Here's a taste of some of the Colour Expert questions and answers to help you with your own colour scheme.
If you would like more colour advice for your project, please ask our Colour Expert for help or come in and see our staff at your local Resene ColorShop or Reseller. Colours are a representation only.
Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online.
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Q. I am looking at painting a bookcase and a cabinet to match our feature wall of Resene Unwind. Maybe in a dark green or ochre colour or maybe a peachy colour? We have a huge artwork above the cabinet in these sorts of colours. A. I am thinking there will be enough colours in the art above the cabinet and with the feature wall in Resene Unwind, so a dark green would be perfect. Try Resene Green Meets Blue, Resene Welcome or Resene Celtic. October 2024 |
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Q. We are painting walls in a hallway in Resene Saratoga green. What colour trim would go with this? A. Try Resene Quarter Rice Cake. October 2024 |
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Q. We are painting our laundry Resene Tarawera. What colour goes with this? A. Try Resene Sea Fog or Resene Quarter Wan White, for more contrast. October 2024 |
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Q. I have just brought a house and we are doing a complete repaint. The current walls are light greige and the ceiling and skirting is Resene Half Black White. We are thinking the wall colour is to grey and we would like something warmer but not to warm and lighter to brighten up the rooms and to make it appear bigger. Our home gets light but it fades quickly in the afternoon. A. Try Resene Milk White or Resene Half Milk White. October 2024 |
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Q. We are about to replace our roof. Our house cladding is Resene Quarter Tapa. What colour roof would you recommend? We have been looking at Grey Friars, Windsor Grey and FlaxPod. A. Resene Quarter Tapa pairs well with Grey Friars. Because of the blue green of tapa, Grey Friars sits naturally with it. FlaxPod and Windsor Grey suit warmer colours. If you go darker than Grey Friars, there will be a much bigger contrast, and I recommend using Resene CoolColour paints to protect your substrate. October 2024 |
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Q. I am going to paint our fence. We would like to get colour advice from you. It’s a brick house with a white frame and yellow brick. What should we use for the fence colour? A. I suggest Resene Half Bokara Grey – darker colours will set the garden off. I recommend you use Resene CoolColour paint as it helps protect the substrate. October 2024 |
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Q. We are after some advice on interior colours for our new ehaus build please. For context, the exterior colours we have chosen are FlaxPod for the roof, fascia, joinery and shed door. The cladding is Resene Half Baltic Sea with some Resene Half Wan White for the front pillars and soffit. The front door is Resene Pioneer Red to keep with the warm colours. Inside, we have a lighter concrete looking luxury vinyl tile in the kitchen, dining, main bathroom, toilet and laundry. The carpet in the living and bedrooms is a dark near black. The kitchen so far will be a white stone bench with some sparkle in it, with a darker joinery (yet to be decided) and white tile splashback and brushed stainless appliances. We are looking at an 'up and over' with Resene Black White paint or similar, but are unsure of what depth of colour would be best for this i.e. quarter, half etc. We also need to decide on internal doors, skirtings and architraves and trims around the doors and windows, but are unsure what we should do in this area to keep a nice flow and ability to add more contrasting colour through are and furniture etc. A. With your cooler toned colour palette and FlaxPod joinery, I suggest a white-on-white scheme neither too warm nor cool, as FlaxPod does have warmth to it. Try Resene Half Sea Fog for the walls and ceilings with Resene Half Alabaster for the trims and doors. Sheen levels are important with white-on-white palettes. Resene Space Cote Low Sheen is a durable, low sheen waterborne enamel which means being a durable paint the finish remains looking better longer, it gives a lovely subtle sheen to walls. Resene SpaceCote Flat is the recommendation for ceilings, which are considered critical light surfaces – due to the angle of the light hitting the ceiling and displaying flaws, a flat finish is preferred – however, as your house is a new build, you can choose to have Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen for the walls and ceilings as imperfections are less likely. Resene Lustacryl is the preferred paint for doors and trims – it is a semi-gloss, so it gives a subtle contrast to the walls and being a semi-gloss waterborne enamel, it is durable for these harder wearing surfaces. October 2024 |
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Q. We are repainting our two storey house. We are currently looking at Resene Truffle on the top floor (stucco type) and Resene Ironsand on the block base. Will this be too much of a contrast? A. With your joinery and garage door colour – I suggest going softer on the base – Resene Triple Truffle. Darker colours such as Resene Ironsand will not pair well with the aluminium joinery. October 2024 |
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Q. We have painted our house Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue. It is a stucco 1920s bungalow and I find it a little bit too 'pastel' green. We are looking for a couple of colours to off-set the green so it's not so prominent. We would like a white for the windows and have tried Resene Wan White but it is perhaps a bit too close to the Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue and blends in rather than 'pops'. I've been wondering if Resene Quarter Merino or Resene Alabaster would be nice for windows. For the features we'd like a deep dark colour, we have tried a lot of different colours and like Resene Mortar – but it's a bit lighter than what we wanted and there doesn't appear to have a 'double Mortar' . Any other suggestions that would offset the green so it's not so prominent? Thank you. A. Both Resene Alabaster and Resene Quarter Merino bring out the green – I suggest you try Resene Half Black White. For the accent try Resene Diesel, Resene Chocolate or Resene Revolver as an alternative to Mortar – although I feel this is a great match. You could also enquire at your local Resene ColorShop to arrange for them to get a formula made up for double strength Resene Mortar by our Colour Lab. October 2024 |
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Q. I have some questions on patterns. How do I choose a pattern that will work in a room and feel balanced. Do you have any suggestions for subtle patterns to try that someone could create themselves? A. Bolder patterns can be overpowering and therefore are typically used for an element of surprise such as a powder room or feature wall, while subtle patterns are more versatile – with a neutral palette or soft pastel background, these patterns will bring character and style to a room with a calming effect. It is important to consider the function of a space, and the mood you want to convey when considering pattern – for example, if you have a large space, organic patterns, with a moody colour palette, can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Geometric patterns in smaller patterns produce obvious directional movement, creating flow and rhythm, without the overwhelming impact that bolder geometric patterns can evoke. Choose a dominant colour from the pattern or a deeper tone and use it as a solid colour for furniture or accessories and other areas of the room to create a cohesive look. It is important to consider the scale and proportion of other items in the room when choosing patterns, for example if you have a large sectional sofa, a smaller pattern for your curtains or area rug will balance out the space. If you can’t find a pattern that is suitable, in a colour you like you can create your own. Stencils are hugely flexible and can add pattern to virtually anything from walls to floors and look just as great as a soft delicate floral design, as they do in bold geometric shapes. You can manipulate the space to highlight a feature or to simply add a bit of interest to a plain surface. You can make your own stencils or buy them online. October 2024 |
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Q. I am having kitchen cabinetry repainted after we have had a new splashback in Resene Chilean Fire installed and the walls are in purple and Resene Alabaster. I have a natural wood breakfast bar and stainless bench, appliances, and some silky oak display cabinets and drawers. The blinds are a nice mid to dark grey. The floor is a laminate. I am struggling to pick a cabinetry colour to work with the Resene Chilean Fire splashback and stainless. We are selling the house soon, so it needs to be up to date without being too out there. The current deep blue/purple colour was lovely 22 years ago, but is a bit out there now! A. Yes, if you are selling, a neutral will be better for the cabinetry so that it leaves the splashback to be the hero. Try a soft stone colour like Resene Half Cloud, Resene Quarter Cougar or Resene Half Tea. The colour will look different under the natural and artificial light of the kitchen, and it will need to pair with the floor as well, being in proximity – so I have given three different neutral tones so you can see what works. Alternatively, you could opt for a lighter variant of the wall colour – try Resene Half Sea Fog. October 2024 |
