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Colour trends and inspiration

The Resene decorating blog

Be inspired! Discover the latest decorating and colour trends by browsing through this collection of articles from our decorating blog.

Colour trends and inspiration

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Filter:  budget | colour trends/inspo | colour theory | kids | design styles | DIY projects/maintenance | home organisation | curtains | wallpapers

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Pastels for today

Pastels for today

Pastels are back in the contemporary interior design palette in a big way, but the modern evolution of pastels is all about complex, slightly muted and grown-up colours... more

18 July, 2024

Trendwatch: Achromatic design

Achromatic is a word that is cropping up more frequently in design conversations as a popular framework for stylish contemporary design... more

25 June, 2024

Moody blues: bringing back navy

When it comes to decorating with darker hues, charcoal has had it almost all its own way for a long time... more

05 May, 2024

Peachy keen – the rise of peach tones

Peachy keen – the rise of peach tones

Even before Peach Fuzz was named as Pantone’s colour of the year for 2024, we were already gravitating to peachy shades... more

08 April, 2024

Re-embracing brown

Re-embracing brown

Brown has had a slight image problem as a colour. Until recently... more

03 April, 2024

Into the light

Into the light

Need a colour palette cleanse? Let’s look at some ways with Resene to shed some light on matters and transform your spaces in lighter, brighter ways... more

31 March, 2024

Neutrals with flair

Neutrals with flair

IHere are some tips and tricks from Resene for giving your neutrals a little pop of extra personality... more

27 March, 2024

Step outside your colour comfort zone

Step outside your colour comfort zone

Daring yourself to step out of your comfort zone when it comes to colour and design can feel daunting, but can also be exhilarating and fun... more

14 March, 2024

Metallics: the new neutral

Metallics: the new neutral

Used smartly and in the right amounts, metallics can be just the finishing touch you need to elevate your interiors to a new level of style and sophistication... more

29 February, 2024

Seeing red

Seeing red

In the right shades, and in the right areas, red can breathe huge amounts of personality and style into interiors – and even some exterior spaces... more

14 October, 2023

 Green and purple

Green and purple

If you’ve decided to change up your home interior, and want to play with a bolder, unexpected palette, it’s hard to go past purple and green... more

15 December, 2023

Dopamine decor

Dopamine decor

Sometimes you just want the dopamine boost that comes with a beautiful, perhaps unexpected burst of bright colour... more

09 December, 2023

Fast, simple ideas for spring and summer

Fast, simple ideas for spring and summer

Here are some tips from Resene for adding the fresh brightness of spring to your home that are simple, cost-effective and adaptable... more

20 September, 2023

The magic of magenta

The magic of magenta

Our love of pink has matured into a deeper, plummier shade that is both sophisticated and surprisingly versatile... more

15 September, 2023

 Sleep soundly – dreamy hues

Sleep soundly – dreamy hues

Personal and a true reflection of ourselves, bedrooms are private spaces... more

30 June, 2023

Wintry palettes that will transcend seasons

Wintry palettes that will transcend seasons

Saturated tones in wintry shades can add warmth and drama to a room... more

31 May, 2023

What wood finish is right for you?

What wood finish is right for you?

Wood finishes are a perennial favourite in our homes, and recent interior design trends have seen us all wanting to showcase the natural beauty of that wood... more

22 May, 2023

Soft neutrals that harness quiet beauty

Soft neutrals that harness quiet beauty

Subtle neutrals reveal how light interiors don’t just have to be white... more

19 May, 2023

Raspberry shades for all tastes

Raspberry shades for all tastes

Rich and joyful, raspberry is setting a trend in interiors with its radiating and uplifting tones... more

15 May, 2023

Subtle sparkle

Subtle sparkle

Resene metallics have an array of beautiful finishes that can enrich your space adding dimension and layers to your interiors... more

27 April, 2023

Embracing optimism

Embracing optimism

Here are some ideas for embracing joy in interiors for everybody from devotees of colour and pattern to devout minimalists... more

17 April, 2023

Rich warm colours to welcome the autumn months

Rich warm colours to welcome the autumn months

Tree leaves turning green to amber and the crackling of a golden-hued fire… autumn is rich with vibrant colours... more

30 March, 2023

Reds and plums to enrich your home

Reds and plums to enrich your home

Plums and brown-reds are taking the interior limelight with their deep, reassuring tones. These hues help create a calm and restorative sanctuary in our homes... more

