In Good Company with Aalto Paint
In Good Company is a short form film series celebrating some of New Zealand's most respected designers and makers as they come together to share the ideas, materials and philosophies that shape their work. Offering an honest look at the value of collaboration, where generosity, curiosity and craftsmanship strengthen our local design community.
In this episode of In Good Company we collaborated with Aalto Paint, whose expert understanding of colour, material and atmosphere guided our colour choices for our workshop showroom and kitchen transformation.
Those conversations led to the creation of Braze and Heath, two bespoke colours developed exclusively by us. Inspired by the warmth and evolving patina of brass, these colours now define the our studio. The relationship between colour and metal feels instinctive, with each bringing greater depth and presence to the other.
We talk to Anna Chandler, Colour Specialist as she reflects her role at Aalto.
Photography and film by Stephen Richardson
Tell us a little about Aalto. What sits at the heart of what you do?
At Aalto, we believe colour has the power to completely transform the way people experience a space. We're aNew Zealand paint company focused on creating timeless, sophisticated colour collections that work beautifully with our unique landscapes, architecture and light.
At the heart of what we do is helping people create homes and spaces that feel deeply considered and personal. We see paint as much more than a finish—it's one of the most powerful design tools available. Every colour we develop is carefully curated to work harmoniously within a wider palette, making it easier for architects, designers and homeowners to create spaces with confidence.
Why is being a locally minded business important to you?
Being locally means we understand New Zealand. We understand the quality of our natural light, our diverse landscapes and the way New Zealanders live.
Our colours are developed with these conditions in mind, ensuring they feel authentic whether they're used on acontemporary urban home, a coastal retreat. a rural homestead or a commercial building. Being a local business also means we can work closely with our clients, architects and designers, offering genuine support throughout the design process. Those relationships are incredibly important to us, and they're what enable us to create colour palettes that are not only beautiful but deeply connected to the places they're designed for.
How do you help clients discover the right colour for their project?
Every project begins with understanding both the client and the architecture. We spend time discussing how they want the space to feel, how the building sits within its environment, the materials being used and the way natural light moves through the home or workplace.
Rather than selecting colours in isolation, we encourage clients to think about the entire palette—from exterior finishes through to interior spaces—so everything feels cohesive and considered. Our carefully curated collections are designed to work together effortlessly, making the selection process less overwhelming and giving clients confidence that every colour has been chosen with purpose.
Aalto has developed a reputation for bold, sophisticated colour palettes. What guides you when developing a new palette?
Longevity is always our starting point. While we're inspired by architecture, fashion, art, travel and the NewZealand landscape, we don't chase trends. Instead, we focus on creating colours that feel timeless and continue to look relevant for years to come.
We're meticulous about undertones because they're what determine how a colour behaves in different light and how it interacts with surrounding materials. Every shade has to earn its place within the collection, working beautifully both on its own and as part of a broader palette.
Our aim is always to create colours that elevate architecture and interiors with confidence, depth and sophistication.
Can you tell us about collaborating with Powersurge to develop the showroom colour palette?
Working with Powersurge was a genuinely collaborative and rewarding process. From our very first conversation, Andrea had a clear vision for creating a headquarters that reflected the company's energy,confidence and personality. Her direction became the foundation for developing a completely bespoke colour palette.
Almost instinctively, I saw a rich, bold burgundy as the hero colour. It had the depth, warmth and sophisticationthat felt right for the space, creating an immediate sense of identity. From there, we introduced a burnt orange for the kitchen to bring warmth, creativity and a welcoming energy to one of the most social spaces within the headquarters.
Andrea and Steve then spent time with the Aalto team in our showroom, refining every detail of the palette.
Together, we explored undertones, tested combinations and carefully balanced each colour until we achieved a scheme that perfectly captured their vision. It wasn't simply about selecting paint colours—it was about creatingan environment that reflected who Powersurge is as a business and how they wanted their team and clients to experience the space.
The finished palette is bold, confident and memorable while remaining sophisticated and timeless. It reflects the strength of collaboration and demonstrates how a thoughtfully crafted colour story can transform a workplace into a space that feels distinctive, inspiring and unmistakably authentic.
