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A deep greyed blue, Resene Cello, was chosen for the living room, creating a cosy and colourful space. The surrounding walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Half Black White and trims in Resene Black.
Resene Cello creates a stunning canvas for Ann and Oscar’s artwork and colourful décor. The ceiling is in Resene Half Black White, window trims in Resene Triple Stonehenge and floor trims in Resene Black. Outside, the fence is painted in Resene Black.
In the bedrooms, Resene Cello is used as a feature wall, a stunning contrast against the walls and ceilingpainted in Resene Half Black White. Window trims in Resene Triple Stonehenge.
The walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Half Black White, brightening each space. Resene Cello is used as a feature wall, continuing a cohesive palette throughout the house. Window trims are painted in Resene Triple Stonehenge and floor trims in Resene Black.
In the kitchen, Resene Black is used on the splashback, adding depth and drama to the space, with window trims in Resene Triple Stonehenge.
Interior doors are bright and cheerful, painted in Resene Hot Chile and Resene Powder Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection. Trims are painted in Resene Black and walls in Resene Half Black White.
A colourful comeback for a 1970s townhouse
Huddled in a row of 18 dual townhouses built in 1972, Ann’s home is a charming example of 1970s design, refreshed with charming neutrals and the gorgeous blue of Resene Cello. While originally featuring dark timber beams and classic plastered walls, this townhouse has been lovingly updated with fresh colour choices that celebrate its retro roots while bringing in modern flair.
Ann, along with Oscar and Toby the cat, transformed the space into a unique blend of vintage charm and contemporary style – proof that a splash of colour (or several) can make all the difference.
Finding the perfect palette wasn’t an overnight decision. Many shades were tested, but ultimately, Oscar made the call – Resene Cello, a deep, a deep greyed blue, won his heart for his bedroom. The moody hue quickly found its way into the living room, where it enhances Ann’s collection of artwork and adds a bold contrast to the home’s textured plaster walls. “The walls looked like white icing on a Christmas cake when they were plain white,” Ann says. Now, they’ve become a true feature, celebrating their texture instead of hiding it.
A deep greyed blue, Resene Cello, was chosen for the living room, creating a cosy and colourful space. The surrounding walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Half Black White and trims in Resene Black.
Resene Cello creates a stunning canvas for Ann and Oscar’s artwork and colourful décor. The ceiling is in Resene Half Black White, window trims in Resene Triple Stonehenge and floor trims in Resene Black. Outside, the fence is painted in Resene Black.
Inspired by classic 1970s interiors, Ann incorporated striking elements, such as skirting boards in Resene Black and walls in Resene Half Black White. However, when it came to the windows, full black felt too heavy, so Resene Triple Stonehenge became the perfect alternative, softening the look while maintaining that sought-after contrast. “It balances out the space beautifully, and it works so well with the blinds,” Ann says.
Once dominated by dark timber beams and rimu flooring from the upper level, the ceiling was painted in Resene Half Black White to reflect light and create an airier feel. The result is a home that feels brighter and more open, yet still holds onto its cosy, welcoming essence.
In the bedrooms, Resene Cello is used as a feature wall, a stunning contrast against the walls and ceilingpainted in Resene Half Black White. Window trims in Resene Triple Stonehenge.
The walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Half Black White, brightening each space. Resene Cello is used as a feature wall, continuing a cohesive palette throughout the house. Window trims are painted in Resene Triple Stonehenge and floor trims in Resene Black.
Inside, Ann’s decorating style is a delightful mix of inherited vintage treasures and contemporary must-haves. Sentimental pieces from great-grandmothers and nanas sit alongside modern finds and travel souvenirs, each one carrying a story and adding to the home’s warm personality. Lush greenery further enhances the connection between indoors and out, bringing a natural, calming presence into the space.
Of course, no renovation comes without its challenges. “Painting all the surfaces in the townhouse was a mission,” Ann says. “Making sure no beige or cream was left uncovered. Resene Sureseal is very good!” The hard work has paid off – the home is now a vibrant, personality-filled haven that honours its past while embracing the present.
In the kitchen, Resene Black is used on the splashback, adding depth and drama to the space, with window trims in Resene Triple Stonehenge.
Interior doors are bright and cheerful, painted in Resene Hot Chile and Resene Powder Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection. Trims are painted in Resene Black and walls in Resene Half Black White.
Reflecting on the project, Ann recalls researching 1970s interiors and being reminded of her parents’ home from the same era, complete with black skirtings, orange curtains and yellow benchtops. “I might not be adventurous enough to go that bold,” she says, “but I can definitely see how amazing it could look.”
For now, Ann is more than happy with the choices she’s made, with Resene Cello standing out as her firm favourite. “It’s fresh, bold and works beautifully with everything,” she says. Paired with Resene Half Black White, Resene Black skirtings and Resene Powder Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection on interior doors, the colours create a space that feels cohesive yet full of personality.
With its careful balance of retro inspiration and modern sensibilities, this 1970s townhouse has been given a new lease on life. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best design choices come from following your instincts.
Top tip:If you’re planning to go for a colourful mix in your project, make sure you test the colours in the spaces you plan to use them in using Resenetestpots. Paint two coats onto large A2 card leaving an unpainted border around the edge, then move the sample around the room to see how it looks at different times of the day.
Published: 05 Mar 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Half Black White
Resene Half Black White
Resene Triple Stonehenge
Resene Triple Stonehenge
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
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Resene Half Black White
Resene Half Black White
Resene Triple Stonehenge
Resene Triple Stonehenge
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
