Creating the ultimate winter patio

23 Jul 2026

When cold winds, rain or even frost hit, even the most appealing outdoor area can feel unwelcoming. But don’t fear, there are ways you can still enjoy your patio, even in winter.

To keep your outdoor spaces usable and enjoyable through the cooler months, think of them as extensions of your home’s interior. A seamless indoor-outdoor flow can make your home feel larger, more open and inviting.

Approach the design and styling of these areas with the same care you’d give an indoor room. What colour palette are you going for? You could match your interior scheme, or create a certain style like coastal with light blues, or cosy and cocooning with dark paints and stains.

And don’t forget the other elements that will top off a snug winter design – comfy seating, cushions, blankets or even an outdoor heater or fireplace.

Here are some outdoor spaces to give you some inspiration:

Exterior brickwork and soffits painted in Resene Bokara Grey. For a dark timber finish like this use Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain in Cedar. Design and image by Signature Homes.

Walls in Resene Lumbersider in Spanish White, deck in Resene Woodsman Decking Stain in Tiri. Project by Melle Van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.

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

As another note, the darker the wood stain colour, the more durable it is and the time between maintenance coats will extend accordingly.

Wall and planter in Resene Half Thorndon Cream, floor painted in Resene Walk-on in All Black and Thorndon Cream, trellis in Resene Furniture and Decking Oil. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.

Resene Pro Tip: For decks and patios that are likely to get wet from sharp rain angles or condensation, 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.

Walls painted in Resene CoolColour Half Shark, floor in Resene Walk-on in Ted. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.

Resene Pro Tip: When using dark colours outdoors, always ask for a Resene CoolColour version. A CoolColour looks like a normal colour, but thanks to special pigment technology, it reflects more heat so it doesn’t get as hot as a normal colour would.

Walls painted in Resene Lumbersider Matt in Alpaca, floor in Resene Walk-on in White Linen. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.

Resene Pro Tip: Resene Lumbersider is Resene’s most popular exterior paint, and it now comes in a range of finishes. Lumbersider Flat, used in the courtyard above, offers a softer, flatter finish than Lumbersider Low Sheen which makes it better at disguising any surface imperfections. It is designed for exterior walls, weatherboards and landscaping, is low odour, easy-to-wash up in water and has Eco Choice approval.

Check out these outdoor projects for some smaller additions to your exterior space. And for more advice on exterior colour and products visit your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Paint Expert online.

Published: 23 Jul 2026