refined interior spaces

From habitat highlights - issue 43, inspiring interiors

Give your interiors a coat of personality.

It’s amazing what the right colour can do. Whether you’re craving a calming escape, looking to add a pop of fun or simply embracing the classics, there’s a shade for every mood and style. Let’s look at a few standout Resene hues that will breathe fresh life into your home interior. Remember – colour doesn’t just have to be a background – it can also be the star of the show.

Tranquil bathroom colour drenched in Resene Double Duck Egg Blue

This bathroom is colour drenched in Resene Double Duck Egg Blue creating a tranquil escape.

Project by Bibby & Brady, image by Florence Charvin.

Deep and sophisticated hall and stairwell painted in Resene Shadowy Blue

Deep and sophisticated, Resene Shadowy Blue adds depth to this hall and stairwell. The lower wall and trims are painted in Resene Quarter Blanc which balances the space.

Project by Sustainable Spaces, image by Michelle Jacobsen.

Blue my mind

Blue is often considered the colour of tranquillity, making it the perfect choice for spaces that need a touch of calmness and serenity – but its darker counterparts can also add a wonderful dash of drama. Blues are versatile enough to pair with many other shades, allowing for subtle contrast or bold statements. To achieve a gentle, calming look, consider shades like Resene Breeze and Resene Comfort Zone, and for a bold statement, opt for darker blues like Resene Madison and Resene Coast.

Bold kitchen units painted in Resene Wild Blue Yonder

These bold kitchen units painted in Resene Wild Blue Yonder from the Resene Beyond the Sea ultramarine palette blend with the living space. This dark shade also works to highlight the stunning view from the windows. Ceiling painted in Resene Alabaster. Project by Nadene Ghouri, image by Barfoot & Thompson.

Soft launch

There’s something undeniably peaceful about soft, nature-inspired tones in a home. They bring an element of calm and relaxation, creating a restful environment, perfect for unwinding after a long day or setting the tone for a quiet morning. Light greens and warm neutrals are ideal if you’re looking to infuse subtle vibrancy while also keeping the atmosphere serene. Think earthy, warm greens paired with off-white accents. Try Resene Coriander, Resene Lemon Grass or Resene Frontier paired with whites like Resene Rice Cake or Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream for a touch of warmth that’s easy on the eyes.

top tip Use Resene SpaceCote Fly Deterrent to help keep your ceilings cleaner.

Rich and earthy living room with walls painted in Resene Coriander

Homeowner Billie painted her living room in the rich, earthy tone of Resene Coriander, creating a natural, relaxing vibe that’s perfect for unwinding.

Light and airy sunroom with walls painted in Resene Quarter Lemon Grass

Light and airy, this sunroom is painted in Resene Quarter Lemon Grass, providing a soft, fresh backdrop that brings a sense of quiet elegance. Trims painted in Resene Quarter Spanish White. Project by Waitaki Interiors, image by Rachel Wybrow.

Made of the century

Mid-century design brings timeless charm, blending clean lines with organic inspiration. The style is sophisticated, yet accessible – making it ideal for both modern homes and more classic spaces that need a dash of retro flair. The beauty of mid-century-inspired interiors lies in their balance of style and function, creating spaces that feel both practical and artistic. For this look, rich tones like terracotta, olive greens and soft neutrals work wonders. Try Resene Tuscany, Resene Finch and Resene Merino for a mid-century combo.

› View more living space ideas and inspiration.

top tip Use a higher sheen finish, such as Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or Resene Enamacryl gloss, on doors and furniture for an easy clean finish that will help your colour pop.

Mid-century inspired living room with walls painted in Resene Lichen and Resene Hot August

In this Resene Total Colour Award winning classic mid-century inspired living room, Resene Lichen makes a striking statement on the wall paired with a door painted in Resene Hot August and the ceiling in Resene Albescent White.

