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These warm, earthy toned vases add a burst of colour to this neutral space. The vases are painted in Resene Fahrenheit, Resene Apple Blossom, Resene Paper Doll and Resene Tall Poppy, the wall is painted in Resene Rice Cake and cabinet in Resene Triple Merino. Tall glass vase from Freedom, large handle vase from Adairs. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Resene Solitude is the perfect base colour for this art-inspired mural. It’s been created with Resene FX Paint Effects mixed with Resene Tussock, Resene Saratoga, Resene Elephant, Resene Pirate Gold, Resene Calico, Resene Cobblestone and Resene Bubble White. The floor is in Resene Chino, the sideboard is in Resene Elephant with drawers in Resene Half Copyrite and handles in Resene Chino and the accessories feature in Resene Half Copyrite, Resene Calico, Resene Elephant, Resene Kombi, Resene Solitude, Resene Tussock and Resene Gimblet. Chair and pendant lamp from Freedom Furniture, cushion and throw from Adairs. Project by Laura Lynn Johnston, image by Bryce Carleton.
This DIY artwork has a sunshine yellow frame painted in Resene Harvest Gold, with artwork in Resene Half Black White, Resene Drop Dead Gorgeous, Resene Coconut Ice, Resene Manuka Honey and Resene Grapevine. Project by Amanda Montgomerie, image by Bryce Carleton.
The backboard on this fun DIY is varnished in Resene Aquaclear satin, key holders in (from left) Resene Soothe, Resene Half Halcyon, Resene Half Blanc, Resene Haven and Resene Melting Moment and wall painted in Resene Quarter Powder Blue. Project by Ivan Moses, styling by Megan Harrison-Turner, image by Bryce Carleton.
This fun and colourful abacus is painted in Resene Kermit, Resene Bright Spark, Resene Hopskotch and Resene Yabbadabbadoo. The wall is painted in Resene Tuft Bush and desk in Resene Travertine.
Victor the cat is enjoying his new space. The outside of his catnap table is finished in Resene Colour Enhance Jarrah mixed with Resene Aquaclear semi-gloss. Inside is painted in Resene Quarter Tana, vase in Resene Pendragon, big cat in Resene Triple Tana, little cat in Resene Quarter Tana, wall in Resene Neutral Bay and floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Project by LauraGrace McFarland, image by Bryce Carleton.
This fun and practical fence bar is painted in the bright Resene Rapture. Project by Jacob Leaf.
This DIY plant stand is painted in Resene Caper. The pot is painted in Resene Bianca, deck stained in Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain in Resene Natural and wall painted in Resene Quarter Powder Blue. Project by Ivan Moses, styling by Megan Harrison-Turner, image by Bryce Carleton.
Creative and cost-effective testpot ideas for your home
Resene testpots are a fantastic, budget-friendly way to inject colour and personality into your home. With just a small amount of paint or wood stain you can create or transform everyday objects into statement pieces, making it both a fun and practical way to explore colour.
If you’re looking to refresh your furniture, create unique artwork or add a pop of colour to small spaces, testpots provide endless possibilities without breaking the bank. Here are some creative ideas for making the most of Resene testpots in your home.
Vase it up
These warm, earthy toned vases add a burst of colour to this neutral space. The vases are painted in Resene Fahrenheit, Resene Apple Blossom, Resene Paper Doll and Resene Tall Poppy, the wall is painted in Resene Rice Cake and cabinet in Resene Triple Merino. Tall glass vase from Freedom, large handle vase from Adairs. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Transform simple, plain vases into vibrant works of art with a quick splash of colour. If you don’t have any vases you could always get some from your local second-hand store. Try out your favourite bold hues or opt for soft gradients that pair with your existing colour scheme. These painted vases will elevate your flowers and brighten up your shelves. You can also add more decorative details if you wish, like the little wooden balls we glued to some of ours before painting them.
Tip: Any vase or pot that has a shiny finish you will need to apply a coat of Resene Smooth Surface Sealer first; this product makes the paint adhere. Give the vases at least two coats of paint for best coverage.
Mini masterpiece
Resene Solitude is the perfect base colour for this art-inspired mural. It’s been created with Resene FX Paint Effects mixed with Resene Tussock, Resene Saratoga, Resene Elephant, Resene Pirate Gold, Resene Calico, Resene Cobblestone and Resene Bubble White. The floor is in Resene Chino, the sideboard is in Resene Elephant with drawers in Resene Half Copyrite and handles in Resene Chino and the accessories feature in Resene Half Copyrite, Resene Calico, Resene Elephant, Resene Kombi, Resene Solitude, Resene Tussock and Resene Gimblet. Chair and pendant lamp from Freedom Furniture, cushion and throw from Adairs. Project by Laura Lynn Johnston, image by Bryce Carleton.
A little creativity goes a long way with testpots. Create mini wall murals or geometric designs to add a personal touch to your home. You don’t have to be an artist to do this either, just plan out a design on paper first and then go for it! You can always cover it back up with paint if you don’t like it. A testpot is all you need to make your walls stand out with some playful colour and charm.
Tip: For murals with straight lines or sharp angles, invest in high-quality painter’s masking tape for crisp, clean edges. A small extra cost is well worth it, as it won’t damage your basecoat and will peel off perfectly, leaving a sharp line. Use Sellotape Washi Advanced or Sellotape Premium+ Washi, available at Resene ColorShops or online.
