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Sofa and table from Tim Webber. Design by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.
Design by Kate Alexander, Places & Graces.
Design by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Design and image by Shyronn Smardon.
Design by Stacy Middleton from Studio Reno NZ, image by Helen Bankers.
Blue me away
The first synthetic blue pigment was invented in ancient Egypt using limestone, sand and copper, which was used to decorate tombs and statues. In the Middle Ages, blue came from rare lapis lazuli stones, costing more than gold and strictly reserved for sacred artwork.
By the 18th Century, thanks to the accidental invention of Prussian Blue, the colour became cheaper and more accessible, leading to its widespread use on art, ceramics, clothing, and yes, our homes.
You can of course try Resene Prussian Blue, which made its way onto the Resene colour charts around 50 years ago, but there are also a wide range of blues to suit every taste, every space, and every home.
From light and breezy blues like Halcyon, to dark and refined like Gunmetal, here are some examples of how to use blue in your home.
Design by Kate Alexander, Places & Graces.
Coastal homes suit soft blues and whites, like this beachside bungalow with touches of Resene Half Halcyon on skirting boards and trims and Half Sea Fog on walls. These hues looks especially lovely with warm, light timber and natural materials, creating a soft, serene space that feels just like home. The floor brightens the space further, painted in Resene Walk-on in Half Silver Chalice.
Design by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
If you’re looking to make a statement, try saturated, pigmented blues like Resene Half Resolution Blue (above), Tory Blue or Wet N Wild. You might just need to choose one or two accent colours to break things up a bit. In this space, the timber furniture, off-white tones, and floor in Resene Colorwood Rock Salt softens and grounds the room.
Design and image by Shyronn Smardon.
Natural light floods this space thanks to the skylight, making the right wall, painted in Resene Breeze, feel like a subtle extension of the sky overhead. The room is softened by the white walls in White Pointer and warm timber, but it’s the contrasting black trims and fittings that really add a modern touch to the space.
Design by Stacy Middleton from Studio Reno NZ, image by Helen Bankers.
Darker blues like Resene Gunmetal (above), Coast and Tangaroa are great for creating a sophisticated and refined home office, living room or bedroom. They look wonderful paired with tan leather, dark timber and metallic finishes, creating a space that’s relaxed and cosy. Or for something a little more bold but still dark, consider trying the deep, saturated Ultramarine Blue.
Sofa and table from Tim Webber. Design by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.
This living room is painted in the serene Resene Time Out. While the walls bring a sense of cool and calm, the earthy toned décor grounds the space, creating comfort. If you’re feeling daring and want to make a bit of a statement, consider adding a contrasting hue, like this recessed shelving in Tall Poppy.
Make the most of testing out blues this month
This spring you can brighten your home with blues and support a good cause at the same time. Buy any blue Resene testpot 60 mL from your local Resene ColorShop (NZ) by 27 September and $1 will be donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation as part of the Resene’s Paint It Blue appeal.
Some popular blues to try are Resene Duck Egg Blue, Frozen, Botticelli and New Denim Blue:
Published: 15 Sep 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Prussian Blue
Resene Half Silver Chalice
Resene Resolution Blue
Resene White Pointer
Resene Duck Egg Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Prussian Blue
Resene Half Silver Chalice
Resene Resolution Blue
Resene White Pointer
Resene Duck Egg Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
