Transform your dining space: Four stylish designs to inspire your next refresh
Dining spaces aren’t just for eating. They’re for laughing until your cheeks hurt, sharing stories over second helpings and making memories that outlast the meal. The right dining space invites people in and makes them want to stay a little longer.
Resene colour consultant, Veronika Vuletic, says that designing an eating space for both function and aesthetics is essential. “To create a warm and inviting space, opt for warmer earthier shades which evoke a sense of relaxation, she suggests, “or for a bolder look, consider incorporating a Resene wallpaper or paint effects to create visual interest and express your personality.”
It’s amazing how much surface colours or textures can shift the whole feeling of a space. Want something cosy? Choose velvety or deeper colours in Resene SpaceCote Flat. Craving a bit of drama? Go glossy with Resene Enamacryl gloss waterborne enamel or embrace darker tones. Resene wallpaper, Resene FX finishes and Resene wood stains all add layers of interest.
Need help pulling it all together? Resene Colour Experts are just a call or visit away and are ready to help you create a dining space that feels just right for you, and the moments that matter.
French connection
If a European vibe is your thing, texture can play a starring role. Think a limewashed wall that feels sun-kissed and earthy paired with a rust-effect urn created using Resene FX finishes – and painted pavers with pebbles in between. “A table, painted in Resene Melting Moment and Resene Paris White using a distressed technique can add an authentic vintage touch,” says stylist Katrina Hobbs.
Distressed effect wall painted in Resene Double Blanc and Resene Half Blanc, window shutters in Resene Melting Moment, pavers in Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path in Resene Grey Chateau, table distressed with Resene Melting Moment and Resene Paris White, chairs distressed in Resene Family Tree, pot in Resene FX Faux Rust Effect and lavender pot in Resene Frozen. Candle and dinner set from Maman.
Coming up roses
Staying with a romantic theme, a statement floral wallpaper can wrap the room in blooming beauty. “I used the Resene wallpaper as the jumping-off point for the design here,” Katrina explains. “The Resene Colour Palette Generator tool pulled tones from the design, which I’ve highlighted on the table and chairs.”
Wallpaper in Resene Wallpaper Collection V & A 2311-168-02, floor stain colour washed in Resene Colorwood Shade, lampshade in Resene Vintage and Resene Bardot, table in Resene Sea Nymph, chairs in Resene Bone and vases in Resene Bardot, Resene Blackberry and Resene Vintage. Candle from Maman.
We’re blushing
A softer (but no less stylish) palette in Resene’s blush tones are great to give your room a glow that works beautifully with timber stained with Resene Colorwood wood stain, greenery and vintage touches. It’s proof that neutral doesn’t mean boring. To elevate the space, consider using wall panelling to add depth and interest. It could be vertical battens, wainscotting or contemporary fluted designs. Panelling introduces subtle shadow play that enhances the overall atmosphere. Layer in some textured art on canvas to continue the tactile story. Another easy trick is to paint the interior of a bookshelf in a complementary or contrasting hue. This unexpected pop draws the eye to your favourite objects or crockery, and adds dimension without overwhelming the calm aesthetic.
Wall painted in Resene Just Right, battens on wall stain colour washed in Resene Colorwood Becalm, floor in Resene Colorwood Bleached Riverstone, chairs, table base and cabinet interior in Resene Half Stonewall, cabinet exterior, tabletop and jug in Resene Quarter Blanc, lampshades and vases on table in Resene Rickshaw, artwork in Resene Sea Fog and decor on shelf in Resene Quarter Blanc and Resene Rickshaw.
Contrast effect
Playing with contrast can completely transform a courtyard dining space. A light wall, like Resene Half Fossil, paired with a deep, cool-toned decking or trellis stained in Resene Tiri or Resene English Walnut creates a sophisticated balance that feels both grounded and refreshing. This approach works especially well in outdoor areas where sunlight and shadow naturally enhance the effect. It’s moody, modern and made for evenings that turn into long, relaxed nights.
Wall painted in Resene Half Fossil, trellis stained in Resene Waterborne Woodsman English Walnut, decking in Resene Woodsman Tiri, planter box and ground pot in Resene Ironsand, trestle legs in Resene Double Fossil, tabletop in Resene Gunsmoke ragged over with Resene Castle Rock and chairs in Resene Eighth Fossil.
projects Katrina Hobbs and Megan Harrison-Turner
images Bryce Carleton
Published: 01 Sep 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].


Resene English Walnut


Resene Double Fossil


Resene Eighth Fossil


Resene Bleached Riverstone


Resene Half Stonewall


Resene Quarter Blanc


Resene Melting Moment
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 English Walnut


Resene Double Fossil


Resene Eighth Fossil


Resene Bleached Riverstone


Resene Half Stonewall


Resene Quarter Blanc


Resene Melting Moment
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.