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Holiday inspired interiors – for a getaway at home
04 Feb 2026
If you’ve been dreaming of that big escape, or perhaps you just didn’t get a break from work over the Christmas and New Year period, then we’ve got you. Until…
DIY garden projects and ideas for your outdoor space
29 Jan 2026
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,…
Beauty on the inside; inspired by the outside
06 Jan 2026
A simple, modern take on the traditional Kiwi bach where owners Tanja and Brett could feel like they were on holiday all the time was the brief to architect Noor…
Transform your home with Resene’s most striking blues
11 Sep 2025
With the title of most popular colour in the world, blue certainly lives up to its reputation. Evoking feelings of calmness, stability and trust, it’s no wonder it’s also a…
A sea breeze of colour: Where light, warmth and the coast meet at home
23 Apr 2025
This petite yet personality-packed home may sit modestly on a small coastal site, but step inside and you’ll find it brimming with light, clever details – and a Resene colour…
Tis the season: Three ways to make your home festive this Christmas
05 Dec 2024
Christmas is a time to deck the halls, but why stop there? Transform your entire living space into a festive wonderland with the perfect colour palette and thoughtful decorations. With…
A playful haven of creativity and efficiency
07 Nov 2024
If you’ve always wanted to make your home unique, and do it on a budget, then this one is for you. This house uses pops of Resene colour and charming…
Country connections
23 Oct 2024
Harking back to a more relaxed way of living has become more familiar over the past few years. With many choosing to shift to the country away from the hustle…
Restful retreats: Designing bedrooms with tranquillity in mind
09 Oct 2024
Bedrooms are our personal sanctuaries, spaces where we seek peace, rest and rejuvenation. Whether you're looking to create a haven of calm or a bold, expressive retreat, the right combination…
Easy cost-effective ideas for renters
14 May 2024
Renters rejoice! Just because you’re not the one who owns your home, it doesn’t mean you can’t decorate it and make it a space that you love. With a bit…
Paint it P.I.N.K. for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ!
07 May 2024
Breast cancer effects one in nine New Zealand women but is most treatable when it’s found early. The Breast Cancer Foundation relies entirely on donations from the New Zealand public,…
Moody makeover: Five ways to incorporate dark hues in your home
24 Apr 2024
With a rich palette of hues and versatile wallpaper designs, Resene has what you need to explore the allure of darkness in your home décor. From sumptuous floral patterns to…
Organising your clutter: How to create the perfect drop zone
27 Mar 2024
Are you tired of constantly losing track of your keys, phone or even your sanity in the chaos of daily life? Well, fear not! We've got just the solution to…
Beyond the shore: Coastal chic with Resene paints and wallpapers
22 Feb 2024
If you dream of waking up to the gentle sound of waves and the soothing scent of the sea, why not bring some coastal charm into your home? Resene paints…
Breathe new life into your bach with these stylish paint and wallpaper ideas
20 Dec 2023
Ah, the quintessential bach and holiday home over summer. If yours is looking a little dated, then these quick Resene paint and wallpaper ideas will give your space the spruce…
Christmassy crafts: Last minute festive touches for your home
13 Dec 2023
Embrace the spirit of the season with these delightful last-minute Christmas crafts using Resene paints, bringing festive charm to your home in a uniquely creative way. These simple, cost-effective projects,…
Six living room looks that are sure to give you inspiration for your home
25 Oct 2023
Transform your living space into a haven of style and comfort with six exquisite living room inspiration looks that are bound to ignite your creativity. From timeless elegance to vibrant…
Refresh your outdoor space and get summer ready this spring
27 Sep 2023
As the days grow longer and we welcome the warmer weather, it's a great time to breathe new life into your outdoor space to make it the perfect retreat for…
From homework to hangout: Smart and stylish ideas for kids' and teens' spaces
06 Sep 2023
Creating vibrant and functional spaces for kids and teens can be an exciting endeavour. These areas are not only where they study and play but also where they express their…
Sunny disposition: How yellow interiors can brighten your home
15 Aug 2023
With Daffodil Day approaching, we thought we would explore this zesty tone and how you can incorporate it into your home. Yellow interiors are a breath of fresh air in…
From neglected to coastal chic: The stunning renovation of a Queensland worker's cottage
11 Jul 2023
When Jared and Sarah bought their 1930s home in Burleigh Heads, its mood was anything but coastal chic. The living room featured pink walls and matted, purple carpet; its kitchen…
A renovation triumph: How love, hard work and Resene colours brought a dream to life
27 Jun 2023
