A sunny disposition at home
Yellow has a way of instantly lifting your mood, and sunny Resene shades make it easier than ever to bring that warmth into your home. From soft, buttery tones to bold golden statements, this cheerful hue adds energy and optimism. As more of us look to colour to boost comfort and joy, yellow is always that shining beacon, especially during winter when a little sunshine goes a long way. Let’s take a look at the best ways to use it at home – big and small!
Now is your time to test out your favourite shades of yellow. For the rest of August, for every yellow Resene testpot 60 mL you buy at your local Resene owned ColorShop (NZ), Resene will donate $1 to the Cancer Society NZ. Read more about Resene’s Paint It Yellow campaign and how you can support the Cancer Society and Daffodil Day.
Bright, bold and brilliant
In this energising bedroom, the top right wall is painted in Resene Funk, back left wall in Resene Kashmir Blue with right section in Resene Chocolate Lounge, skirting and console table in Resene Caffeine, slatted bedhead in (top to bottom) Resene Urbane, Resene Martini, Resene Tom Tom and Resene Almond Frost, floor in Resene Colorwood Shade, table in Resene Streetwise, basket in Resene Martini and vases in Resene Ravishing, Resene Spindle, Resene Streetwise, Resene Midnight Express, Resene Kashmir Blue and Resene Chocolate Lounge. Project and artwork by Moneuan Ryan, image by Bryce Carleton.
Bedrooms are a restful space, so we often think of using calming hues like muted greens and pastel blues. However, they are also a space for energising and the right colours can get you jumping out of bed in the morning ready to begin your day the right way. In this space, Resene Funk is refreshing and motivating, especially when paired with a hue like Resene Kashmir Blue. Colour has no limits, so choose your favourites and make your bedroom your own! If you like green edged yellows like Resene Funk, try Resene Canary, Resene Spring Fever, Resene Ipanema or even slightly darker Resene Lemon Ginger.
A zest for work
In this vibrant home office, the lower wall and shelving is painted in Resene Wild Thing, top wall, floor and desk in Resene White and folders and pot in Resene FX Blackboard Paint. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.
Make your home office the perfect backdrop for sparking ideas and staying motivated. A yellow like Resene Wild Thing is the perfect way to do this, and paired with crisp white and bold black accents, the space feels modern, fresh and full of personality. A cheerful zone where work doesn’t feel like a chore! Try yellows like Resene Sweet Corn and Resene Energy Yellow paired with Resene Alabaster and Resene Blackjack.
Walking on sunshine
In this Resene Total Colour Award-winning home, the garage floor is finished in Resene Uracryl in the cheerful shade of Resene Bright Spark. Project by Max Warren Architect, image by Christopher Collie.
Practical spaces don’t have to be boring, as seen here in this garage with a floor painted in Resene Bright Spark. A yellow painted floor adds a playful, unexpected twist to spaces like garages, laundries or home studios. It’s a clever way to lighten things from the ground up, giving functional areas a sense of fun without sacrificing practicality. Try similar shades like Resene Spotlight and Resene Galliano, or more muted tones like Resene Melting Moment and Resene Golden Glow.
Top tip:If you're giving your garage, interior or patio some personality, Resene Walk-on is a durable satin-floor paint with lots of colour options. Use it for a single solid colour or mix it up with patterns using stencils. It’s tough enough to take traffic, just prep properly, and apply two coats. If you’re using it on decks or stairs, you can also add Resene Anti-Slip Grip Additive for extra slip resistance.
Trim and proper
A butter yellow, Resene Cream Can, adorns these door and bathroom trims, complementing classic Resene Alabaster painted on the walls. Project and image by Kate Hursthouse.
Adding a touch of yellow to door or window trims is an easy way to bring a dash of personality into your home without overwhelming it – and a great way to experiment with colour. In this home, the cheerful, buttery border acts like a frame for each room, drawing the eye and adding a subtle pop that feels playful yet refined. Try the most subtlest of yellows like Resene Half Scotch Mist and Resene Half Milk Punch, or dip into something extra creamy and delicious like Resene Marzipan and Resene Manuka Honey.
Hello yellow
The golden yellow hue of Resene Hot Toddy graces this front door, paired with trims painted in Resene White and contrasting cladding in Resene Element. Project and image by homeowners Katrina and Mike.
Like a cheerful wave to everyone who passes by, or a warm greeting when you come home, yellow is a great choice for a front door! Bold, inviting and full of character, it sets a welcoming tone before you even step inside. If there’s one spot to test out your favourite bright colours, it’s your front door! Try yellows like Resene Broom, Resene Turbo, Resene Lightning Yellow and Resene Buttercup.
If you dare to dive into the yellow pool, it’s important to consider balancing it with other colours and elements to create a harmonious look. You can choose to go all-out with yellow or just use it as an accent colour. No matter what you pick, incorporating this sunny shade can help to brighten up your day and bring a sense of joy to your home.
Top tip: Yellows used inside will intensify if you use them on all the walls in a room. If you plan to paint all the walls, paint your yellow onto A2 card using a Resene testpot leaving an unpainted border around the edge. Remember to apply two coats. Once dry, roll the cardboard into a cylinder with the colour on the inside. Look down into the cylinder and you will get an idea of how it will look with yellow on all walls. If in doubt choose a lighter yellow and save bold yellows for smaller accents.
Join thousands of others supporting Daffodil Day on Friday 25th August. Together we can make a significant impact on the lives of New Zealanders affected by cancer. Visit https://daffodilday.org.nz/.
Published: 11 Aug 2025
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Resene Chocolate Lounge


Resene Midnight Express


Resene Energy Yellow


Resene Melting Moment


Resene Lightning Yellow
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 Chocolate Lounge


Resene Midnight Express


Resene Energy Yellow


Resene Melting Moment


Resene Lightning Yellow
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.