A celebration of colour with the latest Resene Total Colour Awards 2024/25

10 Mar 2025

The latest Resene Total Colour Awards winners have been announced at a colourful evening as part of Auckland Design Week.With a wide range of creative and colourful projects from homes to businesses, community work to landscapes, the award winners exemplify the role colour plays to accentuate design and how it uplifts our spaces inside and out.

The Resene Total Colour Awards continue to set the benchmark for excellence in colour use, inspiring present and future generations of architects, design professionals, painters, builders, artists and students to experiment and innovate. As this year’s ceremony demonstrated, the love of colour remains stronger than ever, and the future of colour in New Zealand and Australian design is brighter than ever.

This year’s event marked a significant milestone, not only due to it being the 15^th year of the awards, but also due to the remarkable volume and quality of project submissions, making the judging process both thrilling and challenging.Following the largest number of entries in the previous year’s awards, this was eclipsed by an even bigger number of entries this year.

From daring exterior transformations to meticulously curated interior colour palettes, murals and student concepts, this year’s winners showcase a stunning array of projects that have pushed the boundaries of theexpressive power of Resene’s extensive paint, wood stain and wallpaper ranges.

Taking home the top honour, the Resene Total Colour Master Nightingale Award, as well as the Resene Total Colour Commercial Exterior Award was the joyful repainting of the Chelsea Sugar Head Office exterior. On what was once a standard office building, a new confection of sweet hues brings a burst of imaginative energy to inspire the young users of the adjacent playground through a vibrant yet historically sensitive Resene colour palette that features Resene Foundry, Resene Red Damask, Resene Outrageous, Resene Supernova, Resene Yellow Sea, Resene Simply Red, Resene Scrumptious, Resene Illusion, Resene Titania and Resene Woodsman Oregon.

The judging panel, which included Sylvia Sandford (colour expert), John Walsh (previous editor of Architecture, architecture writer) and Laura Lynn Johnston (editor of BlackWhite magazine, previous editor of habitat magazine) praised the thoughtfulness behind the many projects submitted, noting how Resene products were not only used aesthetically but also functionally to evoke emotion, define space and enhance user experience of the projects. While not every project could be recognised with an award, they were awestruck by the talent, creativity and efforts on display in each submission.

Congratulations to all the award winners and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to enter their projects in the awards. Look out for many of these projects appearing in Resene media.

Resene Total Colour Master Nightingale Award

The Resene Total Colour Master Nightingale Award, named after the Nightingale family who founded and still run Resene today, recognises excellence in colour and paint use. The Award went to:

Chelsea Sugar Head Office Exterior Colour Scheme by Eleanor Eugster and Alison Gwerder, Beca Ltd.

Also winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Exterior Award.

Sugar and spice and all things nice, this project speaks in colour. A perfect example of the transformational power of paint and colour, the colour palette does the heavy lifting to take a once unassuming structure and turning it into an eye-catching feature. Each colour in the palette cleverly plays off one another, contrasting and accentuating the next. It’s the icing on the cake.

This project is finished in Resene Foundry, Resene Red Damask, Resene Outrageous, Resene Supernova, Resene Yellow Sea, Resene Simply Red, Resene Scrumptious, Resene Illusion, Resene Titania and Resene Oregon wood stain. Image by Eleanor Eugster.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Exterior Colour Maestro Award

Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli by Annabel Berry, Annabel Berry Creative Co

Irresistibly charming, who wouldn’t want to go into a café that looks like this? The fun, playful and nostalgic colour palette draws you in with a sense of anticipation about what lies within. It touches on all the best elements of what makes retro designs charming, neatly packaged into a colourful wrapping that puts a refreshing spin on vintage-inspired hues. An exemplary showcase of the power of colour has turned an overlooked building into a must-visit local landmark.

This project is finished in Resene Lynchpin, Resene Double Alabaster and Resene Awaken. Image by Rachel Wybrow Photography and Sarah Rowland Photography.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public + Retail Space Award

Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli by Annabel Berry, Annabel Berry Creative Co

This cosy, welcoming space perfectly balances modern aesthetics with oodles of timeless charm. Exuding confidence, this interior blends retro details with contemporary features, paying homage to nostalgic memories. No surface has been overlooked. The painstaking care and attention to detail has ensured the theming continues across every square centimetre from tip to toe, rewarding visitors with a fully immersive experience. The colour use is simply captivating.

