look book
latest
habitat tv
Say goodbye to the morning scramble for keys, coats and sunglasses and hello to this… see this and more videos
blog
Precision and vibrancy with artist Cap Jacobs
Cap Jacobs is a New Zealand-based artist whose work stands out for its precision, vibrant… more
look book 
A warm neutral,Resene Double Canterbury Clay, was used on the walls of this striking living room, contrasting with the ceiling in ReseneBokara Grey and architraves and trim details in Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream. This neutral palette is accentuated with lots of texture, including cushions from House of Hackney and Andrew Martin and the orange ottoman from David Shaw. Design by Amber Hamilton, image by Jane Ussher.
Add texture and depth to your grand design while maintaining a cohesive colour palette, like Resene Wallpaper Collection E307342 paired with similar shades of earthy hues in furniture and décor.
This lavish kitchen oozes grace and elegance. The cabinets are painted in Resene Escape from Alcatraz with walls and ceiling in Resene Sea Salt, from the St James Whitting collection. For a similar look try Resene Longitude and Resene Concrete. Suppliers include Corian, Brodware, Franke, Neff, Tile Cloud Tiles and Joinery Gallery. Design by Sartorial Interiors, image by Aaron Busch.
The complex floral pattern in Resene Wallpaper Collection 38095-1 is exquisite and the many colours allow for various paint pairings to suit your palette and style.
Castlecore: A regal take on home interiors
It’s easy to see how the allure of castles and palaces, with their opulent charm and timeless grandeur, finds its way into home design. Castlecore is a style inspired by the lavish interiors of ancient castles, stately manors and regal estates. This trend combines rich textures, elegant colours and an abundance of vintage charm to create a space that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
At its heart, Castlecore is about creating a cosy yet majestic atmosphere. Think plush fabrics, intricate Resene wallpapers and deep, atmospheric Resene paint colours that evoke a sense of history and drama. If this design has always caught your eye, then we’ve got just the tips on how to use Resene paints and wallpapers to transform your home into a modern-day castle, adding a touch of old-world romance to your interiors.Let’s take a look!
Royal resting
Add a bold mural design to your bedroom with Resene Wallpaper Collection HX5-044 for a grand gesture.
Start with your bedroom – a place that should feel like a sanctuary. With the perfect backdrop of rich, jewel-toned walls and elegant furniture, you can achieve a castle-inspired look. Deep hues, like Resene Paua or Resene Deep Teal, can give your room the rich, moody vibe that complements a vintage-style chandelier or opulent throw pillows. Layer textures like velvet and brocade for that over-the-top, royal feel that’s all about decadence and luxury. If you’re looking for more grand designs, like Resene Wallpaper Collection HX5-044 (above), you can also try Resene Wallpaper Collection HX4-019 or Resene Wallpaper Collection HX6-041.
Living like kings
A warm neutral,Resene Double Canterbury Clay, was used on the walls of this striking living room, contrasting with the ceiling in Resene Bokara Grey and architraves and trim details in Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream. This neutral palette is accentuated with lots of texture, including cushions from House of Hackney and Andrew Martin and the orange ottoman from David Shaw. Design by Amber Hamilton, image by Jane Ussher.
The living room is the heart of any home, and it’s where you can truly indulge in castlecore’s regal elegance. This space calls for the soft glow of warm, muted wallspaired with luxurious fabrics. Think earthy tones like Resene Colonial White and Resene Triple Spanish White, paired with golden or metallic accents. Introduce a statement furniture and fittings and a mix of vintage artwork for that noble air. To accentuate cornices and trims – often a key feature found in castles and stately homes – try painting these in a lighter colour like ReseneEighth Pearl Lusta or Resene Orchid White.
Papering the palace
Add texture and depth to your grand design while maintaining a cohesive colour palette, like Resene Wallpaper Collection E307342 paired with similar shades of earthy hues in furniture and décor.
