welcome Choosing a precise paint colour from small printed samples has always been difficult. The colour looks okay but what will it look like once the entire room is painted? Subtle differences that may seem unimportant on colour charts are glaringly obvious once the colour is painted onto a wall. Many people who are confident and assured about most aspects of their lives lose all confidence when trying to mix and match colours. This book aims to help you understand paint colour and how to use it by not only showing examples but also delving into the science of colour. Paint isn’t just about the effect of the colour it’s tinted to, but also about the technology of the paint itself - its gloss level, its composition, and added technologies that overcome particular problems. You can find a huge range of colour tools online on the Resene website, www.resene.com. With services from colour chart and testpot ordering to a Resene colour swatch library, decorating inspiration gallery, palette Resene Alabaster generator, project guides and lots of great hints and tips on selecting colour, you’ll find everything you need to design your next colour scheme. Resene colour experts are also available to give free advice online or you can book a Resene colour consult in-store or online by going to www.resene.com/colourconsultant. The more knowledge you have about colour and its influence on your living environment, the better placed you will be to choose colours that will be right for you. Colours generally work best when related to their surroundings, with the final result of a successful colour scheme being one of harmony, visual order and a feeling of continuity. While you might draw inspiration and ideas from others, you should always follow your own instincts. Your home, your colours! Happy decorating! the Resene team