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How to pick the right exterior paint colour for your home
27 Mar 2025
The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, making it an important canvas to showcase style and personality. Whether you’re drawn to timeless neutrals, rich earthy tones…
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 art of neutrals: Our top five living room looks you’re sure to love
20 Feb 2025
Neutrals are the ultimate foundation for a beautifully designed living room. Whether you love soft, warm tones or crisp, modern whites, Resene's range of neutrals offers endless possibilities for layering textures,…
Superior exteriors: Colour is key to creating a home with street style
15 Jan 2025
Painting or staining your home’s exterior might seem like an enormous task but there’s nothing quite like the street appeal of a freshly painted or stained house or the sense…
Heritage meets modern: Inside a remarkable villa makeover in Kingsland
08 Jan 2025
Once a derelict student flat teetering on the edge of demolition, this Kingsland villa has been transformed into a luxurious family home, thanks to the vision and expertise of Jess…
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…
Elevate your exterior and stand out in style
13 Nov 2024
Your home’s exterior is the first impression it makes, setting the tone for what lies within. From breezy coastal vibes to rich, earthy palettes, the right Resene paint colours and…
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…
Crafting curb appeal: Mastering your home’s exterior colour scheme
03 Sep 2024
When it comes to enhancing the exterior of your home, there is an array of stunning colour options that can beautifully highlight both traditional and modern architectural features. Whether you're…
Here comes the sun: See how yellow can brighten your home
15 Aug 2024
What's guaranteed with yellow is the lengths it will go to brighten up your home. And with homes celebrating well-being and self-care like never before, yellow finds its home in…
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…
Bold colours, rich history: The revival of Christchurch's Money House
26 Jun 2024
Amidst the sleek lines of new apartments in Ōtautahi, Christchurch's rebuilt central city, a charming heritage-listed worker's home stands as a proud reminder of the city's early settlers. Thanks to…
A colour maximalist's dream: Inside a dazzling 1980s home transformation
20 Jun 2024
This architect-designed home, built in 1989 for a Russian client, is a unique treasure where modernism meets brutalism. Although tired and run down, Nadene and Sam, immediately fell in love…
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…
A villa transformation: Breathing life into a family home
28 May 2024
With a growing family at hand, these homeowners desperately needed more space, as well as some colour and life injected into their villa. Alongside some structural changes, gentle blues and…
Paint it P.I.N.K. for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ!
07 May 2024
Breast cancer effects one in nine New Zealand women but is most treatable when it’s found early. The Breast Cancer Foundation relies entirely on donations from the New Zealand public,…
Embrace serenity: Creating a blue zone home
17 Apr 2024
In a world that often feels fast-paced and chaotic, creating spaces within our homes that foster serenity and promote well-being has become increasingly important. Inspired by the concept of ‘Blue…
Retirement bliss: How one blue hue transformed this Wellington villa
06 Mar 2024
Once an old villa that had seen many generations of Wellingtonians, both living and flatting, this house was in much need of a spruce up. Now adorned with timeless Resene…
Elevate your home's exterior with these colour ideas
05 Feb 2024
When it comes to exteriors, colour scheme plays a pivotal role in defining the aesthetic appeal and overall ambiance of your home. Let’s take a look at some classic and…
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…
Christmassy crafts: Last minute festive touches for your home
13 Dec 2023
Embrace the spirit of the season with these delightful last-minute Christmas crafts using Resene paints, bringing festive charm to your home in a uniquely creative way. These simple, cost-effective projects,…
Purple passion: Five ways to embrace this regal hue in your home
14 Nov 2023
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. You can help to support a good cause by Hosting a ‘Big Purple Dinner’ your way! Eat purple, dress purple, decorate with purple and…
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…
