From habitat highlights - issue 43, inspiring exteriors
Your home's exterior is the first impression you make, so let it be a showstopper!
Do you lean towards timeless elegance in neutrals? Are you considering something more daring in bold or bright? The right Resene paints, stains and colours can transform the outside of your home just as easily as they do the inside. Let’s look at how exterior colours set the stage for your home’s character. After all, your home reflects your style, so make it one that stands out on the street!
There’s something undeniably sleek and sophisticated about an all-white exterior. The simplicity of white allows architectural features and surrounding greenery to really shine, creating a fresh, welcoming atmosphere. White exteriors also evoke a sense of purity and crispness, perfect if you want your home to exude modern elegance while keeping the focus on clean lines. To capture this look, try Resene Alabaster for a soft, classic white, or go for Resene Black White for something a little more eye-catching.
top tip Colours used outside look lighter in the bright sun. If you’re choosing between two colours, it’s often best to choose the darker one to get the look you are after.
The beauty of a home lies in the details. By pairing bold, dark accents with soft pastels or neutrals, you create a striking contrast that highlights architectural features without overwhelming your home. An impactful front door, elegant fretwork or fresh white trim – it’s these thoughtful details that bring a whole look together. Use Resene Hermitage or Resene Urbane for a refined base, with Resene Nero or Resene Charcoal for a bold statement door or fence detailing. Add the crispness of Resene Eighth Rice Cake to finish off the trim and fretwork for a polished look.
top tip For a durable and weather-resistant finish on exteriors, opt for Resene Sonyx 101 semi-gloss for high-performance areas, while Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen provides a more subtle finish and Resene Lumbersider Matt offers a modern, flat look perfect for hiding imperfections. These products are all designed to withstand our challenging climate while maintaining their colour and integrity.
A fancy tipple of pale pink, Resene Sauvignon, adorns this exterior with a contrasting front door and fence painted in Resene Black. The trims, eaves and fretwork are painted in Resene Alabaster.
Project by Ahha Architects, painting by Sims & Blue, image by Momentum Agency.
This home’s sleek design sets it apart. The three-storey exterior bay window is highlighted using a nostalgic, inviting green, Resene Bach, which contrasts beautifully with the frames and posts in Resene Woodsman Pitch Black.
Project by Spacecraft Architects, image by David Straight.
If you're keen to be a little more daring, a bold exterior is the way to go. By using contrasting colours like rich reds and deep blacks, you can turn your home into a piece of art. Bold façades create energy and personality, setting your home apart from others on the block. Have a play with vibrant, fiery reds like Resene Poppy and Resene Flash Point, or brilliant blues like Resene Endeavour and Resene Tory Blue, balanced with Resene Ebony or Resene All Black for an edgier, darker contrast.
top tips:
If you’re making a statement with bold hues, use a gloss finish like Resene Super Gloss or Resene Enamacryl to bring out the intensity of the colour. Or apply Resene Clearcoat UVS over the top of your paintwork for extra UV protection and a high gloss finish.
When using dark shades for your exterior, use the Resene CoolColour version of the colour to reduce heat stress and damage. A Resene CoolColour reflects more of the sun’s damaging UV rays than the standard version of the colour.
Although located in a heritage conservation area with a limited palette option, this homeowner took advantage of the more private areas of their home’s exterior to add a splash of colour with Resene Wet N Wild. Surrounding this intense blue is the dark charcoal hue of Resene Baltic Sea.
Project by Catherine Bakker of Bakker Studios, image by Matthew Syres Photography.
Designed to stand out proudly amongst the streetscape, these cantilever balcony frames were painted in the vivid red of Resene Poppy. This fiery hue is striking against the darker Resene Ebony on the wall cladding.
Project by Nspire Architecture, image by Andy Spain.
The classic charm of Cape Cod or Hamptons-style homes never goes out of style. With its soft, coastal feel and timeless appeal, this exterior style is ideal if you want to evoke a sense of calm and serenity. Light, airy shades like Resene Half Surrender paired with natural timber accents in Resene Woodsman Natural wood stain or Resene Woodsman Cedar Wood Oil Aorangi create a welcoming, seaside vibe that’s both stylish and relaxed. If you’re after something with a bit more substance, go for the deep tones of Resene Rhino or Resene Jimmy Dean paired with a crisp white like Resene Quarter Merino for a sophisticated yet laid-back style.
top tip Remember to finish your deck too, to help keep it in good condition and reduce the risk of splinters. Always wash, not water blast your deck to avoid damaging the timber. Wash with Resene Timber and Desk Wash then finish in Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain for a coloured finish, Resene Furniture and Decking Oil for a natural look or Resene Kwila Timber Stain for a classic Kwila look.
top tip When painting in coastal areas, windblown salt needs to be washed off each day before painting. Use Resene Paint Prep and Housewash or Resene Bio-Cleaner.
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.
Products mentioned in this article
Products marked as "coming soon" or "buy in-store" may not yet be available in our online ColorShop, however, they can be purchased at your local Resene ColorShop or reseller.
Words: Jessica Weale
Vanya Wilkinson
I designed this deck as a warm, bohemian retreat inspired by the colours and textures of an Indian summer. The exterior walls and ceiling are painted rich caramel Resene Half Canterbury Clay, wrapping the space in sunbaked warmth. A rattan sofa sits atop a deep green patterned rug, grounded with cushions in saffron, green and cinnamon. A whimsical Indian umbrella with tassels and aged brass charms brings shade and a sense of theatre. This space feels both cohesive and transportive.
top tip If you’re finding the paint is drying too fast when painting in warmer weather, add Resene Hot Weather Additive to your Resene waterborne paint to slow down the dry time so you have more time to get a quality finish.
Colours mentioned in this alternative solution
Alternative style solutions
Resene Colour Consultant
website www.resene.com/colourconsult
Veronika Vuletic
I used Resene Woodsman Pitch Black on the exterior cladding, which brings out the panel detailing and gives the exterior a bold, modern look. The black changes beautifully with the light – sometimes soft, sometimes sharp. The dark oak wood stain is featured outside as well as in the interior, tying the look together. It’s a minimal palette, but the contrast and flow make the spaces feel connected and refined.
Colours mentioned in this alternative solution
Search habitat magazine stories
Printed copies of habitat/habitat highlights are available at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.
If you have an idea, project or story that you think would suit habitat, we’d love to hear from you. Please drop us an email with your details and include photos if submitting a project.
Sign up for a DIY card and Save! Australia | New Zealand
Get inspired ! Subscribe 
Get saving ! Apply for a DIY card
Can't find what you're looking for? Ask us!
Company profile | Terms | Privacy policy | Quality and environmental policy | Health and safety policy
Welcome to our World of Colour!™
Colours shown on this website are a representation only. Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online. See measurements/conversions for more details on how electronic colour values are achieved.
What's new | Specifiers | Painters | DIYers | Artists | Kids | Sitemap | Home | TOP ⇧
