13 March 2025

Textural Nuance

Walls hold a unique power in any space; they’re the canvases upon which a room’s personality unfolds. In the hands of stylist Amber Armitage, with the versatility of textured finishes from Resene Paints, paint becoms more than colour—it becomes an expression of texture, depth, and layered artistry.

In high-end interior decorating, walls and floors have evolved from blank canvases to intricate works of art. Resene’s collection of specialty finishes offers a distinctive approach to adding depth, texture, and character to spaces, transforming surfaces into statements of luxury and sophistication.

Among the most captivating options are the Resene FX Faux Rust Effect paint and the Resene ConcreteWash collection, which together provide designers and homeowners with the tools to infuse interiors with a sense of elegance, patina, and layered richness.

Resene’s rust-like paint presents a beautifully refined approach to the industrial look that has captivated modern interiors. This waterborne coating emulates the organic weathering of metal surfaces, creating a finish that continues to develop in character with time. The result is an effect that feels almost like nature’s own craftsmanship.

(Left) Wall and small metal vase feature RESENE FX FAUX RUST EFFECT, adding a rich, textured finish. Shelves painted in RESENE SPACECOTE in RESENE CHARCOAL for a striking contrast. (Right) Background, pot and tray in RESENE FX FAUX RUST EFFECT. Images by Wendy Fenwick of Flash Studios.

The rich, earthy texture of rust adds an unexpected warmth to an accent wall, feature piece, or the framing of an entryway—it’s both tactile and timeless, introducing a sense of history and authenticity into contemporary interiors. In carefully curated spaces, the raw appeal of rust pairs beautifully with smooth surfaces, elevating the entire room with a natural, artfully unfinished quality.

Equally striking in its subtlety, the Resene ConcreteWash collection allows you to explore the refined elegance of concrete surfaces while adding a delicate wash of colour that softens and elevates.

Walls and shelf in the calming hue of RESENE FLOTSAM, paired with floors in RESENE COLORWOOD SHADE for a natural warmth. Floor pot adds texture with RESENE FX FAUX RUST EFFECT. Chair by Soren Liv. Floor lamp, cup, and book from A&C Homestore.

Available in nature-inspired shades like Resene Whitewash, Resene Greigewash, Resene Blondewash, Resene Claywash, and Resene Stonewash, this range transforms concrete into an understated yet atmospheric feature.

Ideal for both walls and floors, Resene ConcreteWash hues introduce a gentle patina that adds warmth and depth without overwhelming the space. For interiors striving toward a modern, organic look, these subtle shades bring a grounded, serene quality.

Background painted in RESENE RICE CAKE with concrete hexagon plates in the top row (from left) RESENE BLONDEWASH, and RESENE CONCRETEWASH satin tinted to RESENE CLAYWASH. Second row RESENE STONEWASH, RESENE WHITEWASH, and RESENE GREIGEWASH. Third row RESENE WHITEWASH, and RESENE BLONDEWASH. Bottom row RESENE CLAYWASH.

The beauty of Resene ConcreteWash lies not only in its nuanced palette but also in its versatility. When applied by spray, it creates a uniform wash that lends itself to a seamless, minimalist effect—a superb choice for high-end spaces where refinement is key.

Alternatively, applying the concrete wash with a brush in a criss-cross motion can create a more textured, fresco-like finish. This artisanal approach is perfect for concrete planters, accent walls, or small architectural elements, adding a layer ofvisual intrigue and an almost tactile softness.

Concrete candleholders finished in RESENE CONCRETE WAX tinted to RESENE GREIGEWASH (left) and RESENE STONEWASH (right). Concrete hexagon dishes in (clockwise from top left) RESENE CONCRETE WAX tinted to RESENE WHITEWASH, RESENE BLONDEWASH, and RESENE CLAYWASH, with vase painted in RESENE EIGHTH THORNDON CREAM. Glassware stylist’s own, Taper candles from Tessuti, concrete objects from Blow My Wick.

Resene FX Paint Effects, a finishing medium, adds a new layer of artistry to interiors, allowing designers and homeowners to create unique, textured finishes that elevate the space. As a tintable acrylic medium, it serves as a versatile base for a range of custom effects—from subtle washes to bold, intricate patterns.

Whether applied through sponging, ragrolling, or colourwashing, Resene FX Paint Effects transforms walls into rich, tactile surfaces that catch the eye and add depth, redefining the role of paint in high-end design. The beauty of this paint product lies in its customisability. By blending it with Resene testpots, you can create personalised hues that reflect your style.

The ratio of Resene FX Paint Effects to colour is adjustable, meaning you can control the opacity and intensity of each layer. A higher proportion of medium results in a softer, more transparent finish, perfect for creating delicate colour variations, while a stronger colour mix brings out bolder contrasts. This flexibility allows for endless possibilities, from quiet sophistication to vibrant visual drama, all tailored to the nuances of your space.

