Stuart and Eileen bought their section in Gibbston, Queenstown, five years ago, attracted by the "fabulous 360 degree views of the mountains." On it, they built their dream home, which they just moved into last year. Eileen, an interior designer, designed the house, although she is not an architect. The hardest thing about the job, she admits, was "being my own client." Of course, the huge upside was being able to create the kind of home that she had always wanted. "I really like urban loft-style living, and I wanted to create a home that feels like a big loft space, but in the middle of the country!"

How would you describe your design style? Colourful and comfortable minimalism.

Which space in the house do you get your greatest satisfaction from? The main living room - it has a lovely calm feeling, and amazing views. The views to the east and west are very different, but they are both stunning.

What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look? Don't be afraid of experimenting with colour - it's only paint. Choose a palette of several colours that are really you, and stick to it.

Why did you choose these paint colours? The interior colours are warm and restful, and the exterior colours blend in with the landscape, which varies from green to brown and gold, depending on the season. We used Resene Lemon Twist, Resene Opal, Resene Quarter Spanish White and Resene Double Spanish White inside - all in Resene's SpaceCote Low Sheen waterborne paint. Outside, we used Resene Waterborne Woodsman CoolColour tinted to Resene Banjul and Resene Driftwood.

What is your favourite thing in the house? Our old dining room table, which was brought over from the UK. It is actually an old school science bench, cut down and sanded. It has a lovely worn, aged look and we don't have to be too precious about it.

Resene Lemon Twist offsets Stuart and Eileen's collection of vintage posters.

A collection of framed art and some comfy seating make this a favourite corner of the living area.

Stuart and Eileen's beloved old dining table has prime position, with magnificent mountain views and plenty of sunshine.

A favourite place to sit is on the bar stools at the kitchen bench, which is lit with large bare bulbs.

The walls of the master bedroom are painted with Resene Opal.