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Q. We have recently painted walls Resene Double Black White and ceilings and skirtings/coves Resene Alabaster. Can you please suggest a colour for internal doors? I was thinking a shade darker than Resene Double Black White (if that exists) or even the same as the walls, but would appreciate any suggestions you may have. A. It depends on whether you want your skirtings highlighted against the doors – if they are the same colour or deeper – if you don't but you are after a contrast to the wall colour then one suggestion is to paint the doors Resene Alabaster. Alternatively, if you don't mind the whiter skirting against the deeper door colour you can go with the same colour as the walls – Resene Double Black White. The recommended finish for doors is Resene Lustacryl which is a durable, semi-gloss finish, waterborne enamel, which creates a subtle contrast to the walls, which are typically low sheen. October 2024 |
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Q. We are painting indoors. What neutral would you suggest works well with light grey aluminium joinery and Resene Hemlock? A. Try Resene Merino or if that is too warm – Resene Half Merino. October 2024 |
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Q. I would like some help choosing an exterior paint colour for our house. It has a terracotta tile roof and is a 1950s weatherboard house. The colours we have tried so far are Resene Gull Grey (too blue for us), Resene Tasman and Resene Pumice. A. Blue greys do generally work well with terracotta roofs as blue sits opposite orange on the colour wheel, however, Resene Gull Grey may have been too blue for you and the other colours you mentioned are quite green/pale in comparison. Earthy, warm tones can also pair. I suggest painting the windows (frames, sashes, and windowsills) a white – this will highlight them more than a mixture of colours and modernise the home. Try Resene Half Black White for the windows. For the main colour, try Resene Kensington Grey, Resene Half Silver Chalice, Resene Ted, Resene Double Concrete, Resene Quarter Foggy Grey, Resene Half Napa, Resene Eighth Friar Greystone or to try something deeper Resene Half Tuna. Resene ColorShops have a stock library of A4 pre painted swatches, which you can view the above suggestions before committing to a testpot.  Resene Ted October 2024 |
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Q. We have an old Fraemohs house which needs roofing and exterior staining. If the roof was COLORSTEEL® FlaxPod what colour wood stain would you recommend for the whole exterior? A. I suggest trying Resene Shadow Match from the Resene Woodsman Woodcare range or Resene Tararua from the Resene Naturals range. Please ensure you have discussed whether darker colours are an option for your cladding with your builder, Project Manager or timber supplier.  Resene Tararua October 2024 |
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Q. Our roofing is long-run and all the cladding is James Hardie vertical Oblique weatherboard. I feel like COLORSTEEL® Flax Pod has been thrashed in the last five years so maybe you have an idea that is dark but not FlaxPod? We have another house being finished off with Ironsand which seems to look good. A. COLORSTEEL® Slate is an updated version of Ironsand – less brown, more charcoal. I suggest Slate for the roof, guttering and garage door. For the vertical and horizontal boards try Resene Boris, which a softer variant of Slate. It is not too dark for the design and team it with Resene Merino for the soffit. If the roof is deep it means it will blend with the house. I would keep the vertical and horizontal cladding the same colour as two tones might ‘sandwich’ the house. The different lines (horizontal and vertical) will create contrast.  Resene Boris October 2024 |
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Q. We need help deciding on a colour to paint the walls of an open plan living/kitchen and dining room. The space is large and light. I was looking at Resene Double Sea Fog but don’t want to make the room too cold and sterile looking. A. Resene Double Sea Fog is a bone white and not particularly cold – especially if you have good light – so should work well. October 2024 |
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Q. I am painting my living areas Resene Quarter Villa White. We have shutters in the room, which are similar to Resene Black White. I want to paint the architraves the same colour as the shutters but I think the Resene Black White may to be cool with the Resene Quarter Villa White. I am wonder what be similar with a warmer tone. A. Try Resene Alabaster – it will give enough contrast to the Resene Quarter Villa White walls and works with Resene Black White – or for less contrast you could try Resene Double Alabaster. October 2024 |
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Q. What light brown or possibly cream type colour would go well on a fence using Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen? We are looking to get something light so that it will hopefully lighten the house a bit (on the inside) where I have a mixture of Resene Quarter Alabaster and Resene Half Alabaster on the walls. We are looking to paint the retainers as well as the fence with something that will be complementary to the house. If you are able to provide 3-4 suggestions so I can get testpots that would be awesome. A. I suggest leaning towards the lighter browns/beiges – a cream colour would be best matched to the gable colour of the house = this might look ok on the fences but not quite right on the retaining walls and will become dirty quite quickly. The colours I suggest will appear lighter outside in reality – two coats are recommended to get coverage and the true colour. Try Resene Pravda, Resene Half Stonewall or Resene Double Tea. October 2024 |
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Q. We are doing up our farm cottage. I have painted the walls in Resene Malta with Resene Half Spanish White trim. I was hoping to go a lighter matching colour in the bathroom and kitchen. The kitchen is the back half of the lounge painted in Resene Malta, so still one room but separated by a beam. A. You might like to try a paler variant of Resene Malta, however, sometimes these variants can take on an undertone of red, depending on the light. For a similar colour but slightly different tone – try Resene Half Drought or Resene Quarter Drought or Resene Tua Tua for the back kitchen with Resene Half Drought or Resene Quarter Drought for the bathroom. October 2024 |
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Q. We have a new build in the Marlborough Sounds. Should you paint your ensuite the same colour as the master bedroom? I want to paint the house in Resene Quarter Napa but then do the bathrooms in a green. What colour would you recommend please? A. You can have Resene Quarter Napa in your master bedroom, with a green in the ensuite, as long as they complement each other – it is a good idea to keep the ceiling and trim colour the same. The green will also need to pair with your ensuite flooring. Try Resene Conch, Resene Sorrento or Resene Tasman. October 2024 |
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Q. We are painting the interior of a house we have purchased which is 10 years old. We chose Resene Half Wan White for walls and ceilings, but have had conflicting advice about painting both surfaces the same colour. Would it be best to paint the walls Resene Wan White and ceilings Resene Half Wan White. The house has a lot of floor to ceiling windows but presently the yellower colour makes the house dark. A. If you are wanting to ensure good light into the room then I suggest painting the ceiling Resene Half Wan White – painting the ceiling the same colour as the walls works well if you are wanting to create a more intimate vibe, but it also means that the ceiling (if standard height) colour can appear darker than the walls – by painting the ceiling Resene Half Wan White and the walls Resene Wan White – the two colours are going to look similar anyway. October 2024 |
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Q. We have painted our roof Resene Double Ironsand and are planning to paint the cedar trim, garage door, guttering and plaster this summer. Our brick is orange. A. I suggest painting the garage door Resene Ironsand and the guttering Resene Ironsand. If you are painting the eaves then this will simplify and modernise the scheme – as you will be able to paint the timber fascia, eaves, and plaster Resene Merino or Resene Half Merino – whichever pairs better with the front door frame. Alternatively, if you are not repainting the eaves then I advise you to paint the fascias Resene Ironsand, as a neutral might not pair well with the current colour of the eaves. October 2024 |
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Q. We are painting the exterior of our home on Waiheke Island. I've selected Resene Quarter Rice Cake as the main colour and Resene Black for the trim. Would COLORSTEEL® go with this for the roof? Do COLORSTEEL® colours come in Resene testpots? A. Yes, it should pair. The Resene equivalent in a testpot is called Resene Lattitude. For an alternative to Resene Black for the trim and I recommend you try Resene Armadillo as well. Resene has testpots of COLORSTEEL® colours using the equivalent Resene colour. I recommend Resene CoolColour paint for the trim – the colour looks the same, but the cool colour paint reflects the heat away from the colour helping to protect the substrate. October 2024 |
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Q. Our old villa needs a paint job of the exterior walls. The original colour was Resene Tea. We would like a similar colour but with less reflective glare. We would like it also to blend in with our mature garden. We have already painted our windows semi-gloss white. A. You might like to try Resene Quarter Stonewall, Resene Cougar or Resene Half Craigieburn. October 2024 |