Standing proud on a hill in Paremata, just north of Wellington, is a house that has captured the hearts of its owners, Steve and Melody. Purchased nearly eight years ago…
Winter blues no more: Five paint and wallpaper ideas to infuse warmth and tropical charm into your home
22 Jun 2023
As the cold winds blow and winter settles in, there's nothing quite as inviting as a cosy and warm home. Or, how about one that makes you feel like you’re…
A breath of fresh air: Restoring charm to a beachside bungalow
22 Jun 2023
Nestled just a few houses from the beach, this charming bungalow owned by Jacquie and Gerard has undergone a remarkable transformation. Built in 1926 with cedar, the original house exuded…
Craftcore: A new trend in home decor for the DIY enthusiast
13 Jun 2023
In an era of mass production and digital innovations, where technology reigns supreme, a remarkable trend has quietly emerged, breathing new life into the world of craftsmanship. Craftcore is a…
Beyond the fourth wall: Feature walls as the ultimate design element
07 Jun 2023
In the realm of interior design, feature walls have emerged as an extraordinary way to transform the look and feel of a space. These bold statements of creativity and design…
Creating your dream bedroom: 5 ideas that will elevate your sleep space
23 May 2023
Your bedroom is more than just a space for rest and relaxation, it's a personal sanctuary where dreams are nurtured and rejuvenation takes flight. The design of your bedroom plays…
Fall into cosy: Make your home interior warm and inviting for the colder months
13 Apr 2023
As the temperature starts to drop and the leaves start to change, you might be thinking about making your home interiors cosy for the autumn season. You don’t have to…
From bland to grand: Transform your space with a feature wall
22 Mar 2023
Are the rooms in your home looking a little flat? Or maybe you’re tired of seeing the same old colour on each wall? A feature wall might be just what…
The art of minimalism with a splash of colour: Tips for a balanced look
15 Mar 2023
Minimalist interior design is a popular and timeless style that emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and clean lines. It often relies on neutral colours, clear surfaces, and uncluttered spaces to create a…
Christy and Simon’s dream home in St Clair
25 Jan 2023
Buying a house can be tricky, especially when you can’t find one that ticks off everything on your dream home checklist. Seeking a specific design and layout to complement their…
Keep your summer rolling: 6 wallpapers to keep you in the holiday mood
11 Jan 2023
If you’re back at work or already thinking about those imminent colder months ahead, do not fear, you can bring a bit of holiday escape into your home that can…
Top stories for 2022: From restored villas to blue-themed rooms and inspiring neutrals, these are our most-popular reads this year
20 Dec 2022
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to revisit habitat readers’ most read stories of 2022. From villa makeovers to a whimsical gingerbread home and tips for trying…
A Hamptons themed tiny home designed by lady tradies creates affordable luxury
08 Dec 2022
In a world obsessed with bigger is better, tiny can be truly beautiful. Two women are on a mission to find a solution to the housing affordability issues and their…
Blushing with pride, interior stylist Amber Armitage has a modern take on classic Kiwi bach colours
01 Dec 2022
During the uncertainty of the pandemic, Amber Armitage knew one thing for certain when she saw a real estate listing for a home in Mangawhai - she had to buy…
Pauanui surfer riding a wave of success after a bach makeover
10 Nov 2022
This bach in Pauanui is definitely a surfer’s paradise. When Danny purchased the small two-bedroom cottage located near the sea and the golf course he knew it had the potential…
5 spring greens to refresh your home
09 Nov 2022
Much has been written about the versatility of green in interior decorating and design. Its reputation for versatility is well-earned. There’s a Resene green to suit to every person, every…
Beach house style: Coastal colour schemes to embrace at home or the bach
02 Nov 2022
In New Zealand and Australia, no matter where you are, you’ve never very far from the beach. Many of us have grown up in or around the water, so why…
Resene blues for every room – and blues for outdoors: 30+ blue paints you’ll adore
20 Oct 2022
When it comes to designing with colour, blue is one of the all-time classics. There is a blue to suit every taste, every mood and every broader colour scheme or…
Guest rooms to remember
13 Oct 2022
Creating a guest room that goes that little extra mile with thoughtful touches and considered design, helps ensure your guests feel completely welcome and at home while they’re staying.
It can…
Spring into action: Get your outdoor areas ready for summer
05 Oct 2022
Dust off your DIY and maintenance skills, it’s that time of year when we all race outside to enjoy some warmer weather and realise there’s some work to do to…
Personal space: five bedroom styles that beckon
08 Sep 2022
Bedrooms are personal sanctuaries where we want to relax and retreat. They’re also a place where you can experiment to create an interior style that really reflects your personality.
