Favourite finds: Our top picks for a mid-century design at home

19 Aug 2025

Favourite Finds is back to showcase the best in home design with a curated selection of products to help you craft the perfect décor look for your home. This month’s theme, Mood of the Century, embraces stylish, comfy and practical pieces so you can create the perfect sanctuary at home.

Let’s explore how you can create a cosy feel at home with classic design elements and welcoming Resene colours to match.

Sitting pretty

Low-slung furniture in earthy hues lend to the comfort and practicality of the mid-century era. The Mable Armchair in Chocolate from nood is known for its industrial elegance, slanted frame and undeniable comfort, making a striking statement in a lounge or a welcoming addition to a spare room. Pair this beauty with neutral walls in Resene Eighth Rice Cake or Resene Quarter Biscotti, or in darker, cosy spaces with Resene Seaweed or Resene Sepia.

Shade of retro

The Point Floor Lamp from Città is the result of a collaboration between product designer Alex Buckman and Città's 3D design team, David Moreland and Nikolai Sorensen. The warm amber tone of the blown glass and steel frame make it the perfect addition to any retro or mid-century design. Pair this with neutral walls in Resene Black White and Resene Sea Fog for a crisp contrast, or darker, earthy walls and décor in Resene Grey Olive and Resene Half Ironsand.

Pillow talk

Burnt oranges and caramel hues are a great choice for mid-century designs, especially when paired with rich timber tones and classic neutrals. Pair Ollo’s Dolce Cushion in Toffee with colours like Resene Thorndon Cream, Resene Pendragon, Resene Fire and Resene Colorwood Natural wood stain.

Timeless timber

Discover the perfect blend of style and functionality with Mocka's Osaka Two Door Cabinet in Walnut. The deeper wood tones, simplicity and affordability of this piece make it an ideal addition to any design. It can also be spruced up depending on the accessories you put on it and paints you pair it with. Opt for walls in Resene Spanish White, with bursts of colour in accessories like Resene Trinidad and Resene Sushi, alongside Resene Colorwood Walnut for a cohesive look. 

Retro-spective

For a mid-century modern design, try a bold wallpaper like Resene Aquila Wallpaper Collection DGILA103 paired with your favourite retro furniture. You can really play around with the old and the new here, so don’t be afraid to add some modern pieces. Try other designs that sing mid-century, such as Resene Aquila Wallpaper Collection ILA303, Resene Salsa Wallpaper Collection 465327, Resene Salsa Wallpaper Collection 465730 and Resene Aquila Wallpaper Collection ILA502.

Tone back time

For the ultimate mid-century colour scheme, try an off white like Resene Half Pearl Lusta, paired with accessories in Resene Chelsea Gem and Resene Planter, and furniture stained in Resene Colorwood Matai.

With these timeless finds, your home can become a space you truly love and cherish. For more advice head to your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Colour Resene Expert online for help with your home design.

Published: 19 Aug 2025