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Q. We have a few house plants with green, grey and black accessories, wood floors and wood furniture of varying depths. We were leaning toward Resene Rice Cake for our walls, though we're not sure about using a quarter version of it on the trim as we're worried about it looking too green/yellow overall. I think we'd prefer a crisper white to provide more brightness if that wouldn’t look too strange. What white would you suggest for the trim and doors? Also, what do we choose for the ceiling? Or is there a colour better than Resene Rice Cake that might suit? Resene Black White was too cold looking and we don't like beige whites. A. If you don't want the walls to feel too cream/yellow, perhaps try Resene Half Rice Cake with Resene Half Alabaster for the ceilings, trims, and doors. For an alternative try Resene Merino for the walls – it has a green/grey/warm undertone, so should pair with your accessories, plants, and wood. For the ceilings, trims and doors try Resene Quarter Merino or Resene Half Alabaster. October 2024 |
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Q. We are changing our open plan living areas in our newly purchased house from all greige to a lighter palette to maximise light. We are considering Half Bianca or Resene Quarter Bianca on walls and trim with possibly Resene Swiss Coffee on doors. The kitchen and aluminium joinery are black, existing carpet and the curtains are a minky brown with very large cream rug. The soft furnishings are now an oatmeal couch and duck egg blue armchairs. Can you please comment or suggest an alternative? A. I do like the potential of the coffee-coloured doors and warm white walls; however, I feel Resene Quarter Bianca is a bit too pale. I do suggest trying Resene Half Bianca for the walls and trims. The Resene Bianca family can have a lemon undertone in some lights (mostly very sunny areas) and that might clash with the carpet – you could also try Resene Half Milk White for a paler alternative to the truffle family or Resene Chalk Dust, but Resene Half Bianca will illuminate a room if it is on the darker side. Resene Swiss Coffee is lovely but might throw a pink undertone – so it is whether you mind that – this will be more evident in darker areas. For an alternative with any of the above suggestions try Resene Tide. October 2024 |
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Q. I'm trying to choose a wall colour for a new kitchen. The colours of the benchtop will be black-grey flecked with pale/silvery grey and there's a bit of brown tone in there too. Looking at the Resene swatches I have to hand, the cabinetry is similar to Resene Half Ash or Resene Quarter Ash. I'm looking for a light neutral, with a bit of colour that works with the other colours, but provides a lighter contrast – space for the other colours to step forward rather than being a feature itself. Resene Quarter Joanna tones in with the other colours, but I'm worried it's too flat/grey – it makes the other colours appear lifeless and feels a bit cool. Resene Bianca is fresh and has some life to it – but I think it's a bit creamy for the surrounding colours. I tried variants of Resene Sea Fog and Resene Black White, but they were definitely too grey; also variants of Bianca (Double, Half and Quarter) which didn't work as well as straight Resene Bianca. If you have any suggestions for directions to try this would be much appreciated! A. Resene Quarter Joanna shouldn’t appear too grey; however, it may be because it is too pale to balance the stronger cooler kitchen palette. Try Resene Half Ecru White, Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream (may be a bit light but warmer than Resene Joanna) or Resene Half Milk White. October 2024 |
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Q. We are doing an extension to our Lockwood bach. We are thinking of replacing the roof with COLORSTEEL® Ironsand, leaving the existing Lockwood walls white and the extension is at right angles to the existing building and cladding in vertical board. Any suggestions for the colour of the new cladding which we would probably also paint the bottom weatherboard on the Lockwood portion. We are thinking both the gutter and barge board would be ironsand as well. The new cladding is James Hardie Axon vertical panelling. A. With your scheme I suggest Ironsand for the window joinery and Resene White Pointer or Resene Sea Fog for the white. For the Axon panels try Resene Dune or Resene Masala. October 2024 |
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Q. We are looking for an exterior wall colour that goes with a Windsor Grey roof and windows and a New Denim Blue door. We live rurally so don’t want anything too glary. A. Try Resene Gull Grey, Resene Half Silver Chalice, Resene Delta, Resene Grey Chateau or Resene Triple Sea Fog. October 2024 |
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Q. We are building a plywood clad cabin. We are going to stain it brown with Resene English Walnut (to match parts of our existing house). I am trying to decide what colour joinery and metal roof would look best for the cabin. I am thinking charcoal grey/black for both the joinery and metal roof? Thoughts? A. Yes, I suggest FlaxPod for the roof and joinery, which will pair well with Resene English Walnut. Being a plywood cabin, it will look great blended with one tone of colour – it may not suit paler joinery for example. FlaxPod is darker than Resene English Walnut, it has warmth to it and was developed to suit many NZ environments. You might want to investigate using a CoolColour stain, to minimise the heat that timber will get with a dark colour. October 2024 |
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Q. We are currently repainting our house, using Resene Half Shark on the front of our home. We wish to add a few pots for colour. What do you suggest? A. I suggest a yellow based colour such as Resene Half Turbo an orange colour such as Resene Vesuvius, a green like Resene Citrus or a deep blue such as Resene Aviator. One of these colours may also work for the front door and could be repeated onto pots. October 2024 |
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Q. We have a largish monolithic home facing the sea that we intend to paint with Resene X-200. There are a couple of decks and some dark brown stained woodwork. Can you suggest a colour that will best cope with the conditions and look contemporary? I have some liking for white/black being one from the neutral palette. A. Resene Sea Fog is a great versatile white that suits a lot of claddings and environments and isn't too stark. There is also the option of Resene Double Sea Fog and Resene Triple Sea Fog – these are less white – however, whites can be glary in harsh environments so it might be worth investigating Resene Double Sea Fog. October 2024 |
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Q. I am using Resene Quarter White Pointer on weatherboards and Resene Double Masala on gates and the front door. I am using Resene Alabaster on joinery. I am looking to introduce another colour to the concrete walls etc alongside the Resene Quarter White Pointer to show some contrast but be complementary to the other colours. A. I suggest Resene Double Truffle for contrast and balance to the other colours. October 2024 |
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Q. I am painting the exterior of our place and I am looking for a timeless look. The brand new windows are a Resene Silver Chalice colour and there is new rough cast on the walls. I was looking at Resene Surrender and the brand new roof in a dark grey but I want all the colours to blend in but still see a slight difference. A. I suggest a dark roof such as Windsor Grey (Resene Noir). This looks great with your window colour, otherwise you may end up with greys that are all too close and look mismatched. I suggest keeping the walls and soffit the same grey. Try Resene Surrender or Resene Half Silver Chalice for the walls and soffit. October 2024 |
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Q. We have a large home painted throughout in Resene Double Pearl Lusta which I am not fond of. I intend to minimise the yellow and definitely will repaint the hallway and bedrooms a lighter, more modern tone, but definitely not a version of the same! Meanwhile, I am wondering if just painting the doors a different colour in the living areas might make a huge difference. If it works I will do this right through with all the doors. So can you tell me colours that are in the same family but not so yellow and more modern and also contrasting colours that would go well? I don't want to paint the walls unnecessarily so what would you suggest? A. Painting the doors is not going to be enough to reduce the yellow in the walls – you can improve the overall scheme by painting them a lighter warm white which will modernise the scheme – try Resene Bianca for the doors – perhaps this is a colour you could also continue onto the walls. October 2024 |
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Q. I have a Fraemohs house. I would like to paint the exterior which is currently a dark stain. The windows are faded New Denim Blue. The roof and deck railings are Grey Friars as this matches the windows. We have been told we need to go a light colour. What would you recommend? The timber has knots in it so not too light as we may not cover this? A. Try Resene Half Stack, Resene Cloudy or Resene Triple Concrete. October 2024 |
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Q. We started on our house painting out the brown with Resene Porter. We placed an order for a Slate door and they are out of that colour until next year. They have suggested Karaka, Ironsand or FlaxPod. Which would you suggest as the best substitute for Slate to work with the Resene Porter we have used on the house? A. It is very frustrating when that happens – in this instance if it is just the door then look at it as a feature and go deeper – FlaxPod is a fabulous colour and will still work. Karaka is too green (and a bit dated), Ironsand tones with Resene Porter but it won’t work for the door, as it is paler than Resene Porter.  Resene Porter October 2024 |
