Black and white

Decorating articles and inspiration from TrendsIdeas

A monochromatic colour palette adds a touch of drama to this seaside house. And because the exterior is painted in Resene CoolColour Black, it will help to keep the house cooler in summer.

Just as a little black dress makes a distinctive fashion statement, so does a house painted black turn heads.

This house, by architectural designer Chris Tate, features a black-painted exterior contrasted by white chimneys and overhangs. But unlike the black houses of decades ago, this house won't heat up the same way, thanks to the use of Resene CoolColour paint.

Resene CoolColour looks just like normal paint, but it reflects much more heat. This means it doesn't get as hot as a standard paint of a similar colour, which makes dark colours a more viable option.

Resene marketing manager Karen Warman says the pigment technology allows the coating to retain its usual colour, while the reflected heat reduces the stress on the coating and substrate, limiting subsequent heat-related damage. The technology also minimises the build-up of unwanted heat inside the house, keeping cooling costs down.

Resene CoolColour can be used on all sorts of exterior surfaces and applications, from weatherboard cladding and concrete blocks to windowsills. It is available in a variety of Resene exterior finishes, and hundreds of colours.