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The view from here
14 Apr 2026
Many of us will have a mental picture of our ‘dream house’ including, of course, the dream location. This may be informed by cherished memories of childhood holidays or by…
A celebration of colour with the latest Resene Total Colour Awards 2026
27 Mar 2026
The 16th annual Resene Total Colour Awards ceremony was held in Auckland last night, celebrating a diverse and colourful range of commercial, public and residential projects from across New Zealand…
More than the sum of its parts
10 Mar 2026
When you first encounter Berowald Place Home by Young+Richards+ you cannot help but stop in your tracks, drawn up short by the audacity of its forms, the crispness of every…
Product of the Month – Resene Sonyx 101 semi-gloss
17 Feb 2026
Resene Sonyx 101 semi-gloss is part of Resene’s family of waterborne coatings, which have been optimised for superior toughness, durability and adhesion, as well as generous coverage and good looks.
An…
Plant yourself down here: DIY outdoor potted plant bench
22 Jan 2026
Garden and patio seating doesn’t have to be plain, just look at this bright colourful bench in bold hues like Resene Kingfisher Daisy, Poppy and Lemon Ginger – and it…
Four DIY projects for serving food with style
06 Jan 2026
One of the greatest pleasures of the summer season is getting to spend extended time outdoors entertaining family and friends – whether that’s full-on barbecuing or ‘throwing together’ a grazing…
Create your own kebab serving block
23 Dec 2025
Level up your next outdoor party with this kebab serving block. Serve four (or more) different types of your favourite food on a stick in an easy-to-grab format that will…
New energy for a new year
17 Dec 2025
From a completely different part of the colour wheel to Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, comes the vibrant colour for December from Color Marketing Group (CMG): Wonder.
Described by…
Support local creatives with these stunning Christmas gift ideas
26 Nov 2025
The end of November is the perfect time to start getting all your Christmas shopping done. You can get it out of the way, and avoid those last-minute mad dashes…
Our favourite colour choices from TVNZ's Love It or List It NZ
11 Sep 2025
TVNZ’s Love It or List It NZ has just wrapped up with plenty of laughs, design drama and some tough choices for Kiwi homeowners caught between staying put or starting…
A building that breathes Whakapapa
14 Aug 2025
On a somewhat challenging site in Rotorua, a new kind of counselling centre has quietly taken shape. Purposeful, poetic and culturally grounded, the Manaaki Ora facility was not designed to…
A coastal canvas: How to create your own summer scene screen
01 Apr 2025
Bring a slice of summer into your space with this vibrant DIY project – a coastal-inspired screen that transforms any room into a beachside retreat. With a mix of breezy…
Step it up! DIY walking blocks for fun and balance
19 Mar 2025
Winter isn’t here yet so make the most of the outdoors with this fun DIY! These walking blocks are a fantastic way for kids (and playful adults) to challenge their…
Fresh paint, fresh purpose: Thrive op shop’s stylish makeover
05 Mar 2025
In the heart of Bell Block, New Plymouth, a humble op shop has undergone a stunning transformation – one that not only elevates the shopping experience but also embodies the…
On the hook
07 Mar 2025
Headphones are a common part of our daily lives these days, whether it's for podcast listening, work calls or catching up on your favourite tunes. It’s handy to have somewhere…
Lightbulb moment: How to create your own coat hanger lamp
07 Mar 2025
Create a striking, modern desk lamp by repurposing a sturdy wooden coat hanger, painted in your favourite Resene testpot paint colour or Resene Colorwood stain. It’s a simple project that can brighten up…
Project spotlight: From classroom to culinary theatre
14 Jan 2025
Ministry of Architecture + Interiors has reimagined a disused area of a school, once home to 1960s toilets, into a vibrant, purpose-built culinary hub. Working closely with the school’s leadership,…
Patti's and Cream ice cream diner: A classic reimagination in Dunedin's food scene
11 Nov 2024
Stroll down Dunedin’s vibrant dining block on George Street and you’ll find Patti's and Cream. This ice cream diner has emerged as a sophisticated reimagining of its iconic brand, with…
Peter Wolfkamp’s new series, I’ve Been Thinking, offers insights for homeowners
31 Oct 2024
Peter Wolfkamp, New Zealand’s ‘Resident Builder’ known for his work on Newstalk ZB and as the site foreman on The Block NZ, has just launched a new video series called…
DIY Tyre Seesaw
26 Sep 2024
Forget the classic tyre swing. Instead try upcycling an old tyre into a fun and unique mini-seesaw that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Using both halves of the…
Family time – make your own DIY snack blocks
26 Sep 2024
Family snacks are made smart, simple and tidy with our DIY chip holders – just choose your favourite dipping sauce! These chip holders are an excellent way to use up…
Bean there, hung that: DIY coffee cup holder
06 Aug 2024
Whether you’re running out of space for all your mugs or just want to show off your best collection of coffee cups, this DIY cup holder is both stylish and…
Hold that thought: DIY note and phone holder
24 Jul 2024
Now here is a handy DIY to try. These note and phone holders will give you somewhere to put your notes, to-do lists and phone. They are also great if…
A ‘pawsome’ cause to support
16 Jul 2024
There are currently 180,000 New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind or have low vision. It’s estimated this number will increase to 225,000 by 2028. This anticipated increased demand will extend…
Woodn’t this look lovely on the wall? Try this DIY cube art!