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Q. I have a heritage style fence painted in Resene Black White. I was keen to make the house look fresh and crisp. I have colour samples of Resene Sail and Raindance, but have gone off the idea of these hues. I have previously had green accents, and also brown accents like the garage. A. It looks uniform when the fence relates to the house – in this instance if the fence is of heritage style then I suggest matching it to the main weatherboard colour. October 2024 |
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Q. We have Resene Stonehenge on our house and an Ironsand roof. We want to paint the old pine deck but are not sure what colour would look good? A. Try Resene Half Gauntlet, Resene Eighth Ironsand or Resene Quarter Friar Greystone. For darker colours consider Resene CoolColour paint as this will help deflect heat away from the substrate and be cooler underfoot – typically darker colours attract more heat.  Resene Eighth Ironsand October 2024 |
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Q. I have been fortunate to be gifted Resene Half White Pointer and intend to paint all my interior walls, and am looking for a soft white to paint all my doors, skirting and ceiling. A. Try Resene Quarter Black White or Resene Half Black White for less contrast. October 2024 |
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Q. My house is from 1945 and is an old bungalow. I’d like to repaint my kitchen cupboards a and walls and ceiling a calm colour. We're close to the sea so want something coastal and tranquil. A. Have a look at Resene Black White for your walls and pair it up with Resene Alabaster for your ceilings, cabinetry internal door, window frames and skirtings. This is an off-white palette but gives a very relaxed vibe and look. If you are wanting more colour, then take a look Resene Quarter Bianca for ceilings, internal door and frames, walls, window frames and skirtings. And for cabinetry Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue. This look is fresh, calm, and clean. October 2024 |
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Q. We are looking at plastering our house after an extension and need some colour inspiration. The roof and joinery is Ironsand. We are either wanting a dark colour to complement the roof and joinery or a light colour options. A. I recommend you try these Resene colours – Resene Double White Pointer, Resene Copyrite, Resene Foggy Grey, Resene Friar Greystone, Resene Half Masala, Resene Castle Rock, Resene Quarter Ironsand or Resene Gauntlet. For darker colours I do recommend investigating Resene CoolColour paint – it helps to minimise heat retention to the substrate, prolonging the life of the colour. October 2024 |
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Q. We are currently tidying up our house to sell and would like some advice on paint colour for the exterior wood. The roof if FlaxPod and it has red brick, grey aluminium and white spouting/barge/eaves. We are just looking for a suitable colour for the wood, thinking a neutral. A. I suggest you try a lighter neutral such as Resene Triple Truffle (enough contrast to the white and windows) or a deeper neutral such as Resene Half Baltic Sea. October 2024 |
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Q. We are repainting and carpeting the whole house. The carpet colour is Bremworth Charmeuse Woodland (dark green). We are thinking a light colour for both the walls and ceiling with a hint of warm green. One adjoining room (kitchen/dining) has a hint of yellow on the walls and ceiling. The walls and ceiling are tight stopped. A. Try Resene Half Thorndon Cream, Resene Joanna or Resene Half Joanna – the latter two may work better with the adjoining room. October 2024 |
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Q. I'm looking for a colour a shade darker than Resene Triple White Pointer. Can you please let me know some options? A. Try Resene Cloud, Resene Double Truffle or Resene Credence. If none of the above work out for you – your local Resene ColorShop could arrange a colour formulation of quadruple Resene White Pointer for you via our Colour Lab. October 2024 |
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Q. We are currently renovating a one storey house on a narrow site so the bedroom side has a path and lots of foliage. The bedroom has one small window so it's dark, and the light that does get in casts a green tinge. How do I choose a colour that isn't adversely affected by the light? I seem to end up looking at anything with a green undertone (Resene Thorndon Cream, Resene Lemon Grass etc). I wondered about one of the Resene Ash variations and add colour with accessories but I have overthought everything as the room is dark it will probably need artificial light a lot, How do I factor that into the effect of light? The carpet is charcoal and the long curtains are a very pale silvery beigy colour. I have the same problem with the ensuite. It has a black vanity, light wood plank floor and I would like to do the walls in something warm and a little more colourful than green tinged neutrals, but still blend with the bedroom. A. Resene Quarter Ash might work well for you – it can morph between cool and warm so with artificial lighting use warm coloured bulbs and add strategically placed lamps or floor lamps. Alternatively, Resene Rice Cake has a hint of green and grey, so the green outside is absorbed. For the bathroom Resene Quarter Ash would look lovely, but if you want something a bit more colourful you could choose a warmer neutral such as Resene Albescent White, Resene Double Blanc, Resene Half Truffle or Resene Truffle. These colours will look deeper in low light. October 2024 |
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Q. For our last two houses (Aus and NZ) we enjoyed using Resene paints. Now we are back renovating a simple 70s brick house in a small rural town. My partner is a sculptor and we have some great spaces within the home for our large scale paintings. We want to carry our love of art to the exterior of the property without being too extreme in a conservative small rural town. The front (north facing) and one side of the house (east facing) will be rendered, the remainder will stay brick. This was due to resizing some and replaced all windows and doors. The roof will be COLORBOND® Shale Grey. The bullnose veranda roof will be replaced with a Shale Grey slanting veranda insulated roof and an overhang will be added along the rest of the front of the house. The veranda will be a honey based timber look with wire ship style railings. The veranda posts will be painted the same as the rendered house. The windows are all new with white metal. For the house colour – we are wanting a medium blue based grey and have looked at Resene Half Tuna but wonder if this is too harsh. What are your thoughts on another medium grey (blue base) to team with Shale Grey for the roofing? For the front door we are wanting a blue base purple as a feature colour. We have been looking at Resene Bullitt (blue base purple) but is this too dark? What are your thoughts on painting the timber door frame of the front door? Should it be the house colour or the door colour or a mix? A. I agree Resene Half Tuna is a bit heavy. Try Resene Triple Concrete – this pairs very well with Resene Bullitt which is lovely for the front door – perhaps consider using a gloss finish just for the door. For the door frames – I suggest keeping these white to match the windows and lighten the overall appearance of this area, or if this doesn't appeal paint the frame the same colour as the house. October 2024 |
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Q. Could Resene Vantage Point work for a bedroom with a high level of light? Our main bedroom gets direct morning sun, has a large bay window, pine radiata flooring and opens to an ensuite (browns and beiges) and a WIR. I’d like to add some cabinetry into the bedroom to tie into the ensuite cabinetry which will be a darker timber grain. The rest of the house interior is in Resene Double Alabaster. Accents around the house are muted greens and blues predominantly. Could you make a couple of recommendations for a colour? Something moody and cosy, not necessarily green if you have a reason to recommend otherwise. A. Yes, Resene Vantage Point could work in a brighter room – it may bring out the greyness, so it appears sager. You might like to also try Resene Half Rivergum, Resene Hollyford Track or Resene Flax. A cooler brown might also work – the deeper tones are good for brighter rooms as well – try Resene Kia Kaha or Resene Outlaw.  Resene Hollyford Track  Resene Vantage Point October 2024 |
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Q. I’m looking for a warm white for an interior. No cream/yellow. But perhaps something a green tint? I have Resene Foggy Grey from the Karen Walker Collection on the exterior. A. Try Resene Half Milk White (also from the Karen Walker Collection), Resene Half Sea Fog or Resene Merino. Depending on light – these types of whites can morph between warm and cool – so paint two coats of testpots onto A2 card and move around the spaces to see what you prefer. October 2024 |
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Q. How do I find out what colours my house is painted? It is a blue grey. I am looking to replace the roof with COLORSTEEL® and would like to know the colours I have to help decide. A. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to match online as colour seen online is not accurate. What most people do is take home a range of grey charts from a Resene ColorShop and hold the chips up to the paint until you find the closest, otherwise you will be taking too many testpots home from an online match. Resene chips are actual paint so that helps. Staff will be happy to assist with finding the correct range of grey palettes for you. For your roof some popular suggestions you might like to consider, with your existing scheme are Grey Friars, Windsor Grey or Monument.  COLORSTEEL® Monument October 2024 |
