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 first event of this kind in four years, there were plenty of colourful reasons to celebrate on the night.

This year’s Resene Total Colour Awards received the highest number of entries into the annual awards, eclipsing the previous year and making for much heated debate and discussion among the judges in the quest to crown the best of the best.

With colour used creatively on large and small projects, combined with new paint techniques, courageous colour combinations and ever so careful attention to detail to ensure the Resene paints, wood stains, colours and wallpapers were used in all the right places, there was much to love about this year’s entries.

An inspiring transformation of the Strathmore Park Community Centre by Etch Architecture was honoured with this year's Resene Total Colour Master Nightingale Award as well as the Resene Total Colour Commercial Exterior Award. Now known as Te Tūhunga Rau - Strathmore Park Community Centre, the upgraded centre features sliding doors of art designed by Pokau Te Ahuru, providing a strong and enriching focal point to the public face of the building, welcoming visitors while rooting the centre into the strong heritage of the area. The bold palette of Resene colours is based on hues that hold prestige in te ao Māori and can be enjoyed as a shared experience from inside or out, welcoming all to gather, be nurtured and share values.

Resene has a long history of colour and today's colour range of thousands of hues is a far cry from the handful that was available when Resene started 77 years ago. The Resene Total Colour Awards were launched to encourage and celebrate excellent and creative use of colour, to showcase striking colour palettes and combinations and provide fresh inspiration.

Congratulations to all the winners and runners up and a huge thank you to each and every person who took the time to enter this year's awards and share their work.  It is humbling for all of us at Resene to see how you take our products and colours and use them to showcase the design and detail on your projects.  While not all entries could win awards, there are so many insightful, courageous, creative and colour filled projects to celebrate, big and small. We look forward to sharing a wide range of projects with you over the coming months.

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:

Te Tūhunga Rau - Strathmore Park Community Centre by Etch Architecture

Also winner of the Resene Total Colour Commercial Exterior Award.

The judges said: “From ugly duckling to beautiful swan, this building was once a simple white structure that would barely raise a glance.  Now it has become a talking point, a local beacon and a celebration of the local community. 

Innovative and creative, this project is a moving feast of pattern and colour, with a corner of colour that can be moved and viewed in so many different ways.  The judicious use of colour celebrates the hero colours to perfection with the rest of the building deliberately dark as a backdrop. Flashes of red on edges are the perfect finishing touch to connect all the elements together. The sliding doors so cleverly integrate bold colour and movement, allowing the hues to be viewed from the inside and out – an enduring gift of colour and design that can be enjoyed by all.”

This project is finished in Resene Alabaster, Resene Double Foundry, Resene Element, Resene Flashpoint, Resene San Juan and Resene Supernova. Image by Neil Price.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Exterior Colour Maestro Award

191 Cuba Street by Foundation Architects Limited

The judges said: “Each colour chosen is complex and demands closer attention to appreciate the care and detail in their placement.  This painstaking colour work has come together beautifully.  The palette is deliberately understated, with just the right touch of colours in just the right places to energise the building by highlighting the forms without overwhelming them.  Colour celebrates and brings the heritage to the fore.”

This project is finished in Resene Black Forest, Resene Catskill White, Resene Half Concrete, Resene High Noon and Resene Spring Rain.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Award

Comvita Paengaroa Workplace Design by Danielle Barclay and Naomi Rushmer of Blur the Lines

The judges said: “This palette brings a calm and soothing ambience, wholesomely earthy and perfectly aligned to the product category.  The architecture and colour work in tandem elevating the sense of wellness. Fashion colours are cleverly infused in places that can be easily updated in the future, providing scope for the palette to evolve with touches of new colour trends.”

This project is finished in Resene Dawn Glow, half strength Resene Gold Coast, Resene Vantage Point, Resene Spanish Green and on the exterior Resene Heartwood, Resene Pitch Black and Resene Smokey Ash. Image by Tyler Conelly.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Office Colour Maestro Award

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei by STACK Interiors

The judges said: “Working with painstakingly selected hues of significance, this office is assertive, determined and purposeful with its perfectly picked palette perfectly.  The bold painted ceiling draws eyes upwards to the structural element that wholeheartedly embraces the colour.  The daring palette anchors the space, yet is still warmly welcoming, enveloping you in a cocoon of colour.”

