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Kitchens featuring Resene Rolling Stone, Black Haze, Thumbs Up, Double Alabaster and Albescent White.
Kitchen cabinetry painted in Resene Rolling Stone, kitchen island in Big Stone, walls in Sea Fog and ceiling in Alabaster. Build by Buildit BOP Ltd, architectural design by BCN Studio Limited, cabinetry by Niche Joinery, image by Boundless Vision.
Walls in Resene Black Haze, splashback in Bling Bling. Use the shade Diesel for a similar look on cabinetry. Design by Jo Monaghan of Wellbeing by Design, image by Tim Williams of Lumiere.
Walls in Resene Thumbs Up, cabinetry in Possessed. Project by Kate Peck from Kurio, image by Helen Bankers.
Cabinetry in Resene Double Alabaster, walls in Quarter Sandspit Brown, ceiling in Alabaster. Design by Wendy Tarr, image by Dmitri Kotelevski.
Walls in Resene Albescent White from the Karen Walker Paints range, ceiling in Alabaster, kitchen island in Blue Smoke. Design and image by Signature Homes
Fall in love with your kitchen again
It’s the heart of the home. Where meals are prepared, morning coffee is brewed, and conversations echo the day that just passed. The kitchen is one of those places most of us spend a lot of time in, so it makes sense you should love how it looks and feels. Maybe these designs will convince you it’s time for an update!
Kitchen cabinetry painted in Resene Rolling Stone, kitchen island in Big Stone, walls in Sea Fog and ceiling in Alabaster. Build by Buildit BOP Ltd, architectural design by BCN Studio Limited, cabinetry by Niche Joinery, image by Boundless Vision.
‘Modern farmhouse’ is one of those designs that will stand the test of time. The soft touches of off-white and timber, often mixed with a muted green or blue, feels like stepping into a cottage in the Cotswolds. Once you’ve got your base, you can build on this with accessories and light fixtures to allow it to lean more towards the classic or contemporary. It really says “come and make a comfy cup of tea” or “begin preparing your slow-cooked stew for the evening”.
Resene Pro Tip: Most kitchen joinery is painted using a semi-gloss finish for added serviceability and durability, Choose between the waterborne Resene Lustacryl in either standard or kitchen & bathroom versions or the solventborne Resene Lusta glo Semi-Gloss Enamel.
Walls in Resene Black Haze, splashback in Bling Bling. Use the shade Diesel for a similar look on cabinetry. Design by Jo Monaghan of Wellbeing by Design, image by Tim Williams of Lumiere.
Dark kitchens offer a chic, sophisticated feel and work particularly well in modern homes. Some popular dark hues include Resene Ironsand, Bokara Grey and Baltic Sea. If you have timber – either new or stripped back to the natural timber finish, consider using a dark Resene Colorwood stain before applying a Resene clear finish.
Remember, your cabinetry and walls aren’t the only thing you can paint! In the kitchen above a touch of glamour was added to the kitchen splashback using the gold hue of Resene Bling Bling painted on the wall behind the glass. This choice complements the brass kitchen tapware as well as the macrocarpa window reveals.
Walls in Resene Thumbs Up, cabinetry in Possessed. Project by Kate Peck from Kurio, image by Helen Bankers.
There’s no warmer colour than yellow, and while they aren’t all as vivid as Thumbs Up, the hue certainly creates an inviting feeling when used in a kitchen. You might thank yourself during the next cold, rainy day!
Using a contrasting hue like Nero (inky black), Possessed (deep green-brown) or Rhino (smoky dark blue) can help to break up the brightness of the yellow and ground the space.
Cabinetry in Resene Double Alabaster, walls in Quarter Sandspit Brown, ceiling in Alabaster. Design by Wendy Tarr, image by Dmitri Kotelevski.
The crisp white kitchen will forever be a popular choice. Perhaps not for the colour lovers, but it’s appealing to those who prefer neutrals and a minimal design thanks to its clean lines and feel. For a warmer white, try shades like Bianca and Quarter Spanish White, and for cooler tones, try Sea Fog and Quarter White Pointer.
Resene Pro Tip: For white or off-white cabinetry, use Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom – it offers a non-yellowing, durable, mid-sheen finish, providing less glare than a high-gloss paint but more shine than a low-sheen option.
Walls in Resene Albescent White from the Karen Walker Paints range, ceiling in Alabaster, kitchen island in Blue Smoke. Design and image by Signature Homes.
Kitchen Islands aren’t just there for their practicality; they also offer a chance to enhance your kitchen design. The pop of colour on this island brings the perfect amount of character to an otherwise neutral space. Start with a classic white base, such as Resene Half Merino, and then pick the colour for your island – you might like Blue Smoke (the above grey-green), Neutral Bay (a subtle smoky blue), or Soothe (a dusty red-toned neutral).
See more information on the Resene Kitchen & Bathroom range here, or visit your nearest Resene ColorShop for more advice on colour, products, and to pick up your paint.
Now is also the perfect time to update your kitchen. From Thursday 28 May until 24 June 2026 you can get 20% off Resene Kitchen & Bathroom paints. This range is ideal for wet areas like kitchens as it combines the benefits of a waterborne enamel with added anti-bacterial silver protection and MouldDefender.
Published: 28 May 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Rolling Stone
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Albescent 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.
Resene Rolling Stone
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Albescent 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.