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Q. I am in the process of replacing all my aluminium joinery in Windsor Grey. My house is 45+ years old with the old Rimu weatherboards. We are located in a rural area. Can you please advise on some colour schemes. A. Option one: Resene Grey Seal for the weatherboards, Resene Poured Milk for the soffit and spouting and Resene Gauntlet for the base and all timber work including the deck. Option two: Resene Triple Black White for weatherboards, soffit and spouting, Resene Times Square for the base and timber work of the deck and Resene Squall for the deck only. Consider using the CoolColour version for all dark colours to reflect more heat.  Resene Poured Milk  Resene Grey Seal  Resene Times Square October 2024 |
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Q. We have an Ironsand roof and similar coloured joinery. 2.5 sides of our rectangle house are weatherboard with the other 1.5 vertical Abodo. We want to paint the weatherboards a darker colour to match the roof but not clash with the doors/windows. We also want advice on a colour for the soffits. We are coastal and the north side of the house has an ocean view. A. Colours which you might like to consider are Resene Gauntlet, Resene Cobblestone, Resene Double Friar Greystone, Resene Half Masala or any lighter variant of Resene Ironsand such as Resene Half Ironsand. When choosing a dark colour we recommend using a CoolColour paint – this helps to protect the substrate from heat related issues. October 2024 |
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Q. We are painting the exterior of our existing end of our house following an extension to the house. The extension in cedar was completed with Resene Waterborne Woodsman Smokey Ash. The trim on the new extension to the house is in Resene Sea Fog. We are looking for some help for a colour for the brickwork that complements the cedar. We are considering a lighter colour but want to get the balance right with white joinery. We have considered Resene Sea Fog given the existing wood trim. Could you please give us some colour suggestions? We probably prefer the lighter neutral shades but would like something to complement the cedar and also the white joinery. A. To differentiate from the white joinery but in keeping with the Resene Sea Fog family – I suggest the brickwork to be Resene Double Sea Fog or Resene Triple Sea Fog – one or other will look better depending on depth, as all colours appear brighter outside. September 2024 |
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Q. I’m looking for a softish sage green with a bit of grey. I’m also after a dark colour, either a warmer, deep grey or something in the deep blue/teal tones – not a navy. A. Try these colours:
 Resene Helix September 2024 |
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Q. We are building a house that is about to start and are currently planning for selections on the interior such as our colour choices. We like the freshness of a white on white paint scheme which will allow us to add colour through art and other items in the house. For context, we have FlaxPod joinery. Although this is a warmer colour, we do like Resene Quarter Black White as we are looking at 'up and over' for both wall and ceilings. We have seen other examples where Resene Quarter Black White has been used across all areas i.e. walls, ceilings, doors and architrave, which looks quite good as they has different finishes because of paint type and doors/architrave being sprayed. Our question is, should we going with another colour for doors, skirting and architrave to go alongside Resene Quarter Black White for walls and ceilings, and is this generally a slightly darker or lighter colour? We're trying not to overthink it but just want to ensure we considered the options with some expert advice. A. With a colour as pale as Resene Quarter Black White for the walls, any other white will mostly look darker alongside it for the architraves and doors etc, and this can enclose the space a little. I suggest with your scheme that you colour drench all substrates with Resene Quarter Black White. September 2024 |
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Q. My roof is COLORSTEEL® Slate. I plan to paint the COLORSTEEL® garage door and the concrete basement the same colour in a slightly contrasting grey. What colour do you suggest? A. Try Resene Boris. This is equivalent to half strength Slate. Resene Boris September 2024 |
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Q. We are replacing the roof on a white painted house while retaining the Resene Sandstone gutter. We would prefer to have a Grey Friars roof – question is will that work ok with the Resene Sandstone gutter? A. Not really – they are from two different families – Grey Friars is quite a cool toned grey and Resene Sandstone is warm. I suggest you either paint the gutter Resene Grey Friars to match or reconsider the roof colour. Alternative options for the roof if retaining the Sandstone are Monument or FlaxPod – these are also currently popular options, although Grey Friars is still in vogue. September 2024 |
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Q. I'm looking for an exterior paint colour to go with a grey tile roof and cream aluminium windows. The exterior is stucco, single storey. The house is 30 years old. It’s currently painted cream. I’m thinking of a sandy taupe colour but would love some ideas please. A. Try Resene Half Bison Hide, Resene Half Cougar or Resene Half Taupe Grey. September 2024 |
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Q. I have received colour advice in the past but I had a further question. We've painted a small part of the exterior in our planned colour scheme (Resene Tana, Resene Quarter Ironstone, Resene Half Sea Fog) but we also have some horizontal boards at the top of the house under the gable that we think should be a different colour to these. Resene Quarter Ironstone will only be used for the door and decorative trim on the house (maybe the guttering and we're replacing the balcony with glass barriers). I don't want the house to look too cold/austere. Is there a warmish colour that we can use for the horizontal boards that will go with these other colours? I was thinking either a darker green, brown or a purple/brown but am open to your suggestions. A. I suggest for the boards to try Resene Hollyford Track. This is an olive brown based green – I feel a deeper brown or purple/brown might be a bit heavy. September 2024 |
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Q. I have a 1950s brick house with a red clay tile roof that cannot be painted. Currently the base of the hose is a yellow/creamy colour with a horrible pink seeping through, I also have a Versatile garage in the front that has cream coloured walls and dark green and a very faded roof. I would love some ideas to give this a nice street appeal and not look like a bag of licorice allsorts. A. I suggest Resene Masala for the base of the house, garage walls and garage doors to simplify the scheme. Resene Masala pairs with most brick and has a hint of green which will pair with the garage roof. Alternatively, you might like to try Resene Half Ironsand. September 2024 |
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Q. We are using Resene Ayers Rock on the outside of a building and we are looking to use a red colour as a highlight. I was hoping you might have a suggestion. A. Depending on where you are using the red as a highlight –you might like to investigate a brighter red such as Resene Poppy or Resene Pohutukawa, a complementary orange red like Resene Red Red Red or Resene Lusty, or an earthy red such as Resene Persian Red. September 2024 |
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Q. I need a colour for an exterior terrace. But not red. ‘Safe’ colour preferences would be a pale grey with dark grey or white detailing. However we are open to looking at more colour options. Potentially in the more terracotta palette range. A. Resene Cape Palliser is nice – earthier than an orange terracotta but in various lights the yellow and rust will be evident. Resene Chelsea Gem is similar tonings but less brown. September 2024 |
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Q. I am planning to paint my house in Resene Abacus (because I saw a house painted this colour and asked for the name!). I need to choose a 'white' for the window frames and other trim. I am having a little trouble with this! I want to achieve a calm, peaceful effect. Resene Abacus has a sort of grey-ish look to it so I wondered about a slightly grey white but am not sure. How do I go about choosing? Do you have any suggestions? A. Yes, it is a lovely blue. If you want a peaceful calming effect then I suggest choosing a softer/warmer white that isn't too pale such as Resene Wan White, Resene Half Sea Fog or Resene Half Cararra. September 2024 |
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Q. We are looking at changing the colour and repainting the board and batten areas and joinery on our warm brick house. We were thinking about changing it to a white colour of some sort and wondered what you're most popular white options are to match up with brick? Also wondered your thoughts on keeping the board and batten a grey colour and then doing the window joinery in white? A. If you are going to change the window colour to make the scheme work, I would suggest painting the concrete base and path walls the same colour as the board and batten, and the bargeboards, fascia, and ornamental details the same white as the windows. This will create balance with the scheme when you are introducing a new colour. For the greys and whites – you might like to try Resene Half Foggy Grey with Resene Quarter Bianca, or Resene Triple Concrete with Resene Double Alabaster. The whites suggested are slightly warm as they team better with the brick. September 2024 |