This project is finished in Resene Kalgoorie Sands, Resene Quarter Kalgoorie Sands, Resene Sorrento, Resene Morning Haze, Resene Cashmere, Resene Quarter Biscotti, Resene Smalt Blue, Resene Double Alabaster, Resene Sante Fe, Resene Destiny, Resene Casal and Resene Raindance. Images by Rachel Wybrow Photography.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public + Retail Space Colour Maestro Award

Soda by CTRL Space

Warm and calming colours come together in this project to build an atmosphere of respite and relaxation for its clientele. The thoughtful application of the colour palette means the colour seems to seamlessly and gracefully flow over each and every surface, achieving an inviting aesthetic that carefully balances vibrancy with tranquillity. Playing to the senses, it’s an alluring use of colour that manages to feel effortless through its thoughtful and considered approached.

This project is finished in Resene Cararra, Resene Hairy Heath, Resene Spanish Green and Resene Double Drought. Image by Simon Devitt.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Coworking Award

WOTSO Takapuna Internal Stairwell by Paul Bradley, Pauly B

An adventure in colour, brimming with the anticipation of not knowing what new surprise awaits just around the corner. This exuberant and unexpected use of colour acts as a free flowing organic design juxtaposed against the formal structure of the stairs. It fills the space with enthusiasm and optimism. Using a wide palette of hues from dark to light and glimmering touches of metallic, it’s fast become a favourite feature.

This project is finished in Resene Blackcurrant, Resene Honey Flower, Resene Boogie Wonderland, Resene Mozart, Resene Divine, Resene Half Divine, Resene Lipstick, Resene Vibe, Resene Rapture, Resene Glorious, Resene Wax Flower, Resene Energy Yellow, Resene Blue Lagoon, Resene Fountain Blue, Resene Morning Glory, Resene Edgewater, Resene Wavelength, Resene Bluetooth, Resene Half Sail, Resene Pattens Blue, Resene Half Pattens Blue and Resene Gold. Image by Tosca Christie.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Coworking Colour Maestro Award

The Formery by CTRL Space

Infused with a sophisticated air of ‘office space meets corporate club’, this project cleverly transforms a workplace into something that feels more like hospitality space. The colours and sheen levels have been carefully selected to play with the lighting and set the mood. The scheme is beautifully harmonious and well-grounded as a means of supporting those engaged in mutually rewarding business discussions. This palette means business.

This project is finished in Resene Triple Sea Fog, Resene Tangaroa, Resene Double Merino, Resene Merino, Resene Half Merino, Resene Casal, Resene Blue Bayoux and Resene Truffle. Images by Sarah Grace.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Company Award

TR Group – New Commercial Building by ArchInt

When working with a corporate colour palette, it takes a certain adeptness to apply those colours to best serve their setting. This project does this brilliantly, using the client’s daring hero hue for powerful accenting supported by a monochromatic base. It’s an immersive branding experience which operates at a commercial level while still bringing out the little kid in all of us. It’s bold, bright and brilliant.

This project is finished in Resene Double Black White, Resene Black White, Resene Spotlight and Resene Black.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Company Colour Maestro Award

Endoscopy on Clarence Medical Centre by Ces Scott, Sandra Torres and Thomas Brock, APG Architects

There is a delightful sense of continuity which extends from the public spaces to the private workspaces in this project. Bringing together a beautiful use of textures and variations of paint colours, it exudes an undeniably soothing calmness that avoids the common obstacle of feeling too clinical. The palette is beautifully balanced with timeless tones that feel supportive and nurturing of the space and its users, radiating comfort and care wrapped up in colour.

This project is finished in Resene Destiny, Resene Half Black White, Resene Westar, Resene Green Meets Blue, Resene Half Black White, Resene Half Smalt Blue and Resene Stack. Images by Amanda Aitken.

Resene Total Colour Education Award

St Hilda’s Chapel & Whitby Redevelopment by Cameron Grindlay, Dwelling Architectural Design

Colour is a powerful tool when wielded well – and this project certainly wields it with expertise, using a tasteful colour palette to draw attention to select architectural elements and to set the scene. Perched high on the hilltop, the blue reaches out to the sky, enlivening the building and giving it presence. It’s strong, purposeful and confident.

This project is finished in Resene Half Black White, Resene Black White, Resene Bright Spark, Resene Poppy, Resene Grey Friars, Resene Black, Resene Bondi Blue, Resene Wet N Wild,Resene Endeavour, Resene Lochmara, Resene Curious Blue, Resene Picton Blue, Resene Malibu, Resene Anakiwa and custom made Resene colours. Image by STW Studio - Nick Beadle Photography.

