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This happy striped room is painted in Resene Quarter Spanish White with stripes in Resene Energy Yellow. The floor is in ReseneColorwood Breathe Easy, dining table and cabinet in Resene Quarter Spanish White and chairs and plant pot in Resene Green House. Artwork from artisout on Etsy, faux lemon tree from Bed Bath&Beyond, lemon jug from French Country, ribbed glass tumbler from Kmart, plates from The Warehouse. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
In this colourful kids’ space, the wall is painted in Resene Eighth Bison Hide, floor in ReseneColorwood Breathe Easy, hook shelf in Resene Tana, step stools in Resene Butterfly and ReseneSebedee, cubbies in Resene Wonderland, Resene Fringy Flower and Resene Grenadier, pendants in Resene Turbo, mason jars in Resene Lola and Resene Drop Dead Gorgeous, cats in Resene Quarter Tana and Resene Bison Hide, pen pot in Resene Reservoir, round box in Resene Amulet, boxes inside cubbies (left to right) in Resene Aqua, Resene Wax Flower and Resene Vista Blue, book in Resene Eighth Tana and clock in Resene Contented. Project by Annick Larkin, image by Bryce Carleton.
In this zen space, the upper wall is painted in Resene Eagle, lower wall in ReseneWaiouru, floor in ReseneColorwood Mid Greywash, trims in Resene Ottoman, planters in Resene Cut Glass, cushion tops in Resene Eagle, lantern bottoms in Resene Sweet Corn and shoes in ReseneWaiouru. Cushions from Nood, rugs from The Ivy House, lanterns from Trade Aid, teapot from Everyday Needs, artwork by Rakai Karaitiana from endemicworld, mugs from An Astute Assembly. Project by Kate Alexander, image by Bryce Carleton.
The art of joy: Designing a home that smiles back
As the days get shorter and the weather turns grey, our homes become more than just a place to retreat – they become our daily dose of sunshine. Creating a joyful home is one of the simplest ways to lift your spirits through the colder months. Whether it’s through bursts of colour, calming corners or whimsical design details, joy-filled spaces can help boost your mood and brighten the everyday. With the right Resene paints, wallpapers and creative ideas, you can design a home that feels like a personal paradise – no matter what the weather’s doing outside!
Sunshine served daily
This happy striped room is painted in Resene Quarter Spanish White with stripes in Resene Energy Yellow. The floor is in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, dining table and cabinet in Resene Quarter Spanish White and chairs and plant pot in Resene Green House. Artwork from artisout on Etsy, faux lemon tree from Bed Bath&Beyond, lemon jug from French Country, ribbed glass tumbler from Kmart, plates from The Warehouse. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
This cheerful dining space beams with positivity, thanks to the vertical stripes in the lemony shade of Resene Energy Yellow. Paired with zesty green chairs and playful citrus artwork, it’s proof that breakfast tastes better when the walls are smiling. Stripes are a fun way to add energy and movement – ideal for spaces where you start your day. A few coats of bright paint can make even a Monday morning feel like a celebration. Try other joyful yellows like Resene Melting Moment, Resene Golden Glow, Resene Broom and Resene Spotlight.
Tip:For a clean, refined finish on stripes, toe the line by using the right tools to keep your stripes on the straight and narrow. Begin by painting your entire wall in the feature colour, usually the darker base colour (you could use a roller for this, then switch to a brush for your stripes). Once dry, use a level, ruler and pencil to mark your lines, then mask with painter’s tape (available from your local Resene ColorShop or online), pressing it down firmly so you don’t get any ‘bleed’. To ensure no paint peels off in this process, use low-tack masking tape.Paint the edge where the tape meets the stripe in your base colour, then once dry apply your stripe colour. This will help to give you a super sharp line – watch the video here!
Soak it all in
Add the calming tones of the ocean to your bathroom with Resene Wallpaper Collection IF4-053.
Turn your bathroom into a sanctuary with soft, meditative hues that mimic sea mist and sky. The ombré effect design in Resene Wallpaper Collection IF4-053 is a beautiful way to bring nature’s calm inside, especially when paired with natural timbers and simple, spa-like styling. With colours inspired by water and sky, this space invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and let go.Pair this wallpaper with a classic white like Resene Half Merino, or subtle tones of blue and green such as Resene Foam, Resene Nebula or Resene Breeze.