Designing your perfect home interior using mood boards
04 Oct 2023
Creating the perfect ambiance in your home is a combination of personal style, well selected colour and attention to detail. Mood boards can be an invaluable tool to get you…
A dreamy makeover for an Invercargill villa
04 Oct 2023
The charming city of Invercargill, at the southern tip of New Zealand, boasts a rich history filled with elegant villas that have stood the test of time. One such villa…
A modern twist on a traditional villa
27 Sep 2023
If you've ever wondered what it takes to turn a small three bedroom, one bathroom villa into a modernised four bedroom, three bathroom family haven, then this incredible home transformation…
Refresh your outdoor space and get summer ready this spring
27 Sep 2023
As the days grow longer and we welcome the warmer weather, it's a great time to breathe new life into your outdoor space to make it the perfect retreat for…
Transforming your home into a Hamptons retreat
20 Sep 2023
The allure of the Hamptons style is ever enduring in home design, characterised by its breezy, coastal charm and timeless elegance. Achieving this look in your home doesn't have to…
Home sweet blue home: Budget friendly ideas and tips for using blue in home décor
14 Sep 2023
Choosing the right colour palette for your home can be similar to selecting the perfect ingredients for a culinary masterpiece. Each colour has its unique flavour, and when used thoughtfully,…
A 1910 villa with a harmonious blend of traditional and modern
08 Aug 2023
If you love a villa makeover as much as we do, this charming 1910 villa is sure to catch your eye. Painted in stunning Resene neutrals, this home is a…
Unleashing the fifth wall: Transforming interiors with painted ceilings
19 Jul 2023
They’re one of the most overlooked parts of the home, but ceilings can be transformative. With thousands of Resene paint colours, you can treat your ceiling as the fifth, and…
Craftcore: A new trend in home decor for the DIY enthusiast
13 Jun 2023
In an era of mass production and digital innovations, where technology reigns supreme, a remarkable trend has quietly emerged, breathing new life into the world of craftsmanship. Craftcore is a…
Vibrant and Victorian: The story behind Clarks Beach's charming historic home
13 Jun 2023
If there was ever a home with a story to tell, it’s this one! Situated in Clarks Beach, Hayley and Chris love their 640 square metre Victorian beauty that sits…
Beyond the fourth wall: Feature walls as the ultimate design element
07 Jun 2023
In the realm of interior design, feature walls have emerged as an extraordinary way to transform the look and feel of a space. These bold statements of creativity and design…
An enchanting 114-year-old villa transformation: From tired to timeless
30 May 2023
Amber and John’s Christchurch home has a youthful glow. The 114-year-old double-bay villa is resplendent with thistle-detailed cornices and blooming ceiling roses, a timeless quality not lost on the couple,…
Inside the home of stylist extraordinaire Shelley Ferguson: A budget-friendly transformation
23 May 2023
You may know Shelley Ferguson for many things, including her appearance on TV shows like TV3’s The Block NZ, her skills as an award-winning stylist and even her role as…
Reviving a traditional bungalow: An elegant and timeless design for a Ponsonby home
19 Apr 2023
As with many older homes, especially those that haven’t been renovated in over 50 years, there are often unforeseen hurdles. Interior designer, Katie Scott, doesn’t let this stop her creating…
From bland to grand: Transform your space with a feature wall
22 Mar 2023
Are the rooms in your home looking a little flat? Or maybe you’re tired of seeing the same old colour on each wall? A feature wall might be just what…
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…
A new build with old-world charm
02 Mar 2023
When David and Kirsty Wraight built their 1910-style Marlborough villa, they wanted it to exude old-world charm with hints of modern design. Resene Kensington Grey was chosen for the exterior,…
A 100-year-old villa restored with modern charm
22 Feb 2023
With a history of more than 100 years, this quaint villa in sunny Nelson deserved more than its once trendy ’70s’ style décor. Barbara Lawson, interior designer and owner 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…
Resene Cinderella stories -– Before and after exterior transformations
18 Dec 2022
Happy-ever-after stories aren’t just reserved for fairy tales. These exterior home transformations show that even grand old dames can become belles of the ball with a touch of Resene colour.