10 Jul 2024
Are your walls feeling a bit bare? You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a piece of artwork, you can just make your own! Try this unique and…
Transforming spaces: Merinda Chong’s vibrant murals
18 Jun 2024
Artist Merinda Chong describes her art as “simple, bold and fun” but we can also see the positive impact it has on everybody she shares it with. Using vibrant and…
A collection sure to spark your curiosity
14 Mar 2024
The Resene Curiosity Wallpaper Collection available from your local Resene ColorShop has an array of strikingly unique, eye-catching designs and patterns with fabric like texture, fullness of leaves and flowers,…
Mirror, mirror on the wall, crafted with wood, I made it all!
06 Mar 2024
This is one of those magical DIY projects that looks both charming and high-end, yet is simple and, if you would believe, is made from ice block sticks! We’ve gone…
Make an entrance with a DIY umbrella holder
07 Mar 2024
As we embrace the indoors through autumn and winter, it’s the perfect time to look at how we can downsize, reorganise and declutter.
Entryways are a really good, practical place…
Enter in style: DIY entryway organiser
07 Mar 2024
Say goodbye to the morning scramble for keys, coats and sunglasses and hello to this stylish entryway organiser. There’s even a pocket for your mail. Gather your favourite Resene colours…
Casting a message through a mural
22 Jan 2024
Artist Melinda Butt has transformed the toilet block at a local park using various Resene greens and blacks to represent a special message.
“The inspiration behind the work was the reference…
Buzzing with colour: Award-winning nature mural unveiled in Maraetai
28 Nov 2023
Artist Natasha Fitzpatrick has unveiled her award-winning mural titled ‘Protect Us’ in Maraetai, Auckland.
Natasha was one of ten winners from across the country who took out the top prize in…
Award-winning mural unveiled in Rangiora
14 Nov 2023
Artist Mel Eaton has unveiled her award-winning mural titled ‘Floating with Whio’ in Dudley Park, Rangiora, Canterbury. Mel was one of ten winners from across the country who took out…
Design dreams come true: Inspire your next project with this refined wallpaper collection
10 Nov 2023
The Resene Inspire Wallpaper Collection is home to botanical prints that bring the outdoors in, warming textures that add depth and interest and feather designs that lend a touch of…
Shelf expression: Get crafty with this DIY pine shelf
01 Nov 2023
This crafty DIY will help you add a pop of personality to your living space, bedroom or child’s room. Say goodbye to plain wooden shelves and hello to your very…
School holiday boredom busters – Try these fun DIYs!
04 Oct 2023
Running out of ideas to entertain the kids? Try some more of our bright ideas with the help of Resene colours to keep them busy while at home these holidays.…
Resene Total Colour Awards 2023 winners announced!
30 Aug 2023
It was a much awaited treat to be able to celebrate the winners of the Resene Total Colour Awards in a colourful awards night at New Zealand Fashion Week. The…
Spice up your walls with this exciting wallpaper collection from Resene
15 Aug 2023
You’ll be dancing for joy when you choose one of these wallpapers for your walls. The Resene Salsa Wallpaper Collection offers a variety of floral and geo designs combined with…
Let there be light: Pairing the Lightingplus Gavel range with your home’s style
17 May 2023
Lighting with Lightingplus
Creating a warm and cosy ambience is the ultimate goal for many homeowners. A home with warmth and great lighting can give more than a welcoming, relaxing environment…
Reader roundup: Beachy murals, time traveller living rooms and Resene letterboxes
15 Mar 2023
The new year brings new ideas, and our readers have been busy creating all sorts of wonders with Resene paints. From abstract paintings to moody lounges and upcycled wagons, we…
Rock on! DIY rock art for your garden
02 Mar 2023
Your garden will look rock-solid with some colourful art amongst all the greenery. Why not get creative with some Resene testpots and leftover rocks and stones. This project allows you…
Hunger for Colour: Support your community by swapping cans of food for Resene testpots
08 Feb 2023
It’s that time of year again when New Zealanders all over the country will be visiting Resene and donating cans of food in exchange for Resene paint testpots.
Now entering its…
Project spotlight: Nelson school makes learning colourful
17 Jan 2023
Broadgreen Intermediate School in Nelson has brightened up their learning space all with the help of Resene’s very own Resene ColorShop Manager and Colour Specialist, Selina Wilson. From the moment…
Concrete ideas: Joe’s Garage Silverdale
17 Jan 2023
Concrete ideas: NOTT Architects use Resene Tuna and Resene Soapstone to create a faux workshop aesthetic at Joe’s Garage
Friendly and familiar, with an industrial edge, is a winning formula for…
Pegs and popsicle stick kids craft projects
20 Dec 2022
A craft project a day keeps the boredom away. Entertain kids with these easy arts and crafts projects using pegs and ice block sticks.
