Cosy outdoor spaces for all seasons… even winter!

26 Aug 2025

A seamless indoor/outdoor flow can make your home feel larger, more open and inviting. But when cold winds, rain or frost hit, even the most appealing outdoor area can feel unwelcoming.

To keep your outdoor spaces usable and enjoyable through the cooler months, think of them as extensions of your home’s interior. Approach the design and styling of these areas with the same care you’d give an indoor room.

“First, decide what ambience you want and how that fits into the design and function of the space,” says Resene Colour Expert Meryl Southey. “Look at the basics of colour. Are your colours warm or cool? And what are the undertones of the neutrals? You will also need to consider the aspect of your outdoor room.”

Keep in mind your home’s exterior colours. If your outdoor space sits close to the house, harmonising with existing shades or introducing a bold contrast can make a big impact.

Shelter is also key to winter usability. Wooden trellis screens stained in deep, trending shades like Resene Woodsman Crowshead and Resene Woodsman Dark Oak create drama against lighter exteriors such as Resene Sea Fog or Resene Black White. For a unique touch, Resene FX Faux Rust Effect can add warmth and texture to décor elements like planters or screens, and it’s sure to spark conversation.

Let’s take a look at three outdoor areas that withstand all the seasons:

Shower power

Wind protection and privacy for this outdoor shower is provided by the corrugated iron wall painted in Resene Pale Slate and trimmed in Resene Half Baltic Sea. The deck is stained in Resene Woodsman Uluru, tongue-and-groove wall painted in Resene Half Baltic Sea, bench in Resene Nebula, pots and crate in Resene Vista White, round MDF hooks in Resene Vista White and Resene Nebula. Resene Living soap dispenser from Briscoes. 

An outdoor shower instantly adds a touch of luxury and evokes memories of sun-soaked beach holidays. Plus, in winter it’s a chance to warm up after a spa, swim in the pool, or a run. Place the shower near a door with a clear path for bare feet, making it easy to return indoors after a chilly rinse, and add some shelves, hooks or baskets for added practicality.

Tip: For wet areas, Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path offers a practical solution. Its textured, low-sheen finish helps prevent slips and can be tinted to complement your colour scheme.

Ignite the night

Greenery and cosy textiles add warmth to this outdoor room. The batten wall is stained in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Charred Black, floor painted in a base of Resene Gunsmoke sponged with diluted testpots of Resene Triple Concrete and Resene Quarter Concrete, bench seat in Resene Woodsman Bark, Cape Cod chair and large planter in Resene Shark and small planter in Resene Off The Grid. Plant from Danske Møbler, cushions from Baya.

Few things beat the allure of a flickering fire on a crisp winter’s eve. Position your firepit in a wind-sheltered spot like behind a wall, fence or moveable screen. Painting surrounding walls in dark shades like Resene Carpe Noctem or staining timber with Resene Woodsman Treehouse creates a snug, intimate atmosphere.

Tip: The darker the wood stain colour, the more durable it is and the time between maintenance coats will extend accordingly.

Decked out comfort

Leafy palms and natural fibres make this sheltered spot feel like it could be in an exotic hotel, perfect for a ‘getaway’ at home. The tongue-and-groove wall is painted in Resene Spanish White, decking stained in Resene Woodsman Tiri, pots painted in Resene Spanish White, large palm pot in Resene FX Faux Rust Effect and top of side table in Resene Nullarbor. Chair and large palm from Danske Møbler, rust cushion from Baya, cream cushions from H&M Home.

Even a small, sheltered corner of your deck or garden can become a cosy hideaway. Layer cushions, throws, beanbags or a fabric hammock to add warmth and comfort. Weatherproof outdoor upholstery is essential, but you can enhance the comfort with soft, plush fabrics like wool, faux fur and chenille. Add plants in pots painted with Resene testpots in your favourite shades for an easy, personalised touch.

Tip: Resene Waterborne Woodsman exterior wood stain is fast drying and easily cleaned up with water. Choose the Resene CoolColour version if you are planning to use a dark colour to help reflect more heat. Reapply it every few summers for maximum protection.

Check out these outdoor projects for some fun additions to your exterior space, and follow habitat by Resene on Instagram for more inspiration. For more paint advice, head to your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Resene Colour Expert online for free.

projects Melle Van Sambeek

images Bryce Carleton

Published: 26 Aug 2025