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Make your rental your own: Interior designer Vanya Wilkinson shows us how it’s done
22 May 2025
When Vanya Wilkinson signed the lease on a small 1800s workingman's cottage in Auckland’s Freemans Bay the tired matte cream paintwork and worn surfaces might have put off most renters.…
Samson House: Hues of heritage
15 May 2025
When it comes to blending history with modern luxury, few homes do it as effortlessly as Samson House in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. With its clever design that nods to the past…
Higgs Rest: A rustic retreat with eclectic charm
17 Dec 2024
Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Spring Grove, Higgs Rest is the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. After living in the property on and off for the…
The charming transformation of a French country home
23 Oct 2024
Tucked among a grove of large trees on a generous 2200m² site, this French country home, originally built in the late 1930s as a farm cottage, boasts unique character and…
A 1940s cottage gets a new life with the perfect colour palette
16 Oct 2024
Interior designer Stacey Gillies and her architect husband purchased a run-down 1940s cottage in Birkenhead, overlooking the Chelsea Sugar Refinery. Despite the home’s state, the city and harbour views made…
Bold colours, rich history: The revival of Christchurch's Money House
26 Jun 2024
Amidst the sleek lines of new apartments in Ōtautahi, Christchurch's rebuilt central city, a charming heritage-listed worker's home stands as a proud reminder of the city's early settlers. Thanks to…
A rural masterpiece
10 Jan 2024
This interior designer with a love of animals and a master’s in art curated a beautiful palette of Resene whites and neutrals to turn a rambling rural property into a…
Warm up your home: Paint it orange for Arthritis NZ
31 Oct 2023
When it comes to decorating your home, paint plays a crucial role in setting the mood and defining your living spaces. Colours have the power to transform any room from…
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…
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…
Vibrant and Victorian: The story behind Clarks Beach's charming historic home
13 Jun 2023
If there was ever a home with a story to tell, it’s this one! Situated in Clarks Beach, Hayley and Chris love their 640 square metre Victorian beauty that sits…
Cabincore chic: How to achieve the look without going full rustic
17 May 2023
Romanticising the idea of living in a cabin or a cottage in the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, cabincore is characterised by a focus on…
Resene Cinderella stories -– Before and after exterior transformations
18 Dec 2022
Happy-ever-after stories aren’t just reserved for fairy tales. These exterior home transformations show that even grand old dames can become belles of the ball with a touch of Resene colour.
Fit…
A landscape designer has found her peace in the gentle green space between bush and sea
19 Dec 2022
It’s impossible to count the many different shades of green that appear in Claire Talbot’s garden. It’s a kaleidoscope, the likes of which appear only on Resene colour charts. Painters…
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…
Energy efficiency and smart living in the Bay of Plenty
12 Oct 2022
Nestled in a lush avocado orchard in the rural Bay of Plenty is a modern and energy efficient home with clever technology and Resene colour at its heart.
