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The wall arches and timber panelling add character to this 1970s home, while the contemporary art and décor, and freshly painted walls and ceiling in Resene Sea Fog bring a modern, chic touch.
This side table, painted in Resene Blue Smoke, adds a pop of colour and is a great addition to this mid-century colour scheme. The walls are painted in Resene Sea Fog.
The dense grey green of Resene Blue Smoke creates a tranquil feel in the bathrooms and pairs well with the timber trims and doors in Resene Sea Fog.
In 6-year-old Audrey’s room, the pinky purple of Resene Twilight creates a playful and whimsical space.
In the living room, walls painted in Resene Sea Fog create the perfect backdrop for the family’s eclectic artwork and décor.
The dining room is both practical and functional, featuring a cleverly designed bench seat in the corner that maximises space. The walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Sea Fog.
Becka, a true DIY enthusiast, made her own bench cushions, choosing a teal fabric that pairs beautifully with the darker timber panelling and Resene Sea Fog walls.
Throughout the home, elegant wall arches lend character and charm to every room, including the sitting area, where the TV is thoughtfully positioned to complement the space. The walls are painted in Resene Sea Fog.
A palette of personality: Becka’s 1970s home makeover
Nestled in the charm of 1970s design, Becka’s home is a celebration of light, colour and personality. With its unique architectural features – wall arches, wood panelling, a grand arch window and floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows – it’s a house with character to spare. However, when Becka and her family moved in, the interior left much to be desired.
“All the walls were the same nicotine-stain yellow, and it did nothing to enhance the features of the house,” Becka says. “We decided to repaint the whole interior to create different atmospheres in the rooms using colour.”
The wall arches and timber panelling add character to this 1970s home, while the contemporary art and décor, and freshly painted walls and ceiling in Resene Sea Fog bring a modern, chic touch.
This side table, painted in Resene Blue Smoke, adds a pop of colour and is a great addition to this mid-century colour scheme. The walls are painted in Resene Sea Fog.
Becka’s approach to colour was guided by a desire to both brighten the home and celebrate its natural wood tones. The main living areas were painted a fresh, cool white, Resene Sea Fog, to contrast the oak kitchen and wood panels, creating a clean and airy feel.
The dense grey green of Resene Blue Smoke creates a tranquil feel in the bathrooms and pairs well with the timber trims and doors in Resene Sea Fog.
In 6-year-old Audrey’s room, the pinky purple of Resene Twilight creates a playful and whimsical space.
In the bathrooms, Becka opted for a mossy, murky green, Resene Blue Smoke, inspired by the original retro wall tiles. “It creates a calm atmosphere,” she says. Her daughter’s room, on the other hand, boasts a pinky purple, Resene Twilight, a compromise after many hours choosing!
“She insisted on another purple, but when we painted it, it didn’t look right,” Becka says. “I waited until she fell asleep and repainted it before she woke up. Moral of the story: don’t let a 5-year-old choose the paint!”
The subtle blue of Resene Onahau makes the master bedroom both uplifting and restful.
In the living room, walls painted in Resene Sea Fog create the perfect backdrop for the family’s eclectic artwork and décor.
The main bedroom offers another unique touch with a pale blue that Becka describes as “a kind of sky colour.” “I love it because it’s soothing and unusual,” she says. Resene Onahau is a breezy pastel blue and fit into Becka’s vision of a restful bedroom space.
Becka describes her interior style as eclectic – a blend of vintage furniture collected during her years in London, now happily at home in Australia. “There’s no real theme or order to our style,” she says. “It’s just things that we like, most of which have memories attached.”
The dining room is both practical and functional, featuring a cleverly designed bench seat in the corner that maximises space. The walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Sea Fog.
Becka, a true DIY enthusiast, made her own bench cushions, choosing a teal fabric that pairs beautifully with the darker timber panelling and Resene Sea Fog walls.
One standout piece is a pink leather Chesterfield sofa, paired with an orange Perspex lamp and a brightly tiled table, all offset beautifully by the muted tones of the walls.
The living room is Becka’s favourite spot. “It’s so light and airy. I love the wall arches and the open-plan layout,” she says. But this space is special for more than just its design – it’s where the family’s hard work paid off.
The office is light and airy painted ceiling to floor in Resene Sea Fog.
Throughout the home, elegant wall arches lend character and charm to every room, including the sitting area, where the TV is thoughtfully positioned to complement the space. The walls are painted in Resene Sea Fog.
“I remember painting the walls when we moved in,” Becka says. “We had a week to paint the whole house before the floor guy arrived to sand and varnish the floors. Every night after work, we’d drive here, put our daughter in front of the TV, order takeaway and paint until we were exhausted. It was really fun and exciting – and it made the house feel like it was ours.”
For Becka, painting is more than just a practical project – it’s an expression of creativity. “It’s the quickest, easiest, cheapest and most satisfying way to change up a house,” she says. “In five years, my house might have a completely different colour scheme, and I’m very excited for that.”
With its thoughtful colour choices, vintage treasures and plenty of heart, Becka’s home is a testament to how a little paint and a lot of love can transform a space into something truly special.
Top tip: If you’re thinking about adding bolder colours to your home, try starting with smaller elements and accessories like plant pots, vases and mirror frames – or a smaller room like the powder room. The best way to do this is buying some Resene testpots of your favourite hues to figure out what shades or colour palette you want before trying larger areas. Pick up some Resene testpots from your local Resene ColorShop today or buy your favourites in the Resene ColorShop online.
Published: 15 Jan 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
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If you're stuck on what
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Ask a Colour Expert service.
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the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