When pegs fly
Fly high with these cute…
Reader round-up: A Resene Christmas, colourful plant pots and Pacific story painting
14 Dec 2022
We always love to see what our readers are doing and how they use Resene products. We are so happy to see the Christmas spirit shining through with Resene paints…
The power of playfulness: Freemans Bay School’s colourful architecture drives the learning process
14 Dec 2022
When the pupils at Freemans Bay School enter the grounds, they see a rainbow - an array of colours that arcs through the buildings to represent the diversity of the…
Game on: Artist Clint Christian's playful designs are block-busters
10 Nov 2022
It was a self-confessed ‘midlife crisis’ that led Clint Christian to become a fulltime contemporary artist, working under the name Clint©. The former architectural designer had an epiphany in his…
Resene Total Colour Awards 2022 winners announced
25 Nov 2022
Despite the many roadblocks and challenges specifiers have been up against during the past few years, the 12th annual Resene Total Colour Awards saw a bumper crop of impressive entries.…
Tonal green-corridor design elevates medium density living
10 Oct 2022
When you’re crafting a building that is a frontrunner of architectural typology within a neighbourhood, the pressure is on to set the bar high. Using Resene colour to create a…
Banish boredom these school holidays: Two tiny fairy doors to try
05 Oct 2022
Let your kids open the door to their imagination and be transported to a fairytale land these school holidays by creating fairy doors. Attach your fairy doors to trees, fences…
Invigorate your imagination with new trendy colours for your home
29 Sep 2022
Looking to introduce colour into your home this summer? Go boldly down the rabbit hole with Resene’s The Range fashion colours, showcased in NZ House & Garden magazine’s surrealist feature.…
It’s time to paint it blue to help a mate through
08 Sep 2022
One in eight New Zealand men will get prostate cancer – making it the most diagnosed cancer in the country. Blue September is the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s annual events to…
Sair Bean’s playful murals come alive with Resene colours
24 Aug 2022
Australian artist Sair Bean’s most recent wall mural is a whopping 41 metres long and six metres high. Its textured surface was tricky to paint, but equipped with plenty of…
ColourDrive Giveaway: Your chance to win with Suzuki and Resene
18 Aug 2022
Suzuki have teamed up with Resene to launch the ColourDrive Giveaway. It’s your chance to go into the weekly draw to win a $200 fuel voucher from Suzuki and a…
Three’s The Block NZ: Redemption season launches
20 Jul 2022
Three’s The Block NZ has returned to our screens this week, and there are familiar faces in the mix this season. Some of New Zealand’s favourite teams have returned to…
Gently, Gently: Nearly neutral tones for projects that need a touch of colour
19 Jul 2022
The strong but silent, barely there hues might at first glance seem like they don't have as much personality as bold, richer shades.
But don't be deceived; these colours are subtle,…
Small wonders: Teeny House competition winners revealed!
23 Jun 2022
The winners of the Habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition show that size doesn’t matter when it comes to creativity and style. Decorators young and old entered the competition which…
5 wallpaper and colour pairings worth considering on your next project
15 Jun 2022
There’s no doubt wallpaper is having a renaissance but it’s hard to avoid letting past experiences colour our current design decisions. Wallpapers of the past are night and day in…
Breathe easy: Why Resene paints are the Sensitive Choice
15 Jun 2022
Health and wellness have never been higher on the priority list, and the building sector is no exception. With focus shifting to product selection and mindful choices, the Resene Environmental…
Bold block colours draw attention to hand-made design and sustainable products in Taupo store
15 Jun 2022
A conundrum many designers face with retail fitouts is how to make the store interior stand out from other stores while also not letting the design compete with the products…
Colour your floors with these inspiring designs from the Resene Living rug collection
14 Apr 2022
If you’ve decorated your walls and ceiling to perfection remember to think about your fifth wall – your floor! Colour your floors with the Resene Living rug collection available from…
Three DIY Easter projects for a festive dining table
07 Apr 2022
Hop into these DIY Easter projects this weekend, they could be eggs-actly what you need to add a bit of festive flair to your table.
How to make a bunny cutlery…
Belinda Edmunds reflects on her varied career and an award-winning project
22 Feb 2022
In a time when women in architecture were far too few in number, Belinda Edmunds was trailblazing. She hails from Blackheath, London where, as a child, she was always making…
Resene nature murals now on display around New Zealand
02 Dec 2021
Three new winning murals in the Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s Resene Nature Murals Competition 2021 are now complete. The Resene Nature Murals Competition is part of the Paint New Zealand…
Resene Total Colour Awards 2021 winners announced
22 Nov 2021
In Resene’s 75th year, it seems fitting that the latest Resene Total Colour Awards have been a true celebration of all things colour. From neutral to bright, pastel to weathered,…
Reader roundup: From intricate dollhouses and little libraries to vibrant hospital murals, our readers are taking creativity to a whole new level
11 Nov 2021
It’s amazing what wonderfully whimsical and astounding things can be created with a simple paintbrush, Resene testpot and dash of imagination. Readers from across the country have been cooking up…
Paint doors, furniture and walls for Resene Paint It Orange and raise money for Arthritis New Zealand
04 Nov 2021
A splash of orange can give your home an optimistic feeling and in the same way the Resene Paint it Orange campaign aims to brighten up the day of those…
You won't believe the detail in Fleur Thorpe's colourful teeny house
13 Oct 2021
You could stare at Fleur Thorpe’s teeny house (order yours here) for hours. The intricacies of her work unveil themselves over time: tables made from cotton reels, cabinets fashioned from…
Bring out your bricks and sticks to participate in this beloved building competition
11 Oct 2021
Calling all model citizens – it’s time to put your creativity and design skills to the test! Take some time this school holidays to enter Architecture NZ’s Model Citizens @…
Order now to snag your copy of the Best Awards Annual 2020
11 Oct 2021
Pre-sales have begun for the Best Awards Annual 2020, proudly presented by the Designers Institute of New Zealand (DINZ). Slightly delayed (but well worth the wait!), this year's annual has…
DIY Lego drawers for budding brick masters
07 Oct 2021
Lego lovers rejoice! If you or your child are a fan of the ever-popular Lego Masters TV series, then these drawers are for you. Perfect for storing pesky stray bricks,…
Interior Designer Kate Alexander creates her colourful miniature dreamhouse
29 Sep 2021
Kate Alexander of Places and Graces used her teeny house as an opportunity to play out her interior design fantasies. This included creating colourful furniture pieces from international designers, such…
Take a closer look at Megan Harrison Turner's dress up/dress down teeny house
29 Sep 2021
Stylist and interior designer, Megan Harrison-Turner thought outside the box when creating her cardboard teeny house. The Auckland-based creative was inspired by the idea of playing with dolls when she…
12 paint and decorating trends to design with now
13 Sep 2021
The ripple effect created by recent challenges has been hugely disruptive for decorating and design trends, given the massive interruption to global supply chains and the cancellation of significant fashion…
What does the colour of your front door say about you?