“We were…
In classic 70s fashion, this Arrowtown holiday home croons Colour my World
29 Sep 2022
In classic 70s fashion, this Arrowtown holiday home croons Colour my World
If the 1990s was grunge and the 1980s was big hair, then the 1970s was all about earthy colours.…
Cottage-like charm of former state house brought to life with Resene neutrals
08 Sep 2022
The potential of this 1970s former state house in Wellington’s Hutt Valley was immediately obvious to Liam and Taylor Archibald when they first laid eyes on it in 2020. “When…
Devonport villa’s refresh shows why a cohesive colour palette is key
02 Jun 2022
Sometimes small changes can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to choosing neutral paint colours. The theme of this Auckland villa’s facelift was light, bright and modern, achieved…
Check it out: Channel the checkerboard with these interior looks
12 May 2022
Checked patterns are by no means new in the design world, popular since the Renaissance period in Europe. But the classic staggered arrangement of contrasting squares has experienced a resurgence…
Inside a whimsical Nelson ‘Gingerbread House’ from the 1860s
12 May 2022
Gemma and Jeremy’s wee home in Nelson is packed with character – and characters. Flamingoes, parrots and flowers from the Resene Wallpaper Collection rub shoulders with Crown Lynn swans, vintage…
A California bungalow damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes, is now sitting pretty in Japandi-style soft neutrals
05 May 2022
Liesbeth and Ewout’s Californian bungalow built in 1934 once sat four kilometres down the road from its current location. The couple, originally from the Netherlands, bought the home when they…
An enchanting cottage garden with a cute-as-a-button Shepherd's Hut
03 Mar 2022
A cottage garden is a peculiar choice for a perfectionist. Puriri Lane Garden in Drury is like something from a fairy tale, with delicate blooms such as cosmos, nigella and…
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,…
What a transformation: This charming 159-year-old Victorian cottage gets a peaceful modern makeover
18 Nov 2021
Tindalls Cottage in Berry was once the home of the town’s first mayor, James Wilson. But while it started its life in 1862 as the pride of the small village…
Off the wall: Get creative with these ideas for fabulous floors and clever ceilings
04 Nov 2021
You’ll be floored by the results when you look beyond your four walls and start treating your floor and ceiling as part of your creative canvas. Consider the ceiling and…
Take it outside: Simple tips and tricks for painting the exterior of your home
27 Oct 2021
It’s a big, intimidating task, but painting your home’s exterior can instantly boost its resale value and has a huge effect on the way you feel about your home. First…
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…
The Block NZ’s Peter Wolfkamp creates a striking monochrome palette inside his Devonport cottage with Resene Half Merino
07 Oct 2021
The Block NZ’s site foreman Peter Wolfkamp traded the rule book for a paintbrush when he renovated his circa 1910 cottage. He and his wife Debbie rose to the challenge…
An inspired home that could only be the handiwork of a fashion designer
19 Aug 2021
Looking at it today, it’s difficult to believe that Vaughan and Noel’s vivacious and sophisticated home started its life as a cottage back in 1912. The couple purchased the house in Auckland’s…
A gate to remember: A garden that pops with colour in Hurunui
13 Aug 2021
When Meg calls her Hurunui home a “do-up”, she just might be making the understatement of the year. When she and her husband, Tom, moved in 30 years ago, the…
7 kitchen designers share their top kitchen design tips and Resene colour choices
29 Jul 2021
We’ve rounded up some of the most drool-worthy kitchens and their talented designers to bring you a smorgasbord of advice to spice up your kitchen with colour. With a sprinkle…
Home delivery: This shipping container has been transformed into a cosy 65 sqm family home
15 Jul 2021
Shanon and Shelley packed up their city life and shipped out– literally. The couple chased their dream of living in a shipping container to a place you’d least expect; the…
10 paint colours we’re obsessed with right now
05 Nov 2021
The hottest paint colours right now are both grounding and ground-breaking. The focus this season is on renewal and nurturing with colours that are going back to nature with interior…
Three storey 110-year-old villa is rejuvenated with Resene paints after surviving tornado and 600km relocation
15 Jul 2021
The renovation of Huntly House has more drama than a reality TV show. Homeowners Hayley and Chris embarked on an incredible adventure when they restored their triple storey, seven bedroom…
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…
How to create a cosy living room using colour PLUS make your own plant stand and giant Jenga
01 Jul 2021
There’s nothing better than cosying up on the couch with a hot cuppa and listening to the rain pattering on the roof. Make your living room winter worthy with a…
Why neutral lovers should try pastels: Seven spectacular ways to incorporate pastels in your home
24 Jun 2021
Soft, simple, and playful, pastels are back – and these gentle tones will pack unexpected punch to your interior. Embrace the optimism of the 50s in your home with Resene’s…
Auckland eco home built from recycled power poles is splashed with vibrant Resene yellows and rocky coast greys
24 Jun 2021
The environment is at the heart of Joe and Peta’s stunning home in Mangere Bridge, Auckland — from the upcycled building materials used in construction to the interior and exterior…
These transportable cottages provide modern living with a vintage twist
13 May 2021
David and Kirsty Wraight’s cottages aren’t just transported to you – they transport you to another time. The couple own and run David Wraight Cottages; a company that specialises in…
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…
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 -…
Calming interior colours: Six pretty-quick fixes that’ll help you relax to the max.