29 March, 2023

What’s new in whites and neutrals

What’s new in whites and neutrals

Not all whites and neutrals are created equal, and they are subject to our subtly evolving collective taste and trends. Let’s look at what is new in neutrals... more

25 March, 2023

The magic of mineral colours

The magic of mineral colours

There is an evolving trend of embracing more complex natural colours inspired by a touch of minerality... more

16 March, 2023

Gently does It – how to use pastels to best effect

Gently does It – how to use pastels to best effect

If you want to ramp up an on-trend vibe at home, your starting point should be colour. And in this case, pastels are your friend... more

06 March, 2023

Head to the tropics without leaving home

Head to the tropics without leaving home

Bring serenity and relaxation into your home. With the right paint colours and decor, holiday vibes can dictate the narrative of your home... more

12 February, 2023

Blues to make rooms soar

Blues to make rooms soar

There are few colours so universally loved than blue. Get the colour combinations right and blues can really make your rooms soar with timeless style... more

04 February, 2023

 Purple pros – designing with lilacs, mauves and purples

Purple pros – designing with lilacs, mauves and purples

Purple can be a bit like licorice when it comes to choosing an interior colour palette; typically, you either love it or hate it... more

30 January, 2023

Into the blue

Into the blue

Blue is a perennial favourite with stylists for its many moods and facets... more

23 January, 2023

 What colour is the future? Looking ahead at the design trends to come

What colour is the future? Looking ahead at the design trends to come

Trends work as a guide to keeping your interiors and exteriors looking up-to-date and fresh, and can be a big help in working out what you do and don’t like... more

19 January, 2023

Sunshine design – working with yellow, red and orange

Sunshine design – working with yellow, red and orange

Who doesn’t want a little bit more sunshine in their lives?... more

23 December, 2022

Set the tone with monochrome

Set the tone with monochrome

Here’s how to create some monochrome magic in your space... more

16 December, 2022

Down to earth: design with earthy shades

Down to earth: design with earthy shades

Humans have always drawn inspiration from nature in all kinds of creative expression, including interior design... more

06 December, 2022

Take neutral up a gear

Take neutral up a gear

Versatile and timeless, a neutral palette is a popular choice with interior designers for good reason. Here are some ways to take neutral up a gear... more

18 November, 2022

Sugar and spice and all colours nice

Sugar and spice and all colours nice

The soulful, uplifting nature of sugar and spice colours appeals to our senses, whether you adopt them in deep dark tones or lighter versions... more

31 October, 2022

Primordial greens: soothing style

Primordial greens: soothing style

Primordial greens, the ultimate in getting back to nature, are the greens of dense, rich vegetation. Is it any wonder we want these greens in our homes?... more

30 October, 2022

Colour palettes from the spice cabinet

Colour palettes from the spice cabinet

Deep warm tones of paprika, cinnamon, allspice, cumin and cardamom are a play on our current preference for earthy, natural shades but given extra oomph... more

27 September, 2022

Wine reds for every room and every style

Wine reds for every room and every style

Wine reds for every room and every style. Deep, sultry reds are everywhere at the moment... more

31 August, 2022

Punky, popular ways with pinks and purples

Punky, popular ways with pinks and purples

The new generation of pinks and purples are bold and dramatic, perfect for elevating an otherwise neutral room and stamping your personality on any space... more

25 July, 2022

Add shine to your interior design

Add shine to your interior design

The right amount of shine and shimmer in the right place can be the finishing touch that truly elevates your space... more

10 July, 2022

 Whites & neutrals 101

Whites & neutrals 101

Take notes from this masterclass on how to nail pale... more

27 June, 2022

All white now

All white now

There’s just something so serene about an all-white room. Easy and versatile, timeless and long-lasting, it’s a hue that suits any interior... more

19 June, 2022

Comforting greens for a nurturing environment

Comforting greens for a nurturing environment

It's easy to underestimate how redecorating a home can be a mood-enhancer, even on a small scale... more

15 May, 2022

On-trend autumn colours to fall in love with

On-trend autumn colours to fall in love with

As the days get cooler and the natural world bursts into colour, it’s the perfect time warm up your home with some equally vibrant hues... more

13 March, 2022

Night time’s the right time

Night time’s the right time

Using dark colours in bedrooms gives a cue to the eyes, mind and body to wind down and relax... more

06 April, 2022

Born of the earth

Born of the earth

Earthy tones and materials suit our green interior and coastal fringe... more

03 April, 2022

Which blue is right for you?

