Ask Steve and Gaynor what they love about their home, and you're in for a long list. While waxing lyrical about their stunning beach house, they also manage to throw in references to the multitude of native plants and birds that surround it, and the beautiful bay that the house overlooks. "We love watching the stingrays drifting through the shallows, and the dolphins when they are at play in the bay," they enthuse. Yes, it's pretty hard to deny that their little corner of Waiheke Island is paradise.

How long have you lived in your home, and what first attracted you to it? We've lived here for two years - it has amazing views and a great connection with the beach and sea. And the design is hugely functional. It was designed in 2001 by architect Sally Smith, who is now a full-time artist and owner of Toi Art Gallery in Oneroa.

How would you describe your style? Minimal, mixed with 70s and Pacifica.

Where did your inspiration come from? Beach houses at the Mount designed by Will Tatton. We wanted to create a look that connects with the ocean and beach but floats above it. Of course, we must give credit to the previous owners, Jane and Brent, who commissioned the original house.

What was the biggest challenge with creating your home interior look? Integrating the natural Pacifica look and feel with artefacts collected on overseas trips.

What was the greatest success? Creating a comfortable space to live in that reflects its coastal location. Despite the modest floor area there are multiple spaces for reflection and entertainment, and many that involve you in the gorgeous seascape.

Which space in the house do you get your greatest satisfaction from? The master bedroom - the views are amazing. When lying in bed you feel like you are floating just above the sea.

What colours did you use? The exterior of the house is Resene Bermuda Grey and Resene Soapstone. Inside, we used Resene Half Tea in all of the rooms except for a feature wall of Resene Rutherford in one of the bedrooms. We wanted colours from nature that reflect the outside environment, and that are gentle on the eye.

Get the look:
If your home is nestled in nature and you want it to blend into its environment, then it's best to select the colours you see in nature and bring them onto and into your home. To help you do this, you can take a photo of the environment around your home, such as the trees and garden, upload them into the Resene Colour Palette Generator and it will turn your image into a Resene colour palette. This can be a useful starting point to get inspired for colours for your home.

The open-plan living area, painted Resene Half Tea, takes full advantage of the sea views. The kitchen cabinets match the Resene Bermuda Grey exterior of the house.

This bedroom has a feature wall of Resene Rutherford.

The exterior of the beach house is Resene Bermuda Grey and Resene Soapstone.

A pale, neutral palette is balanced by Pacific art and dark sofas.

Despite its modern, minimalist style, the bathroom too has a beachy feel, thanks to lots of natural light and a polished concrete floor in which pebbles and stones are visible.