16 Sep 2021
When you were deciding to paint your front door, did you spend hours poring over the decision, or did you just pick the first colour that looked nice and matched…
6 DIY paint projects for your garden
30 Aug 2021
Start germinating ideas for spring and have fun in the garden with these DIY paint projects. As the days get warmer and our gardens slowly come to life with vibrant…
Jobs and DIY projects to do around the house to keep busy (with leftover paint)
25 Aug 2021
Revamp your home office
This painted colour blocked feature in Resene Fast Forward clearly defines this workstation. Surrounding walls in Resene Sea Fog, floor in Resene Truffle, shelves and desk top in Resene Fast Forward, chair…
Boredom busting ideas using leftover paint - for adults and kids
19 Aug 2021
Boredom busting ideas using leftover paint - for adults and kids
When you’re stuck at home with no place to go – sometimes you need a few distraction tactics. Get your…
Make your own side table from a cardboard tube
19 Aug 2021
Transform a cardboard tube into a stunning side table using lengths of half round trim, glue and Resene paint. This slender table is ideal for hallways or also makes a handy bar.
You will…
Colours come to life with Resene Living’s new scent-sational range of candles and diffusers
11 Aug 2021
Your favourite colour has just been taken to a whole new level! The Resene Colour Block range has a fabulous new collection of candles and diffusers inspired by vibrant Resene…
Shortlisted finalists announced for the 2021 Resene Total Colour Awards
06 Aug 2021
After what turned out to be a busy and productive year for many architects and designers across New Zealand and Australia, an extensive crop of impressive Resene-coloured projects was submitted…
Making an impression: A guide to Resene Construction Systems’ plaster cladding and interior finishing
29 Jul 2021
Add sophistication and style to your home without compromising on durability with Resene Construction Systems.
Built to last
Over the years, the technology of external façades and cladding systems has changed. These…
This DIY concrete bench seat is chock-a-block with colour
29 Jul 2021
Block in some time for creativity this weekend and create a colourful concrete bench. Brick by brick, this bench comes to life and subtle use of Resene paint in the…
Seven earthy colour palettes for grounding your next project
15 Jul 2021
Thanks to the internet, we’re seldom short of places to look for inspiration these days. Like us, you might have a few favourite sites bookmarked – heck, maybe even this…
Three’s The Block NZ is back and is bigger and better than ever
01 Jul 2021
Three’s The Block NZ returns to NZ screens this week – and this season promises to be bigger and better than ever. Set in Auckland’s aspirational inner-west suburb of Point…
Take a moment to bathe in the warmth and beauty that is He Puna Taimoana
14 Jun 2021
We can think of few better places to be on a chilly Autumn afternoon than soaking in He Puna Taimoana, the New Brighton Hot Pools. Not only is this beachside…
Immortalising New Zealand: Brigita Botma’s murals with a message
20 May 2021
Artist Brigita Botma is on a mission to beautify New Zealand, one wall at a time. With over 30 murals under her belt, Brigita’s intricate and moving works are created…
Architect’s Memo 141: The new black
05 May 2021
Historically, black has always been a popular (non) colour in New Zealand, but the current popularity of it as a house cladding finish is truly meteoric. While the availability of…
Architect Chloe Coles’ lifelong love of colour and spaces
12 Apr 2021
With an architectural graduate for a mum and a planner for a dad, it’s no wonder that architect Chloe Coles grew up with a love of spaces, places and colour.…
Decorate your table with these cute wooden Easter bunnies
31 Mar 2021
Create a fun family of Easter bunnies to brighten your table this Easter. These cute critters use blocks of wood and reused cardboard to enrich your dining experience. They also…
Take a sneak peek at our autumn/winter issue of habitat
10 Mar 2021
Keep an eye on your letterbox. The Autumn/Winter 2021 (issue #34) edition of habitat by Resene magazine is on its way to Resene DIY Cardholders.
