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Entryway design ideas for a stylish first impression
29 Aug 2025
A good entryway does more than just say hello, it sets the tone for what’s to come in the rest of your home. If you’ve got a blank or tired-looking…
A Mangawhai sanctuary drenched in soft tones
26 Aug 2025
When it comes to creating a home that seamlessly blends with its surroundings, this Mangawhai renovation is a stunning example of how thoughtful design and the right choice of Resene…
Top wallpaper designs for each style – chosen by the experts!
29 Jul 2025
You might have seen our recent story explaining all about where your wallpaper comes from. Now, the team at Aspiring Walls have rounded up their top-selling wallpaper designs in each style…
Let these top hallway picks lead your home into style
23 Jul 2025
Hallways are more than just a thoroughfare between rooms. They are your home’s first impression, and quite likely the most used space in your home! With the right Resene colours…
Inside the Omokoroa home that nailed the brief
16 Jul 2025
If you’ve ever built a home from scratch, you’ll know that every design choice matters – especially colour. And for the owners of this Omokoroa property sitting right beside the…
Decked out for winter
02 Jul 2025
Just because the temperature’s dropped doesn’t mean your outdoor space has to go into hibernation. In fact, winter is a great time to refresh your patio or courtyard with a…
Home projects to tackle over winter
24 Jun 2025
When the days get shorter and the weather keeps us indoors, it’s the perfect excuse to finally tackle those home projects you’ve been putting off. Whatever it is – refreshing…
Perfectly pitched: A colourful, climate-savvy home in Te Awa
11 Jun 2025
When homeowners Caitlin and Matthew decided to build their dream family home in Napier’s Te Awa, they didn’t want to blend in with the neighbours, they wanted to build something…
Home as art: Walls that double as a canvas
29 May 2025
In the world of home design, walls are no longer just backdrops, they’re becoming canvases for self-expression, creativity and bold design. From vibrant murals to intricate special finishes, the possibilities…
A cosy Ruapehu home
29 May 2025
When Mike and Diana decided to build their dream home in the Ruapehu District, they turned to Resene to help them bring their modern, contemporary vision to life. Their stunning…
Samson House: Hues of heritage
15 May 2025
When it comes to blending history with modern luxury, few homes do it as effortlessly as Samson House in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. With its clever design that nods to the past…
Castlecore: A regal take on home interiors
08 May 2025
It’s easy to see how the allure of castles and palaces, with their opulent charm and timeless grandeur, finds its way into home design. Castlecore is a style inspired by…
Our top five bathroom picks that don’t play it safe with white
01 May 2025
While white bathrooms have long reigned supreme in the world of interiors, there’s a colourful revolution bubbling away behind closed doors – and we’re here for it. Whether it’s moody…
Street appeal: Exterior colours inspired by the great outdoors
12 Mar 2025
If the outside of your home is looking a little rough and in need of some love, there’s no time like the present to give it a refresh. The cooler…
The artful home of Rachel Rush
12 Feb 2025
When Rachel and Graham set out to build their dream home, they had one goal in mind: to make a vision they both shared a reality. With a love for…
Taking your minimalist space to the next level with paints and wallpapers
30 Jan 2025
Minimalism is more than just a design trend – it’s a way of life that celebrates simplicity, functionality and the beauty of restraint. However, minimalism doesn’t have to mean plain…
Bring your holiday home with these globally inspired outdoor spaces
08 Jan 2025
Whether you have a large back garden, a cosy courtyard or a tiny terrace you can still instil plenty of personality in your outdoor spaces while recreating the spirit of…
Painting the perfect picture: Timeless home exterior ideas
17 Dec 2024
Choosing the right exterior colours for your home is more than just a design decision – it’s about creating a lasting impression that reflects your surroundings and personal style. From…
Higgs Rest: A rustic retreat with eclectic charm
17 Dec 2024
Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Spring Grove, Higgs Rest is the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. After living in the property on and off for the…
A playful haven of creativity and efficiency
07 Nov 2024
If you’ve always wanted to make your home unique, and do it on a budget, then this one is for you. This house uses pops of Resene colour and charming…
Country connections
23 Oct 2024
Harking back to a more relaxed way of living has become more familiar over the past few years. With many choosing to shift to the country away from the hustle…
Dressed to impress: Exterior colour done right
02 Oct 2024
When it comes to creating the perfect first impression, the exterior of your home speaks volumes. Whether you’re looking to evoke modern sophistication, vintage charm or classic appeal, the right…
Pastel perfection: The colourful canvas of Bridget’s dream home
02 Oct 2024
Bridget and her family’s 1930’s weatherboard farmhouse in New Plymouth is a celebration of colour and vintage charm. With sweeping 180-degree views of the ocean and Mount Ruapehu in the…
Restoring the past, reimagining the future: A Christchurch modernist home
25 Sep 2024
Amidst the architectural history of Christchurch, this home is a rare example of the 'Christchurch School' modernist style, designed by the renowned Warren and Mahoney Architects. Recently, this home has…
Red-letter days: How to use this rosy shade in your home
10 Jul 2024
Warm, bold, chic or cosy – red can do it all. From glam to retro, bright to burnished, red hues bring personality and style to your interior. And while winter…
Art and soul: A 1910 villa with an unexpected colour scheme
10 Jul 2024
Artist Catherine Robert’s revival of a run-down 1910’s Wellington villa was a labour of love, patience and self-expression. She was intent on injecting love and personality back into the house…
A home among the trees: The innovative design of Bell House
03 Jul 2024
It’s safe to say Christopher’s house in Whitby, Porirua presented the team at Robertson Architects a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Nestled in amongst the tree canopy sits the…
Bring nature indoors with a biophilic design
03 Jul 2024
Biophilic design, a concept rooted in our intrinsic connection to nature, will always be a popular choice for home interiors. By incorporating natural elements and themes into your living space,…
Finding your style: Minimalism vs. Maximalism in home design
26 Jun 2024
Throughout history two contrasting styles have captured the attention of homeowners and designers – minimalist and maximalist. Each offers a unique approach to aesthetics, space and individual expression and it…
Me, hue, and Duck Egg Blue: How to use this most loved colour in your home
