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
Jacqui’s pretty patio art will brighten your day
Patios and decks come in all shapes and forms, and Resene’s wide range of exterior… more
Walls in Resene Frozen, floor in Resene Alabaster, chair and plant pot in Resene Casper, shelving in Resene Bali Hai, accessories in Resene Frozen, Resene Blue Moon, Resene Casper and Resene Half Gull Grey. Rug from Freedom. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Exterior wall in Resene Chicago, light and trims in Resene Double Sea Fog, interior wall in Resene Silver Chalice, interior floorboards stained in Resene Colorwood Shade, decking stained in Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain in Resene Natural, chairs in Resene Tulip Tree and Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Resene Whero and Resene Bleached Cedar, planter pots in Resene Silver Chalice, Possessed and Double Sea Fog, side table in Resene Chicago and carafe in Resene Red Red Red. Couch chair from Derlook. Project by Moneuan Ryan, image by Bryce Carleton.
The gentle print and blue hue in Resene Only Blue Wallpaper Collection 102686000 pair beautifully with these warm toned accessories and furniture.
A bold but artistic design like Resene Florentine IV Wallpaper Collection 367553 adds personality in soft shades that won’t overwhelm.
Keep things neutral with Resene Fashion For Walls Wallpaper Collection 10373-26 paired with tones that and accessories that ground the space.
This floor and tongue-and-groove wall are painted in Resene Cut Glass, cabinets in Resene Kumutoto, large tray coffee table in Resene Teal Blue, small table in Resene Foam, tealight holder is in Resene Dauntless, mid-size round vase in Resene Scandal and small bowl in Resene Wishlist. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Bach to the future: New Zealand holiday home designs
It’s the season of long, sunny days, sandy feet and sizzling BBQs. And nothing says summer in New Zealand quite like a trip to the bach. From a humble weatherboard by the beach, to a retro caravan parked under pōhutukawa, a bach is about slowing down, living simple and soaking up the sunshine. They get a lot of use over the warmer months, so a lick of Resene paint or a fresh wallpaper can easily channel that classic Kiwi holiday feeling and turn your space into a slice of summer. Let’s take a look at some designs for inspiration.
Walls in Resene Frozen, floor in Alabaster, chair and plant pot in Casper, shelving in Bali Hai, accessories in Frozen, Blue Moon, Casper and Half Gull Grey. Rug from Freedom. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Moving along from that mid-century mint green, blue – calm, coastal and timeless - has become the ultimate bach colour. There are so many great Resene blues to choose from and layer. A feature wall painted in a bolder blue like Resene St Tropaz, or all walls in a softer pastel like Resene Sail instantly calls to mind cloudless skies and sparkling seas. Wicker and rattan furniture in matching tones will offer that relaxed feel, and you can’t go wrong with leafy plants to add a lush tropical vibe. It’s the kind of space you can tumble into with sandy feet and a good book after a dip in the surf.
Exterior wall in Resene Chicago, light and trims in Double Sea Fog, interior wall in Silver Chalice, interior floorboards stained in Colorwood Shade, decking stained in Woodsman Decking Oil Stain in Resene Natural, chairs in Tulip Tree and Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Whero and Bleached Cedar, planter pots in Silver Chalice, Possessed and Double Sea Fog, side table in Chicago and carafe in Red Red Red. Couch chair from Derlook. Project by Moneuan Ryan, image by Bryce Carleton.
Out on the deck is where Kiwi summers really shine, and this one does it right. Warm timber with pops of bold colour and fresh greenery bursting to life. If you’ve got some old, tired looking chairs, give them a fresh coat of paint or stain. Pair them with your favourite Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain shade and you’ve got the perfect spot for a chilly bin full of cold drinks.
The gentle print and blue hue in Resene Only Blue Wallpaper Collection 102686000 pair beautifully with these warm toned accessories and furniture.
