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Reader roundup: Spotlighting your home projects
Our readers are always busy creating many different things with Resene – artwork, upcycled furniture,… more
You might be surprised at what a lick of paint can do for your outdoor space or garden. A colourful bench seat out on the lawn, a Japanese inspired setting, or even a fresh new umbrella stand that doubles as a table for summer drinks and snacks.
Wall in Resene Half House White, floor in Off Piste, table and chairs in Olive Green, trellis wall planter in Woodsman Crowshead, bench in Lemon Grass, pots in Koru and Double Rice Cake. BBQ from Weber. Project by Megan Harrison-Turner, image by Bryce Carleton.
Walls stained in Resene Waterborne Woodsman in Charred Black, deck in Woodsman Decking Oil Stain in Tiri, screen in Bark, table in Cobblestone, stools in Burgundy and pot and house in Bullwhip. Project by Melle Van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.
Walls and table painted in Resene Albescent White, floor in Sorrell Brown, bench seat in Quarter Sorrell Brown, pots in Grain Brown. Cushions from Bed, Bath & Beyond. Project by Melle Van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.
Tame poolside clutter with this bright and beachy DIY pool noodle holder finished in an ombré paint effect using Resene testpots.
Garden and patio seating doesn’t have to be plain, just look at this bright colourful bench in bold hues like Resene Kingfisher Daisy, Poppy and Lemon Ginger – and it can also hold your favourite plants!
Make the base of your umbrella stand unique, while also doubling as a table for snacks and drinks.
DIY garden projects and ideas for your outdoor space
You might be surprised at what a lick of paint can do for your outdoor space or garden. A colourful bench seat out on the lawn, a Japanese inspired setting, or even a fresh new umbrella stand that doubles as a table for summer drinks and snacks.
Here’s some outdoor design ideas and easy DIY projects to get you started so you can make the most of the long evenings!
Perfectly practical
Wall in Resene Half House White, floor in Off Piste, table and chairs in Olive Green, trellis wall planter in Woodsman Crowshead, bench in Lemon Grass, pots in Koru and Double Rice Cake. BBQ from Weber. Project by Megan Harrison-Turner, image by Bryce Carleton.
There’s restraint in this design, but not at the cost of personality. If you’re going for practicality and function but still want something that looks great, start with everything you actually ‘need’ first – cooker or BBQ, seating and a table. Simple. Then, add in some décor like plants or a hanging planter, and choose your colour scheme. Here we’ve focused on a simple green and white look, with shades like Resene Olive Green and Lemon Grass paired with Half House White and Off Piste.
Tip: If you’re painting your outdoor floor, use Resene Walk-on for durable, attractive finish or for a slip-resistant finish use Resene Non-Skid Deck and Path both look great as well as protecting concrete, timber and other surfaces like decks, patios and steps.
A touch of Japan
Walls stained in Resene Waterborne Woodsman in Charred Black, deck in Woodsman Decking Oil Stain in Tiri, screen in Bark, table in Cobblestone, stools in Burgundy and pot and house in Bullwhip. Project by Melle Van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.
If you’re looking to add a global touch to your space, the simplicity of Japanese design might be a good place to start. Serene and harmonious, its roots in connection to nature make it the perfect aesthetic to embrace the outdoors. Dark greens, reds and wood stains paired with natural materials like bamboo and stone bring a timeless touch that will last.
Tip: When opting for dark shades outdoors, use the Resene CoolColour version to reflect more heat and keep your painted and stained surfaces lasting longer.
Looking fresh in white
Walls and table painted in Resene Albescent White, floor in Sorrell Brown, bench seat in Quarter Sorrell Brown, pots in Grain Brown. Cushions from Bed, Bath & Beyond. Project by Melle Van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.
If white is your thing, you’re in luck, because it not only offers a crisp refresh, it also stands the test of time. This light-filled outdoor courtyard gives a warm and inviting welcome in Resene Albescent White and a floor in Sorrell Brown from the Karen Walker Paints collection. By keeping your base simple, you can also add pops colour in décor like plant pots, cushions and greenery, these smaller things are easy to swap out during the year as the seasons change.
Outdoor DIY projects for colour and practicality:
Tame poolside clutter with this bright and beachy DIY pool noodle holder finished in an ombré paint effect using Resene testpots. Reminiscent of turquoise waters, this project brings a splash of colour and coastal style to your outdoor area and is perfect for keeping summer fun neatly in check. Click here for the step-by-step guide.
Garden and patio seating doesn’t have to be plain, just look at this bright colourful bench in bold hues like Resene Kingfisher Daisy, Poppy and Lemon Ginger – and it can also hold your favourite plants! Click here for the steps to make your own.
Make the base of your umbrella stand unique, while also doubling as a table for snacks and drinks. Most umbrella stands are just a boring concrete base, but this one is both stylish and practical. We painted ours in the serene green of Resene Bitter. Click here to make your own!
If you’ve done some recent outdoor projects that feature Resene paints and stains, send us some pics and details to [email protected], we’d love to see!
For more paint and colour advice, head to your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Colour Expert online for free.
Published: 29 Jan 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Half House White
Resene Double Rice Cake
Resene Albescent White
Resene Sorrell Brown
Resene Kingfisher Daisy
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 Half House White
Resene Double Rice Cake
Resene Albescent White
Resene Sorrell Brown
Resene Kingfisher Daisy
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
