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New trends in home design are popping up all the time. A good place to start for checking out what’s on the radar, is to visit a showhome.
Bedroom with walls painted in the deep, earthy Resene Lisbon Brown. Trims are painted in Quarter Albescent White from the Karen Walker Paints range and ceiling in Alabaster.
Kitchen and dining area with interior walls painted in Resene Barely There with ceilings and trims in Half Barely There.
Kitchen with neutral walls painted in Resene Albescent White from the Karen Walker Paints range and the ceiling is in Alabaster.
Resene has an extensive range of exterior stains and colours so whether you’re going for a classic shade like Resene Cedar, darker stains like Pitch Black, or even lighter stains like Driftwood, the timber look is one that’s here to stay.
New home design trends for 2026
New trends in home design are popping up all the time. A good place to start for checking out what’s on the radar, is to visit a showhome. Often designed with new homeowners and the future in mind, showhomes bring a mix of new style, timeless design and practicality. Best of all, you don’t have to be looking to buy a new home to take some notes on the colour palettes and designs they use.
Here we look at two new Signature Homes showhomes to bring you some inspiration for refreshing your own space, and it’s clear to see that nature plays a big role.
Feature panelling has become a trend in home design over the last few years, and it’s nothing new, but we are loving it as a way of adding texture and interest to a space. We’re also seeing a rise in darker, cocooning shades, especially in bedrooms such as this one, painted in the deep, earthy Resene Lisbon Brown. Trims are painted in Quarter Albescent White from the Karen Walker Paints range and ceiling in Alabaster for a crisp contrast. Décor and bedding in similar shades create a cohesive look.
Tip:For a contemporary, velvety almost chalky finish, use Resene SpaceCote Flat. It is tough enough for most walls but is particularly suited when using strong or deep shades in dining rooms and master bedrooms.
Pairing timber with classic whites creates a charming base for any home. These walls are painted in Resene Barely There with ceilings and trims in Half Barely There. Using a darker stain on timber, such as Resene Colorwood English Walnut, adds visual weight and definition, highlighting architectural features while enhancing the natural texture of the timber. Add some natural greenery and earth-toned décor and you’ve got yourself a nature-inspired design that will stand the test of time.
Tip:To give timber panelling, doors and features added protection, use a clearcoat after staining such as Resene Aquaclear in satin, semi-gloss or gloss depending on your preferred finish. For timber floors, use Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1k or 2k.
For kitchens, panelled islands add an extra allure compared to plain surfaces. When painted in a contrasting shade they can also work to zone off the kitchen from other areas, especially in open-plan spaces. Try the muted grey-green of Resene Blue Smoke, or other nature-inspired shades like Ravine and Conch. These walls are painted in Albescent White from the Karen Walker Paints range and the ceiling is in Alabaster.
Tip:Use Resene Kitchen & Bathroom in your chosen paint colour, it is a durable waterborne enamel with MoulDefender and antibacterial silver, which combat mould, bacteria and moisture buildup, great for keeping kitchens looking their best.
Dark exteriors are a go-to for modern homes, but they aren’t just for new builds, they are also ideal for adding a contemporary touch to existing homes. They work well in both rural landscapes and urban environments, creating street appeal and helping your home stand out from the rest. The brickwork on this home is painted in Resene Bokara Grey, a warm-toned charcoal black.
Tip:For painting exterior brick, use Resene X-200 paint for high-performance waterproofing and crack bridging, or Resene Lumbersider for a durable, flexible finish. Always seal brick first with Resene Sureseal to bind powdery, porous surfaces, and consider using Resene CoolColour formulas to reduce heat absorption on dark colours.
You can’t go wrong with timber exteriors, after all, your home is likely sitting in the natural environment. Resene has an extensive range of exterior stains and colours so whether you’re going for a classic shade like Resene Cedar, darker stains like Pitch Black, or even lighter stains like Driftwood, the timber look is one that’s here to stay. Medium-dark stains pair well with paints like Bokara Grey and Element, while with lighter stains you might like to try whites like Triple Black White and White Pointer.
Tip:Resene Natural Wood Oil Stain is a recent addition to the Woodsman offer and already proving popular, its finish and versatility mean it is ideal for cedar and other hardwoods while Resene Woodsman Decking Stains are great for decks and walk-on surfaces. For outdoor furniture and smaller projects, use Resene Furniture and Decking Oil or Resene Timber and Furniture Gel.
For more paint, stain and colour advice, visit your local Resene ColorShop or Ask A Paint Expert online.
See more of the Turoa Showhome and Palliser Downs Showhome from Signature Homes.
Published: 19 Mar 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Quarter Albescent White
Resene Half Barely There
Resene Triple Black White
Resene White Pointer
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 Albescent White
Resene Half Barely There
Resene Triple Black White
Resene White Pointer
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