18 Jun 2024
Resene Duck Egg Blue has become a beloved choice for homeowners, gracing interiors with its serene and versatile charm. This sophisticated shade blends hints of blue and green, creating a…
How Resene’s most loved colour made this home a timeless masterpiece
06 Jun 2024
With a harmonious blend of African and Japanese design elements, this home, named the Kauri House, is nestled within one of New Zealand’s lush, native forests. The renovation of this…
Your guide to creating a cosy living room this winter
21 May 2024
Creating a cosy living room is all about choosing the right elements that bring warmth, comfort and style to your space. With Resene's extensive range of paints and wallpapers, transforming…
Warm vs cool: Deciding on the right colour palette for your home
11 Apr 2024
Generally speaking, cool colours are blues, greens and purples, while warm colours are reds, oranges and yellows. However, it is possible to have a cool colour with a warm undertone…
Creating character: A do-up transformed into a dream family home
27 Mar 2024
This charming 1920s bungalow purchased as a ‘do-up’ project has now turned into a dream home through the thoughtful design of homeowners Prue and Andrew. The duo with an eye…
Embracing nostalgia to build a future
14 Mar 2024
When two homeowners and first-time builders, along with the design team at Box™ set out to create their forever home, what unfolded was not just a structure of bricks and…
How to create a chic and elegant space using purple
06 Mar 2024
Let’s face it, purple may not be the first colour that comes to mind when we think about home design, however, it’s all in how you use it. You might…
Reviving mid-century charm
22 Feb 2024
Renovations are never easy, but when you have plenty of Resene shades at your fingertips, you can create a timeless look that you will cherish for years to come. This…
Beyond the shore: Coastal chic with Resene paints and wallpapers
22 Feb 2024
If you dream of waking up to the gentle sound of waves and the soothing scent of the sea, why not bring some coastal charm into your home? Resene paints…
Home comforts: Leave stress at the front door
31 Jan 2024
As we begin the new year and get back into our busy lives it’s important to ensure we have a space that is comfortable and enjoyable to live in. Leave…
A serene villa adorned in timeless greens and whites
31 Jan 2024
A traditional villa with a striking modern extension has found harmony through its combination of Resene greens and whites.
The owners of this serene Auckland villa are hardworking professionals with two…
Paint it black: Bold and brilliant ideas for using this dark shade at home
23 Nov 2023
In New Zealand, we embrace the colour black with our sports teams, fashion and our homes! Black is a great colour choice for your home as it can be striking…
A symphony of shades: A home transformed by colours, textures and creativity
23 Nov 2023
In early 2018, Logan and Kelly alongside Logan's parent's embarked on a project that transformed their West Auckland section into a vibrant, colourful haven. With the help of interior designer…
First impressions count: Tips and ideas for irresistible curb appeal
10 Oct 2023
They say first impressions matter, and when it comes to your home, its curb appeal sets the stage for what lies beyond. The exterior of your house is the first…
Reviving mid-century: A story of love, paint and perseverance
01 Aug 2023
When Felicity and her husband stumbled upon their dream mid-century home, they knew they had found something special. The house immediately captured their hearts, and they wasted no time in…
Cabincore chic: How to achieve the look without going full rustic
17 May 2023
Romanticising the idea of living in a cabin or a cottage in the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, cabincore is characterised by a focus on…
The royal treatment: Luxurious decorating ideas for your home
26 Apr 2023
Leading up to the King’s coronation we have put together some royal inspired interior looks to fit the mood. This style is often characterised by its luxurious and ornate features…
‘Home sweet organised home’ - Tips for decluttering in style
04 Apr 2023
Having an organised home can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being. You can still enjoy a peaceful and harmonious home without forsaking your favourite shades. With a bit…
From aging wood to wonderfully bright, this Lockwood home got its style back
22 Mar 2023
Built in 1993 to what was a standard design at the time, this Lockwood home in Napier was in desperate need of a makeover. Owners, Tracey and Kevin Richardson loved…
The art of minimalism with a splash of colour: Tips for a balanced look
15 Mar 2023
Minimalist interior design is a popular and timeless style that emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and clean lines. It often relies on neutral colours, clear surfaces, and uncluttered spaces to create a…
A labour of love: Restoring charm to a neglected villa
15 Mar 2023
This delightful Wellington villa had been through two major renovations before Russell and Anna Allen bought it. However, some years of ‘deferred maintenance’ from the previous owner meant the couple…
Make your garden pop with these colourful ideas
02 Mar 2023
‘Leaf’ it to us to give you some wonderful tips and inspiration to take your garden to the next level. All you need are some Resene paints in your favourite…
Industrial chic: A balance of form and function
21 Feb 2023
With its unique blend of rugged and refined elements, the industrial chic design has gained popularity in recent years. With its roots in the factories and warehouses of the 19th…
Effortless elegance: A home in timeless neutrals
15 Feb 2023
White and neutral interiors are always a popular choice in our homes. They create a calm, serene, and timeless feel, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a…
Cape Cod meets modern industrial in this stunning seaside home
08 Feb 2023
Nestled behind the sand dunes of Papamoa, this contemporary two-story new-build soaks up the ever-changing seascape and coastline. With a mix of delicate and bold Resene paint colours, interior designer…
6 ways to make the most of small spaces
25 Jan 2023
Do you find yourself walking past a dull corner or room in your house and wonder what you can do with such a small space? Or perhaps you have a…
5 ways to transform your outdoor space
18 Jan 2023
Summer is here, even though the recent weather may not suggest so. Now is a great time to refresh your outdoor space, whether you want to add a pop of…
Top stories for 2022: From restored villas to blue-themed rooms and inspiring neutrals, these are our most-popular reads this year
20 Dec 2022
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to revisit habitat readers’ most read stories of 2022. From villa makeovers to a whimsical gingerbread home and tips for trying…
Entertain outdoors in style this holiday season with these tips for decorating courtyards, gardens and patios
08 Dec 2022
Got friends or family visiting for the summer? With the holiday season and Christmas right around the corner Resene has some great tips for sprucing up your outdoor space and…