The latest issue is packed with…
Make a pair of colourful glow-in-the-dark shoes
10 Mar 2021
Transform your favourite shoes into fabulous works of art. Use bright blocks of Resene colour and Resene FX Nightlight glow-in-the-dark paint to add some fun to your outfit. This is…
This pencil holder is a colourful study buddy
18 Feb 2021
Back to school has never been cooler with this pencil holder which will get your creative juices flowing and make studying just a little bit easier. An easy project for…
A match made in bathroom heaven
11 Feb 2021
If bathroom renovations are on the agenda this year we’ve got the perfect towel for you. Resene Palazzo towels from the Resene Living range are designed to complement and match…
14+ easy-to-make homemade gift ideas
09 Dec 2020
A homemade gift is a great way to show friends and family you love them. By going to the trouble of making a present from scratch, you can personalise the…
DIY: This wooden noughts and crosses set will be a hit during the holidays
08 Dec 2020
This outdoor noughts and crosses board will be a great addition for the backyard or family bach. While we’ve used Resene Woodsman wood stain on this project, it could easily…
Mental wellbeing is at the core of the interior design of Natural Fit Gym’s tranquil yoga studio
18 Nov 2020
Mental wellbeing is at the core of the interior design of Natural Fit Gym’s tranquil yoga studio
The philosophy at Mount Maunganui gym Natural Fit is that mental health should be…
Designworks’ hotel lobby redesign welcomes visitors to a home away from home
10 Nov 2020
Travelling, even within our own borders, feels like a huge luxury at the moment; and given that many hotels are currently serving a different purpose than they ever have before,…
PRau Studio 2.0 elevates a 1970s concrete block commercial space to new heights
20 Oct 2020
When we’re all so busy – and when we’re forced to spend a significant portion of the year avoiding one another – we don’t always get the opportunity to sneak…
For an outdoor area that combines beauty with functionality, choose pebbles
09 Sep 2020
We’re spending more time at home than ever before. So it’s key that every inch of our homes is a space we can use and enjoy. As summer approaches, why…
Reader’s Roundup: August 2020 Edition
02 Sep 2020
Your creativity continues to brighten our inboxes and social pages! Here are a few of the ingenious ways our readers have cleverly used Resene paints.
Eddison’s adventure filled bedroom in Resene…
Registered Master Builders House of the Year turns 30
29 Jul 2020
The Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition celebrates building excellence in New Zealand. The awards turn 30 this year, with hundreds of beautiful Kiwi homes having been part…
Keeping cosy
01 May 2013
While
autumn has so far given us fairly mild days, winter is just around the corner.
Warming your house may be easier than you think:
· Close curtains as soon as
the sun goes…
On the outside – your questions
18 Sep 2014
It’s coming up for exterior house painting season, or more commonly known as summer.
The long, dry, warm days ahead are perfect for updating the outside of your house. Here are…
Build your own Christmas tree
18 Dec 2014
If you’ve left buying a fresh Christmas tree a bit late this year, take the lead from habitat reader Diana and make your own.
Diana gathered family and friends to make…
Full Frontage recap: Wrap around stairs and Firth paving
29 Apr 2015
Aucklanders Mark and Linda's home is the first to star in brand new TV show Full Frontage (see here for show info), and across two episodes we saw Justin Newcombe and team transform their…
House maintenance: you’ve just gotta do it
01 Sep 2015
When you’re busy and the budget is under pressure, it’s all too easy to put off doing maintenance around the house. While not all house maintenance is essential, some certainly…
Susan turns heads with her tables
13 Jan 2016
Susan Robinson turned the tables on her love of interiors, creating a range of simple and stylish furniture coloured with Resene paint. Now, it seems we can’t get enough of…
Taranaki’s biggest home show
06 Apr 2016
Don’t miss out on the Taranaki Home and Lifestyle Expo, taking place next weekend. Come and experience the Resene Design Space with special guests Cat and Jeremy, past contestants on…
Colour-block your drawers
27 Apr 2016
Jane Wigglesworth from Sweet Living magazine took to an old chest of drawers with a range of Resene paints to create this pretty, multi-coloured piece – perfect for a girl’s…
Building happy kids
04 May 2016
Parenthood seems to drive many Resene users to greater depths of creativity. Certainly, the two new mums at Oh Deer & Co, take great pleasure in hand-crafting a range of…
The Block NZ – Who won the first reveal?
09 Jun 2016
Week one of TV3's The Block NZ: Girls Vs Boys is over, and there’s been no mucking about.
Paintbrushes and power tools were flying as the teams worked to complete their first…
The Block NZ – Starter for 10
16 Jun 2016
After the initiation of doing up the fifth house in TV3's The Block NZ: Girls Vs Boys, the teams got stuck into their own.
First up, a bedroom for a 10-year-old kid…
The Block NZ – Guest bedrooms get their reveal
30 Jun 2016
A month in of TV3's The Block NZ: Girls Vs Boys, and we've seen blown budgets, high emotions and tension between teams. But at the end of the day – or week, rather…
The Block NZ – Blissful bathrooms... and a lesson in grouting
22 Jun 2016
Week three has wrapped for TV3's The Block NZ: Girls Vs Boys, with teams revealing their bathrooms (and putting their grouting skills to the test!).
Teams were given a brief of "cool, calm…
The Block NZ – Mastering the master bedroom
14 Jul 2016
Perhaps one of the most important rooms of the house for homeowners, a sanctuary of sorts, the master bedroom was the latest room reveal for the teams on TV3's The Block…
The Block NZ – Living room week
07 Jul 2016
The teams on TV3's The Block NZ: Girls Vs Boys are one step closer to completing their homes, and it's been fun (for the viewers, at least) to watch it all come…
Kid's DIY: Measure up
30 Jun 2016
Create a personalised measuring stick to track your kid's growth with this easy DIY project using Resene paint.
