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Answers to your questions from our colour experts, p. 19

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. 19

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


Q. What are the most popular interior colours for lounges and kitchens at the moment?

A. All of the lighter/whiter neutrals are still the most requested colours for both rooms. The Range Whites & Neutrals fandeck is so popular and demand for lighter versions of colours that were once considered very pale is still a driving force. Greyed white, soft bone whites, almost green/grey whites – all of these can be found in the Resene The Range Whites & Neutrals fandeck and there are plenty of choices to please the most discerning people. At the Resene ColorShop there is a printed info sheet in the Colour Chart stand that has a list of the most popular 'whites'. They are also available as lighter and much deeper variants so that different rooms or surfaces can be highlighted according to personal taste. The Resene top 20 is also available for viewing online.

July 2014

Q. Can you please recommend the best warm white options (that don't look yellow!) for kitchen cabinets? The kitchen is large (5m x 4.5m) with good lighting (natural and recessed LED), black marble countertops and is west to slightly north facing.

A. All whites pick up light changes and respond accordingly. Check these 'whites' very carefully on site as they will look radically different at different times of the day and night – Resene Double Alabaster, Resene Eighth Rice Cake or Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream. If you can pop into a Resene ColorShop to view the A4 real paint samples of these colours in their Colour Library you might slip a sheet of white printer paper between them and you will see the underlying tones that hide within them. It is amazing how you can then see differences between colours – it’s very helpful.

Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Eighth Rice Cake
Resene Eighth Rice Cake
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
July 2014

Q. Please can you suggest a ceiling and door colour to go with Resene Eighth Drought or as a second choice Resene Quarter or Resene Eighth Blanc? I am having great difficulty with this part of my colour scheme. Also would I be correct in saying Resene Blanc has more of a pink hue than Resene Drought?

A. All of the Resene Blanc palette often throws a pink/mushroom (almost mauve) undertone and the Resene Drought palette is warmer but not as pink toned. If you want a clean cool/crisp contrast for the ceilings and doors you could look at Resene Alabaster and if you want a sweet slightly warmer option you might look at Resene Quarter Bianca.

Resene Eighth Drought
Resene Eighth Drought
Resene Quarter Blanc
Resene Quarter Blanc
Resene Eighth Blanc
Resene Eighth Blanc
Resene Blanc
Resene Blanc
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Bianca
July 2014

Q. I've been advised to get glass splashbacks with Resene Double Joss but it seems a little too light for my liking. What would be a shade or two shades darker in a similar hue?

A. A deeper brown would be Resene Gargoyle or Resene Nullarbor. It does pay to see a large real paint sample in order to make a sound judgement – you can view larger samples in the Resene ColorShop in store colour library.

Resene Double Joss
Resene Double Joss
Resene Gargoyle
Resene Gargoyle
Resene Nullarbor
Resene Nullarbor
July 2014

Q. We would like to create our bedroom in a beach house theme with whitewashed furniture. The flooring is warm wood. I'm thinking of a warm light blue for the walls. Could you recommend some colours and also a colour for the ceiling to go with it?

A. You could check out these colours as they are warm light blues – Resene Half Escape, Resene Breeze, Resene El Nino or Resene Breathless. Used with either of these 'whites' – Resene Alabaster or Resene Quarter Black White – for the ceiling they will look really 'beachy'.

Resene Half Escape
Resene Half Escape
Resene Breeze
Resene Breeze
Resene El Nino
Resene El Nino
Resene Breathless
Resene Breathless
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Quarter Black White
Resene Quarter Black White
July 2014

Q. What warm feature wall colours would go with Resene Half Wan White or Resene Quarter Merino walls? I'm trying to get away from creams and fawns, and thinking of painting walls one of those colours but want to add some colour in rooms like the living room. Our carpet is a grey fleck.

A. You are so lucky – there are so many lovely colours that you might choose. Check these out – Resene Half Perfect Taupe, Resene Morepork, Resene Secrets, Resene First Light, Resene Triple Rakaia or Resene Forbidden. Usually feature colours are chosen to enhance walls and co-ordinate with something you already have or would like to use.

Resene Half Wan White
Resene Half Wan White
Resene Quarter Merino
Resene Quarter Merino
Resene Half Perfect Taupe
Resene Half Perfect Taupe
Resene Morepork
Resene Morepork
Resene Secrets
Resene Secrets
Resene First Light
Resene First Light
Resene Triple Rakaia
Resene Triple Rakaia
Resene Forbidden
Resene Forbidden
July 2014

Q. We've picked Resene Gold Drop for the back wall in our lounge and we need a white for the other walls. I was hoping you could suggest a compatible one? Also what colour for the architraves and skirtings?

A. With such a vibrant colour on the back wall you may need a slightly greyed off white for the other walls otherwise it may be really optic and eye challenging – try Resene Barely There, Resene Double Black White or Resene Double Sea Fog. If the architraves and skirting boards are minimal and not an architectural feature you could use the same colour as the wall but in a semi-gloss enamel finish - the walls could be flat or low sheen acrylic- because a gloss level difference may be enough. But if they are very gorgeous/architectural and ornate and you do want to highlight and feature them then you might consider using Resene Alabaster or Resene Quarter Black White.

Resene Gold Drop
Resene Gold Drop
       
Resene Barely There
Resene Barely There
Resene Double Black White
Resene Double Black White
Resene Double Sea Fog
Resene Double Sea Fog
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Quarter Black White
Resene Quarter Black White
July 2014

Q. We are half way through painting our 1940 house and garage. We are using Resene Ironsand on the roof, garage doors, fascia and bargeboards. The weatherboards are Resene Albescent White. The windows are Resene Alabaster (timber surround and aluminium inserts). We are just wanting to add another colour to add a bit of dimension. Can you recommend a colour for the external windowsill or maybe somewhere else?

A. You might look at these options – Resene Taupe Grey, Resene Boulevard, Resene Seachange or Resene Sorrell Brown.

Resene Ironsand
Resene Ironsand
Resene Albescent White
Resene Albescent White
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
 
Resene Half Grey
Resene Taupe Grey
Resene Boulevard
Resene Boulevard
Resene Seachange
Resene Seachange
Resene Sorrell Brown
Resene Sorrell Brown
July 2014

Q. We are redoing the exterior of our house. We have chosen matt Sandstone Grey for the colour of our joinery. You cannot see the roof colour but that would be similar to matt Sandstone Grey. We are going to clad our house in weatherboard. What colours would work well with matt Sandstone Grey joinery? We want a modern-looking house.

A. Very crisp 'whites' or slightly 'greyed whites' are a modern look and with timber weatherboards you are generally constrained to using very light colours so that is a possibility for you. Some other cladding options allow much darker colours which people perceive as modern and trendy also.

You don't indicate what is 'modern' to you so you might check out these options to see if they suit you – Resene Black White, Resene Merino, Resene Quarter Foggy Grey or Resene Triple Sea Fog.

Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Merino
Resene Merino
Resene Quarter Foggy Grey
Resene Quarter Foggy Grey
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Triple Sea Fog
July 2014

Q. I am painting my house in Resene Quarter Stack. I would like some ideas on a contrasting colour for trims. It’s a porch and gable house three storeys high, 1910-1930 era. It has a light coloured COLORBOND® roof with white battens, windowsills in white with jarrah decks and bifolds to the rear.

A. You don't say whether the roof colour is actually seen (if it is seen it would form part of the colour scheme and would need to be integrated so all the colours look good together) and whether you want one, two or three trims - this of course depends on the architectural detailing that you want to highlight.

You could try warm and rich (like the jarrah) – Resene Desperado or brighter – Resene Ayers Rock and Resene Stack or deeper – Resene Double Stack or a bit darker – Resene Half Gravel – or a bit lighter – Resene Half Black White – instead of a pure white for a softer 'white'.

Resene Quarter Stack
Resene Quarter Stack
Resene Desperado
Resene Desperado
Resene Ayers Rock
Resene Ayers Rock
Resene Stack
Resene Stack
Resene Double Stack
Resene Double Stack
Resene Half Gravel
Resene Half Gravel
Resene Half Black White
Resene Half Black White
 
July 2014

Q. I'm looking for a light blue/grey colour to paint the inside of my house. What would you recommend?

A. There are a lot of light blue/greys so you could start by looking at these ones – Resene Forecast, Resene Instinct or Resene Clouded Blue.

Resene Forecast
Resene Forecast
Resene Instinct
Resene Instinct
Resene Clouded Blue
Resene Clouded Blue
July 2014

Q. We have just painted the outside of our house with Resene Double Spanish White. The roof has terracotta tiles and the joinery is a dark brown. We want to paint the front door and garage door (currently terracotta) but I am at a loss as to which colour to use. Do you think a charcoal colour would look alright or can you suggest anything else?

A. You might look at a slightly blue based charcoal as this will work with the warm tones of the house and roof – try Resene Tuna, Resene Half Grey Friars or Resene Mako or a warm brown based charcoal like these ones – Resene Half Ironsand or Resene Barbecue.

Resene Double Spanish White
Resene Double Spanish White
       
Resene Tuna
Resene Tuna
Resene Half Grey Friars
Resene Half Grey Friars
Resene Mako
Resene Mako
Resene Half Ironsand
Resene Half Ironsand
Resene Barbecue
Resene Barbecue
July 2014

Q. We are looking for a warm grey/brown colour for our fireplace and kitchen splashback in our open plan living/dining/kitchen area. Been looking at Resene Triple Truffle, but think we need something darker - can you please suggest some other options? Also what colour for the woodwork and walls - something light, been thinking Resene Merino or Resene White Pointer? Open to a couple of complementary colours for the wall - e.g. Resene Merino and something a little darker. The room has grey/beige carpet, light wooden floor and dark wood furniture.

A. You might check these gorgeous colours out - Resene Quarter Sandstone with Resene White Pointer, or Resene Rockbottom with Resene Merino, or Resene Half Stonehenge with Resene Quarter Truffle.

Resene Triple Truffle
Resene Triple Truffle
Resene Merino
Resene Merino
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene Quarter Sandstone
Resene Quarter Sandstone
Resene Rockbottom
Resene Rockbottom
Resene Half Stonehenge
Resene Half Stonehenge
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Quarter Truffle
 
July 2014

Q. We are painting the outside of our house in Resene Half Ash. The house has got a veranda around two thirds of it with wooden boards and the other third is brick. Under the veranda the Resene Half Ash looks really good but painting on the brick and with no shade it's looking really pale. Any ideas on how we will achieve the same look? It really looks as if we have used two different shades of colours. We are using Resene Quarter Bianca around the windows and the idea was to use it on the trim as well. Under the veranda it looks fantastic but once again against the brick it looks really pale.

A. Resene Half Ash is quite a pale colour and if it was painted onto a darker surface (bricks or any existing deeper colour) it would look really light by comparison, especially in a bright sunny situation which sucks any depth out of a colour. The veranda is possibly a bit more shaded so the difference would be quite definite. Colour responds to light and shade and often looks quite different also on different substrates – this is normal. Have you thought of using a deeper version of the colour to try and solve the problem? Resene Ash may be deep enough for the brickwork to resemble the lighter colour. Perhaps trial a testpot first to see if it does look ok before rushing out and purchasing a greater amount.

Resene Half Ash
Resene Half Ash
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Ash
Resene Ash
July 2014

Q. We're building a proofing room and need to ensure that the room adheres to a very tight specification. The spec requires the walls to be painted with a neutral grey to conform to Munsell N7. Can you please advise how we can order paint from a Resene outlet to conform with this colour chart standard?

A. Our Colour Lab have advised the Resene equivalent to Munsell Neutral Gray N7 is Resene Triple Rakaia.

Resene Triple Rakaia
Resene Triple Rakaia
July 2014

Q. We are trying to choose a colour for a weatherboard house with an imposing front facing the road. Need to match silver pearl aluminium joinery and not be too glary as it faces north and there are decks for outside living.

