look book
latest
habitat tv
Say goodbye to the morning scramble for keys, coats and sunglasses and hello to this… see this and more videos
blog
Reader roundup: See what our readers have been up to!
Refurbished vintage furniture, charming exteriors and magnet walls for kids. These projects are sure to… more
Beams in Resene Point Break, walls in Alabaster, back lounge wall in Wishing Well. Finish cork floors in Resene Qristal ClearFloor.
Beams in Resene Point Break, wall in Wishing Well, ceiling in Alabaster. Finish cork floors in Resene Qristal ClearFloor.
Bold, bright and brilliant
Take a passing glance at Strip Mall in Palmerston North and it might look like a simple collection of buildings. But look a little closer and a home reveals itself. One filled with warmth, personality and colour.
Designed by Spacecraft Architects, the project combines commercial spaces with a private dwelling and shows us that practical architecture doesn't always have to shy away from joy.
"The building forms are kept simple, while texture and bold colour throughout the material selections bring a bit of fun," says Tim Gittos from Spacecraft Architects.
While the architecture relies on straightforward forms and an almost industrial style structure, colour takes the stage, transforming each space into something far more playful and inviting.
Beams in Resene Point Break, walls in Alabaster.
Careful and considered, the home's palette softens the utilitarian feel of the development. Vibrant yellows and rich blues, paired with colourful artwork and furniture, creates a scheme that feels energetic, yet far from overwhelming.
"We wanted to enliven the quite utilitarian nature of the buildings proposed by using colour and texture," says Tim. "Bright yellow and blue are favourites of ours and by adding the darker tint of blue to the joinery and interior of the lounge we have a more sophisticated colour scheme."
Beams in Resene Point Break, walls in Alabaster, back lounge wall in Wishing Well. Finish cork floors in Resene Qristal ClearFloor.
That rich blue comes from Resene Point Break, used on the exposed steel structure inside the home. The dramatic colour highlights the building's framework, turning these functional elements into standout design features.
Against the gib walls painted in soft Alabaster, the blue creates striking contrast while still feeling balanced and liveable.
Steel beam in Resene Point Break, walls in Alabaster.
Natural materials work to ground the brighter tones. Warm timber, cork flooring and carefully selected furnishings add texture and character. The cork floor brings an organic softness underfoot while complementing the home's earthy elements and grounding the entire space.
Sunny yellow dining chairs sit beneath vivid blue structural beams, continuing the playfulness in the dining area, while an eclectic gallery wall and bright orange cabinetry highlight the home's creative spirit. Colour can be brought in through every aspect, including paint, and here it becomes part of the entire design story.
Beams in Resene Point Break, wall in Wishing Well, ceiling in Alabaster. Finish cork floors in Resene Qristal ClearFloor.
One of the most eye-catching features is the series of bright yellow screens that wrap parts of the home. The perforated elements filter natural light while creating privacy and casting a warm golden glow throughout the interiors.
This feature is particularly striking in the bedrooms and lounge spaces, where sunlight passing through the screens creates an ever-changing atmosphere. Combined with the deep blue of the beams and lounge wall in Resene Wishing Well, it feels both contemporary and cheerful.
Walls and ceiling in Resene Alabaster, beams in Point Break.
Outside, structural steel in Resene Point Break introduces a vivid architectural framework, while exterior joinery in Indian Ink provides a darker contrast. The combination ties the home's colourful personality together while maintaining a sense of cohesion.
“Strip Mall is a mixed-use development for a graphic design studio, bike-shop and dwelling in Te Papa-i-Oea,” says Tim. “In this first stage of a two-part development we created a series of linear buildings that run across the site, providing courtyards, access and great northern sun.”
Exterior beams in Resene Point Break, joinery in Indian Ink.
Those sunny outdoor spaces become a natural extension of daily living, offering sheltered spots to relax, entertain and connect with the surrounding neighbourhood.
The home demonstrates how colour can completely transform architecture, especially when attached to commercial spaces. Rather than treating bold hues as accents, Spacecraft Architects have embraced them as a fundamental design tool where the dwelling feels optimistic, creative and personal.
design Spacecraft Architects
build Colspec
images David Straight
Resene Pro Tip:
When considering what to use on exterior steel, like the structural elements on display here, contact Resene Technical Services; exterior steel coatings need to be corrosion resistant and provide a high level of protection to the steel beneath (even galvanised) and as is the case here, look good too.
The coatings are mostly 2-pack (where a hardener is mixed with a base) and are applied at much higher builds than standard paints (4 – 5 times). While they are typically the domain of professional painters, Resene has a range of protective products designed specifically for brush and roller application, making them accessible to competent DIY painters.
Resene Pro Tip:
For a contemporary velvet finish use Resene SpaceCote Flat, while it is not quite as tough as its cousin SpaceCote Low Sheen, it is cleanable and easily maintained.
Published: 25 Jun 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