You will need
Pencil and ruler
Alphabet stencil set (75mm high)
Paint brushes in various sizes
Low…
The Block NZ – Kitchen and dining area
21 Jul 2016
Cooking up the perfect kitchen for a Kiwi home is no mean feat, as we saw last week on TV3's The Block NZ: Girls Vs Boys.
The teams' latest challenge was to…
The Block NZ – First impressions count
28 Jul 2016
Why is the front entrance and stairs so important in a home? Usually, it's because it's the first moment someone sees inside your home and gets a feel for your…
The Block NZ – Garage and laundry week
04 Aug 2016
It's almost time for open homes on TV3's The Block NZ: Girls Vs Boys! But there's been no time for the teams to slack off. The competitors completed their interiors last week,…
The Block NZ – Outdoors week is the last reveal
11 Aug 2016
Last week, the teams of TV3's The Block NZ: Girls Vs Boys headed outdoors for the last challenge of the season.
The judges wanted lush spaces that made good use of native…
The Block NZ: The Winners and House 5
18 Aug 2016
After 11 grueling weeks of renovation, Sam and Emmett emerged as the winners of this season’s The Block NZ: Girls vs Boys on TV3, selling their house for $1,610,000 at auction…
Heritage Rescue: Mokau rejigged
18 Aug 2016
Mokau looks like a sleepy coastal town but its strategic position on the mouth of the Mokau River in North Taranaki has resulted in a vital and fascinating history. In…
Build it right
15 Sep 2016
Housing construction is booming in many parts of the country. So much so that it can be tricky finding available tradespeople to do the work.
It’s a good time to remind…
Get Growing: make a garden sculpture
24 Nov 2016
Every garden needs a focal point, and in The Get Growing Roadshow makeover garden, the solution was to make an eye-catching garden sculpture.
Landscape designer Justin Newcombe wanted a simple, uncomplicated…
Get the stone look
28 Feb 2017
The trend for wallpapers that mimic natural or other materials continues unchecked. They're just so clever and look so good. This more subtle creation with its appearance of stone block…
Meet this year's The Block NZ teams
29 Jun 2017
Mark your TV viewing calendars for this Sunday, because Three's The Block NZ is back!
This season the teams need to step up their game like never before as they renovate the…
The Block NZ recap: kid's play
06 Jul 2017
As The Block NZ kicks the week off, the teams were sent their first room brief – creating a kid's bedroom. This week the teams had to spin the wheel of fortune, each…
The Block NZ: Who cleaned up in bathroom week?
13 Jul 2017
Much to the delight of The Block NZ teams, last week's challenge was the family bathroom, a welcomed edition. The brief called for a family bathroom that was modern, minimal with a…
The Block NZ recap: Mastering the master bedroom
27 Jul 2017
The teams have eased into the rhythm of The Block NZ life, and got to work on their master bedroom and ensuite for their latest room reveal. Here's who came out…
The Block NZ recap: Drawing a blank
20 Jul 2017
Last week, it was up to the teams of The Block NZ to impress judges by creating their own brief in the Blank Canvas challenge. From a minimalist bedroom to a…
Property blog: lighten up your home this winter
25 Jul 2017
Chase away the winter blues away by fitting your house with good lighting – not only will it make your house look bigger, but it will make it feel warmer…
The Block NZ recap: dining in style
03 Aug 2017
"Remember – kitchens sell homes!" Host Mark Richardson wasted no time reminding The Block NZ teams that the pressure was on, as the kitchen and dining room reveals loomed last…
The Block NZ recap: Redeeming features
17 Aug 2017
For the latest room reveal on The Block NZ, the teams were given a chance to redeem themselves and do over one of their completed rooms. Taking on feedback from the…
The Block NZ recap: No lounging around
10 Aug 2017
There was no lounging around for The Block NZ teams last week, as they scrambled to finish their living rooms before room reveal – on top of competing in dinner wars. Here's what the teams…
The Block NZ recap: Be our guest
24 Aug 2017
With only a few more weeks to go, Three’s The Block NZ teams had to dig deep to complete the guest bedroom and bathroom. Feature walls proved popular, as well as bold use…
The Block NZ recap: tackling garage and laundry week
31 Aug 2017
It was all go on Three's Block NZ last week, as the teams frantically knuckled down to get their garage and laundry spaces completed.
Teal blues were the colour of the day, while other teams preferred…
The Block NZ recap: to the finish line
07 Sep 2017
Competition amongst Three's The Block NZ teams amped up last week as they juggled multiple spaces for the last interior room reveal. With an entrance, stairwell and powder room to complete,…
The Block NZ recap: to the roof!
14 Sep 2017
This week on Three's The Block NZ, the teams went upstairs and outside to complete their rooftop terrace. With help from friends and family to finish everything off, there was good cheer all…
Peter faces his own reno challenge
19 Oct 2017
Before returning to Three’s The Block NZ earlier this year, the show’s resident building expert Peter ‘The Wolf’ Wolfkamp spent the summer renovating his family's Auckland villa. Peter shares with us his reno diary.