Because they’re…
Invite the sun in and relax with resort-style interiors
01 Sep 2022
Although travel is once again in full swing and the lapping waters of foreign lands may be calling, why not consider a one-way trip to the tropics at home? Channel…
Get the Barbiecore interior look and think pink
18 Aug 2022
Missing a little boldness and fun in your home? The Barbiecore interior trend has arrived. Barbie-inspired looks embrace all that is pink and takes a maximalist approach. Go glam and…
Three’s The Block NZ room reveal: Guest bedrooms are first up
27 Jul 2022
This season of Three’s The Block NZ promises to be action-packed if the first room reveal is anything to go by. The Guest Bedrooms revealed in last Wednesday’s episode of the hit Three reality…
Five ways with wall panelling to jazz up any room
14 Jul 2022
The simple addition of wall panelling can transform a space, offering a classic look. Adding texture and height to a flat wall is a creative, on-trend way to refresh a…
Travel-inspired interiors: 5 looks to transport you
16 Jun 2022
Who said you had to leave your home to gain all the glorious inspiration travel offers? Take a voyage across the globe by incorporating these travel-inspired Resene colours and wallpapers…
Know your blues: Eight dreamy blues to consider (and how to pick one for your home)
19 May 2022
There’s nothing that sets a mood in a room like blue does. An incredibly versatile colour, blue can be refreshing, tranquil or moody. Its numerous shades can work as a…
Two colourful SheSheds decorated with Resene
30 Mar 2022
Small cabin solutions with SheShed
Beachy keen
When Lea decided to create a garden studio which could also double as a sleepout for her teenage daughter, she pulled out all the stops…
A 1930s Californian bungalow in Nelson bursts at the seams with colour and character
17 Mar 2022
Guests at Mark and John’s Nelson California bungalow never have any trouble finding their address, all they need to do is look out for the bright red letterbox. Resene Havoc…
Make your mark with wood stains indoors and out
17 Feb 2022
Back in the day wood stain used to really only come in one colour - a good old dark brown. That’s the colour of all wood, right? Particularly if you…
Popular and enduring shades of Resene blue inspired by sea and sky
10 Feb 2022
In a subtropical climate like ours, it’s easy to be drawn to an ocean-inspired colour palette full of beachy blues. Whether you choose one of the neutrals with a hint…
Top stories for 2021: From Resene Duck Egg blue to Peter Wolfkamp’s cottage, these are some of our most-read stories this year
23 Dec 2021
Top stories for 2021: From Resene Duck Egg blue to Peter Wolfkamp’s cottage, these are some of our most-read stories this year
As the year ends, it’s time to take stock,…
How to create the beach-house vibe with shades of the coast
25 Nov 2021
It’s a look that never dates – the washed blues, seafoam greens and subtle shades of white that together create the easy, breezy beach-house style.
The coastal spirit starts with paint.…
Nature-inspired interior ideas: Bring the outdoors in with colour
11 Nov 2021
There’s nothing better than a seamless indoor/outdoor flow during the warmer months; the breeze flowing through your lounge or opening up the sliding doors to invite the garden inside. But…
Recharging colour ideas to give your home a pick me up (in under 48 hours)
14 Oct 2021
If you’re after a splash of joy in your life, we have the perfect projects to give your home a revitalising renovation. Embrace the warmer weather and bright Resene paints…
A splash in time: Eight stylish interior designs that have stood the test of time
23 Dec 2021
Time flies when it comes to the latest trends in interior design. With daring décor and new colour palettes to be discovered around every corner, take a moment to embrace…
Colour yourself happy with primary colours
02 Sep 2021
If primary colours remind you of long days in the classroom, then these colourful red, blue and yellow interiors are here to give you a whole new perspective. With Resene’s…
From derelict to dreamy: Solo mum uses Resene Half Sea Fog to transform this 50s home into a misty retreat
21 Jul 2021
Flood-damaged tiles, bug infestations and holes in the walls hardly sound like features of a dream home, but for solo mum Ché it was love at first sight. When the…
Check out these luxurious living rooms from Three’s The Block NZ
21 Jul 2021
Block-a-holics were treated to another week of creativity on Three’s The Block NZ. Living Room Week took the competition to new heights, with some of the cathedral-like spaces transformed in…
48 hour bedroom updates that will transform your home
07 Jul 2021
Two days is all it takes to revive your bedroom with a lick of Resene paint and a whole new style. These bedroom upgrade ideas have a small budget and…
