Answers to the common questions.

From choosing the right white to working with a partner who has different ideas, these are the questions we get asked most often.

Don’t see yours? Get in touch, we’ll be happy to help.

A colour consultation helps you cut through the overwhelm of endless paint samples. We assess your space(s), light, existing finishes and the mood you want to create, then deliver a clear, cohesive paint schedule so you can move from indecision to confidence.
An interior designer can oversee an entire renovation or build — from spatial planning and joinery through to furniture and styling. Pigment focuses on one thing: colour. That means you get expert, independent advice tailored to your home, without the scale, commitment, or cost of a full design service.
Colour selection might seem like a small decision but it sets the tone for everything else. Paint is often the first and last thing you notice in a room. It shifts with light, interacts with materials and influences how a space makes you feel. For all its impact, colour is often underestimated; that’s where a consultant helps you get it right.
Yes. Often designers come to Pigment for an independent review of their colour schemes. Sometimes it’s about refining undertones or sequencing, other times making sure the palette flows with furniture and finishes. We can also provide cross-brand options, sheen guidance and a clear paint schedule that’s client ready. A second set of eyes saves time and gives confidence that your palette feels resolved.

Choosing white is often harder than people expect, check out how many whites Resene, Dulux or Aalto offer and you’ll see why. The right white depends on light (both natural and artificial), surroundings and the feeling you want to create.
No. We’re brand-agnostic, meaning we work across all major paint brands in New Zealand to find the best fit for your project.
Absolutely. We create cohesive interior and exterior schemes so your home feels consistent and considered from the inside out.
It’s more common than you’d expect. We start by listening to both perspectives and goals, explore different options, then find common ground. Creating a palette you’ll both enjoy living with.
Yes. During a consultation we’ll take into account any fixed elements that are staying —like flooring, benchtops or key furniture pieces—so your colour scheme feels intentional and connected.
When Resene has over 100 whites (that’s just whites, not neutrals) and Dulux has 24 “most loved” whites. It’s easy to see what starts as a safe, simple choice quickly becomes overwhelming without expert guidance.

It’s always helpful if you’ve got any inspirational images, a Pinterest board, a sense of your likes/dislikes, and any non-negotiables (like a sofa or flooring that’s staying). Not sure where to start? That’s fine—we’ll guide you.
In-home consultations usually take around 90 minutes; virtual sessions about 45 minutes. See our consultation options for full details.
Yes—you’ll receive a detailed paint specification showing exactly where each colour is used, so you can get started straight away or pass onto your painter.
Following your consultation you’ll receive brushout paint samples for your full scheme. We recommend living with them for a few days. If you’d like to explore alternatives, we can book a follow-up session to refine your palette.

It’s a fair question and one we hear often. Paint store advice is a sales tool—the ultimate goal is to sell that brand’s paint, not explore all your options. Pigment’s advice is brand agnostic, design-led and tailored to your home and lifestyle.
Painters are experts at their craft but colour selection is a different process it’s about considering the architecture, lifestyle and the mood you want to create. A consultation means your colours are designed around you, while your painter can focus on delivering the best finish.
If any of these sound familiar, the answer is yes:
- I’ve spent more on test pots than on actual paint.
- I live with swatches on my walls for longer than I’d like.
- My partner and I can’t agree on a palette.
- I’m never 100% sure colours work together.
- I’ve made a rushed choice and the painter is booked.
- Choosing paint colours makes me feel anxious.
- I’ve spent more time debating colours than actually enjoying my home.

Yes. Colour is one of the simplest tools to enhance mood and wellbeing. A fresh coat of paint can change how a space looks and more importantly how it feels.
Homeowners, renovators, painters and industry professionals who want expert, independent paint colour advice without a full interior design service.

Frequently Asked Questions