The design trends defining local homes

23 Mar 2023

With more than 300 homes entered in the Master Builders House of the Year competition last year, the judges had a tough decision choosing between the countless styles, structures, and dimensions to decide on a winner. With Resene paints and products seen throughout the entries, we’ve narrowed down the top current trends to give you some inspiration for your own home.

Bringing back timber

Timber is making a comeback, and not just on exteriors. With its naturally striking features, plus the many Resene wood stains available to enhance its grain and appearance, there are endless options to use timber throughout your homes interior. Next to a cosy fireplace with the sun lapsing through the windows, try a natural-toned stain like Resene Colorwood Natural or Resene Colorwood Oregon. Or opt for an uber natural look with clear Resene Aquaclear Natural.

project by Framed Builders

Timber interiors can add a touch of beauty and texture to a home. Wood grains and knots can create visual interest and add character to a space, and don’t be afraid to use different stains for different spaces in your home. For a darker wood stain with a more reddish tint, try Resene Colorwood Meranti or Resene Colorwood Mahogany. Timber pairs well with timeless whites, such as Resene Alabaster and Resene Merino, or you could try a contrasting black such Resene Nero. 

project by Design Builders Wellington

Sustainable and energy efficient

Eco-friendly and sustainability features are becoming more popular in homes, with a focus on reducing the negative impacts on our environment and planet, while also increasing the health and comfort of its occupants. Features such as recycled timber, large windows to get the sun in, good insulation, and storage tanks that collect rainwater are just some of the ways to become more sustainable. You can also opt for features like Resene’s Environmental Choice paints and wood stains, available in popular Resene shades - you don’t have to give up your favourite colours.

project by H D Built

Luxurious, moody bathrooms

On-trend bathrooms exude a sense sensuality, to create a relaxing and indulgent space. The dark, rich colours and features create a dramatic and intimate atmosphere, perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day.

In addition to the rich textures and materials like a marble finish, stone, or wood, opt for gold or brass finishes and paint in warm whites or beige, Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream (used on the ceiling in the above bathroom), Resene Quarter Joss or Resene Half Biscotti. Add to the luxurious, refined finish with a dark, moody wood stain on timber like Resene Colorwood English Walnut or Resene Colorwood Charred Black.

project by Trinity Construction

Deeper, colour saturated dark colours are also ones to try in your bathroom. Think dark navy blues, charcoals or deep greens. These colours can create a sense of depth and drama, while also setting a stylish tone. Try a winter green like Resene Holly or a deep marine blue-green like Resene Tarawera for ceilings or walls. If using paint in your bathroom, opt for Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom to protect walls in wet areas.

project by Home Factor SI

Statement kitchen pieces

Stepping away from stark white, we are seeing more colour and texture added to the heart of our homes. Kitchens with bold islands and feature cabinetry can make quite the statement and conversation piece at your next dinner party. Aim for neutral walls in Resene Sea Fog or Resene Half Rice Cake, and try a dark shade on cupboards like Resene Double Foundry, a hot charcoal, or Resene Element, a dark and mysterious shade of earthy stone. For wooden floorboards go for a paler stain like Resene Colorwood Natural to keep the look fresh and airy. Use Resene AquaLAQ Colour Coat and SoftTouch for a coloured finish that will look good and minimise fingermarks.

project by Buildelite Homes

This grand kitchen screams indulgence and ultimate luxury. With gold and marble finishes for days, an elegant white like the crisp Resene Black White or Resene Quarter Merino will allow your décor to shine. Team with a like Resene Colorwood Jarrah or Resene Colorwood Meranti.

project by Metzger Builders

Pushing the boundaries

With a unique, almost origami-style  roof form rising up from the entry over the kitchen and living spaces this home pushes the boundaries of a typical build. The angular ceiling is reflected in the multiple curves and angles of the space for a room that feels truly dynamic. The combination of wood and steel also make for a dramatic, engaging interior.

To achieve the perfect sheen on timber, try Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K on flooring and Resene Aquaclear on walls and ceilings, or a wood stain like Resene Colorwood Natural to show refresh the wood’s natural grain. With walls in shades like Resene Barely There or Resene Half White Pointer you can create a neutral backdrop that lets your unique design features and décor really stand out.

project by Hillview Construction

Check out the House of the Year 2022 results here for more trend inspiration: https://houseoftheyear.co.nz/results/?year=2022

Published: 23 Mar 2023