Creating character: A do-up transformed into a dream family home
This charming 1920s bungalow purchased as a ‘do-up’ project has now turned into a dream home through the thoughtful design of homeowners Prue and Andrew. The duo with an eye for design and a penchant for creating a warm family environment have used an array of Resene paints in their palette, turning this humble abode into a vibrant haven for their growing family.
Originally a modest two-bedroom, one-bathroom dwelling, the house has undergone many changes over the past decade. "We bought it as a do-up with the aim of turning it into a family home," says Prue. "It had good bones and a decent-sized garden but it needed a full makeover."
As well as the physical expansion of the house, Prue and Andrew infused colour, personality and character into each space. "I wanted the kids' rooms to reflect them, to have some fun and to inject colour tastefully," says Prue.
A soft dusky pink, Resene Blanched Pink was used for the lower walls in Mabel’s room, with Resene Quarter Rice Cake on upper walls, Resene Black White on trims and Resene Wallpaper Collection 38120-1 for the feature wall.
The light grey blue, Resene Conch, creates a calm space in this bedroom, with Resene Half Rice Cake painted on upper walls.
In Mabel's nursery-turned-bedroom, a delicate blend of Resene Blanched Pink and Resene Quarter Rice Cake adorns the walls. The pièce de résistance? A charming feature wall in Resene Wallpaper Collection 38120-1 which creates a whimsical and joyful space.
For Freddie's room, Resene Conch and Resene Half Rice Cake creates a warm and comfortable space. "We love this colour," Prue says, "it worked perfectly with his mustard made locker."
A playful scallop design painted in Resene Frozen adorns this bedroom, complemented by Resene Half Rice Cake on upper walls and the ceiling and Resene Black White on trims.
The master bedroom is chic and relaxing, with a feature wall painted in Resene Indian Ink, Resene Half Concrete on walls and Resene Black White on trims.
Hattie's room embraces a playful elegance with a painted scallop design in Resene Frozen, and custom Resene Very Berry accents. Inspired by a Rachel Castle cushion, the room strikes a delicate balance between sophistication and childlike wonder, with shades of blue and pink dancing across the walls.
The master bedroom boasts a captivating feature wall painted in Resene Indian Ink, evoking a sense of depth and serenity. "I wanted this room to be restful and moody," Prue says, "somewhere to escape to."
This stunning drop zone gives a Scandi feel, painted in Resene White Pointer, a classic white.
The hallway is painted in Resene White Pointer in a high gloss for a fresh and charming feel. Resene Black White was used on trims.
"I tried many testpots and moved colours around the room, checking at different times of the day," Prue says. This handy approach, which Resene often recommends to homeowners, resulted in a harmonious blend of tones that elevate each room while maintaining a sense of cohesion throughout the home.
The lounge features a wallpaper from an older collection, but for a similar look try Resene Wallpaper Collection 103802014.
This renovation has been a journey of growth and discovery for Prue and Andrew. "It's worth investing in good painters," Prue says, reflecting on their biggest learnings. "Worth every cent!" The challenges of project management and attention to detail were met with determination, resulting in a home that reflects their passion and dedication.
As the sun filters through the shutters of their favourite room, the master bedroom, Prue and Andrew can reflect on a decade of hard work. From its humble beginnings as a do-up project to its current incarnation as a vibrant family haven, their home shows us the power of vision, perseverance and a touch of Resene magic, of course.
Top tip: If you're stuck for colour ideas for your bedroom, use your bedlinen, a favourite artwork, window fabrics or a rug as a starting point. Study the types of colour that appear in these items and use one or more to inspire your Resene paint colours for your walls. Try the handy Colour Palette Generator on the Resene website – simply load a favourite photograph or image of an artwork, fabric or wallpaper and the generator will suggest a paint colour palette for you. Or bring your item into your local Resene ColorShop and the staff can help find you complementary colours.
Published: 27 Mar 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Blanched Pink
Resene Blanched Pink
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Conch
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Frozen
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Half Concrete
Resene Half Concrete
Resene Very Berry
Resene Very Berry
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
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 Blanched Pink
Resene Blanched Pink
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Conch
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Half Rice Cake
Resene Frozen
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Half Concrete
Resene Half Concrete
Resene Very Berry
Resene Very Berry
Resene White Pointer
Resene White Pointer
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.