From Walls to Canvases: The Best Paints in Australia 2025

Australia’s vast and varied landscapes, combined with its unique climate conditions, mean that choosing the right paint is essential. Whether you’re painting an inner city home, a coastal retreat, or a bushland hideaway, your choice of paint needs to stand up to the elements. In this article, we will explore some of the best paints available in Australia for 2023 based on durability, finish quality, environmental considerations, and value for money.

Painting a home involves so many decisions, and choosing the right paint for the right job is tricky. Here we look at the top paint brands for the jobs at hand.

Taubmans All Weather

Exterior paints need strength to withstand the elements, they do this by adding additional and expensive, top quality resins so fading is less of an issue, and new technology that offers UV protection. Who wants to repaint a house, right? After years of advancement, you can now achieve great results with acrylic exterior paint, which has the primer built in. Taubmans All Weather and Taubmans Sun Proof are great options here.

Norglass

Exterior features such as fences and front doors are a chance to add extra zing to the design, and very often the best way to produce that effect is with a gloss or enamel paint. While there have been improvements in acrylic gloss products, purists and pros are still reaching for the oil based product – the finish is simply brighter and more reflective, and more to the point will last longer on high traffic spots such as doors. The lesser known Norglass brand offers a magnificent result, and comes in small cans, which is a bonus for feature trim jobs.

Dulux Wash and Wear

Interior walls cop the most passing traffic scuff and grime, especially if you are blessed with kids or pets. The ideal paint here is a washable, acrylic based paint that goes on smoothly, and wipes clean easily. A combination of huge colour range, and great coverage (meaning less coats to put on) is the Dulux Wash and Wear brand. You can actually feel the extra weight on the brush or roller, which is a good thing, but tougher on older hands, or newbies to the roller game.

British Paints Paint and Prime

Kate from @roadtorenovation // British Paints Australia

Getting on top of ceilings is perhaps the most difficult of paint jobs; back breaking and neck stretching, it is a job with little pay off – but is critical to achieve a perfectly finished room. A dead matte finish is ideal, usually in white (but don’t let that stop you from playing with colour), and always acrylic. While you can use a cheaper matte paint, a purpose designed one will go on easier and offer better coverage – it’s designed to be a one stop wonder. British Paints Paint and Prime is reputed to have be a good ceiling paint that goes on thickly, and works particularly well with a long nap roller, reducing spray.

Berger Paints

Houses have damp zones, and yes they need extra care because paint that doesn’t deflect the wet will get mould, mildew and then peel. The elasticity of acrylic paint is great here, and Berger Paints have a product, Kitchen and Bathroom Everlast which offers a five-year guarantee against mould and mildew. Best tip here is to steer clear of a matte ceiling paint, but the soft or lo sheen bathroom paint.

Haymes

A secret of professional painters is the top paint brand Haymes. Haymes is perhaps a lesser known brand to the home decorator but it has been rated by Canstar as the top paint in Australia for the last six years. Haymes has been produced by the one family in Australia for generations, and commands respect from those who spend their lives up a ladder. They don’t need expensive ad campaigns, because those in the know don’t need reminding of this solid and impressive brand. Always consider checking out their products when starting a project.

Environmental Considerations

As environmental awareness grows, many Australians are seeking eco-friendly paint options. Look for paints labeled as low VOC or zero VOC. These paints emit fewer chemicals, making them healthier for the environment and for the inhabitants of the painted space. Brands like Haymes and Porter’s have taken commendable steps in this direction.

Choosing the Right Paint

Remember, the best paint for your project depends on the specific requirements of the job:

Surfaces: Different paints are formulated for different surfaces such as wood, brick, or metal.
Location: Consider the specific climatic challenges of your region. Coastal homes might need salt-resistant paints, while homes in tropical areas might benefit from mould-resistant options.
Finish: Decide if you want a matte, semi-gloss, or gloss finish. This can affect the look and feel of the space as well as the paint’s durability.

Australia has a broad range of paints tailored to its unique environments. From the intense sun to the coastal breeze, our selection of paints have been tried, tested, and emerged as top picks for 2023. Remember to consider the specific needs of your project and, when in doubt, consult with a local professional for guidance.

Art can transform more than just walls—it shapes mood, evokes memory, and elevates the everyday. Discover how thoughtfully curated interiors can become living expressions of personal meaning and refined luxury, from sculptural furniture to bespoke murals.

Artful Abundance: The Sophisticated Joy of Artful Interiors

Imagine a hushed hospital corridor, its sterile walls awash in the glow of flickering fluorescent lights. In that unexpected moment, a solitary Monet painting emerged—a luminous tableau of delicate lilies dancing in quiet defiance.

As the clinical austerity yielded to the graceful presence of art, this single work transformed into a vessel of solace and hope amid overwhelming uncertainty.

That moment continues to resonate with me—a vivid reminder that art transcends mere aesthetics to become a profound catalyst for emotional healing and inspiration. It is this transformative experience that fuels my passion as a biophilic interior designer.

