Amanda tackles an 80s makeover
Sparkling sea views, a scenic reserve next door… it’s not rocket science as to why the colour palette for this Auckland home was inspired by the outdoors.
A home stuck in the 1980s, it was in dire need of a makeover. Interior designer Amanda Neill stepped in and created, using paint by Resene, a colour palette of lively greens and calming blues, balanced with textured neutrals. The whole project was captured on camera for How did you do that?, a Resene-sponsored renovation show on Sky TV’s The Living Channel.
How did you decide on the overall look of the interiors?
The environment that surrounds this property is truly stunning, with cliff top views of the sea, and surrounded by trees and nature – so the natural palette I bought into this project came directly from here. Our light qualities are often ambiguous; the colour of the sea changes constantly. And in Auckland we often have slightly greyed off hues, rather that the vibrant azure blues of, say, the Mediterranean sea.
The owners Kerrie and John wanted to revitalise their family home. They have busy lives and a bunch of young adults still at home. It had to be family-orientated, with a sense of comfort and warmth, functional and not too precious. A whole new wing, designed by architect Richard Furze, was added to create this space.
What part of the design are you most happy with?
I love the statement that the patterned bathroom tiles make, the contemporary mid-century quirkiness of the Jonathon Adler fabrics, and the artworks created with Resene testpots.
I also love the concept of the shelving in the boys’ room and lounge, using fabric on the wall behind, as it is so multi-functional and the look can be changed out easily.
What was it like having a project televised?
Designing for our usual clients is quite different to working with the deadlines required for the show. Each week one area was completely finished and dressed, then filmed for the reveal. The biggest challenge was meeting build and installation deadlines in preparation for the shoot day.
It was a constant challenge to get everything we needed in time. It was a huge project completed in a very short space of time.
Published: 24 Sep 2014
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

A new exterior look uses Resene Shadow Match from the Resene Woodsman exterior wood stains range on the timber along with Resene Triple White Pointer for the masonry walls and Resene Grey Friars for the trims.

The family room uses fabric on the wall behind a shelving system that can be changed around to suit evolving needs.

A decadent ‘parent retreat’ includes not only a sitting area but a television and a fireplace. Bliss. The walls are Resene White Pointer.

The kitchen features a bespoke splashback painted by Ann-Marie Drinkell from Artbarnz using various Resene testpots. Amanda Neill of Designworx talks us through the kitchen reno, in a clip from the Living Channel's How did you do that?

Walls in Resene Double White Pointer are a sophisticated neutral backdrop for furnishings in shades of blue and green, colours which echo the views of sea and bush outside.

One of the boy’s bedrooms uses the cool blue of Resene Half Emerge on the walls and clever built-in furniture to make life easy. A video clip from the TV series shows us more.

An inventive treatment for this bed saw it being suspended from the ceiling by cables. Shots of rich purple are offset by Resene Black White walls. In this video, Amanda explains the design and colour choices.

The house before the renovation.

Resene Triple White Pointer


Resene Triple White Pointer

Resene Double White Pointer


Resene Double White Pointer

Resene White Pointer


Resene White Pointer
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 Triple White Pointer


Resene Triple White Pointer

Resene Double White Pointer


Resene Double White Pointer

Resene White Pointer


Resene White Pointer
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.