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From global design to a family studio in Aotearoa
YDS Studio began around 14 years ago, but the story really started much earlier.
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Dining room and living room spaces featuring (L-R) Resene Buttermilk, Resene Paddock, Resene Contented and Resene Eau De Nil.
Back wall in Resene Eau De Nil, left wall in Ted, floor in Resene Walk-on in Alabaster. Table and chairs from Soren Liv. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.
Walls painted in Resene Paddock. Ottoman from Matisse, cabinet from Good Form. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.
Walls in Resene Contented, inside arch wall in Resene Inspire. Artwork by Beth Xia, couch from Ligne Roset. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Walls painted in Resene Oilskin, floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash. Linen from Foxtrot Home. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Melanie Jenkins.
Walls painted in Resene Buttermilk, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Table and chairs from Soren Liv. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.
When colour becomes the hero for minimalist interiors
Minimalist design is often characterised by simplicity and clean lines. You might also hear the term ‘less is more’, which in an age of over-consumerism, having only what you need makes sense.
While décor and furniture are kept to a minimum in this style, your paint certainly becomes the hero here. Take a look at these designs for some ideas on what colour to use at home.
Back wall in Resene Eau De Nil, left wall in Ted, floor in Resene Walk-on in Alabaster. Table and chairs from Soren Liv. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.
The gentle green of Resene Eau De Nil creates a soft, tranquil backdrop in this dining space, and the simple timber table and chairs add warmth and ground the space, preventing it from being too bright. For similar shades, try Swans Down, Carefree, Paris White and Rainee:
Walls painted in Resene Paddock. Ottoman from Matisse, cabinet from Good Form. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.
These walls are painted in Resene Paddock, a deeper more earthy shade which has been drawn out into décor like the ottoman and lamp. This minimal palette is calming and inspired by nature, a great example of minimal design with colour. If you like darker, pastoral greens like this, you can also try Xanadu, Tom Thumb, Woodland and Clover:
Walls in Resene Contented, inside arch wall in Resene Inspire. Artwork by Beth Xia, couch from Ligne Roset. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
This playroom is both minimal and fun. The whimsy of the subtle pink in Resene Contented brings joy and warmth – it’s enough colour to work well in a kids’ space, but near neutral enough to not become overpowering. Try other gentle, muted pinks like Sauvignon, Pot Pourri, Ebb and Soothe:
Walls painted in Resene Oilskin, floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash. Linen from Foxtrot Home. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Melanie Jenkins.
Darker shades are becoming increasingly popular in all areas of the home, but in bedrooms in particular they offer a super cosy and cocooning feel. Let’s face it, you don’t really need much in a bedroom – a bed, drawers, lamp – which is why it’s often easy to fit these spaces into a minimalist design. If you’re into the deep, earthy browns, try Resene Sandstone, Mondo, Lignite and Barista:
Walls painted in Resene Buttermilk, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Table and chairs from Soren Liv. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.
For just a subtle touch of colour in your space, consider trying a gentle yellow like Resene Buttermilk. You can see just how inviting and pleasing this delicate shade can be when compared to your usual white walls. If you want to stick with whites and neutrals, try off-whites like Pearl Lusta and Half Dutch White, or lean further into the yellows with Astra and Sidecar:
Published: 21 May 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Half Dutch White
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Half Dutch White
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
