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This modern kitchen features deep green Resene Log Cabin. Project by Sophie Bishop Architects, image by Sophie Heyworth Photography.
Coastal-inspired kitchen featuring Resene Quarter Biscotti. Project by Lucy Wilkie Design, image by Stephen Goodenough.
This kitchen is painted in contrasting Resene Double Ironsand and Resene Double Thorndon Cream, with surrounding walls and ceiling in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream. Project by Oliver Myles Interiors, image by Maree Homer.
Project by Jess Driver and Thomas Ward from I Am Developer, image by Taylor Wilson.
This kitchen featured the blush-toned Resene Soothe. Project by Atkinson Harwood Architecture, image by Andrew Caldwell.
This nature-inspired kitchen features Resene Double Lemon Grass. Project by Bryant Alsop, image by Jack Lovel.
Our top kitchen designs of 2025
Ah, the heart of the home. Where food meets conversation, and early morning coffees are made to start the day. It’s a space we use so often, probably more than any other space in our homes, so it’s important we enjoy being in it and how it looks. Kitchens should be a mix of great design and practicality, and we think these six kitchens showcase just that, and more. You might even find some inspiration for your next dream makeover right here.
Nature’s dark side
Project by Sophie Bishop Architects, image by Sophie Heyworth Photography.
In this modern kitchen, the deep green of Resene Log Cabin graces the splashback and ceiling. It’s a unique twist from your usual white ceiling, creating a moody, cocooning effect that makes you want to cook all the cosiest meals there are. Using a matte finish on the ceiling, like Resene SpaceCote FLAT Kitchen & Bathroom, or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom, helps to diffuse the light and hide imperfections like bumps and uneven surfaces. The kitchen island is painted in Resene Dark Knight, a strong slate blue, for added depth, and the surrounding walls add a touch of brightness into the space, painted in Resene Double Sea Fog.
Deliciously biscotti
Project by Lucy Wilkie Design, image by Stephen Goodenough.
This kitchen is a coastal dream, painted in the delicious Resene Quarter Biscotti and grounded with warm timber and earthy tones. Being a large space, the wooden floor helps to ground the kitchen adding a homely and inviting feeling. This is a great design if you’re not wanting stark white, but still after a warm, neutral design.
If you’re planning on new timber flooring, you can easily keep it protected with Resene Qristal ClearFloor which is available in 1K and 2k versions. 1K is a single pack, while 2K denotes a two-component coating where a hardener is mixed with a base just prior to using. 2k systems are typically harder and more durable than1K, but a little more complex to apply. If you have an older timber floor you can refresh it with Resene Colorwood first and then finish with Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K or 2K.
Love that contrast
Project by Oliver Myles Interiors, image by Maree Homer.
Using contrasting shades can really show off the details in a design, highlighting different aspects of your kitchen, such as panelling, cabinetry and the kitchen island. This timeless kitchen is painted in contrasting Resene Double Ironsand and Resene Double Thorndon Cream, with surrounding walls and ceiling in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream. The warmth in Resene Double Thorndon Cream on the cabinetry adds refinement and depth, and prevents the space from being too ‘black and white’. With neutrals like this, your fittings and accessories will really pop. Try brass or gold light fixtures, or even pops of colour through painted vases or kitchen stools.
Playfully elegant
Project by Jess Driver and Thomas Ward from I Am Developer, image by Taylor Wilson.
Remember, you don’t have to stick to the era of your home when it comes to design! In this 1920s villa, the kitchen is now elegant and modern. The island is painted in Resene Gull Grey, adding an almost violet hue against the walls in Resene Albescent White. The gold fittings and contemporary lighting bring it to life, making it a truly cheerful design. The trims are painted in Resene Thorndon Cream and ceiling in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
Use Resene Lustacryl Semi-Gloss enamel or if the colour is available, Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom if you’re adding colour to your kitchen island. It’s tough and durable for high traffic areas, will make your colour pop, and it has added anti-bacterial silver protection and MoulDefender perfect for wet areas.
Soothe the chef
Project by Atkinson Harwood Architecture, image by Andrew Caldwell.
This kitchen is calm, contemporary and quietly confident. The blush toned Resene Soothe walls add warmth and softness, without feeling overly ‘pink’, giving the space a relaxed, sunlit glow. This soft tone backdrop pairs beautifully with the marbled benchtop, natural timber details and clean white cabinetry. It’s a slightly more unique look for a kitchen, but one that’s both elegant and easy-going. For a slightly lighter and feminine pink, try Resene Ebb, or for a pink that’s more on the beige biscuity side, try Resene Wafer.
Grounded in nature
Project by Bryant Alsop, image by Jack Lovel.
When in doubt, look to nature. The natural environment offers plenty of inspiration for colour choice, and you know you’re always going to get a calm, welcoming and seamless design. Gentle green paired with warm timber, it’s one of those combos that you can’t go wrong with. In the heart of this home, Resene Double Lemon Grass brings a serene and stylish touch to the cabinetry, rangehood, kitchen island and stools. The ceiling is painted in Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream to open up the space, and warm timber floors and cabinetry seamlessly connect the indoors to the out. Use Resene Aquaclear on timber cabinetry to protect wood and allow the beauty of the grain to show through.
With the right paints and thoughtful design, you can create a kitchen that perfectly reflects your personality and lifestyle. One that you will love to cook in. Check out Resene’s kitchen decorating inspiration gallery, and for more colour advice Ask a Resene Colour Expert free online for help or book a colour consultation with a Resene Colour Expert, free instore, virtually or a paid home visit in selected areas.
Published: 29 Oct 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Double Sea Fog
Resene Quarter Biscotti
Resene Double Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Albescent White
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Double Lemon Grass
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
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 Sea Fog
Resene Quarter Biscotti
Resene Double Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Albescent White
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Double Lemon Grass
Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
