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: A tiger themed bedroom, a cottagecore bathroom and feathery friends
We’ve got a great roundup of projects from our readers this month. From a rainbow… more
look book 
The grey-green of Resene Inside Back celebrates the character and history of this villa, while the front door in Resene Smoulder adds a stunning contrast and warm welcome to guests. The trims, veranda railings and fretwork are painted in Resene Half Black White accentuating the traditional villa features. Project and image by Suzanne Allen Design.
This dark exterior is in Wood-X tinted to Resene Foundry, available from Resene ColorShops, providing a stunning contrast to the coastal environment and greenery. Project by Studio2 Architects, image by Simon Devitt.
Connecting the outside with the inside, half strength Resene Wishlist was painted on the soffits and railing of this exterior patio. The trims are in Resene Ecru White. Project by John Mills Architects, image by Paul McCredie.
A beautiful blend of Linea weatherboards and brick, painted in dreamy Resene Half Milk White. Project by Kelly Wright Interiors, image by Rebekah Robinson.
This historic house is painted in the rich red of Resene Aroha which boldly stands out against the crisp white accents of Resene Black White and front door in Resene Jordy Blue. This vivid colour scheme not only draws attention but also harmonises with some of the surrounding heritage buildings in the Christchurch suburb, creating a visual theme in the neighbourhood. Project and image by Team Architects Christchurch.
Crafting curb appeal: Mastering your home’s exterior colour scheme
When it comes to enhancing the exterior of your home, there is an array of stunning colour options that can beautifully highlight both traditional and modern architectural features. Whether you're aiming for a classic villa look or a bold, contemporary aesthetic, the right combination of Resene colours can transform your home's exterior into a reflection of your personality and style. Let’s take a look at five exquisite exteriors to give you some inspiration.
A classic blend
The grey-green of Resene Inside Back celebrates the character and history of this villa, while the front door in Resene Smoulder adds a stunning contrast and warm welcome to guests. The trims, veranda railings and fretwork are painted in Resene Half Black White accentuating the traditional villa features. Project and image by Suzanne Allen Design.
Blend your villa’s traditional features with modern, vibrant aesthetics. Try highlighting trims and detailing with white and use a contrasting shade for weatherboards. Choose popular villa shades like Resene Spanish White, Resene Half Ash and Resene Friar Greystone or add some colour with more contemporary hues like Resene New Denim Blue, Resene Lynchpin and Resene Cutty Sark. Whichever colour you choose, make your house a home – one that expresses your personality and individuality – with a colourful front door. Try a bright red like Resene Bullseye, a true indigo blue like Resene Lucky Point or a sunshine yellow like Resene Broom.
Wood you go dark?
This dark exterior is in Wood-X tinted to Resene Foundry, available from Resene ColorShops, providing a stunning contrast to the coastal environment and greenery. Project by Studio2 Architects, image by Simon Devitt.
Dark homes look stunning in coastal locations because they create a striking contrast against the natural brightness of the seaside environment. The deep, rich tones of dark hues or wood stains emphasise the vibrant blues of the ocean and the pale sands, grounding the home visually in its surroundings. Darker finishes also blend harmoniously with the natural elements like rocks, driftwood and coastal vegetation, giving the home a sophisticated, yet organic, appearance. Try Resene Woodsman stains in shades like Resene Pitch Black, Resene Crowshead, Resene Bark and Resene Bushtrack.
Top tip: If you’re planning to use a dark stain, choose a Resene CoolColour™ tinted into Resene Waterborne Woodsman, Resene Woodsman, Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain or pretinted Resene Timber and Furniture Gel. A Resene CoolColour reflects more of the sun’s damaging UV rays than the standard version of the colour reducing heat stress and damage.
Blue’s the word
Connecting the outside with the inside, half strength Resene Wishlist was painted on the soffits and railing of this exterior patio. The trims are in Resene Ecru White. Project by John Mills Architects, image by Paul McCredie.
If changing your whole exterior scheme seems a little daunting, you could always try adding some colour in smaller parts, such as on soffits, railing or trims. This homeowner chose a mid-toned aquamarine blue, half strength Resene Wishlist, for the soffits and railing, a shade that mirrors parts of the interior. This not only creates a harmonious design between the interior and exterior, but also gives the patio some character and vibrance. The darker shade overhead creates a cosy atmosphere and looks stunning against the afternoon and evening sky. For similar blues, try Resene Gothic, Resene Horizon and Resene Bismark.
The white way
A beautiful blend of Linea weatherboards and brick, painted in dreamy Resene Half Milk White. Project by Kelly Wright Interiors, image by Rebekah Robinson.
There’s a reason white exteriors are loved by so many – they exude a timeless elegance and blend seamlessly with various architectural styles. An all-white exterior creates a crisp, clean aesthetic, reflecting natural light beautifully, which can make your home appear larger and more inviting. On this home, the monochromatic palette also allows the textures of the weatherboards and bricks to stand out subtly, adding depth and interest without overwhelming the eye.
White also serves as a versatile backdrop, making it easy to accentuate with colourful landscaping, vibrant doors, or even seasonal decorations. There are many Resene whites to try that not only offer a fresh and modern look but also a sense of simplicity and serenity. Try popular crisp whites like Resene Black White, Resene Alabaster and Resene Sea Fog or slightly warmer hues like Resene Rice Cake, Resene Thorndon Cream and Resene Blanc. Or try a whitewashed finish on timber with Resene Woodsman Whitewash.
Heritage hues
This historic house is painted in the rich red of Resene Aroha which boldly stands out against the crisp white accents of Resene Black White and front door in Resene Jordy Blue. This vivid colour scheme not only draws attention but also harmonises with some of the surrounding heritage buildings in the Christchurch suburb, creating a visual theme in the neighbourhood. Project and image by Team Architects Christchurch.
Why not draw inspiration fromthe authentic colours of your traditional home? Traditional homes are an integral part of our heritage and many homeowners with older houses, especially those pre-1940, are striving for authenticity in colour repainting to enhance the true architectural heritage of their homes. Try choosing shades from the Resene Heritage Colour Palette such as Resene Nelson Red, Resene Slate Brown, Resene Scrub or Resene Cobalt. Painting trims, fretwork and ornate detailing in a contrasting shade can also help to highlight and celebrate your homes traditional features.
No matter your home's style or location, Resene's extensive range of exterior paints and wood stains provide the perfect hues to enhance its character and charm. Embrace the opportunity to make your home's exterior a true expression of your individuality with a beautiful and versatile palette.
For more inspiration check out Resene’s Home exteriors decorating inspiration gallery. You can also pop into your local Resene ColorShop for more exterior colour advice, Ask a Colour Expert onlinefor help or book a colour consultation with a Resene Colour Expert, www.resene.com/colourconsult, free instore or virtually or a paid home visit in selected areas.
Published: 03 Sep 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Half Black White
Resene Half Black White
Resene Spanish White
Resene Spanish White
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene Half Milk White
Resene Half Milk White
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
more inspiration
Douglas and Shelley’s neutral haven is filled with creative touches
When Douglas and Shelley moved to Dunedin with their two children, Oscar… more
While we loved each and every unique, creative and inspirational… more
Bronze and black define Hobsonville Point’s next generation of golden living
Nestled on the banks of the western coast and a… more
5 important things to take into account before painting your exterior
Though it may not seem like it some days, spring… more
George and Yvonne turn a neutral palette on its head
When talking neutrals in a home, it’s understandable that your… more
Resene Half Black White
Resene Half Black White
Resene Spanish White
Resene Spanish White
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene Half Milk White
Resene Half Milk White
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
