From BlackWhite magazine - issue 10, colourful outlook
Six Resene Total Colour Award winners discuss their dream designer dinner dates, memorable projects and colour predictions.
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
Right now, I’m really drawn to deep burgundy tones like Resene Trouble, which we’re currently exploring to envelope a private dining room project in Wanaka. The entire room will be of the same hue from floor to ceiling. It’s rich, moody and adds a sense of depth and sophistication to a space. Resene Blaze is another favourite – a bold, fiery hue. I’ve considered this tone for a set of wardrobe cabinets in my own home, as it would add an exciting warmth and energy to otherwise subdued cabinetry. I also love the soft, coastal feel of Resene Awash. I think it would look stunning on kitchen cabinetry, especially paired with light natural timber for a fresh yet refined and inspired look. Lime-yellow and lichen-inspired tones are also high on my list – particularly Resene Lemon Ginger, Resene Style Pasifika Fallen Gold and Resene Turmeric. These shades, when set against raw concrete or dark charcoal timber, create a striking balance between vibrancy and earthy groundedness – an unexpected but beautifully harmonious combination.
Barry Connor
Barry Connor Architectural Design
What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have completed to date and what did you like best about the outcome?
Interestingly, I’ve developed a fascination with old-school rally cars. Recently, I tackled painting a scale model of one of my all-time favourites, the Fiat Abarth 131. Learning to paint at such a small scale and mastering the airbrush was a steep learning curve, but it’s been a rewarding challenge. There’s still plenty to refine, but I’m looking forward to improving on the next one!
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
Over the years, I’ve learned to take a DIY approach within my skillset while bringing in quality trades for the rest. Finding that balance took some trial and error, but it’s been worth it. I’ve also come to appreciate the value of investing in quality – whether it’s tools or trades, it almost always pays off in the long run.
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
I find inspiration everywhere. Just today, I came across a beautifully designed deck setup that aligns with an idea I’ve been developing for Star Nests, a luxury experience in Mackenzie Country. For me, some of the best moments of inspiration are the unexpected and seemingly unrelated, yet they spark a seed of an idea that can grow into something substantial. Whether it’s shaping the narrative of a project, refining a key detail or establishing a unique design reference, these moments are invaluable. I couldn’t imagine closing myself off to new ideas. Being open to inspiration from anywhere is essential to my process.
What has proven to be the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received so far during your career?
Adaptability is probably the most valuable piece of advice I’ve received and would pass on. Being able to pivot, refine and evolve your business offering is essential. After 20+ years as a small business owner, I’ve faced challenges I never could have anticipated, but the ability to adapt has been key to overcoming them. Continuously refining what we do to meet the needs of a diverse range of clients and projects has proven to be an invaluable skill – one I’m always happy to develop and nurture.
If you were to splurge on any one home renovation project or décor item right now, what would it be and why?
This is a tough one, especially since we’re about to embark on a renovation of our kitchen and pantry/laundry in our 1970s home. There’s a lot to consider – in particular, how to work with existing features like the original wrap-around rimu batten and panel walls that frame part of the kitchen. It’ll be a challenge, but one we’re excited to take on!
If you could have dinner with any architect, designer, artist or historical figure from the past or present, who would it be and what might you talk about?
I’d love to meet Damien Hirst over a pint at a classic British pub. He’s a fascinating artist who pushes boundaries and I’d be curious to hear about his creative process, what sparks the beginnings of a collection and how he views his earlier work in hindsight. I’d also love to know how he handles critique. Other guests on my list would be artist Ron Mueck, the elusive Banksy and Walter Gropius from the Bauhaus movement as each would bring a unique perspective on art, design and innovation. And, of course, if Heston Blumenthal could handle the cooking, that would make for an unforgettable dinner!
If you could magically invent something that does not exist, what would it be and why?
I’d love to invent a tool that accurately interprets the tone of an email. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if a message is meant to be angry, happy, blunt or just factual. Being able to instantly understand the writer’s intent would be incredibly useful. No more second-guessing or reading between the lines!
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
I think the ability to become invisible – or more specifically, to disappear at will – would be an incredible superpower. Not in a sneaky or mischievous way, but more as a way to take a break from everything whenever needed. Imagine being able to step away, reset and observe the world without anyone noticing. Whether it’s escaping the noise of everyday life, finding a moment of solitude or even just avoiding an awkward conversation, the power to vanish on demand would be pretty amazing.
