the latter is the lightest and it is great at borrowing light and reflecting it – so possibly a consideration if you are framed by a charcoal house – however Resene Solitaire and Resene Meringue are rich and warm, which might be an option for bedrooms. Green edged whites can also be introduced which will balance the warmth of the wood – such as Resene Creme De La Creme or Resene Ecru White from the Karen Walker Paints collection. Ceilings and trims can enhance light by being painted a fresh white such as Resene Alabaster – or for areas with high ceilings – depending on the wall colour chosen – a lighter variant of the wall colour will create a softer ambience. Accent colours of ochre tans such as Resene Amaranth and blue based greens such as Resene Welcome can be brought through in furnishings, fabrics and accessories for a modern addition, and will complement the Matai well. Duck egg blues and softer blue greens are also an option for accenting or walls, such as Resene Half Periglacial Blue and Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection – these colours will pair well with Resene Creme De La Creme, Resene Bianca or Resene Ecru White.  Resene Meringue  Resene Creme De La Creme March 2023 |
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Q. I am repainting the exterior of my bungalow, and am considering using Resene Cut Glass for the weatherboards and Resene Red Letter for the door (complementary colour suggested by your website). I need an almost white colour for the trim, and a not too light grey for the subfloor cladding boards. How do I choose these colours? Can you make any suggestions for a white and grey that would fit into the scheme? A. Resene Cut Glass is a cool, clean colour so a white with a slight hint of blue will pair nicely – but will appear white outside – see if Resene Aoraki appeals, team these with a soft grey in complementary tones – such as Resene Half Grey Chateau, Resene Rakaia or Resene Atmosphere. Colours do appear differently outside in natural light, compared to colours online. I suggest you paint A2 cardboard with two coats of Resene testpots (available at Resene ColorShops) and attach to your house. You might like to investigate Resene Salsa as another alternative to Resene Red Letter if you want to try a testpot – Resene Red Letter is still available to be made in paint. Resene Aoraki March 2023 |
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