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
From global design to a family studio in Aotearoa
YDS Studio began around 14 years ago, but the story really started much earlier.
“After studying… more
Back wall painted in Resene Rulebreaker, right wall in Aviator, floor in Resene Walk-on in White Noise. Armchair from Ligne Roset. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Walls painted in Resene Quarter Powder Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Walls in Resene Half Black White, bookshelf in Time Out, floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, desk in Delta Blue. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Mel Jenkins.
Stairwell painted in Resene Shadowy Blue, lower wall and trims in Quarter Blanc. Project by Sustainable Spaces, image by Michelle Jacobsen.
Back wall painted in Resene Rulebreaker, right wall in Aviator, floor in Resene Walk-on in White Noise. Armchair from Ligne Roset. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Stairwell walls painted in Resene Ultramarine, surround walls and ceiling in Alabaster. Project by homeowner Nadine, image by Brenda Ngatai.
Five popular blues and how to use them at home
It’s one of those shades that can add instant charm to any space. Blue is often known for its calming qualities, and while there are many serene and breezy blues you can use, there are just as many bold and brilliant ones too.
If blue is at the top of your list for your next home project or makeover, these five are a great place to start. Remember, you can also pop into your nearest Resene ColorShop to pick up some testpots before you decide on buying larger quantities of paint.
Powder Blue
Walls painted in Resene Quarter Powder Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
The Resene Karen Walker Paints collection has plenty of soft, muted blues, including Resene Quarter Powder Blue like on these walls. They are perfect for when you want a little colour that leans more towards a neutral. These look great with whites like Merino, darker slate blues like New Denim Blue and light wood stains like Resene Colorwood Rock Salt for a beachy feel.
Time Out
Walls in Resene Half Black White, bookshelf in Time Out, floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, desk in Delta Blue. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Mel Jenkins.
Crisp clear blues like Resene Time Out, Delta Blue, Perano and Portage are really like a summer’s day sky. They work well on accessories and in darker rooms that need a little brightening. They also suit nurseries and kids’ rooms, as they have an almost lilac touch making them a great gender-neutral hue.
Shadowy Blue
Stairwell painted in Resene Shadowy Blue, lower wall and trims in Quarter Blanc. Project by Sustainable Spaces, image by Michelle Jacobsen.
Darker blues have that ability to shift in different light and at different times of the day. In this stairwell, Resene Shadowy Blue shows its brilliant blue tones with the help of the natural light seeping through the windows. In this evening, it becomes darker, cosier and more cocooning. Try out Aviator, Blue Night and Indian Ink for similar tones.
Rule Breaker
Back wall painted in Resene Rulebreaker, right wall in Aviator, floor in Resene Walk-on in White Noise. Armchair from Ligne Roset. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Mid-toned blues like Resene Rulebreaker work well in most spaces. You can pair them with lighter or darker blues for added depth – like the right wall here in Aviator – as well as contrasting tones that are best friends with blue, like Tuft Bush, Tulip Tree and Merlot. Let any blue do the talking on your walls or use it as a base to bounce other hues and décor off.
Ultramarine
Stairwell walls painted in Resene Ultramarine, surround walls and ceiling in Alabaster. Project by homeowner Nadine, image by Brenda Ngatai.
If you’re wanting something bolder and more pigmented then you need to check out the Resene Beyond the sea range. These shades have plenty of depth and they really take blue to the next level.
Published: 07 May 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Quarter Powder Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene Half Black White
Resene Quarter Blanc
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 Quarter Powder Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene Half Black White
Resene Quarter Blanc
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
