A shared background in design was definitely an advantage when Glenn Peters and Penny Hornsby took on the task of renovating a sleeping masterpiece in central Auckland. They’d already fine-tuned their skills at an Art Deco apartment and a previous house nearby, and they were looking forward to starting a fresh project – with a whole new palette of Resene colour, including Resene Double Balderdash for the exterior (above). The trims are in Resene Alabaster. And on the inside, they chose a wide-ranging palette of soft blues, greens and greys that work together for peace and harmony. 

In the beginning…

“I knew this was the one the first moment I saw it, and luckily Glenn agreed,” says Penny. “It was totally original so we had to start right from scratch.”

“I love dark colours for villas so I chose Resene Double Balderdash for the exterior. It’s a deep grey-blue with a touch of green, which really warms things up.” The original etched blue glass is offset beautifully by the use of Resene Alabaster on the handsome front door, and it also brings a pure, luminous glow to the frames and trims.

A diverse but harmonious scheme

Inside this adorable dwelling, a very stylish and sophisticated colour scheme in blues, greens and greys has been cleverly implemented throughout. “Just once or twice people have walked in and commented that all the walls are the same colour,” Penny states with an expression of extreme bafflement.

“There are so many different shades here; they must seriously be blind!”

In Finn’s room at the front of the house Resene Periglacial Blue provides a perfect backdrop for his eclectic toy collection. “It’s got a little tinge of duck-egg so it’s certainly not harsh. Actually I think it’s the perfect boy colour!”

For the walls in the master bedroom, the couple chose Resene Smalt Blue, a moody mix of green and blue. Resene Milk White and Resene Porcelain positively glow on the trims and accents. “I was pregnant when we did this room and I wanted somewhere warm and cosy to curl up in!”

Little Violet’s bedroom with a four poster bed that’s just perfect for this particular princess, has walls in Resene Heather, a cool grey shade with just a hint of purple. “It’s fascinating the way this colour changes all through the day,” explains Penny. “It’s actually at its loveliest in the evening.”

A peaceful colour

Resene Half Ash is a versatile neutral and it sets off the cool, classy living room to best effect. “Look at the gentle dappling from the trees outside. This is such a peaceful colour,” she says.

The large open kitchen at the back of the house continues Glenn and Penny’s basic theme with Resene Tasman on its walls. “It’s not too bright and it doesn’t try to take over.”

Resene Half Ash is used again in the bathroom yet looks completely different to in the living room. “All these colours complement each other and flow easily. I think what we’ve done here has a freshness and charm. It’s very satisfying.”

Glenn agrees. “To be honest, almost all the colour choices have been Penny’s and I’m perfectly happy with that because I think she is really brilliant at this sort of thing.”

“We’re moving soon and she’s already full of ideas for the new house. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with!”

Read more: Kate and Adam's DIY delight

Little Violet’s bedroom with a four poster bed that’s just perfect for this particular princess, has walls in Resene Heather, a cool grey shade with just a hint of purple. 

In Finn’s room at the front of the house Resene Periglacial Blue provides a perfect backdrop for his eclectic toy collection. Says Penny: “It’s got a little tinge of duck-egg so it’s certainly not harsh. Actually I think it’s the perfect boy colour!”

Resene Half Ash is a versatile neutral and it sets off the cool, classy living room to best effect. 

The large open kitchen at the back of the house has Resene Tasman on its walls. “It’s not too bright and it doesn’t try to take over.”

Resene Copyrite is used in the hall, just one of the wide palette of pale greens, blues and stone tones used throughout the house. 

The couple chose Resene Dusted Blue for the walls in the master bedroom, a moody mix of green and blue. Resene Milk White and Resene Porcelain positively glow on the trims and accents.