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Q. We have just purchased a new property with multiple sheds that need a tidy up. I am wanting advice/recommendations for colours, specifically for this hangar. Our house is a mixture of cream Summerhill stone brick and then dark grey weatherboards on the eaves. A. I suggest you paint the hangar and sheds all one colour – a warm off black that will pair with your house and environment. Resene Element is a warm, dark charcoal that was created to suit most NZ environments, it works well in a rural setting. You might want to investigate Resene CoolColour paint which helps to minimise the heat retention with darker colours. September 2024 |
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Q. Our new addition includes a kitchen/lounge room/dining room. The windows are double glazed black. The flooring will be engineered timber blackbutt. The bench tops will be white (pearl white from Zenith surfaces) and I am looking for a contrasting colour. I would like a taupe look. I want to go more for the brown taupes rather than grey – I looked at Resene Double Perfect Taupe for the island bench and Resene Half Perfect Taupe for the cupboards and at a warm or crisp white for the ceiling and walls. But I am not sure. Maybe you can suggest a better colour arrangement. On the floor in the lounge and kitchen I will have rich coloured rugs – deep red, navy blue/tan colours. My lounge is navy blue leather. A. I believe your combination is fabulous! You might also like to try warmer Resene Eighth Joss or Resene Quarter Joss for the cabinetry with Karen Walker Jetsam Brown for the island. For the walls investigate Resene Quarter White Pointer or Resene Half Sea Fog – I wouldn’t go too warm or stark. You can increase the crispness by painting trims and ceilings Resene White. September 2024 |
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Q. Our kitchen colour looks like Resene Aspiring. I want to repaint the walls and trim. It would be great for that colour to go in the small hallway which is too dark. It’s an old cottage and not open plan. What colour options do you suggest? A. See if any of these combinations appeal: Resene Quarter Linen with Resene Quarter Black White for the trim, Resene Half Joanna with Resene Quarter Bianca for the trim or Resene Half Ecru White with Resene Alabaster for the trim. September 2024 |
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Q. We have recently completed a renovation/extension on an old house and are after some advice on an exterior paint colour. We have painted the house with a coat of Resene Half Silver chalice which we think looks too cool against the timber cladding we have used on the extension and would like to consider using a warmer white/grey. We are considering Resene Double White Pointer. The baseboards and the dark wall are painted in Resene Element and the roof is Resene Grey Friars. We would be interested to hear your thoughts regarding some colour options for the weatherboards which would work in with the timber and if we are on the right track with the Resene Double White Pointer? A. It is not often I don't recommend alternative options to try, but with your scheme the trick is to bridge the gap between the cooler Resene Grey Friars and the slightly warmer Resene Element, without the weatherboards being too pale, and I feel you have done this by choosing Resene Double White Pointer – it looks great on weatherboards as a colour and that's important too. I have considered other options but keep coming back to Double White Pointer myself so well done! September 2024 |
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Q. I’m painting an exterior house in the Hawkes’ Bay. I’ve used Resene Half Merino before which I really like, but my son wants something more white based. He’s not keen on a creamy white. Which is warmer Resene Half Black White or Resene Double Alabaster? Or any other recommendations please. I don’t want a cold white. Inside the house has a mix of rooms facing different directions. A. Consider Resene Alabaster – surprisingly, it can be quite warm – where Resene Double Alabaster is slightly greyer. The Resene Black White family is cooler. Most whites do not work in South Facing rooms as it is too stark – you will need to dress the rooms with lots of texture and warmer accessories/soft furnishing colours – or a warmer white will be a bit more welcoming like Resene Quarter Rice Cake. September 2024 |
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Q. We need a suggestion to repaint our house. We have a new FlaxPod roof and FlaxPod on the base of the house and all the surrounding fences are in FlaxPod. What would be best to go with that? A. See if any of these Resene colours appeal: Resene Quill Grey, Resene Triple Merino, Resene Triple Sea Fog, Resene Cloud, Resene Copyrite, Resene Castle Rock or Resene Quarter Taupe Grey. September 2024 |
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Q. I have a 60s house, with multiple cladding types and an extension from various additions. I want to create a more cohesive look by painting them the same colour with a complementary colour for the window frames. I have a Ironsand roof and guttering, and fences. There is also a large kwila deck to be stained or painted. It is in a Canterbury coastal location. I’m torn between going dark or light. I don't like greys or very brown colours. A. Try the following combinations to get you started. Ironsand is a warm smoky brown, so you are already in the brown palette, the following Resene colours pair well with Ironsand and a soft white for the windows. Try Resene Double White Pointer with Resene Half Black White for the windows, Resene Double Rice Cake with Resene Eighth Rice Cake for the windows, Resene Eighth Masala with Resene Half Bianca for the windows, Resene Quarter Ironsand with Resene Alabaster windows or Resene Bokara Grey with Resene Sea Fog windows. September 2024 |
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Q. We need to paint the exterior of our house but I am stuck on which white will suit it best. It has a terracotta coloured concrete tile roof and pale green aluminium windows. I wanted to paint it white to move it out of the 1990s (cream colour) freshen it up and maybe give a nod to the Mediterranean style with the terracotta roof. We won't be changing the roof or the window colours in the near future, but I am considering changing the front door colour. If I was able to change the door and aluminium windows I would probably go for black. We are also starting with painting the front fence and I have tried Resene Black White and Resene Sea Fog testpots on it (recommended to us as a clean white) but I can't decide on which might look better on the house as it's such a different size and surface. A. I feel Resene Black White is a bit cold and stark with a terracotta roof. All colours including whites brighten and lighten on an exterior façade – consider Resene Double Sea Fog or Resene Merino which is warmer but not cream outside. Both whites will pair with the existing window colour and potentially black windows. For the front door try a warm dark off black such as Resene Element – this will still pair with black windows but presently will work with the green windows and terracotta roof. A gloss finish such as Resene Super Gloss or Resene Enamacryl would look stunning. September 2024 |
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Q. I think I am going to go with Resene Concrete for my main weatherboard colour as I like the bit of depth it gives compared to Resene Sea Fog. I am just wondering about what white I choose for the window surrounds. I have been told that the Appliance White of my windows works with Resene Black White. So I have tried that and Resene Half Sea Fog. My view is that the Resene Half Sea Fog works just as well as the Resene Black White but is slightly less of a bright white which I think I quite like. Do you think using Resene Concrete and Resene Half Sea Fog together would work ok? A. Yes – Resene Half Sea Fog looks lovely with Resene Concrete. Resene Half Sea Fog will brighten a bit outside anyways and is a popular option with Resene Concrete. September 2024 |
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Q. We are building a house and need some help with colour. We have chosen Ebony for the roofing and would like to match the fascia with this colour – could you please tell me the Resene match? The joinery is Protexture Black and the front door is Manic Dijon. We want to paint the specialised plaster as dark as possible (the chosen paint system must have a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of no less than 25). The Oblique on the garage wing needs to be contrasting to the plaster but not black, a mid to dark charcoal would be great. And finally we need a soffit colour to tie it all together. Could you please give some recommendations for plaster, Oblique and the soffit? A. Resene's match to Ebony is Resene All Black. For the plaster try Resene Trojan or Resene Gauntlet. For the Oblique try Resene Foundry or Resene Fuscous Grey. For the soffit try Resene Triple Black White or Resene Half Atmosphere. I think the combos that will work best are Resene Trojan with Resene Foundry or Resene Gauntlet with Resene Fuscous Grey. September 2024 |
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Q. I am looking at painting the exterior of my house. I’m thinking Resene Black White with black trim on the windows and black on the concrete base. I’m just not sure what black and if black would stand the test of time and heat etc. I’m also wondering if the fascia should be black or white? We want to modernise the look so are open to options. I was thinking of going all black with white trim but I’m not sure if I’m brave enough. It is a small square box of a house. A. I recommend to keep the windows, fascia and soffit light. For the weatherboards I suggest a dark grey or off black – I feel black will be a little harsh – try Resene Tuna or Resene Bokara Grey – these colours will need to pair with your roof colour as well. For the whites try Resene Half Bianca or Resene Half Sea Fog. September 2024 |
