Discover the Resene Colour Expert team’s favourite shades

21 Mar 2024

Whether recommending them or painting with them, the Resene team know a thing or two about Resene paint colours. It can be hard to choose a favourite when you’re around thousands of stunning shades each day, but our Resene Colour Experts have narrowed down their most loved shades. Here’s where they work best and how to use them:

Resene Madison 

Wall painted in Resene Madison. Coffee table from Good Form, carafe, tumbler, bowls and soapstone vessel from Città. Project by Laura Lynn Johnston, image by Bryce Carleton.

Resene Colour Expert, Madison McLeod’s favourite shade is Resene Madison for it’s beautiful Navy blue that adds depth to any space. “Blue is a traditional feature colour, yet the depth in Resene Madison gives it a modern twist,” Madison says. “This is stunning as a master bedroom feature wall, a great way to add a pop of colour.” Madison recommends using her favourite shade with Resene Half White Pointer and Resene Ayers Rock.

Resene Exactly

Lower wall in Resene Exactly, upper wall in Resene Merino. Project and image by Christine Hodges.

Resene Colour Expert, Christine Hodges, says she loves too many colours to choose a favourite, but went with one that she recently used – a luscious, moody green, Resene Exactly. “For impact, I painted approximately 600cm up the wall and brought the ceiling colour which is Resene Merino to meet the green. All the painting was done in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. You can see this room from the front entrance, so I wanted impact to draw people down the hallway and also to frame the view outside. Resene Exactly looks wonderful with all greens, burnt oranges and blush pinks like Resene Contented and Resene Inspire which I would bring out in the bedding.

Resene Jaguar

Back wall painted in Resene Jaguar with painted terrazzo in Resene Alpaca, Resene Urbane and Resene Tom Tom, left wall in Resene Tangaroa, Right wall in Resene High Tide, floor in Resene Mercury, vanity in Resene Tangaroa, ladder in Resene High Tide, Hooks in Resene Tangaroa (left) and Resene Alpaca (right) and soap dispenser in Resene Tom Tom. Project by Kate Alexander, image by Bryce Carleton.

Resene Colour Expert, Honor Moore, loves the deep inkiness of Resene Jaguar and says it is her all-time favourite. “It’s darker than navy and much softer than black,” Honor says. “It reminds me of dark storm clouds, shadowy mountains and coastlines, bringing my love of nature indoors to create a comforting and intimate space.

“Resene Jaguar is very versatile and can work in either a contemporary or classic space creating a dramatic backdrop to showcase lush green foliage or bright pops of colour. Dark colours recede so can make a room feel larger but still cosy – great for a media room or to enhance a stunning view.

“If you’re not brave enough for a whole room, try a feature wall, or wrap around two walls to define a space. Update a piece of furniture or entrance door with Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or Resene Enamacryl gloss.

Tip: Overcoat your interior dark colours with Resene SpaceCote Clear for extra protection and scuff, scrub and burnish resistance.

Resene Jaguar pairs beautifully with smoky greens or greyed off blues, neutral dusky pink tones for a soft warmth. If white is your preference, try Resene Quarter Bianca or Resene Quarter Merino for a crisp contrast.

Resene Ipanema

A4 drawdown paint swatch and testpot from top in Resene Grass Hopper, Resene Cinder, Resene Rum Swizzle and Resene Ipanema.

Resene Senior Architectural Representative, Rebecca Long, is a big fan of Resene Ipanema. “I’ve always been intrigued by Resene Ipanema,” she says. “I love the contrast between its bright energy and bitter, acid undertone. It is a striking front door colour, just make sure you  opt for gloss Resene Enamacryl to add further energy to the colour.”

Pair Resene Ipanema with Resene Grass Hopper and Resene Rum Swizzle for a sophisticated grunge look.

For more paint advice, visit your local Resene ColorShop, Ask a Colour Expert online or book a Resene Colour Consultation.

Published: 21 Mar 2024