Reader roundup: Kraken art, a blue ceiling and a stunning bathroom makeover

04 Nov 2025

We’ve got a great roundup of projects from our readers this month. From restored furniture to refreshing bedrooms and ceilings, you’re sure to find some inspiration here! Remember we love to see your finished projects, so please email us some photos and the Resene colours and/or Resene wallpapers you’ve used to [email protected].

Rosa Lombardi is an artist who has taken to transforming homes with Resene paints. Bringing colour in both classic and unexpected ways, in this client’s home she has painted the ceiling in Resene French Pass, an early morning sky blue. See more of her work online at RL Painting|Deco.

Homeowner Deborah recently transformed her bathroom into a nature-inspired retreat. Once cream and bold blue, it now features the fresh green of Resene Highland on panelling complemented by the tropical touch of Resene Eden Wallpaper Collection M37814. The rich timber flooring, vanity and trims add to the natural scheme creating the perfect spot to unwind.

Among many other talents and creations, artist and maker, Jess, has a magic touch when it comes to upcycling furniture. “When I first came across this plain wooden buffet, I immediately saw its potential,” says Jess. “I didn’t have a set plan or design in mind, but I knew one thing for certain, it needed mountains. The mountains have always felt like home to me. I grew up surrounded by them, and to this day, they bring me a sense of calm, grounding, and peace.

“This was actually the first furniture project where I truly let my creativity lead the way. I started free handing mountain peaks across the front and originally thought I’d stop at one, but as I painted, I felt drawn to add more layers to create depth and movement.

“The back mountain wasn’t meant to stay as natural wood, I had planned to paint it, too. But when I stepped back and saw how the raw timber shone through, I knew it needed to stay.

“This buffet ended up becoming so much more than just another flip. It was the first time I’d used furniture as a true creative outlet, and it marked the beginning of my love for nature-inspired, layered designs. It’s a very special piece to me, the one that opened the door to the creative path I’m on now.”

For this piece, Jess used the shades Resene Charcoal, Resene Camouflage and Resene Milk White. See more of Jess’ wonderful projects on Instagram.

Jan Stockton and her husband Phil work as a team designing and creating home art. “We have been doing this for over 40 years, originally from South Africa, but have made New Zealand our home for the past 25,” says Jan. “The laser machine is Phil’s love of combining his scientific degrees with his passion for computer design, and my art and love of colour, textures and nature.”

This particular artwork is of their latest ‘Kraken’ where Jan created a marbling effect using Resene Hyperactive, Resene Red Berry and Resene Guardsman Red topped with a clear resin coating. The tentacles are in a mix of Resene Black White and Resene All Black.

The duo live in Auckland and feature their work at markets, exhibitions, galleries and other shops. “Absolutely passionate about using Resene paints and I am testpot mad!” Jan says. “The array of colours and high pigmentation and quality excites my hyperactive mind every time I walk into a Resene ColorShop.”

See more of Jan and Phil’s creations online at Jan’s Kiwi Art.

This habitat reader painted their room in Resene Arrowtown, a rich, mellow earthy hue that pairs beautifully with timber and other natural materials. In this space it creates a welcoming and cocooning atmosphere for a place of rest.

Published: 04 Nov 2025