A. Sometimes a benign neutral or a softened white or bone type of colour works well with Silver Pearl joinery. You might check these out to see if they are what you want – Resene Quarter Foggy Grey, Resene Triple Sea Fog, Resene Thorndon Cream, Resene Wan White, Resene Double Black White or Resene Eighth Ash.

If you can please do pop into a Resene ColorShop to look at the A4 real paint samples in their Colour Library. If you place a sheet of white printer paper between the coloured samples you will be better able to judge the undertones within the colours. They will be not apparent – and you will probably think they are totally wrong - if you trial the colours as testpots onto the very yellow primer coat you have on the house. Colours are influenced badly by a greater expanse of existing colour which is why I mention this to you. Testing of paint colours, ideally, needs to be done on a real white background and in a large enough amount that your eye focuses on the reality of the colour. I always suggest to people that they leave a narrow white unpainted border all around the edges to help then truly see the colour. Another plus is that you can move the large card around the house to see what changes of angle and light does to the sample.

Resene Quarter Foggy Grey
Resene Quarter Foggy Grey
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Wan White
Resene Wan White
Resene Double Black White
Resene Double Black White
Resene Eighth Ash
Resene Eighth Ash
July 2014

Q. We want to paint our renovated board and batten house with some warm colour (maybe Resene Honeymoon or Resene Sandwisp) to match Denim Blue windows and a light grey front door. Could you please advise us what colour would be the best to create a fresh and modern look for our home?

A. If you like the happy, sunny retro colours then you might like to check out these two – Resene Astra or Resene Popcorn.

Resene Honeymoon
Resene Honeymoon
Resene Sandwisp
Resene Sandwisp
Resene Astra
Resene Astra
Resene Popcorn
Resene Popcorn
July 2014

Q. We have chosen Resene Pearl Lusta as the predominant colour for our new house and would like some complementary colours.

A. Resene Pearl Lusta is such an obliging and versatile colour so there are many colours you could choose. You need to consider what colours you favour, your personal style and the quality of natural and artificial light you have or the other colours in the house (carpet, vinyl, tiles, drapes, duvets, kitchen cabinets and worktops) which will have a very direct bearing on what will work for you.

You might look at very much lighter variants of Resene Pearl Lusta as a start point as this will offer you very light contrast – try Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta. You could also use warm neutral colours such as Resene Tea or Resene Half Napa, or very definite colours – Resene Lemon Grass, Resene Breakfree or Resene Seachange.

Resene Pearl Lusta
Resene Pearl Lusta
Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta
Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta
Resene Tea
Resene Tea
Resene Half Napa
Resene Half Napa
Resene Lemon Grass
Resene Lemon Grass
Resene Breakfree
Resene Breakfree
Resene Seachange
Resene Seachange
 
July 2014

Q. We are having our large block basement plastered and wonder if you could suggest a modern colour to paint it. Also what colour to paint the stairs and bannister?

A. I don't think a very definite colour on such a large amount of basement would be a good idea. A a warm toned neutral that doesn't compete with the tawny coloured bricks and brown/bronze roof and joinery might be a better way to go. You could look at these two colours and see whether they might work for you – Resene Quarter Spanish White or Resene Albescent White.

The stairs and banisters (you could also include the wooden lattice screen) need a bit of depth to add a bit of character. Try Resene Blackout, Resene Black Sheep, Resene Knave or Resene Avalanche.

Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Albescent White
Resene Albescent White
   
Resene Blackout
Resene Blackout
Resene Black Sheep
Resene Black Sheep
Resene Knave
Resene Knave
Resene Avalanche
Resene Avalanche
July 2014

Q. My home has Resene Moon Mist on the walls with white painted ceilings. I would like to repaint the interior doors with a white for a crisp, clean look without looking yellow. What would be the suggested colour for doors and windowsills? The house is quite dark in places and the Resene Moon Mist is throughout with the exception of Resene Eighth Napa in the bathroom and toilet. Eventually the walls will be changed to something like a Resene Half Tea or similar but in the meantime your suggestions would be appreciated.

A. Please check out these colours – Resene Alabaster, Resene Quarter Black White or Resene Eighth Rice Cake. They will work really well with Resene Moon Mist and Resene Eighth Napa or, if you do change, with Resene Half Tea.

Resene Moon Mist
Resene Moon Mist
Resene Eighth Napa
Resene Eighth Napa
Resene Half Tea
Resene Half Tea
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Quarter Black White
Resene Quarter Black White
Resene Eighth Rice Cake
Resene Eighth Rice Cake
July 2014

Q. My sister is renovating her entire house. It is an architectural style with white textured chapel ceilings and wooden beams. Upstairs we are painting over wallpaper. The wooden doors are staying. The carpet will be Cavalier Bremworth 100% Wool Serengeti Husk. We are looking for a nice warm white, not yellow or cream. Looking at Resene Black White and Resene Rice Cake, both nice. Open to suggestions and do we do white trims? Will need a light wallpaper that matches for downstairs.

A. I think Resene Rice Cake could be slightly warmer than Resene Black White which is cool and slightly greyish by comparison. I think seeing your sister has definite strong wooden beams creating a feature and lots of shadowy angles etc I would be inclined to use a lighter version of the wall colour for trims – perhaps Resene Quarter Rice Cake.

Wallpaper is a bit more difficult – the only real way to choose is firstly check out the online Wallpaper Library, short list a few possibilities then take the time to pop into a Resene ColorShop to check them out. And look at the A4 samples of Resene Rice Cake etc and carpet sample with the wallpapers before ordering samples of the papers – it is really important!

Seeing reality in both wallpaper and paint colours is the only way to ensure they work well together.

Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
July 2014

Q. We are renovating our kitchen and thinking of using Resene Alabaster on our cabinets with Caesarstone benchtop 'frosty carina-5141'. We are not sure if our walls, doors and architraves should be in Resene Alabaster and Resene Half Alabaster? If all these colours go together without being too white on white, what colour could we do our splashback? We are thinking of having a wooden floor.

A. The colour of the wooden floor (dark or light) and the splashback are definite colours so the white – Resene Alabaster – on the cabinets and perhaps a lighter variant for the ceilings and woodwork – Resene Half Alabaster – will have these other elements to create visual interest. Perhaps the walls could be a bit more shadowy so the cabinets, ceiling and woodwork can pop out in a crisp clean way. Have you considered using Resene Triple Alabaster (Resene Half Sea Fog) for the walls?

It is all about contrast – light and shade – and sheen level differences for different surfaces, and tonal variants of colour that create the best 'white' look.

Be careful choosing your splashback – bold and eyecatching may work but you may tire of it sooner and too safe won't create any visual excitement. Have you thought of a metallic, such as a shimmery metallic silver or grey, as this sort of thing can often look really classy in an 'all white' room.

Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Sea Fog
July 2014

Q. Our house is 11 years old and needs updating. There is Resene Eighth Spanish White on the ceilings, Resene Quarter Spanish White on doors, door frames and skirting and Resene Half Spanish White on walls. We want to just change the wall colour but keep the rest the same, to keep costs down. The carpet is changing from wool sisal look to nylon, darker with fleck through it. The tiles and kitchen will remain cream. We want to use a more modern colour for the walls in the neutrals range while still tying in with the Resene Eighth and Quarter Spanish White trims - what options have we got?

A. You have lots of colour choices – I have listed a few for you to check out – Resene Quarter Cougar, Resene Eighth Malta, Resene Eighth Napa, Resene White Pointer, Resene Flotsam or Resene Half Ash.

Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Half Spanish White
Resene Half Spanish White
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Quarter Cougar
Resene Quarter Cougar
Resene Eighth Malta
Resene Eighth Malta
Resene Eighth Napa
Resene Eighth Napa
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene Flotsam
Resene Flotsam
Resene Half Ash
Resene Half Ash
 
July 2014

Q. We are building a new home. We are having Grey Friars on the roof, fascia and front door. Windows and downpipes are Ghost Grey satin. We are just stuck for a colour for the exterior plastered walls. A house around the corner from us has got Resene Quarter Foggy Grey, but thinking it is just a bit too light for us. What do you suggest?

A. The Resene Half Foggy Grey looks ok with Ghost Grey but it is a little more yellow/green toned. I can understand your predicament only too well.

Perhaps you might look at these colours which are a little more attuned to the Ghost Grey – Resene Triple Concrete, Resene Rakaia or Resene Half Grey Chateau.

If you can get a real metal powdercoat sample (not a printed version of the colour) and place it on a sheet of white print paper you may see the reality of the colour – this will accentuate the colour in the metal and if you make sure it isn't sitting on anything even slightly coloured that may help you choose your main colour for the house.

COLORSTEEL® Grey Friars
COLORSTEEL® Grey Friars
Resene Quarter Foggy Grey
Resene Quarter Foggy Grey
Resene HalfFoggy Grey
Resene Half Foggy Grey
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Rakaia Resene Rakaia Resene Half Grey Chateau
Resene Half Grey Chateau
July 2014

Q. We are renovating a 25 year old house. The open plan area of kitchen, dining and living is south facing but with stacker doors across most of the width which let in a reasonable amount of natural light but not sun. The north facing side of the area has the front entrance which does let in a small amount of sun and we also plan on putting in a skylight to help with sun and light. It is an area of around 80 square metres with 2.4 metre ceiling height. We will be laying Spotted Gum hardwood flooring. I am hoping you might be able to help me with suggestions for a white that will make the room inviting but I am not keen on creamy whites so I guess I need a cool white that won't make the room stark and cold feeling?

A. You might check these 'whites' as they are ambiguous (could be warm or cool dependent upon light) and they have no yellow in them – Resene Sea Fog, Resene Double Alabaster, Resene Quarter White Pointer or Resene Wan White.

Resene Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Wan White
Resene Wan White
July 2014

Q. We are finishing a build and looking for a neutral colour for the walls. The roof and front door is Ironsand and the exterior walls are cedar clad with Resene Eighth Masala. We were looking at Resene Truffle, Resene Tea, Resene White Pointer, Resene Fossil, Resene Malta tones and would like to get your views.

A. I like the neutrals that you are favouring and you might look at using a lighter version of Resene Fossil as a main colour – Resene Quarter Fossil - this relates well to the exterior colours. Resene Truffle, or a lighter version, is soft and slightly more beige inspired and possibly you might consider using Resene Malta for its warmth and character also as it could be good in larger rooms that face due south.

A greyer palette (be careful it can look chilly) might be Resene White Pointer but it may need rich warm coloured furnishings to modify the underlying coolness.

You don't mention the kitchen colours – these need to be chosen prior to wall colours to ensure you have what you really fancy not what will go with the already chosen main wall colour.

Always paint the testpots onto A2 card (available from your Resene ColorShop) leaving an unpainted border all around the edges as it makes the eye focus on the reality of the colour and it can be moved around from wall to wall/room to room so you can see the changes that occur due to angles, shadows and light changes.

COLORSTEEL Ironsand
COLORSTEEL® Ironsand
Resene Eighth Masala
Resene Eighth Masala
Resene Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene Tea
Resene Tea
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene Fossil
Resene Fossil
Resene Malta
Resene Malta
Resene Quarter Fossil
Resene Quarter Fossil
July 2014

Q. Our brick state house is painted Resene Hammerhead with white trim, and has an original terracotta tile roof, looks great! But we're going to reroof and a bright colour just looks too stark, so probably going for a dark grey or dark blue roof, but what would you suggest for the exterior walls? We loved Resene Hammerhead but think it'll be too dark. Also, we're adding a small weatherboard extension, and wondering whether to paint the whole outside the same, or go for a contrast – perhaps raspberry red?

A. After having such a distinctive deep colour on the exterior and then changing roof and main house and extending with a weatherboard addition it will be a bit of a shock to your system as the change will make the house seem so very different.