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Q. We have Resene Moon Mist in our living room, which we love, but then without really considering how well they suit each other we chose Resene Evolution for our adjoining dining room, because it looks great with our hardwood floors. We're not sure the two colours work that well together, what are your thoughts? We know we like Resene Evolution more if we have to redo the living room. Could you recommend a complementary colour to Resene Evolution for our living room that is an earthy, calming colour – nothing too bold (as we'd like Resene Evolution to be the bold feature colour in the house), but not too neutral either. Maybe a beigey, brown? We have beige carpet. We also need advice on a colour that will go in the hallway that also adjoins the Resene Evolution dining room. Perhaps this could be the same colour as living room, to flow through the house? We are keen for some advice and ideas. A. Resene Moon Mist does pair with Resene Evolution, but it may be a bit pale, and I feel you are right in thinking a more muted neutral might work better. Try Resene Eighth Friar Greystone, Resene Cloud or Resene Double White Pointer. For the hallway you can certainly take the same colour through, and I recommend it. September 2024 |
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Q. I'm wondering if you'd be able to provide me a colour recommendation. We're painting the exterior of our house and haven't quite found the right colour. We are looking at a colour very similar to Resene Quarter Napa. However we would like something slightly darker and a little more brown. We tried a testpot of Resene Quarter Napa and Resene Napa, but both were a little too green for us. Do you have a recommendation for something of a similar shade but more on the brown side? A. Try Resene Quarter Heathered Grey, Resene Heathered Grey or Resene Rockbottom. September 2024 |
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Q. I am repainting some Resene Spanish White walls in my house. I would like to add some contract by painting the doors and skirting boards Resene Quarter Tea and a feature wall in the lounge of Resene Quarter Karaka. Would this work do you think? A. Resene Spanish White is a good shade for creating tonal layers from one colour. I suggest that you decide whether you want the skirtings, doors and trim to be darker which can enclose a room or lighter – try Resene Double Spanish White or Resene Quarter Spanish White. Resene Quarter Karaka will be lovely as a feature – consider the product and sheen level for your feature wall – Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen is a durable, low sheen, waterborne enamel, which means being a durable paint the finish remains looking better for longer and it gives a lovely subtle, smooth appearance to the green. September 2024 |
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Q. I have a large two level villa set in the Titirangi bush. I am in the process of having the exterior painted and can't quite decide which way to go. Currently a new section was painted with Resene Half Thorndon cream for weatherboards and Resene Half Black White for trims etc. I’m wondering if the full Resene Thorndon Cream would be a better choice but am also concerned it may be too dark for the entire house, which is quite a large canvas. I have testpots everywhere but just not sure if there is a principle to follow. A. Although you are in the bush, colours tend to appear lighter outside – especially on a larger frame, therefore if you like the look of Resene Half Thorndon Cream then I suggest Resene Thorndon Cream will work quite well – it is also a touch greener which will be nice in this setting. It is a lovely neutral for a two storied villa and there will be better contrast with Resene Half Black White. It is not overly dark – it has the right depth. I suggest a testpot of Resene Thorndon Cream if you haven’t already tested the colour. September 2024 |
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Q. We have a concrete base house and wooden top. What colours would you recommend? The wood is unpainted at the moment and we want something clean and fresh that doesn’t stand out too much. When one paints two colours, does the darker one go on the top or bottom? What would Resene Concrete and Resene Armadillo look like? I think the roof would be good Ironsand. A. Typically, if a house appears visually high the base colour is darker, so it grounds the house. If your house has more of a horizontal appearance then you could paint the darker colour on top along with the railings and paint the lighter colour on the base, fascia, and eaves for balance. Ironsand will be perfect for the roof and will pair with Resene Armadillo for the top timber cladding – consider Resene CoolColour formula for the timber cladding as it helps to deflect the harmful sun's rays away from the substrate, reducing heat related issues. Resene Concrete will appear very pale outside and might be a bit too much of a contrast with Resene Armadillo – try Resene Triple Concrete. September 2024 |
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Q. I want to paint my walls Resene Half Milk White. What colour would go well around the windows and architraves? I would like to keep it light like the walls. A. You could try Resene Half Alabaster for a fresh crisp white or Resene Quarter Milk White for a tonal effect, depending on what you prefer. September 2024 |
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Q. We are designing a home and the exterior will be a combination of Linea board and Rockcote. I would like a dark grey for the Linea and lighter contrasting colour for the plaster but I can’t seem to come up with colours that don’t look cold and uninviting. Any suggestions? A. You might want to investigate greys which have an olive or brown undertone – but are dark enough to still appear grey, and neutrals which have a warm undertone without being too cream. It will depend on your joinery and roof colour to how they work. For the dark greys try Resene Armadillo, Resene Porter, Resene Solstice, Resene Boris, Resene Double Tapa, Resene Double Stack, Resene Fuscous Grey or Resene Half Fuscous Grey. For whites try Resene Wan White, Resene Triple White Pointer, Resene Double Merino, Resene Double Rice Cake or Resene Triple Truffle. Choose three dark greys and three whites (or all if you prefer) – so you have a good amount to compare – paint testpots (two coats) onto an offcut of each substrate or A2 card is available at Resene ColorShops.  Resene Solstice Resene Boris Resene Porter September 2024 |
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Q. We are painting our house using the colour Resene Merino. Our second colour was going to be Resene Grey Friars for the borders and roof. We have painted our surrounding fences Resene Black. We have only done one side but now with the new black fences I am not sure Resene Grey Friars is the right colour as it looks very blue. Any advice on a colour to go with Resene Merino? We want to avoid browns. A. Try Resene Windswept or Nocturnal. Always test two coats with testpots. September 2024 |
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Q. We have a small cottage/holiday home that we're looking at painting the weatherboards in Resene Blanched Pink, with a COLORSTEEL® Gull Grey roof. Please recommend which white to use for window surrounds and soffit. The joinery is white aluminium. A. If the aluminium is pure white, then I suggest trying a testpot of Resene White to match. There are many shades of white Aluminium windows so it might appear a little creamy next to Arctic White for example which is a blue/white. You will be able to tell by painting two coats onto A2 card and comparing this next to the aluminium joinery. September 2024 |
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Q. I am working on an office fit-out project and would like to stain the new trusses to match the existing. The existing are dark and the new are Oregon timber. Can you please advise: 1. Which stain system would be the most suitable? 2. What would be easiest way to get a colour match? A. Resene Colorwood Ebony is a great colour – it has a brown/black tone, so initially appears darker than the existing trusses – however, as you are applying this to light timber it may appear closer to the existing colour in reality, or there is a Resene Colorwood Reducing Base which can be used and helps to soften the hue. The best idea is to test this on an offcut to see if it achieves the colour. September 2024 |
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Q. We recently painted our fence which surrounds our large deck in Resene Waiouru and we love it. Our deck is currently stained an orangey brown colour and we’d like to restain it a darker green to go with the Resene Waiouru fence. The house colour is Resene Linen. What deck stain colour would you recommend? A. For a dark green I suggest trying Resene Woodsman Canopy or you could opt to paint the deck Resene Half Karaka. Consider a Resene CoolColour formula for the deck – in either stain or paint as darker colours can get hot underfoot and CoolColour technology helps to deflect heat away from the colour ensuring that heat related issues are reduced. You will need to see how the stain adheres to the current stain on the deck – it is recommended to clean the deck with Resene Timber and Deck Wash first before staining. September 2024 |
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Q. What colours would you suggest when trying to achieve this warm white/cream with a darker trim? I’m definitely wanting warmth in the wall colour still and not a stark white, and perhaps not as dark as some of these trims, but still enough to have the same effect/feel. A. Try Resene Half Albescent White with Resene Triple Blanc or Resene Blanc, Resene Milk White with Resene Quarter Cougar, Resene Half Sea Fog with Resene Quarter Tea or Resene Half Caraway or Resene Quarter Rice Cake with Resene Eighth Bison Hide. September 2024 |