Fit…
More is more: 5 ways to style the maximalist trend
23 Nov 2022
Have you ever walked into a room and it’s felt a little, well, lifeless? While the minimalist white Scandi style has been the ‘style du jour’ since the noughties, the…
Rural bliss: Canterbury family’s take on French country classic
23 Nov 2022
Shane and Ashley’s Leeston home is a picture of calm – however if the dreamy Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream and Resene Clouded Blue walls could talk, they would tell you…
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…
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…
Renovation masters Alice and Caleb at it again: A stunning Orewa home makeover
22 Aug 2022
Returning to the site of their first ever home renovation was both surreal and sentimental for DIY experts Alice and Caleb. “This is the first home we renovated and we…
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…
Wow, wow, wow! This 1893 villa’s Victorian-inspired colour palette is a must-see
06 Jul 2022
Rachel’s home is rich in history, having long peered out towards Auckland’s harbour on Buchanan Street. One of Devonport’s earliest villas, the iconic home’s interior has just received a head-to-toe…
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…
Devonport villa’s refresh shows why a cohesive colour palette is key
02 Jun 2022
Sometimes small changes can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to choosing neutral paint colours. The theme of this Auckland villa’s facelift was light, bright and modern, achieved…
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…
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…
A run down 1900s villa finds soul and sophistication with a monochrome makeover
09 Mar 2022
Closing the deal on a derelict 100-year-old villa marked the beginning of a long and winding renovation road for New Plymouth’s Gina and Rick. When they bought the neglected villa…
One of the oldest villas in the country gets a fresh look with bold and beautiful Resene colours
19 Jan 2022
One of the country’s oldest homes is looking good for another century in fresh coats of Resene paint inside and out. Kohukohu Villa in historic Hokianga, Northland was built as…
A transitional villa in colours of the rainbow is a real show-stopper
12 Jan 2022
“Why are people so afraid of colour?” Fiona wonders. Fiona has no such qualms and has embraced the Resene rainbow for her dazzling home of many colours. No one needs…
Top stories for 2021: From Resene Duck Egg blue to Peter Wolfkamp’s cottage, these are some of our most-read stories this year
23 Dec 2021
Top stories for 2021: From Resene Duck Egg blue to Peter Wolfkamp’s cottage, these are some of our most-read stories this year
As the year ends, it’s time to take stock,…
A Melbourne grande dame gets a graceful colour makeover with Resene Merino and Greek-inspired blues
02 Dec 2021
Adding a touch of the Santorini vibe to their home was a must for this couple of Greek heritage, Nikki and Steve Koutspis. After all, the Melbourne couple eloped to…
How to create the beach-house vibe with shades of the coast
25 Nov 2021
It’s a look that never dates – the washed blues, seafoam greens and subtle shades of white that together create the easy, breezy beach-house style.
The coastal spirit starts with paint.…
Get your summer spaces guest-ready: Silly season tips for sleepouts, caravans, outdoor areas and guest rooms
18 Nov 2021
Wahoo, summer’s nearly here! But before you sit back, relax and kick into holiday mode, it’s time to pay special attention to those areas that come into use for gatherings…
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 century-old Brisbane Queenslander is transformed into a tropical oasis with summer green Resene Edgewater and Resene Warrior
21 Oct 2021
For homeowners Maria and Roger, renovating their century-old Brisbane Queenslander helped them fall in love with the features of their heritage home. With a dark, dated interior and tired yellow…
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…
5 tried and tested whites and neutrals - that make your space come together
23 Sep 2021
While we’re obsessed with Resene’s bold range of vibrant colours and daring hues, it’s often their carefully considered range of whites and neutrals that inspire homeowners when it comes to…
Fresh interior colours to warm up your home for spring
16 Sep 2021
Welcome the early days of spring by inviting fresh colours into your home. There’s nothing better than a crisp spring day and the fragrance of blossoming flowers carried on the…