THE PRESSION VASE from Ligne Roset, crafted in moulded vitrified biscuit porcelain in a hand-painted matte grey finish, sits beautifully aside ECC’s ASILI CURVED HORN BOWL, the pair taking centre stage atop a Rigadin buffet from Bradford Interiors.

For those looking to enhance textured surfaces, Resene FX Paint Effects Medium pairs seamlessly with Resene’s textured basecoats, such as Resene Sandtex or Resene Resitex. Adding Resene FX Paint Effects Medium over a textured base brings an added dimension to walls and decorative elements, creating a finish that feels both luxurious and organic.

A layer of Resene Concrete Clear or Resene Aquaclear can be applied over the effect to enhance durability, particularly on high-traffic surfaces, ensuring your custom paint effect remains vibrant and resilient over time.

Adding a new lease on life to your favourite interior pieces is effortless with Resene’s innovative finishes. Whether it’s an aged table, a cherished sideboard, or decorative planters, Resene’s specialty coatings—like the Resene FX Faux Rust Effect, Resene FX Paint Effect and Resene ConcreteWash range—offer the perfect way to refresh these items while harmonising them with your overall design.

Testpots from top RESENE OUTLAW, RESENE KIA KAHA and RESENE ALLSPICE. Background features RESENE OUTLAW with a layered RESENE FX PAINT EFFECTS finish.

A wooden sideboard painted with Resene’s rust effect can introduce a sense of rugged charm, blending contemporary and rustic in a sophisticated way.

Meanwhile, using Resene ConcreteWash colours on planters or smaller furnishings imparts a soft, weathered finish, bringing understated elegance to any corner of your home. With these versatile finishes, walls and accents alike can be transformed into curated design statements, adding texture, tone, and personality to any interior.

Archway and upper back wall bring warmth in RESENE OUTLAW, paired with a shelf in RESENE ALLSPICE and floor in RESENE COLORWOOD BASK. Bottom half of the right wall in RESENE OUTLAW with a layered RESENE FX PAINT EFFECT finish for added depth, all available from Resene ColorShops.

Rigadin buffet, Pivot table by Bonaldo, Evie dining chair in grey black, from Bradfords Interiors. WMF Burgundy wine glass, Junto Grey dinner plates by Rosenthal, Corvo cutlery set, from Michael Joyce. Pression vase in large, from Ligne Roset. Isosceles Book & iPad Stand in aged brass, from Powersurge. Peggy Fruit Stand, Ceramic Dish for Pot-Pourri, Italian Marble Grapes in Large, Trulli Pepper Mill in Noce, Stainless Steel Teapot in 500mL, from Tessuti. Asili Ankole Cattle Horn Vase, Asili Curved Horn Bowl, Lee Broom On Reflection candle, from ECC. Loewe Coriander Wax Candleholder from Faradays.

In addition to their aesthetic allure, Resene’s finishes offer both durability and practicality. For interior spaces, a base layer of Resene Concrete Clear gloss provides a reliable foundation for the Resene ConcreteWash, followed by one or two coats of the colour itself. For a soft satin look, a final coat of Resene Concrete Clear satin adds a subtle sheen, while Resene Concrete Clear gloss can be used to create a more polished, reflective finish.

Concrete floors can be similarly treated with Resene Concrete Wax as a base, followed by one or two coats of the chosen Resene ConcreteWash colour to achieve a custom depth of hue. A final clear coat locks in the beauty, enhancing both resilience and ease of maintenance.

Wall painted in RESENE SOUR DOUGH with RESENE FX PAINT EFFECTS Medium tinted with RESENE BLANC layered on top. Floor finished in RESENE COLORWOOD BREATHE EASY. Plant pots (from left to right) feature RESENE CONCRETEWASH satin tinted to RESENE CLAYWASH and RESENE STONEWASH, applied with a criss-cross technique, and RESENE DOUBLE AKAROA. Chair and side table from Danske Mobler, cushion and rug from Baya, slippers from La Tribe, concrete plant pots from Mood.

Resene’s textures and specialty finishes invite a more imaginative approach to wall treatments. They’re a way to elevate interiors from the ordinary to the exceptional, introducing an element of artistry and personal expression into every corner.

Whether you’re drawn to the drama of an industrial rust wall, the gentle elegance of a concrete wash, or the sophistication of layered textures, these finishes provide a rich, tactile quality that feels high-end and distinctly unique. Resene’s artistry in texture and technique encourages us to see walls not just as boundaries, but as integral components of a room’s character and style.

Discover more at Resene online.