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The exterior weatherboards of this rural masterpiece are painted in quadruple strength Resene Ash. Facings, fascia and alloy joinery painted in Resene Titania. These neutral hues pair well with roofing finished in a dark colour, such as Resene Element. Design by Taylormade Builders, image by Alister Winter.
This stunning exterior is a smoky grey blue with a slight purple edge painted in Resene Rhino. The trims are coated in ReseneLustacryl tinted to ReseneWhite providing a perfect contrast. Design by Cris and Bryh from Big Life Tiny Home.
Homeowners Bridget and Tom used Resene Sonyx 101 semi-gloss waterborne paint tinted to Resene Pumice for their matai weatherboards.The window facings, sills and other trims are painted in Resene Sea Fog. The front door and concrete foundation are painted in Resene Porter.
Helen and Phil’s home has a tropical feel, with frangipani and a passionfruit vine growing next to their Mediterranean hued exterior. A custom terracotta colour (which they named ‘Lynch Terracotta’) was created for the couple for the exterior of their Auckland home by their local ReseneColorShop. For a similar look to their exterior paint, try Resene Tuscany and Resene Sante Fe, or richer terracotta tones like Resene Moccasin and Resene Raging Bull. If you’re keen onvibrant blue joinery, try Resene Anchor.
This Cape Cod style shed, used for extra space or a sleepout, is painted in Resene Botticelli with Resene Alabaster on the soffit, trims and French doors. Build by SheShed.
What a classic and timeless colour combo. Resene Vinyl Etch primer was used to prepare this caravan exterior before coating in ReseneLustacryl tinted to Resene Half Orchid White (top) and Resene Spanish Green (bottom). Design by Saskia Thornton and Mike Eastwood, image by Mike Eastwood.
Dressed to impress: Exterior colour done right
When it comes to creating the perfect first impression, the exterior of your home speaks volumes. Whether you’re looking to evoke modern sophistication, vintage charm or classic appeal, the right paint choices can transform your property. From tiny homes to rural retreats, and even retro caravans, the right combination of colours will enhance your home's style, increase its curb appeal and reflect your personality. Let’s explore a variety of gorgeous exterior paint schemes using Resene colours that bring out the best in these beautiful homes.
Ash-tonishing appeal
The exterior weatherboards of this rural masterpiece are painted in quadruple strength Resene Ash. Facings, fascia and alloy joinery painted in Resene Titania. These neutral hues pair well with roofing finished in a dark colour, such as Resene Element. Design by Taylormade Builders, image by Alister Winter.
For a sophisticated yet understated look, a palette of soft, earthy neutrals is always a winner. Shades like Resene Triple Ash, Resene Double Tana and Resene Grey Olive create a grounded and calming feel, ideal for rural settings or homes surrounded by nature. Pairing these shades with lighter trims provides a crisp contrast and just the right amount of drama. In this home, the homeowners have kept the front door timber, which not only shows off the beauty and grain in the wood, but also complements the rural setting and natural surroundings.
Tiny but mighty
This stunning exterior is a smoky grey blue with a slight purple edge painted in Resene Rhino. The trims are coated in ReseneLustacryl tinted to Resene White providing a perfect contrast. Design by Cris and Bryh from Big Life Tiny Home.
This tiny home packs a big punch! The exterior is painted in Resene Rhino, a hue that provides an edgy, chic feel. The white trims and gold fixtures add a luxurious touch and contrast to the bold weatherboards. This look is perfect if you want to blend contemporary flair with classic appeal, making your home feel modern and fresh.
To achieve this look, opt for dark, moody tones paired with sharp, clean whites to add dimension, style and curb appeal to any sized home – big or small. Resene Coast and Resene Cello will offer a similar look, or you could try a bold green with plenty of depth like Resene Holly or Resene Midnight Moss.
Serene in green
Homeowners Bridget and Tom used Resene Sonyx 101 semi-gloss waterborne paint tinted to Resene Pumice for their matai weatherboards.The window facings, sills and other trims are painted in Resene Sea Fog. The front door and concrete foundation are painted in Resene Porter.