The colours you are suggesting for the roof sound fine – fundamental neutrals like dark greys always work and look smart and go with any other colours. But you may need to play with colour for a while before you come up with something that suits you. For the extension do you want people to focus on the wooden extension and ignore the rest of the house which will tend to happen if you paint it in a bright contrast. I would be inclined to do all the house the main colour. Possibly a bit deeper or warmer to compensate for the loss of the dark house colour you have now. If you really fancy a raspberry red have you considered that sort of colour for the doors of the house?

This is just a little scenario to get you thinking – Roof in Grey Friars, Resene Imprint for the main colour, trims in Resene Half Rice Cake and doors in Resene Shiraz.

Perhaps you could use the Colour View transparencies at your local Resene ColorShop. You can just pop one A4 swatch of each Resene colour you fancy under the house view to get a good idea of what it might look like. The Resene ColorShop has thousands of colours in their Colour Library – yes, even the COLORSTEEL®/Resene Summit roof colours.

Resene Hammerhead
Resene Hammerhead
COLORSTEEL® Grey Friars
COLORSTEEL® Grey Friars
Resene Imprint
Resene Imprint
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Shiraz
Resene Shiraz
July 2014

Q. We are moving to a new home and want to paint the walls a warm off white/cream. The ceilings are Resene Half Pearl Lusta. We were thinking about Resene Merino for the walls. We don't want to repaint the ceilings. Recommendations for the walls please. The carpet is mushroomy brown.

A. With such a definite cream colour on the ceiling – Resene Half Pearl Lusta – you may find that Resene Merino does some of these things:
– Looks slightly dull muddy/mushroom/stone in colour – not warm off white/cream.
– Makes the ceiling look much more yellow in tone. If you place a sheet of white printer paper on the ceiling it helps you to see the reality of the colour.
– Doesn't show as a definite enough colour Look at the colour as an A4 sample at a 45 degree angle to the ceiling colour. Is there enough difference between the two colours?

You have some major considerations to take into account – the ceiling (not going to be changed) and the carpet (all colour for walls must look good with carpet colour) so it is important to choose really well.

You might test these colours to see if they work – Resene Half Spanish White, Resene Albescent White, Resene Double Merino or Resene Eighth Drought.

A default choice might be to use the same colour on the walls as on the ceiling.

Resene Half Pearl Lusta
Resene Half Pearl Lusta
Resene Merino
Resene Merino
Resene Half Spanish White
Resene Half Spanish White
Resene Albescent White
Resene Albescent White
Resene Double Merino
Resene Double Merino
Resene Eighth Drought
Resene Eighth Drought
July 2014

Q. We are painting the interior walls Resene Black White with the exception of the lounge and master bedroom which will be painted Resene White Pointer. All ceilings will be Resene White and all doors will be Resene Triple White Pointer. What colour should the door frames, window frames and skirting be?

A. You can do three things:

  1. Paint them to match the wall colour – but in a semi-gloss enamel version of the colour – if you don't want them to be highlighted.
  2. Paint them White – but in a semi-gloss enamel – like the ceiling to provide a very crisp clean contrast.
  3. Paint them Resene Black White which ties in the main colour of the other rooms and works well with the Resene White Pointer and provides a contrast but much softer than the Resene White.
Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene White
Resene White
Resene Triple White Pointer
Resene Triple White Pointer
July 2014

Q. We have chosen Resene Mischka as our exterior wall colour and now need to decide the roof colour. The windows are white. We were thinking either Gull Grey or Sandstone Grey for the roof.

A. Is the roof going to be re-clad in COLORSTEEL®? Sandstone Grey may be slightly better than the Gull Grey as it won't over-emphasise the purple in the Resene Mischka. Another roof colour that you might consider is Grey Friars. It will work with a lot of other colours.

Resene MischkaResene Mischka COLORSTEEL Sandstone Grey
COLORSTEEL® Sandstone Grey
COLORSTEEL® Gull Grey
COLORSTEEL® Gull Grey
COLORSTEEL® Grey Friars
COLORSTEEL® Grey Friars
July 2014

Q. I have a 2 bedroom unit being painted due to earthquake damage. I am looking at Resene Thorndon Cream. The second bedroom and hallway is dark. The living area and main bedroom each have one large sliding door. Should I go a shade lighter for the second bedroom and hallway? What would you suggest for ceilings, doors and frames?

A. Yes it may be a good idea to use a lighter version of Resene Thorndon Cream in the second bedroom and the hallway. I suggest using Resene Half Thorndon Cream as it is dark enough that you know it all flows together but doesn't look deeper because of the natural light not being as good in these spaces.

The ceilings, doors and frames etc could be either of these two options – Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream or Resene Double Alabaster. The first option is slightly warmer than the second.

Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Half Thorndon Cream
Resene Half Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Double Alabaster
July 2014

Q. The base of our house is orange brick at present. Would it be a bad look if we painted the base of the house the same colour as we plan to paint our front door and roof, which is Resene Grey Friars? Would you recommend Resene Grey Friars as the roof colour also? We plan on staining our fence and decking – should we stain these both the same colour? Do you think a darker stain would be a good option? I have heard people say do not paint the base lighter than the weatherboards as the house does not anchor but to be honest I don’t want to bring too many colours in to the mix as it may look odd.

A. You may find that using the same colour on the base of the house as the roof makes the house look 'squeezed' between the roof (dark) and the base of the house (dark) but if that doesn't worry you then it is an option. But please do be aware that Resene Grey Friars is often seen as a slightly blue toned charcoal and if you don't like the main colour – Resene Half Robin Egg Blue – showing a blue tone on the front of the house then using more of the Resene Grey Friars may make that more pronounced.

I suspect it is the orange brick (orange enhances blue as they are complements of each other) that is also emphasising the blue in the Resene Half Robin Egg Blue – once all the brick is painted then that may be less noticeable. Try the Resene Wan White – yes it is very light but you have it already on the windows so at least it relates to the existing scheme, doesn't it? For the deck and the fences perhaps you could look at these woodstain colours – Resene Canopy, Resene Sheer Black or Resene Shadow Match.

They are available as tester pots and I absolutely recommend that you trial them on off-cuts of timber – two coats using all of the testpot so that you can get a better idea of what sort of (coloured) dark they actually are.

Resene Grey Friars
Resene Grey Friars
Resene Half Robin Egg Blue
Resene Half Robin Egg Blue
Resene Wan White
Resene Wan White
Resene Canopy
Resene Canopy
Resene Woodsman Sheer Black
Resene Sheer Black
Resene Shadow Match
Resene Shadow Match
July 2014

Q. Our house is around 12 years old and we want to modernise the colour scheme. We currently have wallpaper, from memory its colour is Sahara. All trims and ceiling are Resene Quarter Spanish White and the joinery is slate blue. The Resene Quarter Spanish White is still in good condition and we may retain that. What would you suggest as a wall colour to go with the current trim or do we simply paint everything the same colour? We wish to lighten and modernise. We would need to paint over the wallpaper – possibly Resene Black White or Resene White Pointer?

A. If you keep the Resene Quarter Spanish White for all the trims and ceilings – these do look good with the joinery – will you mind very much if the colours that you favour look greyish and cool and emphasise the warmer yellowish trims and ceiling colour?

Have you considered looking at slightly warmer neutrals like these ones with the existing ceilings and trim colour? You could try Resene Quarter Bison Hide, Resene Half Truffle or Resene Half Tea.

At the end of the day it is a personal choice. If you prefer to use one of the two options you mention then I would be inclined to use the Resene White Pointer as it is warmer and if that is chosen I would recommend you change the ceilings and woodwork to Resene Quarter White Pointer so that everything co-ordinates and looks harmonious.

Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene Quarter Bison Hide
Resene Quarter Bison Hide
Resene Half Truffle
Resene Half Truffle
Resene Half Tea
Resene Half Tea
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Quarter White Pointer
   
July 2014

Q. We have painted our exterior weatherboard house with Resene Half Robin Egg Blue but it has not come up the colour that we expected. We thought it would be a green/grey but blue is also coming through in some lights which is not what we want. The base of our house is brick and we need to find a colour that is going to match the weatherboards and bring back that modern look of the Resene Half Robin Egg Blue colour. I feel at the moment that the colour is looking very old fashioned. Our windows are Resene Wan White and our roof will be painted Resene Grey Friars. Can you please help? I have tried so many testpots on the brick and nothing seems to work. Our house is one storey so not an awful lot of brick to be painted - would Resene Wan White be the best option?

A. All colour changes, a lot, in different qualities of light during the day. All colour changes, a lot, when a greater amount of colour is seen alongside of it. Colour is a chameleon and totally reactive. So in answer to the question about Resene Half Robin Egg Blue looking a little blue: it does have the tiniest amount of blue in the colours that tint it – and this may come to the fore especially in certain lights/certain times of the day.

When you trialled the testpot on the house did you see this happening? Colour does need to be tested otherwise a surprise may well be waiting for you when you see how it reacts and changes. A shadowy side of the house that doesn't get much natural light onto it may show the tiny, tiny blue undertone in the colour. Whereas the east side of the house (early morning first light) may show more of the green edge of the colour and the north/west side of the house (later afternoon sun) may make it look a bit greener/greyer as the natural light is warmer.

If you are painting the bricks with the same colour as the weatherboards, are they red/orange brick or another colour - brown or yellow or grey? This colour, whatever it is, may be influencing how you see the Resene Half Robin Egg Blue, especially if you have only painted a small amount of it and the bricks are still more brick coloured than painted.

Resene Half Robin Egg Blue is a delightful almost traditional chalky, nostalgic colour rather than being modern.

A slightly more modern type of grey with a green undertone is Resene Half Delta. If you can visit a Resene ColorShop to view the A4 samples in their Colour Library you will be able to see the colours and be better able to judge them in a helpful way.

Probably your simple option would be to use the Resene Wan White as you have already used it on the windows. However you won't see it 'true' until you have completely covered (two or three coats) the colour of the bricks. But if you want a deeper but related colour on the bricks to co-ordinate with the Resene Half Robin Egg Blue you might look at Resene Half Innocence - but do test it first so that you can make a sound judgement about what it looks like.

Resene Half Robin Egg Blue
Resene Half Robin Egg Blue
Resene Wan White
Resene Wan White
Resene Grey Friars
Resene Grey Friars
Resene Half Delta
Resene Half Delta
July 2014

Q. I am getting Resene Black White for my lounge. What would be the best colour for the ceiling? I was thinking Resene Alabaster. Also I can't decide on the colours for the blinds and carpet to go with it.

A. I think Resene Alabaster would be perfect for the ceilings. If you look at warm mid toned greys for the carpet and silver, white or charcoal for the blinds you won't go wrong as these are modern smart neutrals that will work well for you.

Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
July 2014

Q. My roof colour is Deep Ocean and our wall colour is Resene Double Dutch White. Now I want to paint my fence and retaining walls – what colour should I use?

A. You could try Resene Coast, Resene New Denim Blue, Resene Canterbury Clay, Resene Double Drought or a lighter version of your main colour, Resene Half Dutch White.

Resene Double Dutch White
Resene Double Dutch White
Resene Coast
Resene Coast
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene Canterbury Clay
Resene Canterbury Clay
Resene Double Drought
Resene Double Drought
Resene Half Dutch White
Resene Half Dutch White
July 2014

Q. We have lots of wooden trim in our place and I would like to freshen up the look with a nice light colour on the walls. What colour would work well with the light wood, carpet and kitchen? My husband hates cream so I can't go near any colours with a hint of yellow in it!

A. You could check these colours out – Resene Eighth Akaroa, Resene Eighth Joss, Resene Quarter Ash or Resene Double Sea Fog. None of these are cream!

