Pattern play: Elevate your home with these unique paint and wallpaper ideas
Patterns and textures have the power to transform a space, adding depth, personality and a sense of style to interiors. Whether bold or subtle, geometric or organic, patterned walls can create a statement or serve as a gentle backdrop to a well-curated home. Resene’s extensive range of wallpapers and paints makes it easy to embrace the latest pattern trends while maintaining a timeless appeal. Check out these five pattern trends that are making waves in home design.
Botanical bliss
Bring the outdoors in with Resene Wallpaper Collection 33304.
Nature-inspired interiors continue to be a popular choice, bringing the outdoors in with lush foliage prints and soft, organic shapes. In this bedroom, Resene Wallpaper Collection 33304 is used as a fresh, bold feature wall, softened by the use of natural materials like wood, rattan and foliage. You might also like to try larger scale botanical wallpapers which can also add a calming atmosphere, or hand-painted leafy designs for a more subtle take on the trend. Perfect for living rooms and bedrooms, botanical patterns pair beautifully with neutral tones and earthy hues.
Get the look by opting for designs like Resene Wallpaper Collection A54703 or Resene Wallpaper Collection A54902 complemented by soft greens or muted earth tones. Use Resene Haven for a gentle green touch or Resene Thorndon Cream for a warm base.
Modern geometrics
Add a touch of elegance to your walls with Resene Wallpaper Collection M42129.
Sharp lines, angles and structured patterns add a dynamic edge to interiors. Whether it’s hexagons or intricate tessellations, geometric patterns bring a sense of order and energy to a space. This trend works particularly well in contemporary homes, home offices or feature walls in living areas.
Pair geometric designs like Resene Wallpaper Collection M42129 (above) or Resene Wallpaper Collection 840025 with strong, clean colour contrasts. Opt for a neutral base, then accentuate with Resene Tuna for a bold grey or Resene Aviator for a striking deep blue. For a pop of contrast, add Resene Clockwork Orange to accessories.
Vintage revival
In this groovy, earthy toned living room, the wall and floor are painted in Resene Spanish White, coffee table in Resene Toffee, tealight holder in Resene Tussock, retro DIY tiles in Resene Spanish White and Resene Toffee, books in Resene Tussock, Resene Toffee and Resene Smooth Operator and lamp in Resene Toffee with spots in Resene Tussock. Sofa from Nood, mustard toned linen cushion from H&M Home, charm print cushion from Farmers. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Retro and vintage patterns are making a strong comeback, with Art Deco motifs, 70s-inspired florals and mid-century modern prints leading the way. These designs bring nostalgia and charm to interiors, adding a unique and stylish flair. Perfect for feature walls in dining rooms, hallways or even powder rooms, this trend embraces bold prints and colour combinations. In this living room, we’ve painted wooden tiles in Resene colours for a playful touch while incorporating the same colour scheme into accessories, fabrics and furniture for a cohesive feel.
Try painting your own wall mural in a vintage inspired design or paint some wooden tiles like ours and attach them to the wall for a playful design. If you’re going all out retro, choose colours like Resene Undercover, Resene Vintage, Resene Gimblet and Resene Arrowroot.
Textured elegance
Add interest and depth to your walls with a textured design like Resene Wallpaper Collection M69219.
Not all patterns are about bold prints – some rely on texture to create depth and sophistication. Textured wallpapers like Resene Wallpaper Collection M69219 with linen looking finishes and embossed patterns add a luxurious yet understated element to interiors. This style is perfect for bedrooms and lounges, adding warmth without overwhelming the space.
Get the look by choosing textured neutral designs such as Resene Wallpaper Collection M33407 or Resene Wallpaper Collection M64919 and pairing them with classic, elegant shades like Resene Merino and Resene Half Truffle.
Playful checks
A smaller palette of soft muted colours keeps these different check surfaces fun and fresh instead of chaotic. In this living room the wall is painted in Resene Eighth Joss, coffee table and sideboard in Resene Dusted Blue and Resene White Linen, large check planter in Resene Regent Grey and Resene Doeskin, candleholder and pendant in Resene Doeskin, bowl in Resene Tobacco Brown and planter in Resene Black and Resene White Linen. Sofa from nood, boucle cushion from Lune and Co, blue linen cushion and matching throw from H&M Home, artwork from Simply Creative. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Checks and stripes are a versatile pattern choice, ranging from traditional pinstripes to bold, oversized checkerboard designs like in this space. They can add a sense of movement and create a fun and unexpected twist in interiors. This trend works well in hallways, kitchens and children’s rooms.
Use Resene Rice Cake for a warm neutral backdrop and add different contrasts of Resene Biscotti, Resene Neutral Bay or Resene Coast – all of which create a timeless look.
Patterns are a fantastic way to inject personality into a space, whether through Resene Wallpapers or carefully chosen Resene paint combinations. By embracing these trending designs you can create a home that feels both stylish and inviting. Experiment with colours, textures and prints to find the perfect balance that reflects your style.
For more inspiration check out Resene’s blog, The power of pattern, as well as all the current Resene colour collections. And for more advice head to your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Colour Expert online today for help choosing!
Published: 18 Mar 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

Resene Thorndon Cream


Resene Thorndon Cream

Resene Clockwork Orange


Resene Clockwork Orange

Resene Spanish White


Resene Spanish White

Resene Smooth Operator


Resene Smooth Operator

Resene Tabacco Brown


Resene Tabacco Brown
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 Thorndon Cream


Resene Thorndon Cream

Resene Clockwork Orange


Resene Clockwork Orange

Resene Spanish White


Resene Spanish White

Resene Smooth Operator


Resene Smooth Operator

Resene Tabacco Brown


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