A colourful life in Clareville

When Jane and her family bought their brand new home in Clareville, just out of Carterton, it came with a typical blank canvas interior. Walls painted in a safe, simple white. But for Jane, a true colour lover and fan of dopamine décor, it was the perfect invitation to bring her new space to life with bursts of vibrant Resene hues.

With sweeping views across their one hectare section and a light-filled interior, the house had great bones. All it needed was a splash, or several, of colour. And this happened before the family even settled in.

“Fortunately the house was empty as it was a new build and the owner allowed our amazing painter, Luke from Performance Decorating, to come in and add colour before we moved in,” says Jane.

Living room with earthy white and grey walls.
Resene Half Baltic Sea creates a cosy zone in the living room. The furniture, décor and artwork work together as a harmonious palette of greys and earthy hues. The walls are painted in Resene White.


The dazzling Resene Trinidad is used as a feature wall in the entrance, paired with artwork in similar tones, dark timber and walls in Resene White.

Step into Jane’s home and you’re greeted by a bold welcome. A feature wall in the vibrant Resene Trinidad, a punchy orange, sets the tone for what’s to come, signalling this is a house that celebrates joy and isn’t afraid to take risks with colour.

In the living room, a dramatic charcoal toned feature in Resene Half Baltic Sea adds depth and contrast behind the couch, the perfect backdrop for a well-placed landscape artwork and collected ornaments. Another wall in Resene Blue Haze, a misty violet, adds to the vibrant palette and offers a soft foil for natural light that streams through the large windows.

Master bedroom with walls in minty green Resene Gum Leaf
The master bedroom is a tranquil spot to rest with walls in Resene Gum Leaf and doors and ceiling in Resene White.


A soft pink in Resene Wafer graces the master ensuite walls.

The master suite offers a gentle feel with a soft biscuity pink, Resene Wafer, in the ensuite, paired with bedroom walls in Resene Gum Leaf, a serene, nature-inspired green that works beautifully with botanical print curtains. It’s a fresh and restful combination that makes the space feel grounded and uplifting.

Across the hallway, the second bathroom is painted in Resene Opal, a peaceful, spa-like aqua that gives the space a calm, clean feel. And in the study, which doubles as a third bedroom, Jane chose Resene Elm, a rich, vivid blue green that adds depth and character to the compact space.

Soft blue Resene Opal adorns the walls of this bathroom.
Creating a serene escape, Resene Opal adorns the second bathroom’s walls.

Hybrid work office that can double as a bedroom featuring vivid blue Resene Elm.
A lively zone for study and work, Resene Elm bursts with vivid colour in this office which doubles as a bedroom. The ceiling is in Resene White.

The second bedroom which was designed for visits from grandchildren, is joyfully painted with two walls in Resene Blue Haze and two in Resene Spindle. The soft lavender and dusty blue combo add a whimsical, storybook vibe that’s both playful and restful for young, spirited minds.

Children's room featuring soft pastel blue Resene Blue Haze.
A match made in heaven, Resene Blue Haze and Resene Spindle collide in pastel perfection in the grandchildren’s room.

Living area featuring soft purple wall.
The violet hue of Resene Blue Haze also graces a wall in the main living area of the home. The ceiling and trims are in Resene White.

Jane’s passion for art is evident throughout the home, with her chosen Resene shades creating gorgeous gallery-like walls for carefully curated pieces in every room. By using colour to zone areas and highlight displays, she’s created a dynamic yet cohesive aesthetic that allows each painting, print and sculpture to shine.


The incredible view from Jane’s home brings endless inspiration.

This home proves that even a brand new build can have instant soul if you’re brave with colour. Jane and her family now have a vibrant, welcoming retreat that celebrates individuality and joy.

Painting by Luke, Performance Decorating.

Top tip:For vibrant feature walls that last, choose a durable finish like Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, which is tough enough for busy areas while offering a stylish low-sheen effect. If you prefer something glossier, opt for Resene Enamacryl for a sleek, easy-to-clean surface with added shine. Or alternatively explore the wide selection of wallpapers and murals available at Resene ColorShops.

Published: 11 Sep 2025

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

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Resene Half Baltic Sea

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