From global design to a family studio in Aotearoa

30 Apr 2026

YDS Studio began around 14 years ago, but the story really started much earlier.

“After studying architecture and product design, I spent several years in Europe, eventually working in Germany for…

Smart designs for smaller spaces at home

23 Apr 2026

If you’ve got a smaller home, petite room, odd nook or tiny bathroom that you’re just not sure what to do with, then we’ve got you. These designs make the…

School holiday fun: DIY bug hotel for little explorers

27 Mar 2026

Looking for the perfect school holiday project for the kids? They will have loads of fun painting these little houses for this bug hotel. And it’s a project that keeps…

Bringing history to life

17 Feb 2026

Situated beneath the culturally significant limestone bluffs of Golden Bay, sits an unassuming building, small in stature but immense in its significance – both functionally and symbolically.

Part of the Port…

Heart of glass… and concrete

21 Jan 2026

On a steeply sloped and rugged ridgeline on Auckland’s Waiheke Island emerges a series of structures that appear at the same time to be anchored in place yet floating free.

“I…

Two fun, easy and extra festive Christmas DIY projects

10 Dec 2025

Christmas is right around the corner, and it’s also a time where family come together and enjoy the excitement and festivities that surround the season. Here are two easy DIY…

The endless enchantment of eggshell blues continues to captivate designers

04 Dec 2025

It’s no secret that New Zealanders and Australians love decorating with neutrals. For decades, a range of Resene whites and creams have consistently reigned the Resene Top 20 colours based…

Happy Halloween! Three spooky DIYs for the whole family

22 Oct 2025

With only a few more days until Halloween, it’s time to get creative with some fun craft projects to decorate the house. These DIYs are easy, colourful and fun for…

Whanganui Regional Museum repaint showcases culture, heritage and inclusivity

13 Oct 2025

Wandering through Pukenamu Queen’s Park, you will notice a renewed sense of life emerging from one of Whanganui’s most treasured landmarks. The Whanganui Regional Museum has revealed an exterior transformation…

Get ready for NZRealReveals and meet the teams!

18 Sep 2025

NZRenoTok, the breakout social-first renovation series that captivated audiences nationwide, is back for Season Two with a bold new identity. Rebranded as NZRealReveals, the series will now be available across…

Painting happiness one rock at a time

19 Aug 2025

When Barry Wilson, Baz, retired over a decade ago, he never imagined that his days would be filled with paint, pebbles and plenty of dots. What began as a simple…

Walls that bloom with joy

11 Aug 2025

Kelly 'Kell Sunshine' doesn’t just paint walls, she tells stories on them. Her lush, curvaceous murals painted in vibrant Resene hues are a celebration of connection, colour and community, with…

Two colourful DIYs to lift your winter mood

11 Aug 2025

Sometimes in winter things can feel a little… dull. Well luckily Resene has an abundance of bright and joyful paint colours that can brighten even the greyest of days! We’ve…

A Matariki paint-by-numbers powered by community

23 Jul 2025

When you mix 9,300 tiny squares with 50 Resene testpots the result is a pretty incredible celebration of the Māori New Year! Held over the Matariki long weekend at Kai…

Think you’ve got a winning entryway? Enter now to win!

02 Jul 2025

Do you have a wonderful front door or entrance decorated in Resene paint or wallpaper? Show us and be in to win one of five great prizes – and a…

Eucalyptus: the tranquil tone that works wonders in every space

12 May 2025

In a time when our lives seem to feel more and more complicated with each passing day, paint colours that successfully balance well-being with versatility are far more than just…

Creating a playful and inviting space for Tiny Giants Paediatric Clinic

12 May 2025

Designing a paediatric clinic involves more than just functionality – it's about creating an environment that makes children feel comfortable, reassured and excited to visit. This was the approach that…

Muted but not mundane: why ‘quietly colourful’ designs are trending and how to nail the look for your clients

14 Mar 2025

When you are trying to balance your design’s aesthetics, functionality and psychological benefits, it’s likely you’ll want and need to take a nuanced approach to colour. Unlike stark minimalism or…

George Rose’s towering mural transforms Darwin’s skyline

11 Feb 2025

The Darwin Street Art Festival (DSAF) has long been a celebration of artistic ingenuity, drawing talent from across the globe to transform the city’s urban landscape. In one of the…

How to make your own family key holder

07 Mar 2025

Make it simple to always find your keys in the same place with this clever cut-out key ring and holder. Keep it in a neutral finish for a minimalist approach…

What’s it called? From fascias to soffits and cladding – learn the features of your home!

22 Jan 2025

When decorating or renovating your home, it’s important to know what each part is called so you can make the best possible design choices that accentuate your home’s unique architecture…

Reader roundup: Noble gifts, a vibrant patio and unexpected uses for paint cans

15 Jan 2025

We’re welcoming in the new year with a great roundup of creative and colourful projects from our readers. From landscape paintings to elegant blue bathrooms and wooden toy trucks, these…

Home tweet home: DIY mini garden houses

30 Oct 2024

Ready to bring a little charm and colour into your garden? These adorable DIY mini garden houses will do the trick! Whether you’re a green thumb looking for the perfect…

Raiātea Whare Taonga: A fusion of culture and colour

09 Sep 2024

The Raiātea Whare Taonga Resource and Archive Centre, located in Motutī, North Hokianga, is a unique two-storey museum that opened in 2022. This hapū-owned facility houses both Catholic and Māori…

Makeover magic: A villa kitchen that balances the classic with the modern

27 Aug 2024

Interior designer and property expert Jessica Driver and her architect husband Thomas Ward are experienced hands at house renovations, but even so, the makeover of what was then their home…

Learn how to overcome awkwardness in our latest podcast episode

22 Aug 2024

Do you have an ‘awkward’ space you’re not sure how to decorate? habitat by Resene’s podcast series, If These Walls Could Talk, is here to help you with all your…

Enter now: 2024 Architecture Photography Competition

13 Aug 2024

Are you, or do you know, an avid photographer? Entries are now open for the 2024 Architecture Photography Competition which aims to celebrate the vibrant creativity of photographers who have…

Enter now: 2024 Architecture Photography Competition

24 Jul 2024

Are you, or do you know, an avid photographer? Entries are now open for the 2024 Architecture Photography Competition which aims to celebrate the vibrant creativity of photographers who have…

May Time’s on-trend showroom: Using colour to set the scene

10 Jun 2024

Within the ever-changing world of interior design, creating captivating spaces that resonate with current trends while maintaining timeless appeal is a fine art. Alongside their prestigious European brands and in-house…

Issue 8 of BlackWhite is out now! Read and earn CPD!