Which blue is right for you?

Blue. Just the word is relaxing, evoking a long deep breath. Visually, of course, it's even more powerful... more

25 January, 2022

Sunset hues

Sunset hues

In the summer months many of us soaked up sun’s warm rays, be it at the beach or on one of New Zealand’s remote hiking tracks... more

18 January, 2022

Summer colours to revitalise your interior

Summer colours to revitalise your interior

Colours that replicate the summer season, whether simple hints or a broader expanse, lift our spaces in a resonating fashion... more

09 February, 2022

Blues to love

Blues to love

With so many options to choose from, a little exploration means it’s a no-brainer to find a blue that works for your space... more

17 November, 2021

Making time for red

Making time for red

Red is a vibrant and passionate colour that arrests the eye. It will always add interest to a home’s interior scheme and will make an instant design statement... more

30 October, 2021

The evolution of turquoise

The evolution of turquoise

Nothing makes a statement quite like a splash of turquoise with all its simple visual connection to sky and sea... more

29 October, 2021

Decorating drizzled in caramel

Decorating drizzled in caramel

Walking into a room with walls wrapped in caramel-coloured paint sets a soothing comfort vibe... more

27 October, 2021

Sand - the new neutral

Sand – the new neutral

If you're looking for a neutral colour that offers something new and modern, let's talk about sand... more

31 October, 2021

Going green

Going green

More than any other colour, green, a cool colour at heart, has the ability to ground us and stir us at the same time... more

25 September, 2021

Put your own spin on classic colour combos

Classic colour combinations have usually become classic because they’re versatile and work with lots of different design styles. They just look good!... more

14 September, 2021

Create muted masterpieces

Muted shades represent a way to experiment with different colour combinations, or simply add more colour to a space without the risk of clashes... more

14 August, 2021

The evolution of grey

Used with some creative thought and flair, grey has the potential to be one of the most stylish, versatile and hardest working colours out there... more

10 August, 2021

Life is better in black and white

Life is better in black and white. Black has been the perfect partner to white since time immemorial... more

06 August, 2021

Shades of grey to elevate your home

This versatile neutral might seem serious but will happily team up with any colour of the rainbow for a myriad of schemes... more

08 August, 2021

Ways of working with white on white

Ways of working with white on white – the versatility of white on white interiors makes them perennially popular... more

30 June, 2021

Down to earth – the evolution of terracotta

Terracotta has always found a place in our homes. But today, terracotta is finding new life in the colours we use to decorate, bringing with it surprising versatility... more

22 June, 2021

Primary pops

Primary pops – when it comes to using these paint colours in your home, it's best to apply them in small doses to not overpower the space... more

18 June, 2021

How to work with jewel colours

Jewel colours are a perennial favourite in our decorating choices. Here are some ideas for using Resene jewel colours in your home... more

10 June, 2021

The evolution of green

Green. Is it any wonder we love using it in our interiors? It has strong associations with nature, the environment and new growth... more

23 May, 2021

 Using metallic finishes in interiors

Full metal

You can give your rooms a prize-winning finish with gold, silver, or bronze. Capture warmth and feel-good vitality... more

31 March, 2021

A fresh approach to browns

A fresh approach to browns

The comforting, nurturing hues of brown are so easy to embrace. These are hues that ground us, creating restful spaces that induce calm and restoration... more

30 March, 2021

Perfect pastels

Perfect pastels

Paint ideas for those who love soft, sugary hues. Gelato tones bring a sense of lightness to an interior and make a space feel larger than it is... more

25 February, 2021

Indigo in interior design - alluring and sophisticated

Indigo a gogo

A coat of this enchanting colour in any room of your house will convert your home into an alluring and sophisticated setting... more

23 February, 2021

Whites that work

Whites that work

Whether your taste aligns with minimalism, rustic, coastal or country cottage, white will always play a role in your desired look... more

31 January, 2021

How to bring yellow into your home

How to bring yellow into your home

With the cheerful effect this colour has on our emotions, it’s a go-to for those wanting an interior that celebrates positivity and good energy... more