We live in a traditional…
Kids toys go old school
14 Dec 2017
Sisters Alesha and Jenna are bringing old school back, ditching the plastic toys for handmade wooden pieces for kids – some left natural and finished in Resene Aquaclear, others painted in…
Decorate your table top
22 Feb 2018
Add spice to your kitchen/dining room decor with these DIY table top delights. Nikki Astwood shows us how.
Colour dipped bowls
You will need
Wood bowls
Masking tape
Resene testpots in Resene Full Monty, Resene…
From zero to hero
26 Apr 2018
Who would have thought that an old shed on a block of land could one day turn into a rural dream home, complete with a gorgeous pool and large entertainer's…
Modern Mondrian
03 May 2018
Considered one of the best artists of the 20th Century, Piet Mondrian’s abstract art continues to be renowned throughout the world. Inspired by the colour and composition of his art,…
Three’s The Block NZ On Point
04 Jul 2018
Block-a-holics rejoice! Three’s The Block NZ, one of New Zealand’s favourite reality TV shows, is back with a brand new season and this time its headed out west – with…
Three's The Block NZ recap: it’s all go with guest bedroom reveal
19 Jul 2018
It was all-go on week one in the new season of Three’s The Block NZ. First up the teams were tasked with making over the guest bedroom of their houses with big…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: battle of the bathrooms
26 Jul 2018
No rest for the wicked as the teams were tossed straight into the hot, deep water of bathroom week, in week two of The Block NZ. After the steep learning…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: kids’ bedrooms get a colour kick
02 Aug 2018
And they’ve done it again! For the third time in a row, Amy and Stu won room reveal – this time with a pink and gold kid’s bedroom that made the…
Three’s The Block NZ: from blank to beautiful
09 Aug 2018
There may have been some drama on The Block NZ last week, but it didn’t stop the teams from creating beautiful room reveals for blank canvas week. This time around,…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: living rooms you’ll love
16 Aug 2018
The teams had a fun time last week, with challenges that included meme creating and cake decorating, on top of getting their living rooms ready for room reveal. The cherry…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: making a winning master bedroom
30 Aug 2018
Last Sunday on The Block NZ, the master bedrooms and ensuites were revealed, one of the most important rooms in the competition – no pressure, teams! While it was fresh…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: presenting the patios
23 Aug 2018
Last week, the teams got painting and paving to prepare for the latest room reveal – the patio. Once again, each team presented a space that was unique to them…
Super simple ways to warm your home
30 Aug 2018
Although spring is around the corner, we still have a way to go before the weather truly warms up. Keep cosy with these simple, cost-effective tips from Spotlight, which will…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: making garages grand again
06 Sep 2018
Last Sunday on The Block NZ, maybe the most challenging rooms were revealed – the garages. The spaces created by the teams were anything but boring, from a clever plywood…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: seriously impressive kitchens
13 Sep 2018
Last Sunday on The Block NZ, all of the teams impressed the judges with their striking and colourful kitchen creations. The kitchens and adjoining dining and living areas were warm…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: Laundry and Do-Over week
27 Sep 2018
Last Sunday on The Block NZ, the teams struck a great balance between good looks and practicality for their laundries, and got a chance to re-do a space that hadn’t…
Three’s The Block NZ recap:
20 Sep 2018
Last Sunday on The Block NZ, the teams tacked the space which often sets the scene for the style of a house – the entranceways and stairwells, and the powder…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: auction results, house exteriors and outdoors
04 Oct 2018
After an exciting auction night last weekend, Amy and Stu came out as the winners of The Block NZ: On Point 2018, taking home a total of $169,500. Their house…
Colour your community
04 Oct 2018
Is there an area in your community that needs a splash of paint? Nominate a community project or community group and you could win enough Resene paint for them to…
New look for family home packed to the rafters
13 Dec 2018
The Kennerly family home is packed to the rafters. Christine and Grant have owned their lifestyle block for 20 years. The property itself hasn’t changed much in that time, but it’s…
DIY Christmas wrapping paper
20 Dec 2018
Use block-stamped organic-looking stars and an on-trend terrazzo pattern to personalise your Christmas wrapping paper this year.
Rubber band and testpot star stamp
You will need:
Roll of craft paper
6-8 x rubber bands
Testpot…
DIY concrete block planter
10 Jan 2019
No garden? No problem! You can make one of these eye-catching tiered planters on your deck or balcony with little more than a few concrete blocks and Resene testpots.
You will…
DIY modern art
01 Mar 2019
Release your inner Matisse with these easy-to-create canvas artworks, which were featured in issue 30 (Autumn/Winter 2019) of habitat by Resene magazine.
You will need:
A ready-made canvas
Ruler, pencil and paper
Resene testpots…
Minimal distortion for maximum style
28 Feb 2019
Industrial chic design has been one of the hottest trends of the past decade. If classic looks are more your taste but you’d like to incorporate an edgy look, these…
DIY woven tray wall art
24 Apr 2019
Put your own spin on a current wall art trend by painting designs onto woven plates.
You will need:
Decorative woven cane trays or plates (Sarah found hers at the Salvation Army…
Keep on top of The Block: Firehouse NZ 2019
24 Jun 2019
Each week, we'll be revealing the rooms in our newsletter. Check the links below for rooms already revealed!
