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Reader roundup: A whimsical shed, blushing doors and exterior refreshes
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Moveable features like screens, benches and planters make this outdoor nook super versatile for different weather and uses. The deck is stained in Resene Woodsman Tiri, with wall and trellis screen in Resene Karaka, bench and shelf pots in Resene Cape Palliser, shelf in Resene Quarter Karaka and planters in Resene Quarter Karaka, Resene Pendragon and Resene Cape Palliser. Cushion from Baya. Project by Melle van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.
Create a spot to soak the cold away in winter. This stunning exterior is a smoky grey blue with a slight purple edge painted in Resene Rhino. The trims are painted in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene White providing a perfect contrast. Design by Cris and Bryh from Big Life Tiny Home.
Bring a summer feel to your outdoor space and enjoy it all year round. These weatherboards are painted in Resene Triple Black White, deck stained in Resene Woodsman Natural, chair in Resene Half Innocence, small planter in Resene Half Innocence and large planter in Resene Half Inside Back. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Revive your outdoors with a vibrant makeover that includes refreshed decking and pavers. This decking is stained in Resene Woodsman Natural with pavers painted in Resene Bluff and Resene Halcyon. The walls are painted in Resene Bluff, table in Resene Quarter Blanc, bench seat in Resene Hammerhead, striped pot in Resene Hammerhead and Resene Halcyon, small pot in Resene Halcyon and light in Resene Solitude. Chair, lemon pot, cushion from French Country Collection, tray from Bed, Bath & Beyond. Project by Melle Van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.
Sunrise shades of red and gold soften this grey space. The interior wall is painted in Resene Silver Chalice, exterior wall in Resene Chicago with trim in Resene Half Sea Fog, light and interior skirting in Resene Double Sea Fog, deck stained in Resene Woodsman Natural, interior floor and middle chair stain washed in Resene Shade, other chairs in Resene Tulip Tree and Resene Woodsman Whero, side table in Resene Chicago, largest planter in Resene Silver Chalice, right planter in Resene Possessed, front planter in Resene Double Sea Fog, carafe in Resene Red Red Red and small vases in Resene Chicago and Resene Tulip Tree. Sofa chair from Derlook. Project by Moneuan Ryan, image by Bryce Carleton.
Decked out for winter: Fresh looks for your patio
Just because the temperature’s dropped doesn’t mean your outdoor space has to go into hibernation. In fact, winter is a great time to refresh your patio or courtyard with a fresh coat of Resene paint or wood stains, some clever styling and a few creature comforts. With the right planning and products, you can still paint and stain in the cooler months – and create a cosy nook that’s anything but seasonal.
A moody moment
Moveable features like screens, benches and planters make this outdoor nook super versatile for different weather and uses. The deck is stained in Resene Woodsman Tiri, with wall and trellis screen in Resene Karaka, bench and shelf pots in Resene Cape Palliser, shelf in Resene Quarter Karaka and planters in Resene Quarter Karaka, Resene Pendragon and Resene Cape Palliser. Cushion from Baya. Project by Melle van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.
Dark and dramatic doesn’t have to mean gloomy. A deep green backdrop like Resene Karaka can create an intimate, cocooning feel, especially when layered with natural timber, lush greenery and soft lighting. Add an outdoor rug, a low-slung bench and some earthy décor for a look that feels both grounded and elevated. This is your winter hideaway, made better with a book and a blanket!
Try dark shades like Resene Midnight Moss or Resene Black Forest with Resene Woodsman stains in Resene Dark Oak or Resene Heartwood for a cosy winter vibe that carries on through all seasons. Remember that dark exterior areas will get hot come summertime, so it’s best to choose a CoolColour version of your colour to reflect more heat over the hotter months.
Soak up the season
Create a spot to soak the cold away in winter. This stunning exterior is a smoky grey blue with a slight purple edge painted in Resene Rhino. The trims are painted in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene White providing a perfect contrast. Design by Cris and Bryh from Big Life Tiny Home.
Just imagine stepping into a steamy outdoor tub on a crisp winter evening. This setup proves that patios don’t need to be flat or predictable – statement cladding painted in soft slate blue like Resene Rhino can add depth and character, brass tapware brings a little glam to the garden and brings the whole look together. Consider adding a trellis painted in a matching tone to your exterior to help block cold winds and offer extra space to hang towels and clothes.
Try popular blues like Resene Coast and Resene New Denim Blue paired with contrasting whites like Resene Black White or Resene Alabaster.