Sparkling joy: James Peters proves bronze is the new gold in this apartment with the wow factor
17 Nov 2022
Interior designer James Peters saw nothing but opportunity when he saw the white walls of the apartment he owns with his partner. The two busy professionals, wanted a cosy haven…
5 spring greens to refresh your home
09 Nov 2022
Much has been written about the versatility of green in interior decorating and design. Its reputation for versatility is well-earned. There’s a Resene green to suit to every person, every…
Beach house style: Coastal colour schemes to embrace at home or the bach
02 Nov 2022
In New Zealand and Australia, no matter where you are, you’ve never very far from the beach. Many of us have grown up in or around the water, so why…
Hours of hard yakka and DIY spirit transform a small 1950s home for a family of six
27 Oct 2022
When Kelly and Travis first put a formal offer in on a damp former rental home in Christchurch, they immediately got cold feet. Renovating the 1952 weatherboard and concrete tile…
7 cream, white and grey Resene wallpapers that let neutral palettes shine
27 Oct 2022
Opting for neutral tones doesn't need to mean predictable. If your home design features lots of cream, white or grey, selecting a neutral-coloured design from the Resene Wallpaper Collection is…
Resene blues for every room – and blues for outdoors: 30+ blue paints you’ll adore
20 Oct 2022
When it comes to designing with colour, blue is one of the all-time classics. There is a blue to suit every taste, every mood and every broader colour scheme or…
Former chocolate factory with a sinister history transformed into an elegant, light-filled apartment
14 Oct 2022
Young architectural graduates Geordie and Emma Shaw had some guts when they purchased the dingy, worn apartment located at the scene of an unsolved murder in the capital. But the…
Spring into action: Get your outdoor areas ready for summer
05 Oct 2022
Dust off your DIY and maintenance skills, it’s that time of year when we all race outside to enjoy some warmer weather and realise there’s some work to do to…
Black and White – 6 modern takes on monochrome
29 Sep 2022
Is there a more classic colour combination than black and white? This pared back palette lends any space instant sophistication and is far more flexible than you might think.
Even if…
Home design ideas to help you brush up on your artistic side
15 Sep 2022
While we’re all fond of blocks of bold colour, or swathes of sophisticated neutrals in our interiors, sometimes they might just need a little bit of extra artistic flair.
Adding unexpected…
Three’s The Block NZ: Kitchen & Dining room week
08 Sep 2022
Kitchen & Dining room week on The Block NZ is always sure to bring some drama, but despite a power cut, a leak, multiple delays and an artwork fiasco the…
Cottage-like charm of former state house brought to life with Resene neutrals
08 Sep 2022
The potential of this 1970s former state house in Wellington’s Hutt Valley was immediately obvious to Liam and Taylor Archibald when they first laid eyes on it in 2020. “When…
Invite the sun in and relax with resort-style interiors
01 Sep 2022
Although travel is once again in full swing and the lapping waters of foreign lands may be calling, why not consider a one-way trip to the tropics at home? Channel…
Become a special effects artist in your home: A beginner’s guide to limewashing, chalk paint and Resene FX Paint Effects medium
11 Aug 2022
You’d be surprised at the range of completely unique looks you can achieve with paint, from watercolour walls to faux stone finishes. It’s all possible with the Resene FX Paint…
This home shows why you shouldn’t fear using edgy Resene Black on your walls
27 Jul 2022
Arna and Dave say when it comes to picking colours and styling a home, don’t overthink it. Choose what you love and you can’t go wrong. This meant bold and…
1950s ex-rental transformed into chic family home with barely there neutrals
21 Jul 2022
When Sarah moved into her Tauranga ex-rental home, it was a little on the neglected side. Despite its worn carpets and some interesting colour choices (one room a frightening deep…
Five ways with wall panelling to jazz up any room
14 Jul 2022
The simple addition of wall panelling can transform a space, offering a classic look. Adding texture and height to a flat wall is a creative, on-trend way to refresh a…
Cosy wooden Wanaka home’s makeover in Resene neutrals inspired by the snowy landscape
13 Jul 2022
Enveloped by the mountains and sitting lakeside in Wanaka, Maggie and Lawrence’s home needed a colour palette to match their picturesque setting. Resene Foggy Grey and Resene Half Periglacial Blue…
Transform a room with colour: 3 interior designers dish their top tips
29 Jun 2022
It can be overwhelming or even downright intimidating figuring out how to incorporate colour into your home. Perhaps there’s a space you love but you know it could do with…
An architecturally designed mid-century gem has a timeless refresh
29 Jun 2022
Once upon a time Ian and Georgia’s Auckland home would have likely been adorned with macrame and shag rugs. The home was designed by renowned architect Marshall Cook in the…
Friluftsliv: The Scandi interior trend taking the world by storm
26 May 2022
Friluftsliv is a Norwegian philosophy making a big impact in interiors– even if most people don’t know how to say it. Pronounced ‘free-loofts-liv’, the phrase loosely translates to ‘free air…
Know your blues: Eight dreamy blues to consider (and how to pick one for your home)
19 May 2022
There’s nothing that sets a mood in a room like blue does. An incredibly versatile colour, blue can be refreshing, tranquil or moody. Its numerous shades can work as a…
The 100-year-old Nelson villa restored by renovation masters, Alice and Caleb
19 May 2022
Alice and Caleb are certainly no strangers to a challenging DIY project – sledgehammers, paint brushes and power tools have been at the ready for the last decade. The couple…
Your guide to pulling off a monochrome room
27 Apr 2022
Sometimes ‘matchy-matchy’ is good thing. Monochromatic design is an incredibly effective and timeless way to bring elegance to your home. It’s become increasingly popular in the interior design world. Skip…
Trend alert: Six colours we can’t get enough of right now
21 Apr 2022
Like trends in fashion, building design or music, our collective taste in colours is constantly evolving. Our fondness for certain colours is influenced by all sorts of external factors from pop…
Six satisfying home makeover jobs for the long weekend
14 Apr 2022
This longweekend is the perfect time to tackle a little home improvement. Give your home a glow up with Resene paint, there’s nothing more satisfying than standing back to admire…
Renovation of dilapidated villa is a master class in how to use neutral paint colours
13 Apr 2022
When Bridget and Tom bought their grand old villa on top of a sunny hill in Whanganui it was never intended to be their forever home. Instead, they planned to…
Peaceful Auckland bungalow makes a bold statement in the living room
23 Mar 2022
