Seeing red in style

Red probably isn’t the first colour most of us think of when designing our home. And if we do, the red that usually comes to mind when hearing the word is most likely a bright cherry or spicy salsa. These days, red takes on many different forms, such as warm terracotta, modern earthy or colonial oxide hues, all of which can find their way into your interior and feel right at home. Resene has a red hue to suit everyone’s taste, and we’ve got just the designs to get you started on using it in your home.

What’s more, this month we are supporting Red Nose Day, where every 60 mL red testpot bought from Resene owned ColorShops (NZ) means a $1 donation to CureKids. It is only because of the generous contributions CureKids receives that they can continuously fund vital child health research to make a difference in the health and wellbeing of our precious children.

Lead the way


A block of riotous Resene Red Red Red on the wall of this staircase pops against the walls in Resene Merino and invites you to follow it around the corner to see where it leads. Project by Spacecraft Architects Ltd, image by David Straight.

Colour is a great way to connect two spaces. Resene Red Red Red not only adds depth to this neutral living room, but helps to lead the way up the staircase to the second floor. The added greenery and timber elements bring out the earthy tones in this red hue and ground the space perfectly. If you like brighter reds like this, try Resene Whizz Bang and Resene Raging Bull or for slightly darker brick tones try Resene Lusty and Resene Fahrenheit.

 

Morocco mood


Relax in Morocco right in your own home. This upper wall is painted in Resene Apple Blossom with a top effects layer created using Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Quarter Solitaire. The dado rail and stars are painted in Resene Solitaire, tabletop in Resene Woodsman Bark with star border in Resene Manhattan, large planters in Resene Cinnamon and Resene Mocha, fruit bowl in Resene Cinnamon, lanterns in Resene FX Faux Rust Effect and decking stained in Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain Tiri. Cushions from Yuva. Project by Melle van Sambeek, mural by Hannah Tapner image by Bryce Carleton.

If you’re looking to bring the mood of an exotic location to your home, then paint can help you do that. In this space, Resene’s red, desert-kissed shades like Resene Apple Blossom and Resene Mocha create the comfort and feel of Morocco. Think about what you find in the location you’re trying to mimic and you’ll be able to create a space that perfectly reflects this. For a Moroccan space like this one, that’s natural fibres, hand-crafted details, jewel toned accessories and spices like Resene Cinnamon.

These ‘deserty’ reds can also fit rooms inspired by the likes of Africa, Australia, Mexico and Egypt. Try Resene Sunglo, Resene Crail, Resene Mexican Red or Resene Prairie Sand for other options.

 

Red-y steady go!


The painted mural in Wendy’s home goes all out with colour and Resene Red Hot still steals the show! Alongside this bold shade, sits Resene Azur d’Acre, Resene Glamour Puss, Resene Riptide and Resene Tulip Tree with a background in Resene Bunting. Project by Anna von Hartitzsch.

Say hello to red’s best friends. Wendy’s living room mural is filled with vibrant colours, it’s a real conversation point! Although bright, it fits well in this space and the background of Resene Bunting extends out onto surrounding walls so the mural doesn’t feel so random. If you’re ready to take the plunge with colour, remember that it’s your home and you can make it your own – and if it’s not for you, you can always paint over it! Resene Red Hot is a real showstopper on this mural, but you’ll get just as much pizazz with shades like Resene Big Bang, Resene Havoc, Resene Pursuit and Resene Del Toro.

 

Take a red seat


In this Japanese inspired patio, the deck is stained in Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain Tiri with walls stained in Resene Woodsman Charred Black. The tabletop is painted in Resene Cobblestone, stools in Resene Burgundy, tall planter in Resene Bullwhip and planter box in Resene Dark Rum. Bamboo screen lightly ragged with Resene Woodsman Bark. Lanterns from Look Sharp Store, bowls from Hospice shop. Project by Melle van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.

Burgundy reds have a beautiful depth and in this case they lend themselves to this stylish Japanese inspired outdoor space. The bold mix of red and rust in Resene Burgundy pairs well with the darker wood stains, soothing greens and natural materials like bamboo, stone, sand and lush plants. Earthy shades are much more than just greens and browns – look to nature and you’ll find plenty of inspiration to incorporate all the colours you love. Try similar reds like Resene Dynamite,  Resene Hot Chile, Resene Vanquish and Resene Lonestar.

Whichever of these blushing hues you’re drawn to, there’s a Resene red that’s sure to bring warmth, personality and purpose to every corner of your home. Visit your local Resene ColorShop for more advice on choosing the right red, book a consultation with a Resene Colour Expert or Ask a Resene Colour Expert online for free.

Make sure to follow us @habitatbyresene on Instagram for more inspiration! 

Published: 16 Jul 2025

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

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Resene Red Red Red

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Resene Whizz Bang

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Resene Raging Bull

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Resene Fahrenheit

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Resene Apple Blossom

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Resene Quarter Solitaire

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Resene Mexican Red

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Resene Prairie Sand

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Resene Glamour Puss

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Resene Tulip Tree

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Resene Cobblestone

the look

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