Which colours do you predict will be key trends over the coming months and how do you envisage they will be used?
I see lichen-inspired tones, mid yellow-grey ochres and earthy hues like Resene Yuma, Resene Clay Creek and Resene Lichen becoming key trends in the coming months. These colours bring a natural, grounded feel and pair beautifully with mid-to-light grey timbers in stains like Resene Riverstone. I’m currently considering this combination for a small cabin project, where timber would be the primary cladding, complemented by lichen-toned accents to create depth and contrast. I’m also exploring the idea of incorporating mid-brown rough-sawn timber boards stained in Resene Nutmeg alongside lichen-coloured details, which creates a rich, organic aesthetic. These tones work particularly well in natural landscapes, blending seamlessly with their surroundings while still offering a contemporary, refined edge. Whether it’s exterior cladding, interior finishes or accent details, I see these colours being used to enhance warmth and texture in a subtle yet striking way.
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
I love the vibrancy and urgency of Resene Amped, but also for its similarity to Liverpool’s club colour. I am tragically linked to the red football team there so red has an extra meaning for me. For neutrals, I like Resene Merino as it is super versatile and goes with anything. It can also be ramped up and down without getting too ‘dirty’. I am also quite liking Resene Wabi Sabi recently. It’s a nice gentle colour that works with timber interiors and in a bathroom setting.
John Durkin
Abri Architects
What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have completed to date and what did you like best about the outcome?
We worked with clients on a heritage project in Auckland and there was a need to honour the heritage aspects of the design while still leaving room for some creative expression. The clients were keen to have a feature wallpaper wall in each of their kids’ bedrooms, which worked out fantastically and really added some fun. They were also able to use wallpaper in the more intimate spaces of the house to great effect.
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
I tend to overestimate my own capabilities, as many DIY aspirationalists probably do! More and more, I’ve been tending to ‘get a grownup’ to do the tricky things as they are quicker, better and only have to do things once!
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
Travelling always brings inspiration as there is a depth of historical design knowledge in places like Europe that we just don’t have here. In New Zealand, I do find that the colours of nature are a great inspiration, and we’re one of the few countries in the world where you will find very dark shades of colour in a natural setting. Combine that with the million shades of green that we have here and you have a really interesting palette to work from.
What has proven to be the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received so far during your career?
An architect once told me that “every job is not a career job” and that an idea or premise I may have about a project should be developed and nurtured, rather than trying to throw every idea I think of into one job. It sounds like ‘less is more’ but I really think he meant ‘do less better’. There will always be another project to try other ideas with.
If you were to splurge on any one home renovation project or décor item right now, what would it be and why?
I suspect I have enough ‘iconic’ chairs, but I have always fancied a Corbusier Chaise Lounge (the LC4) – in old-school black and white hide, of course.
If you could have dinner with any architect, designer, artist or historical figure from the past or present, who would it be and what might you talk about?
I’d love to spend some time with Antoni Gaudí and Leonardo da Vinci and just ask them how the hell they got to where they were with their design thoughts! It would also be fantastic to bring da Vinci into the present and show him what we have now compared to what he was thinking about and designing all those hundreds of years ago.
If you could magically invent something that does not exist, what would it be and why?
It would be nice to be able to invent empathy so everyone could have some, as that does seem to be lacking a bit when I look at world events! Common sense might be another one worth having, too. I do wonder why there generally doesn’t seem to be a lot of either.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
I would like to be able to suspend or wind back time to catch up on things. Architects are always searching for ‘another half an hour or so’ just to get a design thought sorted. It could also be generally handy in tricky situations when I’ve said something that didn’t land as I thought it should!
Which colours do you predict will be key trends over the coming months and how do you envisage they will be used?
There seem to be a lot of greys being used externally on residential projects, and I suspect we will start seeing more nature-based colours with a bit of warmth like Resene Tua Tua or even Resene Piazza. Colours like Resene Grey Friars (as well as double or even triple strength) still remain popular and I similarly expect more warmth to be added in through colours like Resene Thunderstorm or Resene Dark Chocolate. I also wonder if we’ll see a move to deeper, more powerful colours like Resene Incarnadine and Resene Top Notch or Resene Seaweed used inside houses as features – especially when there are large expanses of joinery in rooms flooded with light that need to be balanced off. These colours can blend nicely with interior timber in response to the move towards using more natural materials indoors.