Frame it like you mean it
This DIY artwork has a sunshine yellow frame painted in Resene Harvest Gold, with artwork in Resene Half Black White, Resene Drop Dead Gorgeous, Resene Coconut Ice, Resene Manuka Honey and Resene Grapevine. Project by Amanda Montgomerie, image by Bryce Carleton.
Art can be expensive, but with Resene testpots you can create your very own masterpiece. Paint both the artwork and the frame to match your home’s aesthetic. Or if you have neutral walls, you might want to add a burst of colour like in this artwork with Resene Harvest Gold, Resene Drop Dead Gorgeous and Resene Coconut Ice. Experiment with different shapes, patterns and hues to create a statement piece that reflects you. Click here for the steps to make your own!
Key to style
The backboard on this fun DIY is varnished in Resene Aquaclear satin, key holders in (from left) Resene Soothe, Resene Half Halcyon, Resene Half Blanc, Resene Haven and Resene Melting Moment and wall painted in Resene Quarter Powder Blue. Project by Ivan Moses, styling by Megan Harrison-Turner, image by Bryce Carleton.
Why settle for a plain key holder or hook when you can create your own? With just a few testpots you can personalise a key hanger in you and your family’s favourite colours. Head to your local Resene ColorShop and get everyone to choose their own testpot, this will then match the space on the key hanger. Nobody will ever take your keys by mistake again! If you’re loving this idea, click here to see how to make your own!
Counting in colour
This fun and colourful abacus is painted in Resene Kermit, Resene Bright Spark, Resene Hopskotch and Resene Yabbadabbadoo. The wall is painted in Resene Tuft Bush and desk in Resene Travertine.
This rainbow-inspired abacus is sure to inspire and make maths magical for young learners. It also looks lovely as a piece of décor in children’s rooms, adding colour and joy to their space. Get the kids involved to pick out their favourite Resene testpot colours and bring new life to an old abacus, or make your own here with this step-by-step guide.
Purrfectly painted
Victor the cat is enjoying his new space. The outside of his catnap table is finished in Resene Colour Enhance Jarrah mixed with Resene Aquaclear semi-gloss. Inside is painted in Resene Quarter Tana, vase in Resene Pendragon, big cat in Resene Triple Tana, little cat in Resene Quarter Tana, wall in Resene Neutral Bay and floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Project by LauraGrace McFarland, image by Bryce Carleton.
Turn an old table or cabinet into your furry friend’s new bed by sanding it down and giving it a fresh paint or stain. Or, you can make your own like we did! There are all kinds of cat beds out there to buy, but how many will fit into your interior design? This simple stylish box bed is the perfect solution. Resene Colour Enhance is a great option if you’re using upcycled wood or want the look of older timber as it adds colour while allowing the wood grain to show through. Click here for the step-by-step guide to make your own cat bed.
Bar-illiant bench
This fun and practical fence bar is painted in the bright Resene Rapture. Project by Jacob Leaf.
Transform your balcony or deck with a clever, cost-effective portable fence bar made from old timber pallets. This creative DIY project is perfect for smaller spaces that don’t have room for bulky furniture. The bench bar straddles the balustrade, providing a flat surface that works as a handy table for drinks, snacks or even your morning coffee.
You can paint it with any colour that complements your outdoor style, using Resene Lustacryl or Resene Enamacryl (for a high gloss) in a bold hue, or keep it more subtle with pastels for a relaxed vibe. Don’t forget to clean the timber first with Resene Timber and Deck Wash to give it a polished finish.
Tip: If you prefer a wood stained finish, use Resene Waterborne Woodsman or Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in place of Resene Quick Dry and Resene Lustacryl. If you’re choosing a dark colour, use the CoolColour version of the colour to help reflect more heat and keep your fence bar cooler.
Stand tall
This DIY plant stand is painted in Resene Caper. The pot is painted in Resene Bianca, deck stained in Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain in Resene Natural and wall painted in Resene Quarter Powder Blue. Project by Ivan Moses, styling by Megan Harrison-Turner, image by Bryce Carleton.
Add some colour to your patio, with a custom-painted plant stand. Using a testpot, you can turn any simple stand into a beautiful display piece for your plants. Opt for a bright hue, a subtle pastel, or colour-match it to your exterior for a harmonious design. It’s the perfect way to showcase your greenery in style. Re-paint an old stand at home, or make your own by following these steps!
Note: Be sure to check with your local Resene ColorShop if testpots are the right size and type of paint for your project. Some projects will need the recommended Resene system for improved durability, finish, or to block resistance when two surfaces are touching.
These budget-friendly, fun and practical projects are the perfect way to add colour and creativity to your home, proving that small changes, and a few Resene testpots, can make a big impact!
For more paint and colour advice visit your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Resene Colour Expert free online. And make sure to follow habitat by Resene on Instagram for more testpot ideas and home inspiration.
Published: 26 Aug 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Apple Blossom
Resene Triple Merino
Resene Half Copyrite
Resene Half Black White
Resene Melting Moment
Resene Quarter Powder Blue
Resene Yabbadabbadoo
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 Apple Blossom
Resene Triple Merino
Resene Half Copyrite
Resene Half Black White
Resene Melting Moment
Resene Quarter Powder Blue
Resene Yabbadabbadoo
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