10 May 2024

If you’re on the Resene mailing database you’ve probably spotted your BlackWhite magazine in your letterbox already.  But for those who haven’t, in our latest edition, you’ll find these articles…

Painting and decorating in winter? No problem. Try these tips!

07 May 2024

Painting and decorating your home in winter is easier than you think. With some handy tips and products from Resene you can ensure your outdoor spaces are safe and comfortable…

Te Pūtahi releases programme for the festival of architectural excellence: Open Christchurch 2024

08 Apr 2024

Open Christchurch 2024, supported by Resene, celebrates some of Christchurch’s best architecture and special spaces that contribute to Ōtautahi’s sense of place.

This year’s festival, taking place 3-5 May, highlights a…

Drumroll… insights of the wallpaper design winners

22 Jan 2024

Ever wanted to create your own wallpaper?  These four designers have successfully created their own unique designs winning them an accolade in the latest Resene Wallpaper Design Competition.  With so…

Keep the kids entertained these holidays!

20 Dec 2023

We’ve got more fun and creative ideas to keep the kids busy these holidays. With bright and vibrant Resene testpot colours there is no limit to what they can create!…

Christmas gift ideas: Support local creators and artists by gifting something unique

06 Dec 2023

Short on Christmas present ideas? There’s always last-minute shopping to do or someone on the Christmas list a little tricky to buy for, so here are some unique, handmade gifts…

Reader roundup: Sunshine hallways, retro vibes and makeshift Resene downpipes

01 Nov 2023

As we head into late Spring and Summer, we’ve had an abundance of bright and cheerful projects sent in from our readers. From hope stones to zesty murals and wallpaper…

School holiday boredom busters – Try these fun DIYs!

04 Oct 2023

Running out of ideas to entertain the kids? Try some more of our bright ideas with the help of Resene colours to keep them busy while at home these holidays.…

Beautiful Awards 2023 – Finalists of New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Towns and Cities announced

20 Sep 2023

Keep New Zealand Beautiful have announced the finalists and recipients of their Beautiful Awards 2023, including Aotearoa’s Most Beautiful Towns and Most Beautiful Cities.

Finalists for the Most Beautiful Large City…

Amanda Harkness: Shaping the world of architecture and design at Architecture NZ

11 Sep 2023

Meet Amanda Harkness, the Deputy Editor of Architecture NZ, a dynamic figure at the forefront of architectural journalism in New Zealand. With a keen eye for design and a passion…

Art Battle Auckland’s first Spotlight artist Kelly Williams is stepping up to the canvas once again

14 Sep 2023

Kelly’s first exposure to the Art Battle audiences involved creating a 40”x40” canvas over the course of three hours and producing a piece that was full of attitude – this…

Get ready for House Rules ANZ: Coming to Three and ThreeNow this September!

09 Aug 2023

Warner Bros. Discovery NZ have announced the full cast, host and judges (including our very own habitat by Resene editor) for New Zealand’s debut season of House Rules 2023. Streaming…

Capturing the soul of structures: Simon Devitt and the art of architectural photography

11 Jul 2023

If you’re interested in architecture and design, you might enjoy looking at these wonderfully captured images by photographer, Simon Devitt. With a strong passion and focus in the Photography of…

Capturing the soul of structures: Simon Devitt and the art of architectural photography

10 Jul 2023

Simon Devitt is a photographer with a strong passion and focus on photography of architecture. Currently based in Wellington, Simon also has an established international presence throughout Australasia and further…

This can’t-miss colour is setting the design world on fire

09 Jun 2023

When wave after wave of stringent lockdowns forced us to spend much of our days within our own homes, there was a strong preference for design that would provide softness…

Product of the month: Resene Wintergrade Additive

07 Jun 2023

Painting in winter can be a challenge with the cold weather playing havoc with application and performance of standard paints. With a little Resene Wintergrade Additive you can winterise your…

Preserving heritage, inspiring innovation: The Barracks' modern office design

07 Jun 2023

The transformation of Brisbane's historic Barracks Building into a vibrant office space was made possible by the design skills of interior designer Charlotte Wilson from MacArthur and Co., and the…

Squeeze in these citrus-inspired paint colours to add some zest to your design

17 Apr 2023

While not every colour that becomes a hit in the fashion world trickles down into the architecture and interior design spheres, fashion is undoubtedly the primary influencer of decorating colour…

6 soothing colour selections to use where comfort is key

10 Mar 2023

Given the undeniable and transformative impact that colour has on a project’s design, your paint, stain and wallpaper selections go an awfully long way in setting the overall tone of…

Purr-fect pet projects

03 Mar 2023

These DIY animal crafts are purr-fection. As seen in habitat issue 38, give these pet projects a try to create a home that’s a castle for both you and your…

This Heart Foundation Lottery home in Papamoa offers the best of both worlds

08 Feb 2023

Sea, sand and just a short commute from Tauranga’s centre, are just some of the attributes that Liz Halpin, Heart Foundation Lottery Operations Manager, sees as crucial to the appeal…

Get your ticket to marvel at some of the best homes and gardens in NZ

01 Feb 2023

Resene is a proud partner of the sell-out NZ House & Garden Tours, which this summer are heading to Wānaka, Nelson, Manawatū and Clevedon. Come along and enjoy a captivating mix of…

5 breezy Resene blues your clients will fall in love with

18 Jan 2023

Once the summer holidays have passed, it’s common for clients to approach designers looking for a change – especially if they spent their days off at home or at the…

Pulling the strings behind AGM, Nathan Inkpen shares his role and journey into architecture and design

17 Jan 2023

It takes a lot of work to put out a magazine, and although his face is not on the editor’s page of the magazines at AGM, as publisher, Nathan Inkpen…

The Do Up: Blair and Gretchen’s bungalow renovation

20 Dec 2022

 A resourceful Auckland CFO plans to paint and renovate his family’s Kingsland bungalow by getting on the tools himself.

