Crisp and cool, white never goes out of fashion and, of course, there’s white, and there is white. Even a quarter or half formulation can bring a whole new note to the setting. Here Resene Merino, a light, versatile off-white with a green undertone has been used in both areas to tie them visually together. Resene Quarter Merino is on the ceiling and trims.

Staying with a neutral palette, this scheme takes the colours a little deeper and cooler. On the rear wall, the slightly acidic green-edged Resene Joanna provides a link to the landscape outside while Resene Linen, an earthy green that’s easy on the eye, adds a pleasing sophistication on the nearer wall.  Resene Half Alabaster is a wonderful choice for the ceiling and trims.

You can almost hear the waves lapping on a nearby shore with this sea-inspired scheme. Many of us wouldn’t use two green-based colours like this side by side but this really works. In the back room, Resene Emerge is a soft sea-foam green, while in the closer area, Resene Pine Glade is a slightly sharper green. The near white of Resene Alabaster is used on both the ceiling and the trims. 

Deep blues are the new black. In the rear room, Resene Rhino is an inky and smoky deep grey blue, strong and masculine, As a tonal contrast, Resene Neutral Bay is a serious, constantly changing weathered blue grey. Warming the scheme slightly with its versatile quiet cream tones is Resene Quarter Bianca on the trims and ceiling. 

Peaceful and serene, the marriage of three very light colours gives this dining room a sense of tranquility. On the walls the owners have used Resene Ecru White, a classic barely-there beige with a tiny shot of green. Contrasting beautifully, crisp, cool Resene Black White makes the trims stand out.

The colours of nature dominate this scheme with sea-green Resene Juniper taking pride of place on the walls. Then the timeless favourite Resene White Thunder is used to add punch on the trims and ceiling, while the cabinet appears in Resene Half Pearl Lusta. A lighter floor lifts this scheme, stained in Resene Walnut from the Resene Colorwood range.

Staying with a vintage look, Resene Link Water is a purple blue with an edge of grey – almost baby blue but not quite. For rich contrast, the cabinet is painted in the steely grey blue of Resene Hammerhead. Adding a sweet and gentle touch, Resene Half Bianca is used on the trims and ceiling.

Like sunshine in a paint pot, the warm and cheery tones of Resene Pale Prim positively glow off the walls here. It works perfectly with the crisp white of Resene Alabaster on the ceiling and trims, while the cabinet is in the complex pale grey hue of Resene Harp.