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Reader roundup: A 1970s gem, a Kiwi cow shed and Resene art
We’ve got a great roundup of projects from our readers this month. From a master… more
A gorgeous slate blue, Resene Artemis, was used for the entryway in this home, surrounded by walls in Resene Merino and trims in Resene Double Merino. Design by Marylou Sobel Interior Design, image by Anson Smart.
This entryway has a cosy country quality with Resene Double Lemon Grass on shelving and doors and Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream on walls. Use Resene Colorwood Natural wood stain on exposed timber for an added grounded and natural feel. Design by Sarah Bryant from Bryant Alsop, image by Jack Lovel.
The soft yellow of these Resene Moonlight walls creates a welcoming entryway. The bench seat is painted in Resene Chorus Line with legs and coat hooks in Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta and floor in Resene Grey Olive. Mat from The Ivy House, artwork from endemicworld. Project by Kate Alexander, image by Bryce Carleton.
In this entryway, Resene Half Milk White complements the timber seat and storage space while also creating a canvas for the family’s artwork. Design by Lucy Furniss Design & Interiors, image by Someday Photography.
This entranceway has been given interest with a front door in Resene Daredevil. The walls are painted in Resene Gull Grey, bench seat in Resene Sunflower, floor in Resene Gull Grey and Resene Cod Grey, hooks in Resene Daredevil, Resene Sunflower and Resene Cod Grey. Umbrella and bag from Città, blanket, coat hooks and light from Collected, converse shoes from Pat Menzies. Project by LeeAnn Yare, image by Melanie Jenkins.
This compact corner hook stand is finished in Resene Aquaclear semi-gloss. The walls are painted in Resene Sea Fog, floor stain washed in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy and clear-finished in Resene Qristal ClearFloor and bench in Resene Cape Palliser. Project by Megan Harrison-Turner, image by Bryce Carleton.
Entryway design ideas for a stylish first impression
A good entryway does more than just say hello, it sets the tone for what’s to come in the rest of your home. If you’ve got a blank or tired-looking entrance, or even just a small corner and you’re in need of somewhere to hang coats and keys, these hard-working, stylish spaces are sure to give you all the inspiration you need to make coming home even better.
Bluetiful entrance
A gorgeous slate blue, Resene Artemis, was used for the entryway in this home, surrounded by walls in Resene Merino and trims in Resene Double Merino. Design by Marylou Sobel Interior Design, image by Anson Smart.
Cool, calm and cleverly practical, this blue and white entryway pairs relaxed colour with built-in seating and hidden storage. Perfect for stashing shoes, bags and the chaos of everyday life. Painted in soothing Resene Artemis, it brings order and elegance to the first moments inside. Whether your shelving or storage is built-in or not, painting it in the same colour as the wall creates a purposeful and harmonious zone.
Try similar blues like Resene Awash, Resene Gothic, Resene Calypso and Resene Blue Bayoux.
Tip: Entryways take a beating with boots, backpacks, keys and dog leads. Opt for a durable finish like Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen on walls, or if you’ve got a timber panelling feature or built in furniture like above, use Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss, a hard-wearing choice that can handle scuffing and knocks.
Countryside green
This entryway has a cosy country quality with Resene Double Lemon Grass on shelving and doors and Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream on walls. Use Resene Colorwood Natural wood stain on exposed timber for an added grounded and natural feel. Design by Sarah Bryant from Bryant Alsop, image by Jack Lovel.
Warm wood, white walls and a peaceful pastoral green come together in this charming entrance. It’s a nod to classic cottage style with a modern edge, grounded by nature-inspired hues. Sitting in the Resene The Range Whites & Neutrals palette, Resene Double Lemon Grass and Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream create the most dreamy pair, adding just the right amount of colour.
To recreate this palette, try Resene Spanish Green, or a slightly more muted Resene Double Linen, paired with Resene Merino and a classic wood stain like Resene Colorwood Natural.
Tip: If your entryway features timber flooring, trims or maybe even a bench seat, enhance the grain with a Resene Colorwood wood stain. It brings out the natural beauty of the wood while adding warmth and character. You can go lighter for a relaxed, Scandi vibe or choose a darker tone for something more refined. Finish floors with Resene Qristal ClearFloor for a durable, low-maintenance surface that still shows off the wood’s texture.
Warm welcome
The soft yellow of these Resene Moonlight walls creates a welcoming entryway. The bench seat is painted in Resene Chorus Line with legs and coat hooks in Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta and floor in Resene Grey Olive. Mat from The Ivy House, artwork from endemicworld. Project by Kate Alexander, image by Bryce Carleton.