Resene Total Colour Education Colour Maestro Award

Northcote Intermediate School by Clive Chapman and Iliya Kolesnikov, Pacific Environments NZ Ltd

Inspiring students to reach their potential is a cornerstone of education and this colour palette embraces this vision wholeheartedly. Powerful colour choices rise on the vertical, visually reinforcing the strength of the architecture. The colours are ever-so-carefully arranged with a rhythm that plays off the texture and key architectural features, adding energy without overwhelming and infusing it with character.

This project is finished in Resene Skydiver, Resene Anakiwa, Resene Smashing, Resene Elvis, Resene Aqua, Resene Snow Drift and Resene Sandstone Grey. Image by Barry Tobin.

Resene Total Colour Education Colour Maestro Award

The Village PreSchool by Carter Williamson Architects

An exquisite project, this beautiful ethereal palette is totally complementary to the architecture. It feels calm and serene, ready to be injected with the bustling energy of small children. While it may at first glance appear neutral, it cleverly weaves together a complex palette of light coloured hues combined with neutrals to soften the structure. This dreamy colour blend is easy to fall in love with.

This project is finished in Resene Double Alabaster, Resene Alabaster, Resene Half Rice Cake, Resene Ebb, Resene Soothe, Resene I Do and Resene Twilight. Images by Katherine Lu.

Resene Total Colour Residential Exterior Award

Gateways Apartments Replacement Windshields by John Bannatyne, DLA Architects

The joyful colour selections ingeniously revitalise this prominent building, infusing it with life, energy and positivity through the thoughtfully chosen and ever-so-carefully placed colour palette. It has been transformed into a friendly and visually engaging landmark. The clever installation technique ensures both aesthetic appeal and sustainable maintenance, setting a benchmark for modern architectural rejuvenation. A textbook example of how a little colour can go a long way.

This project is finished in Resene Java, Resene Fringy Flower, Resene Wild Thing, Resene Pursuit, Resene California and Resene Gauntlet. Images by Paul McCredie.

Resene Total Colour Residential Exterior Colour Maestro Award

Crinkle Cut by Liz Tjahjana, Aaron Paterson and Steven Lloyd, Pac Studio Ltd. and Steven Lloyd Architecture

An unexpected soft pink lifts this home out of the ordinary. Surrounded by bush, it would have been ever so easy to paint this house all white, yet the subtle touch of colour brings so much more. It’s instantly soothing, creating a relaxed retreat to enjoy as a respite from the busy city.Cleverly combined with crisp white, the pairing helps the eye read the slipper pink hue and appreciate its subtle beauty. A whisper of colour that speaks volumes.

This project is finished in Resene Pot Pourri and Resene Alabaster. Images by Simon Devitt.

Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Award

Iconic Wellington Apartment by Hannah Ferens and Joneen Rodgers, Hello Home Interiors

Colour makes this space, celebrating the essence of mid-century modern design with a well-balanced and vibrant colour palette that adds joy and interest without overwhelming the senses. Every detail harmoniously supports the palette. The curated application of colour on the open shelving transforms groupings of personal treasures into museum-worthy displays. Tailormade for the client, this home is a haven.

This project is finished in Resene Albescent White, Resene Half Cougar, Resene Lichen, Resene Weathered Orange, Resene Atomic, Resene Hot August, Resene Ipanema and Resene Fiddlesticks. Image by Anna Briggs.

Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Colour Maestro Award

Shades of Hydrangea by Marlene Hudson, Marlene Hudson Design

Colour transforms this house into a welcoming family home by creating an open, light-filled space complemented by beautifully contrasting features. There is a strong connection between the interior and the surrounding environment, as if elements of the outdoors have been invited inside. Thoughtful planning has ensured it is both functional and inviting, perfectly suited for busy life. Colour has helped make this house an easy-to-live-in home.

This project is finished in Resene Dusted Blue, Resene Infused, Resene Wafer, Resene Awash, Resene Periglacial Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection, Resene Alabaster and Resene Sea Nymph. Image by Tracey Scott.

Resene Total Colour Neutrals Award

The Jim Wakefield Pavilion by Athfield Architects

When it comes to the traditions of colours associated with games, you can’t go far past the tradition of white in cricket. Nestled in park land that moves through the colours of the seasons, this project has embraced the essence of cricket whites. This understated neutral palette stands out amongst the natural tones of the park and allows the continuity of the sweeping forms to be the hero. In a landscape of colour, white becomes an accent.