Jenny’s painter thought she was crazy when she told him she was painting her Auckland bungalow’s living room a steely charcoal. Thankfully, the end result in Resene Half Foundry sings…
Get the Bridgerton look with these Regencycore inspired trends
24 Mar 2022
Whether you’ve delved into the TV genre of period dramas or not, Regency era interiors are all the rage and are here for us to take a little opulent inspiration…
Five feature wall ideas to give your home the X-factor
17 Mar 2022
If you’re looking to add instant wow-factor to a bland room, a feature wall is calling your name. They’re relatively simple to create but can pack a punch in terms…
Revamp any room with a painted arch: Five curvaceous ideas
09 Mar 2022
If there’s a room in your home that you feel needs a little reinvention, a painted archway could be just what you need. A complete room refresher doesn’t mean you…
This Arts and Crafts style home masters the use of Resene whites and neutrals
02 Mar 2022
It was the elegant character of its street frontage that made Malcolm and Gay fall in love with their house in Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore back in 2015. Using…
Make your mark with wood stains indoors and out
17 Feb 2022
Back in the day wood stain used to really only come in one colour - a good old dark brown. That’s the colour of all wood, right? Particularly if you…
Popular and enduring shades of Resene blue inspired by sea and sky
10 Feb 2022
In a subtropical climate like ours, it’s easy to be drawn to an ocean-inspired colour palette full of beachy blues. Whether you choose one of the neutrals with a hint…
Ten inspiring wallpapers to bring rooms to life
03 Feb 2022
Wallpaper is one of the quickest ways to add character and make a space feel elegant and composed. If a room is dull with no interesting architectural features, wallpaper can…
High-octane summer colours make a vivid statement in interiors
19 Jan 2022
Take a lead from nature’s summer colours – whether it’s the crimson shots of pohutukawa flowers to the brilliance of bougainvillea, amping up the dial in your home is easy…
Eight Resene dark greens and how to use them
16 Dec 2021
Green is a colour that can evoke powerful emotion, it’s a dominant colour in nature associated with renewal and life and so represents harmony, balance and peace. And who doesn’t…
A country bungalow gets a second life with gorgeous greys and youthful blues and greens
15 Dec 2021
When Chrissie and Tony Kavanagh moved to Cambridge with their two daughters, they loved the heritage feel of the Waikato town. They found their dream house in a hundred-year-old bungalow…
A city warehouse where home living, work and play are defined by colour
09 Dec 2021
Working at home is the trending topic of 2021 - and nothing suits business consultant Cath Vincent and music producer Aron Neale better than working in their own 1950s converted…
The Block NZ Auction Grand Final is here! Take a look at the finished builds
11 Nov 2021
Three’s The Block NZ has returned to our screens for The Block NZ Auction Grand Final on Sunday 14 November, and it’s worth the wait. Set in Auckland’s aspirational inner-west…
This Dairy Flat farmhouse features bold wallpapers and wonderful wood stains
11 Nov 2021
An empty paddock was the beginning of the build of a lifetime for couple Brad and Melissa. With several home builds under their belt, the couple decided to take matters…
Off the wall: Get creative with these ideas for fabulous floors and clever ceilings
04 Nov 2021
You’ll be floored by the results when you look beyond your four walls and start treating your floor and ceiling as part of your creative canvas. Consider the ceiling and…
Take it outside: Simple tips and tricks for painting the exterior of your home
27 Oct 2021
It’s a big, intimidating task, but painting your home’s exterior can instantly boost its resale value and has a huge effect on the way you feel about your home. First…
This Morrinsville home strikes the perfect balance of functional, accessible and fabulous with feature walls in elegant Resene Foundry
14 Oct 2021
Marie’s marvellously moody home is the perfect blend of functional and fashionable. After searching for a retirement home that was suitable for a paraplegic in a wheelchair, Marie decided to…
The Block NZ’s Peter Wolfkamp creates a striking monochrome palette inside his Devonport cottage with Resene Half Merino
07 Oct 2021
The Block NZ’s site foreman Peter Wolfkamp traded the rule book for a paintbrush when he renovated his circa 1910 cottage. He and his wife Debbie rose to the challenge…
An empty Feilding paddock becomes a family home with an inspired moody dark grey colour palette including Resene Blue Charcoal and Resene Crowshead
23 Sep 2021
Sarah and Chris don’t do things by halves. With nothing but a few paddocks on the outskirts of Feilding and an ambitious idea, the couple embarked on the challenge of…
A splash in time: Eight stylish interior designs that have stood the test of time
23 Dec 2021
Time flies when it comes to the latest trends in interior design. With daring décor and new colour palettes to be discovered around every corner, take a moment to embrace…
Cosy courtyards and brilliant balconies on Three’s The Block NZ this week
02 Sep 2021
Week eleven on Three’s The Block NZ saw the teams venturing into the outdoors to create some jaw-dropping courtyards & balconies. With looming deadlines and tight spaces, the teams rallied…
Find out which fabulous family room took out the top prize on Three’s The Block NZ this week
05 Aug 2021
What a week on Three’s The Block NZ! The teams were under the pump to finish their family rooms and used luscious green Resene Middle Earth and elegant Resene Stack…
See what’s cooking in the drool-worthy kitchen & dining rooms on Three’s The Block NZ
29 Jul 2021
The teams were busy cooking up some creative designs on Three’s The Block NZ this week as they tackled their kitchen & dining rooms. With a packed schedule and grand…
From derelict to dreamy: Solo mum uses Resene Half Sea Fog to transform this 50s home into a misty retreat
21 Jul 2021
Flood-damaged tiles, bug infestations and holes in the walls hardly sound like features of a dream home, but for solo mum Ché it was love at first sight. When the…
Check out these luxurious living rooms from Three’s The Block NZ
21 Jul 2021
Block-a-holics were treated to another week of creativity on Three’s The Block NZ. Living Room Week took the competition to new heights, with some of the cathedral-like spaces transformed in…
The drama continues on Three’s The Block NZ for Master Bedroom, Ensuite & Wardrobe week
14 Jul 2021
This week saw the teams on Three’s The Block NZ vying for a massive $10,000 prize for their master bedrooms, ensuites & wardrobes. With some clever building skills and creative…
48 hour bedroom updates that will transform your home
07 Jul 2021
Two days is all it takes to revive your bedroom with a lick of Resene paint and a whole new style. These bedroom upgrade ideas have a small budget and…
The castle on the hill: This Whangamata home has a modern take on family living, but what’s behind the dark exterior?