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
I’m having a Mediterranean moment right now! After getting my hands on the Resene The Range fashion colours fandeck, I fell in love with Resene Tuscany. Paired playfully with Resene Norway, Resene Golden Glow and Resene Half Cararra (a favourite Resene white of mine), you have a Tuscan villa in the making!
Emily Cain
CTRL Space
What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project to date and what did you love most about the outcome?
A recent standout project was Lionel’s in Taupō – a full refurbishment of an existing restaurant space. We opened up the layout to bring in more light and make the interior as inviting as the popular wraparound terrace. Inside, Resene Blanc and Resene Quarter Blanc created a fresh yet warm backdrop, complementing the timber tones beautifully. The terrace was given a European-inspired refresh with a painted chequerboard floor in Resene Hillary and Resene Fossil, adding charm and character. Meanwhile, the bathrooms were colour-drenched, with ceilings painted in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Brown Sugar to enhance the natural stone and tile finishes.
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
I love to dabble in DIY as much as possible, but I also know when to step back and leave certain jobs to the experts – especially when it comes to achieving a high-quality finish. That said, I think it’s always good to try new skills – you never know what might happen!
Emily’s restaurant project, Soda, garnered a Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public + Retail Space Colour Maestro Award.
It features Resene Cararra, Resene Half Hairy Heath, Resene Spanish Green and Resene Double Drought. Design by CTRL Space. Build by Alpine Construction. Image by Simon Devitt.
The Formery, a coworking space that Emily worked on, received a Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Coworking Colour Maestro Award.
The project features Resene Triple Sea Fog, Resene Tangaroa, Resene Casal, Resene Blue Bayoux, Resene Truffle, Resene Half Merino and Resene Double Merino. Design by CTRL Space. Build by Focus Construction Group. Image by Sarah Grace.
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
Travel has always been my biggest source of inspiration. Immersing myself in architecture, design and the cultural rhythm of a new place helps me understand how and why certain design solutions come to life – whether it’s through cultural influence or site-specific responses.
What has been the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received in your career?
Fake it until you make it. Have confidence in your ideas, be honest when you’re out of your depth and lean on the experts – because, truthfully, everyone else is doing the same.
If you were to splurge on any one home renovation project or décor item right now, what would it be and why?
I’m absolutely crushing on the Nest Table Lamp by Robert Gordon right now. The form and glaze options are just beautiful.
If you could have dinner with any architect, designer, artist or historical figure from the past or present, who would it be and what might you talk about?
After a recent trip to Barcelona, I’d have to say Gaudí. I’d love to understand his creative process – how he translated his ideas into documentation, communicated his vision and executed such highly intricate and detailed environments.
If you could magically invent something that doesn’t exist, what would it be and why?
A cheaper, faster way to travel the world! The cost of travel is such a handbrake when it comes to experiencing new places and cultures.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
To eat and drink whatever I want, whenever I want without any physical consequences or the need to work out. That would be the dream!
Which colours do you predict will be key trends in the coming months, and how do you see them being used?
We’ve been immersed in deep, moody, earthy tones – especially greens – for a while now. But I feel a brighter, more pastel future is on the horizon. Soft buttery yellows like Resene Butter or Resene Chenin (with their subtle green undertones) will be key, alongside bolder tones like Resene Bardot or Resene Kournikova. Pair them with denim blues and your favourite neutrals or layer them with terracotta and olive greens for a fresh yet grounded aesthetic.
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
When choosing colours, I am always looking at how they affect mood – what I term the ‘politics of colour’. In my busy life, I want calm colours that help with slowing life down and putting your mind at ease. Resene Duck Egg Blue, Resene Pale Rose and Resene Raindance do that for me. I would use a different colour depending on context, light, material and client preference. I also love a white room. Resene Double Alabaster is a great white that stays in the neutral range but also gives a room depth and dimension.
Shaun Carter
Carter Williamson Architects
What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have completed to date and what did you like best about the outcome?
Our recent project, The Village Preschool, is a favourite. The idea behind it was to have the building as a teacher. To do that, we wanted to have a physical representation of something that was familiar, but we slightly and subtly changed their understanding with spatial plays, details and colour. The subtle pink of Resene Ebb played beautifully into that idea.
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
Leave it to the professionals. Why be the orchestra when you can be the conductor!
