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Bathroom panelling in Resene Quarter Regent Grey, walls in Half Bianca, ceiling in Alabaster.
A surprise in every room
When the owners of this much-loved bungalow began their renovation journey, they had one clear request for interior designer Bridget Foley… “a surprise in every room”.
This became a guiding theme behind the colourful, character-filled home which now balances timeless design with moments of unexpected delight.
The renovation was ambitious, but the project was made even more remarkable by the fact that much of it was completed while the homeowners were living overseas during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
“We called this renovation the house of Zoom,” says Bridget. “Most of the project was designed over many Zoom meetings as my clients were living overseas.”
Weatherboards painted in Resene Smokey Green, trims in Merino.
Working alongside Aspect Architecture, who redesigned the home, Bridget developed an interior scheme that would showcase the owners’ extensive art collection and ensure every space had its own personality.
A new addition created a large open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, while the original bungalow was reimagined as a series of colour filled rooms connected by a calm and cohesive palette.
With so much artwork to display, Bridget intentionally kept the main living spaces neutral. The open-plan areas, hallway and bedrooms are painted in Resene Half Bianca, a warm white that creates a soft, less-stark backdrop.
Dining walls in Resene Half Bianca.
“Half Bianca is a favourite of mine as it reads as white but is a lovely warm colour, especially on a grey day,” says Bridget. “I specified that the wall, joinery and all woodwork be painted the same colour, giving the timeless look we wanted.”
Bridget’s choice to use the same colour and strength in these spaces allows the eye to easily flow through the room while creating a stage for artwork and décor.
While the shared spaces provide a calm canvas, the adjoining rooms deliver on the ‘surprise’ promise.
Library joinery and walls in Resene Half Tuna, ceiling in Alabaster.
One of the most dramatic transformations is the library, designed as a calm retreat for reading, TV and evenings spent indoors. Painted entirely in Resene Half Tuna, including the walls, bookcase and woodwork, the room embraces a rich, cosy atmosphere.
“Coming from such a large, open neutral space we wanted to make the library a dark cocooned room,” says Bridget.
Layers of texture in the form of sumptuous velvet curtains, a vintage pink rug and panelled storage introduce unexpected bursts of colour.
Bathroom panelling in Resene Quarter Regent Grey, walls in Half Bianca, ceiling in Alabaster.
Down the hall, a panelled bathroom showcases Resene Quarter Regent Grey, a sophisticated blue-grey tone, one that first inspired the home's broader colour story.
“The first mood board I presented featured a panelled bathroom in a beautiful blue/grey colour,” says Bridget. “This was a hit with my clients and provided inspiration going forward.”
The same colour was carried into the ensuite, where the panelling and marble-look hexagonal floor tiles create a timeless, elegant feel.
Reading room in Resene Cest La Vie, ceiling in Alabaster.
At the front of the home, the former sunroom is now a multi-purpose reading space complete with a window seat that doubles as a bed for visiting grandchildren. Here the walls are painted in a soft, warm pink, Resene Cest La Vie.
Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen provided a consistent finish to the walls, while Lustacryl Semi-Gloss Enamel was used on timberwork for durability.
Bedroom walls and trims in Resene Half Bianca.
“This project was a great example of a wonderful team working together and with fantastic clients who trusted the people they employed to do their jobs,” says Bridget. “It was an absolute joy to work on this home.”
design Bridget Foley Design and Aspect Architecture
build Scottys Construction
painting Carl Backhouse Painting & Decorating
joinery Prestige Joinery
images Paul McCredie
Resene Pro Tip:
If you’re planning on using multiple colours throughout your home, be sure to test them out before committing to larger quantities. Head into your local Resene ColorShop for friendly advice, to look at colour charts, and pick up testpots.
Once home, paint your testpots on A4 or A2 cards and move them around the room to see how they look. Colour can appear lighter or brighter at different times of the day and in different spaces.
For more advice, Ask a Colour Expert online.
Published: 01 Jul 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Quarter Regent Grey
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Quarter Regent Grey
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