01 Jul 2021
Homeowners Sara and Brendon live life on the edge. They mountain bike along steep forest trails, surf the shoulders of Whangamata’s rolling waves, and live in a house that teeters…
Off the wall: This 111-year-old villa gets a modern update with hand-painted wallpaper and zesty lime green
03 Jun 2021
Behind Ben and Helen Masters stately 1910 villa, painted in a restrained Resene Quarter Foggy Grey, lies a secret. Walking through the Resene Black front door lies a riot of…
From tired villa to heritage haven; Roseberry Villa shines with an update in white and charcoal
20 May 2021
Roseberry Villa got more than a makeover when Interior Designer Abbey Lang moved in – it got a new lease on life. Old and new collided in this 110-year-old villa…
Five on-trend seasonal autumn updates that are easy to achieve
18 Mar 2021
Loving the end of the golden weather and ready to flip the script? As the blues and greens of summer turn to autumnal ambers and browns, Resene paints come into…
All Black Sir John Kirwan keeps it simple with black and white bach
25 Feb 2021
All Black legend Sir John Kirwan and his wife Fiorella have a long connection with Waihi Beach so when they came to creating their dream bach they wanted to get…
Six dining rooms that will make each meal a family celebration
18 Feb 2021
The saying may be 'home is where the heart is' but really, it's the dining room specifically that is often the beating heart of a family home. It's where we…
6 bright and beautiful yellow ideas for your home
28 Jan 2021
Add street appeal with a yellow front door. The door on this villa is painted in Resene Turbo with Resene White on the trim and weatherboards in Resene Triple Concrete.…
A Kāpiti Coast home’s beachin' blue update
19 Jan 2021
Bold Resene blues add character to this Kapiti Coast home’s spectacular contemporary update.
When you’re building your ‘forever home,’ it can be difficult to design it in a way that’s forward-thinking enough…
Spring to it: Six ways to decorate your deck and make the most of outdoor living
04 Oct 2021
Decks are a transformative part of the home. Not only do they instantly extend your living area, but there's nothing better than enjoying a crisp spring day or long summer…
Exterior inspiration: Patio perfection in a 1930s bungalow
16 Dec 2020
Old world charm and colourful contemporary character meet at Rachel and Steven’s 1930s Auckland bungalow, which they share with their two children, Elias and Ivy. While open plan living may…
Going coastal: How to create the laid-back beachy bach look using blues and whites
17 Dec 2020
There’s nothing like getting away from it all to shed the stresses of everyday life. A change of scene with a vacation at a bach, crib or holiday house creates…
Is it time for a fence refresh? 6 ways that paint can elevate your home’s fencing and exterior
26 Nov 2020
Is it time for a fence refresh? 6 ways that paint can elevate your home’s fencing and exterior
First impressions count. Refreshing a fence with Resene paints or wood stains gives the whole house and…
A modern Waikato home is given an old world sensibility
30 Sep 2020
After living in a bungalow alongside their ever-growing collection of antiques, Jo and Sean began their property search five years ago wanting the scope to blend their love of history…
5 ways to bring Scandi style home, downunder
16 Sep 2020
We may be half a world away, but Scandinavian style feels right at home to many of us. In fact, the tell-tale markers of Scandi-inspired design - think warm and…
9 stylists weigh in on the hottest trending colours to decorate with now
02 Sep 2020
We’ve found ourselves in the midst of a unique time in history that has thrown us all for a curve. Whatever our plans were, they’ve either been disrupted, cancelled, shifted…
An owner-builder turns a dated bungalow into a dreamy contemporary home
05 Aug 2020
Looking at it now, you would never believe that Jeff and Kay’s home used to be a 1960s bungalow. “We had been living in the house behind it for five…
10 unique ways to enliven your floors with paint
29 Jul 2020
When it comes to floors, we often forget that a paintbrush is a great option for giving them a colourful refresh. Much like your walls, your ‘sixth wall’ – the floor…
How to use your art as inspiration when choosing a colour scheme
22 Jul 2020
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to finally settle on a wall colour only to be stumped on what to hang on the walls afterwards. There’s an easy solution to this,…
Transform your garage into a space you actually want to be in
15 Jul 2020
For most of us, if we’re lucky enough to have one, a garage starts off as a place to park our cars, bikes and lawn mower, but generally ends up…
The ins and outs of painting in winter
01 Jul 2020
Painting the house, inside or out, is something that usually sits on that endless list of home renovation or maintenance jobs earmarked for spring and summer – or worse, the…
Kelly Gammie gives her Auckland home a light and bright lift
01 Jul 2020
The last time we featured interior designer Kelly Gammie’s Auckland home, it was decorated with a blend of dark Resene neutral, hand-painted and custom coloured grasscloth wallpapers from the Resene…
This striking Alexandra home makes a case for blue ceilings
15 Jun 2020
During the design of their new home, Ian and Lynda had a pretty good idea of what they wanted. In fact, it was nearly identical to a home they had…
Get your backyard ready for winter with these expert top tips
04 Jun 2020
The end of spring marks the beginning of a trying time for homeowners. Thanks to our favourable climate, many of us don’t have to worry about the ground freezing or…
Debra's bold experiment with colour
23 Jul 2014
Walk into the home of Debra Yearsley, and you’ll quickly recognise her love of colour. But when the Yearsley family first moved into their 1980s plaster home, it was beige…
Amanda’s creative cultural fusion
08 Oct 2014
In her just-released book, Green Modern, Claire McCall visits houses built for sustainability, including this Coromandel hideaway that uses VOC-free Resene paint. We have a copy of Green Modern to give…
Ann and Noel mix soft with hard
30 Oct 2014
A careful blend of quiet Resene colours to sit alongside the raw beauty of plywood and concrete has resulted in a stunning home that responds to its wind-swept Wairarapa setting.
