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Reader roundup: Public murals and powder blues
A Morningside mural, an exterior refresh, and striped walls. Let these projects be your inspiration… more
Walls in Resene Oxygen, striped wall in Pursuit and Half Gin Fizz, floor in Resene Walk-on in Half Gin Fizz. Bedside and bed from Mocka, bedding from Foxtrot Home, lion and mouse from Allium. Design by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Walls in Resene Meringue, Secrets and Unite, wall stripe in Roadster, bench in Sunbeam. Bed from Mocka, rug from Nodi rugs, all other décor from Allium. Design by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Walls in Resene Thorndon Cream, feature arch in Awaken. Rug from Ivy House. Design by Kate Alexander, image by Bryce Carleton.
Resene Brand McKenzie Wallpaper Collection BMTD00109B.
Nursery walls in Resene Joss, painted trim in Swirl, drawers in Wafer, floor in Quarter Joss. Ottoman from Mocka, lamp and rug from Kmart. Design by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Help the kids to build a place to put their books and toys, then let them paint it with their chosen colours. See the steps to make this cute dog storage box here.
The cool kids’ club
Children’s rooms are so much more than just a place to sleep. They provide a space to learn and play. They are where imagination comes to life with siblings, cousins and friends. And no doubt they also contain children’s most treasured toys and belongings.
It’s likely most of us remember the colour of our childhood bedroom. It’s part of the memories we hold of growing up, so making your child’s room a joyful space means they will love and remember it for their whole life.
Walls in Resene Meringue, Secrets and Unite, wall stripe in Roadster, bench in Sunbeam. Bed from Mocka, rug from Nodi rugs, all other décor from Allium. Design by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
This bedroom has a vintage-meets-modern style. The chequered bedding, hand-painted striped wall and pops of colour create a lively yet cosy nostalgic feel. When choosing colours, try to match them with those in décor and fabrics to create a cohesive design that doesn’t feel too busy.
Walls in Resene Thorndon Cream, feature arch in Awaken. Rug from Ivy House. Design by Kate Alexander, image by Bryce Carleton.
If you’re keeping things minimal, which let’s face it is sometimes hard to do in children’s rooms where there are a multitude of toys, consider using subtle colour in practical ways. This painted arch with floating shelves in the peachy pink of Resene Awaken helps to break up the otherwise neutral space and also serves as a built-in shelf for books and other items. It also takes up far less space than an actual bookshelf or cabinetry would.
Resene Brand McKenzie Wallpaper Collection BMTD00109B.
Wallpaper is a great way to bring colour and creativity into children’s spaces, especially if you’re after a specific theme like jungle, wildlife or imaginative designs. The Resene Little Love Wallpaper Collection is a great place to start for babies and nurseries, and for older children, the Brand McKenzie Wallpaper Collection offers detailed and daring options that are sure to spark conversation for growing minds.
Nursery walls in Resene Joss, painted trim in Swirl, drawers in Wafer, floor in Quarter Joss. Ottoman from Mocka, lamp and rug from Kmart. Design by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Neutrals are a timeless choice for kids' rooms. They offer a calm and versatile backdrop that can easily adapt as your child grows. Soft shades of beige and white, like Joss, Swirl, Blanc and Triple Rice Cake, create a peaceful environment, ideal for sleep and play. These colours are also perfect for pairing with accent hues, whether that’s a soft pink dresser, or a brilliantly bright rug.
Walls in Resene Oxygen, striped wall in Pursuit and Half Gin Fizz, floor in Resene Walk-on in Half Gin Fizz. Bedside and bed from Mocka, bedding from Foxtrot Home, lion and mouse from Allium. Design by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
This room offers the best of both worlds. Calming blue for restful sleeps and pops of colour for playful, energetic minds. If your child is old enough, ask them what colours they would like in their room. Get them involved and they will love their space even more! Once you have a base of their favourite colours, adding fun, themed décor brings the space together.
Big ideas with little amounts
Remember, you can pick up all of your child’s favourite colours in Resene testpots at your local ColorShop or online. Here are a few testpot projects you can do with the kids that will brighten their room – and maybe even keep it a little tidier!
Let the kids choose their own colours for their room, it gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility over their space. This hand-painted flower headboard is painted in Resene Happy, and bedside drawers in Petal.
Help the kids to build a place to put their books and toys, then let them paint it with their chosen colours. See the steps to make this cute dog storage box here.
Make a fun basketball bin so the kids can have fun while tidying up! See the steps to make this bright Resene Tangerine bin project here.
Published: 29 Sep 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Triple Rice Cake
Resene Half Gin Fizz
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 Thorndon Cream
Resene Triple Rice Cake
Resene Half Gin Fizz
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