By day, Blair Houston is chief financial officer for a health-tech company,…

Pegs and popsicle stick kids craft projects

20 Dec 2022

A craft project a day keeps the boredom away. Entertain kids with these easy arts and crafts projects using pegs and ice block sticks.

When pegs fly

Fly high with these cute…

Meet the team: Torben Olsen

13 Dec 2022

What do you do at Resene?  

I am the Queensland State Manager.  No day is the same, and I work with a wide range of clients including architects, designers and resellers.…

Im-peck-able chicken coops

01 Dec 2022

When it comes to sprucing up your chicken coop it doesn’t hurt to add some colour and flair and make your chicken’s home egg-stra special. We think the chickens won’t…

Support local this Christmas with handmade gifts from local creators

01 Dec 2022

There’s always someone on the Christmas list a little tricky to buy for, so here are some unique, handmade gifts from local creative artists. 

Clocking on

Go extra thoughtful this Christmas and…

A quick word with Rooms author and photographer Jane Ussher

23 Nov 2022

Photographer Jane Ussher is well known for her ability to make even the most hesitant or nervous characters come to life in front of the camera. For 30 years the…

Tiny but terrific: Three tiny homes that caught our eye

17 Nov 2022

All good things come in small packages and there is no exception in the NZ Tiny House Awards.

The awards, which were held at the Tiny House Expo at Manukau’s Due…

The accent colours to design with now to keep on top of the latest trends

08 Nov 2022

There are some circumstances where it makes sense to pick classic colours that will stand the test of time, but there are just as many other situations where your design…

Renovation of the year: An old garage transformed into a two-bedroom cottage

02 Nov 2022

How often do you look at your garage and think, “I could be using this space better?” The winners of the 2022 New Zealand Property Investors’ Federation/Resene Renovation of the…

Jackie Nicholls' ornamental take on tiny houses

27 Oct 2022

“French vintage with a Scandinavian influence” is how artist, designer and Resene colour consultant Jackie Nicholls describes her artistic style.

It sounds like the recipe for a stylish and sophisticated house,…

An unique opportunity to open the doors of some of Auckland’s most stylish homes

27 Oct 2022

Some of the most stylish colourful and stylish homes in Devonport are opening their doors for several good causes. Tickets are on sale for Houses of Devonport is a house…

A love of Kiwi heritage homes lets this architect breathe new life into them, while preserving classic character

10 Oct 2022

When architect Mona Kruse Hurnen arrived in New Zealand from Scandinavia she bought with her a love of heritage buildings and character homes that has melded perfectly with New Zealand’s…

Banish boredom these school holidays: Two tiny fairy doors to try

05 Oct 2022

Let your kids open the door to their imagination and be transported to a fairytale land these school holidays by creating fairy doors. Attach your fairy doors to trees, fences…

How to make your own wallpaper flowers

29 Sep 2022

These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season.

You will need:

Plain paper

Ruler
Pencil
Scissors
Wallpaper offcuts, we used Resene Wallpaper…

How to do pointillism painting for mindfulness

22 Sep 2022

The Mental Health Foundation’s Mental Health Awareness week runs from 26 September to 2 October and aims to help Kiwis understand ways to improve their wellbeing and mental health.

Studies have…

Australian artist Ingrid’s Resene murals sing with colour

11 Aug 2022

Painting outdoors in Australia’s heat isn’t easy, but Queensland’s Ingrid is well acquainted with painting in sweltering summer temperatures. She produces vibrant works often inspired by natural elements like flowers…

Voting opens for NZ’s Tiny House Awards

10 Aug 2022

Ever wanted to peek inside a tiny home? Have a look at some impressive tiny homes across Aotearoa up for the 2022 Tiny House Awards – voting for their winners…

This impressive winning family teeny house features a stained wooden staircase

10 Aug 2022

It was a creative family effort that won Kate Cater and her teenage daughters Anna and Maddie a title in the habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition. As the winner of the…

Zoe McBride's winning teeny house has a lolly machine and an underwater room

29 Jun 2022

Zoe McBride’s Teeny House might have been small, but her crafty efforts in the habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition show her imagination is huge. As the winner of the…

This impressive winning family teeny house features a wood-stained staircase

03 Aug 2022

It was a creative family effort that won Kate Cater and her teenage daughters Anna and Maddie a title in the habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition. As the winner of the…

Three painting tips for winter makeovers

20 Jul 2022

Rolling up your sleeves to paint winter but aren’t sure where to start? We have a few tips to keep in mind so you can push on with your DIY…

Three’s The Block NZ: Redemption season launches

20 Jul 2022

Three’s The Block NZ has returned to our screens this week, and there are familiar faces in the mix this season. Some of New Zealand’s favourite teams have returned to…

International rower turned SIPS specialist Tonia Williams shares her oar-inspiring designs

19 Jul 2022

Once known for her finesse and ability as a rower on the world stage, Tonia Williams is following in the footsteps of her architect father by creating covetable homes.

Architecture resonated…

All you could ever need to build a tiny home is now in one place

13 Jul 2022

Tiny home advocate and expert Sharla May says over the last six years, she’s experienced a lot when it comes to navigating the world of tiny living.

“I’ve seen friends, family and…

Zoe McBride's winning teeny house has a lolly machine and an underwater room

29 Jun 2022

Zoe McBride’s Teeny House might have been small, but her crafty efforts in the habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition show her imagination is huge. As the winner of the…

Small wonders: Teeny House competition winners revealed!