07 Apr 2021
Is there a space at your place in which you can really switch off? Everybody needs a little time away, and with Resene paints and a little know-how, that can…
All Black Sir John Kirwan keeps it simple with black and white bach
25 Feb 2021
All Black legend Sir John Kirwan and his wife Fiorella have a long connection with Waihi Beach so when they came to creating their dream bach they wanted to get…
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…
7 unbelievable reader house exterior makeovers – plus house exterior painting tips
11 Feb 2021
This Christchurch home has new street appeal with a fresh coat of Resene Element and zesty Resene Hot Toddy on the garage door
7 unbelievable reader house exterior makeovers – plus…
A Kāpiti Coast home’s beachin' blue update
19 Jan 2021
Bold Resene blues add character to this Kapiti Coast home’s spectacular contemporary update.
When you’re building your ‘forever home,’ it can be difficult to design it in a way that’s forward-thinking enough…
This Invercargill villa is transformed with maximalist interiors
21 Oct 2020
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” So said British poet, novelist, translator and textile doyen William Morris. It’s a…
Three spectacular garden sheds that do more than just store tools
24 Jun 2020
For most, a shed is a basic garden structure where we might keep our lawnmower, potting mix or general outdoor bits and bobs. But, for these three creatives, a shed…
Claire and Aaron craft an eclectic dream world out of a 1940s cottage
04 Jun 2020
Set on a large mature section nestled above Little Shoal Bay on Auckland’s North Shore is a sweet 1940s brick-fronted cottage. Now owned by Claire and Aaron, the home is…
Claire and Dave’s modern beach house brings the ocean indoors
20 May 2020
Finding the balance between beach chic and modern design can be a tricky task, but thanks to some clever designers and a carefully selected palette of Resene colours, Claire and…
Selena and Mike give this Lake Taupo cottage a charming reno
29 Apr 2020
With a light, bright interior painted in Resene Alabaster, oodles of character and views of Lake Taupo, this newly renovated cottage is a homeowner’s dream – but it wasn’t always…
Robyn's Colourful Cottage
17 May 2015
Before Robyn moved in, there was no garden around the Victorian workers' cottage that she has now called home for 18 years. Still, the keen gardening enthusiast loved the quaint…
Clayton and Melanie-Jane's renovated railway house
21 Apr 2011
Before their renovation, Clayton and Melanie-Jane's 1920s railway bungalow was painted pink, had no internal doors ("Still a mystery!" laughs Melanie-Jane) and a formica kitchen. It is virtually unrecognisable now.…
Mark and Jennie's Red and Black Cottage in the Woods
12 May 2011
Set in dense West Auckland bush, Mark and Jennie's once diminutive cottage is now a bold statement in modern house design, thanks to a radical rebuild and the use of dramatic…
Derek and Elizabeth's Fairytale Cottage in a Winter Wonderland
15 Dec 2011
Although it's not winter at Lake Tekapo right now, we couldn't resist showing you this photo of Derek and Elizabeth's home, known as Riverside Cottage, in wintertime. While those in the northern…
Bill and Lesley's contemporary cottage calm
14 Jun 2012
This semi-rural Christchurch cottage has all the charm and whimsy of a character home but all the ease of a modern house.
Lesley and Bill Moore’s house was actually built on…
Kirsty and Tom's ultra-romantic cottage
13 Dec 2012
We had so much feedback about this dreamy French-style cottage which featured in the current Habitat magazine, that we thought we’d show you more of it. Photographer Juliet Nicholas gave…
Vincent and Sarah give old bones an eco twist
13 Aug 2015
A grand old home is the perfect canvas for strong Resene colour… but has posed a few problems for its sustainability-aware owners. How do you, after all, make a draughty, energy-sapping heritage home…
Gay and Jon mix old and new
15 Oct 2014
A newly built home was the perfect canvas for a makeover using Resene white, black and grey.
