2025 Interior Painting Trends in Christchurch

If You’re Embarking on a Refresh of Your Home

Paint is one of the easiest things to change. A new coat of colour on the walls can change the whole feel of a room, and it doesn’t have to equate to an extensive reno.

Here in Christchurch, we have definitely found that most homeowners are moving towards warmer tones (where we don’t see why not) and nature-inspired shades, but also some quite dramatic colours too.

At DJ Parkyn Painting & Decorating, we are in and out of Canterbury homes each week, so we have a pretty good idea about what people are experimenting with currently. And let’s just say 2025 is shaping up to be a colourful year.

Warm Neutrals Are Back

Greys ruled living rooms and hallways for years. But now? Homeowners are replacing them for softer, warmer hues. Think creamy beiges, pale taupes and soft sand colours.

There is something more homely about these shades. We’ve found they work a treat in Christchurch villas and bungalows, but they also look good in newer homes in the rebuild areas. They’re pretty universal and easy to decorate around, whilst also having some softness about them, so you don’t feel too “cold” (yeah, not much fun in the middle of a chilly Canterbury winter)!

Going Green with the Great Outdoors

Christchurch people love their gardens and green spaces; this is no secret. Perhaps that’s why green is such a trend this year. Sage green kitchens, olive dining rooms and forest-green feature walls are all making a comeback.

In a recent Merivale project, we used soft green in the lounge with pops of timber, and it just worked so beautifully. It added a quiet, earthy quality to the room and made it suddenly feel more welcoming.

Accent Walls Still Going Strong

Accent walls are nothing new, but they aren’t going anywhere in 2025. What isn’t so predictable is the move towards richer, moodier tones too – deep navy, terracotta and even charcoal!

The beauty of an accent wall is that you can be bold without being married to an entire room. We like them in open-plan spaces, where they help break up a room and inject some personality.

Textures and Finishes with Character

There will always be flat walls, but more people are requesting texture. Limewash finishes, Venetian plaster, or even just a slightly more rustic, brushed look and so on; these little subtle hints make the wall feel like your own.

Warn everyone you know about your job and still go out for drinks at night: we’ve done this ourselves in the past with our residential painting through to our commercial painting jobs in Christchurch, and the effect is always the same, people take notice.

It’s nothing major, but this little touch does make the space feel more “designed.”

Pastels for Calm, Cosy Rooms

If soft is the look you’re going for in a room, then pastels are your best bet. There’s a lot of light blues, blush pinks and lavender in bedrooms and bathrooms. They’re gentle without being boring.

A young family we helped in Halswell chose a soft pastel blue for the little boys’ nursery, with white trims to finish it off. It was fresh and light, but it could be soothing, which is what you’d want for a baby’s room.

Dark Ceilings for the Brave

Now here’s one that a lot of people are surprised by: dark ceilings. It sounds strange, but it’s taking off. Dark navy, charcoal or even deep green overhead can turn a room into a dramatic and cosy space.

We wouldn’t recommend it for every home, but in larger spaces with good light, it makes a very stylish statement. We are already on to a couple of these in Christchurch apartments, where people want something modern and alternative.

Eco-Friendly Paints

More homeowners are also inquiring about “green” options. Low-VOC paints are healthier, good for those who have children and pets and allergies. We’ve been relying on these types of products to get work done, and the finish is just as good as traditional paint without the potential hazards.

FAQ’s We Get Asked by Christchurch Homeowners

How much does it cost to paint a house interior in NZ?

Costs are dependent on the size of the house and how much prep work is required.
For a typical three-bedroom home, you might pay somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000 for a full professional interior paint job.
That typically includes minor repairs to plaster, two coats of high-quality paint and labour.

Do painters’ quotes include paint?

Most of the time, yes. Our job is to ensure that we quote you, after all the discussion and chit chat, for what’s included: Paint and labour and any additional prep work like removing wallpaper or plastering.
That way, you can be exactly clear about what you are actually paying for.

What is the difference between a painter and a decorator?

A painter’s primary job is to spread paint over walls, ceilings, and trim.
An interior decorator gives a few more — wallpapering, for example, and plaster work (other than over brickwork), and perhaps helping you choose finishes or colours.
Our team does both, so you won’t need to coordinate multiple tradespeople.

Why You Need to Hire a Pro Interior Painter in Christchurch

DIY painting is tempting, but there’s a chasm between a slapdash job and the work of a reliable professional.

We’ve been called so many times to “save” a DIY project where the prep wasn’t done right, the paint begins peeling off, the edges look awful, or they comment on how they used the wrong paint.

Everything’s taken care of by a professional painting and decorating team: from sanding and plastering to those crisp lines and hardy finishes.

When you employ the services of interior painters Christchurch residents rely on, you’re not just paying for someone to roll paint on the wall — you’re investing. You’re paying for:

• Many years of combined experience in house and commercial painting
• Ways to get a finish that looks like it is perfect in attention to detail
• High-quality paints and tools available from Reaper Miniatures
• Scrub walls the correct way to ensure paint will last
• Little or no mess in your home or place of business

Making Your Space Your Own

Trends can be useful, but what really matters is to make sure your home is right for you.

Some adore bold colours, and others would rather everything be light and airy. Some like wallpaper with patterns, others like simple, clean walls.

What we love most at DJ Parkyn is assisting homeowners to achieve that balance. Sometimes that means a full repaint to update an older home. And sometimes it’s a matter of simply introducing a little accessorising cheekiness (like, say, one gloriously bonkers bathroom wallpaper).

Whatever it is, we have the skills and the merchandise to make it look good.

Ready for a Fresh Look?

If you’re looking to incorporate one of these trends (or if you just need your house repainted), we’d love to assist.

We’re DJ Parkyn Painting & Decorating, and we’ve been painting houses & buildings for families and businesses in Christchurch for over 15 years.

Whether you need interior painting for your house or a full-on decorating and design project, we treat all work with the touch that only comes from caring about what we produce.