How to create the perfect colourful hobby room or shed for your home
09 Sep 2021
Spending more time at home has allowed us to get more creative, take up new hobbies and rediscover old ones. With the changing landscape of working – and with working…
Open plan hacks: How to make your spaces work for you
11 Aug 2021
Open up to the idea of doing more with your space. Open plan homes have become increasingly popular and with a range of Resene colours and some creative hacks, it’s…
Three storey 110-year-old villa is rejuvenated with Resene paints after surviving tornado and 600km relocation
15 Jul 2021
The renovation of Huntly House has more drama than a reality TV show. Homeowners Hayley and Chris embarked on an incredible adventure when they restored their triple storey, seven bedroom…
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…
Contemporary ideas to update your heritage home
20 May 2021
Modern colour palettes aren’t just for contemporary homes. Freshen up your villa or heritage home with on-trend colour combinations that are anything but old fashioned. Resene’s extensive range of interior…
A derelict century-old Carterton villa is restored to its original glory (you won't believe what it used to look like)
13 May 2021
Chessa Stevens realised her childhood dream when she restored this century-old villa. As a young girl, Chessa remembers driving past the dilapidated house in her hometown of Carterton and wishing…
Know your whites: 13 whites and neutrals to consider (and how to pick one for your home)
05 May 2021
When it comes to repainting your home, chances are your colour palette will include some off-whites – whether that’s just for the trims and joinery or tip to toe. But…
Rebellious colour: Rule-breaking colour combinations to try in your home
29 Apr 2021
Should red and green really never be seen? Will brown and blue really never do? The old colour rhyme rules have been around for years, but sometimes ‘rules’ are made…
Keep calm and paint it Duck Egg Blue: Six chic updates
14 Apr 2021
There’s no need to feel blue when it comes to repainting your home. Marie Antoinette didn’t when she covered her private boudoir in Versailles with the colour duck egg blue.…
Colour experts paint a Napier villa with vibrant Resene blues and yellows - and a green/white you’ll fall in love with
08 Apr 2021
When homeowner Rachael wanted to update her 140-year-old villa in Napier’s Bluff Hill, she called in the pros. Vic Bibby and Dael Brady from Napier-based interior design firm, Bibby +…
Great green ideas to transform your home into an indoor oasis
24 Mar 2021
As the natural world blazes with the rich reds and oranges of autumn, find your indoor oasis with Resene’s wide range of revitalising greens. From a small splash of paint…
Makeup artist gives her villa a character makeover with bold pops of colour including blush pink
11 Mar 2021
Makeup artist Amber Carroll is used to transforming her clients for weddings and photoshoots, so when it came to her own she was keen to give it a bit of…
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…
7 unbelievable reader house exterior makeovers – plus house exterior painting tips
11 Feb 2021
This Christchurch home has new street appeal with a fresh coat of Resene Element and zesty Resene Hot Toddy on the garage door
7 unbelievable reader house exterior makeovers – plus…
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.…
The owners of this Banks Peninsula villa were inspired by nature with their Resene makeover
13 Jan 2021
The owners of this Banks Peninsula villa took inspiration from their natural environment when giving their home a floor-to-ceiling Resene makeover
Tucked in the Prices Valley on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula is…
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…
A historic Mount Eden villa gets the loving touch from an interior designer who calls her mother a client.
15 Dec 2020
When interior designer Clare Kitching set about creating a new Resene colour scheme for her mother Raewyn’s late-1800s villa, she started by reviewing her own taste.
“My mum is more of…
A Canterbury artist chooses punchy pastels and sunny-day blues to give her family’s old-school villa a fresh, modern twist.
09 Dec 2020
Old-school character was top of the list when Libby Chambers and her husband Aaron went searching for a new home. They moved into a 120-year-old villa seven years ago just…
7+ ideas for creating an outdoor space that’s great for guests and entertaining
08 Dec 2020
As the temperature rises so too does the demand for parties and social gatherings.
