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These adorably cheerful placemats are painted in Resene Red Berry, Resene Half Thorndon Cream and Resene Black. Tablecloth from H&M Home. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
This simplistic napkin pattern is painted in Resene Holly. Tablecloth from H&M Home. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Choose your favourite neutral colours for this Christmas DIY space. Walls painted in Resene Double Rice Cake, cabinet in Resene Blanc, box in Resene Spanish Green, frame finished in Resene Colorwood tinted to Resene Shore Thing, stars in Resene Rainee and rings in Resene Spanish Green. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Your eyes go straight to this piece of art sitting against the neutral wall painted in Resene Double Rice Cake and the cabinet in Resene Blanc. A pop of colour from the medium canvas and vase in Resene Red Berry is beautifully paired with the small canvas and small box in Resene Holly resting on the two bigger canvases in Resene Half Thorndon Cream and Resene Double Rice Cake. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Darker festive tones are used for the wreath, wooden tree and box painted in Resene Holly, small box in Resene Rainee and wall in Resene Double Rice Cake. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Some tranquil green Christmas inspiration with the table painted in Resene Xanadu, wooden tree, present box and wreaths in Resene Spanish Green and wall in Resene Double Rice Cake. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
This lounge screams stunning Nordic vibes with neutral tones. The walls are painted in Resene Double Rice Cake, wood panels are finished in Resene Colorwood Bask and the tree patterns are painted in Resene Rice Cake. Chair from Nood. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Finishing touches for your home this Christmas
Like the star on top of a Christmas tree, it’s the finishing touches that make the difference at Christmas time.
You might have your Christmas tree up and some tinsel hanging, but Resene has the perfect colours to help you turn any corner, room and centrepiece into a merry work of art for you and your friends and family to enjoy in just an hour or two.
From sprucing up the guest room, to decorating the dinner table and creating an inviting entry way, these ideas will make your home jolly from top to toe.
Terrific tabletops
These adorably cheerful placemats are painted in Resene Red Berry, Resene Half Thorndon Cream and Resene Black. Tablecloth from H&M Home. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
We all know how expensive Christmas can be, so why not save your money this year and make your own festive placemats. These can be whipped up in a matter of hours or less, and you could even make some mini ones to match and use as coasters.
These Santa placemats are sure to get some smiles at dinner time. All you need is some MDF placemats or old thick cardboard, some masking tape, a paintbrush and some Resene testpots. If you’re thinking of switching Santa for another holiday character, choose different Resene colours such as a brown like Resene Brown Sugar or Resene Sea Fog for Rudolph or snowman placemats.
This simplistic napkin pattern is painted in Resene Holly. Tablecloth from H&M Home. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
If you’re looking for something more stylish and minimal, these cookie cutter napkins are simple and stunning and can suit any table set up. All you need are some white cotton napkins, a Christmas tree cookie cutter and a testpot of paint in Resene Holly.
Already decided on your table centrepiece and décor? Not a problem! You can match these artistic napkins to any theme you have going by choosing any shape cookie cutter you want and any Resene paint colour to match your colour theme. These are sure to be a hit, and you can reuse them again and again.
Tip: when painting cotton, make sure the napkin is completely dry. Once painted you can blow dry and iron to seal in the paint. Wash separately gently to avoid any colour running for the first wash.
Inviting entry ways
Choose your favourite neutral colours for this Christmas DIY space. Walls painted in Resene Double Rice Cake, cabinet in Resene Blanc, box in Resene Spanish Green, frame finished in Resene Colorwood tinted to Resene Shore Thing, stars in Resene Rainee and rings in Resene Spanish Green. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
This is a jolly decorative feature ready to greet guests as they walk in the door and is sure to be a conversation starter. Friends and family can stop to admire all the small details, viewing Christmas cards, or even adding one on themselves!
How to make your own window frame display:
You will need:
- 4x pieces of pine 65mm wide and 18mm thick (for the outside)
- 4x pieces of pine 40mm wide and 18mm thick (for the inside)
- Flat claw plate joiners
- Hammer
- Resene Colorwood stain in Resene colour of your choice, Vanessa used Resene Shore Thing
- Paintbrush
- Cards and decorations for the frame
Step 1: Cut the wood to the size of your choice or get the store to cut them for you.
