Sorbet dreams — Paint and style a sunroom to relax in with sorbet-like colours.
Front wall and candleholder painted in Resene Soothe, back wall painted in a vertical stripe with Resene Eighth Bison Hide and Resene Half Moonbeam, floor in Resene Colorwood Bleached Riverstone...
Skirting boards in Resene Alabaster, coffee table in Resene Petal, side table in Resene Pewter, chair in Resene Bone, tall planter in Resene Double Spanish White, vase in Resene Cut Glass and books in Resene Quarter Tea and Resene Fluffy Duck. Cushion from Castle & Things.
The welcome arrival of warmer weather is the perfect time to refresh your home with colours that reflect the season’s easy-going, nature-inspired feel. It’s about embracing warm hues that bring comfort and calm, with a touch of fun. Neutrals will always be popular, but this season bursts of sunshine hues, soft pinks and calm greens are calling.
While warm neutrals set the foundation, a splash of vibrancy is also on the horizon. Expect to see bold pops of colour both inside and out. "We’re seeing a shift towards warmer, complex mid-tones with vibrant or saturated accents adding a fun, fresh energy," says Resene Colour Expert Meryl Southey. This is echoed in the colour forecast of The Mix, with warm honey and pink tones coveted because they evoke a sense of joy and optimism.
top tip Vary the sheen level of your stripes with Resene SpaceCote and Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss for extra interest.
Wellness trends are shaping colour choices with wellness podcasts and influencers a growing industry. "Health and longevity are big themes right now, and that’s influencing interiors," says The Mix. Beyond aesthetics, colour psychology plays a role in these choices – calming greens, turquoises and blues are known to reduce stress. Resene Colour Expert Meryl Southey says, “Look out for mint and teal tones like Resene Morning Haze and Resene Kandinsky. Soft sky blues with hints of violet – such as Resene Half Sail with Resene Portage – will also be popular. Earthy greens and warm stone greys, like Resene Siam and Resene Half Chicago, will keep exteriors looking effortlessly stylish. Shades like these work beautifully with home exteriors, baches, cabins and caravans.
Resene ArmourX Adhesion Etch Primer (Vinyl Etch) was used to prepare this caravan exterior before homeowners Saskia and Mike painted it in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Half Orchid White and Resene Spanish Green. Image by Mike Eastwood.
Grey-neutrals will always have a place, but they’re getting a bit richer and deeper, explains Resene Colour Consultant Amy Watkins. "Neutrals are still a favourite, especially when used both indoors and outdoors, but we’re seeing a move towards slightly deeper tones like Resene Ted and Resene Kinship. These hues create a cocooning feel.” Depth and richness in neutrals provides an extra layer of sophistication, making spaces feel warm yet refined. This trend aligns with the growing desire for homes that feel like a retreat, a place of relaxation amid busy lifestyles. These colours paired with natural textures like timber, linen and stone enhance the grounding effect.
Create interest or a focal point by adding a textured ribbed wall panel. Wall painted in Resene Truffle, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, bench seat in Resene Half Friar Greystone, stool in Resene Quarter Friar Greystone, bedside table in Resene Friar Greystone and vase in Resene Quarter Biscotti. Mirror and rug from Kmart, duvet cover and pillowcases from Adairs, cushions from Bed, Bath & Beyond.
top tip Soften the look of your walls with a two-toned colourwash effect. Simply apply one colour and then mix a second colour with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium and rough-brush or rag it on.
Calming hues
Resene ArmourX Adhesion Etch Primer (Vinyl Etch) was used to prepare this caravan exterior before homeowners Saskia and Mike painted it in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Half Orchid White and Resene Spanish Green.
Image by Mike Eastwood.
Grounding greys – Create interest or a focal point by adding a textured ribbed wall panel.
Wall painted in Resene Truffle, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, bench seat in Resene Half Friar Greystone, stool in Resene Quarter Friar Greystone, bedside table in Resene Friar Greystone and vase in Resene Quarter Biscotti. Mirror and rug from Kmart, duvet cover and pillowcases from Adairs, cushions from Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Cool greys and whites have had their moment, but now it’s time to welcome warmth back into our homes. Soft beiges, nudes and creamy tones are making a stylish return, bringing a cosy, inviting feel. "Beiges and nudes have been predicted for a while now, and I think we are finally ready to embrace them," says Resene Colour Consultant Michelle Aschoff, from Canterbury. “Try Resene Blanc, Resene Albescent White or Resene Eighth Canterbury Clay for a fresh take on this comforting trend.” For a timeless, sunlit look, warm neutrals are a go-to. "Warmer neutrals will be everywhere by spring," says Dunedin-based Resene Colour Consultant Jill Marsh. "Think Resene Biscotti, Resene Sandspit Brown and the stunning cream of Resene Bianca." These colours provide a soft, elegant base for layering natural textures and materials. Whether paired with crisp whites for a coastal feel or with deeper browns for an inviting aesthetic, these hues bring a sense of effortless style to any space.
A nook that's made for warm days and balmy nights.
Wall in Resene Spanish White, floor, floating shelves, stool, lamp base and round trinket box in Resene Colorwood Bask, cabinet and hurricane candleholder in Resene Quarter Spanish White...
Lampshade and clam shell on cabinet in Resene Triple Spanish White, ‘Shhh I’m Reading’ sign in Resene Colorwood Bask with writing in Resene Triple Spanish White, shell vase and clam shell on second shelf in Resene Double Spanish White, coral in Resene White and shell on stand in Resene Half Spanish White. Chair and shell throw blanket from Adairs, cushion covers from H&M Home, tealight holder from Indie Home Collective, curtain from Kmart.
A bright space for relaxing.
Walls and coffee table painted in Resene Albescent White, floor in Resene Sorrell Brown, seat in Resene Quarter Sorrell Brown, small pots in Resene Albescent White and Resene Grain Brown...
Large pot created with Resene Sorrell Brown, Resene Grain Brown, Resene Jetsam Brown and Resene Albescent White. Cushions from Bed, Bath & Beyond.
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.
Projects: Annick Larkin, Vanessa Nouwens, Melle van Sambeek
Images: Bryce Carleton
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.
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