By using a few fundamental design principles, you can transform your outdoor space into an area that’s…
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 charismatic Christchurch villa’s relaxed, earthy refresh
18 Nov 2020
Charm and a good location are elusive qualities in a home, curiously difficult to come by – and even more difficult to come by together. So, when Christchurch-based first-home buyers…
This Invercargill villa is transformed with maximalist interiors
21 Oct 2020
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” So said British poet, novelist, translator and textile doyen William Morris. It’s a…
Try these on trend hues to paint your space with positivity
26 Aug 2020
With many of our best laid plans long since out the window, we’ve hunkered down at home and rediscovered a love for making the most of what we have. From…
Modern meets heritage in this 1912 transitional villa renovation
12 Aug 2020
When your home sits in a lush tropical garden by the sea, great indoor-outdoor flow is the number one priority. It’s something that Jane and Steven have relished in their…
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…
A Helensville villa gets a charming pastel-coloured renovation
24 Jun 2020
When Tineka and Sam first set eyes on their 1990s Helensville villa a year ago, to put it lightly, “it wasn’t in the best shape,” says Tineka. But it was…
See how this 120-year-old Wellington villa finally got the renovation it deserved
08 Jun 2020
When Hannah and Tim first set eyes on, what was at the time, the worst house on one of Wellington’s most well-known streets, they knew they could restore it to…
Soothe your stress with these relaxing colour palettes
08 Jun 2020
There’s something to be said for stepping inside your home and feeling relaxed and soothed from the moment you open the door. With our increasingly busy and stressful lives, more…
Jane and Pim reawaken a beauty in this Waiuku farmhouse
28 May 2020
With broken weatherboards, asbestos in the kitchen linoleum and a long list of other fixes, this century old farmhouse needed major commitment from its homeowners Jane and Pim to bring…
Paul and Sheree didn’t let distance stop their rejuvenation of this Mount Eden villa
13 May 2020
Paul, a Chartered Accountant who now runs his own consulting firm, 5th Green, and Sheree, a legal contractor, spent 15 years living and working in London before returning to New…
Kim and Isaac’s soulful farmhouse embraces the simple life
23 Apr 2020
In 2011, Kim was ready for a change and looking for a slower pace of life, so she decided to sell her beloved Auckland villa and move to a beautiful…
Rhys and Wanda's Dramatic Hand-Stencilled Walls
02 Nov 2014
With its boldly patterned walls and bright accent colours, the elegant interior of Rhys and Wanda's Devonport villa is a visual delight. It took a major renovation to get it this way, though. When the couple bought the old…
Trish's Cosy Cardrona Alpine Villa
30 Jun 2011
"I had gone over to look at the home with no intention to buy at all," recalls the owner of this stunning alpine villa in the Cardrona Valley. "It was…
George and Frances' Beach-Inspired Villa Renovation
26 Jan 2012
George and Frances have carefully restored their 1904 villa in Kingsland, keeping its classic style and polished kauri floors, but extending it to create more living space, and adding their own personality. Influenced…
Gerard and Shelley Renovate a Half-Missing Villa
01 Mar 2012
The previous owner of Gerard and Shelley's home was a builder who, in the process of doing it up, decided to sell it. At the time, it had no kitchen, no deck and…
Red - the colour of passion
21 Jun 2012
Hi, welcome to the new-look Habitat of the Week. I’m Sharon Newey, the editor of this and Habitat magazine, both showcasing gorgeous Resene colour. We’ll still be bringing you superb…
Mike and Mel’s divine Edwardian villa
13 Jul 2015
When your home is a gorgeous Edwardian villa with stunning period detailing, choosing paint colours becomes a delicate matter. If the colours are too strong, you risk overpowering the very…
Kerry and Leanne’s grand and gorgeous villa
06 Sep 2012
There’s one thing a villa of grand proportions can handle, and that’s colour. In fact, to go the other way and paint the walls in white or off-white would make…
Joanna and Greg's dreamy plantation-style villa
01 Nov 2012
Doing anything in a residential heritage zone is tricky. It’s hard enough when you’re renovating, but becomes especially difficult when you’re building a brand new home. How do you make…
Vincent and Sarah give old bones an eco twist
13 Aug 2015
A grand old home is the perfect canvas for strong Resene colour… but has posed a few problems for its sustainability-aware owners. How do you, after all, make a draughty, energy-sapping heritage home…
Danny and Lisa’s age-appropriate reno
20 May 2014
Making sure a gorgeous Edwardian villa was given age-appropriate interior colours without ending up looking like a museum was a challenge taken on by homeowners Lisa and Danny… with some…
Talia and Chris cross to the dark side
05 Sep 2014
When Talia O’Connor and husband Chris Taylor along with their family moved to New Zealand, dealing with the challenges of renovating a villa was completely foreign to them. Having lived…
1 look, 4 ways: open-plan living and dining room
06 Aug 2014
In an excerpt from our popular Habitat Plus interior colour schemes booklet, we check out how different a living area and dining room can look with different Resene colours.
See double
Nowadays,…
Kate and Dave take to the country
10 Sep 2014
Trading bright city lights for a quiet country homestead was a brave move that paid off for Kate Arbuthnot and Dave Hassan.