23 Jun 2022

The winners of the Habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition show that size doesn’t matter when it comes to creativity and style. Decorators young and old entered the competition which…

Three exterior colour combos you’ll love with Marley Stratus Design Series® in Grey Friars® and Resene

26 May 2022

When deciding on the look for the exterior of your home there are now more colour choices than ever. The colours you choose for your home will not only create…

Call for entries into Your Home and Garden’s Small Room Awards

26 May 2022

Have you done something bold or interesting with Resene paint or wallpaper in a small room in your house? It could be an office, nursery, laundry or powder room –…

Shop local with our Mother’s Day gift guide 

21 Apr 2022

Remember to make mum feel special this Mother’s Day with a handmade gift. We’ve put together a collection of some wonderful local artisans and small businesses to help you shop…

Miniature masterpieces: Rotorua artist’s lovely little landscape earrings

14 Apr 2022

Landscapes and florals have never looked than sweeter than on these earrings created with Resene paint. Rotorua artist Sarah Kolver paints dreamy outdoor settings on plywood earrings, through her business…

Reader Round up: Our readers are painting everything from dollhouses to doors

31 Mar 2022

Our creative readers have been busy. In this round up, we see readers using Resene paints and colours to spruce up cottages, bring mannequins to life, brighten doors and delight…

Six neutral-based colour palettes to use now

21 Mar 2022

While data shows that clients are making bolder paint colour choices than ever before – a phenomenon that’s most likely been spurred from staring at the same white walls for…

Big ideas for teeny houses: Pro tips from a miniature artist

17 Feb 2022

As anybody entering the Resene Teeny House competition will know, a smaller interior decorating canvas doesn’t mean a scaling down of the materials you can, or want to use.

For experienced…

There’s still time to enter the Resene Home Colour Awards 2022

09 Dec 2021

Is your splashback a Resene colour splash? Does your feature wall feature vibrant Resene colour? Get your entry in for Your Home and Garden magazine’s Resene Home Colour Awards 2022…

2021 New Zealand Architecture Awards winners announced

07 Dec 2021

Two social housing projects, transportable tiny houses for at-risk youth, a Christchurch Kōhanga Reo and a ‘build to rent’ development were among the winners at the prestigious 2021 New Zealand…

Shop crafty and local for Christmas with this roundup of handmade gifts from New Zealand makers

02 Dec 2021

Stuck for that unique gift for the person who has everything? We’ve corralled a collection of the unusual and beautiful from artisan makers, and you can order direct from them…

Lawn care tips for summer from Husqvarna

01 Dec 2021

 Lawncare with Husqvarna

 It’s that time of year when the flowers are blooming and the grass is green, but it’s also when nature is going through a growth spurt, and within…

Reader roundup: From intricate dollhouses and little libraries to vibrant hospital murals, our readers are taking creativity to a whole new level

11 Nov 2021

It’s amazing what wonderfully whimsical and astounding things can be created with a simple paintbrush, Resene testpot and dash of imagination. Readers from across the country have been cooking up…

Aaron Jones’ stylish small spaces are turning heads

09 Nov 2021

Aaron Jones developed his passion for design and construction as a small boy, where he got to witness his builder dad hard at work and watch buildings take shape from…

Check out this beautiful Heart Foundation Lottery home in the Whitianga Waterways

04 Nov 2021

The Coromandel is a top destination for tourists and homeowners throughout New Zealand which is something that Liz Halpin, Lottery Operations Manager at the Heart Foundation, sees as crucial to the appeal of this location as a whole. 

“The Whitianga Waterways development…

Remarkable renovations and living rough: The Property Hillbillies share their journey

27 Oct 2021

Taking on a home relocation is no easy feat, add dwindling funds, DIY renovations and living rough out of a caravan into the mix and you have Ryan and Ashley’s…

Just like home: Take a peek inside Gem Adams’ rustic chic teeny house

21 Oct 2021

Elegant and sophisticated are two words you don’t expect to hear when talking about a cardboard box, yet interior designer Gem Adams’ teeny house is both. When Gem first began…

You won't believe the detail in Fleur Thorpe's colourful teeny house

13 Oct 2021

You could stare at Fleur Thorpe’s teeny house (order yours here) for hours. The intricacies of her work unveil themselves over time: tables made from cotton reels, cabinets fashioned from…

Order your teeny house cardboard dollhouse and get decorating

29 Sep 2021

Take one cardboard box, add imagination and Resene paint and you have habitat by Resene Teeny House. Create your dream house… well, out of cardboard, with this miniature house ideal for a…

Interior designer Annick Larkin transforms a cardboard box into a Japandi Chic teeny house

29 Sep 2021

There were squeals of excitement when interior designer Annick Larkin and her daughters first saw their teeny house.

“There was a blank canvas for me, a lovely little miniature size house…

Take a tour of interior designer Vanessa Nouwens' tonal teeny house

29 Sep 2021

Interior designer Vanessa Nouwens is known as the queen of tone-on-tone interior style. So it’s not surprising she put her colour skills to good use creating a cohesive teeny house (order…

Interior Designer Kate Alexander creates her colourful miniature dreamhouse

29 Sep 2021

Kate Alexander of Places and Graces used her teeny house as an opportunity to play out her interior design fantasies. This included creating colourful furniture pieces from international designers, such…

Our readers are creating everything from colourful cabinets and caravans to entire solar systems

23 Sep 2021

From creative lockdown upcycles to schoolroom projects, this reader roundup sees our readers leading colourful lives with Resene paint. With splashes of Resene Hot Chile, Resene Edward and Resene metallics,…

Entries have now closed for the habitat by Resene Teeny House competition

21 Apr 2022

Entries have now closed for the habitat by Resene Teeny House competition

 The judges are now reviewing all the winners, we will announce the winners later in May.

Stay tuned on the…

Wallpaper personality quiz: Find out your interior style and what it means for your home

11 Aug 2021

The Resene Wallpaper Collection has a wallpaper for any personality. We’ve created the ultimate wallpaper quiz to match your personality to an interior style and range of wallpapers. For more…

Six highly adaptive whites and what to pair them with

06 Aug 2021

As much as we’d like to believe that white is a ‘one size fits all’ colour choice, it can actually be one of the hardest hues to specify. While Resene…

Popular Auckland architecture guide gets an in-depth update

06 Aug 2021

Those who are keen to do some urban exploring as the weather warms up will be chuffed to learn a revised edition of popular bestseller Auckland Architecture: A Walking Guide…

Cocktails meet hair colour in this creative student concept

06 Aug 2021

Like a good portmanteau, we love a design that combines two different ideas into one clever package – and even more so if also has a portmanteau in its name. 

