exterior motives

From habitat highlights - issue 42, inspiring exteriors

When it comes to crafting a lasting first impression, the outside of your home is the ultimate calling card.

Exterior colours looking wonderful amongt the foliage

Looking wonderful against the lush foliage, Resene Woodsman Japanese Maple is a striking hue on this home. Project by Shana Payne, image by Ray White.

Whether you’re drawn to timeless neutrals, the natural beauty of wood stains or daring hues that turn heads, Resene has what you need to make your home stand out in every season. Dive into these curated exterior inspirations and discover how the right shades will transform your home’s façade into a work of art in its own right.

Wood it work?

Celebrate the natural charm of timber with the Resene Woodsman wood stain range. From the honeyed glow of Resene Natural to the rich warmth of Resene Deep Oak, these stains highlight the unique grain and texture of wood, adding character to weatherboards, fences and decks. For a modern touch, try Resene Charred Black to create a striking contrast against a light-painted exterior. Wood stains not only protect but also enhance the inherent beauty of your natural materials. Whether used in an urban setting, or really letting them shine in a rural or lush environment, wooden exteriors will always have their appeal.

By embracing the spectrum of Resene’s exterior paints and wood stains, you can express your unique style while protecting your home for years to come.

Resene Woodsman was a flawless choice for this Christchurch home against the striking harbour view. The walls are stained in Resene Limed Gum with trims in Resene English Walnut. Project by Dennis Chippindale of Stephenson & Turner, image by Simon Devitt.

Vivid views

Brighten dreary winter days inside with vibrant patios and eye-catching exteriors to gaze at. Warm terracotta hues like Resene Tuscany or Resene Moroccan Spice breathe life into outdoor spaces, making them feel welcoming even when temperatures dip – as well as providing the most stunning contrast with natural greenery. Blues like Resene New Denim Blue and Resene Casal evoke serene coastal or Hamptons vibes, perfect for a patio escape with a steaming mug in hand. Colourful accents such as painted pergolas or shutters also elevate a simple façade into a cheerful retreat.

This exterior is an instant pick-me-up.

The warm, fruity terracotta of Resene Japonica behind the cactus garden gives this outdoor space a vibrant urban desert feel. The gate painted in Resene Zuccini adds depth to the space, while the ceiling and soffits in Resene Juniper frame the view and draw your eye outside. Project by Lymesmith, image by Clinton Weaver.

Close to a neutral, dense yet classic Resene Blue Smoke adorns the walls and access ceiling of this home.

Access walls are painted in Resene Double Sea Fog and trims in Resene Titania, which complement the exterior. Project by Maria Callau of Sur Architecture, image by Graham Warman.

Go-to hues

Neutral and classic tones are the unsung heroes of home exteriors, offering enduring style and versatility. Shades like Resene Sea Fog or Resene Truffle provide a crisp, clean backdrop that pairs seamlessly with lush gardens or minimalist landscaping. For a bolder classic look, Resene Double Cod Grey or Resene Foundry add a sophisticated depth that’s both contemporary and timeless. These shades are ideal if you’re seeking a polished, elegant look that enhances curb appeal year-round.

Close to a neutral, dense yet classic Resene Blue Smoke adorns the walls and access ceiling of this home. Access walls are painted in Resene Double Sea Fog and trims in Resene Titania, which complement the exterior. Project by Maria Callau of Sur Architecture, image by Graham Warman.

Top tips:

Cold weather can play havoc with the application and performance of standard paints. Add a little Resene Wintergrade Additive to winterise your paint and keep painting through winter – simply mix it with selected Resene waterborne paints to help them dry in temperatures down to 3℃.
To give you some added protection against light showers Resene has created Resene Umbrella Additive, an additive for exterior waterborne coatings which gives rapid protection from light showers even before the coating has fully dried.
When you’re painting over winter, it’s best to break your project into smaller sections. Focus most of your work in the middle of the day and aim to finish early to give your paint plenty of time to dry well before evening.
Remember it might be chilly over the cooler months but come summer your home’s exterior will be in for a lot of heat. If you’re choosing a dark paint or stain colour outside, use a Resene CoolColour to help reflect more heat.

Keeping the colour palette simple on this villa to let the character of the house shine through, the soothing pastel hue of Resene Gull Grey was painted on weatherboards.

Resene Sea Fog was used on the window trims and soffits and Resene Grey Friars on bargeboards, eaves and brackets. These colours contrast with the soft Resene Gull Grey, but also lift the character details of the entire façade. Project by Charlotte Minty Interior Design, image by Bonny Beattie.

For more exterior inspiration, visit Habitat by Resene

Colours mentioned in this article

Colours marked as "buy in-store" may not yet be available in our online ColorShop, however, the testpots can be purchased at your local Resene ColorShop or reseller.

exterior motives

Wood it work?

Vivid views

Go-to hues

Top tips:

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