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Q. For the main cladding we have Rockcote Graphex and for feature cladding James Hardie Axon Exterior cladding – mainly in Resene Black White with a feature in Resene All Black. We would like to change the feature cladding to a white or cream colour. What would be the best colour to suit the main cladding please? A. Try Resene Double Merino (warmer) or Resene Double Black White (cooler) – both will look whiter outside but will give a subtle contrast – if that is not enough contrast – then perhaps Resene Triple Black White – although greyer is surprisingly warmer than Resene Black White and will once again brighten and whiten outside – although will have a grey edge to it. Alternatively, you could go brighter with Resene Half Alabaster, but I feel this might be too stark outside. Resene White Pointer is another option – this does have a slight warm grey undertone. For a cream you could try Resene Thorndon Cream – it has a slight green edge, however, as the warmer creams do not sit so well with Resene Black White. September 2024 |
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Q. I am looking for a grey to get away from the current beige tones. But I have the warm coloured kitchen joinery to take into consideration. The drapes are quite light so I'm unsure whether to go lighter or slightly darker. I'm really struggling to come up with a colour for the painter. For the doors, window trim and ceilings we were thinking Resene Black White. The aluminium joinery is Desert Sand. A. Desert Sand is a warm red toned tan, so it doesn't sit well with greys which is why you are probably struggling to come up with the right grey, plus you have warm toned kitchen cabinetry. I suggest going much lighter and warmer than grey – Resene Black White will be a bit too cool with the current colours. Try Resene Half Albescent White, Resene Albescent White, Resene Milk White or Resene Half Milk White. For the doors, window trim and ceilings try Resene Alabaster or Resene Double Alabaster which are warmer than Resene Black White. September 2024 |
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Q. I'm trying to choose a colour scheme for the exterior of our house, it is very bitsy and I would like some ideas on how to update the look. I’m not very keen on white. We have brown trims, brown weatherboards, green bargeboards and some white areas. A. I suggest painting the whole house except the roof and windows one colour – this means painting out the brown trims into the wall colour. So, the brown weatherboards and white claddings and brown timber trim will all be one colour – this will modernise and solidify the house. Try Resene Bokara Grey for the main claddings – it is a warm charcoal which will blend effortlessly into the environment. I recommend you use a CoolColour formula – this includes pigment technology which helps to deflect heat away from the colour and protects the substrate compared to the normal colour. For the windows and bargeboards, I suggest Resene Black White – painting the bargeboards the same white as the windows will tie them into the house better. For the roof I suggest Resene Ironsand – if you can’t really see the main roof, and it is in good condition, then you could always leave it for now. September 2024 |
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Q. We are painting the exterior of a villa. We are looking to create a white on white look. We are thinking of painting the roof Resene Whitewater or Resene Lighthouse. I was considering Titania but it looks too green. What colours might work for a home exterior? A. If you want a true white on white villa, then I suggest Resene Whitewater for the roof. Resene Lighthouse is a bit mushroom – it can work with whites, but they need to be warmer. Try Resene Sea Fog for the house with Resene White for the windows and trims. Sheen levels are vital when choosing a white-on-white scheme, to further enhance the contrast. If your weatherboards are in good condition – you might choose a semi-gloss such as Resene Sonyx 101 for them with a gloss finish such as Resene Enamacryl for the windows and trims. If your weatherboards have imperfections a low sheen finish like Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen is better at hiding these flaws and you can contrast with a semi-gloss such as Resene Lustacryl for the windows/trims (or gloss Resene Enamacryl). A black front door could look great in Resene Super Gloss Enamel – consider a CoolColour formula to protect the substrate and dark colour. Or use Resene White in Resene Super Gloss enamel for the front door – this will give another dimension being a glossy finish. Or try another feature colour. September 2024 |
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Q. We are repainting our apartment walls after decorating 20 years ago. Our interior designer at the time suggested the following Resene paint colour scheme: main walls: Resene Sisal with a contrast/feature wall colour in Resene Revolver and a second contrast/feature wall in Resene Aubergine, with ceiling in Resene Half Sisal. While we still like the overall scheme, we are looking to change out the Resene Aubergine feature walls in our main bedroom and lounge for something else. What are current/on trend/popular colour palettes that you would recommend we look at? A. Aubergines, grapes, and chocolates are on trend at present and they pair well with Sisal. To modernise the scheme, I feel a rich brown/black red could work well for the lounge – try Resene Rebel, Resene Diesel or Resene Toorak. To update Resene Revolver, investigate Resene Tenor or Resene Staccato. September 2024 |
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Q. I have recently built a wooden board and batten shed next to our mid-century house, which is surrounded by trees. The house has a COLORSTEEL® FlaxPod roof, with Resene Athens Grey concrete block walls for the ground floor and cedar weatherboards stained in Resene Crowshead for the first floor. I am planning for the roof and walls of the shed to be the same colour and am thinking of Resene Scoria. Would that colour work with the concrete block walls? If not, can you recommend another colour from the Resene/COLORSTEEL® range? And can you recommend a colour for the shed window trim and door? A. Yes, it will work with your scheme – it is quite nice to have a touch of a burnt red with your scheme, if you want the shed to be enhanced, alternatively, you could opt for FlaxPod, to link to the house and to blend into the environment. I quite like the idea of all the substrates being the same colour on the shed – so you don't draw too much attention to it. For the board and batten and window trim I recommend a Resene CoolColour formula – which includes pigment technology that reflects more UV light to maintain the integrity of dark colours and to protect the substrate from heat related issues associated with dark and saturated colours. September 2024 |
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Q. We are installing a new kitchen and would like your advice on cream/beige colour suggestions to paint our kitchen cupboards. They will be Shaker style with antique brass fixtures. The benchtop and splashback will be Calcutta Gold engineered stone. The floor and trim will be the original Rimu wood finish. We have purchased a Smeg fridge in cream. The kitchen is shared with the dining and living room. We are in a period house with large sash windows on a lifestyle block. We like the cottage theme and have painted the other rooms in the house with warm colours from yellow and green neutrals. We would like our kitchen to feel warm and soft. A. See if any of these Resene soft whites appeal: Resene Cararra or Resene Half Cararra, Resene Rice Cake or Resene Half Rice Cake, or Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream. September 2024 |
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Q. For my 15 year old son’s room I’m thinking of a feature wall in a dark, moody charcoal/blue. The room is north facing with a lot of natural light through the large ranch slider. The joinery is Windsor Grey and the rest of the room will be an off-white (Resene Rice Cake, Bianca, Half Merino – still undecided!). Would one of these colours be possible or would they fade in direct sunlight? Resene Mine Shaft, Resene Dark Knight or Resene Coast? His bedhead is pale oak/pine and there’ll be a built in timber-look desk and shelves in the negative space next to the wardrobe. I was thinking the colour could also go on that section of wall too. Or I’m also open to wallpaper options. A. Resene Coast will work! It’s a fantastic blue and I suggest you do repeat it into the alcove. It is really good to repeat colour in smaller rooms – it you do prefer to put a pattern in the alcove then I suggest you ask him what type of designs he likes and keep it to a blue background – blues look good paired together. A geometric design would work well also. Try a test pot of Resene Coast and Resene Half Sea Fog – they look good together and Resene Half Sea Fog is not too cold. September 2024 |
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Q. We’re doing a new build and we’ve chose Windsor Grey for our COLORSTEEL® roofing. What colour will match this the closest for our Stria cladding? And can you recommend a white for the soffits please? The contrast cladding is a natural concrete plaster. A. Resene Noir is the equivalent of Windsor Grey. You might like to also check out Resene Times Square for a softer variant. Resene Black White pairs well for the soffit. September 2024 |
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Q. Could you please suggest a colour lighter than Resene Haven? I have tried Resene Pumice and Resene Tasman but feel they are too light. This is for our dining living area. The carpet is a blue and there are timber window frames, doors and skirting boards. A. Try Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue or Resene Half Robin Egg Blue. These are in the same family as Resene Haven but are paler. They are beautiful colours and are very well liked. September 2024 |
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