30 January, 2021

Gorgeous in grey

Gorgeous in grey

Greys have long been the darling of home colours. We are bringing in warm greys with a nurturing soul to their tones... more

29 January, 2021

Beautiful in blush

Beautiful in blush

There is something so irresistibly cosy and comforting about the blush colours that are taking centre stage in interiors right now... more

26 January, 2021

Green blues to use in any room

Green blues to use in any room

Calm and organic, green-blue colours guide our interiors towards a state of serenity and tranquillity... more

06 December, 2020

Move to the dark side - masculine colours

Move to the dark side

There’s something so inviting and alluring about a room with unapologetic smoky, masculine colours... more

30 November, 2020

Ways to use brown/beige without it looking dated

Ways to use brown/beige without it looking dated

Browns and beiges are relishing in a revival that will leave you spoilt for choice when creating a breathtaking interior... more

28 October, 2020

Gorgeous green rooms that will convince you that it is time to redecorate

Gorgeous green rooms that will convince you that it is time to redecorate

There’s something about a green interior that allows a wave of calmness to wash over you... more

26 October, 2020

 Colours for bedroom bliss

Colours for bedroom bliss

Paint is a way to easily and affordably create the relaxing room of your dreams... more

27 August, 2020

Gimme some sugar

Gimme some sugar

Interior design trend seekers are sweetening up to candy coloured pastels. Learn how to bring these scrumptious hues into your own home... more

30 July, 2020

Decorating down to earth

Decorating down to earth

Many of today’s trending tones are rooted in nature. hile these hues often contain hints of brown, if you think they sound a bit beigey, think again... more

29 July, 2020

Choosing the right white

Choosing the right white

When it comes to nailing down which shade you want, white is the hue that’s most often struggled with... more

28 July, 2020

The tides are changing

The tides are changing

Like many of today’s top trending hues, blues, too, are evolving... more

27 July, 2020

Diving into total drama

Diving into total drama

Opting for a deep paint colour can be just the think you need to take a boring space from drab to dramatic... more

28 June, 2020

A coloured approach to relaxing in style

Layer up hue-on-hue for an interior scheme you’re sure to love... more

30 April, 2020

The best laid decorating plans begin with this hue

The best laid decorating plans begin with this hue

No matter what your style, Duck Egg Blue is the ultimate classic colour to incorporate into your home... more

28 April, 2020

The future is looking brighter

The future is looking brighter

Pops of bold bright colours are a trend, but how do you make these hues work in your own home?... more

30 March, 2020

Where black is best and grey is grand

Where black is best and grey is grand

"With all its classic sophistication and inky decadence, lovers of black sometimes find that the colour can fade or look washed out. So what’s the solution?... more

29 March, 2020

Warming up to apricot

Warming up to apricot

With the ‘20s upon us, people are moving towards warmer hues. Apricot is starting to make its way onto the décor scene... more

28 February, 2020

Nothing compares to the classics

Nothing compares to the classics

Not having to redecorate every few years is a goal for many homeowners. But how do you keep your spaces from going stale?... more

27 February, 2020

Browns are back

Browns are back

There are ways to make brown look wonderful in your home – and its popularity is back on the rise... more

25 February, 2020

Is this must-have hue missing from your home?

A noteworthy trend that’s enveloped the interior decorating world is the use of charming oxidised greens... more

31 January, 2020

Spiced just right

Spiced just right

From masala to saffron, spicy shades continue to capture our imaginations... more

19 December, 2019

Denim blues are some of the hardest working colours out there

Denim blues are some of the hardest working colours out there

Regardless of what décor style you’re drawn to, blue-collar hues offer something for everyone... more

13 December, 2019

Trend-forward colours to take you into the new year

Trend-forward colours to take you into the new year

Blue is one of those hues that never ceases to be popular. In fact, it’s the most universally loved colour and will be key in the next decade of interior design... more

08 December, 2019

Neutrals with soul

Neutrals with soul

The colours that anchor our homes are becoming far more interesting. Character neutrals are paint colours that make for a much richer interior look – and they are trending... more

06 December, 2019

Building a tonal colour scheme that sings

Building a tonal colour scheme that sings

Interior designer Gael Garrett has been a long-time lover of tonal colour schemes and tone-on-tone decor in general. And she’s not alone... more

