the inside scoop

From habitat highlights - issue 42, inspiring interiors

From versatile neutrals to adventurous design statements, the colours and finishes you choose help define the atmosphere of every room.

Resene’s extensive range of paints, colours and wood stains offers the perfect toolkit to elevate your interiors, whether you’re aiming for calm sophistication or bold creativity. Explore these inspiring ideas to reimagine your home with colour and style.

An earthy brown panelled feature wall in Resene Double Stonewall - innovative and stylish

Embracing an innovative and stylish idea for a feature wall, this living room features a full panelled wall from Prime Panels, painted in Resene Double Stonewall, an earthy brown with a hint of green. Project by Yellowfox, image by Ben Parry.

Outside the box

Break away from conventional design with creative features that add interest and dimension. Painted panelled or stained timber walls introduce texture and character, while curved kitchen islands or cabinetry add a contemporary twist.

For added intrigue, experiment with Resene FX Metallic paints or textured finishes like Resene Sandtex to highlight architectural details or create feature areas. These speciality paint finishes make every space feel unique and thoughtfully curated.

A mid century style kitchen painted in green Resene Kuru with wood accents

This kitchen was designed to incorporate form and function, as well as a splash of fun and mid-century style. The mix of timber finished in Resene AquaLAQ Clear Coat and cabinetry painted in Resene AquaLAQ in Resene Koru reflects the surrounding bush and provides just the right pop of colour. The walls are painted in Resene Half White Pointer and ceiling in Resene Quarter White Pointer. Project by Kitchen Studio, image by Craig Brown.

top tip Finish wet areas in Resene Kitchen & Bathroom paint for extra protection.

Nature’s hues

The calming influence of nature-inspired colours can rejuvenate any interior and luckily there are many paint shades that can connect us to nature even when we are inside. Soft blues like Resene Robin Egg Blue evoke coastal serenity, while deeper greens like Resene Paddock add an earthy richness that grounds a space.

Use nature’s hues to create a connection with the outdoors, especially in living areas and kitchens where natural light enhances their depth or bathrooms and powder rooms where nature’s aesthetic or light may be lacking. Complement with indoor plants, natural fibres and rustic wood finishes to amplify the organic feel.

A cosy space is created with a bold green feature wall in Resene Green Meets Blue

To create a cosy space with a pop of colour, this bold feature wall has been painted in Resene Green Meets Blue. This colour complements the locally made headboard and custom pillow, adding to the nature-inspired palette.

A mid-century inspired colour scheme features in this bathroom painted in deep slate blue Resene Atomic

This apartment has been reimagined in a mid-century inspired colour scheme with a modern touch.

This bathroom is painted in Resene Atomic, a deep slate blue that is even more vibrant in the sunlight. Project by Hannah Ferens of Hello Home Interiors, image by Anna Briggs.

A nature inspired powder room painted in Resene Double Lemon Grass and Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream

This powder room is painted in gorgeous Resene Double Lemon Grass with surrounding walls in Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream.

This harmonious hue pairs well with the wooden trims and fresh greenery, further adding to the nature-inspired scheme. Project by Simone Gourlay of Bryant Alsop, image by Jack Lovel.

Be brave

Bold colours are the ultimate expression of individuality. Vibrant shades can turn walls into focal points, energising spaces like dining rooms, playrooms and home offices. Take it a step further with a custom painted mural or geometric design to bring artistry to your interiors. You don’t have to be an artist to create a mural; just be sure to plan your design out first on paper, even for very simple shapes, and then use a pencil or piece of chalk to lightly transfer it on to your wall – and don’t forget a good paintbrush and high-quality painter’s masking tape for those straight lines. These bold choices can help you inject your personality into your home, creating statement pieces that spark conversation and leave lasting impressions.

The bold mural in the living room is a talking point!

This painted mural is an instant talking point in Wendy’s home bringing colour, energy and personality to this space. The background is painted in Resene Bunting and the mural design features Resene Azur d'Acre, Resene Glamour Puss, Resene Riptide, Resene Tulip Tree and Resene Red Hot. Project by Anna von Hartitzsch.

Without fail

Whites and neutrals are a classic choice for a reason – they provide a foundation of calm and sophistication that complements any design style. Soft hues like Resene Merino, Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream and Resene Quarter Tea create a warm and inviting ambiance, while cooler tones such as Resene Black White offer a crisp, modern edge. Neutrals are incredibly versatile, allowing you to layer textures and strengths, add pops of colour or keep it understated with minimalist décor. They’re the ultimate go-to for creating timeless, polished spaces.

