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Botanics, Free-Wall

It's all about style and durability

Choosing the right paint colours and finishes can completely transform the look and feel of your home. The right colour can open up a dark hallway, create calm in a bedroom or energise a kitchen. And don’t forget the finish—gloss, flat or something in between—it can make a big difference in both durability and style. Each space in your home serves a different purpose and has its own lighting, layout and mood, so your paint choices should reflect that. Here’s a room-by-room paint colour guide to help you select colours and finishes that bring out the best in every area of your home.

Living Room: set the tone

Colour: This is usually the most lived-in space, so choose colours that reflect the mood you want to create. Warm neutrals like soft beige, greige and earthy tones create a calm, inviting feel. Rich blues or greens can add drama and sophistication for a more refined look.

Finish: Use a satin or low-sheen finish. It has a soft glow that works beautifully in natural light and is durable enough to handle the occasional scuff.

Kitchen: bright & functional

Colour: Whites, soft greys or sage green are great for creating a clean, fresh look. Or go bold with deep blues or charcoal if you have plenty of natural light and want to contrast with cabinetry or tiles.

Finish: Kitchens need a tough finish. We recommend a semi-gloss or low sheen enamel—it’s easy to wipe down, resists moisture and stands up to everyday splatters.

Bathroom: light & airy

Colour: Bathrooms benefit from light, airy colours to keep them feeling fresh and open. Think soft aqua, seafoam green, pale stone or crisp white. Want a little drama? Try charcoal or deep teal as an accent wall.

Finish: With high humidity levels, bathrooms demand a moisture-resistant semi-gloss or low sheen enamel. These resist mould and are easy to clean, especially in small, steamy spaces.

Main Bedroom: calm & cosy

Colour: Bedrooms are your personal retreat, so lean into restful hues. Dusty blues or pinks, warm greys, earthy greens and muted terracottas all help create a peaceful vibe. Neutrals like taupe or warm whites also work beautifully.

Finish: A low sheen or flat finish gives a soft, serene look—perfect for creating a calming space.

Main Bedroom: calm & cosy

Colour: Bedrooms are your personal retreat, so lean into restful hues. Dusty blues or pinks, warm greys, earthy greens and muted terracottas all help create a peaceful vibe. Neutrals like taupe or warm whites also work beautifully.

Finish: A low sheen or flat finish gives a soft, serene look—perfect for creating a calming space.

Test before you commit

When choosing colours, always test them in the actual space. Lighting, furniture and time of day can all dramatically affect how a colour looks. And when it comes to finish, think about wear and tear—some rooms just need more protection than others to keep looking great for years to come.

Need help pulling it all together?

Precision Painting & Decorating is committed to environmentally responsible painting practices and proud to be a certified Resene Eco.Decorator. This accreditation means you can trust us to deliver high-quality finishes while minimising the environmental impact.

What is a Resene Eco.Decorator?

The Resene Eco.Decorator programme is a nationwide initiative that recognises painting contractors who uphold sustainable principles and best practices in their work. To qualify, contractors must meet strict environmental and quality standards, including:

Using sustainable paint systems and, wherever possible, using waterborne paints and Environmental Choice approved products to minimise smell, harm to the environment and enable water washup.

Implementing responsible waste management practices, including Resene PaintWise and WashWise systems.

Following best practices in project planning, execution and customer satisfaction.

Committing to continuous improvement in sustainable work practices.

To qualify, we underwent a rigorous assessment process. This evaluation covered our principles in practice, work methods, waste disposal processes and overall commitment to sustainability. Only contractors who meet these high standards can promote themselves as authentic Resene Eco.Decorators.

Why Choose a Resene Eco.Decorator?

When you hire Precision Painting & Decorating, you're making an environmentally responsible choice. Our certification ensures:

Professional Quality Service – Expert craftsmanship with premium Resene paints. Eco-Friendly Paint Systems – Use of low-VOC and waterborne paints whereever possible to reduce environmental impact. Responsible Waste Management – Proper disposal and recycling of paint waste through Resene’s sustainability programmes. Durable and Sustainable Results – High-quality finishes that stand the test of time in busy residential and commercial spaces.

Paint Green with Precision Painting & Decorating

Sustainability in painting is about more than just the products we use—it’s about how we apply them. With our expertise and commitment to eco-friendly practices, we ensure every step of your painting project aligns with sustainable principles.

Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival 2022

The 2022 Resene Film Festival kicks off on the 5th of May, with sixteen new and critically accalimed films curated by newly appointed co-hosts Art Dept. The films covers a broad spectrum within the architecture and design theme within four categories—Quiet Icons, Creativity, Problem Solving and Importance of Place. Scroll down to watch the trailers of our top picks from the film festival and find…