5 of the best interior paint colours to consider for 2024

Written by

20 March 2024

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5 min read

Painting your interiors presents a great opportunity to redefine your spaces in both form and function. However, with the almost infinite number of colour swatches to sift through, deciding on a final colour (or colours) can be challenging which is where the year's colour trends and recommendations can be so helpful.

Colours, and our preferences for them, change and evolve as we do which necessitates the need for refreshed living spaces every now and again. Part of what we're likely to be drawn to during these times is often shared by others thanks to societal and environmental influences, which is why colour trends make such a great starting point. Our picks for the 5 best interior paint colours are a reflection of this and will hopefully provide some fuel and inspiration for your own home renovation project.

1. Warm whites

Warm whites are a timeless choice and a constant presence among annual lists like these. They are just so versatile, able to work with and play off almost any colour scheme, architectural and interior style. Their effortless ability to create a cosy yet refined ambience makes them great for all types of living spaces. Their warm neutral hues strike the perfect balance between providing a minimalist backdrop while adding warmth to a space, making rooms feel more inviting and lived-in. They also enhance the sense of spaciousness making them particularly well-suited to small rooms or those that lack natural light. Like a blank canvas, they will seamlessly integrate with other colours, allowing them and your own design choices to shine.

Dulux's Mason Bay Quarter Paint has a soft, antique white colour that makes a great canvas for other elements to shine.

2. Stone blues

Blues with light grey undertones are popular this year, drawing inspiration from the natural world, and imparting a calm and tranquil atmosphere. Its versatility, again another common trait among the best interior paint colours, is strong working well with a variety of decor styles from modern minimalism to rustic traditional. Blue grey variations also have the ability to adapt to changing light conditions throughout the day, and year, subtly shifting in hue to keep spaces dynamic and engaging. Their allure is also partly due to the visually cooling impact they have in a space, which is particularly helpful during hot summers in New Zealand.

Resene Hermitage is a stony blue green that evokes gentle streams of water — a perfect choice for the bathroom.

3. Deep reds

Deep reds have traditionally been an antiquated choice but are increasingly seen as a premier paint colour due to their bold and enveloping warmth, adding a sense of drama and sophistication to any room. These rich reds, from burgundy to maroon, have the power to transform a space into a luxurious and inviting haven. They work very well in dining rooms and living rooms where their depth can create a focal point or accentuate architectural details. Deep reds pair beautifully with neutral tones, wood finishes, and metallic accents, offering versatility (there's that word again) that can suit a variety of design aesthetics. It's a colour that also feels like more of a personal choice as an option seldom seen, offering a great opportunity to make a confident statement in expression while fostering a cosy, comforting atmosphere. It ties in nicely with the broader trend towards embracing more vibrant, saturated colours that can evoke emotions and add character to a home.

The deep red richness of Dragon's Eye from Porter's Paints is bold and dramatic.

4. Natural greens

Natural greens are emerging as a standout interior paint colour thanks to their strong association with nature and the sense of rejuvenation and vitality they bring. Ranging from soft, muted olive greens to bold and dark forest hues, green offers a spectrum of options that can cater to various aesthetic preferences and design styles. It can act as both a neutral foundation and a statement colour, depending on the chosen shade. Incorporating green into interior spaces can also enhance the feeling of connectivity to the outdoors, perfectly reflecting our serene surroundings in New Zealand. Its ties with wellness and sustainability also resonate strongly given our strong identity as an eco-friendly country. Its adaptability in complementing a wide range of materials and textures further cements green's position as a top colour choice in 2024.

Woods Creek by Dulux is the perfect example of a natural green that can bring a room to life.

5. Dark greys

Dark greys represent the movement towards sophisticated design and modern appeal. It offers a chic backdrop that adds depth and contrast. Its neutrality allows for a wide range of colour pairings, from bold and vibrant hues to soft pastels, offering endless possibilities for creating something unique, tying in again to the idea of individual expression. Dark grey can also create a more intimate atmosphere than you might think, increasingly used on bedroom walls across the country. As a darker, moodier colour, it adds a sense of drama and luxury to interiors, without overwhelming them. It also works as an option for a feature wall, contrasting well with bright and vivid artwork for those with collections to showcase.

Dark greys, like Porter's Paints River Stone, are increasingly finding a place in the bedroom.

Some great interior paint colours to refresh your spaces

With some great interior colour recommendations, you can unleash the colour expert within, making some inspired changes to your home. It's a fun project to take on and you'd be surprised how much difference a new colour choice can make, be it a warm white paint or a bit of blue with a soft shade of grey. If you're able to keep mood, colour combinations and functionality in mind, the best colours will naturally reveal themselves resulting in better living spaces for you and your guests to enjoy.