House hunting is never an easy feat, and for most couples checking off the…
Where eco meets zen
10 May 2015
When it comes to bathrooms, nothing beats a fresh scheme that’s simple and relaxing. Because bathrooms are generally small spaces, it’s good to choose a style that allows you to…
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…
Lisa and Dan’s modern coastal cottage
09 Jul 2015
Paraparaumu Beach is a perfect sweep of golden sand and views of Kapiti Island – and a wonderful mirror to this modern coastal cottage, just 15 minutes walk away.
Built in the 1980s, the cottage needed freshening up…
Hayley and Darryl find peace with white
16 Aug 2016
Designer Hayley French of Crush Interior Design loves white. She’s used Resene Black White and Resene White Pointer to transform a 1980s kitset cottage north of Auckland into a calming…
Dave and Barb's divine Auckland retreat
19 Oct 2017
Hidden away in a secluded part of Auckland's North Shore, and painted in an array of soothing Resene colours, Warblers Retreat is Dave and Barb Milina's slice of paradise.
The lodge was built in 2000…
Graham and Jo give heritage a new home
15 Mar 2018
When Graham and Jo moved into an old farm worker’s cottage in 2005, they riffed on the idea of a renovation – but realised it would be more cost effective…
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…
Bob’s award winning ultra efficient 'superhome'
09 Aug 2018
With a contemporary design and walls freshly painted in Resene Black White, this Christchurch home is already full of appeal. But its seamless looks hide a wonderful secret – it’s…
Stuart and Tracey’s stunning light-flooded home
06 Sep 2018
When Stuart and Tracey were making over their transitional villa in Devonport, Auckland, they turned to layers of Resene whites and neutrals to preserve the building’s character while creating a…
Settlers’ cottage gets a cheeky new look
27 Sep 2018
A stunning makeover of one of Nelson’s historic settlers’ cottages has left it looking rich and colourful, much like its past. Right down to the hot pink Resene Scrumptious front…
Harriet’s dreamy scheme for a rebuilt farm cottage
15 Nov 2018
Charged with decorating a Waikato country cottage, designer Harriet Di Maio opted for a palette of soft heritage colours, reminiscent of those found in English country homes.
Her clients had almost…
Rod and Heather’s captivating Cape Cod cottage
29 Nov 2018
With its cape-cod style architecture and fresh blue Resene French Pass exterior, Heather and Rod Claycomb’s Sand Dollar Cottage in Matarangi is a real head-turner.
The couple built the new building…
Tim and Angela renovate from woodsy to coastal
20 Dec 2018
Many of us dream of living the bach holiday lifestyle all year round, but few of us have the opportunity to actually do so. Tim and Angela Kinnersley are the…
Jonathan gives a typical Ponsonby villa a complete turn around
28 Mar 2019
Before Jonathan Smith of Matter Architects came around, this home in Auckland’s posh Ponsonby neighbourhood looked like any other worker’s cottage typical of the area and era: symmetrical façade, central…
A classically-styled Matarangi bach makes the most of open-plan living
17 Apr 2019
With an empty half-acre section in The Pines at Matarangi on Coromandel Peninsula, an Auckland-based couple with busy jobs at multi-national corporations already had an ideal setting for creating a custom…
A curious cottage transforms into a contemporary haven
24 Sep 2019
When a shack-like cottage changed hands in New South Wales, Australia, it was the subject of much curiosity. Formerly owned by a well-loved character in the small seaside suburb of…
Lizzie’s cute cottage glows like a jewel
16 Oct 2019
Sometimes a momentous event will spur us into action. That was the case with Lizzie Cook of Christchurch when earthquake repairs gave her the opportunity to complete renovations on her…
Philip and Jane’s glamorous villa looks pretty in pink
04 Mar 2020
While it may have served previous life as a modest bungalow, Philip and Jane’s 1920s Auckland home has since seen a complete transformation into the bold and modern multi-level stand…
A pair of heritage bathrooms clean up nicely
11 Mar 2020
Renovating a heritage bathroom is a behemoth of an undertaking. But when done right, it’s also a truly rewarding experience. It’s the kind of project which requires that perfect meeting…