When…
Summer loving
23 Oct 2014
We love our outdoor living, that’s for sure. And now that the weather seems to have turned, it’s a good time to check whether your outdoor living is up to…
Discover your style
11 Dec 2014
Many of us struggle to decide what style of interior we like and want to live with. It’s the reason interior magazines are so popular as we pore over the…
Designers’ go-to neutrals
11 Dec 2014
Whites and neutrals continue to be a popular choice for home renovators, either used as a stand-alone colour or to anchor a scheme of brighter, more intense shades.
A neutral colour…
Peter and Kathy’s contemporary cool bungalow
18 Mar 2015
After earthquake damage left their Richmond Hill home unsafe, Christchurch couple Peter and Kathy didn’t abandon the area, choosing to build anew in Sumner. It’s here where they now live…
Megan and Gordon embrace the lifestyle
16 Apr 2015
Highland cows, chicks, bees, a kunekune pig, cats, dogs… oh, and a special spot for mother-in-law Noeline. A marriage of stylish Customkit home and Resene paint gave Megan Ashe and…
Mike and Robyn’s sun-filled Omaha beach house
06 Aug 2015
There's a natural tranquility to Mike and Robyn's home, with its sun-filled deck and open plan living area. Located in Omaha, an hour's drive from Auckland, the newly built home…
Jan’s off-the-wall home design
13 Aug 2015
This house is all about texture… and unexpected use of Resene colour. Where a bold red, yellow and grey kitchen is joined by a bright pink bathroom, a grass green…
Rick and Carolyn’s elegantly grand ‘barn’
26 Jul 2015
When Rick and Carolyn Thompson were looking for a new home, the classic lines of Customkit’s designs allowed them to create a home that’s strikingly simple… yet a little bit…
Good looking... and clever
01 Jan 2015
Resene paints are certainly known for their good looks and high quality. But aside from the startling array of colours and the regular fashion colours fandeck launches, Resene also has…
Dennis and Mel's leafy suburban project
23 Jul 2015
When the structure of a home is near perfect when you buy it, there comes a little more freedom (read time and money) to sprucing up the paint work with…
Bright ideas: Concrete bedside table
13 Dec 2015
You'll need: Resene 10L plastic bucket, premix concrete, a jug of water, testpot in Resene Nero, 3 x wooden dowels, measuring tape, washi tape, and Resene testpots in your chosen…
DIY: painted bathroom tiles
15 Dec 2015
When you don’t want (or can’t afford) tiles in your bathroom you can still get bold with colour and pattern.
In her new build home, Michele and husband James worked out…
Let’s lead you up the garden path – beautiful outdoor looks
31 Dec 2015
What is it about our psyche that as soon as we have a higher-than-18-degrees sunny day, we look out the window and think: “Got to get the garden sorted.”
During winter…
Keeping it coastal – Lisa and Scott's winning interiors
10 Dec 2015
Think about the feelings you get on a sky-blue day by the sea... watching those calming hues and changing colours along the coast, as the sunshine bounces off the ocean.
Inspired by…
Michelle and Andrew show some vision
07 Dec 2015
Let’s be up-front and honest – this house is a show home. Surprised? So were we when we saw it. The assumptions we carry about show homes is that they…
Two super stylish gardens
31 Dec 2015
Gary and Phil’s sensational sizzling garden
Indoor/outdoor flow – it’s the catch-cry of every real estate advert and something we’re all told we should strive for.
One Auckland architect and his partner…
Brandon and Anna choose the unusual
25 Jan 2016
When Anna and Brandon Barclay took on their first house-building project, they didn’t tread the usual path. No all-white colour scheme for them. No off-the-shelf standard fittings. Rather, they trawled…
Glenn and Mandy reclaim the bach vibe
11 Jan 2016
When Glenn and Mandy got together with their architects to plan their Taupo bach rebuild, it was a meeting of creative minds. The result is a beautifully detailed dwelling, and…
Build a birdhouse
25 Feb 2016
Adding a birdhouse to the garden is a win-win – you’re supporting local bird life and gaining a slug and bug buster.
You will need
Tools and equipment (all available to hire…
Nick and Ingrid's dreamy, close-to-nature new build
04 Feb 2016
For many years, Nick and Ingrid dreamed of the perfect home – open and fresh, with a great indoor/outdoor flow; a place to enjoy the breeze in summer, and cuddle…
What colour should my roof be?