This project is finished in a palette of colours from the custom made Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei palette created with Resene. Images by Mark Scowen.

Resene Total Colour Residential Exterior Award

Park Mews, Hataitai by Roger Walker of Roger Walker Architecture & Design Ltd

The judges said: “When you reinvent a building with colour, it reminds us all of the influence of the building.  It gives it new life, celebrating the architect and the architecture.  The carefully placed touches of bold colour draw attention to the idiosyncrasies of this home, inviting all to admire its charm.  It’s enticing to young and old – a castle of dreams with a modern twist.”

This project is finished in Resene Black, Resene Buttercup, Resene Cave Rock, Resene Deluge, Resene Guardsman Red, Resene Red Oxide and Resene Vista White. Image by Grant Sheehan.

Resene Total Colour Residential Exterior Colour Maestro Award

Arc Angel by Lymesmith

The judges said: “This home reminds us all how forgotten spaces can become hero spaces.   With swathes of just the right amount of colour, this home has become an instant head turner, appealing and uplifting.  The hues nod to nostalgia - they’re sweet, pretty and imminently approachable.  The end wall combined with artistry and paint is a canvas of colour gifted to the neighbourhood for all to enjoy.”

This project is finished in Resene Ashanti, Resene Casal, Resene Corn Field, Resene Crisp Green, Resene Juniper, Resene Mexican Red, Resene Pancho, Resene Sea Pink, Resene Valencia and Resene Warrior. Image by Julia Charles.

Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Award

Block Party by Spacecraft Architects

The judges said: “The architecture invites owners to play with colour to provide each individual their own sense of identity within the whole. While the colours differ from home to home, they all share a similar synergy.  The colour selections have successfully integrated with the architecture helping to claim territory so each can create their own space in a shared world.”

This project is finished in Resene Half Merino for all general walls with unit 1: Resene Ayers Rock, Resene Green Meets Blue and Resene Viktor, unit 2: Resene Blanched Pink, Resene Laurel, Resene Robin Egg Blue, Resene Rose Of Sharon and Resene St Kilda, unit 3: Resene Hot August, Resene Palm Tree, Resene Red Red Red and Resene Tulip Tree and unit 4: Resene Double Canterbury Clay, Resene Kalgoorie Sands and Resene Kelp. Image by David Straight.

Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Colour Maestro Award

Sandhill House by Max Warren of Max Warren Architect

The judges said: “In this home, less is more.  There is a delightful playfulness with touches of colour in the most unexpected places. The colour plays up the structure, inviting you to look at the assembly of the home and find nuggets of colour treasure.  Colour brings personality and a sense of fun and levity.  The cheerful yellow floor is guaranteed to help start each day with a smile.”

This project is finished in Resene Black White, Resene Bright Spark, Resene Ferris Wheel, Resene FOMO, Resene Havoc, Resene Picton Blue, Resene Rock Salt and Resene Aquaclear Satin clear. Image by Christopher Collie.

Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Colour Maestro Award

Berry House by Carlene Duffy of Cedar and Suede

The judges said:  “The colours delightfully meander through this home, with a soothing sense of flow and continuity that leads you from one space to the next.  The busy world outdoors is kept at bay with a soft palette of similar yet different hues that are soothing on the senses.  It’s comfortable, nurturing and an ode to mindfulness.”

This project is finished in Resene Casper, Resene Edward, Resene Half Wan White, Resene Lemon Grass, Resene Moleskin, half strength Resene Moleskin, Resene Paris White, Resene Quarter Biscotti, Resene Rainee and Resene Toast. Image by Mindi Cooke.

Resene Total Colour Neutrals Award

The Orewa Townhouse by Stacy Middleton of Studio Reno NZ

The judges said: “Relying on a neutral palette, this home shows the breadth of character you can create with a gentle wash of neutrals and layering tone-on-tone accessorising.  Each space is well defined and fused with individuality, yet also flows beautifully from room to room.  An unexpected twist of dark colour in the office wraps in around you, a cosy companion while working.” 