Week 1 Recap: Guest rooms revealed
Week 2 Recap: Kids bedrooms revealed
Week 3 Recap: Family…
Three’s The Block NZ Recap: guest bedrooms revealed
26 Jun 2019
This week, we saw the first room reveal for 2019 – The Block NZ: Firehouse.
The four teams have begun tackling apartments set in a historic fire station in Kingsland, Auckland…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: family bathrooms revealed
11 Jul 2019
This week on The Block NZ was one of ‘firsts’. It was the first time a fifth team was welcomed to the show (though temporarily).
As a major selling feature of…
Three’s The Block NZ Recap: kids bedrooms revealed
04 Jul 2019
Week 2 of The Block NZ: Firehouse, the four teams were charged with creating a kids bedroom – with the bonus challenges of incorporating assigned wallpapers and crafting a pair…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: master bedrooms and ensuites revealed
18 Jul 2019
This week on The Block NZ the teams created four beautiful master bedrooms and ensuites that we would be more than happy to come home to.
Lisa & Ribz
Resene Mother Nature defines…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: kitchen and dining rooms
31 Jul 2019
As the competition heats up, this week the teams were asked to create a beautiful kitchen and dining room, an area that’s often the heart of the home and an…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: Apartment 5 revealed
25 Jul 2019
On the fifth week of the programme, it seemed fitting that the teams worked together to tackle the remainder of Apartment 5 in a way that would result in a…
Three’s The Block NZ Recap: living and media rooms
08 Aug 2019
This week, the teams were asked to create two beautiful and functional spaces: the living and media room. There was also an extra point up for grabs for the team…
A pre-loved desk gets some new love
01 Aug 2019
As technology grows, the need for pen and paper becomes less and less – leading us to forget about the unique pieces of furniture that accompanied traditional means of communication.…
DIY cross-stich drawers
14 Aug 2019
Give an old chest of drawers a colourful, one-of-a-kind makeover with this creative, hand-painted technique.
You will need:
An old chest of drawers
150 grit sandpaper
Soft sanding block or fine finishing sandpaper
Small foam…
Three’s The Block NZ: Entrance, hallway & laundry
15 Aug 2019
This week, the teams were challenged with completing the entrance, hallway & laundry of their apartments. The entrance is a space that provides the critical first impression to a home.…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: do-over rooms
22 Aug 2019
This week the teams got the chance to do over a room in their apartment. The teams were all given $10,000 to complete the space. If the space received a…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: outdoor terraces
29 Aug 2019
With the finish line in sight, this week the teams were challenged with the renovation of the apartment's final space final space: the outdoor terrace. There was added pressure to…
Meet the teams of The Block NZ: Firehouse
29 Aug 2019
This Sunday, come on down to Auckland’s Eden Park to meet the teams from Three’s The Block NZ. If you’re lucky, you may even see yourself on The Block NZ,…
Bid on artwork from The Block NZ in support of StarJam
28 Aug 2019
The heartfelt artworks created with Resene paints in this week’s Resene Art Challenge as seen on The Block NZ are now up for auction, with all proceeds going to StarJam.
Behind…
Three’s The Block NZ recap: Common lobby
05 Sep 2019
This week saw the final room reveal before the teams packed their bags to let the potential buyers finally have their first glimpse of the apartments in person. The teams…
Put some zip in your walls with zigzags
09 Oct 2019
Chevron and herringbone designs have been all over our floors and up our walls for a while now but have gone from fairly uniform patterns to zig-zagging their way into…
Bedding to match your fav Resene colours
16 Oct 2019
Ever had trouble trying to find bedlinen, towels or cushions to go with your Resene paint colour? Linen House have made coordinating your home a whole lot easier with a…
Make your own picture perfect sideboard
11 Nov 2019
A sideboard needn’t be limited to the ‘functional storage’ category. With a bit of artistic flair and a splash of Resene paint, you can turn your sideboard into a stylish…
Juliette Wanty, Art Director of homestyle, on what inspires her
12 Nov 2019
Art Director of homestyle magazine, Juliette Wanty, is a trailblazer when it comes to breaking the rules in the interior design world. Her penchant for mixing old and new finds…
DIY palette generator drawers
08 Jan 2020
If your furniture is in desperate need of a pick-me-up, why not give it a fun and inspired twist? With the free online Resene Colour Palette Generator, you can translate…
Make your own courier box
05 Mar 2020
Keep daytime deliveries secure with this simple to build box that doubles as a seat.
You will need:
1 sheet 2.4m x 1.2m x 12mm thick structural plywood
22mm2 x 1.2m long pine…
Amy Moore’s favourite colours
12 Feb 2020
Going through the ebbs and flows of renovating is no easy feat, but in 2018 one team showed NZ how it’s done in The Block NZ: On Point. After being…
6 bold wallpaper designs we’re currently coveting
04 Feb 2020
Why blend into a bland crowd when you can stand out? That’s the spirit we’re carrying into 2020 when it comes to interiors, with eclectic wallpapers being the very first…
DIY lemonade stand
11 Mar 2020
When six-year-old Milo came to his mum, Sarah, with a desire to make a lemonade stand, he had a clear vision of what he wanted.
With minimal assistance from Sarah, Milo…
DIY wallpaper drawer
18 Mar 2020
For a stylish place to stash away small belongings, use some colourful wallpapers to update a plain drawer unit with this DIY. You can order cut lengths of a range of wallpapers at…