This…

5 design hacks for updating your laundry

05 Aug 2021

Laundries are one of the most functional spaces in the home, but they can also be a great place to experiment with design and colour. With a few easy design…

3 tips for creating the perfect powder room PLUS a powder room competition

24 Jun 2021

The humble powder room was once a place for eighteenth century ladies to preen, primp and powder their wigs before a ball. Powder rooms were as elaborately decorated as the…

Three’s The Block NZ is back and is bigger and better than ever

01 Jul 2021

Three’s The Block NZ returns to NZ screens this week – and this season promises to be bigger and better than ever. Set in Auckland’s aspirational inner-west suburb of Point…

These DIY galaxy shoes are out of this world

17 Jun 2021

Is your wardrobe a black hole featuring a pair of shoes that take up space? Embark on a space odyssey and upcycle them into exciting, otherworldly sneakers. This nifty DIY…

Amber Hamilton gives new meaning to fashion first

15 Jun 2021

Designer Amber Hamilton began her career back in the late 80s as a professional artist and graphic designer working in the news media. She had a particular interest in fashion…

Terrific transformation: A shoebox project with a twist

03 Jun 2021

The humble shoebox has been transformed into interior inspo with the Resene Dream Room in a Shoebox competition. People around the country dove deep into their cupboards to find old…

Refreshing renovations and radiant recycling: our readers get creative in this reader round up

03 Jun 2021

Creativity is at the fore in this vibrant reader round up. As the weather gets colder, our readers are warming things up outside with spruced up fences and colourful chairs.…

Fascias, Finials and Fretwork: Learn the features of a heritage home

20 May 2021

This country is home to 85,000 villas, most of which are yet to be upgraded or renovated, according to Renovate NZ. When wandering down any given road, it’s hard not…

The hunt has begun for New Zealand’s houseplant hero

05 May 2021

Do you have an impressive collection of houseplants? Does your urban jungle make your neighbours green with envy? You could be New Zealand’s 2021 Houseplant Hero.

NZ Gardener is on the…

Discover what’s hidden inside Christchurch’s most prominent buildings

28 Apr 2021

Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors in Christchurch’s central city? For one weekend only, Open Christchurch is spilling the city’s architectural secrets. Open Christchurch, supported by Resene, is…

Artist’s designs soar to new heights with playfully painted native bird jewellery

31 Mar 2021

Artist Felicity Meade has us all aflutter with her playful jewellery pieces. Inspired by kiwiana, her wooden necklaces and brooches have taken flight across New Zealand.

“My work is inspired by…

Meet the craftsman keeping native birds cosy with bespoke birdhouses

18 Mar 2021

In the bustling rural community of Matakana, Nick Charlton is busy making fabulous creations for our feathered friends. His business, Native Bird, specialises in terracotta nesting boxes for flying garden…

A village of experts raised the design of this outstanding early learning centre

16 Mar 2021

There are certain project typologies that always seem to be done in a similar vein. We might not even be able to come up with a reason why; we just…

This simple trick will make your wardrobe wonderful

10 Mar 2021

Is your bedroom more floordrobe than wardrobe? Does your closet do the opposite of sparking joy? Interior Designer Hamish Dodd has a simple tip for making your wardrobe go from…

Black in the garden - a modern look amongst the plants

03 Mar 2021

Black Mulch has become the darling of urban landscaping. Black houses, black pavers and black fencing, not to mention black paint tones, are often contrasted with white, grey and brown…

Hurry, entries close soon for Resene Shed of the Year 2021!

18 Feb 2021

This annual competition, run by Resene and NZ Gardener magazine, is looking for clever and creative man caves and she sheds, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds and there are…

How this former Waihi camp got a colourful Mexico-inspired revamp

21 Jan 2021

Accommodating colour: How this former Waihi camp became a Latin American-inspired holiday destination

 Te Rau Aroha, the Anglican Church camp at Waihi Beach, was a little worn down when it caught…

New initiative aims to preserve precious artwork in the Alexander Turnbull Library collection

13 Jan 2021

The Alexander Turnbull Library is celebrating its 100th anniversary — and a new initiative is helping preserve the future of this important collection. The Turnbull Library houses thousands of New…

Entries are open for Resene Shed of the Year 2021

13 Jan 2021

Is there a man cave of wonders at the bottom of your garden? Do you have a pristine potting shed, an artist’s studio in a rainbow of Resene shades or…

Colourful locally made gifts to buy for Christmas

09 Dec 2020

Short of Christmas present inspiration? Never fear, we've gathered together our favourite colourful gift ideas from local artisans and small businesses.

Add a little magic to the garden with a forest…

Two tiny community builds bring safety and beauty to the lives of underhoused youth

08 Dec 2020

An innovative programme initiated by VisionWest Community Trust, the My Whare initiative has been launched in response to the crisis of youth homelessness and intended to give young people who…

It’s now easier than ever to check out Resene’s top colours

08 Dec 2020

When you’re feeling stuck for where to get started on your colour choices for a project, or to narrow down your options, it’s common for people to reach out and…

Create a wonderful wooden Christmas tree

No space for a Christmas tree? Create festive cheer with this easy-to-build wooden Christmas tree which sits flat against a wall, handy for small houses, apartments or baches. Update the…

The 2020 Bird of the Year competition is open

04 Nov 2020

Forest & Bird’s annual Bird of the Year competition is underway with another superb showcase of native bird species. With votes now open to celebrate the country’s incredible birds, from…

Lisa Tran Kelly’s murals enthral and inspire

04 Nov 2020

Lisa Tran Kelly began her art practice in miniature, crafting drawings on tiny canvases and equally diminutive sketchbooks. It was a scale influenced by her grandmother, an artist who works…

Reader’s Round Up: October 2020 Edition

28 Oct 2020

This month we saw an abundance of creativity from our readers. From a pink door to an adorable cubby house, here are a few of our favourite recent projects.