Tip:After installation, plenty of ventilation and wiping off excess moisture are the best way to keep your wallpaper looking fresh.Pair wallpaper with trims painted in Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom and the ceiling painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom for extra protection.
Rainbow room
In this colourful kids’ space, the wall is painted in Resene Eighth Bison Hide, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, hook shelf in Resene Tana, step stools in Resene Butterfly and Resene Sebedee, cubbies in Resene Wonderland, Resene Fringy Flower and Resene Grenadier, pendants in Resene Turbo, mason jars in Resene Lola and Resene Drop Dead Gorgeous, cats in Resene Quarter Tana and Resene Bison Hide, pen pot in Resene Reservoir, round box in Resene Amulet, boxes inside cubbies (left to right) in Resene Aqua, Resene Wax Flower and Resene Vista Blue, book in Resene Eighth Tana and clock in Resene Contented. Project by Annick Larkin, image by Bryce Carleton.
We all know joy isn’t just for the grown-ups! This children’s play and study nook uses a palette of bold Resene brights to create a space full of fun and freedom. The colour-coded cubbies and stools offer functional organisation wrapped in personality – perfect for encouraging creativity, confidence and a sense of ownership. It’s happiness, organised.If you’re looking for other vibrant shades, try Resene Cabaret, Resene Sunshade, Resene Sushi and Resene Jordy Blue.
Escapism at home
Forget winter, bring a spring meadow into your living space with a mural design like Resene Wallpaper Collection 2543N-81.
This cosy corner proves that happiness doesn’t have to be loud. Deep, grounding greens, like Resene Tom Thumb and Resene Forest Green, set the tone for a sophisticated space, while the mural design, Resene Wallpaper Collection 2543N-81creates a transportive focal point – a window to a dreamy countryside, right from your living room. If you’re seeking joy in quiet, romantic moments, this is a room where your soul can wander. Pair darker greens with crisp whites like Resene Half Alabaster or Resene Quarter Sea Fog for a clean contrast on the ceiling and trims.
Everyday oasis
In this zen space, the upper wall is painted in Resene Eagle, lower wall in Resene Waiouru, floor in Resene Colorwood Mid Greywash, trims in Resene Ottoman, planters in Resene Cut Glass, cushion tops in Resene Eagle, lantern bottoms in Resene Sweet Corn and shoes in Resene Waiouru. Cushions from Nood, rugs from The Ivy House, lanterns from Trade Aid, teapot from Everyday Needs, artwork by Rakai Karaitiana from endemicworld, mugs from An Astute Assembly. Project by Kate Alexander, image by Bryce Carleton.
Balance is beautiful – and this calm, grounded room shows how subtle contrasts and natural elements can bring a deep sense of peace. Soft olive and cream tones like Resene Waiouru and Resene Eagle are paired with tactile textures and symmetrical styling to create a zen-like nook perfect for reflection, tea or simply being. Proof that sometimes, the most joyful thing you can feel is calm. Create your own spot of zen at home with calming hues like Resene Carefree, Resene Secrets, Resene Aspiring and Resene Emerge.
Remember, joy in design isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating spaces that make you feel good, even on the greyest of days. Whether it’s a pop of sunshine yellow in the kitchen, a dreamy mural in the loungeor a quiet, balanced nook to unwind, small design choices can have a big impact on your mood.
For more paint and colour advice visit your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Colour Expert online. Make sure to follow habitat by Resene on Instagram for more fresh and exciting inspiration.
Published: 23 Apr 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Energy Yellow
Resene Energy Yellow
Resene Melting Moment
Resene Melting Moment
Resene Eighth Bison Hide
Resene Eighth Bison Hide
Resene Fringy Flower
Resene Fringy Flower
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
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 Quarter Spanish White
Resene Quarter Spanish White
Resene Energy Yellow
Resene Energy Yellow
Resene Melting Moment
Resene Melting Moment
Resene Eighth Bison Hide
Resene Eighth Bison Hide
Resene Fringy Flower
Resene Fringy Flower
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