Step 2: Lay your wooden pieces on the ground to make a window shape.
Step 3: Lay the claw plate joiners on the joins of the wood and hammer down
to secure the pieces in place.
Step 4: Once the window is assembled apply Resene Colorwood stain to your frame in your chosen Resene colour. Vanessa used Resene Colorwood Shore Thing.
Step 5: Be creative and add some decorative elements and either hang on wall or lean on a cabinet for a festive look. Paint the decorative features in your favourite Resene colours to complement your décor.
Your eyes go straight to this piece of art sitting against the neutral wall painted in Resene Double Rice Cake and the cabinet in Resene Blanc. A pop of colour from the medium canvas and vase in Resene Red Berry is beautifully paired with the small canvas and small box in Resene Holly resting on the two bigger canvases in Resene Half Thorndon Cream and Resene Double Rice Cake. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Busy Christmas colours can easily be made into a chic minimal display. If you have some spare canvases lying around, why not try this gorgeous present canvas wall art. All you need is a few different sized canvases, some of your favourite Resene colours along with some ribbon and holly.
The bright pop of colour looks great against the minimal furniture and neutral walls. Try using other festive themed Resene colours for your canvas art like Resene Pohutukawa, Resene Havoc or Resene Pavlova.
Guest room garnishes
Darker festive tones are used for the wreath, wooden tree and box painted in Resene Holly, small box in Resene Rainee and wall in Resene Double Rice Cake. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
If you’ve got guests coming for the holidays, add Christmas cheer by hanging a handmade wreath on the wall or some thoughtful decorations on top of the drawers. This is a great minimal set up and doesn’t overcrowd the surfaces if guests need to put their belongings down. You can even repaint these depending on the season or your mood.
Some tranquil green Christmas inspiration with the table painted in Resene Xanadu, wooden tree, present box and wreaths in Resene Spanish Green and wall in Resene Double Rice Cake. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Who said Christmas décor couldn’t be calm and graceful? With the holiday season coming in hot and busy, it can be a stressful time. Using mellow greens and neutrals can help to create a sense of calm and relaxation. Your guests can retire to their room after the great Christmas feast and still feel the festive cheer in a tranquil space.
Lovely living room
This lounge screams stunning Nordic vibes with neutral tones. The walls are painted in Resene Double Rice Cake, wood panels are finished in Resene Colorwood Bask and the tree patterns are painted in Resene Rice Cake. Chair from Nood. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
No need for red, green and gold here, this Scandi style living room shows off some neutral tones and subtle Christmas décor. This chic design could stay on your wall all year round, or you can create your own patterns by simply painting more leftover wood you have lying around in the garage or repainting these ones.
How to make your own wooden art panels:
What you will need:
- 3 pieces pine 13.5x60x0.9
- Resene Colorwood in Resene Bask
- Resene colour of your choice for the pattern, Vanessa used Resene Rice Cake
- Fine paintbrushes
- Clear craft glue
- 3 flat hanging hooks
Step 1: Using a rag, rub Resene Colorwood onto the pieces of pine. One coat should be enough. Allow to dry.
Step 2: Either freehand to paint or draw your design onto the boards in light pencil ready for painting. Use our images as a guide or create your own designs. Paint your design in your chosen Resene colour. Vanessa used Resene Rice Cake.
Step 3: Glue the flat hanging hooks on the back of each panel ready to hang. Sit back and enjoy your art!
Using our tips and tricks, you might be able to think of some of your own designs to make this season. We would love to see your designs and jolly Christmas décor and hear about the Resene products you used – share your photos by email editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Happy holidays!
Published: 14 Dec 2022
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Half Thorndon Cream
Resene Half Thorndon Cream
Resene Double Rice Cake
Resene Double Rice Cake
Resene Spanish Green
Resene Spanish Green
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Resene Half Thorndon Cream
Resene Half Thorndon Cream
Resene Double Rice Cake
Resene Double Rice Cake
Resene Spanish Green
Resene Spanish Green
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