16 Feb 2016
It’s often the last colour decision you make for an exterior – the roof. Just because the roof is the finishing touch to a house it doesn’t mean it should…
1 dining space, 3 ways
04 Oct 2015
In each issue of habitat magazine, we ask designers to give a new look to a room in a house we have featured. In the latest issue, we visited a…
Sonia and Yasmine chase away the shadows
04 Apr 2016
When two designers collaborated on a project south of Sydney, they turned a gloomy, shadowy home into a sophisticated retreat with a striking palette of Resene neutral colours. And they…
Build a swingseat
28 Mar 2016
Summer may be over, but that doesn't mean you can't continue to enjoy the outdoors. This swingseat is a great incentive to head into the garden and enjoy the fresh…
Kid's room 3 ways
01 May 2016
In each issue of habitat magazine, we ask designers to give a new look to a room in a house we have featured.
In the latest issue, we visited a Wellington…
Mike and Monica’s stunning modern colour fusion
03 Aug 2016
Most contemporary homes take a fairly restrained approach to colour – lots of white walls, raw concrete and artisan timbers. But architect Gerald Parsonson doesn’t run with the herd, and…
1 fireplace, 3 ways
31 May 2016
Fireplaces were lost in the decorative wilderness for a while as we struggled with efficiency, fuel types and visual appeal.
Closed wood burners and mock electric fires had a particular look…
Colin and Wendy find purity in white
30 Jul 2016
When Colin and Wendy planned a house to replace their old 1950s Mangawhai Heads bach, they had a very clear vision from the outset. The new house would be pure…
Reader project: Sandra and Greg get with the greens
14 Oct 2015
When Greg and Sandra decided to downsize, they gave their new home their own take on ‘neutral’. Given that the previous house had been painted in red and purple, ‘neutral’…
Godfrey and Adele’s stunning ultra-individual home
25 Aug 2016
When Godfrey Sadler and Adele Bird began their self-build home project seven years ago, they weren’t keen on following the crowd. Exposed steel beams, a soaring wall of honed concrete…
Annie and Mark’s superb little barn
17 Aug 2016
It was while waiting on a new build to be finished that Aucklanders Annie and Mark upped and left for the countryside, moving into a renovated barn they now call…
Darren and Stacey’s tranquil weatherboard villa
05 Jul 2016
It was 10 years ago when Darren invested in a 1900s weatherboard villa in Auckland’s now trendy suburb of Kingsland.
Only a short walk away from Eden Park and Kingsland’s lively…
Trending: botanic greens
14 Sep 2016
Filled your house with plants yet? Got the veggie plot ready for this season’s crop? Our love affair with all things green is flourishing anew. And that includes the Resene…
Cam and Deb turn basic into beautiful
29 Sep 2016
When Cam and Deb first bought their 1950s bungalow, it was tired, basic and awash with creamy apricot. They were lucky enough to purchase a house that had good solid…
Marcus and Melanie ring in the blues
20 Oct 2016
At just 23-years-old, Marcus and Melanie decided to buy and do up their first house... and what a house it is.
Drawn to dramatic dark colours (cue Resene New Denim Blue on the…
Blayne turns talents to own winning home
25 Oct 2016
When you're the owner of a home renovating business, it's hard not to pick up a million and one decorating ideas along the way. And so when Blayne, owner of…
Antanas and Tara's reno of two halves
10 Nov 2016
Returning from England twenty years ago, Antanas and Tara had just enough money for a house deposit and insurance.
Settling in Cambridge they found the perfect property, a simple 1920s weatherboards bungalow with no architectural embellishments…
Phil and Yvonne’s modestly beautiful new build
27 Oct 2016
When Phil and Yvonne Dorn faced their new build project, they knew what they didn’t want. They felt that many modern homes were too big, lacked character, were too minimalist…
Trending: terracotta heads indoors
29 Nov 2016
It's not just the temperature that's hotting up. Terracotta is the shade of the moment, in all its burnt, reddy goodness. Using Resene Desperado as a starting point (painted on the hall table) we've brought terracotta indoors with…
Wallpaper trends: the weird and wonderful
21 Nov 2016
Wallpaper designer Dave Abbotts takes us on a journey of current wallpaper trends.
If you look at the current landscape of wallpaper trends, the term “whatever” is apt. There are now…
Kate goes light and bright for summer
15 Dec 2016
When Kate Gardham purchased a 50-year-old home on Auckland's North Shore last year, it was in dire need of modernising. Despite a tight budget, Kate has transformed the old dame into a modern beauty,…
Decorating a bach
29 Nov 2016
Will your bach be a sea of appropriately themed accessories and colours? Will it be chaotic collection of handy-me-down bits and bobs? Or will it be somewhere in between –…
Glen and Sara embrace traditional style
16 Feb 2017
Having had a been-there, done-that moment of building a "very modern" house, Glen and Sara were ready to settle into something a little more traditional for their next build. This home ticks all…
3 favourite colours
15 Mar 2017
We asked three Resene colour experts to pick their favourite colours from the Resene The Fashion Range 18 fandeck, with insights to colour trends for the home.
What did we learn? Strong greens…
Sally’s secret walled garden hideaway
13 Apr 2017
When well-known garden photographer Sally Tagg was deciding on the right colour for her walled garden and home exterior, it’s no surprise that she saw it with an artist’s eye.…
Which Resene white to choose: Find the right white paint for your home
29 Jun 2017
Alabaster, chalk, ivory, cream… which is which? There are so many wonderful Resene whites to choose from.
All whites are not created equal… and that’s particularly true with paint colour.…
Bryce and Olivia switch up the industrial look
22 Jun 2017
Bryce and Olivia Mael like to do things differently, and so when it came to designing their new Hamilton home, they found a look that’s perfectly them.
With walls freshly painted…
Donna does it for the art
27 Jul 2017
Located in Seatoun, Wellington, with incredible seaviews and an envious art collection, Donna Cross’s home / art-gallery is special in more ways than one.
