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Walls in Resene Element. Design by Richelle Langdon of Oliver Myles Interiors, image by Owen Hall Photography.

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Walls painted in Resene Outlaw, through arch painted in Kia Kaha, floor in Resene Colorwood Bask. Table and chairs from Bradfords Interiors. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.

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Day room in Resene Tom Thumb with trims in Half Black White. Project and image by homeowner Izabella.

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Wall in Resene Smokescreen with stripes in Quarter Bianca. Bedhead from The Ivy House, table and bench seat from Soren Liv. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.

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Weatherboards in Resene Indian Ink, fence, trims and garage door in Half Black White. Project and image by homeowner Izabella.

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Exterior masonry in Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream, accented roof edge in Dynamite. Design and image by hungerford+edmunds.

Bold colour schemes that stand the test of time

Bold colour isn't just for the brave. When used thoughtfully, confident interior and exterior hues can feel timeless, rather than ‘trend’ driven. 

The secret is choosing colours with depth, balancing them with natural materials or neutrals, and investing in quality paint that can stand up to all life’s messy and busy moments.

Dark design that feels homely

Deep colours like black, charcoal and warm brown create cosy, cocooning spaces that feel sophisticated all year round. They’re often rumoured to make a room feel smaller, but darker shades can add depth and blur the edges of a space making it feel calm and welcoming.


Walls in Resene Element. Design by Richelle Langdon of Oliver Myles Interiors, image by Owen Hall Photography.


Walls painted in Resene Outlaw, through arch painted in Kia Kaha, floor in Resene Colorwood Bask. Table and chairs from Bradfords Interiors. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.

More timeless dark hues to try are Resene Tuna, Coffee Bean, Half Bokara Grey and Resene Colorwood English Walnut:


Resene Pro Tip: Always test dark colours in different lighting before committing. A shade can look very different in morning sun compared to evening light. Opt for Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen for walls, it’s durable, easy to clean and will give you that modern, velvety finish that will look professional.

Colours with staying power

Timeless, bold colour is often inspired by nature. Earthy reds, sky blues and rich greens tend to feel more enduring than neon-like or highly saturated shades. Although, if you’re after that artsy, confident feel, then showing off your personality on your walls is a timeless statement in itself!

Limiting your palette to one feature colour with a few complementary tones or solid accents also helps create a cohesive look throughout your home.


Day room in Resene Tom Thumb with trims in Half Black White. Project and image by homeowner Izabella.


Wall in Resene Smokescreen with stripes in Quarter Bianca. Bedhead from The Ivy House, table and bench seat from Soren Liv. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.

Try colours that last, like Resene Tuscany, Rivergum, Juniper and Bali Hai:


Resene Pro Tip: Use Resene testpots to experiment with combinations and brighter shades before painting, as well as testing out Resene Colorwood wood stains to see how they will look – stains can appear different on different types of wood.

Bold exteriors with lasting appeal

Dark exteriors continue to be a popular choice, and they work best when they suit the home's architecture and surroundings. Deep blues, charcoals and greens pair beautifully with timber and landscaping, while contrasting white trims or a colourful front door can add character without overwhelming the design.


Weatherboards in Resene Indian Ink, fence, trims and garage door in Half Black White. Project and image by homeowner Izabella.


Exterior masonry in Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream, accented roof edge in Dynamite. Design and image by hungerford+edmunds.

If your home is of a certain era, celebrating its features is an iconic, almost legendary, way to keep your home looking timeless. This mid-century style home features quintessential red trims in Resene Dynamite, highlighting the striking horizontal edges commonly seen in the 60s, when it was originally built.

Make a statement on your exterior that will stand the test of time. For villas, pair contrasting white trims with shades like Resene Bluff or Willow Brook on weatherboards. For newer architectural homes try Times Square or Charcoal paired with timber features in a Resene Woodsman stain:

 

Resene Pro Tip: Good preparation and premium exterior paint are just as important as the colour itself, helping your home stay looking fresh through New Zealand's changing weather. Use Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen for exterior walls and Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain for timber features, with Resene CoolColour technology available on many darker shades to help reduce heat absorption in summer.

Published: 09 Jul 2026

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.

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