18 October, 2019

Lilac is springing up

Lilac is springing up

Lilac has a fresher vibe, whether it's as an icy pastel or as a greyed silvery lavender. It's a natural next step in our love affair with complex pastels... more

12 September, 2019

Dive into deep blue sea

Dive into deep blue sea. Today’s on-trend blues have taken a deeper dive into darker territory over their more coastal counter parts.... more

06 September, 2019

Classic colour combos for looks that last

When picking paint colours for our homes, there are fairly consistent palettes we turn to time and again no matter what decade we're decorating in... more

05 June, 2019

Aquas are splashing into interiors right now

Aqua is at the front edge of trending interior colours at the moment for walls, painted furniture, accents and accessories... more

31 May, 2019

The return of spicy reds

Red, with all its associations of passion, power and personality, is a colour that resurfaces again and again as a hot design trend... more

30 April, 2019

The new greens

If you’re been in search of a new colour palette, you’ve probably seen a series of soft greens - namely, celery, sage and olive - popping up all over your social media feeds... more

26 April, 2019

Embrace the darkness

There’s a dramatic colour trend doing the rounds – dark tone-on-tone rooms that are at once cocooning and welcoming, but also strikingly rich... more

19 April, 2019

Yellow looks are lighting up interiors right now

Whether you go big with brave brights or more subdued with toned down shades, yellow is a sure-fire way to make a big impact and freshen up your home... more

18 March, 2019

Break away from boring

Introducing a few bright bolds may be just the thing your space needs to liven things up... more

15 March, 2019

Keep it white or go for colour?

With an abundance of beautiful colours on the paint chart to choose from, nailing the final decision on a hue for your interior can be daunting... more

28 February, 2019

Trends for spring colour

View these four trending spring colour palettes brought to you by Resene... more

07 December, 2018

Weathered blues go from serene to stormy

Blue. It’s a colour almost everybody loves in one shade or another. Blue is a colour that immediately evokes calmness and serenity... more

09 November, 2018

Resene Colour Trend Report: Fruit tones go bold

One of the most appealing and delightful design trends this year is the appearance of fresh, vibrant fruity colours... more

06 November, 2018

It’s only natural – how the outdoors affects our indoors

The colours and patterns of nature have always found a way into our homes... more

10 October, 2018

The warming of whites

For many years, the go-to whites of the decorating world have been clean, cool and dense. Now, that’s changing. Whites are becoming warmer... more

28 June, 2018

Cosy up the Colour

Escape from the icy outdoors and hibernate with these cosy interior ideas this winter... more

10 June, 2018

 Regional colour trends

Travel from region to region and country to country and you’ll often find slight variations in colour preferences... more

19 July, 2015

 Embrace the current metallics trend

Embrace the current metallics trend

5 DIY paint projects to embrace the current metallics trend – Metallic accents are all the rage in interior design right now... more

22 July, 2015

10 sky colours to try

10 sky colours to try

Can you paint with all the colours of the wind?... more

22 June, 2015

How to master monochrome

How to master monochrome

The beauty, sophistication and simplicity of monochrome has been celebrated by interior designers and artists for centuries... more

26 April, 2015

The high view

A question often asked is 'What colour should I paint my roof?' and mostly it is asked after all other colour decisions have been made for the exterior of the house... more

10 April, 2014

Shopping for colour

When it comes to decorating, choosing the right paint colour can be a daunting exercise... more

14 October, 2013

How to be brave with colour

Where to start – how to pick colours that are going to work for you and your home... more

17 September, 2013

Colours of the 1990s

Fashion and decor reflected the dirtier colours and minimal look of Gothic, Grunge and Hip Hop... more

30 August, 2013

Colours of the 1980s

This era was all about major changes both industrial and economic... more

24 August, 2013

Colours of the 1970s

A collection of colours from the 1970's... more

16 August, 2013

Colours of the 1960s

A decade of radical change, rebellion, vibrancy and a desire for freedom – of any sort... more

07 August, 2013

50 Shades of Grey Resene style

If you're more of a decorator and less of a bookworm, you might like to try some of our favourite fifty shades of grey... more

03 August, 2013

Beating the trends

The first question I'm nearly always asked is 'How do you name colours?' followed shortly thereafter by 'How do you know which colours are trendy?'... more

16 July, 2013

 

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