Golden sunlight vibes meet natural textures in this warm and welcoming entry, just like the dunes on a summer evening. Resene’s yellow hues, like Resene Moonlight and Resene Chorus Line in this space, bring energy and optimism, and pair perfectly with woven materials, dried flowers and timber accents for a look that feels effortless and inviting.
Don’t be afraid to give yellow a go at home. Start subtle with gentle butter tones like Resene Half Scotch Mist and Resene Half Popcorn, add some pops of Resene Golden Glow on accessories or furniture, and pair this with a warm wood stain like Resene Colorwood Oregon.
Tip: Entryway floors cop a lot of foot traffic, so give them the extra protection they deserve. Resene Walk-on is a tough, quick-drying paint designed for flooring and steps, ideal for painted porches, interior concrete floors or even timber thresholds that need to stand up to daily wear and tear.
Neutrally yours
In this entryway, Resene Half Milk White complements the timber seat and storage space while also creating a canvas for the family’s artwork. Design by Lucy Furniss Design & Interiors, image by Someday Photography.
Clean lines, classic whites and a sense of space define this charming, modern entry. Painted in the soft Resene Half Milk White with light timber, it feels serene and elevated. It’s the kind of minimalism that speaks quietly but boldly. Neutral walls also make a great canvas for your artwork, whether that’s brightly coloured, or harmonising with your neutral palette like this space, it’s a great chance to showcase your personal belongings.
Resene has plenty of beautiful whites and neutrals to choose from. Try classic and warm shades like Resene Quarter Rice Cake, Resene Eighth Biscotti and Resene Double Merino, which all pair wonderfully with a light wood stain like Resene Colorwood Rock Salt.
Tip: If you're going for an all-white entryway, keep it from feeling flat by playing with different strengths of the same shade. For example, try Resene Alabaster on your walls, Resene Half Alabaster on the ceiling and Resene Quarter Alabaster on trims or cabinetry. This creates soft contrast and gives the space a crisp, considered look without straying from your neutral palette.
Zesty and bold
This entranceway has been given interest with a front door in Resene Daredevil. The walls are painted in Resene Gull Grey, bench seat in Resene Sunflower, floor in Resene Gull Grey and Resene Cod Grey, hooks in Resene Daredevil, Resene Sunflower and Resene Cod Grey. Umbrella and bag from Città, blanket, coat hooks and light from Collected, converse shoes from Pat Menzies. Project by LeeAnn Yare, image by Melanie Jenkins.
Bring back the zest of retro, or create an artsy twist, with a pop of bold citrus. In this vibrant entryway, the wall in Resene Gull Grey is spiced up with bright oranges and yellows like Resene Daredevil and Resene Sunflower, bringing energy and joy to the space. Front doors are always a great way to add bold pops of colour to your home, and you don’t need much paint to add your favourite bright shade!
If your entryway is feeling a little dull, try zesty hues like Resene Golden Tainoi, Resene Lightning Yellow, Resene California and Resene Tango which are sure to wow guests and make a great first impression.
Tip: If you want your front door to shine (literally) use Resene Super Gloss Enamel or Resene Enamacryl gloss waterborne enamel. Both offer a luxe, reflective finish, great for bold colours, and is tough enough to handle constant opening, closing and weather.
Handy DIY hook stand
This compact corner hook stand is finished in Resene Aquaclear semi-gloss. The walls are painted in Resene Sea Fog, floor stain washed in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy and clear-finished in Resene Qristal ClearFloor and bench in Resene Cape Palliser. Project by Megan Harrison-Turner, image by Bryce Carleton.
If you’re short on space or don’t have much of an entryway, then this handy hook stand is the perfect solution – and you only need a spare corner! The minimalist design makes good use of a small area for added storage without taking up valuable floor space. Click here for the step-by-step guide to make your own.
To protect the wood, apply a clear Resene Aquaclear urethane finish. If you’re after a darker colour, try stains like Resene Colorwood Walnut and Resene Colorwood Mahogony, or try a paint colour like Resene Lemon Grass or Resene Coast.
For more inspiration, inside and outside, check out Resene’s Entranceway decorating inspiration gallery. And for more paint, stain or wallpaper advice, visit your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Resene Paint Expert online for free.
Published: 29 Aug 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Double Merino
Resene Double Lemon Grass
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Spanish Green
Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta
Resene Half Milk White
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Quarter Alabaster
Resene Golden Tainoi
Resene Lightning Yellow
Resene Cape Palliser
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 Double Merino
Resene Double Lemon Grass
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
Resene Spanish Green
Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta
Resene Half Milk White
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Quarter Alabaster
Resene Golden Tainoi
Resene Lightning Yellow
Resene Cape Palliser
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