This project is finished in Resene Double Merino, Resene Eighth Pravda, Resene Gunmetal, Resene Quarter Bianca, Resene Quarter Truffle, Resene Truffle and Resene wallpaper. Image by Helen Bankers.

Resene Total Colour Neutrals Colour Maestro Award

Orsini Atelier Space by Kanat Studio

The judges said: “This space is very elegant from tip to toe.  The colour is cohesively wrapped from surface to surface with texture and line used to create nuance and life in the colour.  There is a wonderful deep sense of airiness that brings with it a sense of comfort and calm, accentuated with the colour.  It’s a breath of fresh air.”

This project is finished in Resene Alabaster and Resene Quarter Caraway. Image by Ben Rowsell.

Resene Total Colour Education Award

Heretaunga Intermediate School by Darryl Church of DCA Architects Limited

The judges said: “Colour lifts this school and signals its presence proudly to students, their families and the community.  The exuberance of colour emphasises the strength of the vertical architecture, with carefully curated complementary colours adding welcoming warmth.  The energetic colour combinations hint at the exciting opportunities that await each student to unlock their individual potential.  A textbook use of colour.”

This project is finished in Resene Ayers Rock, Resene Black, Resene Chocolate Fish, Resene Clockwork Orange, Resene Dixie Chick, Resene Fandango, Resene Koru, Resene Pitch Black, Resene RSVP, Resene Starbell, Resene Straw, Resene Thumbs Up, Resene Twisted Sister, Resene Topspin and Resene Waiouru. Image by Andrew Caldwell.

Resene Total Colour Education Colour Maestro Award

Tāwharau Ora - Student Learning Complex by Lab-works Architecture in association with CCM Architects

The judges said: “This project strikes the perfect balance between the seriousness of the subject matter and the need for vibrancy to stimulate learning.  Blocks of colour are defining, strong and purposeful, perfectly placed for maximum impact.  The palette feels refined and grown up, supporting students as they progress to higher learning and growing independence in their transition to adulthood and career success.”

This project is finished in Resene Baltic Sea, Resene Coast, Resene Double Black White, Resene Pizazz, Resene Sea Fog and Resene Tundora. Image by Paul McCredie. 

Resene Total Colour Product Award

Quattro Juniper Gin by Lucinda Penn of LCND 

The judges said: “This painted work is so versatile and universally appealing connecting the elements of the brand together in a form that can be used so easily across multiple touchpoints.  The colours are cleverly inspired by the fruits of the product.  In a world where so much is digital, the authenticity of this painted work taps into the appreciation of the artisan for an undeniably show stopping bottle.”

This project is finished in Resene Ballerina, Resene Dancing Girl, Resene Daisy Bush, Resene Sunshade, Resene Vibe and a custom made Resene white. Image by Jarrad French.

Resene Total Colour Landscape Award

Te Reo o te hau – The Voice of the Kōkōhau by Chris Gandhi, Mathew Green, William Creighton and Seth Trocio 

The judges said: “At home in its landscape, this project and its palette is sensitive and sympathetic to its location with interesting surprises. As movement creates light and shadow, the colours take on different interpretations and moods. The sophisticated variegation of colour helps to animate the wind as the work and the landscape interact with one another.”

This project is finished in Resene Dark Oak, Resene Driftwood, Resene Pickled Bean, Resene Nutmeg, Resene Porcelain, Resene Rock Blue and Resene Whero. Image by Samuel Hartnett.

Resene Total Colour Landscape Colour Maestro Award

Warm Vessel by Lymesmith

The judges said: “Carefully placed colour blocks help the external landscape become an extension of the interior encouraging an indoor outdoor lifestyle that flows freely.  The palette is warm and inviting, personalising the backyard, giving it charming atmosphere and warmth. The celebration of sun drenched bright colours contrast wonderfully with the foliage inviting you to enjoy the outdoors all year round.”

This project is finished in Resene Double Akaroa, Resene Poppy, Resene Triple Blanc and four custom tinted Resene colours. Image by Brett Boardman.

