When Lindsay and Chris first bought their home in Christchurch, it was a bungalow that had been split into two separate flats. As soon as they moved in, Lindsay (a master builder) knocked out the wall between, to make it liveable while they built a second storey on top. It is hard to imagine how it must have been back then, when you see how spacious, modern and polished it is today. Though the original foundations and exterior walls are the same, the house is virtually unrecognisable from its previous incarnation. It even has wide sea views, thanks to that second storey.

Lindsay and Chris had commissioned architect Ian Cumberpatch to design them a home that maximised sunshine and light, and they wanted a colour scheme that fitted this bright new space. When interior designer Wendy Campbell suggested bold orange and bright green, they weren't sure. Now, they love it. Paired with the rich, deep shades of Resene Zibibbo (on the front door) and Resene Rhino (in the master bedroom), the orange adds warmth, while the green lends a certain crispness to the décor. They also help to brighten up the Resene Masala walls in the living room.

How would you describe your design style? I like things that are different. I always look for something different in design. I think it comes my father. He was very creative. He used to design and make tile fireplaces and paua shell jewellery; it was totally different to what everyone else was doing at the time. I really admired him.

Why did you make the colour scheme choices that you did? We felt that, because the layout is different from most houses, that something really needed to be quite striking. So we went bold.

What was the biggest challenge? It was a big job and took a while to complete. We lived in the place for 5 years before it was finished. My brother always says that builders never finish their own homes. I proved him wrong. I couldn't have done it without my wife (Chris) though. She never questioned me about how I was going to do things. She had faith in me.

What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look? You never want to be afraid of doing anything. Do a trial on a wall or on a piece of board and see how the colours fit together. Get into the positive and stop thinking about the negatives!

To read more about this home, and see more photos of it, pick up a copy of the latest Habitat magazine from your local Resene ColorShop.

Privately tucked into its site, the home looks cool and reserved, save for the warm Resene Tia Maria wall which welcomes visitors.