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
A community mission in Ngāruawāhia
As with many communities around New Zealand, Ngāruawāhia, a town in the Waikato region, is… more
Resene Black shows off the detailing in this fencing and contrasts against the exterior of the home in Resene Sauvignon and fretwork in Resene Alabaster.
The exterior is now painted in a gentle tipple of pink, Resene Sauvignon, with trims and fretwork in Resene Alabaster and the front door in Resene Black.
Resene Black shows off the detailing in this fencing and contrasts against the exterior of the home in Resene Sauvignon and fretwork in Resene Alabaster.
The roughcast and brickwork was painted using Resene Lumbersider Matt in Resene Sauvignon. The fence and front door are painted in Resene Enamacryl in Resene Black for added shine and durability, and trims and fretwork in Resene Alabaster.
Resene Half Merino brightens the interior walls with a gentle contrast of Resene Alabaster on trims.
Feature walls and trims in this space are painted in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in the vibrant Resene Pohutukawa.
The living area is bright and airy with large windows and classic whites like Resene Half Merino and Resene Alabaster.
The bathroom trims and ceiling in Resene Alabaster provide a gentle contrast to the golden tiles. The door is painted in the bold Resene Pohutukawa.
New expansive skylights let the natural light pour in highlighting the home’s detailing and softness of Resene Alabaster and Resene Half Merino.
The bedroom is bright with a neutral base of Resene Half Merino on walls and Resene Alabaster on the ceiling. A fresh backdrop for the owner’s belongings and décor.
Pink walls and Pohutukawa dreams
This much-loved Dunedin cottage has been recently renovated with a thoughtfully chosen Resene palette including a sweet, pastel pink and a spicy, rich red, bringing new life and personality to a place with plenty of history.
Located near the Highgate Bridge in Roslyn, this home is one of a pair of identical early-1900s cottages. This beauty was in desperate need of some attention. And what unfolded quickly became the talk of the town.
The renovation was extensive, with a full repaint by the team at Sims & Blue, roof replacement and reinstated period-correct fencing. Interior walls were opened up to create flow, and skylights were added to flood the home with natural light. The basement was dug out to create a studio apartment designed for Airbnb, and the upstairs remained a warm and character-filled family space.
The exterior is now painted in a gentle tipple of pink, Resene Sauvignon, with trims and fretwork in Resene Alabaster and the front door in Resene Black.
Resene Black shows off the detailing in this fencing and contrasts against the exterior of the home in Resene Sauvignon and fretwork in Resene Alabaster.
The roughcast and brickwork was painted using Resene Lumbersider Matt in Resene Sauvignon. The fence and front door are painted in Resene Enamacryl in Resene Black for added shine and durability, and trims and fretwork in Resene Alabaster.
Externally the cottage now shines in its bold new scheme. Roughcast and brickwork were painted in Resene Sauvignon, a pale pink that immediately drew curiosity from the town. Crisp Resene Alabaster trims, fretwork and barge boards and a bold front door and fence in Resene Black offer a striking contrast. The colour story balances softness with bold definition.
Resene Half Merino brightens the interior walls with a gentle contrast of Resene Alabaster on trims.
Feature walls and trims in this space are painted in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in the vibrant Resene Pohutukawa.
The burst of Resene Pohutukawa is a hidden gem within the home.
Inside, the palette is equally thoughtful. The main walls are painted in Resene Half Merino creating a warm, neutral backdrop, paired with skirtings and architraves in Resene Alabaster. Feature walls stand out among these charming whites in Resene Pohutukawa bringing vibrancy and contrast.
Different sheen levels were chosen throughout. From the softness of Resene Ceiling Flat to the durability of Resene Lustacryl on trims and Resene Zylone Sheen on walls, ensuring not only the right look, but also the right feel for each space.
The kitchen is bright and airy with large windows and classic whites like Resene Half Merino and Resene Alabaster.
The bathroom trims and ceiling in Resene Alabaster provide a gentle contrast to the golden tiles. The door is painted in the bold Resene Pohutukawa.
Nathan from Sims & Blue says the inspiration was all about being bold, brilliant and a little different. “The client wanted not just colour, but feel too,” he says. “The pink exterior, the pops of deep red inside, the mix of sheen levels, it all came together as her dream and she’s absolutely over the moon with the result.”
New expansive skylights let the natural light pour in highlighting the home’s detailing and softness of Resene Alabaster and Resene Half Merino.
The bedroom is bright with a neutral base of Resene Half Merino on walls and Resene Alabaster on the ceiling. A fresh backdrop for the owner’s belongings and décor.
Once this home’s refresh was complete, it was a clear reaction from the town. This cottage can’t help but make people smile. Modernised but full of charm, it proudly shows off its heritage but with a colourful twist. Today, the pair of cottages stand side by side, and together they’re a highlight of the neighbourhood. You really can’t miss them.
design Ahha Architects
paint Sims & Blue
build Brent Lucas Builders
images Momentum Agency
The same cottages documented in 1953.
Top tip:For older homes with rich history, consider using shades from the Resene Heritage Colours range, which offers classic, authentic colours curated by a conservation architect to suit historical architectural features and outlast trends. An option for plastered masonry and brick cladding is Resene Aquashield, which replicates the look of old limewashes and concrete paints (including the very first Resene product Stipplecote) the product has a dead flat finish so is sympathetic to older surfaces and self-cleaning as the Aquashield surface sheds water.
Published: 12 Nov 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