Sumner’s refreshed…

PRau Studio 2.0 elevates a 1970s concrete block commercial space to new heights

20 Oct 2020

When we’re all so busy – and when we’re forced to spend a significant portion of the year avoiding one another – we don’t always get the opportunity to sneak…

Maurice and Marije of MnM Design talk building smaller, smarter

20 Oct 2020

Maurice Regeer and Marije Hoornstra, the Dutch born duo behind MnM Design, are partners in both business and life. Professional yet approachable and down-to-earth, their small design studio based in…

5 blue based colour palettes to suggest to clients that are colour curious

20 Oct 2020

Getting clients to commit to braver (and sometimes seemingly not so brave) colour choices can be challenging. While building trust can certainly play a role in convincing them to cross…

Kyle Anaru shares his approach to designing buildings that builders like to build

15 Sep 2020

Whenever we see striking black cladding with a splash of vibrant red, we are reminded of Kyle Anaru.

Kyle cut his teeth at a number of different design practices before starting…

6 trending colour palettes to get you in the mood for spring

15 Sep 2020

As the weather finally begins to warm, both designers and clients alike are being drawn to decorating with different colours. For as long as humans have been decorating, we’ve been…

An expert colour consultant shares her top tips for choosing hues

22 Jul 2020

Debbie Abercrombie, one of New Zealand’s foremost colour expert educators and interior designers, shares her advice for readers facing a colour conundrum.

 In 2019 you received the Resene Total Colour Lifetime…

Going for dark cladding? Don’t pass up this expert advice

21 Jul 2020

Black and near-black paints and stains are one of the most popular choices for those seeking a striking contemporary exterior for their project. But, it’s a choice that isn’t without…

Illustrator Malcolm White renders a unique career path

21 Jul 2020

Those who work in the architecture, interior and landscape design industries can appreciate that while having a great concept is one thing, it’s an entirely different thing to communicate that…

Take a peek inside Chelsea Sugar’s scrumptious new digs

12 Jun 2020

Since 1884, Chelsea Sugar has been a staple in New Zealand pantries. However, its iconic pink factory, which is tucked away on Auckland’s North Shore, has been closed to the…

Family set the footing, but Anna Major found her own path forward

16 Jun 2020

Some of us choose a career in design. For others, it’s almost as if the career has chosen us. As the daughter of owners of a longstanding décor business, that…

Kid-centric bookstore brings the colour

06 May 2020

Kids’ books are known to be filled with adventure and colour. And so, when designers Tom Dobinson and Sophie Edwards of Edwards Builders were deciding on the colour palette of…

Keep your kids occupied with these two cute Easter crafts

07 Apr 2020

With Easter just around the corner, Alayna Flighty of Kiwi Families created a couple of kid-friendly crafts using some favourite Resene paint colours. Battle boredom by making some egg carton…

The Letter Q shows how colour made one man’s treasures precious to everyone

06 Apr 2020

New Zealand, often considered one of the most maritime nations in the world, has a storied history with the sea; one that affects each of those who live and visit…

Charlotte Coote’s work is the epitome of classic contemporary cool

03 Apr 2020

With over 17 years in the field and a portfolio that stretches across Australia, Europe and America, Charlotte Coote has become quite the coveted designer.

Her design studio in Melbourne’s trendy…

One down, one to go

28 Mar 2013

A lively charity auction was held in Carterton in the
Wairarapa last weekend with a number if items for sale including two houses and
a car. Paint for the houses was donated…

Memory making

15 May 2013

For many Christchurch residents, repairing
their much-loved homes just isn’t possible. But thanks to Canterbury model
maker Richard Gardiner, they can have a physical reminder of their homes. Since
the earthquakes, he has…

How do our rentals rate?

30 Jan 2014

The first step in a nationwide project aimed at
making rental housing safer to live in – especially for children, students and
the elderly - has started with ‘warrant of fitness’ field…

Welcome

03 Jun 2014

Welcome to the new-look Habitat website, where we celebrate the use of Resene paint and colour in our homes.

For nearly four years we’ve been taking you inside houses that make…

Tuning into young talent

27 Feb 2014

Part of the Ellerslie International Flower Garden on in Christchurch’s Hagley Park this week, this cute cottage façade has been painted by the children at Chisnallwood Intermediate School for the School…

From magazine to real life

12 Mar 2014

The NZ House & Garden house tours kicked off last
weekend with the Auckland urban event, and continue during the next three weeks
in Wellington (March 14), Christchurch (March 21) and the…

Taking to the skies

26 Mar 2014

Hummingbirds are tiny,
right? Well not this one. This specially designed hot air balloon is part of
the Balloons over Waikato event running until Sunday. Proudly sponsored by Resene,
again bringing colour to…

Little wins big with timber

19 Mar 2014

A tiny family
bach at Otago’s Taieri River mouth and a stunning aquatic centre on
Wellington’s Kapiti Coast are joint supreme winners of the 2014 NZ Wood Resene
Timber Design Awards, announced last…

Our new-look website

03 Jun 2014

After nearly four years and 188 email newsletters, the www.habitatoftheweek.com website has been reborn as www.habitatbyresene.com. Richer in look and content, we will continue to feature great looking houses, as…

Amanda Neill goes behind the TV scenes

12 Nov 2014

With reality TV series on renovating houses all the rage, interior designer Amanda Neill of Designworx describes what it was like to be involved in the Living Channel series How…

Colour tips from an expert

19 Nov 2014

Resene Christchurch colour consultant Becca Long talks colour schemes:

The four fundamental considerations when picking a colour scheme are: the age of your home; natural light; limitations (eg existing fixtures); and your…

Peter Pan housing

04 Dec 2014

Lifemark general manager Geoff Penrose ponders how homes should age with us. 