Resene Total Colour Heritage Award

William Weir Wing Renovation by Studio Pacific Architecture Limited

The judges said: “Generations on generations have loved to live here.  A building that keeps so many memories needs passion, attention and continuity to take it forward to the next generation without losing the charm of the previous generation.  Respecting the heritage details, the palette successfully ensures that this home away from home will be home sweet home for many more years, and students, to come.”

This project is finished in Resene Awash, Resene Black White, Resene Foundry, Resene Highland, Resene Sisal, Resene Smoke Tree, Resene Triple Concrete, Resene White, Resene Aquaclear and Resene Qristal Clear finishes. Image by Andy Spain.

Resene Total Colour Heritage Colour Maestro Award

Dorset Street Flats by Greg Young of Young Architects

The judges said: “This is a very respectful treatment in revival, a fitting toast to the significance of the architect and his contribution to New Zealand.  The work shows restraint and careful consideration of how to authentically refresh a piece of history. The palette honours the intention of the post-modern architecture achieving the patina of the past with the technology of today.” 

This project is finished in Resene Alabaster, Resene Baltic Sea, Resene Colonial White, Resene Concrete, Resene Corn, Resene Cuban Tan, Resene Red Oxide, Resene Sea Fog, Resene Siam and Resene Silver Sand. Images by Dennis Radermacher.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public+Retail Award

VIA Artists by George Rose

The judges said: “Incorporating a signature sweet fade, this project is sweet indeed.  The palette and multi-tone colour effect brings a sense of summer casual, supporting the product range and immensely appealing to the store’s target market.  It’s a huge achievement to so successfully and wholeheartedly capture the ombre of summer from tip to toe.  Effective, eye-catching and exciting.”

This project is finished in Resene Adrenalin, Resene Geronimo, Resene Quarter Turbo and Resene Sunshade. Image by Holly Hawkins.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public+Retail Colour Maestro Award

Sir Howard Morrison Centre by Shand Shelton and First Light Studio

The judges said: “The colours chosen wrap around you.  Whether you are alone or with a crowd, the hues are atmospheric, cocooning and comforting, encouraging you to relax, settle in and enjoy the show.  The new foyer structure is simply glorious and sets the scene for what lies within.  A clever melding of old meets new, this centre ticks all the right boxes.”

This project is finished in Resene Black White, Resene Bokara Grey, Resene Crossroads, Resene Double Blanc, Resene Ebony, Resene Eighth Masala, Resene Gauntlet, Resene Half Blanc, Resene Half Bokara Grey, Resene Havana, Resene Quarter Bison Hide, Resene Rustic Red, Resene Taupe Grey, Resene Triple Blanc, custom tinted Resene purple and Resene Aquaclear Natural. Image by Matt Hunt. 

Resene Total Colour Installation Award

From ‘saving souls’ to Te Tiriti o Waitangi: the Christian Missionary Society in Paihia 200 years on by The Letter Q Ltd in collaboration with ObjectLab

The judges said: “While we might often see bolder colours drawing attention to exhibits, it’s rare to see such considered pastoral colours that are so fitting of the subject matter.  Colour brings the scale of the space and exhibition to a more human level and immediately places one back in time. The exhibition has a unique ethereal and mystical feel with a sense of faded gentility.  This colour palette is aged to perfection.”

This project is finished in Resene Blanched Pink, Resene Donkey Brown, Resene Dusty Pink, Resene Flax, Resene Green Meets Blue, Resene Half Innocence, Resene Half Robin Egg Blue and Resene Rococo. Image by ObjectLab and The Letter Q.

Resene Total Colour Bright Spot Award

George Rose

The judges said: “Wherever George Rose goes, she leaves behind uplifting iconic works combining beautiful palettes of colours that brighten up each location.  George’s sheer volume, range and quality of work combined with her mastery of colour and application techniques is extraordinary. So many projects are literally drenched in colour from tip to toe, leaving no surface untouched.  Each is a feast for the eyes.”