This project is finished in Resene Foggy Grey, Resene Double Black White, Resene Triple Black White, Resene Black White and Resene Paddock. Image by David Higgins.

Resene Total Colour Neutrals Colour Maestro Award

Arney Road Residence by Abri Architects

So often homes are painted all white, but this home brings a little something extra to the palette.  Enhanced with a refined neutral palette of grey, the classic cloudy colours ensure that this home holds its own even on the brightest of summer days. Combined with a range of textured surfaces, the colour palette provides just the right touch of variation. Neutrality highlights this home’s architecture beautifully.

This project is finished in Resene Foggy Grey and Resene Wan White from the Karen Walker Paints collection. Images by Katrina Weidner.

Resene Total Colour Heritage Award

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

Antrim House Upgrade

With such a high profile building to decorate, there is always the pressure of expectation. This project has risen to this challenge with much thought into not only which colours will be used but also where they will be used to best flatter the many stunning architectural details. It leads by example, showcasing how taking the time to respect and celebrate the past through refurbishment projects will ensure our heritage buildings remain a treasured part of our architecture into the future.

This project is finished in Resene Paddock, Resene Bud, Resene Double Rice Cake, Resene Sienna and Resene Mountain Mist. Image by Brayden Mitchell and Jamie Jacobs.

Resene Total Colour Heritage Colour Maestro Award

Susie Elms

Chapple Architecture

Palmerston North Crematorium

With a serene and dignified approach, this colour palette honours the building's iconic architecture. The uplifting treatment of the arches lifts the spirits, while the restrained interior colour palette provides a calm and soothing backdrop, allowing the architectural elements to shine. As a building that is used in challenging times, it’s tranquil and reassuring in all the right ways.

This project is finished in Resene Catskill White, Resene Awaroa Bay, Resene Black Forest, Resene High Noon and Resene Greigewash. Image by Bernadette Peters.

Resene Total Colour Bright Spot Award

Tidal Shift by Stephanie Cartledge.

With a fusion of colour and community, this work energises its surroundings with a vibrant palette and thoughtful symbolism inspired by the local environment. Boldly painted graphic elements broadcast a universally understandable message and invite passersby to pause, reflect and connect. It's a striking example of how colour and design can inspire and engage us all.

This project is finished in Resene Bush, Resene Jungle Mist, Resene Half Whiteout and Resene Secret Garden. Image by Nicole Reed.

Resene Total Colour Installation - Experiential – Product Award

Jessica Gommers and Ruby Oliver

MOTAT

Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre

Wow! This transformational treasure trove of colour palettes draws your eye to each area of the space. The colour is cleverly used to designate zones of activity, to bring human scale to what could have seemed like a cavernous space and offer a collection of themed areas to explore. The palette is extensive yet is so well integrated that the colours both coordinate and contrast. Colour makes this space come alive.

This project is finished in Resene Half Solitaire, Resene Charcoal, Resene Half Sea Fog, Resene Popcorn, Resene Saratoga, Resene Chelsea Cucumber, Resene Anise, Resene Hypnotic, Resene Ipanema, Resene Wild Willow, Resene Soft Apple, Resene Spinnaker, Resene Awash, Resene Smoke Tree, Resene Blackberry, Resene Salsa, Resene Bunting, Resene Unicorn, Resene Blue Charcoal, Resene Half Pohutukawa, Resene Pompadour, Resene Flirt, Resene Quarter Pohutukawa, Resene Lusty, Resene Kamikaze, Resene Carpe Diem, Resene Tulip Tree, Resene Switched On, Resene Canary, Resene Blossom, Resene Envy, Resene Di Serria, Resene Twine, Resene Husk, Resene Fiji Green, Resene Copper Rust, Resene Logan, Resene Toffee, Resene Fire, Resene Red Oxide, Resene Canterbury Clay, Resene Pitch Black, Resene Charred Black and Resene Rock Salt. Image by Richard Ng.

Resene Total Colour Installation - Experiential – Product Colour Maestro Award

Always Song in the Water exhibition by The Letter Q Ltd and New Zealand Maritime Museum

Like ripples of water, this exhibition’s colour palette feels like you’re passing through layers of ocean. Colour is an undeniable hero, immersing each visitor into the exhibition and encouraging them to explore more and linger that little bit longer to truly take in all the curated treasures. Playful and whimsical as it transitions from space to space, the flow of colour is faultless. 

This project is finished in Resene Onahau, Resene Wild Blue Yonder, Resene Bunting, Resene Silver Sand and Resene Half Concrete. Image by David St George and Blink Ltd.