Peter Pan is a character who never grew up. This dream of eternal youth is used to describe the…

Forget air con – plant more trees

29 Jan 2015

As the holidays end and we head back to home and the office, more and more air conditioners will be turned on, sucking through electricity. But are we missing an…

How light affects colour

27 Apr 2015

Have you ever wondered why your stunning new dress or shirt suddenly adopts an off-putting muddy hue when you try it on in front of your bedroom mirror? Or why…

Show off your lovely room

15 Jun 2015

If you've got one lovely room in your home, and you haven't entered NZ House & Garden's Interior of the Year award, do it now. Entries close on 28 June. 

The awards are…

Diary of a renovation: in the beginning

11 Jun 2015

When our friends (and now neighbours) saw that the broken-down house across the street was for sale, they instantly thought of us. Ian and I are serial renovators. During the previous…

House maintenance: you’ve just gotta do it

01 Sep 2015

When you’re busy and the budget is under pressure, it’s all too easy to put off doing maintenance around the house. While not all house maintenance is essential, some certainly…

Cody’s garden art houses

24 Sep 2015

Twelve-year-old Cody doesn’t muck around during his school holidays. One summer, his poppa showed him how to use a dropsaw – next thing, Cody was making these cool garden art…

Emma-Jayne Scott’s quirky furniture

16 Oct 2015

If it has a set of legs and a certain quirkiness, Emma-Jayne Scott will give it a great new look with paint. We’re talking furniture, many pieces of which are…

Builders awarded

18 Nov 2015

A new home in Mt Maunganui and a renovation in Auckland (above) that have been recognised as New Zealand’s top homes both use Resene paints. The houses won the Supreme…

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 be the…

Sylvia’s fail-safe decorating tips

04 May 2016

The recipient of the Resene Total Colour Lifetime Achievement award Sylvia Sandford shares her rules for interiors.

It has become so much easier to understand colour as our everyday lives are…

Checking in on Our First Home

25 Feb 2016

We've watched them buy their properties, style up containers, become lighting designers, compete in a rock climbing competition, shed a few tears, paint, paint, paint and give everything they've got…

Our First Home: the latest room reveals

03 Mar 2016

Things are shaping up for the families and their properties on TV ONE's Our First Home. In the latest episodes, we saw the reveal of an enticing outdoor area, a…

Our First Home: makeover with murals

10 Mar 2016

Murals are a great way to stretch your artistic abilities, get creative with colour and personalise your walls. And this week on TV ONE's Our First Home, we saw the teams complete…

Height charts you'll love

19 Jul 2015

When kids are part of a home, it's not unusual to see tiny pencil marks climbing the walls in the hallway or the little ones' bedrooms. But the problem with…

Richard captures memories from models

13 Jan 2016

Richard Gardiner’s tiny replicas of houses that often no longer exist, carry a weighty task on their small roofs. “Often there is an emotional response when people come to pick…

Our First Home: final room reveals

13 Apr 2016

The pressure was on as the families entered their final week of renovations. Each family has transformed their tired and dated houses into incredible homes, but what will happen at…

The Block NZ – Outdoors week is the last reveal

11 Aug 2016

Last week, the teams of TV3's The Block NZ: Girls Vs Boys headed outdoors for the last challenge of the season.

The judges wanted lush spaces that made good use of native…

Is your home magazine-worthy?

29 Sep 2016

The latest habitat magazine is about to hit the letterboxes but we’re already planning for the next one. We need gorgeous houses coloured in Resene to feature. How about your home?…

Is your house magazine-worthy?

19 Apr 2017

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Would you like to share it with our readers? We're planning our next habitat magazine and need gorgeous houses coloured in Resene to feature.…

Take the tour and help a cause

15 Nov 2016

Up and down the country, generous homeowners will open up their houses for the 2017 NZ House & Garden tours, in support of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Staged in association…

Blog: Julie's Scandi bedroom makeover

15 Dec 2016

Julie Stuart of Clever Poppy gives her bedroom a new Scandi look... in between running her business and being a mum to two young kids.

Our master bedroom makeover has been a…

Playing house

08 Dec 2016

Philip Fisher is a man who knows how to build a good play house. He started doing it many years ago, and now that his painting business is in the…

Get the floral edit

07 Mar 2017

Flowers and floral prints are popping up all over this season - on our clothes, in our houses, and in our gardens, of course. If you love the look, this edit from…

Crafty DIY for the school holidays

19 Apr 2017

After the excitement of Easter weekend, keep the fun going with a couple of crafty projects that include the kids. Using Resene paint and a few simple materials, these ideas by…

Megan’s art hanging tips

06 Jul 2017

Stylist Megan Harrison-Turner shares her art-hanging and colour secrets.

While art galleries frequently have white walls so there is no colour to distract from the artist’s work, we often have colour on…

A tiny house is born

25 May 2017

As with many businesses, Tiny House Builders was borne out of personal need - to create extra income while managing director Rebecca Bartlett was on maternity leave. After much research and consultation…

Denise finds warmth and style all in one

14 Jun 2017

Winter's here and heating is in the spotlight. Here's how one homeowner found a solution to keeping her home warm and snug.

When Aucklander Denise Mischefski moved into her new home, she…

Playhouse Challenge goes to auction

29 Jun 2017

Three wonderful playhouses, each expertly and uniquely designed and painted in Resene colours, are going up for auction this Saturday to raise funds for local charities in Christchurch.

From quirky, to classic, to…

Meet this year's The Block NZ teams

29 Jun 2017

Mark your TV viewing calendars for this Sunday, because Three's The Block NZ is back!

This season the teams need to step up their game like never before as they renovate the…

Elizabeth is all about design

13 Jul 2017

Elizabeth Dittmer lives and breathes design. It's not enough that she's the owner of boutique interior design studio E.D. Interiors and also tutors design for Open Polytech... last year, she and her…

Blog: Preserving your memories

10 Aug 2017

Enjoy your favourite photos every day with these three crafty framing projects, from Good magazine. Styling by Sarah Heeringa.

