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An exterior to make you stop and marvel in its beauty. This home is a stunning sight, painted in Resene Eighth Black White, with a dramatic and bold front door in Resene Black. Design by Hayley O’Connor, image by Mitch Brown.
These outdoor planters are stained in Resene Woodsman Crowshead to blend with the dark shades of the home, painted in Resene Bokara Grey. Design by Atlas Architects, image by Tess Kelly.
Two similar green shades have been used on this exterior - Resene Flax for the horizontal weatherboards and Resene Green Mist for the vertical cladding and battens. Trims are painted in Resene Villa White and timber decking is stained in Resene Woodsman Heartwood to create a connection between inside and out. Design and image by Russell Allen.
Wood-X Foundry creates a sleek exterior on this cedar cladding and is coupled with wooden screens finished in Resene Woodsman Natural. Design by Cove Construction, image by Erica Kurth.
Elevate your home's exterior with these colour ideas
When it comes to exteriors, colour scheme plays a pivotal role in defining the aesthetic appeal and overall ambiance of your home. Let’s take a look at some classic and timeless Resene paint colours that can transform the facade of your abode and create a lasting impression.
Timeless elegance in white
An exterior to make you stop and marvel in its beauty. This home is a stunning sight, painted in Resene Eighth Black White, with a dramatic and bold front door in Resene Black. Design by Hayley O’Connor, image by Mitch Brown.
A classic choice that has stood the test of time, white exteriors exude timeless elegance. This shade not only enhances the architectural details of your home but also provides a versatile canvas for personalisation. From traditional to modern homes, a white exterior creates a fresh and inviting atmosphere. The neutrality of white allows for easy pairing with vibrant accents or natural elements, like a feature front door or landscaped yard, making it a popular choice for those seeking a clean and sophisticated look. Try popular whites like Resene Sea Fog, Resene Rice Cake, Resene Merino and Resene Black White.
Bold sophistication in black
These outdoor planters are stained in Resene Woodsman Crowshead to blend with the dark shades of the home, painted in Resene Bokara Grey. Design by Atlas Architects, image by Tess Kelly.
Black exteriors have gained popularity in the realm of home design for their dramatic and modern statement. Contrary to the notion that black absorbs too much heat, innovative solutions like Resene CoolColour paints can now provide a sleek solution that can help reflect heat. Black exteriors offer a sense of bold sophistication, creating a striking contrast against the natural surroundings. Some of the most loved exterior dark shades to try are Resene Foundry, Resene Charcoal, Resene All Black and Resene Pitch Black.
Nature-inspired tranquility in green
Two similar green shades have been used on this exterior - Resene Flax for the horizontal weatherboards and Resene Green Mist for the vertical cladding and battens. Trims are painted in Resene Villa White and timber decking is stained in Resene Woodsman Heartwood to create a connection between inside and out. Design and image by Russell Allen.
Channelling the beauty of nature, green exteriors bring a sense of tranquillity and harmony to your home. Whether it's a deep forest green or a subtle sage tone, this colour choice connects your home seamlessly with the environment. Green exteriors are particularly popular where lush landscapes and verdant surroundings inspire homeowners to bring the outdoors in. Complement the green facade with wooden elements and abundant greenery to create a serene and inviting exterior. Try greens like Resene Amulet, Resene Spanish Green, Resene Lemon Grass and Resene Avocado.
Warmth and authenticity in wood
Wood-X Foundry creates a sleek exterior on this cedar cladding and is coupled with wooden screens finished in Resene Woodsman Natural. Design by Cove Construction, image by Erica Kurth.
Embracing the warmth and authenticity of natural materials, wooden exteriors offer a rustic and charming aesthetic. Wood finishes age gracefully, developing a unique patina over time, and can be stained or painted for added protection. This choice adds character to your home, evoking a sense of cosiness and connection to the surrounding environment. For lighter shades of wood stains, try Resene Woodsman tinted to Resene Natural, Resene Uluru or Resene Driftwood, and for darker stains, try Resene Woodsman tinted to Resene Charred Black, Resene Crowshead, Resene Pitch Black or Resene Bark.
Top tips for choosing colours for exteriors:
- The bright sun will make colours appear much lighter than you might expect. If you are choosing between two colours, it’s often best to choose the darker option.
- When viewing colours outside, always hold your swatches to the correct orientation of what you are painting. g. if you are painting a wall, hold the swatches vertically. If painting a roof, hold the swatches to match the slope of the roof. As you change the orientation you will notice the colour will change also as it picks up more or less natural light.
- White gloss finishes outside can be glary, especially if they are on an angle and bounce the light into your neighbour’s home. Keep this in mind when choosing your colour.
- Always test your colours on your home using Resene testpots or Resene A4 drawdown paint swatches. When painting your Resene testpot, paint all of the testpots onto A2 card in two coats leaving an unpainted border around the edge. This helps isolate your new colour from your old colour so you get a truer appreciation for the colour. Don’t paint your test patches directly onto your home as the existing colour will affect how the new colour looks. Move your swatches around during the day and into the evening to see how they look.
- Think about the sheen level of the paint you are planning to use. A gloss finish such as Resene Hi-Glo or Resene Enamacryl will make your paint colour seem cleaner and brighter. This can be ideal for highlighting architectural details. A lower sheen finish such as Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen will make your colour seem more muted and moodier.
Your home's exterior serves as a canvas to express your style and personality. Whether you opt for paint or wood stains, each colour choice contributes to the overall ambiance and street appeal of your home. Experiment with these exterior colours and find the perfect palette that resonates with your vision, creating a lasting impression for all who approach your doorstep.
For more exterior colour advice visit your local Resene ColorShop, Ask a Colour Expert online or book a Resene colour consultation, www.resene.com/colourconsult.
Published: 05 Feb 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Spanish Green
Resene Spanish Green
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If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
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Ask a Colour Expert service.
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Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Eighth Black White
Resene Spanish Green
Resene Spanish Green
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
