The colours of joy

10 Mar 2026

In a world dominated by negative news stories designed to further entrench an ‘us and them’ mentality in the general populace, it may seem counterproductive, or even downright delusional, to look for and/or create moments of joy in this otherwise dystopian landscape.

And yet, is that not what we humans do best? Seek out those experiences that lift us from the mundane and elevate the everyday into something more aspirational. One of the best ways of doing this, on an individual level, is with colour.

As the following examples show, choosing joy – through a palette of vibrant citrus tones, think Resene Groovy, Sublime and Broom, and complementary colours such as Resene Delta Blue and Felix – for your home and for your life can affect a true shift from negative to positive and even joyful.

This widely predicted trend for 2026/27, as reported by Mix magazine: “[borrows] heavily from the visual codes of fanzine graphics, with their strong colours and big, slightly trippy fonts. Animals and reptiles take on a fantastical quality, with often hyperreal detailing and intense colour”, much like Resene’s latest mural wallpaper release, Cirque – Act Two.

The on-trend pairing of blue and brown, leaning into the warmth of Resene Felix and pairing it with either Delta Blue or the more delicate Half Sail. Wall stripes in Half Sail and Resene Felix. Floor and skirting boards in Felix, lamp in Felix, bowl in Half Sail. Leon side table and Sketch Cantaloupe Occasional Chair from Soren Liv, cushion from Citta.

For a more nuanced translation, favouring a calm and soothing yet still characterful interpretation, we find joy in the glacial hues of our winter landscapes. Walls in Resene Alabaster (arched) and Half Sail, floor in Resene Java, wall sconce in Delta Blue and bowl in Broom. Side table and chair from Soren Liv.

Citrus comes to life with this palette full of lemons and limes, a welcome 90’s throwback full of zing. Walls in Resene Sublime, stripe trim in Groovy and floor in Broom. Bowl in Sublime and vase in Groovy. Chairs from Noho, table from Soren Liv.

It wouldn’t be a Cirque wallpaper collection without some quirky, personality-packed animals, from left: Betsy (63090), Marc (63093), Tanya (63094) and Thomas (63092). As an added bonus, Cirque – Act Two also has a strong focus on Kiwiana, with a nod to the icons that define every-day life in New Zealand, from beloved Kiwi treats to the poetry of our farming heritage. Order your favourite wallpaper from your local Resene ColorShop.

The colours of joy, clockwise from top: Resene Sublime, Sakura, Felix, Half Sail, Delta Blue and Java, with Broom in the centre.

Stylist: Amber Armitage.

Photography: Melanie Jenkins/Flash Studios

Published: 10 Mar 2026