Natural Nordic style
Bring a summer feel to your outdoor space and enjoy it all year round. These weatherboards are painted in Resene Triple Black White, deck stained in Resene Woodsman Natural, chair in Resene Half Innocence, small planter in Resene Half Innocence and large planter in Resene Half Inside Back. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Pale timber, clean lines and a gentle mix of whites and blues create a fresh, Scandinavian-style retreat. A simple backdrop like this makes it easy to switch up the styling with cushions and greenery depending on the seasons and a warm timber deck makes it feel inviting even on cooler days. This deck space is a great example of how minimalist design can still feel cosy.
To get a similar Scandi look, try lighter wood stains like Resene Woodsman Uluru and Resene Woodsman Driftwood paired with Resene Merino and subtle accents of Resene Breeze.
Colourful courtyard escape
Revive your outdoors with a vibrant makeover that includes refreshed decking and pavers. This decking is stained in Resene Woodsman Natural with pavers painted in Resene Bluff and Resene Halcyon. The walls are painted in Resene Bluff, table in Resene Quarter Blanc, bench seat in Resene Hammerhead, striped pot in Resene Hammerhead and Resene Halcyon, small pot in Resene Halcyon and light in Resene Solitude. Chair, lemon pot, cushion from French Country Collection, tray from Bed, Bath & Beyond. Project by Melle Van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.
These Resene Bluff walls paired with layered textiles and organic textures give this compact patio a vibrant Mediterranean feel. The climbing greenery and timber decking helps to soften and ground the space, while low-slung seating and a dash of pattern underfoot keep things playful. Painted surfaces pop with personality and show just how far a lick of Resene colour can go in transforming a tired corner.
If you’re thinking of blue for your exterior, try standout hues like Resene Awash, Resene Blue Bayoux, Resene Blue Moon or Resene Wedgewood.
Primary playfulness
Sunrise shades of red and gold soften this grey space. The interior wall is painted in Resene Silver Chalice, exterior wall in Resene Chicago with trim in Resene Half Sea Fog, light and interior skirting in Resene Double Sea Fog, deck stained in Resene Woodsman Natural, interior floor and middle chair stain washed in Resene Shade, other chairs in Resene Tulip Tree and Resene Woodsman Whero, side table in Resene Chicago, largest planter in Resene Silver Chalice, right planter in Resene Possessed, front planter in Resene Double Sea Fog, carafe in Resene Red Red Red and small vases in Resene Chicago and Resene Tulip Tree. Sofa chair from Derlook. Project by Moneuan Ryan, image by Bryce Carleton.
This cheerful space shows how powerful colour can be in lifting a winter mood. A simple mix of chairs painted in bold primaries stands out against neutral walls and timber flooring, proving that you don’t have to paint your whole exterior to get a new look – just focus on furniture and accessories. Add a few plants and a comfy cushion or two and you’ve got an easy, low-effort way to turn a blank patio into somewhere joyful.
If you’ve got a neutral exterior, try adding pops of colour of chairs or plant pots in shades like Resene Moonbeam, Resene Mexican Red, Resene Subzero and Resene Laurel.
Top tips for painting in winter:
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- Standard paints can struggle in cold weather. Add Resene Wintergrade Additive to selected Resene waterborne paints so they’ll dry properly in temps as low as 3°C.
- Tackle your project in small sections and aim to paint during the warmest part of the day. Finish early so the paint has plenty of time to dry before it gets too cold.
- Stay safe and use Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path to create a grippy, textured surface on outdoor steps and paths. You can even add a white strip to stair edges for extra visibility in low light. Or add Resene Anti-Slip Grip Additive to Resene Walk-on paving paint and apply on decks, stairs and paths to help keep family and friends safe and slip-free.
- Use Resene Moss & Mould Killer to clean shady or damp areas before painting. It helps protect your paint job and keeps surfaces safer to walk on.
- Freshen up concrete, paths and decks with Resene Deep Clean – spray it on and let nature do the work.
With the right colours, textures and a little winter-ready know-how, your patio can be just as inviting in July as it is in January! For more advice on how you can protect your home over winter, visit your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Resene Paint Expert online for more advice.
Published: 02 Jul 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Cape Palliser
Resene Quarter Karaka
Resene Midnight Moss
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene Triple Black White
Resene Half Innocence
Resene Half Inside Back
Resene Quarter Blanc
Resene Silver Chalice
Resene Double Sea Fog
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 Cape Palliser
Resene Quarter Karaka
Resene Midnight Moss
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene Triple Black White
Resene Half Innocence
Resene Half Inside Back
Resene Quarter Blanc
Resene Silver Chalice
Resene Double Sea Fog
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
