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Paint and style a sunroom to relax in with sorbet-like colours. This front wall and candleholder are painted in Resene Soothe, back wall painted in a vertical stripe with Resene Eighth Bison Hide and Half Moonbeam, floor in Colorwood Bleached Riverstone, trims in Alabaster, coffee table in Petal, side table in Pewter, chair in Bone, tall planter in Double Spanish White, vase in Cut Glass and books in Quarter Tea and Fluffy Duck. Cushion from Castle & Things. Project by Annick Larkin, image by Bryce Carleton.
Add a touch of nature in a blue colourway with Resene Only Blue Wallpaper Collection 102636225, the perfect fresh summer design that pairs beautifully with crisp whites like Resene Black White and Quarter Sea Fog.
Resene Apple Blossom pairs well with this wall painted in Quarter White Pointer. The floor is stained in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, bench seat in Beachcomber, pot in Half Perfect Taupe and vase in Contented. Hooks from Mitre 10, artwork by Anna Leyland, hat, shoes and bag from Città. Project by Annick Larkin, image by Bryce Carleton.
This distressed effect wall is painted in Resene Double Blanc and Half Blanc, window shutters in Melting Moment, pavers in Non-Skid Deck & Path in Grey Chateau, table distressed with Melting Moment and Paris White, chairs distressed in Family Tree, pot in Resene FX Faux Rust Effect and lavender pot in Frozen. Candle and dinner set from Maman. Project by Megan Harrison-Turner, image by Bryce Carleton.
This timber tabletop is stained in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, chip holder blocks in Colour Enhance White, Colour Enhance Walnut, Colour Enhance Jarrah, Colour Enhance Red Brown, Colour Enhance Black and Colour Enhance Japan Black mixed with Aquaclear semi-gloss. Project by LauraGrace McFarland, image by Bryce Carleton.
For this wine holder, the terracotta pot is painted in Resene Brown Bramble, wooden wine stand stained in Resene Woodsman Cedar Natural Wood Oil Paparoa. Wall in Resene Half Fossil and decking in Woodsman Decking Oil Stain in Natural. Project by Ivan Moses and Pamela McIntosh, image by Bryce Carleton.
This soccer goal is painted in Resene Bilbao with circle trim in Black White, concrete in Sports Court Coating in Game On and wall painted in Silver Chalice. Project by Ivan Moses, image by Bryce Carleton.
Here’s how to style your home for summer
Setting your home up for summer is all about light, colour and spaces made for living. With Resene paints, stains and wallpapers, it’s easy to create rooms that feel bright and welcoming, or to complete clever DIY projects designed to enhance entertaining or relaxing with family and friends. These ideas will help your home shine all season long.
Bright and cheerful palettes
Nothing says summer like colour. From a splash of sunshine yellow to a feature wall in breezy blue, a new coat of paint is one of the quickest ways to lift the mood of a room. Outdoors, lighter hues and natural finishes help create a relaxed vibe that flows easily into the garden. Stains and finishes from the Resene Woodcare range will keep decks and furniture looking their best, while pops of your favourite Resene paint colours on planters, trims or a mural wall can turn a patio into the ultimate summer hangout. It’s all about creating spaces that feel fun, fresh and ready for long, sunny days.
Paint and style a sunroom to relax in with sorbet-like colours. This front wall and candleholder are painted in Resene Soothe, back wall painted in a vertical stripe with Resene Eighth Bison Hide and Half Moonbeam, floor in Colorwood Bleached Riverstone, trims in Alabaster, coffee table in Petal, side table in Pewter, chair in Bone, tall planter in Double Spanish White, vase in Cut Glass and books in Quarter Tea and Fluffy Duck. Cushion from Castle & Things. Project by Annick Larkin, image by Bryce Carleton.
Sorbet and pastel tones are a perfect match for summer as they bring a light and refreshing feel to your home. Soft pinks, mint greens (such as Resene Bach), buttery yellows and sky blues create a sense of ease and playfulness. These shades pair beautifully with warm neutrals, adding just the right amount of colour without overpowering a room. Used indoors they evoke breezy afternoons and open windows, while outdoors they reflect the carefree mood of long summer days.
Try soft sorbet shades like Resene Peppermint, Designer White, Gelato and Quarter Moonbeam.
"We’re seeing a shift towards warmer, complex mid-tones with vibrant or saturated accents adding a fun, fresh energy," says Resene Colour Expert Meryl Southey. This is echoed in the colour forecast of The Mix, with warm honey and pink tones coveted because they evoke a sense of joy and optimism.
Add a touch of nature in a blue colourway with Resene Only Blue Wallpaper Collection 102636225, the perfect fresh summer design that pairs beautifully with crisp whites like Resene Black White and Quarter Sea Fog.
The right wallpaper can elevate your summer mood and bring the outdoors in. Soft botanical prints, leafy patterns or washes of gentle blues and greens create a sense of calm and freshness, perfect for bedrooms, living spaces or even a sun-filled hallway and entryway. Pairing your wallpaper with complementary Resene paint colours will also help to build a cohesive look that feels light, airy and made for the season.
