The perfect blue hue for each space in your home

The world’s all-time favourite colour, blue, is always relevant. Evocative of the sea and sky, no hue is said to be more relaxing or restful. 

This spring you can brighten your home with blues and support a good cause at the same time. Buy any blue Resene testpot 60 mL from your local Resene ColorShop (NZ) by 21 September and $1 will be donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation as part of the Resene’s Paint It Blue appeal. 

Picking up some testpots is not only a great chance to support the work the Prostate Cancer Foundation does, but it’s also a wonderful chance to try out different shades of blue you’ve been wanting to try so you can find that cool shade you’ve been dreaming of! Here’s some inspiration for different rooms in your home using the colour blue: 

Serene dreaming 

Blue for bedrooms is a match made in design heaven! It's a soothing colour that’s reassuring and timeless, and the tranquil hue will help reduce your blood pressure and pulse rate after a hectic day.  

Lighter more gentle blues, like Resene Longitude, Resene Botticelli, Resene Half Spindle and Resene Pattens Blue, create a dreamy space that is calming and easy on the eye. Paired with whites and neutrals these colours offer a timeless design that you’re sure to love for years to come.  

Darker and moodier blues like Resene Navigate, Resene Cello, Resene New Denim Blue and Resene Rhino, offer a more sophisticated feel. If you’re feeling brave or want an extra cosy space, take your chosen blue from your walls onto your ceiling to soften the edges of the room and create a more cocooning vibe. 

In this master bedroom, the walls are painted in Resene Clouded Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection, ceiling painted with Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream and trims painted in Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream. Soft bedding and classic décor in similar hues create a harmonious and pleasant space. Design by Shane Taylor, image by Alister Winter. 


This stunning bedroom has a feature wall in Resene Duck Egg Blue. This barely-there dreamy blue works so well with the surrounding walls in Resene Merino. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Alabaster. Design by Olivia Ellis, image by Jay Drew. 

Cool kitchens 

A kitchen is for more than just cooking. It's where families come together, a place for talking, laughing and sharing the day's stories, which makes blue – the colour of calm – a welcoming choice. Whether it's a light grey-blue hue or a bold and bright turquoise, few colours refresh a dull kitchen quite as well. Strong or subdued, airy or moody, the colour breathes life into every element, from walls and cabinetry to trims and accents. 

For more modern, slate blues try colours like Resene Atomic, Resene Balderdash and Resene Raven. For vibrant aqua hues try Resene Blumine, Resene Dauntless and Resene Norwester. And for muted and pastel blues try Resene Nepal, Resene Halcyon and Resene Designer White 


The kitchen pays homage to the rich maritime and city history in the home’s location, showcasing original detailing with a contemporary twist. The striking yet modest blue green of Resene Artemis was the perfect choice for the kitchen island and a seamless contrast against the walls and ceiling painted in Resene Quarter Ecru White, trims in Resene Half Black White and cabinetry in Resene Half Ash. Design by Angelique Perak, image by Brigid Arnott.  


Exuding a fresh and welcoming feel, this kitchen features a mix of blue, white and earthy tones. The panelled kitchen island and wall are painted in half strength Resene Wishlist, with surrounding walls in Resene Ecru White and trims in Resene Foggy Grey. Design by John Mills, image by Paul McCredie.  

Blue-tiful living rooms 

Blue has always been a popular choice for living rooms, either as an accented shade, feature wall or on all walls.  


This living room features Resene Coast, a stark coastal blue which complements the elegant black and gold décor and contrasts perfectly with the white trims and ceiling. This shade would look great in both classic and contemporary homes. Project by Stacey Gillies, image by Jackie Meiring.  


This wall ispainted in popular Resene Half Duck Egg Blue forming a tonal partnership with the floor in Resene Half Dusted Blue. Add chunky furniture painted in Resene Ecru White for a rustic coastal vibe. The large plant pot is in Resene Quarter Sorrell Brown and the small pot on the table at left is Resene Sandspit Brown. Project by Leigh Stockton, image by Bryce Carleton.  

An ocean of ideas  

If you’re not looking to paint your walls, here are three handy DIY projects using different shades of blue you can make in a day 

Make an entrance with a DIY umbrella holder 

This DIY entryway organiser is designed to store your essential entryway items, and takes up very little space. You could paint it the same blue as your wall, or try out different shades of your favourite blues. We chose a maritime inspired aqua, Resene Kumutoto. Click here for the step-by-step guide to make this holder.  

Hooked on painting: DIY designer coat hook 

Make your own colourful designer coat hook to spice up your entrance or kitchen! Choose any of your favourite Resene bluetestpots – or try our design in Resene Blue Night, Resene St Tropaz,Resene Biscay, Resene Lynchpin, Resene Azure and Resene Halcyon.Click here for the steps to make your own coat hook.  

A true blue welcome 

Freshen up your home’s entranceway by painting your front door. It’s a small job that can make a big difference! We chose Resene Bondi Blue for ours, a great colour for any season. Follow our easy step-by-step guide and video of how to paint your front door on MasterStroke by Resene here. 

For more inspiration check out Resene’s latest looks in blue. You can also head into your local Resene ColorShop, Resene Reselleror Ask a Colour Expert online for support.  

Published: 11 Sep 2024

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.

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Resene Half Spindle

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Resene Pattens Blue

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Resene New Denim Blue

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Resene Clouded Blue

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Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream

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Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream

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Resene Duck Egg Blue

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Resene Designer White

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Resene Quarter Ecru White

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Resene Half Black White

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Resene Half Duck Egg Blue

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Resene Half Dusted Blue

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Resene Sandspit Brown

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Resene Half Halcyon

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