Wallpaper might not be the first thing you think of for your holiday home, but it’s a brilliant way to bring personality inside. A bach can also be a great place to try bolder, dramatic wallpaper designs you might steer away from in your everyday home. Try Resene’s Florentine IV or Fashion For Walls wallpaper collections for some design inspiration.
A bold but artistic design like Resene Florentine IV Wallpaper Collection 367553 adds personality in soft shades that won’t overwhelm.
Top tip: If professional wallpaper hangers are hard to find in your bach location, and you’re new to hanging it yourself, keep to smaller areas or simpler designs.
Of course, there are also plenty of coastal inspired designs in Resene’s Wallpaper Collection. The Resene Only Blue Wallpaper Collection, for example, has an array of both bold and subtle hues with a mix of botanical, textured and fun prints. In this space we’ve used Resene Only Blue Wallpaper Collection 102686000 and paired it with natural textures like cane, rattan, wood and dried florals. It feels like a tiki tour through coastal towns, without even leaving your lounge.
Keep things neutral with Resene Fashion For Walls Wallpaper Collection 10373-26 paired with tones that and accessories that ground the space.
If you’re more of a long-luncher than a surfer, a stylish neutral space might work well. A soft wallpaper like the Resene Fashion For Walls Wallpaper Collection 10373-26 has a gentle beige tone and the subtle pattern and texture reflects the beautiful wind-swept sands around the country. Pair this with warm timber stains, natural linen and even a splash of mustard or burnt orange for a complementary accent. You’ll have a laidback but polished look, perfect for bach owners who want their place to feel both relaxed and stylish.
This floor and tongue-and-groove wall are painted in Resene Cut Glass, cabinets in Kumutoto, large tray coffee table in Teal Blue, small table in Foam, tealight holder is in Dauntless, mid-size round vase in Scandal and small bowl in Wishlist. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Beach blues and sandy oatmeals set a blissful scene in this living room, reminiscent of blue sky days by the sea. When you want your bach to feel like it’s right on the sand, layer up Resene blues like the light Resene Cut Glass with the deep Resene Teal Blue. Pair with natural rattan, textured cushions, light wood and artwork that celebrates the sea. It’s an easy way to bring the coast indoors, even if your bach is tucked further inland. This look keeps things light, fresh, and utterly Kiwi. Ready for those long, warm summer evenings.
Top tips for baches and homes near the coast:
- Wash down exterior surfaces regularly to remove salt deposits, especially if you live close to the sea. Use Resene Paint Prep and Housewash about every six months, or annually if you’re a bit further inland.
- Always use the correct primers and sealers such as Resene Quick Dry, or Resene Galvo One for metal roofs. This helps the paint bond properly and gives it the best protection against coastal conditions.
- For Zincalume roofing and cladding that’s currently unpainted, consider applying a second of Resene Galvo One primer before you paint for added protection and to prolong the life of the metal, as coastal conditions can be extremely hostile.
- Choose lighter paint colours, or if you’re going dark opt for the Resene CoolColour version to reflect more heat and reduce fading or thermal stress on your home.
- If you’re staining timber, plan to recoat more often in coastal areas. Resene Woodsman stains may need refreshing every 18 – 24 months depending on how exposed the wood is. Also keep in mind that darker stains tend to last significantly longer than lighter stains.
- Try to paint in the shade, rather than in direct sun, or aim to get most of your painting done in the morning or late afternoon. This helps avoid blistering or the paint drying to fast which can affect the overall result. Consider using Resene Hot Weather Additive if painting in summer, this will slow the drying time of Resene waterborne paints and allow you to get the best finish.
For more colour and product advice, visit your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Colour Expert online for free.
We’d love to see what you’ve done with your own bach, or coastal-inspired home. Send some pictures along with the Resene paints and/or stains you’ve used to editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Published: 17 Dec 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Double Sea Fog
Resene Silver Chalice
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Double Sea Fog
Resene Silver Chalice
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
