An Ōrewa townhouse transformed into an award-winning coastal oasis
In the heart of Ōrewa, where ocean views and picturesque landscapes surround every window, you’ll find a townhouse that’s had a remarkable transformation. With an open brief, talented interior designer Stacy Middleton, Creative Director of Studio Reno NZ, used charming Resene neutrals and Resene wallpapers to create a coastal oasis that seamlessly blends the outside world with the interior.
"We wanted to create a contemporary, tranquil sanctuary for homeowners and guests, focusing mostly on bringing the outside in,” Stacy says. The foundation of the colour scheme revolved around neutral shades, enhanced by sophisticated technology and top-class fittings and décor, making this standard home feel elegant, taller and larger than it is.
Tone on tone neutrals like the fleecy warm Resene Double Merino were paired with creamy whites like Resene Quarter Bianca, creating a calming and inspiring atmosphere. Striking deep tones, like Resene Gunmetal, framed the home office, inviting inhabitants into a sophisticated yet creatively inspiring space.
Stacy emphasises the importance of enhancing the office’s characteristics, using darker shades and finishes with high gloss to showcase materiality, even in the absence of natural light.
Throughout the home, the play of tones and textures was carefully orchestrated. The layered neutrals create a home that will stand the test of time with a backdrop that will suit any new décor, art or furniture the homeowners may add in the future.
The master bedroom showcases a masterful blend of hues. Rockcote Otsumigaki served as the feature organic element, adding depth and texture against the custom headboard. Resene Quarter Truffle surrounds the walls, interrupted only by a lighter shade on the TV wall, drawing attention to the automated skylights that open up the space.
As with many renovations, Stacy faced her share of challenges. "Due to time restrictions, I hand-painted the Resene Enamacryl on the office joinery and cabinetry,” she says. “Resene Enamacryl is the most reflective gloss, which means every particle would show. It took a lot of prep and sanding between coats, but the wait was worth it!"
The commitment to perfection extended to using a Rockcote textured finish on the bedroom ceiling, eliminating the need for a sealant, and resulting in an authentic artisanal finish.
This wonderful home won the overall Resene Total Colour Neutrals Award, with the judges commenting: “Relying on a neutral palette, this home shows the breadth of character you can create with a gentle wash of neutrals and layering tone-on-tone accessorising. Each space is well defined and fused with individuality, yet also flows beautifully from room to room. An unexpected twist of dark colour in the office wraps in around you, a cosy companion while working.”
This home truly shows Stacy’s ability to turn an open brief into a cohesive, visually stunning space. With a keen eye and a thoughtful selection of Resene hues, Stacy has successfully created a contemporary, tranquil haven that reflects personality, character and a connection to the surrounding coastal beauty.
design Stacy Middleton, Studio Reno NZ
building contractorDC Builders
imagesHelen Bankers
Top tip: Tone-on-tone colouring is generally defined as a decorative technique that takes a single, or few colours, and uses a different saturation of that colour throughout a space. When done right, tone-on-tone colour combinations in a room can result in subtle elegance and may be considered a gesture of artistry and design. Try using the same colour in difference strengths or take a step sideways into one that’s close by but slightly different - for example, Resene Rice Cake and Resene Thorndon Cream. For more colour advice visit your local Resene ColorShop, Ask a Colour Expert online or book a Resene Colour Consultation, www.resene.com/colourconsult.
Published: 28 Nov 2023
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Resene Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene Double Merino
Resene Double Merino
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Gunmetal
Resene Gunmetal
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 Truffle
Resene Truffle
Resene Double Merino
Resene Double Merino
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Gunmetal
Resene Gunmetal
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.