Three’s The Block NZ picks up the pace with Kid’s Bedroom week
01 Jul 2021
Another exciting week on Three’s The Block NZ saw the four teams create five colourful Kid’s Bedrooms. With $7000 on the line, the teams continued to up the ante treating…
Know your whites: 13 whites and neutrals to consider (and how to pick one for your home)
05 May 2021
When it comes to repainting your home, chances are your colour palette will include some off-whites – whether that’s just for the trims and joinery or tip to toe. But…
This artist’s Brisbane home is so colourful even the 85m fence is an elegant rainbow
28 Apr 2021
Artist and colour consultant Kelly Southee isn’t on the fence about using colour in her Brisbane home. Originally from Upper Hutt, Kelly’s new home on the outskirts of the Toohey…
Keep calm and paint it Duck Egg Blue: Six chic updates
14 Apr 2021
There’s no need to feel blue when it comes to repainting your home. Marie Antoinette didn’t when she covered her private boudoir in Versailles with the colour duck egg blue.…
Creating the relaxing bach feeling at Flaxmill Bay Hideaway
08 Apr 2021
In Flaxmill Bay, nestled amongst three hectares of lush gardens and trees lies a cosy cottage that on first glance appears to be the quintessential bach. Except it isn’t -…
Beachside cottage bought online on an impulse receives a contemporary coastal refresh while retaining original bach style
25 Feb 2021
Spontaneous home buying is not for the faint of heart but when a worn down 1950s Glenbrook Beach bach popped into her inbox it was love at first click-of-the-mouse for…
Six dining rooms that will make each meal a family celebration
18 Feb 2021
The saying may be 'home is where the heart is' but really, it's the dining room specifically that is often the beating heart of a family home. It's where we…
Going coastal: How to create the laid-back beachy bach look using blues and whites
17 Dec 2020
There’s nothing like getting away from it all to shed the stresses of everyday life. A change of scene with a vacation at a bach, crib or holiday house creates…
Create peaceful and relaxed festive flair with beach-themed Christmas decorations
02 Dec 2020
For many of us, Christmas at the beach resonates more than festive scenes with snowflakes and snowmen. This year has been quite a year. Make the festive season as relaxing…
5 ways to bring Scandi style home, downunder
16 Sep 2020
We may be half a world away, but Scandinavian style feels right at home to many of us. In fact, the tell-tale markers of Scandi-inspired design - think warm and…
A very glamorous boat house
17 Mar 2011
When the owners of this waterfront home told architect Jack McKinney that they wanted a house like a boat shed, it was a good thing that he had worked with…
Susan and Jeremy's life beyond white
16 Jul 2014
Sure, Susan Templer is in a lucky position. As an interior designer she has the skill to choose a range of colours for her house with confidence, and not just opt…
An unlikely colour combo
26 Aug 2015
Yellow is one of the colour accents of the moment, sizzling out of accessories, interiors and on feature pieces like painted walls and furniture. The latest Resene fandeck is rich…
Six easy paint ideas
15 Oct 2014
It’s amazing what you can do with a small amount of paint and a bit of inspiration. Take a look at some of these clever projects to get you inspired:
Summer…
Ian and Sharon’s sand and sea-toned escape
20 Nov 2014
Faced with rebuilding a broken-down bach at Mangawhai Heads north of Auckland, Ian and Sharon took inspiration from the spectacular view of islands, sea and sand dunes for their palette…
Pam and Allan's beachy vibe
18 Mar 2015
With the soft blues and long white sands of Mount Maunganui beach just down the road from their home, Allan and Pam decided on a restful and clean colour palette…
Tina's bach to the future design
19 Aug 2015
Designer Tina Stephens of Roomie Interior Design was recently given a very personal commission – to redesign both the structure and the interiors of her parents’ home, using soft beachy…
Mike and Robyn’s sun-filled Omaha beach house
06 Aug 2015
There's a natural tranquility to Mike and Robyn's home, with its sun-filled deck and open plan living area. Located in Omaha, an hour's drive from Auckland, the newly built home…
Vintage kitchens keep it real
25 Jun 2015
Hands up who’s a bit bored of sleek integrated all-white kitchens? They may be great for minimalist architectural interiors or for people who have the time and inclination to keep…
Dennis and Mel's leafy suburban project
23 Jul 2015
When the structure of a home is near perfect when you buy it, there comes a little more freedom (read time and money) to sprucing up the paint work with…
Tracy revives a kiwi icon
14 Dec 2015
