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This home is painted in the deep green of Resene Jurassic, reflecting the surrounding bush in the Auckland suburb of Titirangi, paired with a ceiling in Half Merino. Design by Felicity Brenchly, image by Jamie Cobel.
The walls of this beach home are painted in a warm Resene Eighth Blanc, reflecting the nearby dunes. Timber tones add extra warmth while the blue from the sea and sky bring a touch of cool in the expansive windows. Design by Parsonson Architects, image by Paul McCredie.
The exterior of this coastal bach is painted in Resene Raindance, with a bright front door in Galliano. Design and image by Holly Houndstooth of Houndstooth Interiors.
The exterior weatherboards on this rural home are painted in a custom quadruple strength Resene Ash. Facings, fascia and alloy joinery painted in Titania, roof in Element. Design by homeowner and builder Shane Taylor, image by Alister Winter.
The shades of Resene Komar Pure Wallpaper Collection PO32-VD4 reflect the alpine surroundings of this South Island home. The ceiling is painted in the deep grey, Mako. Design by Home Factor, image by Samford Cathie.
Both the angles and colours in this home reflect the mountainous region it sits in. The ceiling and walls are painted in Resene Quarter Ironsand, with trims in Half Bokara Grey and beams in Resene Woodsman Crowshead. Design by Atlas Architects, image by Tess Kelly.
The walls and ceiling of this bungalow are painted in Resene Quarter Merino, with trims in Rice Cake. Design by Nala Studio Architects, image by Sam Laurent.
The kitchen cabinetry in this Auckland home is painted in Resene AquaLAQ in Resene Truffle, offering a subtle contrast to the ceiling in Quarter Rice Cake. Design by Jamie Durrant, image by MJS Visuals.
Choosing colours for New Zealand homes
Choosing a colour, or colours, that capture the distinct essence of the New Zealand landscape helps to blend the built environment – your home – seamlessly with the natural world.
New Zealand has exceptionally clear, sharp, and high-UV light. There is low atmospheric pollution and dust so the light is cooler and blue-toned, often causing pale or bright colours to be harsher and washed out, also making cool greys look icy and cold.
As you can imagine, if you’ve been browsing through European or US magazines for inspiration and have found a colour you love, it’s likely to look vastly different on this side of the world.
This doesn’t mean you can’t have that ‘mag-worthy’ colour, but there might just be a slight variation (warmer, cooler, lighter, darker) that will look a lot better here, or at least a lot more like that magazine colour once it’s on the wall.
This is where Resene testpots come in. Always pick up a few testpots and paint them onto a large piece of cardboard and view it on-site at different times of the day before committing to your final paint choice.
Colour palettes for your location
Now for the fun part – actually choosing your colours. Depending on where you live, taking inspiration from your surrounding environment can create a home that feels both harmonious for you and where it’s located.
For New Zealand this could be shades inspired by the rugged coasts, native bush or alpine landscapes.
Coastal and marine palettes:
Best for: Beachside baches and coastal homes.
Colours: Try Resene Half Blanc, Duck Egg Blue, Bluff and Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy to mimic weathered driftwood.
Vibe: Light, breezy and soothing, mirroring the sea spray and open skies.
The walls of this beach home are painted in a warm Resene Eighth Blanc, reflecting the nearby dunes. Timber tones add extra warmth while the blue from the sea and sky bring a touch of cool in the expansive windows. Design by Parsonson Architects, image by Paul McCredie.
The exterior of this coastal bach is painted in Resene Raindance, with a bright front door in Galliano. Design and image by Holly Houndstooth of Houndstooth Interiors.
Native bush and rural settings:
Best for: Sub-tropical forest surroundings, lifestyle blocks and rural settings.
Colours: Try Resene Tana, Flax, Grey Olive and Quarter Karaka.
Vibe: These colours are grounding and harmonious and integrate the home directly with the native flora and pastoral greens.
This home is painted in the deep green of Resene Jurassic, reflecting the surrounding bush in the Auckland suburb of Titirangi, paired with a ceiling in Half Merino. Design by Felicity Brenchly, image by Jamie Cobel.
The exterior weatherboards on this rural home are painted in a custom quadruple strength Resene Ash. Facings, fascia and alloy joinery painted in Titania, roof in Element. Design by homeowner and builder Shane Taylor, image by Alister Winter.
Alpine regions:
Best for: Modern architectural builds in the South Island or mountainous regions.
Colours: Try Resene Grey Friars, Foundry, Half Delta and Triple Stonehenge.
Vibe: Dramatic and contemporary. Dark charcoals and earthy browns naturally recede into the landscape, making them perfect for framing views of the Southern Alps or dramatic moody skies.
The shades of Resene Komar Pure Wallpaper Collection PO32-VD4 reflect the alpine surroundings of this South Island home. The ceiling is painted in the deep grey, Mako. Design by Home Factor, image by Samford Cathie.
Both the angles and colours in this home reflect the mountainous region it sits in. The ceiling and walls are painted in Resene Quarter Ironsand, with trims in Half Bokara Grey and beams in Resene Woodsman Crowshead. Design by Atlas Architects, image by Tess Kelly.
Urban and city locations:
Best for: Traditional villas or urban environments.
Colours: Resene Rice Cake, Merino, Half Tea and Truffle.
Vibe: These neutrals are soft and inviting. They provide a clean canvas that catches the uniquely crisp, high-UV New Zealand light without looking stark, plus you can add accent colours to make your home uniquely yours.
The walls and ceiling of this bungalow are painted in Resene Quarter Merino, with trims in Rice Cake. Design by Nala Studio Architects, image by Sam Laurent.
The kitchen cabinetry in this Auckland home is painted in Resene AquaLAQ in Resene Truffle, offering a subtle contrast to the ceiling in Quarter Rice Cake. Design by Jamie Durrant, image by MJS Visuals.
Resene Pro Tips:
- New Zealand sun can be very harsh. If you’re using a dark colour on your exterior, deck or fencing, use the Resene CoolColour version to reflect more heat and protect and extend the life of your paint and stains.
- For general wall areas, use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Flat. These finishes, with low or no gloss, help to reduce glare in harsher light and minimise imperfections. Use Lustacryl for contrast and dimension on trims for a hard-wearing finish on high impact areas.
If you live, or are planning to move, across the ditch, check out our article: Choosing colours for Australian homes.
Published: 04 Aug 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Duck Egg Blue
Resene Quarter Karaka
Resene Triple Stonehenge
Resene Quarter Ironsand
Resene Half Bokara Grey
Resene Quarter Merino
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
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 Duck Egg Blue
Resene Quarter Karaka
Resene Triple Stonehenge
Resene Quarter Ironsand
Resene Half Bokara Grey
Resene Quarter Merino
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