Three bold and colourful doors painted in blue, red and yellow

These colourful doors add character and warmth to the hallway, painted in Resene Atomic, Resene Hot August and Resene Ipanema paired with Resene Albescent White on walls and trims. Project by Hello Home Interiors, images by Anna Briggs.

top tip Protect and elevate timber walls, joinery and flooring with Resene Aquaclear. For a barely-there look on timber walls and ceilings, use Resene Aquaclear Natural.

Neutrally yours

Neutrals never go out of style, and when done right create a refined, comforting atmosphere that suits any interior. From soft beiges and warm taupe like Resene Quarter Joss and Resene Blanc, to blackened whites and muted greys like Resene Triple Sea Fog and Resene Iron, neutrals work seamlessly across various design styles offering a backdrop that allows your furniture and décor to shine. They’re perfect for those who appreciate understated elegance and want a versatile base that complements any colour scheme.

top tip Finish wet areas – such as your kitchen, bathroom or laundry – in Resene Kitchen & Bathroom paint for extra protection, or ask Resene ColorShop staff to add extra MoulDefender to your paint to help keep your surfaces fresh.

Sophisticated kitchen with walls painted in Resene Truffle

Resene Truffle on this kitchen cabinetry gives the room a soft, sophisticated base.

The walls are painted in Resene Quarter Truffle and ceiling in Resene Quarter Rice Cake. Projects by Durrant Design, images by Amanda Greenslade. See alternative style solutions for this kitchen by Bryanna Stitt and Marlene Hudson.

Welcoming window seat with surrounding walls painted in neutral Resene Quarter Truffle

This welcoming window seat is painted in the charming neutral Resene Quarter Truffle, allowing the earthy decor to pop.

Trims painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake.

top tip For a curated collection of the most popular Resene whites and neutrals, check out the Resene Whites & neutrals chart and view the palettes for strength variations of the most popular colours.

We dare you

If you’re not afraid to make a statement, bold hues energise and transform a space. Daring colours like Resene Pizza, Resene Coral Tree and Resene Fast Forward bring an infectious energy to your home and are perfect for creative spaces or lively living areas. These shades encourage bold design choices while still offering warmth and character. Pair them with soft Resene neutrals to keep things balanced or go all out with colour that’s sure to turn heads – the choice is all yours when it comes to daring designs.

Living room featuring a beautifully bold wall mural painted with Resene paints

This beautifully bold wall mural is painted in Resene Fast Forward, Resene Warrior, Resene Merlot, Resene Coral Tree, Resene Bonanza, Resene Pizza and Resene Apache with walls in Resene Quarter Bianca. Project and image by Alisha Roff, Revive Building.

Kitchen painted with statement colours of Resene Padua on cabinetry and Resene Colour Me Pink on the door

This kitchen proves that colour can truly make a statement. The cabinetry is painted in Resene Padua, kitchen island in Resene Pot Pourri, walls in Resene Rice Cake and door in Resene Colour Me Pink. Project by Cooper Webley, image by Meg Wells.

What to use where

Low sheen and flat finishes diffuse the light for a luxe look. Use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen on walls and Resene SpaceCote Flat on ceilings throughout your home for an easy-clean finish. In dry areas like bedrooms and lounges you can switch to Resene Zylone Sheen for walls and Resene Ceiling Paint for ceilings. Finish trims in Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss, using the Kitchen & Bathroom version in wet areas. Paint flooring in Resene Walk-on or use Resene Colorwood wood stain and Resene Qristal Clear polyurethane for a stained or clear timber finish.

Colours mentioned in this article

Colours marked as "buy in-store" may not yet be available in our online ColorShop, however, the testpots can be purchased at your local Resene ColorShop or reseller.

refined interior spaces

Blue my mind

Soft launch

Made of the century

Neutrally yours

We dare you

What to use where

Bryanna Stitt

Marlene Hudson

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Resene Paints (Australia) Limited – www.resene.com.au