Resene Eighth Akaroa
Resene Eighth Akaroa
Resene Eighth Joss
Resene Eighth Joss
Resene Quarter Ash
Resene Quarter Ash
Resene Double Sea Fog
Resene Double Sea Fog
July 2014

Q. We have a large sunny master bedroom, a brand new extension, and want to colour it with grey and yellow tones. We are wondering what is a good grey colour for a master bedroom and would you carry this colour into the en-suite and walk in robe?

A. A good grey is a grey that looks good in your light, your space and your other soft furnishings – drapes, carpets and duvet etc.

You may need to trial the greys carefully – take your time – colour always changes a lot so test it by painting all of the testpot onto A2 card (available from your Resene ColorShop) leaving an unpainted border all around the edges so you focus on the colour and move the card onto different walls to get more of an idea of the changes that will occur. You could check these ones out – Resene Concrete, Resene Quarter Rakaia, Resene Quarter Silver Chalice or Resene Half Surrender.

All of these greys come as deeper variants if you find the colour listed is right but too light.

Resene Concrete
Resene Concrete
Resene QuarterRakaia
Resene Quarter Rakaia
Resene Quarter Silver Chalice
Resene Quarter Silver Chalice
Resene Half Surrender
Resene Half Surrender
July 2014

Q. We are building a new home. Was thinking same colour – Resene White Pointer – walls and ceiling but people believe it will close the room in. Now thinking Resene Quarter Tea or Resene Eighth Tea on walls but unsure what to put on ceiling.

A. Often the same colour on the ceiling as walls looks deeper and does slightly lower the ceiling visibly. You could look at these options as they work well with Resene Quarter Tea or Resene Eighth Tea – Resene Alabaster or Resene Quarter Bianca.

Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Eighth Tea
Resene Eighth Tea
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Bianca
July 2014

Q. My daughter wants Resene Japanese Laurel as a feature wall in her bedroom with her wardrobe door and mirror frame painted Resene Tangerine. I would like advice on options on what 'white' would be most suited on the walls. I was thinking of Resene Half White Pointer with Resene Quarter Black White on the door and window frames etc? Her bedroom is north facing.

A. The 'whites' you have mentioned look really nice together – slightly greyish and cool. Other options that might be considered are these ones – Resene Half Barely There, Resene Sea Fog or sweeter/warmer options – Resene Half Bianca or Resene Bianca.

Resene Japanese Laurel
Resene Japanese Laurel
Resene Tangerine
Resene Tangerine
Resene Half White Pointer
Resene Half White Pointer
Resene Quarter Black White
Resene Quarter Black White
Resene Half Barely There
Resene Half Barely There
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Half Bianca
Resene Half Bianca
Resene Bianca
Resene Bianca
July 2014

Q. We are looking for an exterior colour for our rough cast home. The windows are titanium.

A. You might like to check these colours out to see if they are what you have in mind – Resene Bone White, Resene Truffle or Resene Half Foggy Grey.

Resene Bone White
Resene Bone White
Resene Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene HalfFoggy Grey
Resene Half Foggy Grey
July 2014

Q. We want to update the look of our 1969 home. The top floor is vertical cedar, the bottom floor is a white stucco base, with a combination of aluminium and wood style windows. We are on a hill with bush below our house. What colour combination would you recommend?

A. If the cedar is stained, I would suggest an earthy/warm deep colour – perhaps Resene Woodman Tiri or Resene Woodsman Touch Wood.

If however the cedar is painted in a low sheen acrylic then you might look at these options – Resene Triple Friar Greystone or Resene Half Gravel.

For a main colour you might look at these warmed up neutral options – Resene Double White Pointer or Resene Thorndon Cream.

It is often difficult when changing something that has worked well for a long time. Test the colours and take your time so that you do end up with a new look that satisfies you and that everyone admires.

Resene Tiri
Resene Tiri
Resene Touch Wood
Resene Touch Wood
Resene Triple Friar Greystone
Resene Triple Friar Greystone
Resene Half Gravel
Resene Half Gravel
Resene Double White Pointer
Resene Double White Pointer
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
July 2014

Q. I am looking for a light black – what would you recommend?

A. Normally a light black is something that is black but isn't as dense. Or else you could opt for a grey.

Something like Resene Nero is a very dense black. I'd recommend something like Resene Cinder or Resene Double Foundry which are near blacks but in the black/grey area.

Resene Nero
Resene Nero
Resene Cinder
Resene Cinder
Resene Double Foundry
Resene Double Foundry
July 2014

Q. I have chosen Resene Quarter Fossil for my walls, Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream for the trim and ceilings and Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream for the kitchen cupboards – will this look ok?

A. They look fine together. The only thing that you may notice is that the Resene Quarter Fossil as a main colour takes on more warmth (dependant upon light and shade you may see this as pinkness) when seen with the cooler/greyer Resene Thorndon Cream colours. If you feel that you don't want the main wall colour to be too warm by comparison then you might substitute it with Resene Thorndon Cream which won't 'pink' up alongside the other Resene Thorndon Cream lighter variants.

Resene Quarter Fossil
Resene Quarter Fossil
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
July 2014

Q. We are currently trying to decide on colours for our open plan kitchen and living room. It is of 1980s era and has some rimu coloured tongue and groove and dark stained ceiling beams. The kitchen bench is a black marble look and we will be painting the kitchen cupboards a white colour. I need to find a colour that can go on the walls that will complement both rimu and dark coloured woods and the white kitchen cupboards and will also blend with our rust coloured couch. The carpet is a light tweed colour. We’re thinking of a neutral colour of some kind but nothing too dark, as the room can get dark at times.

A. Which white colour are you considering for the kitchen cabinets? Will it be a slightly warmed earthy toned white to co-ordinate with the wood, the carpet, any other flooring and your existing soft furnishings? The wall colour and the kitchen cabinetry need to be considered together – not in isolation from each other so you feel good about how they co-ordinate. These are really 'for example' suggestions so you can see how the two elements might come together – Resene Rice Cake on cabinets with Resene Quarter Fossil on walls, or Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta on cabinets with Resene Quarter Spanish White on walls, or Resene Double Alabaster on cabinets with Resene Eighth Akaroa on walls.

Colours alter and change mostly to natural and artificial light and relate to existing coloured elements. I suspect the dark stained ceiling absorbs a huge amount of light from the spaces. It would pay you to test colour really carefully using testpots to ensure you know how it behaves in your light and with your things.

Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Fossil
Resene Quarter Fossil
Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta
Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Eighth Akaroa
Resene Eighth Akaroa
July 2014

Q. We are painting the whole inside of our house and wanted a light colour (white) as the rooms are small. The painter suggested it would show up imperfections (as some parts of the walls are uneven). What would you suggest for walls, skirtings, ceiling, doors and frames?

A. You might look at a white that has some shadow in it so that it isn't too stark – try Resene Eighth Tea used with Resene Alabaster for all woodwork and ceilings or Resene Quarter White Pointer used with Resene Half Alabaster for all woodwork and ceilings.

Is the painter really concerned in regard the imperfections on the walls? If they are worried that you may be disappointed with the finished result have they suggested using a flat washable acrylic paint finish on the walls, or having them all skim plastered to a nice smooth finish or even a lightly textured 'paint on wallpaper' to solve this problem? You might discuss these options with them.

Resene Eighth Tea
Resene Eighth Tea
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
July 2014

Q. We are about to paint the interior of our two bedroom '80s Lockwood beachside home. We would like a coastal look using white on all the walls. We are looking at either Resene Black White or Resene Sea Fog. Currently all our internal doors, including wardrobe doors are red, so we are looking for an alternate colour for those. Thinking of a soft grey so interiors are calm, relaxing and warm. Can you suggest a shade? We have been looking at Resene Stack or Resene Friar Greystone ?

A. Either of the colours that you favour for the interior walls would work but Resene Sea Fog may be slightly warmer and less stark. Another 'white' worthy of consideration is Resene Half Merino.

The colour you like for the doors are mid toned colours (not too pale) and Resene Friar Greystone is the warmer of the two as it has yellow ochre in it so it throws a little earthy undertone.

Another grey that you might consider is Resene Delta – it is warm but looks like a river boulder.

The whole look of your house is about to undergo a radical change so I suggest that you test colours carefully using all of the testpot onto A2 card, (available from your Resene ColorShop), leaving an unpainted border all around the edges so you focus on the reality of the colour, then you can move it around – wall to wall/room to room so you can see how angles of walls, natural light and shade and your existing furniture and flooring influences the colours.

Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Stack
Resene Stack
Resene Friar Greystone
Resene Friar Greystone
Resene Half Merino
Resene Half Merino
Resene Delta
Resene Delta
July 2014

Q. We are due to replace the carpet in the whole house and would like an experienced opinion on colour choice. The walls in the family room are Resene Spanish White with white doors and skirting. The main lounge is Resene Awol with a dark timber stain. The hallway is Resene Wasabi with white trim. When we painted we were advised to have Resene Castro as accent colour. The outside is clinker brick with Resene Castro and Resene Outback boards. At present I am leaning towards a charcoal but am worried it may be too dark. Our furniture is black leather and there are other pieces of dark stained furniture in the home too. I'd like to create a nice flow between living areas. Any advice would be much appreciated. I have browsed through the suggestions for carpet/paint but there was no Resene Awol as a main colour. I'm open to repainting if this makes for a better flow.

A. I think that the charcoal carpet idea may be a little too dark, especially with the black leather and dark stained furniture but of course it is a personal choice.

You probably need to get the carpet people to come into the house and look at lots of carpet to see how it looks with your furniture and existing wall colours. It would be a shame to change the Resene Awol if you still love it. A lot of carpet will work with your main colour – Resene Spanish White – so I would be inclined to look at what looks good with it. Feature colours can change in time but the main colour is often something we find easy to live with so it does need to be considered with carpet samples. Have you thought of a mid-toned taupe or warm grey?

Resene Spanish White
Resene Spanish White
Resene Awol
Resene Awol
Resene Wasabi
Resene Wasabi
Resene Castro
Resene Castro
Resene Outback
Resene Outback
July 2014

Q. I have been trying to choose colours for the outside of our new house on the computer but am not sure if I have the right combination.

A. Seeing colour in print or digitally is always fraught with disappointment – it can be frustrating – and most sites that depict colour have a disclaimer of some kind drawing attention to it being only a representation of the colour and not to be chosen until the real paint or stain samples have been trialled. Technology still has a way to go in regard all colours being seen absolutely perfectly and true in these mediums.

With a new build you have many decisions to make so it would be wise to collect all samples together for viewing purposes to ensure they are compatible. The roof sample should be viewed at a 45 degree angle to the light – as it would be seen on a roof – because it will be seen much lighter than the same sample laid flat.

July 2014

Q. We're rebuilding and I'm after the main colour for our house. Before we had Resene Half Parchment (I always felt it had a greenish tinge - which I liked). We are considering Resene Sea Fog (our interior designer's recommendation), Resene Quarter Tea and Resene Rice Cake. We are having a black/white/grey colour scheme but we want the paint colour not to have grey undertones though. Could you please describe the differences between Resene Half Parchment, Resene Sea Fog, Resene Quarter Tea and Resene Rice Cake?

A.Has the interior designer put together a concept board for you with paint samples, flooring swatches and fabrics etc to go with their colour suggestion of Resene Sea Fog? It is always hard to envisage how something may look without all the bits that flesh out the colour idea.

If you do go with Resene Sea Fog it will have a grey undertone – the description of this colour is 'a versatile white with a hint of grey'.

The differences between the colours you have indicated are quite distinct - Resene Half Parchment is a slight touch of beige that carries yellow ochre and green in it to warm it up, Resene Quarter Tea is a muted grey beige – very complex as it changes a lot – not as warm toned as the previous colour listed and Resene Rice Cake is a sharp clean yellow toned white – slightly subdued compared to other creamy whites (like Resene Eighth Parchment).

Choose what you really love from the limited and more expensive elements first – then lastly choose a colour (or colours) that tie all of those things (and any existing furniture that isn't being replaced) together. That way leads to success. Choosing a colour first limits an already limited amount of other choices.