They made the move from central Auckland in 2008,…
James' retro style for work and play
02 Jun 2015
Mixed fringe-city zoning lets the owner of this small two-storey inner-city villa work from the ground floor, and live upstairs. Interior designer James Peters helped him convert it from a…
1 living room, 3 ways: tranquil, classic or playful excess
15 Jul 2015
Blues and greens and splashes of rich yellow make up the paint palette of this transitional Edwardian villa, a 'forever' home to owner Maggie Robertson.
The house was recently updated, turning it into a tasteful meld of 19th century practicality…
Maggie's charming 'forever' home
17 Dec 2015
Elegant, tasteful and yet still adventurous with colour. It's almost unbelievable that Maggie Robertson's renovation of her Auckland villa, which she purchased in the mid-90s, was done remotely from her…
Blake and Gabs find the right white
31 Dec 2015
White airy homes are all the rage these days, and with good reason. Paint your walls the right white, and you're inviting glorious light and space to any room – it's so natural and so…
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…
Gareth and Jolie come home to happiness
23 Feb 2016
For Gareth and Jolie Hodson, happiness has been all about coming home to New Zealand, finding the right house and then turning it into their own family sanctuary.
Now finished in…
Sharon and Grant’s modern villa success
12 May 2016
Hardly a week goes by when someone doesn’t knock on the door of the McDonald home and ask what colour it’s painted. It’s Resene Half Napa, a colour that beautifully…
Chris and Janet unlock the perfect colour
01 Mar 2016
When Chris and Janet Gardner renovated their sumptuous looking villa, their interior design problems were solved in one fell swoop – with the discovery of Resene Thorndon Cream.
As they declare…
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…
Josh and Fleur go to town with Resene colour
18 Sep 2016
The delicate stencilling throughout this Christchurch home is enough to make you marvel. The whole house, in fact, sings with creativity, painted using a wonderful array of Resene paint colours. It's enough to…
Jo and Richard rejuvenate a 100-year-old beauty
11 Nov 2016
When Richard purchased this run-down Ponsonby villa 14 years ago, he knew it needed some serious love (and money) to get it back to its former glory. Jo agreed when…
Kirsty and David's story of old and new
12 Jan 2017
David and Kirsty Wraight have the best of both worlds. Building a villa from scratch will give you that, melding old world charm with the joys of modern housing.
Set in Marlborough's…
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…
Ian and Sharon's breezy seaside scheme
16 Mar 2017
When Ian and Sharon first saw their house, it had lumpy plaster cladding, dark rooms and multiple levels. It was retro 70s… but not in a good way. Today, it…
Julia and Alastair say yes to French romance
04 May 2017
Earthy Resene Double Grey Olive walls, dark chocolate oak floors and ceiling roses... you'd be forgiven for thinking Julia and Alastair's home is from a much earlier decade.
When the couple sold their previous…
Daringly dark house exteriors
04 May 2017
There’s something about a dark house exterior that seems to connect with us. Maybe it looks more grounded, stronger and more distinctive, or just out-and-out eye-catching.
A dark exterior paint job…
Marc and Maria go French Country cosy
08 Jun 2017
Located on a working dairy farm just outside of Cambridge, Little Villa is as country as it gets. Painted in Resene Paddock, the guesthouse blends in beautifully with its natural surrounds, an oasis…
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.…
Janice and Jeffrey's dazzling lakeside reno
24 Aug 2017
When Janice and Jeffrey Clague purchased a very dated villa on the hills above Queenstown, they got stuck in immediately, setting upon a complete renovation.
Out went the passé fireplace and poorly laid…
Jo and Jeremy swap beige with beautiful
14 Sep 2017
Out with the beige. This was the mantra of Jo and Jeremy when renovating their Hamilton villa, painting over the beige walls inside their home with modern, hint-of-pink Resene neutrals – from soft blush Resene Just Right…
Pete and Sarah bring vigour to 100-year-old villa
05 Oct 2017
Thanks to its owners, age is just a number for this 100-year-old villa, which has been lovingly renovated with fresh Resene neutrals and a newly installed swimming pool.