Hanging photo wall 

You need:

Up to 20 square photographs (all 10cm x 10cm)
White card,…

The Block NZ recap: No lounging around

10 Aug 2017

There was no lounging around for The Block NZ teams last week, as they scrambled to finish their living rooms before room reveal – on top of competing in dinner wars. Here's what the teams…

Getting the HOMEmade treatment

24 Aug 2017

Imagine a team of experts coming into your home, throwing you out for 48 hours, and making over one of your rooms and the garden. Wouldn’t that be bliss? Well,…

The Block NZ recap: to the roof!

14 Sep 2017

This week on Three's The Block NZ, the teams went upstairs and outside to complete their rooftop terrace. With help from friends and family to finish everything off, there was good cheer all…

Eketahuna's mystery document

21 Sep 2017

This week, the Heritage Rescue II team head to the central North Island town of Eketahuna. Once a proud and prosperous town, it's now a much quieter spot. The Eketahuna museum…

Boh's boutique of colour

22 Nov 2017

With a delightful colourful scheme of candy pinks and teal blue, it's hard not to fall in love with Boh Runga's new Auckland 'Bohtique'.

The jewellery designer and singer-songwriter recently opened the doors…

Joe's art takes flight

01 Feb 2018

Visit the town of Naenae in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, and you’ll see artist Joe McMenamin’s stunning murals everywhere, painted in Resene.

As well as creating sky high murals, Joe also paints New…

Is your interior a winner?

24 Jan 2018

Only two weeks left to enter NZ House & Garden's Interior of the Year awards, the search for New Zealand’s most beautiful interiors.

You can enter a variety of rooms, including…

Anna unveils her Athena

26 Feb 2018

People have mistaken Anna Leyland’s art as being created digitally, such is the precision of her work. In reality, her screenprints are reproduced from large, original, hand-painted canvases, the work…

Emma’s wooden wonders

05 Apr 2018

Growing up on a dairy farm, Emma FitzGerald had access to her father’s great range of power tools. But wasn’t until three years ago that she really took advantage of…

2 small ways to bring in autumn colour

29 Mar 2018

As the we drift into a new season, those delicious colours of autumn will be starting to appear, from the reds and burnt brown hues of fallen leaves to the…

Come to Kate’s colour workshop

24 May 2018

Christchurch colour-lovers have to chance to join interior stylist Kate Alexander and Resene for a one-off afternoon of bubbles and colour.

This is your chance to pick Kate’s brains about all…

Kim sees the joy in colour

31 May 2018

From starting out as a Resene colour consultant to now running her own business Kim Nicol of All Colour Matters gets a thrill from helping people pick the perfect paint…

Three's The Block NZ recap: it’s all go with guest bedroom reveal

19 Jul 2018

It was all-go on week one in the new season of Three’s The Block NZ. First up the teams were tasked with making over the guest bedroom of their houses with big…

Three’s The Block NZ: from blank to beautiful

09 Aug 2018

There may have been some drama on The Block NZ last week, but it didn’t stop the teams from creating beautiful room reveals for blank canvas week. This time around,…

Designer reading for less

14 Aug 2018

Urbis magazine and Resene have for the past 20 years partnered together and brought colour and design inspiration to readers. To celebrate this milestone, Urbis and its sister magazine Houses are offering you their best…

Home renovation and repair – it’s all in the prep

09 Aug 2018

Consumer Protection aims to inform and educate Kiwis about the process of buying. Here is their advice on home renovation.

Renovating or doing work on your home can be a big…

Blog: What painting our walls taught us

09 Aug 2018

Husband and wife team Shayden Whipps and Georgia Brian are the creative duo behind Mooch Style, a Christchurch-based home and lifestyle blog talking all things DIY and styling spaces. Here…

Make a mini mud room

05 Sep 2018

How many hours of your life do you think you spend cleaning up the mess and muddy footprints around the exterior doors of your home – the shoes, dog leashes,…

Latest habitat hits the letterboxes

04 Oct 2018

The latest issue of habitat magazine has hit the letterboxes during the past week. Full of clever ideas and bursting with on-trend colour combos and both interior and exterior looks,…

HOMEmade recap: Karl and Ida’s mid-century makeover

05 Dec 2018

Ida and Karl’s 1950s home had great bones but it was too cold and was looking a little old with its original wallpaper, carpet and glittery ceiling. The couple love…

Retro renos and small space savers

19 Feb 2019

We love a good renovation project in this part of the world – buying do-ups and, well, doing them up. Of course, there are any number of options for bathroom…

Mike creates heart-warming homes for his feline friends

10 Apr 2019

Built from plywood and hardboard and finished with an incredible level of detail using Resene testpots, Opunake-based artist Mike Shegedin made his 11-year-old cat, Tim, this adorable yellow ‘Cat’s Cradle…

Visit Susan’s profound and colourful shrines in Waikanae

03 Apr 2019

A fascination with the rituals and sculpture of American native peoples inspired Palmerston North artist Sue Artner’s interest in creating art in the form of shrines.

Ten of her works are…

Hunter Hills makes heart-warming use of Resene testpots

30 May 2019

If you’re never come across one before, street libraries house books on a donation-based system, where visitors are welcome to take any book that interests them and anyone is welcome…

A Kmart cubby house gets a creative Kiwi update

12 Jun 2019

Jarrod Rendle and his family turned a $199 Kmart Cubby House into a playhouse palace fit for a princess (and prince), injecting a bit of Kiwi flavour into the Kmart Cubby House…

Opotiki’s colourful murals get a refresh

07 Aug 2019

Shona Hammond Boys is passionate about providing children a nurturing and safe space to explore their creative side. It’s something she has developed and is known for as the national…

Taupo expands its impressive collection of street art

20 Nov 2019

The first street art festival of its kind in New Zealand, Graffiato: Taupo Street Art Festival, captures the diversity of mural painting practice, and what’s new and relevant in global urban…

Alison Leeder’s home office is the ‘pink’ of perfection

05 Dec 2019

When interior designer Alison Leeder moved into her 1950s house in Melbourne in late 2017, she had her sights set on tackling her home office first. Wanting a functional office…

Mike and Loren’s tiny house embraces minimalism

12 Feb 2020

At just 22m2, Mike and Loren’s Hawke’s Bay home is not your average dwelling. Tiny houses have been making waves in the building industry the last few years, and knocking…