The Village Preschool, designed by Carter Williamson Architects, received a Resene Total Colour Education Colour Maestro Award.
The project features Resene Double Alabaster, Resene Alabaster, Resene Half Rice Cake, Resene Ebb, Resene Half Soothe, Resene I Do and Resene Twilight. Build and painting by Andrew Burton Construction. Image by Katherine Lu.
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
My inspiration comes from many places – visiting buildings, mostly, in the shower, on the Bay run or working with our First Nations consultants.
What has proven to be the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received so far during your career?
Start as you intend to finish.
If you were to splurge on any one home renovation project or décor item right now, what would it be and why?
Our bathing room. It is imminent and I’m so ready.
If you could have dinner with any architect, designer, artist or historical figure from the past or present, who would it be?
I’d like a dinner party with Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, Picasso, Eileen Gray, Zaha Hadid, Jørn Utzon and plenty of wine.
If you could magically invent something that does not exist, what would it be and why?
A universal belief to protect, nurture, save and reconstruct our natural environment because we are very close to climate failure and an existential crisis. Australia is wilfully and knowingly making koala extinct and not enough people seem to care. We are heading for a 2.5°C rise, and if we hit the tipping point, it’s all over.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
To fly, because we all would if we could.
Which colours do you predict will be key trends over the coming months?
I suspect we will remain in these light pastel colours like Resene Duck Egg Blue for a while longer. They are soft and calming – the antithesis of world events!
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
I’m in love with Resene Pravda. I use it whenever I can as I am drawn to its depth and strength. My home is undergoing extensive alterations and I’m painting all our doors this colour. I’m also using Resene White Pointer, a lovely warm white which goes really well with Resene Pravda. Another colour I’m drawn to is Resene Catskill White, which I have used on both interior and exterior surfaces, as it provides a beautiful clean look. I’ve also been enjoying greens lately, and one that I’ve used on a couple of projects is Resene Yucca – a dusty grey green that complements many colours.
Susie Elms
Chapple Architecture
What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have completed to date and what did you like best about the outcome?
One of my favourite projects to date would have to be the Palmerston North Crematorium. While it might seem like an unusual choice, the experience was anything but morbid. The goal was to breathe new life into this beautiful Art Deco building and the result did exactly that. As part of a seismic strengthening project, we used a limited, carefully chosen colour palette to highlight the building’s stunning architectural features while maintaining a sense of simplicity and elegance. Perched on the crest of the rise, the crematorium has a renewed presence that glows in its surroundings. It was incredibly rewarding to see this transformation come to life.
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
I would say I’m a bit of both, depending on the circumstances. Given that I work closely with painters, I believe it’s important to understand their trade as much as possible. Many years ago, while building my first home, I had the opportunity to take a week off work and learn alongside two highly skilled old-school painters. Over the course of those five days, I gained a deep appreciation for their craft and developed solid cutting-in skills – which I still rate highly today. That said, I only paint my own personal projects and leave the professional painting to the experts. I have a strong appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship that professional painters bring to their work.
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
I draw inspiration from both travel and nature, often blending the two. Exploring different landscapes allows me to experience a diverse range of colours and textures firsthand. For example, hiking to Everest Base Camp exposed me to the deep browns and reds of the clay there whereas cycling through Sri Lanka’s lush green tea plantations offered a completely different palette. Rafting through the Grand Canyon revealed the stunning, layered hues of its eroded riverbanks – an incredible contrast to the vibrant, electrifying colours of Las Vegas. These experiences not only fuel my creativity but also deepen my appreciation for the natural and manmade beauty around the world.
What has proven to be the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received so far during your career?
One of the most valuable pieces of industry advice I’ve received came from a week-long colour course I attended in Auckland when I was 24. Up until that time, I had been making a lot of colour selections based on gut instinct, but I wanted to deepen my understanding and give my choices a stronger foundation. The course was led by one of my idols, Sylvia Sandford, and something she said has stuck with me ever since: “choose colours from nature – they never go out of fashion.” That insight has guided my approach to colour selection throughout my career, reinforcing the timelessness and harmony found in nature’s palette.
If you were to splurge on any one home renovation project or décor item right now, what would it be and why?
