Shades of InflUence: Resene colour consultant Amy Watkins brings a painterly perspective to interior design.

In the world of interiors, there’s something quietly powerful about a well-chosen palette — the kind that transforms and elevates spaces to make them unique and personal. Resene commercial colour consultant, Amy Watkins has over a decade of expertise, intuition and grounded practicality to approaching the often daunting task of choosing what colours and materials for your home. With formal training in both interior and landscape design, her approach is refreshingly grounded.

Amy Watkins- Resene colour consultant

 “My focus is always on the client,” Amy explains, “how they live, how the space is used and what colours will support not just how it looks, but how it feels.” Colour, she believes, is more than a decorative tool. “It’s about enhancing the well-being and functionality of a space — making it work harder and feel better.” So where does someone with a job title like hers find inspiration? “Everywhere,” says Amy, “but fashion is often a good predictor — what’s happening on the catwalk in Milan tends to trickle into interiors.” That said, nature remains her first and most enduring muse. “Nature never gets it wrong,” she says. “It shows you how to pair colours — mossy greens with warm neutrals, sky blues with soft greys.

There’s a harmony in the natural world that just works.” It’s a harmony increasingly reflected in current trends. “We’re seeing a continued love of nature inspired palettes — raw timbers, earthy tones, greens like Resene Off The Grid and Field Day. They create a sense of calm and connection, inside and out.” Neutrals, too, are shifting. “People are moving away from stark whites in favour of off-whites with warm undertones — Resene Quarter Tea or Eighth Akaroa — they’re soft, liveable and forgiving.

There’s also a growing embrace of saturated colour — deep olives, regal reds, burnt terracotta — not just as feature walls, but whole rooms. We’re seeing a real shift toward homes that feel expressive and grounded.” International trends, Amy says, translate easily thanks to New Zealand’s design affinity for nature and simplicity.

Back wall Resene Double Masala; back wall skirting Resene Bokara Grey; fl oor Resene We Speak Beach ‘Shade’ colour. Front wall behind the bed: painted grid lines in Resene Half Bokara Grey; three stain colours (lightest to darkest) —Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, Resene Colorwood Bask, Resene Colorwood Shade. Hanging pendant light, bottom book on chair, mug and bottle vase, all Resene Teak. Bentwood chair, coaster under mug, smallest vase on floor books all Resene Scrub. Small scalloped dish on top of books on chair, pot with plant on floor all Resene Flax Base of Glass. Vase on bedside, middle book on chair both Resene Triple Thorndon Cream. Small vase and book on Bedside table both Resene Biscotti.

Resene Double Masala

“Biophilic design — integrating nature into our interiors — suits our lifestyle. Houseplants, natural textures, open flow... It’s all about ease and emotional comfort.” So what of the bold move to dark and moody interiors? “Black is beautiful,” she says, “but light is key. If your space lacks natural light, pair black cabinetry like Resene Nero with lighter benchtops to keep it fresh, not oppressive.” When asked how colour can manipulate space, she’s full of insight. “Pale hues like Resene Gull Grey or Secrets reflect more light and expand a space. For intimacy, choose rich tones that cocoon — navy, olive, deep browns. It’s about creating the mood you want.” Her best advice for anyone starting from scratch? “Mood boards. Rip out magazine pages, save images, ask yourself why you like them. That becomes your guide.” And when choosing colours? “Start with the hardest-to-change elements — flooring, tiles, joinery — then build your paint palette around them for cohesion.” When it comes to the outdoors, context is everything. “Look at your landscape — is it coastal, rural? Are there light-reflective limitations? Then pick hues that feel anchored. Resene Duck Egg Blue or Inside Back are lovely for exteriors — gentle, natural, timeless.” For those worried about choosing something that’ll date, she offers a parting word of reassurance. “Neutrals are safe, yes — but don’t be afraid to pick what you love. That’s what makes a home truly timeless.”

Walls painted in Resene Spanish White, floorboards in Resene Tiri and side table in Resene Nullarbo. Small pots in Resene Quarter Spanish White, light in Resene Villa White and pot with large plant in Resene FX Faux Rust Effect.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop for colour and paint ideas and inspiration. Or, book a Resene Colour Consultation, in-store, virtual or at your home,

www.resene.co.nz/colourconsult

Colours are as close as the on-screen process allows.

Always view Resene testpots or colour charts before making your final choices