Resene Half Parchment
Resene Half Parchment
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
July 2014

Q. We are building a beach house. The roof and window frames are Grey Friars. Could you please give me an idea of an exterior colour you think will go nicely with it? It is a kitset home.

A. You don't indicate in your email whether the house is being built in LINEA® or real timber or if you favour certain types of colours so I am veering on the side of caution and suggesting lighter colours – try Resene Quarter Foggy Grey, Resene Half Linen, Resene Triple Sea Fog or Resene Half Emerge.

They are soft, misty slightly grey based colours that look smart with Grey Friars.

Resene Quarter Foggy Grey
Resene Quarter Foggy Grey
Resene Half Linen
Resene Half Linen
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Half Emerge
Resene Half Emerge
July 2014

Q. I am trying to select a colour for my front door. The house is a seaside bach. The roof is COLORSTEEL® Ironsand, the joinery is aluminium Ironsand, walls are cedar stained with Ironsand on one side and a soft grey concrete on the other side. The soffit at a height of 3.5m is Resene Half Mondo. The hardware I want to use on the door is a dark weathered bronze. I am not sure whether to have the door in a contrasting colour and if so what? Or a matching tone of colour? The door is approx 3.5m high by 1.1m wide. The door will be in the shade.

A. If you feel the very large door is enough of a dynamic feature without any colour embellishing then I would suggest you use Resene Half Mondo as it is already part of the exterior colour palette.

If you want the door to be exciting and contrast with brown which is the very dominant exterior colour then you might choose a fresh, lively green or a bright maritime blue to offset the serious deep brown tones - i.e Resene Kombi or Resene Captain Cook.

COLORSTEEL Ironsand
COLORSTEEL® Ironsand
Resene Half Mondo
Resene Half Mondo
Resene Kombi
Resene Kombi
Resene Captain Cook
Resene Captain Cook
July 2014

Q. I have a stucco house that needs painting. When we choose paint colours we like they look almost purple on the wall. Are there some suggestions for exterior paint?

A. You don't indicate what colours you have tested (that look almost purple); however the following can make the colour look purple:

  • Painting colour onto an already coloured surface that may be yellowish/creamy may make some greys, taupes or blues a bit purple if the colours tested have that undertone already.
  • Seeing paint colours (greys, taupes or some blues) painted onto the west facing exterior walls may take on that undertone in the late afternoon light because the natural light has red/orange in it.
July 2014

Q. We need to paint the exterior of our bach which has never been painted. I love warm colours and a Caribbean feel. There are two buildings which I want to paint separate colours – one a warm yellow with white trim, the other a sea blue. Can you help me choose colours that won't scream but give a warm sunny look?

A. You could try Resene Melting Moment and Resene Meltwater, or Resene La Luna and Resene Waterfront, or Resene Beeswax and Resene Kumutoto, or Resene Splash and Resene Escape.

Resene Melting Moment
Resene Melting Moment
Resene Meltwater
Resene Meltwater
Resene La Luna
Resene La Luna
Resene Waterfront
Resene Waterfront
Resene Beeswax
Resene Beeswax
Resene Kumutoto
Resene Kumutoto
Resene Splash
Resene Splash
Resene Escape
Resene Escape
July 2014

Q. I have a rimu timber butcher’s table and I would like to tone down its orange colour. Does Resene have a product that I can apply to tone the colour down so it appears lighter in colour/bleached?

A. You might try Resene Colorwood Whitewash which is a wash of white over uncoated timber. It can also be applied over aged, yellowed polyurethanes for a contemporary white washed look, without the need to strip the existing polyurethanes. It can't be applied over a wooden surface that has been waxed or oiled.

There is an example of the product applied to wood at all Resene ColorShops on the Wood Care/Finishes stand.

July 2014

Q. I am wanting to put Resene Eighth Tea on the walls, Resene Quarter Tea on the doors and white ceiling/architraves/skirting – I can't see any information on having dark doors and light walls. Would this Resene Eighth Tea and Resene Quarter Tea combination work?

A. In some changes of light you may not notice a difference. The woodwork would be a semi-gloss enamel which may lighten/brighten the Resene Quarter Tea making it seem much more similar to Resene Eighth Tea. If you need to see the difference it might pay to use Resene Half Tea on the walls.

If you are set on using the Resene Eighth Tea on the walls, why not use exactly the same colour in a semi-gloss enamel for the woodwork?

Resene Eighth Tea
Resene Eighth Tea
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Half Tea
Resene Half Tea
July 2014

Q. I would like help with the wall colour for my new kitchen, please. The cabinetry is Magnolia matt, the floor is painted cork tiles in Pomegranite and the bench top is black granite. I would also like help with the splashback. I thought maybe a wallpaper with a little bit of red.

A. It sounds as though the cork tiles are a red – Pomegranite – and that is a strong colour statement in itself, isn't it? You also have a very dark black granite – another strong feature – and warm creamy – Magnolia – cabinets. I think because of the two definite colours you have (cork and cabinets) you may need quite a light cream or a soft grey for the walls.

In regards wallpaper as a splashback feature you may need to really search for the absolute right one. There are quite a few that feature red in them but will they work with the cabinets, the cork, the granite and the new wall colour? Once you find something that does work with them and absolutely suits you then it may be easier to choose a wall colour.

July 2014

Q. We are redecorating a kitchen dining area and are keen to use a duck egg blue, perhaps Resene or Resene Shinto. Our kitchen cabinets were done 19 years ago in a colour like Resene Dairy Cream or something similar (quite a yellow base) and these won't be redone. What do you suggest?

A. If by keeping the kitchen cabinet colour (as it is now) it stops the duck egg blue colour from looking as good as it could look, will you mind?

The delicate quality of a duck egg blue may be swamped by the rich/heavyness of the cream type colour. if you are totally opposed to changing the cabinets to enhance and co-ordinate with the duck egg blue colour then the compromise you may need to embrace is a deeper colour (than duck egg blue) so there is a balance and harmony in the scheme.

With this in mind you might look at these options – Resene Awash or Resene Kumutoto.

But, if after 19 years, you could consider re-doing the kitchen cabinets to a softer/lighter colour i.e Resene Quarter Spanish White or Resene Quarter Wheatfield then a delightful relationship will occur with either Resene Ashanti or Resene Shinto (though this may be a little grey/blue not duck egg blue) or alternatively Resene Quarter Periglacial Blue.

Resene Ashanti
Resene Ashanti
Resene Shinto
Resene Shinto
Resene Dairy Cream
Resene Dairy Cream
Resene Awash
Resene Awash
Resene Kumutoto
Resene Kumutoto
July 2014

Q. We have just renovated our living area and installed a new kitchen. The ceiling is Resene Pearl Lusta, the walls and the kitchen units are Resene Quarter Tea, the benchtop is a black granite with white and silvery flicks along with paua shell blue flicks. We are planning to have a glass splashback that will follow the wall perimeter of the bench at 120mm high and will extend up under the rangehood 770mm h x 1400mm w. We've looked a various blues to complement the paua colour but at the moment we are going safe with the Resene Quarter Tea but it may be too boring. Any ideas?

A. So if I am correct:

  • Major renovation
  • New kitchen
  • Amazingly beautiful granite bench top
  • Lovely neutral coloured – very light – cabinets
  • Splashback – glass – possibly over a darker tonal variant of the cabinet colour.
  • Floors - are they are coloured? Or wood, tiles or carpet?
  • Drapes, curtains or blinds?

I don't think it is boring – I think you are right on the ball for allowing yourself plenty of options for accessories to (possibly) pick up on the paua influence or other blues – new electric jug, toaster etc or gorgeous platters and bowls.

There is always the tendency to 'over gild the lily' and you just might be heading that way if you pursue a 'feature' coloured splashback above the 'feature' bench top.

Resene Pearl Lusta
Resene Pearl Lusta
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Quarter Tea
July 2014

Q. I have purchased taupe chairs. They have a green tinge to them we do not like at all. They didn't look like that in the store, they looked more grey/brown. What colour should I paint my walls so they won't look so green?

A. There may be several things contributing to the chairs taking on a green tinge i.e. existing wall colour, existing warm coloured carpet, curtains, natural light, artificial light as well as the possibility that, even though you didn't notice the green tinge at the shop, they are a definite green beige which may not lessen no matter what efforts you make to not see that.

Sometimes a wall colour draws your attention away from something that you don't want to focus on – usually it is a strong colour on the wall or dynamic coloured accessories that will do this.

You might try these to see if they have the magical properties that alter how you see the chair colour – Resene Triple Fossil, Resene Double Akaroa, Resene Quarter Nullarbor or Resene Taupe Grey.

The best way to trial new colours is not to paint them directly onto an already coloured surface as that misleads you about what the new colour is really like. I recommend that you apply all of the testpot (two coats) onto white A2 card (this can be bought really cheaply from your Resene ColorShop)) leaving an unpainted white border all around the edges. Your eye focuses on the true reality of the larger sample of colour, it can be moved from wall to wall so you see how angle changes alter the colour without the existing wall colour sitting directly against it, and it can be placed by the furniture so you can see how it alters in relationship to existing coloured elements. Light changes will alter it also so it pays to take your time before making a decision about a new wall colour.

If the colours I have suggested don't do enough to drag your eye away from the furniture you may need to choose very strong definite colour – navy, charcoal, purple – but not anything red or orange toned as they may enhance the green rather than minimise it.

Resene Triple Fossil
Resene Triple Fossil
Resene Double Akaroa
Resene Double Akaroa
Resene Quarter Nullarbor
Resene Quarter Nullarbor
Resene Half Grey
Resene Taupe Grey
July 2014

Q. I’m looking for some general inspiration for our kitchen – any suggestions?

A. Don’t be afraid of colour in the kitchen. The kitchen is where you will tend to spend a lot of time, especially if you are the main chef in your household. Make sure you are comfortable with your chosen colour scheme. Bright, invigorating colour schemes can boost energy levels when you have a lot of cooking and cleaning to get through. If you’re not confident with stronger colour, then it’s often best to use stronger colours on elements that are more easily changed – such as your paint colour and accessories and opt for more neutral colour choices for cabinetry that will be more expensive to change. If bright colours are not your thing try a neutral palette or soft subdued tones such as light greys, dusty pastels and charcoals. Glossy surfaces, such as laminated cabinetry, will reflect more light and look different to low sheen painted walls, so it is important to be careful when trying to match colours in different materials. Sometimes it is better to select a tone lighter or darker rather than trying to create an exact colour match.

Allocate one wall and coat it in Resene Write-on Wall Paint over your chosen Resene paint colour. This will provide you with a whiteboard style finish that you can write all over, which will make it easier to keep track of notes and to do lists. Choose paints designed for kitchens, such as the Resene Kitchen & Bathroom range with anti-bacterial silver and MoulDefender, Resene Imperite for your splashback colour and Resene ArmourCat for your cabinetry to ensure you get the authentic colours.

July 2014

Q. I am looking for a modern colour to paint the exterior of our house. It is a board and batten construction, single storey beach house. The interior is Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream, with some green/blue/sandy colours. The windows are brown aluminium. I am looking at greys/stony colours or taupe/putty colours. What would you recommend? We don't want anything too dark or too light.

A. you could try Resene Quarter Napa, Resene Quarter Taupe Grey, Resene Triple White Pointer or Resene Half Cougar.

It can be difficult with brown aluminium windows to change to greyer tones as the colour change may enhance the brown of the windows.

Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Napa
Resene Quarter Napa
Resene Quarte Taupe Grey
Resene Quarter Taupe Grey
Resene Triple White Pointer
Resene Triple White Pointer
Resene Half Cougar
Resene Half Cougar
July 2014

Q. I will be rendering our house and recladding the second storey. The house faces north so gets sun most of the day. We live in a relaxed area near the coast.

