Graham and Jo give heritage a new home

When Graham and Jo moved into an old farm worker’s cottage in 2005, they riffed on the idea of a renovation – but realised it would be more cost effective to start from scratch.

The house, set in Cambridge, Waikato, was demolished and replaced with a new home - designed to replicate the look of character villas but with all the modern conveniences, and fresh coats of Resene colours to finish.

Some items were kept from the old house and reused in the new build, from a ceiling rose in the front entrance to rimu rafters for the mantlepiece, giving it a beautiful, classic aesthetic.

Jo tells us more.

How did you decide on the overall look of the interiors?

We wanted the overall look to suit the character style of the architecture, a simplified version of a villa, and to fit into the landscape. We also liked the look of country/rustic but with allowances for modern living.

What inspired the colour choices?

I spent an hour with Resene colour consultant Deanna Hills in the Cambridge Resene ColorShop. It was great that this is a free service.

I sort of knew that I wanted mainly one colour throughout our home and I wanted Resene Duck Egg Blue in there somehow.

Resene Half Duck Egg Blue and Resene Duck Egg Blue contrast well with Resene Black White, which was chosen to match the aluminium joinery. I also wanted the same colour used inside and out around the windows.

We drove around looking at lots of weatherboard homes to help choose which shade of grey the weatherboards would be. We wanted the grey to be dark enough to contrast with Resene Black White but not too dark – we wanted an older look rather than modern. Resene Silver Chalice was the winner over darker options.

What part of the house are you happiest with?

I’m really happy with all of it. I spent a lot of time planning, researching and thinking everything through before we started.

What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look?

I think it helps to have a style to work to/build upon. Character homes have higher ceilings and wider skirtings and architraves (we copied the profile of those from our old house).  Plus, the timber framing around the windows really sets off the look.  Colour really is a personal preference – get advice from your local Resene ColorShop if not sure.   

What was the biggest challenge for this project?

They were mainly related to details and decision making, such as choosing colours, light fittings or carpet. There are so many choices and options available for everything. Who knew there were so many shades of white or grey? Often in the end, we would go with our gut instinct or initial choices and they worked out great.

Do you have a favourite colour, and if so why is it your favourite?

Resene Half Duck Egg Blue – it feels fresh and clean as well as restful and soothing. It’s also a complementary colour to our timber furniture. When we chose this it was a little bit different – now I see it everywhere in homes.

How did you find working with Resene paint and colours?

I love the colour ranges that Resene offers. We have used their paints before and know they are good quality. 

Is there anyone you would like mentioned who helped with the home?

We’d like to thank Alena Homes and Resene colour consultant Deanna Hills. The curtains and blinds are from Freedom – I found their interior designer very helpful, also.

Published: 15 Mar 2018

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

kitchen, black and white, black and white kitchen, kitchen makeover

Jo’s favourite colour is Resene Half Duck Egg Blue, which features on most of the walls in the home. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Black White.

pictures

Jessica Judge

living room, lounge, black and white, black and white living room, black and white lounge

The Waikato home has features inspired by character villas, such as tongue and groove panelling for the reading nook. The walls are painted in Resene Half Duck Egg Blue, and the ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Black White.

hallway, entrance, white entrance, entrance makeover, hallway ideas

Rimu floors and a ceiling rose were retained from the old house and added to the new build. The walls are painted in Resene Half Duck Egg Blue, and the ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Black White. 

blue, feature wall, blue feature wall, duck egg blue, master bedroom

The master bedroom has a feature wall in Resene Timekeeper, with the rest of the walls painted in Resene Half Duck Egg Blue. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Black White.

blue, feature wall, blue feature wall, duck egg blue, master bedroom

The couple’s sons chose Resene Bellbottom Blue for the feature wall in their bedrooms. The other walls are painted in Resene Half Duck Egg Blue, and the ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Black White.

blue, bathroom, blue bathroom, tongue and groove, resene bathroom

The tongue and groove in the bathroom is painted in rich Resene Baltic Sea, while the walls are painted in Resene Half Duck Egg Blue.

exterior, white exterior, villa, resene exterior, silver chalice

The exterior echoes the look of the farm worker’s cottage that stood before it. The weatherboards are painted in Resene Silver Chalice, the timber details are painted in Resene Black White and the soffit linings are painted in Resene Half Black White.

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Resene Silver Chalice

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Resene Black White

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Resene Half Duck Egg Blue

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Resene Half Black White

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Resene Bellbottom Blue

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