One kiwi icon met another when Tracy Murphy transformed her ex Lockwood showhome with Resene paint. Both Lockwood and Resene are New Zealand companies born mid last century… and both are…
Colour trending: Christmas goes casual
14 Dec 2015
Some of us get off on the whole hype of Christmas – buying and decorating the tree, wrapping the presents, laying on a full-monty Christmas dinner with all the traditional…
Janey turns cabin from hokey to heavenly
19 Nov 2015
Small space, set budget, stunning makeover... it is possible, folks. We only have to look at this stylish holiday home on Auckland’s West Coast, simply made over with a couple…
Timber: treat it right
21 Jul 2016
Ply, planking, slats and veneers in any depth of colour… timber has a certain feel that can’t be replicated. It has always featured in older character homes, was a darling…
6 paint trends that just keep on going
17 Jun 2016
1. Resene Black White
There’s something about this colour that homeowners love. The answer is possibly in the Resene description of the colour: ‘a calcite grey white, chalky and soft’. Despite…
Amanda unlocks the magic in white
22 Jun 2016
Amanda Neill is a designer who’s known for her ability to tie gorgeous furnishings with the right Resene paint. And when some clients wanted a relaxed feel for the new…
Yvette’s tropical heart-felt paradise
18 Jan 2017
When Yvette Parker of Studio Y Interior Design was asked to design the interiors of a house for the Heart Foundation Lottery, she decided to use light fresh Resene colours to…
Is Scandi still in style?
01 Feb 2017
The short answer is yes. With its misty white walls, timber accents, hints of rustic elegance and monochromatic good looks, this is a style that will stay around for a…
Daringly dark house exteriors
04 May 2017
There’s something about a dark house exterior that seems to connect with us. Maybe it looks more grounded, stronger and more distinctive, or just out-and-out eye-catching.
A dark exterior paint job…
Kate adds magic to this beach bungalow
20 Jul 2017
With sweeping views above the tree tops, and sitting privately between a park and the beach, there was inspiration aplenty for Kate Alexander when asked to update this character bungalow…
5 must-have colours this season
11 Oct 2017
Now that the weather’s warming up, it’s time to shrug off the dark, cocooning colours of winter and brighten up your home with the on-trend colours for spring and summer.
The…
Get our beachy bedroom cover look
02 Nov 2017
Beach brights, watery blues, honey yellows... the cover of our latest issue is all about celebrating the look of summer. We bring the best of the sunny season indoors with this stunning…
Heather goes coastal cool
11 Jan 2018
Imagine the dream Kiwi bach… chances are it would closely resemble this Coromandel Peninsula beauty.
The four-bedroom holiday home was styled by Heather Kirkwood, who went for a coastal cool look – with…
Amanda’s beachy modern take on mid-century
25 Jan 2018
When designer Amanda Neill helped renovate a 1970s architect-designed apartment in an Auckland beachside suburb, she skilfully combined the owner’s love of mid-century style with the colours of the sea.…
Dean and Delia’s delightful blue cottage by the sea
19 Apr 2018
What was once a modest bach in a seaside East Auckland suburb is now an eye-catching beauty, painted in an array of Resene coastal colours.
As its been told to homeowners…
Joanne and Chris bring beachy brights to their B&B
10 May 2018
With orange as her happy colour, it’s no surprise to see it feature throughout Joanne’s home – from a beautiful barn door painted in Resene Tangerine to splashes of orange…
Bold and beautiful colour awards announced
30 Aug 2018
The winners of this year’s Resene Total Colour Award were announced at a gala evening last night, with some unexpectedly bold projects taking top honours.
From a full-on pink dining room,…
Go beachy chic Hamptons-style
18 Oct 2018
Mention the Hamptons as an interior decor style and most people will probably envisage the huge houses and glamorous parties as represented by any number of TV shows.
But while the…
David and Cheryl go from ordinary to extraordinary
11 Oct 2018
When David and Cheryl Aitken bought their Stanley Pt home on Auckland’s North Shore in 1988 it was a modest home but in a stunning location. Over the next 30…
Beachy looks to bring to your bach
16 Oct 2019
Summer is just around the corner so now’s the ideal time to get your bach ready before you get bogged down by the pre-Christmas rush. And if you don’t have…
5 bach bedroom decorating ideas so you can snooze in style
20 Nov 2019
If there’s one place you should be guaranteed absolute serenity and a comfortable sleep this summer, it’s your bach. Low maintenance décor paired with cool, comforting colours can help set…