A. You could try Resene Half Sandcastle, Resene Perfect Taupe or Resene Eighth Malta.

Resene Half Sandcastle
Resene Half Sandcastle
Resene Perfect Taupe
Resene Perfect Taupe
Resene Eighth Malta
Resene Eighth Malta
July 2014

Q. Trying to decide on a colour for a garage door. The house colour is Resene Arrowtown, the gutter is Desert Sand, eave is Resene Eighth Arrowtown and joinery is a bisque colour. Different suggestions so far are conflicting from leave as is to going same colour as roof or Resene Masala, Resene Aubergine or Resene Quarter Arrowtown?

A. If you want the garage door to be seen but not highlighted with definite colour then I would suggest that you use a deeper variant of the house colour – Resene Double Arrowtown – which would keep it simple and well co-ordinated. If you favoured a dark colour then perhaps Resene Ironsand which is sympathetic to your main house colour.

Resene Arrowtown
Resene Arrowtown
Resene Eighth Arrowtown
Resene Eighth Arrowtown
Resene Masala
Resene Masala
Resene Aubergine
Resene Aubergine
Resene Quarter Arrowtown
Resene Quarter Arrowtown
Resene Double Arrowtown
Resene Double Arrowtown
Resene Ironsand
Resene Ironsand
     
July 2014

Q. We presently have an L shaped kitchen in Resene Half Tea with a stainless steel bench top and stainless handles. The floors are recycled rimu. The walls are Resene Merino. We are putting in a large breakfast bar with Carrara marble top. We would like to use a darker colour for the breakfast bar something like Resene Oilskin or Resene Triple Stonehenge or something in dark grey.

A. Either of the colours that you have mentioned will work but you might also consider these options – Resene Half Gravel or Resene Half Masala. They are greyer/greener which might relate well to the Resene Merino and the recycled rimu.

Resene Half Tea
Resene Half Tea
Resene Merino
Resene Merino
Resene Oilskin
Resene Oilskin
Resene Triple Stonehenge
Resene Triple Stonehenge
Resene Half Gravel
Resene Half Gravel
Resene Half Masala
Resene Half Masala
July 2014

Q. I am planning to paint our walls Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown and use Resene Alabaster white for all trim and windows etc. Does that go together ok? Also for the house exterior – it is Resene Quarter Aspiring with shutters in Resene Smalt Blue and fence in Resene Fuscous Grey. Any suggestions of reds for the front door?

A. Yes the Resene Alabaster will definitely work with Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown. For the front door you could try Resene Breakfree, Resene Hot Wired, Resene Pirate or Resene Shiraz.

Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown
Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Smalt Blue
Resene Smalt Blue
Resene Fuscous Grey
Resene Fuscous Grey
Resene Breakfree
Resene Breakfree
Resene Hot Wired
Resene Hot Wired
Resene Pirate
Resene Pirate
Resene Shiraz
Resene Shiraz
July 2014

Q. We have an older house we are repainting and I want to have a warm grey with a green tone, so was thinking Resene Half Ash but I don't want it to look too cold, and I don't want a dirty white look either. I also need a colour that will be ok with blues and purple as we were going to have feature walls in our girls’ rooms.

A. I would use either Resene Quarter Ash or Resene Eighth Ash as it may work better with feature colours. The deeper the colour the more of a stumbling block it may be in regard being flexible enough to associate well with other colours.

Whether it looks cold or dirty will be because of the natural light in the rooms, the type of feature colours you choose to use and any other element of colour – carpet, drapes, duvets etc – so it pays to rest colour really carefully to see what changes will occur.

If you paint a A2 white card ((available from your Resene ColorShop) with two coats of paint (use all of the testpot) leaving an unpainted border all around the edges you can move it from wall to wall/room to room and check it out. I always suggest testing colour this way as painting it onto an already coloured wall stops you from seeing the reality of the colour as it is altered by the greater amount of wall colour and misleads you - colour is tricky!

Resene Half Ash
Resene Half Ash
Resene Quarter Ash
Resene Quarter Ash
Resene Eighth Ash
Resene Eighth Ash
July 2014

Q. I am painting my upstairs landing/study and master bedroom. They both have ceilings with dark beams. The landing area gets all day sun but the bedroom is east facing and is very warm in the mornings but very cold in the afternoon in winter. The stairwell is painted Resene Soapstone and the ensuite is painted Resene Half Spanish White. I am wondering if I paint the landing Resene Quarter Spanish White will it relate well with the stairwell and would Resene Spanish White be too dark for the bedroom?

A. If the landing gets all day sun then I would suggest that you paint it Resene Quarter Spanish White but you may find that the stairwell colour – Resene Soapstone – looks a little cool/slightly mushroom toned and is not all that well related by comparison. Have you considered doing the stairwell and the landing the same colour?

East facing rooms are often cool and shadowy once the natural light disappears so perhaps not too dark a colour – Resene Half Spanish White may be strong enough. Because of the natural light it may well appear to be as dark as Resene Spanish White. Colours in an interior often double in strength so it is wise to take this into account.

Resene Soapstone
Resene Soapstone
Resene Half Spanish White
Resene Half Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Spanish White
Resene Spanish White
July 2014

Q. I am looking for a nice beige for my new house and a white for ceilings and mouldings, doors etc as a nice contrast, and a lighter beige for the smaller rooms and passageways. It’s a single level home.

A. You might check these beiges out – Resene Half Sandspit Brown or lighter Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown with Resene Alabaster, or Resene Half Tea or lighter Resene Quarter Tea with Resene Quarter Black White.

Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown
Resene Half Sandspit Brown
Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown
Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Half Tea
Resene Half Tea
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Quarter Black White
Resene Quarter Black White
July 2014

Q. We are renovating a 1950s built brick and tile home. The bricks are red/brown typical of the 1950s and 1960s. Could you suggest a ‘wow’ colour for the front door? The windows are the traditional white, the soffits and eaves are white also. The door is fibreglass, with four small windows and is set in a porch entrance. We are trying to keep the flavour of a 50s-60s house.

A. You could try Resene Kaitoke Green, Resene Hot Toddy, Resene Submerge or Resene Limerick.

In the 1950s and 1960s a bold front door was often the only coloured element (apart from window sill edges) that was picked out on a house.

Resene Kaitoke Green
Resene Kaitoke Green
Resene Hot Toddy
Resene Hot Toddy
Resene Submerge
Resene Submerge
Resene Limerick
Resene Limerick
July 2014

Q. I am using Resene Half Thorndon Cream on the walls and white for the ceiling. What off white colour would you suggest for the wooden window frames?

A. I would be inclined to keep it really simple, clean and crisp and use Resene White which will enhance the wall colour and 'befriend' the ceiling white. But if you don't like real White then you might use Resene Alabaster or (more coloured) Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.

Resene Half Thorndon Cream
Resene Half Thorndon Cream
Resene White
Resene White
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
July 2014

Q. I find it hard to decide on colours using the small chart chips. Is there another option?

A. In our Resene ColorShops we have folders with A4 samples of the colours so you can get a better view of the colour in a larger size. These are available for use in store – just ask to see the colour library when you’re next in. We have the A4 samples as we find it helps customers to narrow down their choices. Once you have found your favourites you can then use Testpots to try the colours out in your own home.

July 2014

Q. We are painting the whole house and laying a nutmeg colour carpet afterwards. We are using white Resene Alabaster on the ceilings, and we would appreciate some tips on colours for the bedrooms, hallway and lounge.

A. You might like to check these colours to see if they are what you are looking for – Resene Eighth Spanish White or slightly deeper Resene Quarter Spanish White, or Resene Eighth Biscotti, Resene Bianca, Resene Eighth Drought or Resene Half Fossil.

Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Eighth Biscotti
Resene Eighth Biscotti
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Bianca
Resene Bianca
Resene Eighth Drought
Resene Eighth Drought
Resene Half Fossil
Resene Half Fossil
 
July 2014

Q. I'm looking for a soft white to repaint our home once it's repaired. I wondered about Resene Rice Cake? Is Resene Half Rice Cake softer?

A. Resene Rice Cake is a crisp white with a yellow undertone. Resene Half Rice Cake is a paler whiter version of Resene Rice Cake. Both are really nice but if you were wanting a softer 'white' then you might look at Resene Half Bianca. It would help you a lot if you can pop into a Resene ColorShop and compare the colours in A4 real paint samples in the Colour Library – and pop a sheet of white printer paper between them – you will see the underlying tints that are in each colour. It helps a lot to judge reality.

Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Half Bianca
Resene Half Bianca
July 2014

Q. I am looking to paint my son's room. We have an early 1900s bungalow so I'd like a colour that suits the home. The room is quite dark and is currently painted in Resene Half Tea. I would like to just paint the bottom third of the wall in a blue that would work with Resene Half Tea on the top. What blues would work with Resene Half Tea? I like Resene Hemisphere and Resene Periglacial Blue.

A. I think the Resene Hemisphere is a happier brighter colour for a young boy. Your other choice might suit you more - the grey/green/blue tone seems a little more sophisticated but not as 'happy'. Mind you in saying that your son may be older and quite sophisticated. Another option that you could investigate is Resene Meltwater – a bit lighter/brighter – or even Resene Refresh which is (slightly) bluer but very clean and clear.

Resene Half Tea
Resene Half Tea
Resene Hemisphere
Resene Hemisphere
Resene Periglacial Blue
Resene Periglacial Blue
Resene Meltwater
Resene Meltwater
Resene Refresh
Resene Refresh
July 2014

Q. I was wondering if you could give us some assistance with our interior colours? We've previously used Resene Quarter Truffle and loved it, and it goes nicely with our mineral brown joinery, so we'll use that again for the walls of our upstairs which gets a lot of light (bedrooms and hall, all with dark grey carpet). Downstairs is dimmer so we are thinking of Resene Eighth Truffle walls (lounge, dining, kitchen with polished concrete floor). We'll do the skirtings in the wall colour. I thought Resene Half Truffle for interior doors.

Could you recommend a colour for the ceilings and the window frames? I was thinking perhaps just plain white, or one sixteenth truffle if it's possible to create that? Or Resene Half Merino?

A. I love your choice of interior colours – so soft and genteel. There isn't a sixteenth Truffle I am afraid – but instead of pure White what about considering Resene Quarter Merino or Resene Alabaster. Of the two colours I am slightly more inclined to Resene Alabaster as it provides a cleaner/crisper 'white' for ceilings and window frames.

Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Eighth Truffle
Resene Eighth Truffle
Resene Half Truffle
Resene Half Truffle
Resene Half Merino
Resene Half Merino
Resene Quarter Merino
Resene Quarter Merino
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
July 2014

Q. Is Resene Half Alabaster a good paint match for our kitchen, which will have Melteca Silver Strata cabinetry and a Caesarstone benchtop in Nougat?

A. Resene Half Alabaster is very near to white. White goes with anything. So the cabinets and the benchtop will be a little more coloured and will stand out just a bit compared to the kitchen walls. The overall look is clean, sharp and cool. If that’s what you are wanting to achieve then it will work.

Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
July 2014

Q. We are building and have just finished our kitchen. We have gone with two tone cupboards - upper in Resene Black White and lower in Resene Triple Stonehenge. I would like to keep the house in warm grey tones throughout. Could you help with the colour choice for walls and ceilings? I was thinking Resene Quarter White Pointer for ceilings and Resene Half White Pointer for walls. I would also like a feature wall in main bedroom to complement these colours. What do you suggest?

A. I am a bit confused as to why you would use Resene Black White and then consider using another white – Resene Quarter White Pointer – that is so nearly the same colour for the ceilings? Why not use Resene Black White for all the ceilings and any woodwork so the one 'white' rolls over into all rooms as a continuance?

