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Above:

Walls in Resene Marzipan and Half Buttermilk. Sofa, vase and ottoman from Matisse, rug, stool, table and lamp from Ligne Roset, console from Bradfords Interiors, bags, candles and shoes from Michael Joyce.

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Above:

Yellow wall painted in Resene Illuminate, front walls in Green Days. Furniture and décor from Good Form.

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Above:

Arch painted in Resene Casablanca, wall in Sakura. Console and vases from Soren Liv, candle holder from Design Cache, lamp from Lighting Direct.

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Above:

Walls in Resene Buttermilk, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Table and chairs from Soren Liv.

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Above:

Walls in Resene Daylight, inside arch in Liquid Gold, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Linen and cushions from George Street Linen, rug from Baya, acorn basket from Little Whimsy, bunnies from Allium.

The sunny side of colour

Yellow became a highly popular choice in home interiors during the 50s and 60s. Many homes sang with shades of the sunshine hue, which at the time worked well with other mid-century colours like earthy greens and burnt oranges.

Today, while many revive and embrace a mid-century modern design, homeowners also love yellow for its positive energy, warmth, and ability to brighten even the darkest of rooms – or days, depending on your mood.

There’s now a wealth of yellows to choose that aren’t all neon or highly pigmented. They can be beautifully buttery and soft, as well as deeply golden like the sunsets in late summer. Plus, when you know what to pair them with, they just look wonderful. 

Mellow yellows


Yellow wall painted in Resene Illuminate, front walls in Green Days. Furniture and décor from Good Form.

Green has always been a natural companion of yellow. While yellow brings warmth, earthy greens ground a space, especially alongside timber, creating an organic feel that’s connected to the outdoors. Try pairing mellow yellows like Resene Illuminate or Melting Moment with greens like Finch and stains like Resene Colorwood Bask:


Almost orange


Arch painted in Resene Casablanca, wall in Sakura. Console and vases from Soren Liv, candle holder from Design Cache, lamp from Lighting Direct.

Paired with gentle pinks and warm beiges, yellow can feel both playful and refined. These tones tend to soften bolder, orange-toned yellows and create a space that’s full of personality without being too overwhelming. For a similar look, pair Casablanca, or Golden Tainoi, with Dust Storm and Eighth Biscotti:


Soft like butter


Walls in Resene Buttermilk, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Table and chairs from Soren Liv.

A soft, creamy yellow is a great alternative to white. It adds just the right amount of colour while remaining almost neutral, and reflects the natural light beautifully. For a soft, effortless look, pair buttery yellows like Buttermilk or Sidecar with creamy whites like Double Rice Cake and stains like Colorwood Breathe Easy:


Liquid gold


Walls in Resene Daylight, inside arch in Liquid Gold, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Linen and cushions from George Street Linen, rug from Baya, acorn basket from Little Whimsy, bunnies from Allium.

Pairing yellows together can add depth and dimension to a space. It can also help to highlight architectural details, such as this recessed wall and arch where a darker shade is used to make this nook look even cosier. Just make sure you go with yellows that have similar undertones, such as golden hues like Daylight, Liquid Gold, Tulip Tree and Buttercup:


Layered living


Walls in Resene Marzipan and Half Buttermilk. Sofa, vase and ottoman from Matisse, rug, stool, table and lamp from Ligne Roset, console from Bradfords Interiors, bags, candles and shoes from Michael Joyce.

When layering yellows, try choosing them from the same colour card. Visiting your nearest Resene ColorShop can allow you to see colours in person and see what looks good together. For example, Milk Punch and New Orleans pair beautifully together, as well as Oasis and Golden Glow. And you might like to add one or two accent colours to break things up – in this room, cool white décor and trims brighten the room and allow yellow to become a feature.


Projects Amber Armitage

Images Wendy Fenwick and Melanie Jenkins

Now is your time to test out your favourite shades of yellow. From August 20th – September 2nd, for every yellow Resene testpot 60 mL you buy at your local Resene owned ColorShop (NZ), Resene will donate $1 to the Cancer Society NZ.

Read more about Resene’s Paint It Yellow campaign and how you can support the Cancer Society and Daffodil Day.

Published: 19 Aug 2026

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

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