If you're ready to embrace the full castlecore experience, try your hand at a historical-inspired wallpaper like Resene Wallpaper Collection E307342. Vintage florals, regal damasks or classic toile prints are the perfect way to bring this theme to life. Consider the ReseneMuseumWallpaper Collection, with its mix of intricate designs and earth-inspired tones, to create walls that speak to the theme's romanticism. Whether it’s in your living room or hallway, these wallpaper patterns add an instant touch of old-world charm, transforming any space into something truly majestic. Try Resene Wallpaper Collection E307302, Resene Wallpaper Collection E307343, Resene Wallpaper Collection E307403 or Resene Wallpaper Collection HX6-003 and pair these with Resene Conch, Resene Bounty, Resene Twine and Resene Ottoman for a cohesive look.
Regal recipe
This lavish kitchen oozes grace and elegance. The cabinets are painted in Resene Escape from Alcatraz with walls and ceiling in Resene Sea Salt, from the St James Whitting collection. For a similar look try Resene Longitude and Resene Concrete. Suppliers include Corian, Brodware, Franke, Neff, Tile Cloud Tiles and Joinery Gallery. Design by Sartorial Interiors, image by Aaron Busch.
A kitchen with castle-inspired touches might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but the trend can certainly work in even the most utilitarian space. Incorporate regal lighting fixtures, like pendant lights painted in ReseneFX Metallic Gold Dust, alongside an elegant neutral or cool toned paint. Resene Designer White, Resene Half Rakaia, Resene Concrete, Resene Longitude would work beautifully for cabinetry, creating a clean yet polished feel. Add a statement tile floor with checkerboard patterns, and you’ve got a cooking space that feels a bit more royal than your average kitchen.
Crowning touches
The complex floral pattern in Resene Wallpaper Collection 38095-1 is exquisite and the many colours allow for various paint pairings to suit your palette and style.
Castlecore is also about the little details – accessories that can make any room feel like a palace. Think about plush velvet chairs in the dining room, luxurious throw blankets and opulent gold frames around mirrors and art. In fact, a lot of these items you could even find at your local op shop!Resene Wallpaper Collection 38095-1 perfectly captures the essence of castlecore, blending opulence and romance with its rich, jewel-toned florals and vintage-inspired design. The deep, dark background adds depth, while the intricate blooms evoke the regal charm of castle interiors.
For a similar look, try Resene Wallpaper Collection HX8-062 paired with Resene Urbane, or Resene Wallpaper Collection 47460 paired with Resene Quarter Linen.
Castlecore in home design is all about mixing old-world charm with modern comfort. Whether it’s through rich colours, intricate wallpapers or lavish accessories, this aesthetic invites you to live like royalty, with a design that combines opulence and cosy comfort. For more information and advice on colour, visit your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a ReseneColour Expertfree online. Make sure to follow habitat by Resene on Instagram for more fresh and exciting inspiration!
Published: 08 May 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Double Canterbury Clay
Resene Double Canterbury Clay
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Colonial White
Resene Colonial White
Resene Triple Spanish White
Resene Triple Spanish White
Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta
Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta
Resene Designer White
Resene Designer White
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
more inspiration
Lizzie’s cute cottage glows like a jewel
Sometimes a momentous event will spur us into action. That… more
A simple palette looks superb in this Cambridge showhome
Those on the lookout for a new place to call… more
Chris and Kim’s lavish Lockwood in Nelson is the beach house of our dreams
Four feature walls in stunning Resene Aviator spectacularly tie together… more
Shed makeover houses new rural lifestyle
A rural Waikato shed has been transformed into a stylish… more
Rod and Heather’s captivating Cape Cod cottage
With its cape-cod style architecture and fresh blue Resene French… more
Resene Double Canterbury Clay
Resene Double Canterbury Clay
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Colonial White
Resene Colonial White
Resene Triple Spanish White
Resene Triple Spanish White
Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta
Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta
Resene Designer White
Resene Designer White
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