You may need to re-think the warm grey tones a little bit too. If you use one predominantly – in most rooms – and a deeper version in either a huge large bright space (lounge) or as a feature wall in the main bedroom to add a bit more ambiance and character you may get an interesting look unfolding. You could look at these warm greyed tones – Resene White Pointer and Resene Triple White Pointer, or Resene Quarter Truffle and Resene Double Truffle, or Resene Half Flotsam and Resene Flotsam, or Resene Barely There and Resene Eighth Stonehenge.

Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Triple Stonehenge
Resene Triple Stonehenge
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Half White Pointer
Resene Half White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
Resene Triple White Pointer
Resene Triple White Pointer
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Double Truffle
Resene Double Truffle
Resene Half Flotsam
Resene Half Flotsam
Resene Flotsam
Resene Flotsam
Resene Barely There
Resene Barely There
Resene Eighth Stonehenge
Resene Eighth Stonehenge
July 2014

Q. Our dining room is painted in Resene Hypnotic. It is joined to the lounge by double doors and originally I was going to paint the lounge in Resene Vermont, but am wondering if it’s a bit strong with our drapes. Can you suggest any other colours?

A. I am inclined to agree with you in regard the Resene Vermont. It seems to me that if both rooms have the same drapes these may be your options:

  • Same colour in the lounge as the dining room.
  • A neutral colour from the background of the fabric so that the curtains and furniture are more dominant.
  • Neutral main colour with an orange - chosen from the fabric - as a feature wall.

If you took your fabric sample into a Resene ColorShop and looked at A4 samples of real paint colour in their Colour Library it will help you find the right colours.

Resene Hypnotic
Resene Hypnotic
Resene Vermont
Resene Vermont
July 2014

Q. My house, including the kitchen walls, is painted in Resene Quarter Tea. I am looking at repainting the kitchen cabinets and want to know a nice colour that would go with the Resene Quarter Tea. I was hoping something crisp and clean, perhaps a light grey? The benchtops are going to be dark grey/black.

A. I think a grey/white may be the way to go – rather than too definite a grey which may or may not like a close association with the benchtop or the main house colour. Resene Quarter Tea is a warm delicate colour and it might be wiped out by a definite grey. You might look at these colours – Resene Half Sea Fog or Resene Half Black White.

Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Black White
Resene Half Black White
July 2014

Q. I am thinking of using Resene Half Napa on a feature wall. I am trying to get an industrial look overall with some woods. What would you suggest for walls and ceiling that goes nicely with Resene Napa?

A. For an industrial look it may be wise to do one colour for walls and ceiling that isn't too contrasting but allows the Resene Half Napa to be noticed. You might look at these colours – Resene Half White Pointer or Resene Eighth Napa and perhaps a hard edged deep colour to use somewhere else – Resene Masala. They all look good with darker woods, stainless steel and concrete.

Resene Half Napa
Resene Half Napa
Resene Half White Pointer
Resene Half White Pointer
Resene Eighth Napa
Resene Eighth Napa
Resene Masala
Resene Masala
July 2014

Q. We are looking at painting the exterior of our, mostly, brick house. The only thing is we have no idea of colours. We have been thinking that perhaps two colours would work best. We would greatly appreciate some expert advice on what colours you think would work best on our house.

A. You don't say whether the blue roof, guttering, window and door joinery is changing?

If they are not then your colour choices are controlled by those elements and the multiple colours in the main bricks and the deeper coloured bricks on the base of the house. Essentially this means less colour choices are able to be used and they must work really well with the things that aren't changing. Personally I would be inclined to stay with sympathetic colours – perhaps a little darker? – as they were carefully chosen to go with bricks, joinery and roof when the house was first built.

I am very unsure about two colours being used on the house as there is so much happening now in regard different surfaces and different colours it could make the house look 'bitty'. You might look at these colours to see if they will work with what you have already – Resene Biscotti, Resene Half Doeskin, Resene Eighth Nullarbor, Resene Rickshaw or Resene Triple Spanish White.

Resene Biscotti
Resene Biscotti
Resene Half Doeskin
Resene Half Doeskin
Resene Eighth Nullarbor
Resene Eighth Nullarbor
Resene Rickshaw
Resene Rickshaw
Resene Triple Spanish White
Resene Triple Spanish White
July 2014

Q. We have a split level 30 year old contemporary cedar home and want to repaint the interior. We have terracotta tiles in the kitchen and dining room with two sets of tawa wooden stairs and floors connecting the top and bottom levels. We are looking at Resene Joanna or Resene Thorndon Cream for the walls/ceilings and either Resene Double Tana or Resene Triple Ash for the internal doors. Would these colours complement each other?

A. If you have the walls and the ceilings the same colour will you mind if the ceilings look deeper than the walls? This is what happens usually as the way the light affects the colour makes the ceiling seem different to the walls. If this is not what you want to happen then might I suggest using a half or quarter version of the wall colour for the ceilings.

Resene Double Tana has slightly more green in it than the Resene Triple Ash which is a slightly muted/earthy green. They are both quite strong colours so your doors will definitely be 'features' and will stand out and because of the depth of colour they probably won't show sticky finger marking.

Resene Joanna and Resene Thorndon Cream are similar - you can see that from the colour codes – but Resene Joanna is slightly cleaner/brighter. The colour choices are all yours but it pays to know in advance that all colours in an interior can look twice as deep as you could imagine due to angles, shadows, changes of light and other colours within the spaces having an influence. Testpots are your best friends – take your time so you get it right.

Resene Joanna
Resene Joanna
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Double Tana
Resene Double Tana
Resene Triple Ash
Resene Triple Ash
July 2014

Q. I have a 1960s two storey weatherboard home. The wooden windows I want white (was thinking Resene Black White), the roof and deck railing which has to remain is Karaka so I'm looking for a nice grey for the weatherboards. The house is north facing so quite a sunny aspect so I'm thinking a cool grey. I like Resene Sea Fog but seems a bit too white, is Resene Triple Sea Fog still available? Or you might have some other suggestions.

A. Yes Resene Triple Sea Fog is still available – we don't get rid of colours so if you are unsure just enquire at the Resene ColorShop.
If you did use this colour you might need to lighten your 'white' as bright sunlight may blend the colours together and make them indistinguishable from each other – I would suggest that you use Resene Half Black White or even Resene Quarter Black White.
Alternatively you might slightly deepen your main colour to a cooler grey – Resene Quarter Silver Chalice or Resene Quill Grey.

Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Half Black White
Resene Half Black White
Resene Quarter Black White
Resene Quarter Black White
Resene Quarter Silver Chalice
Resene Quarter Silver Chalice
Resene Quill Grey
Resene Quill Grey
 
July 2014

Q. We are about to make a major extension to our current house which has major sea views. We are removing all the joinery and adding large aluminium windows. We need to think about what we are going to paint the house exterior and also the colour of the aluminium frames e.g plain, cream? We are matching the walls and wonder if you can help us. We are keen to keep the roof the same colour but really would love an idea about the main colour. I have used Resene Half Napa in the past.

A. There isn't a huge amount of powdercoat colours available. One that works really well – with a lot of different coloured houses – is Warm White Pearl – and a more contemporary colour is Silver Pearl. There is another White – Arctic White – which is very cool/almost greyish which sometimes works with other very cool greys or blues but often just looks icy grey.

If you have used Resene Half Napa you may also like these colours – Resene Quarter Taupe Grey, Resene Cloudy or Resene Truffle.
Check them out and compare with your favourite and samples of powdercoat colours to see which colours 'grab' you.

Resene Half Napa
Resene Half Napa
Resene Quarte Taupe Grey
Resene Quarter Taupe Grey
Resene Cloudy
Resene Cloudy
Resene Truffle
Resene Truffle
July 2014

Q. Building a new home. We have a COLORSTEEL® Grey Friar roof colour, with Resene Quarter Tea or Resene Eighth Tea interior walls. Thinking matt Titania or matt Canvas Cloth for the aluminium so it goes with the interior wall colour. Also need to think of a Rockcote exterior wall colour. Didn't want to go too dark but something darker than a cream colour.

A. I think the Titania for the aluminium would be better with interior lighter variants of Resene Tea and perhaps for the Rockcote you could try these colour suggestions – Resene Double Tea, Resene Ash or Resene Double White Pointer.

COLORSTEEL® Grey Friars
COLORSTEEL® Grey Friars
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Quarter Tea
Resene Eighth Tea
Resene Eighth Tea
Resene Tea
Resene Tea
Resene Double Tea
Resene Double Tea
Resene Ash
Resene Ash
Resene Double White Pointer
Resene Double White Pointer
 
July 2014

Q. We have just replaced all our old downlights with LED lighting. There are over 30 throughout the house. The walls now either look dirty (as in dull and marked and no reflection) or too yellow.

A. Any change of light – artificial or natural – makes all colour look quite altered. If you are ready to redecorate then you may need to carefully test colours under the new lighting to see which colours look good. LED lighting tends to be very clear – plus you have a lot more lighting – and things that may not be noticeable under incandescent soft warm lighting have shown up. Perhaps look at using light-mid toned colours that have some taupe or grey undertones so that any yellow tone isn't so enhanced.

July 2014

Q. We are building a new home and I am struggling with colours. I want to use colour in each room, mainly blue and green shades, but need a shade of white to use throughout where I don't have colour. There will be dark charcoal carpet throughout the bedrooms and polished concrete through the living areas. We have three small children and I don't want anything too bright white but not beige. Also, I have ordered teal and white drapes for one of my boy’s south facing rooms, but don't know what colour to paint his walls.

A. Perhaps for the boy’s room you might use one of these colours – Resene Half White Pointer, Resene Rice Cake or Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream. But if they look too cool then you might look at Resene Quarter Truffle.

For the obliging 'white' in the rest of the house you could look at Resene Wan White or Resene Sea Fog.

Resene Half White Pointer
Resene Half White Pointer
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Wan White
Resene Wan White
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
July 2014

Q. We have recently shifted to a new farm. The house has a new roof which is similar to your Resene Paddock. We need to paint the exterior of the house and would like to know what paint choices you would recommend. The house has new aluminium windows which are an off-white colour. The front of the house has bricks which we are considering painting or plastering.

A. As the country side and your roof (Mist Green/Paddock) is definitely green I suggest no more green is needed. If you favour a practical mid toned colour – one that doesn't show windblown dust and dirt – you could check these colours out – Resene Quarter Craigieburn, Resene Truffle or Resene Half Stonewashed, or lighter – Resene Double Merino or Resene White Pointer.

If you don't want to double up the 'feature' aspect of the bricks you could make them the same as the rest of the house or if you do want a bit more visual interest you could paint them a deeper version of the house colour.

Resene Paddock
Resene Paddock
Resene Quarter Craigieburn
Resene Quarter Craigieburn
Resene Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene Half Stonewashed
Resene Half Stonewashed
Resene Double Merino
Resene Double Merino
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
July 2014

Q. I am trying to find a Resene colour to match COLORBOND® Paperbark.

A. Try Resene Shelter – you’ll find it on the Resene Roof Systems chart. You can get batch to batch variations in roofing and paint and the sheen level can make colours seem different (higher gloss looks cleaner and brighter, low gloss muddier and earthier). It’s always good to try a testpot of the colour to make sure it is right before getting the paint for the whole project.

COLORSTEEL Paperbark
COLORSTEEL® Paperbark
Resene Shelter
Resene Shelter
July 2014

Q. I am looking for wall colours for a south facing master bedroom. It is a large room with 2.7m stud however it is on the cold side of the house and gets minimal sun. I have been looking at colours in the violet colour palette such as Resene Ashen Lavender and Resene Siesta but I want to make sure these won't make the room look too cold or dark. What colours would you suggest?

