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Wall and shelves painted in Resene Spitfire, floor stained in Colorwood Shade, table and candleholder in Gumboot and vases on shelves in High Tea. Linen and florals from Bed, Bath and Beyond, lamp from Frangere. Project by Melle van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.
Wall painted in Resene Red Oxide, floor in Resene Colorwood Bark, shelves in Apple Blossom. Chair from Ligne Roset, artwork from Sanderson Gallery, lamp and stool from ECC. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Wall painted in Resene Persian Red, floor in Resene Walk-on in the shade Rebel. Desk and stool from Ligne Roset, floor vase from ECC, candle from Faradays. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Living room walls in Resene Aubergine, hallway in Rivergum. Project by Angela Godenho at Simplify and Amplify, image by Anna McLeod.
Red hot interior ideas for the cooler months
Dark colour palettes are having a major moment and we love the way that deep paint tones add a sense of sophistication and mood to a room. And red? Well, this is one shade that will instantly warm up any room in your home. The perfect choice for the upcoming winter months.
Moody reds can be done in all home eras. They suit modern homes for their sleek feel, and are especially striking in character villas and bungalows where high ceilings and decorative mouldings help show off their depth.
Wall painted in Resene Red Oxide, floor in Resene Colorwood Bark, shelves in Apple Blossom. Chair from Ligne Roset, artwork from Sanderson Gallery, lamp and stool from ECC. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
When it comes to balance, Resene Colour Consultant Amy Watkins recommends playing with contrast. “If your walls are deep, keep furniture, flooring and artwork in a lighter or varying tone so the room feels balanced.” It’s a simple trick that lets darker tones shine without making the space feel closed in.
Wall painted in Resene Persian Red, floor in Resene Walk-on in the shade Rebel. Desk and stool from Ligne Roset, floor vase from ECC, candle from Faradays. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
Deep pigmented reds pair well with darker wood stains like Resene Colorwood Meranti and English Walnut, as well as other jewel toned paints like Decadence and Deep Teal. Consider wrapping your whole space in red for a sophisticated, intimate feel, instead of just on one feature wall.
Living room walls in Resene Aubergine, hallway in Rivergum. Project by Angela Godenho at Simplify and Amplify, image by Anna McLeod.
If you’re not a fan of brighter reds, but love the warmth they give, opt for a slightly browner tone like Resene Aubergine, Cab Sav or Scoria. These will work well with other earthy and nature tones, as well as your favourite neutrals.
Wall and shelves painted in Resene Spitfire, floor stained in Colorwood Shade, table and candleholder in Gumboot and vases on shelves in High Tea. Linen and florals from Bed, Bath and Beyond, lamp from Frangere. Project by Melle van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.
Amy suggests using these deep reds in a bedroom. “Using a deep burgundy such as Resene Spitfire with the colour drenching technique creates a cosy and intimate space,” she says. It’s proof that darker colours can feel calming rather than cold.
Red hot tips:
- For general walls, use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in your chosen red. This popular, durable paint is easy to clean and will give you that perfect luxurious finish that showcases deep reds with depth and intensity.
- If you’re highlighting trims, decorative mouldings or cornices, use a tough paint like Resene Lustacryl Semi Gloss or Resene Enamacryl Gloss to really show off the details.
- Resene is renowned for its choice of deep and intense reds, after pioneering the use of red bases and high strength (automotive grade) tinters or colourants to ensure coverage and durability the choice is unparalleled. Picking the right red shouldn’t be case of lucky dip, take the time and use testpots to finetune and ultimately determine your perfect red.
There are plenty of red shades to choose from! Visit your nearest Resene ColorShop to check them out in person, or Ask a Colour Expert online for advice on which red to use where.
Published: 25 Mar 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Apple Blossom
Resene English Walnut
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 Apple Blossom
Resene English Walnut
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