Dreamy neutrals feature in this modern living room

Showcasing modern design and functionality, this home is bathed in dreamy whites and neutrals with elegant, minimal décor. The fireplace wall is painted in Resene Half Fossil and the surrounding walls and ceiling in Resene Half Bianca. Project by Suzanne Arts of Orb Design, image by Jahl Marshall. See alternative looks for this living room. See alternative design solutions for this room by Connor Watson and Stacey Gillies...

A charming apartment with a timeless white kitchen in Resene Albescent White

This charming apartment is painted in Resene Albescent White on walls and kitchen cabinetry, with Resene Eighth Rice Cake on the ceiling and trims. Dark flooring and window fixtures contrast with the timeless white hues and frame the view. Project by Yellowfox, image by John Williams.

A gentle touch

Soft pastel hues bring a gentle charm that transforms spaces into serene retreats. Shades like Resene Emerge or Resene Soothe work beautifully in bedrooms, nurseries and any space where relaxation takes centre stage. These soft colours pair effortlessly with light woods, textured fabrics and metallic accents to create a layered, dreamy aesthetic. Perfect for adding subtle personality without overwhelming your space, pastels are a delicate yet impactful choice.

A tranquil bedroom painted in Resene Half Duck Egg Blue

This bedroom, overlooking a lush garden, is a tranquil retreat with Resene Half Duck Egg Blue painted on the walls.

This gentle, pastel hue adds subtle elegance to the space creating a serene, retreat feel. The ceiling is painted in Resene Half Alabaster. Project by homeowners Christian and Mark, image by Helen Bankers.

A gentle pink, pastel beige bedroom in Resene Bone and Resene Half Bianca

The pink, pastel beige of Resene Bone adorns this headboard, paired with walls painted in Resene Half Bianca.

Dusky pink bedding and simple furniture add to this gentle design. Project by Suzanne Arts of Orb Design, image by Jahl Marshall.

Lead the way

Hallways and stairwells are often overlooked, yet they hold the potential to be some of the most dynamic spaces in our homes. Choose bold colours like Resene Galliano or Resene Sushi to create vibrant transitions between rooms, making these passageways feel intentional and engaging and highlight bannisters and trims with contrasting paint colours for added definition. Transform these spaces into lively connections that draw the eye and uplift your mood.

A joyful and surprising stairwell painted in Resene Clockwork Orange

Intent on a design that ignites a sense of joy and surprise, homeowner and designer Angela Godenho chose Resene Clockwork Orange for the stairwell in her home.

This bold statement hue leads the way to the next floor creating a warm glow against the walls in Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream. Project by Simplify and Amplify, image by Anna McLeod.

A bright blue staircase paint in Resene Ultramarine

This curved central staircase is painted in Resene Ultramarine, a bright blue from the Resene Beyond The Sea palette.

The colour was chosen for its ‘1980s pop art blue’ hue and is visible to guests as soon as they walk through the door, offering a playful yet period appropriate burst of colour. The surrounding walls are painted in Resene Alabaster. Project by homeowner Nadine, image by Brenda Ngatai.

The fifth wall

Why leave ceilings plain when they can add drama and interest to your interiors? Painted or stained ceilings create unexpected visual impact, whether through bold choices like Resene Artemis for a moody, cocooning effect or softer finishes like Resene Colorwood Natural for a rustic, airy charm. With the rise of the colour drenching trend – painting everything in a room one colour – now is your chance to enhance that fifth wall! A coloured ceiling also draws the eye upward, enhancing the room’s architectural details while making the entire space feel more cohesive and intentional.

From the walls that frame your space to the ceilings that top it off, intentional colours and finishes unlock endless possibilities. Whether you prefer the soothing tones of nature, the allure of pastels or bold statements that turn heads, let Resene help you tell your home's story, one room at a time.

A deep teal blue bedroom colour drenched in Resene Plan B

Using a colour drenching approach, this bedroom ceiling is painted in the same captivating teal blue, Resene Plan B, as the walls creating a cosy, cocooning feel.

Project by homeowner Nadine, image by Brenda Ngatai.

A ceiling stained in Resene Colorwood Natural and green doors painted in Resene Soft Apple

This living room ceiling, stained in Resene Colorwood Natural and finished in Resene Aquaclear, offers warmth and cosiness to the space. Doors painted in Resene Soft Apple and walls in Resene Quarter Dutch White.

Project by Nathan Edmonston, image by Yuki Fukuda.

Use durable Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen for busy rooms in your home to keep your walls looking good.

top tip If you need help choosing your colours, ask your Resene ColorShop or reseller staff, book a Resene colour consultation, free in-store or virtually or a paid at-home visit or Ask a Resene Colour Expert free online.

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.

the inside scoop

Outside the box

Nature’s hues

Be brave

Without fail

A gentle touch

Lead the way

The fifth wall

Connor Watson

Stacey Gillies

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