Try wallpapers that feel like they’re made for summer, such as Resene Nomade Wallpaper Collection M687-19, Only Blue Wallpaper Collection 100596029, Golden Age Wallpaper Collection 103790691 and Fashion For Walls Wallpaper Collection 10373-31.
Resene Apple Blossom pairs well with this wall painted in Quarter White Pointer. The floor is stained in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, bench seat in Beachcomber, pot in Half Perfect Taupe and vase in Contented. Hooks from Mitre 10, artwork by Anna Leyland, hat, shoes and bag from Città. Project by Annick Larkin, image by Bryce Carleton.
Consider giving your entryway a seasonal lift. A pop of cheerful colour on panelling, shelving or the front door will instantly brighten the space and makes every arrival feel like a warm welcome. Our panel feature is painted in Resene Apple Blossom which pops perfectly against the neutral wall, but you can try other warm tones like Japonica and Crail for a similar feel. If you’re more of a cool-toned person, try Resene Summer Green or Comfort Zone, which feel like a gentle sea spray on a hot day.
Add a few practical touches too. Hooks for sunhats and beach bags, a bench for slipping off sandals and baskets ready to catch sandy shoes. With a little colour and clever styling your entryway can become both functional and full of summer charm.
This distressed effect wall is painted in Resene Double Blanc and Half Blanc, window shutters in Melting Moment, pavers in Non-Skid Deck & Path in Grey Chateau, table distressed with Melting Moment and Paris White, chairs distressed in Family Tree, pot in Resene FX Faux Rust Effect and lavender pot in Frozen. Candle and dinner set from Maman. Project by Megan Harrison-Turner, image by Bryce Carleton.
We spend a lot of time outdoors in summer, and your patio or dining area isn’t just made for eating or sitting. They’re for laughing until your cheeks hurt, sharing stories over second helpings and making memories that outlast the meal. The right space invites everyone in and makes them want to stay a little longer. You don’t have to do a complete overhaul or renovation either, just give furniture, trims, planters or your wall a fresh coat of paint to bring it to life.
Try contrasting hues that work well together but add depth, like Resene Rice Cake and Half Melting Moment paired with Awol and Turtle Green.
Entertainment domain
Summer is made for gathering. Backyard barbecues, movie marathons and family games on the lawn. With a few easy and clever Resene DIY projects, you can turn your home into the ultimate entertainment hub. Practical, colourful and full of personality. Your guests won’t want to leave!
This timber tabletop is stained in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, chip holder blocks in Colour Enhance White, Colour Enhance Walnut, Colour Enhance Jarrah, Colour Enhance Red Brown, Colour Enhance Black and Colour Enhance Japan Black mixed with Aquaclear semi-gloss. Project by LauraGrace McFarland, image by Bryce Carleton.
Movie nights are calling! Family snacks are made smart, simple and tidy with our DIY chip holders. All you need to do is choose your favourite dipping sauces! These chip holders are an excellent way to use up wood offcuts from bigger projects, as well as any leftover Resene paint and stain. You can also head to your local Resene ColorShop with the kids so they can pick out their favourite testpot colours and add their own personal touch to their holder. Just be sure to measure your dipping containers carefully so you drill the right size hole for a perfect fit. Click here to the step-by-step guide to make your own.
For our wine holder, the terracotta pot is painted in Resene Brown Bramble, wooden wine stand stained in Resene Woodsman Cedar Natural Wood Oil Paparoa. Wall in Resene Half Fossil and decking in Woodsman Decking Oil Stain in Natural. Project by Ivan Moses and Pamela McIntosh, image by Bryce Carleton.
Add handmade charm to your next gathering with this rustic-chic DIY wine holder. Made from timber, a terracotta pot and concrete mix, it’s finished with Resene paint and Resene Woodsman Cedar Natural Wood Oil for a warm, natural look. Topped off with fresh blooms or foliage, this upcycled project is perfect for outdoor entertaining with a personal, sustainable touch. See how to make your own wine holder here.
This goal is painted in Resene Bilbao with circle trim in Black White, concrete in Sports Court Coating in Game On and wall painted in Silver Chalice. Project by Ivan Moses, image by Bryce Carleton.
If you want to kick backyard play up a notch and add some family fun to your next barbecue day then this easy DIY pallet soccer goal, painted in Resene Bilbao, is the perfect weekend project for sports-lovers. Made from a recycled pallet and designed to be both functional and fun, this vibrant goal will stand out in any outdoor space. Maybe you're entertaining little ones or just want to bring your A-game to the backyard, this project turns everyday materials into a winning setup. Click here to make your own soccer goal at home!
Make your home somewhere you want to spend time this summer, both indoors and out! For more paint and colour advice, head to your local Resene ColorShop or Ask A Colour Expert online.
Published: 06 Jan 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Eighth Bison Hide
Resene Half Moonbeam
Resene Double Spanish White
Resene Designer White
Resene Quarter Moonbeam
Resene Apple Blossom
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Half Perfect Taupe
Resene Melting Moment
Resene Brown Bramble
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 Eighth Bison Hide
Resene Half Moonbeam
Resene Double Spanish White
Resene Designer White
Resene Quarter Moonbeam
Resene Apple Blossom
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Half Perfect Taupe
Resene Melting Moment
Resene Brown Bramble
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.
