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Left: Wall painted in Resene Time Out, recessed shelving in Tall Poppy. Sofa and table from Tim Webber. Right: Shelf painted in Mexican Red, back wall in Half Milk Punch. Projects by Amber Armitage, images by Melanie Jenkins.
Left: Front wall and bedside table in Resene Merlot, walls in Double Villa White. Project by Vanessa Nouwens. Right: Walls in Half Sea Fog, stripes in Scoria. Art by Clare Brodie. Project by Amber Armitage. Images by Wendy Fenwick.
Left: Wall in Resene Red Oxide, floor in Resene Colorwood Bark. Chair from Ligne Roset. Right: Wall in Persian Red, floor in Resene Walk-on in Rebel. Projects by Amber Armitage, images by Wendy Fenwick.
Left: Red stripe in Resene Prairie Sand, walls in Coral Tree. Right: Horizontal wall stripe in Roadster, wall painted in stripes of Meringue, Secrets and Unite. Art by Home Time from Endemic World. Projects by Amber Armitage, images by Wendy Fenwick.
Why now’s the time to go red
For the rest of July, Resene is supporting Red Nose Day. 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.
So, if you’ve been thinking about testing out this fiery hue, now’s the perfect time.
Red can bring comfort, character and a sense of cosiness that feels especially inviting through the cooler months. Whether you use it as a bold feature or a subtle accent, these projects show just how versatile it can be in your home.
Shelf style
Left: Wall painted in Resene Time Out, recessed shelving in Tall Poppy. Sofa and table from Tim Webber. Right: Shelf painted in Mexican Red, back wall in Half Milk Punch. Projects by Amber Armitage, images by Melanie Jenkins.
Storage spaces are practical, but they can also be stylish and a fun element to highlight in your home. These two designs, featuring bold reds like Tall Poppy and Mexican Red, add energy and depth. And when paired with warm neutrals and cool blues, they offer a contemporary twist on a simple space.
Good features
Left: Front wall and bedside table in Resene Merlot, walls in Double Villa White. Project by Vanessa Nouwens. Right: Walls in Half Sea Fog, stripes in Scoria. Art by Clare Brodie. Project by Amber Armitage. Images by Wendy Fenwick.
Applying just one or two red features to your home can give it instant character. In these spaces, the red feature wall (left) and stripes bring warmth and depth to otherwise neutral rooms.
Resene Pro Tip: Use a use quality masking tape, ideally Washi Delicate tape, to guarantee straight lines when painting stripes on walls. To achieve crisp, straight lines, seal the tape edge by painting over the edge with the existing wall colour first. This fills any gaps caused by wall texture. Once dry, apply your new feature colour. Always remove the tape while the final coat is still tacky for the cleanest edge.
Get red-y
Left: Wall in Resene Red Oxide, floor in Resene Colorwood Bark. Chair from Ligne Roset. Right: Wall in Persian Red, floor in Resene Walk-on in Rebel. Projects by Amber Armitage, images by Wendy Fenwick.
If you’re going all out and colour drenching a space, pair your red walls and ceiling with complementary décor and furniture. Check out the Resene colour charts and try out different strengths of red, paired with warm wood stains like Resene Colorwood Mahogony and Meranti, this will add depth and layering, preventing the room from becoming too overwhelming.
Or, opt for accent hues that work well with red. Try a crisp white or deep black – such as Black White or Nero – or brighter colours like Golden Tainoi and Zephyr.
Resene Pro Tip: For general wall areas, use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, it combines the durability and wipeability of a traditional enamel with a soft, modern look of a low-sheen finish. If you’re colour drenching a whole room in one colour, use the same colour in SpaceCote Flat or Ceiling Paint, or alternatively use SpaceCote Flat on walls and ceilings – this will create a perfectly uniform surface that hides shadows, imperfections and glare from lighting.
Subtle stripes
Left: Red stripe in Resene Prairie Sand, walls in Coral Tree. Right: Horizontal wall stripe in Roadster, wall painted in stripes of Meringue, Secrets and Unite. Art by Home Time from Endemic World. Projects by Amber Armitage, images by Wendy Fenwick.
Finish off any design with an extra pop of colour, like on the panelling in these bedrooms which really prove that a burst of red can work anywhere. And if adding it to the walls isn’t your thing, think about bringing an old chair, vase, stool or bedside table back to life.
Resene Pro Tip: If you really want to make a statement, use a semi-gloss finish like Lustacryl, or high gloss finish like Hi-Glo, Enamacryl or Super Gloss. These paints will make brighter and bolder colours appear clearer and more intense.
If you’re keen to pick up a few red testpots to support CureKids, some popular shades you can try are Resene Poppy, Smashing, Shiraz, Red Red Red, Coral Tree, Crail, Lonestar and Spitfire:
Published: 15 Jul 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Half Milk Punch
Resene Half Villa White
Resene Golden Tainoi
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 Milk Punch
Resene Half Villa White
Resene Golden Tainoi
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