A. South facing rooms can be problematical – the quality of light is a little sour and with dimness and cold aspect a lot of colours that work best need to carry a bit more warmth. This often equates to colours that have red, orange, brown or yellow ochre in them. You will need to trial colours really carefully – testpots will be your best friend in this regard. If you paint two coats – all of the testpot – onto A2 card (available from your Resene ColorShop) leaving an unpainted border all around the edges you may find that it does these good things for you:

  • A very large sample so you see enough of the colour to make a judgement.
  • You can move it around from wall to wall.
  • You can roll the A2 into a cone shape, colour innermost, and see what the real depth of colour will look like if all four walls are painted.
  • The unpainted border helps you focus on the reality of the colour and stops any existing wall colour but unduly influencing it.

Resene Siesta is more shaded in tone – greyer – which may equate to looking too serious but not necessarily warmer. Resene Ashen Lavender is lighter but not necessarily warmer. This is why you need to trial colour carefully. Other options might be a similar types of colours with a tiny bit more red tone in it – Resene Amethyst Smoke and Resene Lola. It is only by trialling colour and comparing them in all lights that a great decision can be made.

Resene Ashen Lavender
Resene Ashen Lavender
Resene Siesta
Resene Siesta
Resene Amethyst Smoke
Resene Amethyst Smoke
Resene Lola
Resene Lola
July 2014

Q. We are looking for a complementary exterior paint scheme to work with bronze aluminium window joinery. We are reroofing our 1980s wooden shiplap lake house with long run Dimond 300, installing eaves and replacing the pitched dormer window with a flat roofed wider dormer. Our thoughts were to have a Karaka green roof to blend with the bush. House is a muddy unattractive brown at present. All advice gratefully accepted. Roof colour is up for grabs as well if that helps.

A. I like your idea of Karaka for the roof – the only other alternative suggestion I would make is to look at Ironsand. In place of the brown, perhaps use Resene Half Arrowtown, Resene Double Ash or Resene Spanish White.

Your main stumbling block is possibly the bronze aluminium joinery – test your colours carefully – a compromise may be needed so that the windows and new main colour like each other.

COLORSTEEL® Karaka
COLORSTEEL® Karaka
COLORSTEEL Ironsand
COLORSTEEL® Ironsand
Resene Half Arrowtown
Resene Half Arrowtown
Resene Double Ash
Resene Double Ash
Resene Spanish White
Resene Spanish White
July 2014

Q. We are having trouble deciding which colour to paint our 1964 cedar weatherboard home. The bottom half has recently been painted Resene Tea – but we can't decide on the best impact for the top half and the roof. Looking at either Resene Mondo or Resene Bokara Grey, but are worried about the darkness given the significant amount of trees at the front. The deck side is north west facing, so gets very hot, but we understand that the new CoolColour™ technology would minimise the impact of choosing a dark colour?

A. Are you considering using the same colour on both the roof and the top part of the house? Both of the colours you have mentioned are smart – Resene Bokara Grey is the darker/blacker of the two, Resene Mondo is lighter and may not absorb such a huge amount of heat. CoolColours do minimise heat being absorbed into the surface but will still get warmer the more sun is on them – it is really hard to judge just how much heat will be reflected off the surface. It isn't a 'cure-all' in regard deep colours, but it offers you other options which you then have to consider – with knowledge.

I like the Resene Mondo colour with Resene Tea but that is a personal choice. You might also check out Resene Double Pravda and Resene Triple Friar Greystone – they are deep colours but not dark. It always pays to compare and check colours carefully before deciding which way to go.

Resene Tea
Resene Tea
Resene Mondo
Resene Mondo
Resene Bokara Grey
Resene Bokara Grey
Resene Double Pravda
Resene Double Pravda
Resene Triple Friar Greystone
Resene Triple Friar Greystone
July 2014

Q. I have bought the Regalis 7841 wallpaper for our dining room and would like some ideas about a paint colour for above the picture rail and ceiling woodwork. There is a Rimu picture rail, doors and large cabinet fireplace and the carpet is a pale grey green. We have a dark oak table and two large Chinese cabinets that are dark.

A. The wallpaper is lush and wonderful and I know the dining room is going to look really wonderful. I have found some lovely colours that you might look at: Resene Half Spanish White - definitely the ceiling (not too pink, beige or peach and not a stark white) and it could be the wall above the picture rail also. Resene Half Oilskin - this looks lovely and might be considered for the wall above the picture rail if you want a more distinctive colour – and Resene Desert, which is a slightly more shaded version of the background colour in the wallpaper - because it is gorgeous.

Regalis 7841 wallpaper
Regalis 7841
Resene Half Spanish White
Resene Half
Spanish White
Resene Half Oilskin
Resene Half Oilskin
Resene Desert
Resene Desert
July 2014

Q. I have an old mirror with a wooden frame which no longer matches our colour scheme. I am going to put it on a Resene Half Smalt Blue feature wall which is opposite a Resene Sea Fog wall. The front door is Resene Maxwell Smart. What colour and what kind of paint would I be able the use? We also have metallic silver plugs if that helps?

A. As it will be on a feature wall you could paint it a gloss in the full strength Resene Smalt Blue. This then will be a tonal variant (deeper) and glossier than the wall paint (Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss enamel) which may look good.

You could paint it a silver metallic - Resene Silver Lining or Resene Silver Aluminium. This would be a bit glamorous and might relate to the metallic plug fixtures - the metallic paint would be Resene Enamacryl Metallic.

You might just paint it in Resene Sea Fog - either a plain painted low sheen like the walls so that it 'pops' out or alternatively a very glossy Resene Maxwell Smart.

You could choose a definite bold colour - but then you would have a 'feature' mirror on a 'feature' wall next to a 'feature' front door - hmm - not really what I would advise but you may think differently.

Resene Half Smalt Blue
Resene Half Smalt Blue
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Maxwell Smart
Resene Maxwell Smart
Resene Smalt Blue
Resene Smalt Blue
Resene Silver Lining
Resene Silver Lining
Resene Silver Aluminium
Resene Silver Aluminium
July 2014

Q. We need to finalise the colour of our front door. We are painting our Linea® Resene Triple Sea Fog. The roof, garage doors and windows are all in Sandstone Grey. We were thinking a darker colour for the front door, possibly Resene Gravel, but would this be too blue? Would love some advice on a darker colour or even something a little different, just not red. One more question - do you think we need to adjust any of the external colours for soffits, etc from Resene Triple Sea Fog, or is it ok just to paint everything this colour?

A. Resene Gravel is a good choice and definitely not too blue (not blue at all) as it is a dark green based charcoal. Slightly warmer in hue is Resene Masala and another good colour is Resene DNA but it is really a lot darker. Stay with the main colour for under the soffits, etc - keep it simple.

Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Triple Sea Fog
Resene Gravel
Resene Gravel
Resene Masala
Resene Masala
Resene DNA
Resene DNA
July 2014

Q. We have a tall pine ceiling, lots of windows down one side and ranchsliders at the other end. There are plenty of light olive cupboards in the kitchen which is through an open doorway. We're looking for a colour that will accentuate the wooden ceiling, be warm (as it’s the lounge) but light, with a feature wall in a complementary colour. We have black leather furniture and a lot of wooden furniture.

A. I think a light warm colour may need to embrace a little yellow/green tone so it looks good with the kitchen cabinets through the open doorway. You could try: Resene Rice Cake, Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream, Resene Half Villa White or Resene Quarter Wheatfield. And a few possibilities for a feature wall – Resene Salsa, Resene Double Ash, Resene Triple Tea or Resene Tall Poppy.

Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter
Thorndon Cream
Resene Half Villa White
Resene Half Villa White
Resene Quarter Wheatfield
Resene Quarter Wheatfield
Resene Salsa
Resene Salsa
Resene Double Ash
Resene Double Ash
Resene Triple Tea
Resene Triple Tea
Resene Tall Poppy
Resene Tall Poppy
July 2014

Q. We have just built a new house and have painted it in Resene Double Truffle, Resene Truffle and Resene Half Truffle. Any colour suggestions for curtains?

A. You have chosen really lovely interior colours and if you can pop into your local Resene ColorShop to view the Resene Curtain range you will be really pleased with how many options are open to you.

Check out these as a start point – Resene Diva - Charcoal, Resene Garden Party - Stone, Resene Lyrical - Naturalle, Resene Maze - Stone or Resene Ripple - Charcoal. They are all lovely - it depends on individual taste and lifestyle.

Resene Double Truffle
Resene Double Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene Half Truffle
Resene Half Truffle
   
Resene Diva - Charcoal curtains
Resene Diva - Charcoal
Resene Garden Party - Stone curtains
Resene Garden Party - Stone
Resene Lyrical - Naturalle curtains
Resene Lyrical - Naturalle
Resene Maze - Stone curtains
Resene Maze - Stone
Resene Ripple - Charcoal curtains
Resene Ripple - Charcoal
July 2014

Q. Looking for a colour to paint our interior doors. We have Resene Eighth Spanish White walls with stained wood exposed beams. The aluminium windows are Resene Karaka and there is a splashback of Resene Pohutukawa in the kitchen (is an open plan design). Would like something natural and earthy in colour complementary to the above colours.

A. You could try Resene Fossil, Resene Spanish White, Resene Quarter Akaroa or Resene Ash.

Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Eighth Spanish White
Resene Karaka
Resene Karaka
Resene Pohutukawa
Resene Pohutukawa
 
Resene Fossil
Resene Fossil
Resene Spanish White
Resene Spanish White
Resene Quarter Akaroa
Resene Quarter Akaroa
Resene Ash
Resene Ash
July 2014

Q. Which whites for outside of house go with viridian green glass window panes?

A. You have quite a few options but you might like to start looking at these ones – Resene Half Merino, Resene Half Rice Cake, Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream or Resene Black White.

Resene Half Merino
Resene Half Merino
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Black White
Resene Black White
July 2014

Q. I’m looking for a colour for a feature wall. The carpet is blue grey and the lounge suite is black. All other walls and doors are cream.

A. You could try Resene Tall Poppy, Resene Ayers Rock, Resene True Blue, Resene Double Drought or Resene Stonewashed.

Resene Tall Poppy
Resene Tall Poppy
Resene Ayers Rock
Resene Ayers Rock
Resene True Blue
Resene True Blue
Resene Double Drought
Resene Double Drought
Resene Stonewashed
Resene Stonewashed
July 2014

Q. Just wondering if there are any Resene curtains you would recommend to go in our dining area in our 1960s house. The walls in the kitchen/dining are painted Resene Half Pavlova and the window looks out over the garden.

A. With such a distinct yellow colour on the wall it is a little more difficult but I have three that you may like to check out as they may be what you are looking for: Resene Frequency - Naturalle, Resene Pause Voile - Earth or Resene Garden Party - Flax.

Resene Half Pavlova
Resene Half Pavlova
Resene Frequency - Naturalle curtains
Resene Frequency -
Naturalle
Resene Pause Voile - Earth curtains
Resene Pause Voile -
Earth

Resene Garden Party - Flax curtains
Resene Garden Party -
Flax
July 2014

Q. We are renovating a bathroom and toilet. They have white fittings and a dark woodgrain floor. We have been given Resene Quarter Dutch White paint. Will that work? The rooms are small.

A. You are very lucky to be given Resene Quarter Dutch White. It is a lovely sunny clear colour. I should imagine it would look lovely. It may be a bit stronger than you imagine as the space is small and colour always looks deeper when walls are close together but apart from that it will work well with the dark wood grain floor.

Resene
Resene Quarter
Dutch White
July 2014

Q. We have an old cottage with a small bathroom. The bottom half of the walls are wood panel which I've painted moss green. The beams and flooring are light but I'm stuck for a wall colour.

A. I think you need to keep the walls light and traditional. Try Resene Half Solitaire, Resene Half Albescent White or Resene Quarter Wheatfield.

They will all work with the lower wall colour and the light oak flooring and beams - it is just a matter of which one looks good to your eye and in the space.

Resene Half Solitaire
Resene Half Solitaire
Resene Half Albescent White
Resene Half Albescent White
Resene Quarter Wheatfield
Resene Quarter Wheatfield
July 2014

Page 19

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