From global design to a family studio in Aotearoa

30 Apr 2026

YDS Studio began around 14 years ago, but the story really started much earlier.

“After studying architecture and product design, I spent several years in Europe, eventually working in Germany for one of Europe’s largest interior wall décor companies,” says now Founder and Design Director of YDS Studio, Antony Clark.

An internship quickly grew into a role as Head of Product Development. But home was never far from mind and after returning to New Zealand and meeting his now wife, Jess, they knew they wanted to build a life here. “Sitting on a beach in a suit after another job interview, it became clear that instead of trying to fit into a role, it was time to create something of our own.”

Examples of Resene Wall Decals from YDS Studio inspired by Resene colours, including (left to right) ‘Bird Walk’ – Resolution Blue, ‘Flax Flyer’ – Paddock, and ‘Coast to Coast’ – All Black.

Rethinking the wall decal

“Many wall decals then were mass produced, printed with harsh inks, difficult to apply and they didn’t feel considered,” says Antony. “So we took a different approach.”

Antony created something premium that felt like part of the interior with the use of water-based inks onto a matte removable material for a soft, non-reflective finish that looks closer to paint, as well as including step-by-step guidance.

“There’s a hesitation when people think about applying something large to a wall, often bringing back memories of trying to cover school books perfectly, which even now isn’t easy. But our decals are designed to go up cleanly and simply.” There’s also a big focus on original New Zealand design with each piece designed and made in-house.

Tui & Fantail in Pohutukawa wall decal. Use this on top of a crisp white like Resene Black White, and shades like Pohutukawa on accessories.

Designing with colour, not over it

A turning point came when they noticed how often customers were ordering decals after repainting their homes, and Resene kept coming up as part of that journey.

“It led to a simple idea,” Antony says. “Instead of decals sitting on top of a painted wall, why not design them to work with the colour itself?

“From there, we began developing a collection inspired by Aotearoa’s flora and fauna, carefully colour matched to complement Resene paint palettes. Colour and art have the ability to completely shift how a space feels. It’s not just how something looks, but how it makes people feel.”

That thinking led to a meeting with Resene, where the team presented their product and story. “It was exciting and the response was incredible,” says Antony.

Now available through Resene ColorShops nationwide, each piece is made to order. You can browse the lookbook in store, place an order with the friendly team and YDS Studio make your order and courier it to with the ColorShop for you to collect, or it can ship directly to your location.

Back to Nature wall decal in Resene Forest Green on wall painted in Half Shark.

From homes to hospitals

YDS Studio now works with leading architects, businesses and healthcare environments across New Zealand, designing and delivering full interior graphic solutions from concept through to installation.

This includes projects such as the Blenheim Children’s Ward where YDS Studio won Gold in the Pride in Print Awards, with artwork reflecting the Wairau Lagoon, and the impressive Atrium design at Starship Hospital featuring large scale murals, suspended three-dimensional birds, and laser projections.

YDS Studio artworks and large scale murals in (left) Starship Hospital and (right) Blenheim Children’s Ward.

A studio shaped by its journey

The studio has grown step-by-step alongside the business from a bedroom workspace to a garage in Hawke’s Bay where the first team member joined. Each stage has shaped how we work today,” says Antony.

“Over the years, I’ve realised that the people you work with and the environment you’re in matter more than anything. Life is really just a collection of moments in different spaces, so it’s important to create ones that feel good to be in.”

Kingfisher in Native Sun Orchids wall decal. Pair this with Resene Sea Fog and Resene Concrete.

Now based in a 500 square metre space in Hastings CBD, a 1935 art deco chapel, the studio houses a small team alongside wide format printers, laser cutters, CNC machinery and a showroom.

Whether it’s a single decal in a home or a full hospital environment, the intention remains the same for YDS Studio – to create spaces that feel calm, expressive and meaningful.

Head into your nearest Resene ColorShop to check out the newest lookbooks and order your next wall decal, and click here for a video on how to install.

View the range of Resene Wall Decals here!

Published: 30 Apr 2026