The endless enchantment of eggshell blues continues to captivate designers

04 Dec 2025

It’s no secret that New Zealanders and Australians love decorating with neutrals. For decades, a range of Resene whites and creams have consistently reigned the Resene Top 20 colours based on sales. But among Resene’s more chromatic colours, there’s one hue that has captivated architects, designers and their clients like no other: Resene Duck Egg Blue.

There are few colours that carry the enduring appeal and quiet sophistication of Resene Duck Egg Blue and its variants. This pale, soft greenish blue with a grey undertone evokes tranquillity and gentle refinement that transcends passing trends. Beyond aesthetics, the emotional resonance of duck egg blue cannot be understated. Psychologically, soft blue-green tones are known to reduce stress and promote calm, providing a quiet refuge and a sense of airiness.

The origins of Resene Duck Egg Blue are, as the name suggests, grounded in nature. The colour mimics the luminous shells of eggs laid by certain duck breeds. Another hue named for eggshells, Resene Robin Egg Blue holds much the same appeal. Though this colour features a distinctly greener tone, it is equally alluring and offers equivalent benefits and flexibility.

Resene Duck Egg Blue and Robin Egg Blue have proven to be ideal foils for the often harsh light of our local landscapes – offering a means of softening spaces with a sense of serenity that complements both traditional villas and casual beach houses.

Today, eggshell blues remain favourites in contemporary interior design. Their versatility is unmatched, and they pair seamlessly with whites, creams and greys while also working beautifully with natural wood, brass and rattan. These colours continue to be a staple in coastal and Hamptons-style homes, where they reflect the sea and sky in a way that feels both modern and timeless, as well being beloved for bringing a breath of fresh air to commercial offices, healthcare facilities and schools.

More than a trend, eggshell tones like Resene Duck Egg Blue, Robin Egg Blue, Eau De Nil, Unwind and Opal connect past to present and heritage to modernity.

Background colours in (clockwise from top left) Resene Half Duck Egg Blue with stripes in Half Robin Egg Blue, Duck Egg Blue, Double Duck Egg Blue, Quarter Duck Egg Blue and Robin Egg Blue, objects painted in (clockwise from top left) Half Robin Egg Blue, Robin Egg Blue, Half Duck Egg Blue, Robin Egg Blue and Half Robin Egg Blue. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.

Wall painted in Resene Duck Egg Blue, floor in White Pointer, shelves in Resene Inside Back, shelf décor in (from top to bottom, left to right) Inside Back, White Pointer, Double Duck Egg Blue, Neutral Bay, Breathless and Half Duck Egg Blue, floor vases in Resene Alabaster and Arrowtown and stool and sconce in Scoria. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Melanie Jenkins.

Tongue and groove panelling painted in Resene Morning Haze and floor finished in Colorwood Breathe Easy and clearcoated in Qristal ClearFloor. Bed and dresser from Mocka, bedlinen from A&C Homestore, lamp and chair from Slow Store, cushion and chequered pot, tray, book and toy from Kmart. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.

Main wall and shelves painted in Resene Inside Back, recessed wall (left) in Hermitage, floor in Half Duck Egg Blue, side table in Cinder, large plant pot (on floor) in Duck Egg Blue, décor on shelf in Half Duck Egg Blue, Duck Egg Blue, Innocence, Mocha, Cinder and Blanc and artwork in Blanc. Project by Laura Lynn Johnston, image by Bryce Carleton.

Built-in arched cooler surrounds, dry goods shelving, fluted counter panelling and door frame in Resene Sorrento, ceiling in Resene Double Alabaster and award alcove in Resene Morning Haze. Project by Annabel Berry Creative Co. Construction documentation by Virginia Barlow Architecture. Built by Nailing It. Joinery by Firman Joinery. Bespoke steel fabrication and signage by Apex Engineering. Painting by Darryn Stewart Painters & Decorators. Image by Rachel Wybrow Photography.

Weatherboards painted in Resene Raindance, trims in Half Black White, door in Galliano and roof in Half Tuna. Project by Houndstooth Interiors, www.houndstooth-interiors.com. Painting by Zenith Coatings Ltd. Image by Holly Spooner.

Stairwell walls in Resene Paris White with ceiling and doorframe in Half Bianca. Project by Kurio. Build by Refresh Renovations. Image by Helen Bankers.

Weatherboards in Resene Inside Back, trims in Black White and door in Smoulder. Project by Suzanne Allen Design and Kristen Roberts. Architectural specification by Jones Architects. Painting by Amanda Barker. Image by Suzanne Allen.

Feature wall sections painted in Resene Opal, bulkheads and ceiling in Sea Fog and timber trims stained in Resene Colorwood Natural and finished in Resene Aquaclear satin. Project by Robertson Architects. Build by Tracer Construction. Image by Paul McCredie. 

Wall painted in Resene Duck Egg Blue with joinery, architraves and door in Quarter Rice Cake. Project by PEACHhaus Design and Development. Build by Elevate Projects. Image by Jackie Meiring. 

Ceiling painted in Resene Robin Egg Blue. Project by Architecture HDT. Build by Gemco Construction. Image by Hilary Finn.

For more on the latest colour and decorating trends, check out the most recent issue of BlackWhite magazine, issue 11. If you’re not on the mailing list, you can pick up a copy at your local Resene ColorShop, read the online version or sign-up to receive future issues free.

Published: 04 Dec 2025