The TikTok Headquarters project is finished in Resene Adrenalin, Resene Grenadier, Resene Half Gull Grey, Resene Jaguar and Resene Smitten. The Alfassi Group project is finished in Resene Black, Resene Carpe Diem, Resene Home Run, Resene Jaguar, Resene Neva, Resene Reef and Resene Trinidad. The Stairwell project is finished in Resene California, Resene Governor Bay, Resene Riptide and Resene Smitten. Images by Holly Hawkins.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public+Dining Award

Kākāriki Coffee by Pynenburg & Collins Architects

The judges said: “This humble café steps out of its comfort zone, exploring the use of related hues from blocks of colour on walls to works of art.  Murals painted in tone-on-tone colours bring the great outdoors inside for all to enjoy.  The combination of nature-inspired art, soothing hues and movement with colour makes this an undeniably pretty place to dine.”

This project is finished in Resene Ciderhouse, Resene Greenback, Resene Half Sour Dough, Resene House White, Resene Midnight Moss, Resene Palm Green, Resene Robin Egg Blue, Resene Sea Fog, Resene Spring Green and a range of Resene testpots. Image by Paul McCredie.

Resene Total Colour Commercial Interior Public+Dining Colour Maestro Award

Bivacco by Darrelle McWilliams of Izzard Design

The judges said: “A strong sense of identity greets you at the door and is authentically embraced on every surface.  The consistency of application of the design concept instantly transports you to another place and another time, wrapped in cultural cues.  Deep, anchoring hues bring a sense of timelessness encouraging you to take your time and enjoy all that is on offer.”

This project is finished in Resene Creme De La Creme, Resene Gordons Green, Resene Karaka, Resene Nelson Red, Resene Palm Green and Resene Quarter Spanish White. Image by Jono Parker.

Resene Total Colour Rising Star Award

Architecture in a Playful Utopia by Madeleine Zwart

The judges said: “Welcome in to a world of colour that draws you in and makes you want to see more.  Playing with dichotomy, this project is clearly defined, vibrant and playful with a delightful manipulation of colour.  Hues have been carefully experimented with in the physical world to ensure best fit with form.  The arches washed with colour are irresistible.”

This project is finished in Resene Altitude, Resene Cranberry, Resene Glamour Puss, Resene Melrose, Resene Resolution Blue, Resene Salem, Resene Sebedee and Resene Spotlight. 

Resene Total Colour Rising Star Colour Maestro Award

Let’s Revive Colour! by Isabella Sagar

The judges said: “Quirky and playful, yet mature and restrained, this project takes a considered approach to the architecture. The limited colour palette is used skilfully, with a sophisticated colour palette that veers away from primary hues, manipulating tone and saturation for a more restrained approach.  The curbed form softens the colour further amplifying the appeal.”

This project is finished in Resene Anchor, Resene Chimney Sweep, Resene Spindle, Resene Sunset and Resene Yellow Submarine.

Resene Total Colour Lifetime Achievement Award

Peta Tearle

“It would be a hard job to find many who love colour as much as Peta did. And as much as Peta loved colour, she also loved to enthusiastically share her joy of colour with others and show them how they too could elevate their life, home and projects with colour.

Peta had an innate ability to know exactly what dose of colour others needed, whether that be bold hues, soothing combinations of neutrals or something in between.  Peta’s projects were always distinctive from one another because it wasn’t about what she liked to choose, but it was always about what was right for her clients.

When Peta wasn’t helping her clients with their colour choices, she was helping her countless students to understand, master and love colour.  And those many students have gone on to share Peta’s passion for colour with so many more, in their own homes, with their own clients and with their own students.

Recognising that so many people’s lives and spaces could be improved with colour, Peta created her own colour selection concept “Colours with love” to help people wherever they were in their colour journey to find colours they truly love and have the confidence to use them.

Peta has paid forward the use of colour, leaving a legacy of a fan club of clients, students and industry admirers, who have all been inspired to bring more colour into their projects and their lives.

Peta really did live a life in full colour and Peta’s lifetime passion for colour and this industry have been, and continue to be, an inspiration to so many.”

For details on all of the Resene Total Colour Award winners, both past and present, visit www.resene.com/awardwinners.

Published: 30 Aug 2023