look book
latest
habitat tv
Say goodbye to the morning scramble for keys, coats and sunglasses and hello to this… see this and more videos
blog
Reader roundup: Public murals and powder blues
A Morningside mural, an exterior refresh, and striped walls. Let these projects be your inspiration… more
Ceiling in Resene White. To mimic a textured concrete look on walls, the designer specified the ROCKCOTE Otsumigaki Japanese plaster system.
An urban oasis
Set beside Auckland Domain, this three-storey townhouse already has an enviable location. But for its owners, a professional couple who split their time between home and away, it needed to feel like a sanctuary, and not just a place to stay.
The vision was to create a space that balanced bold artistic expression with restorative calm. Interior designer Natalie Du Bois of Du Bois Design took on the brief, transforming key spaces throughout the home with a considered palette of Resene colours, tactile materials and gallery inspired restraint.
The renovation focused on the master suite, teenage bathroom, living and dining areas, along with the basement utility spaces.
Bold design and everyday comfort now exist side by side. Every room was thoughtfully considered to function as both a practical living space and a curated backdrop for the owners' impressive collection of contemporary art.
Ceiling in Resene White. To mimic a textured concrete look on walls, use ROCKCOTE Otsumigaki Japanese plaster system.
Rather than undertaking a complete rebuild, much of the existing structure was retained. Throughout the home, a restrained base palette allows carefully chosen moments of colour to make a lasting impression.
The main living spaces are grounded by Resene White, using SpaceCote Low Sheen on the walls and Ceiling Paint overhead. The crisp backdrop allows soaring ceilings, exposed concrete and bespoke joinery to take centre stage while giving the owners' décor and belongings room to shine.
Bedroom walls and ceiling painted in Resene White.
Flooded with natural light, the master suite layers warm timber, soft textures and rich teal furnishings to create a peaceful retreat.
A bold sliding door painted in Resene Fast Forward in a Lustacryl finish introduces an unexpected splash of colour while linking beautifully with the dramatic mural featured in the ensuite. It is a subtle reminder that colour doesn't always need to dominate a room to make an impact.
Bathroom wall and ceiling in Resene White, sliding door in Fast Forward.
Ceiling in Resene White. A custom mural acts as a backdrop.
Colour takes on a more expressive role in other areas. The teenage bathroom pairs a porcelain cityscape mural with a vanity painted in Resene Prairie Sand. The burnt orange joinery injects personality into the space, complementing the mural while creating a youthful, energetic atmosphere.
Bathroom vanity in Resene Prairie Sand, ceiling in White.
Practical spaces deserve just as much attention. Cabinetry in the basement laundry is finished in calming Resene Peace, transforming what could have been an overlooked utility room into a welcoming space.
The adjoining powder room also makes a confident statement with a sliding door painted in Pioneer Red. The rich brick toned hue sits beautifully alongside a sculptural red concrete basin. The design turns a small, often forgotten space into a striking, memorable one.
Resene Lustacryl was chosen throughout for the cabinetry and doors. Thanks to its tough, durable waterborne enamel finish, it’s ideal for high use surfaces like this that need to stand up to everyday wear.
Laundry cabinetry in Resene Peace, powder room entry in Pioneer Red, ceiling in White.
Powder room entry wall and door in Resene Pioneer Red.
Colour plays a dual role throughout the home, acting as both a quiet backdrop and a defining design feature. Every shade was selected to work in harmony with the clients' furniture, artwork and architectural details, from the teal Camaleonda sofa in the double height living room, to the bold artworks displayed against the neutral walls.
It’s a home that feels quietly luxurious, deeply personal and effortless all at the same time. A sophisticated urban oasis where colour becomes an integral part of the architecture, bringing warmth, personality and a sense of calm to every corner.
design Natalie Du Bois of Du Bois Design
build 360PMC
images Jane Ussher
Resene Pro Tip:
If you’ve got exposed concrete in your home and want it as a feature, protect it using Resene Concrete Clear, or for concrete flooring you could use Resene Walk-on Concrete Clear which is single pack (1K) or upgrade to the 2 pack (2K) Uracryl system.
If you’re wanting to mimic the textured look of concrete without using the real thing, consider using ROCKCOTE Otsumigaki, or Resene MyArtisan Foundation Coat in your chosen colour.
Published: 02 Sep 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