Resene Total Colour Landscape Award

Femme-ly Velues

Picking a bold palette of colours that works well together is one achievement; weaving those same colours together into a giant folly is an even greater one. This ambitious project catches the eye with its novel colour combination and structure. Towering above the land, the open weave gives the sense that the colours are playing with their surroundings. It’s a hand-crafting of hues taken to a whole new level.

This project is finished in Resene Studio, Resene XOXO, Resene Jordy Blue, Resene Bright Spark, Resene Colour Me Pink and Resene Toorak. Image by Sam Hartnett and Elise Cautley.

Resene Total Colour Landscape Colour Maestro Award

Pukekawa/Auckland Domain - refurbish band rotunda by Nina Quintana and Richard Bland, Auckland Council

There’s something delightful about when old is made new and it’s even more satisfying when bland becomes beautiful. The complementary palette feels at one with its environment yet refined and elevated. The judicious use of colour highlights the architectural detailing while the repetitive placement of colour helps each hue feel like it truly belongs. Colour has not just refreshed this rotunda, it’s revived it from top to bottom.

This project is finished in Resene Tana, Resene Karaka, Resene Half Grey Olive and Resene Florentine Pink.

Resene Total Colour Rising Star Award

A Colourful, Feminist Vision for Community by Briar Newman

This project boldly reimagines space through a feminist lens, using a dynamic pink palette with supplementary hues to empower and nurture. By thoughtfully manipulating colour, the design transforms the area into a supportive haven, celebrating life and femininity. The skilful integration of colour creates a harmonious environment that invites women to confidently claim their space. This colour palette exudes courage and tenacity.

This project is finished in Resene Glorious, Resene Glamour Puss, Resene Divine, Resene Supernova, Resene Vanilla Ice, Resene Highland, Resene Moonbeam, Resene Half Moonbeam, Resene Snowy Mint, Resene Bright Spark, Resene Irresistible and Resene Wild Thing.

Resene Total Colour Rising Star Colour Maestro Award

RE: indigenise, vitalise, generate, vegetate, juvenate by Javani Govender

Masterfully integrating health and community, this project emanates warmth and a sense of grounding that resonates with the land. In a world searching for well-being and mindfulness, the colour palette deftly achieves both. Drawing inspiration from traditional whare blended with subtle Japanese influences, the concept connects to the environment to evoke an inviting space that welcomes each and everyone. A colour palette for all to enjoy.

This project is finished in Resene Teak wood stain, Resene Matai wood stain, Resene Brown Pod, Resene Soya Bean, Resene Shingle Fawn, Resene Moon Mist, Resene Touchstone and Resene Whiteout.

Resene Total Colour Rising Star Colour Maestro Award

Summit Spas by Omea Hall

The epitome of alpine sophistication, this project blends seamlessly with the strength of its surrounding mountaintops while maintaining a lovely lightness. There’s a perfect fit between the breathtaking design and the carefully chosen colour palette. The meticulous attention to specification of this ambitious project reflects a level of care associated with professionals. It’s a stunningly beautiful space, perfect for relaxation.

This project is finished in Resene Half Pravda, Resene Concrete, Resene Quarter Malta, Resene Yellow Metal and Resene Bask.

Winner - Lifetime Achievement

Peter Beaumont, TEAM Architects Wellington

Left: Te Kura Māori o Porirua Hall. Right: Kimi Ora School.

Peter has an innate ability to not only use colour in a practical way that supports the architecture, defines spaces and guides movement intuitively, but also to delight those who interact with and admire his projects from near and far. It’s a delicate balancing act to select colours that are both fitting and thoughtful yet expressive and sensory – and it’s a skill Peter has well mastered.

Peter’s colour selections run the gamut of neutrals through to pastels and brights, with each colour carefully considered to best suit the needs of each project. No two projects are alike.

Peter’s passion for colour is most evident in the education sector with many schools and students of all ages benefitting from his thoughtful work and delightful and novel colour selections. Peter has also generously shared his knowledge over many years as a lecturer, inspiring those that dream to follow his architectural path.

After a successful career spanning more than four decades, which has seen him win multiple colour awards, Peter has developed a deep understanding of the subtle ways colour benefits and conditions how people interact with and use space. One of his lasting legacies is passing on this prowess, as well as his passion, knowledge, bravery and confidence in colour to countless colleagues and architectural graduates.

This Resene Lifetime Achievement in Colour award celebrates Peter’s tenacity, skill and flair as an architect who isn’t afraid to experiment with colour.

Published: 10 Mar 2025