Colour, Craft and Confidence - Resene at 80

For Landmark Homes, that heritage matters. It means partnering with a supplier whose products are developed for New Zealand conditions and whose support extends well beyond the paint tin. For clients, it translates into performance, sustainability, and expert guidance when it matters most.

“Resene is still privately owned and manufactured in New Zealand. We’ve been making paint here since the 1940s, and innovation is a big part of what keeps us moving forward,” says  Ben Solly, National Commercial Account Manager at Resene.

Made for New Zealand conditions

One of the most significant shifts in the paint industry has been the move toward waterbased products. Today, around 92% of Resene’s paint range is waterbased.

“You can now paint the whole interior of your home using waterbased systems. We’ve developed products that perform in kitchens and bathrooms without relying on heavy solvents,” Ben explains.

For Landmark clients, that means durability in high use spaces without compromising on finish quality or environmental responsibility.

Building responsibly

Sustainability is embedded throughout Resene’s operation. The company runs a paint recovery programme that collects unused paint so it can be reused or repurposed. Some recovered paint is blended into Resene Repaint for exterior projects such as fences, while other batches are donated to community groups where exact colour matching is less critical.

It is a practical system that keeps leftover paint out of drains and landfill while giving it a useful second life.

Resene also operates its Eco Decorator programme, an audited scheme recognising painting contractors who meet standards around quality, health and safety, and waste management. For homeowners, it offers confidence that their painter is working to clear professional and environmental benchmarks.

While performance matters, colour is often where homeowners feel the greatest emotion. According to Resene Colour Consultant Hannah Lynch, we are seeing a renewed willingness to move beyond very pale interiors.

“After a long period of very safe, neutral interiors, people are becoming more confident again. Now we’re seeing earthy neutrals with more depth and complexity coming through,” she says.

Rather than stark contrasts, today’s palettes tend to feel layered and natural. Creams blend into yellow oxides. Oxide pinks move toward warmer reds. Greyed blues transition into deeper tones. These colours sit close together on the spectrum and feel cohesive and considered.

Texture is also returning. Softly layered painted surfaces and woven inspired finishes add depth without overwhelming a space. The focus is on warmth and subtle movement.

One finish gaining renewed interest is colourwashing. Used well, it delivers a richer tone while still feeling soft and broken rather than flat.

“Colourwashing with Paint FX medium is used to get a stronger colour and results in a lovely, softly broken finish. A lighter base colour usually works best, as it glows through the topcoat,” Hannah explains.

The most successful combinations are colours that sit near each other on the spectrum. Creams through to yellow oxides create warmth and light. Oxide pinks through to oxide reds introduce depth. Greyed blues through to purple tones bring a cooler, restful feel.

Colourwashing can be applied over a smooth wall for subtle  movement or layered over a textured surface such as Resene Sandtex to enhance depth and tactility. The result is nuanced rather than dramatic, making it ideal for living areas, bedrooms, or feature walls where homeowners want interest without intensity.

Guided choices, not guesswork

For many homeowners, the hardest part of choosing colour is knowing where to begin. Resene’s professional colour consulting service is designed to remove that uncertainty.

“It’s about creating something that feels right for them. We look at how the home is used, how much natural light there is, and what the client is drawn to,” says Hannah.

From there, tailored schemes are developed to help clients explore options with confidence. For Landmark clients, this expertise forms part of a supported design journey, ensuring decisions feel considered rather than overwhelming.

Ideas beyond the build

For ongoing inspiration, Resene’s Habitat magazine is a valuable resource. Published twice a year, it features new colour ideas, real project showcases, and practical advice for refreshing or brightening rooms, whether building new or renovating. It is a helpful way to explore trends, finishes, and ideas before making final decisions.