I create environments where every element, from bespoke murals to sculptural installations, harnesses art’s power to elevate the human spirit, spark creativity, and enrich lives. Let us journey together into the world of luxurious interiors that define modern elegance.

2. Art as Wellness: A Daily Ritual of Rejuvenation

At its core, art is a daily ritual that renews both mind and spirit. Scientific research consistently confirms that nature-inspired art reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and kindles creativity.

The simple act of beholding a tranquil landscape or a subtle floral motif transforms your space into a private retreat, offering solace amidst a hectic world.

In my practice, I meticulously select artworks chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their potent, therapeutic benefits.

Each piece serves as daily inspiration—a quiet invitation to experience calm and well-being. For example, our Hilton project demonstrates how hospitality resorts integrate nature-inspired art not only for its visual impact but also as a medium of healing; here, a collaboration with a local artist produced a masterful installation that functions both as a statement piece and a source of well-being.

3. Bespoke Brilliance: Celebrating Your Unique Narrative

Luxury design is profoundly personal. Bespoke art transcends mass-produced décor by capturing your unique story—whether through a custom mural reminiscent of your favourite botanical garden or silk wallpapers that evoke the allure of exotic landscapes.

Each personalised creation turns your walls into a living narrative of cherished memories and distinctive taste. Consider how a thoughtfully designed space can reflect your individuality and elevate your living experience.

4. Sculptural Elegance: Redefining Spatial Dynamics

Art is not confined to two dimensions. Three-dimensional sculptural works bring vitality to interiors by adding depth, texture, and tactile allure.

Picture a gracefully sculpted piece—a marble table echoing the gentle rhythm of ocean waves or a repurposed bronze branch serving as an elegant room divider.

Such statement sculptures command attention while seamlessly integrating form with function and providing a natural conversation starter in any refined space.

5. Architectural Artistry: When Structure Meets Art

A truly sophisticated home elegantly merges art with architecture. Imagine a residence where bespoke staircases curve with elegance, where hand-carved wooden doors evoke the intricate beauty of nature, and where expansive windows frame breathtaking vistas.

In these spaces, every architectural detail contributes to a cohesive canvas of artistic expression. As you envision your own home, consider how your surroundings can be thoughtfully designed to reflect both beauty and purpose.

6. Furniture as Functional Art: Merging Practicality with Mastery

In luxury interiors, even the functional becomes exceptional through artful design. Consider a one-of-a-kind, hand-carved pink marble swivel chair—a masterpiece where practicality meets refined craftsmanship.

More than just a piece of furniture, this chair sparks conversation and serves as an emblem of creative innovation and exclusivity.

Let this be a symbol of how every element in your home might reflect your dedication to exquisite artistry.

7. Digital Sophistication: The Future of Artistic Expression

In an age defined by rapid technological advancement, digital art installations offer a contemporary twist on traditional forms.

High-resolution displays now present dynamic landscapes—a cascade of waterfalls, the quiet majesty of a forest, or a serene digital ocean vista—that adapt and evolve with your environment.

This modern element seamlessly aligns cutting-edge technology with timeless aesthetics, ensuring your space remains as innovative as it is elegant.

8. Luxurious Textiles and Furnishings: The Essence of Understated Elegance

Luxury is often revealed in the details: the textures, colours, and fabrics that together create a haven of understated splendour.

Bespoke silk cushions with intricate botanical embroidery, sumptuous velvet throws that evoke tropical charm, and bedding that mirrors the ethereal beauty of cloudscapes all contribute to an atmosphere of refined elegance and comfort.

Every tactile detail is chosen to evoke warmth and stand as a testament to your taste for excellence.

9. Refined Heritage: Honouring Timeless Craftsmanship

In the realm of luxury, tradition and modernity exist in perfect harmony. Integrating timeless antiques—such as a rare Vladimir Kagan couch or a coveted Hans Wegner chair—with contemporary design creates a dialogue that honours both heritage and innovation.

These storied pieces carry with them a legacy of masterful craftsmanship, adding layers of significance and depth to your living environment. They remind us that true elegance is built upon a foundation of enduring quality.

10. The Art of Personal Meaning: Crafting Your Legacy

Ultimately, art is the language through which you express your unique legacy.

Every carefully chosen piece reflects a part of your personal journey, turning your living space into a narrative as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.

It imbues your environment with memories, aspirations, and the essence of who you are—a living masterpiece that evolves with time.

Reflect on how these elements might not only beautify your home but also stand as timeless expressions of your personal story.

Now is the moment to immerse yourself fully in the joy of art. Elevate your surroundings and transform your residence into your greatest masterpiece.

Your heart, your legacy, and your space deserve nothing less than extraordinary artistry.

Ozge Fettahlioglu is the founder of Cocoplum | Biophilic Design Studio and Boxareno | Custom Modular Constructions. A wellness and biophilic design leader, she creates bespoke spaces that inspire, heal, and elevate daily living. Ozge is also a board member of Biophilic Cities Australia.