A charismatic Christchurch villa’s relaxed, earthy refresh

Charm and a good location are elusive qualities in a home, curiously difficult to come by – and even more difficult to come by together. So, when Christchurch-based first-home buyers and amateur remodellers Shayden and Georgia happened upon a 1909 villa that had both, their decision (and plan of action) were already made. They would update the property as its design stewards, reworking previous modifications, garnering more DIY experience and using Resene paints to craft a place of respite within their busy lives.

The couple began their renovations by installing period-style architraves and skirting boards – features likely lost when the home was flipped prior to its sale – to pay homage to the home’s era. Their first colour choices were cognisant of this, too: Resene Alabaster, a near-white, now bathes their ceilings and trims in a crisp glow, while walls in grey-tinted Resene Black White can be found in almost every room. “It was a neutral colour palette to make a base from,” explains Shayden.

With this framework in place, Shayden and Georgia approached each room differently, focusing on their needs while incorporating earthy hues and gently weaving in a thread of boho-inspired décor – the metaphorical sun around which their mood board orbited.

The master bedroom was devised into what they call their ‘zen space’, where a feature wall in blue-green Resene Celtic mirrors an open shelving system replete with equally verdant plants. “Our feeling for this room was natural and earthy,” says Georgia, noting the linen curtains, which sweep to the floor, and the rattan bedhead and chandelier, both curved and intricate, which bring a sense of structure.

Other, bolder plans were in store for their guest bedroom. “We landed on Resene Half Baltic Sea, after trying a series of greys in the space,” says Georgia of the second room, where they wanted to have more fun styling. “It holds its own and isn’t influenced by other colours, so it was ideal for pushing boundaries.” A scheme of mustard yellows and deep blues was employed to complement the space’s depth, while a series of woven bowls and mats float above the bed, as if being carried by the sea.

The bathroom is in many ways the home’s crowning glory, in part because of its simple yet indelible style – complete with matte tiles, oak flooring and an illuminated, arched mirror – and in part because of the arduous journey it took to come to fruition. “It was our biggest renovation and one that took a lot of planning,” says Shayden, recalling how they had to install new pipes from the road through the house – a surprise as much as a setback that meant the pair were stuck showering outside during the country’s first lockdown. “It pushed our limits and our DIY expertise, but we used trades where we needed to and managed to learn on the job, even if mistakes were made along the way.”

Texture was carried into the laundry via a grooved splashback distinguished by misty grey Resene Quarter Delta, chosen after a handful of tests for its chromatic similarity to the room’s grout. The bonus, says Georgia: “it didn’t throw purples or greens, especially in the LED light.”

For a couple in search of an opportunity to carve out a place of their own, the home is a telling assemblage of their goals and tests – a want for something soothing paired with an appetite for modern sleekness. “We have always enjoyed relaxed interiors that use tones from nature and the elements,” reflects Georgia. “It was important for us to have a home that helped us feel that calm that nature has.”

Shayden and Georgia saw the guestroom as their opportunity to be bold with colour, so they chose charcoal Resene Half Baltic Sea. Woven baskets, rich mustards and deep blues contrast against a white bedspread and trims in Resene Alabaster.

For their ‘zen space’, the master bedroom, Shayden and Georgia painted a panelled feature wall in Resene Celtic. “The green goes so nicely with our naturally toned linen curtains and rattan bead head,” says Georgia. Corresponding walls in Resene Black White and trims and ceiling in Resene Alabaster bring a crispness to the earthy hues and natural textures.

Resene Black white lounge

The couple were generous with Resene Black White in their lounge. “We’ve recommended this colour to so many people because of its versatility and the way it holds its tone throughout the day,” says Georgia. Trims and ceiling in Resene Alabaster.

Walls in Resene Black White and trims and ceilings in Resene Alabaster offered the couple the perfect neutral palette from which they could style their home. Dried flower arrangements, house plants and natural textures bring character to their home and offer a nod to nature.

Groove panelling in Resene Quarter Delta creates a textured backdrop in the laundry. Walls in Resene Black White and trims and ceiling in Resene Alabaster make the room feel fresh and bright.

Oak flooring, an arched mirror, matte tiles, walls in Resene Black White and trims and ceiling in Resene Alabaster dress the bathroom – their at-home sanctuary. “Our mood board really came to life in this space and we love the textures from the tiles and the vertical joining panels.”

images Shayden and Georgia

Read more about Shayden and Georgia on their blog Mooch Style www.moochstyle.com 

Published: 18 Nov 2020

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Resene Black White

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