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Reader roundup: School art, re-used paint buckets and fresh exteriors
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The striking kitchen ceiling, painted in Resene Black White, is a feature of its own, with angles that catch the light showcasing the skilled craftsmanship. Through the window in the conservatory, Resene Xanadu brings a touch of nature and serenity.
The exterior is painted in Resene Revolution, an edgy grey, and Resene Iron, a more gentle and cool grey.
The gentle silvery grey of Resene Quarter Silver Chalice adorns the walls throughout the home. Together with Resene Black Whitepaintedon the trims and ceiling, this palette creates a stunning backdrop for the couple’s personal belongings and décor.
The two shades, Resene Quarter Silver Chalicepainted on walls and Resene Black White on trims, create a striking contrast throughout the home.
The front door is painted in Resene Soul Searcher, a tranquil mix of red and beige that pairs well with the calming tone of Resene Quarter Silver Chalice on the walls. The trims and ceiling are painted in Resene Black White.
Opting for a neutral backdrop allows Komal and Phil’s artwork and personal artifacts to shine. The walls are painted in Resene Quarter Silver Chalice and trims and ceiling in Resene Black White.
In the conservatory, Resene Xanadu connects the space to the outdoors. Filled with lush greenery it provides a calming space to relax.
Large windows in the conservatory allow Komal and Phil to sit and enjoy the outdoors. Resene Xanadu provides a seamless transition to nature and pairs well with Komal’s choice of décor and dishes.
A fresh coat of charm: Breathing new life into a Wellington gem
Sitting proudly in the hills of Melrose, Wellington, is a home that effortlessly blends heritage charm with modern-day comfort. Basking in all-day sun and overlooking breathtaking views, this 1930s beauty has been lovingly refreshed with a carefully chosen palette of Resene paints.
For homeowners Komal and Phil, the renovation was about more than just aesthetics – it was about preserving the home’s character while making it a functional and inviting space for years to come.
With Phil’s passion for painting – fitting, given his role as a Business Development Manager for JPB Painting Contracting, and Komal’s love for interior design, the pair approached the project with both enthusiasm and a keen eye for detail.
The exterior received a striking update with Resene Revolution and Resene Iron, a duo that makes the home stand out while complementing its natural surroundings. And inside, the neutral yet sophisticated palette creates a timeless look, allowing bold décor and personal touches to shine.
The exterior is painted in Resene Revolution, an edgy grey, and Resene Iron, a more gentle and cool grey.
The gentle silvery grey of Resene Quarter Silver Chalice adorns the walls throughout the home. Together with Resene Black White painted on the trims and ceiling, this palette creates a stunning backdrop for the couple’s personal belongings and décor.
The interior walls are adorned in Resene Quarter Silver Chalice, bringing a soft, elegant warmth throughout. This is balanced with crisp Resene Black White for the skirting boards, windows and ceilings, ensuring a clean and cohesive finish.
The two shades, Resene Quarter Silver Chalice painted on walls and Resene Black White on trims, create a striking contrast throughout the home.
The conservatory takes a different turn with Resene Xanadu, a moody yet calming green that enhances the space’s natural light and connection to the outdoors. Meanwhile, the front door makes a statement in Resene Soul Searcher – an aptly named shade that adds depth and personality before you even step inside.
The front door is painted in Resene Soul Searcher, a tranquil mix of red and beige that pairs well with the calming tone of Resene Quarter Silver Chalice on the walls. The trims and ceiling are painted in Resene Black White.
Opting for a neutral backdrop allows Komal and Phil’s artwork and personal artifacts to shine. The walls are painted in Resene Quarter Silver Chalice and trims and ceiling in Resene Black White.
It’s no surprise that the kitchen is Komal’s favourite space. As the heart of the home, it’s designed for entertaining, with ample room for guests to gather while meals come together. But getting to this finished state wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. “We were the talk of the industry,” Komal says, recalling the three-year saga of their kitchen renovation. After parting ways with their initial joinery team, they had to bring in another crew to complete the job – an experience that taught them to stand firm with tradespeople. Thankfully, the result was worth the wait, with an open-plan space, a brand-new deck and stunning cantilever bifold doors that open to views of Lyall Bay.
The striking kitchen ceiling, painted in Resene Black White, is a feature of its own, with angles that catch the light showcasing the skilled craftsmanship. Through the window in the conservatory, Resene Xanadu brings a touch of nature and serenity.
Another standout space is the recently completed bathroom, which Komal describes as “beautiful and elegant.” Featuring work by Tim Park and his team from Park and Clarke, the bathroom is a serene retreat that reflects the home’s blend of sophistication and comfort.
In the conservatory, Resene Xanadu connects the space to the outdoors. Filled with lush greenery it provides a calming space to relax.
Large windows in the conservatory allow Komal and Phil to sit and enjoy the outdoors. Resene Xanadu provides a seamless transition to nature and pairs well with Komal’s choice of décor and dishes.
Throughout the renovation, Komal and Phil stuck to a neutral colour scheme, allowing their love for art, cushions and décor to bring personality into each room. Their approach to design is an ever-evolving mix of modern and contemporary aesthetics, inspired by everything from Instagram to the pages of their favourite home magazines.
While some parts of the journey were challenging, the end result is a home that perfectly balances its storied past with fresh, contemporary style – thanks, in no small part, to the magic of paint.
Top tip:If you have an older character home, you can help to hide imperfections by choosing lower sheen finishes such as ReseneSpaceCote. The matte and lower sheen finishes help to diffuse the light. You can also use gloss finishes such as ReseneEnamacryl to attract attention to feature areas, such as your front door, as the glossy finish will help the colour pop.
Published: 04 Feb 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Quarter Silver Chalice
Resene Quarter Silver Chalice
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 Quarter Silver Chalice
Resene Quarter Silver Chalice
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