If you’re after a tranquil, nature-inspired aesthetic, look no further than soft greens. Resene Pumice offers a perfect backdrop for creating a calm and soothing atmosphere, although shades like Resene Eighth Lemon Grass, Resene Willow Brook and Resene Paris White will also do the trick. Pair your serene green with crisp, white trims in Resene Quarter Alabaster or Resene Eighth Black White and introduce bolder accents, such as Resene Zeus or ReseneIronsand on the roof, front door or other architectural features. Combined with greenery and landscaping, you’ll fall in love every time you arrive home!
Take me to Tuscany
Helen and Phil’s home has a tropical feel, with frangipani and a passionfruit vine growing next to their Mediterranean hued exterior. A custom terracotta colour (which they named ‘Lynch Terracotta’) was created for the couple for the exterior of their Auckland home by their local ReseneColorShop. For a similar look to their exterior paint, try Resene Tuscany and Resene Sante Fe, or richer terracotta tones like Resene Moccasin and Resene Raging Bull. If you’re keen onvibrant blue joinery, try Resene Anchor.
Bring the warmth and charm of a Mediterranean villa to your home with terracotta tones like Resene Tuscany or Resene Sante Fe. These sun-kissed hues instantly create a welcoming, inviting atmosphere that evokes the feeling of a holiday escape. To enhance the Tuscan aesthetic, pair these warm, earthy tones with vibrant blue accents for your windows or front door – Resene Anchor and Resene Curious Blue offer a perfect complement. This combination not only adds colour but also heightens the Mediterranean vibe.
Consider adding some wooden elements too. You could add some wooden arches for vines to grow on, or keep your window frames unpainted and instead stain them in rich tones such as Resene Colorwood tinted to Resene Meranti, Resene Mahogony or Resene Dark Oak.
Superb she shed
This Cape Cod style shed, used for extra space or a sleepout, is painted in Resene Botticelli with Resene Alabaster on the soffit, trims and French doors. Build by SheShed.
For a shed that’s not just functional but also a personal retreat, the right colour choices can turn it into a standout feature in your backyard. Opting for a soft pastel like ReseneBotticelli creates a fresh, coastal vibe reminiscent of a Cape Cod or Hamptons getaway. For a bolder look, consider a deep shade like Resene Guru or Resene Cobalt. If you prefer a more vibrant, creative feel, try a pop of colour like Resene Smitten or Resene Koru paired with a neutral like Resene Black White for trims. Whether your shed is used as a home office, art studio or just a cosy nook to escape, you’ll find great joy in colouring it to reflect your own personality.
Road trip ready
What a classic and timeless colour combo. Resene Vinyl Etch primer was used to prepare this caravan exterior before coating in ReseneLustacryl tinted to Resene Half Orchid White (top) and Resene Spanish Green (bottom). Design by Saskia Thornton and Mike Eastwood, image by Mike Eastwood.
Now painted in Resene Spanish Green and Resene Orchid White, you might not believe a 70s orange consumed the exterior before. “I absolutely love the colour combination we chose,” says owner Saskia. “The inspiration came from the old VW Kombi vans. These colours together pay tribute to the vintage era this caravan was made but also have a fresh modern feel to them that nestles into the environment like it was always there.”
If you’ve got an old caravan that’s looking a bit tired or off-trend, give it a fresh coat of paint and travel the country in style this summer! Try vintage inspired combos like Resene Rose Of Sharon and Resene Black White or Resene Fuel Yellow and Resene Riptide. If you want a more modern makeover, try Resene New Denim Blue, Resene Nero or Resene Tuna.
No matter your home's style or location, embrace the opportunity to make it 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 online for 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: 02 Oct 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Midnight Moss
Resene Midnight Moss
Resene Eighth Lemon Grass
Resene Eighth Lemon Grass
Resene Quarter Alabaster
Resene Quarter Alabaster
Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Half Orchid White
Resene Half Orchid White
Resene Spanish Green
Resene Spanish Green
Resene Rose Of Sharon
Resene Rose Of Sharon
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
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Resene Midnight Moss
Resene Midnight Moss
Resene Eighth Lemon Grass
Resene Eighth Lemon Grass
Resene Quarter Alabaster
Resene Quarter Alabaster
Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Half Orchid White
Resene Half Orchid White
Resene Spanish Green
Resene Spanish Green
Resene Rose Of Sharon
Resene Rose Of Sharon
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