This question couldn’t be timelier! I’m currently a few weeks into a monthslong renovation of my own home, so splurging on professional painters is at the top of my list. While I’d love to get my hands dirty and do it myself, my weekends are precious, and I simply don’t have the time. Plus, I want the project completed before Christmas – especially since I’ve just found out that I’m hosting this year! If I could choose a second splurge, it would be some beautiful wallpaper for my bedroom – something that would add personality and a touch of luxury to the space. I have my eye on some scrumptious wallpaper designs at the Resene ColorShop.
If you could have dinner with any architect, designer, artist or historical figure from the past or present, who would it be and what might you talk about?
This might not be the most predictable choice, but I would love to share a meal with Billy Connolly. He’s not only incredibly funny but also a masterful storyteller, seamlessly weaving multiple hilarious anecdotes together before circling back to his original story. I wouldn’t ask many questions – I’d simply sit back, listen and enjoy the ride. A dinner filled with his wit and wisdom would be an unforgettable experience.
If you could magically invent something that does not exist, what would it be and why?
A beachfront in Palmerston North. There’s nothing quite like the sea, the surf and a walk on the sand to clear the mind and feed the soul. Having a beach just minutes away would be an incredible addition – offering a place to relax, recharge and bring a whole new dimension to the city’s lifestyle.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Mindreading. Often, clients struggle to articulate exactly what they want, making it challenging to translate their vision into reality. Being able to understand their thoughts from the start would allow me to deliver exactly what they’re looking for without the guesswork, ensuring a smoother and more efficient process. More importantly, I always strive to do the best for my clients and ensure they feel confident and empowered in the decision-making process. While mindreading would be a great shortcut, I believe that truly listening, asking the right questions and guiding clients toward choices that reflect their vision is the next best thing.
Which colours do you predict will be key trends over the coming months and how do you envisage they will be used?
This is a tricky question for me as I don’t see myself as someone who predicts colour trends (I believe colour forecasters do an incredible job). However, I do see more greens emerging such as Resene Spring Rain, a fresh and versatile hue that works beautifully on built-in joinery that complements both light and dark wall colours. I also think more people will share my passion for Resene Pravda, a warm and earthy tone that brings a natural richness to interiors. For those wanting a softer variation, Resene Half Pravda offers the same organic feel but with a lighter touch.
Which are your current favourite Resene colours and what do you like about them?
I am trying not to have favourites and be more adventurous. There’s more to life than Resene Merino and Resene Half Truffle, which I have used so much in the past. I’m tending to be drawn to softer colours. We did try to get pink – Resene Paper Doll with Resene Contented – into a job recently and were unsuccessful, so that is still to be done.
Murray Robertson
Robertson Architects
What has been your favourite painting, wallpapering or staining project that you have completed to date and what did you like best about the outcome?
Sacred Heart College Mission House is one of our most recent jobs and current favourites. Getting the fibre cement spray painted rather than brushed was a real win.
Would you consider yourself a ‘DIY perfectionist’ or ‘do you leave it to the professionals’?
A DIY perfectionist and tragic. I just refurbished some panel doors with Repair Care thanks to our Resene representative’s advice.
What is your favourite place to find inspiration for your projects?
Open water swimming is my favourite inspiration. It gives you a different perspective.
One of Murray’s favourite projects is the recently completed Sacred Heart College Mission House.
The exterior features Resene Twizel, Resene Scoria, Resene Quarter Rice Cake, Resene Half Friar Greystone and Resene Element. Design by Robertson Architects. Build by Maycroft Construction. Image by Paul McCredie.
Murray’s Silverstream School Redevelopment project won a Resene Total Colour Education Colour Maestro Award
This project features Resene Bismark, Resene Half Delta, Resene Half Sea Fog, Resene Merino, Resene Opal and Resene Natural timber stain. Design by Robertson Hidzir Architects. Build by Tracer Construction. Image by Paul McCredie.
What has proven to be the most valuable piece of industry advice you’ve received so far during your career?
It’s not so much a piece of advice, but I once got to work for a day with Australian interior designer Mary Featherson and just watching how she worked with a client provided me with so much valuable insight.
If you were to splurge on any one home renovation project or décor item right now, what would it be and why?
Our bathroom, then I could complete the EnerPHit refurbishment of the house.
If you could magically invent something that does not exist, what would it be and why?
A brush mark eraser.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
To be able to get a week’s worth of DIY completed in half a day on the weekend without multiple trips to the store.
Which colour do you predict will be a key trend over the coming months?
Pink. I am committed that we are going to get pink into a project one of these days.
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