From cheery yellows to fuss-free beige, there are plenty of beautiful paint colours to inspire your next decorating project and lift your spirits in the dead of winter. Time to get those paintbrushes ready, says style director Louise Hilsz.

Colours provide more than a decorative purpose; they enhance our emotions and play a part in making us feel secure and happy. So many of us have invested more time into transforming our homes in the past few years, one cancelled holiday after another, we've had time to create the ideal place to live, work and entertain. The colour trends that have taken over this year have been inspired by our need for peace in our daily lives, as it's more important than ever to look after our wellbeing in winter.

Rich Green

Give any space an uplifting refresh by bringing the outdoor natural world indoors. Whether you're planning to give your kitchen a facelift or want to spruce up a tired-looking living room, rich green is the hue to consider. It's one of the top-selling shades in New Zealand (in a range of shades) because of its calming effect, known for its soothing and peaceful therapeutic properties. Rich green works well in a home office or rooms with technology to balance the 'artificial' vibe.

Resene Palm Green paint, Resene Middle Earth paint, Resene City Lights paint, Resene Kaitoke paint available from Resene ColorShops.

Mulberry Hues

On the hunt for a standout shade? Tap into a warmer palette of mulberry hues — a luxurious shade and distinctly cool-toned colour, with a plummy blue undertone; it's an easy way to liven up your living room, bathroom or study. Mulberry reflects light beautifully; whether you paint a feature wall or the ceiling too, it will add a splash of dramatic colour to any room.

Resene Mulberry paint, Resene Wine Berry paint, Resene Cordite paint, Resene Castro paint available from Resene ColorShops.

Sunshine Yellow

Yellow is the colour to bring joy to your home. It symbolises happiness, positivity, warmth and energy. So when it comes to rooms to paint yellow - bathroom walls in dazzling yellow will energise your start to the day. Adding yellow to muted colour schemes boosts brightness and helps stimulate your mind and revive each room of your house. If you're feeling bold, paint your front door yellow for a genuinely scene-stealing entrance.

Resene Gorse paint, Resene Golden Sand, Resene Bight Lights and Resene Witch Haze paint available from Resene ColorShops.

Earthy Tones

From sage green to burnt oranges and gentle off-white hues, these shades are inspired by Mother Nature. Subtle yet sophisticated, these colours reflect the world around us. If you're not looking to repaint a room, shop for affordable accessories in earthy tones instead. For an instant update, buy new vases, cushions or rugs in these shades. They're not as permanent as paint but will still refresh your room.

Resene Orang-atan paint, Resene Sage paint, Resene Dutch White paint and Resene Piper paint available from Resene ColorShops.

Pastel Hues

Pastels not only brighten up any bland decor but also have an optimistic effect on your mood. From shades of baby blue to pale pink, softer palettes usher in spring and summer goodness, lighting up the darkest of gloomy days and rooms. For the ultimate Insta-worthy feel, don't forget to add hints of greenery. You can never have too many plants.

Resene Abby Road paint, Resene Pink Lace, Resene Quarter Moonbeam and Resene Anakiwi available from Resene ColorShops.

Rustic Vibes

Paint colours took a rustic turn in 2022, with a range of shades that 'create an uplifting and nourishing setting'. Think natural clay, earthy browns and light masala – a unified palette to create an atmosphere of ambience. Chalky white walls look fantastic as a backdrop to these rustic hues and rustic coloured textured cushions and layered rugs. This natural pain palette will work in any room in any style of home.