Elevate your exterior and stand out in style

Your home’s exterior is the first impression it makes, setting the tone for what lies within. From breezy coastal vibes to rich, earthy palettes, the right Resene paint colours and wood stains can make your property truly memorable. Whether you’re designing a rustic retreat or a minimalist urban facade, Resene has a range of shades to match every vision - turning your exterior into a head-turning masterpiece.

Coastal classic


The exterior weatherboards are in pre-primed Vulcan cladding from Abodo, which arrived on site primed ready for painting in Resene paints. The exterior colour is the same as the original bach, Resene Sonyx 101 tinted to Resene Foundry in a Resene CoolColour variant to help reflect heat. The trims are in Resene Half Ecru White to coordinate with the joinery and the soffits are in Resene Double Alabaster. The deck is kwila which is best protected with Resene Kwila Timber Stain. Design by Lisa Day of Donnell Day Architects, image by Jessica Chloe Gernat.

Dark slate blues are always a good choice for coastal or Hamptons-style homes, bringing an effortless elegance and a touch of timeless sophistication. These deep, stormy hues evoke the calm of the sea and the resilience of weathered coastal landscapes, making them ideal for homes seeking a tranquil yet distinguished look.

Pair Resene Rhino, Resene New Denim Blue or Resene Ivanhoe with classic white trims in Resene Alabaster and Resene Black White for a crisp contrast that highlights architectural details, such as window frames, door trims and verandas. For an added layer of depth, consider a roof in Resene Ironsand or Resene Element, which complements the dark blue tones and adds warmth to the overall look. This palette not only elevates curb appeal but also offers enduring charm, especially when accented with natural elements like driftwood, stone pathways and lush coastal greenery.

Pure oasis


A beautiful grapevine trails down the stair balustrade of this exterior, looking striking against the white walls painted in Resene Alabaster. Resene Walk-on flooring and paving paint was painted onto the deck tinted to Resene Blanc. This space is refreshed and ready for relaxing or entertaining. Design by Shelley Ferguson Studio, image by Helen Bankers.

This all-white outdoor space captures the essence of minimalist living, with its serene palette and soft textures that invite relaxation. Potted plants and tropical foliage add touches of nature, enhancing the fresh, all-white palette. Try popular exterior whites like Resene Half Black White, Resene Sea Fog and Resene Merino. You can even use different strengths of the same colour to accentuate trims and detailing. Get a harmonious blend of natural accents through plants and fabric patterns to transform your space into a tranquil retreat, ideal for unwinding or hosting in style.

Nature’s palette


Two similar green shades have been used on the exterior: Resene Flax for the horizontal weatherboards and Resene Green Mist for the vertical cladding and battens. Trims are painted in Resene Villa White and timber decking is stained in Resene Woodsman Heartwood to create a connection between inside and out. Design and image by Russell Allen.

Soft greens like Resene Pumice, Resene Lemon Grass or Resene Aspiring can evoke a serene and inviting mood. Pairing these shades with light trims, or even a dark accents like Resene Charcoal on the front door, adds interest and contrast. This palette works beautifully for homes nestled in greenery, creating an inviting and uplifting vibe.

Top tip: Choosing a higher sheen finish, such as Resene Sonyx 101 semi-gloss or Resene Hi-Glo gloss will make it easier to clean your exterior.  If your surface is less than perfect, use a flatter or lower sheen such as Resene Lumbersider Matt or Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen to help to hide imperfections.

Rustic elegance


These exterior walls are painted in Resene Ash with window trims in Resene Double Masala, frames in Resene Triple Friar Greystone and roof in Resene Ironsand. Design by Pat de Pont and Bruce MacKenzie, image by Megan McDowell.

This timeless exterior blends rustic charm with understated elegance. The soft, muted tones of the weatherboard cladding in Resene Ash give the home a natural, organic feel that harmonises beautifully with its surroundings. Lush greenery and olive trees frame the structure, adding texture and depth, while the gravel path leading up to the entrance evokes the ambiance of a countryside retreat. For similar hues, try Resene Linen, Resene Tana and Resene Kangaroo.

Bold and beautiful


This home has great street appeal with its modern industrial look, from the vertical cedar in Wood-X Aspiring wood oil, available from Resene ColorShops, to the Resene Double Sea Fog cladding and soffits.

Consider dark, bold and refined shades for your exterior like Resene Coast, Resene Gravel or Resene Foundry. These hues bring character and depth, especially when accented with clean whites or muted greys. This approach also helps smaller exteriors feel polished and impactful without overwhelming the eye.

Top tip: If you’re choosing a dark colour for your exterior, consider using the Resene CoolColour version of your colour to help reflect more heat and keep the coating and surface cooler.

Wherever you call home, embrace the opportunity to make your exterior a true expression of your individuality with a striking and versatile palette.For more inspiration check out Resene’sexteriors decorating inspiration gallery. You can also pop into your localResene ColorShopfor more exterior colour advice,Ask a Resene Colour Expert online for help or book a colour consultation with a Resene Colour Expert free instore or virtually or a paid home visit in selected areas.

Published: 13 Nov 2024

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

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Half Ecru White

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Double Alabaster

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene New Denim Blue

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Black White

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Half Black White

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Villa White

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Lemon Grass

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Double Masala

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Triple Friar Grey

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Double Sea Fog

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

the look

If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.