The illustrator and graphic designer turned her home…
Paul's tour-worthy garden design
05 Oct 2017
Garden and house tours are the perfect opportunity to release your inner voyeur, be inspired by the work our clever local designers and homeowners, and to imagine transporting the ideas…
Louise gives her garden the magic touch
16 Nov 2017
When landscape designer Louise Dunning purchased this North Auckland home, the well-established yet tired garden that came with it was a welcome challenge.
Louise, who owns landscaping design business Noble Fox, put her green fingers to work, transforming…
Jen's serene, Scandi-style design
21 Dec 2017
When Jen Domett of DomettDesigns was given the brief to design the interior of this show home by Compass Homes, she took her inspiration from retro, Scandinavian and contemporary living to pay…
Kitchen and colour
29 Mar 2018
Some people fall in love with the idea of a colourful kitchen, while others like theirs to be softer on the eyes. These two kitchens are like chalk and cheese…
Laura and Michael’s award winning black and white beauty
26 Apr 2018
For anyone that thinks black and white is boring, it couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to the home of Laura and Michael of the Bay of…
Blair and Becs go Scandi and stylish
17 May 2018
Husband and wife team Blair and Becs McDonald seem to have found the perfect formula for creating beautiful homes, completing several successful building projects over the years through their Palmerston…
Maurice and Marije’s colour-cosy holiday cabin
05 Jul 2018
Tucked away in the Ohakune mountains, this holiday cabin brings together modern design and rustic aesthetics – making it a dream place to escape to any time of the year.
With…
Dave’s garden goes from simple to stunning
23 Aug 2018
A busy garden can still provide a restful space, as proven by homeowner Dave Lewis’s detailed yet calming outdoor area. And with a new paved area, large existing fireplace, garden…
Natalie and Dan’s modern, monochromatic Waikato build
16 Aug 2018
Natalie and Dan Isaac may have had to live in a sleepout for a year while waiting on their house to be built, but the resulting home, a modern beauty…
Bob’s award winning ultra efficient 'superhome'
09 Aug 2018
With a contemporary design and walls freshly painted in Resene Black White, this Christchurch home is already full of appeal. But its seamless looks hide a wonderful secret – it’s…
Trend watch: going grey
30 Aug 2018
Grey can sometimes be side-lined with thoughts of it being too cold or uninviting, yet the right shade of grey can actually be a wonderful and warm way to makeover…
Zane and Suzanne’s dramatic eco facelift
13 Sep 2018
Zane and Suzanne Raphael knew the renovation of their rundown villa in Auckland’s Greenhithe would be epic. What they didn’t expect is that through the 12-month project they’d catch the…
Work that kerb appeal
20 Sep 2018
Much is made of the importance of street appeal when it comes to selling your house. That’s all well and good, but there’s nothing wrong with having a home that…
Sustainable home lets the colours flow
25 Oct 2018
Using a colour consultant helped the owners of this new build in Kapiti decorate their home in a way that reflects its wetland surroundings, which complements their environmentally sustainable approach.…
Cushla and Richard’s mid-century home beautifully blends traditional and modern
17 Jan 2019
With a seven-year-old boy and six-year-old twins, life for Cushla and Richard Waites is as busy as you’d imagine, but they still took on the task of renovating their Tauranga…
George and Yvonne turn a neutral palette on its head
07 Feb 2019
When talking neutrals in a home, it’s understandable that your first thought would turn to shades of whites and greys. But for Nelson architect George Hilgeholt, neutral meant a home painted…
Jonathan gives a typical Ponsonby villa a complete turn around
28 Mar 2019
Before Jonathan Smith of Matter Architects came around, this home in Auckland’s posh Ponsonby neighbourhood looked like any other worker’s cottage typical of the area and era: symmetrical façade, central…
Warm your space with a statement rug this winter
10 Apr 2019
We sure felt that crisp telltale breeze that signals the start of autumn blowing in with the beginning of April. While warmer weather was still around mere weeks ago, it’s…
Janice and Eddie’s brave use of bold colours pays off
30 Apr 2019
Now that their top-to-bottom renovation is done and dusted, Janice and Eddie Cowley are happy to be living their most colourful lives – thanks to a whole spectrum of Resene…
Maurice & Marije build a scenic alpine hideout
11 Jul 2019
On what was an unoccupied and solitary patch of land in the alpine mountains now sits an uncomplicated cabin, positioned effortlessly among nature. It’s the creation of Maurice Regeer and…
Emma and Henry’s Pt. Chev bungalow gets an indoor-outdoor makeover
18 Jul 2019
With two children and another on the way, Emma and Henry were rapidly outgrowing their three-bedroom traditional 1930s bungalow in Auckland’s Pt. Chevalier neighbourhood. The house didn’t have a bathtub…
Flint & Celia’s subtropical outdoor living space in Hawke’s Bay
28 Aug 2019
When Flint and Celia Collinson built their home in Hawke's Bay, they approached the project with a unique point of view, working their design from back to front. With plans…
A curious cottage transforms into a contemporary haven
24 Sep 2019
When a shack-like cottage changed hands in New South Wales, Australia, it was the subject of much curiosity. Formerly owned by a well-loved character in the small seaside suburb of…
Melanie and Andrew’s Waitara home is a vibrant work of art
05 Dec 2019
After moving into their 1990s home, Melanie, her husband Andrew and their three kids Alex, Sam and Lucy, faced quite the conundrum. The nearly 17 metre long hallway that connect…
Petra and Milan’s nautical-themed haven in Brightwater
18 Dec 2019
Petra and Milan’s 1960s home in Brightwater, not far from Nelson, has undergone a colourful transformation since they purchased it a little over two years ago. Over a year-long period,…
Joe and Lisa’s bright and beautiful family home
18 Mar 2020
Through their building company, Byrne Homes, builder Joe and designer Lisa are no strangers to creating a beautiful home. But when it came to constructing and customising a space of their…