When Pete and Sarah…
Amanda brings cool design to classic villa
23 Nov 2017
With original pressed ceilings, high stud height and classic villa features, this North Auckland home was already in great shape. So when Amanda Neill of Designworx was asked to design the…
Graham and Jo give heritage a new home
15 Mar 2018
When Graham and Jo moved into an old farm worker’s cottage in 2005, they riffed on the idea of a renovation – but realised it would be more cost effective…
Ben and Kate bring harmony to their Californian-style bungalow
24 May 2018
When Ben and Kate Campion set about building their new home, they not only based it on the look of a character Californian-style bungalow but decided to create their own…
Bathing in colour bliss
10 May 2018
Two bathrooms, both painted in rich Resene colour and each boasting an individual style. When it came to creating these beautiful bathrooms, the designers went bold with their colour choices…
Michael brings coastal charm to character villa
21 Jun 2018
What was once bordering on a student flat aesthetic has been transformed into an elegant home painted in coastal-inspired Resene colours thanks to its homeowners and designer Michael Mansvelt.
During the…
Corrine and Emanuel’s bungalow goes bold with colour
27 Jun 2018
At first glimpse, Corrine and Emanuel’s Wellington home, freshened up in Resene Eighth Friar Grey, looks like another neutral-infused bungalow. Take a second look and the yellow letter box and…
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…
Stuart and Tracey’s stunning light-flooded home
06 Sep 2018
When Stuart and Tracey were making over their transitional villa in Devonport, Auckland, they turned to layers of Resene whites and neutrals to preserve the building’s character while creating a…
Marcelle and Simon’s colour-lover’s villa
18 Oct 2018
When advertising executive Marcelle Baker came to designing the interior of her renovated, century-old villa in Onehunga, Auckland, colour was key in the form of a bold Resene palette. “I…
David and Cheryl go from ordinary to extraordinary
11 Oct 2018
When David and Cheryl Aitken bought their Stanley Pt home on Auckland’s North Shore in 1988 it was a modest home but in a stunning location. Over the next 30…
Sian’s Lyttelton villa gets the magic touch
19 Feb 2019
It goes without saying that the kitchen in this renovated villa is exceptionally beautiful. The home is owned and decorated by kitchen and interior designer Sian Gillander, after all.
Overlooking…
Go for grey
31 Jan 2019
Two kitchens, completely different in style, but both with something in common – their stunning use of Resene greys.
The first is a stunning two-tone kitchen, inspired by black character doors…
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…
Kathy and Greg’s character villa gets a cosy update
30 May 2019
15 years ago, when Kathy and Greg Chiles purchased their Edwardian villa in Dunedin’s Belleknowes neighbourhood, they were drawn to its character, sunny north facing position, interior layout and child-friendly…
Debra and Tony DeLorenzo play the long game with their period property
31 Jul 2019
Debra DeLorenzo is no stranger when it comes to interior renovation and design. As an interior designer by trade, there’s nothing she loves more than to unleash her creative prowess and…
Charlotte and Greg create colourful character in a newly constructed home
18 Sep 2019
Since Charlotte and Greg Quinn bought their first house in the UK in 2006, they have loved living in houses with a strong architectural style and plenty of character.
“Most houses…
Sally and Michael’s transitional Devonport villa
03 Feb 2020
Having a spacious home in stylish Devonport is an Auckland property pipe dream, but one that Michael and Sally managed to turn into a reality. But like many older homes,…
Stephanie’s post-quake overhaul honours lush surrounding
11 Feb 2020
Following the devastating Christchurch earthquakes, Stephanie Waterhouse was faced with a major decision: rebuild her beloved but damaged 110-year-old villa or pack up and move. However, her stunning St Albans…
Philip and Jane’s glamorous villa looks pretty in pink
04 Mar 2020
While it may have served previous life as a modest bungalow, Philip and Jane’s 1920s Auckland home has since seen a complete transformation into the bold and modern multi-level stand…
Douglas and Shelley’s neutral haven is filled with creative touches
25 Mar 2020
When Douglas and Shelley moved to Dunedin with their two children, Oscar and Eli, an exciting opportunity presented itself. Their north facing property showed plenty of promise, but was in a poor state – leaving full renovation as their…
A pair of heritage bathrooms clean up nicely
11 Mar 2020
Renovating a heritage bathroom is a behemoth of an undertaking. But when done right, it’s also a truly rewarding experience. It’s the kind of project which requires that perfect meeting…
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