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Inside the cosy living room, Resene Bianca brightens the walls and creates a stunning contrast against the timber ceiling and trims finished in ReseneQristal Clear.
The sunlit kitchen and dining highlight the beauty of the wood, finished in ReseneQristal Clear, and walls painted in Resene Bianca, a charming off-white.
Resene Bianca adorns the walls in this comfy corner of the master bedroom. The striped floor is painted in Resene Bianca and Resene Sand, creating a cohesive feel throughout the home. The side table is painted in Resene Taupe Grey and is one of Jeanette's many upcycled furniture items.
In the master bedroom, a panelled wall in Resene Taupe Grey, an earthy brown, creates a cosy space to rest. Surrounding walls and theceiling are painted in Resene Bianca.
A chequered floor paintedin Resene Bianca and Resene Sand adorns the floor upstairs. The bedroom walls are painted in Resene Bianca.
A pop of colour in Resene Tom Thumb on the stool in the laundry brings nature indoors and complements the timber wall. Surrounding walls, trims and ceiling are painted in Resene Bianca.
Resene Woodsman Greywash enhances the back timber wall in this bedroom. The ceiling is painted in Resene Bianca and an existing wallpaper adds a playful touch – try Resene Wallpaper Collection 101077036, or painted stripes using Resene Apple Green and Resene Bianca.
The unique trims on this doorway are finished in ReseneQristal Clear to enhance and protect the timber. The walls and door are painted in Resene Bianca.
The exterior is painted in an earthy grey brown, Resene Masala, blending into the natural surroundings. Timber posts are stained in Resene Woodsman Pitch Black.
The spa pergola is painted in Resene Alabaster, creating a bright and open space to relax while protecting occupants from the elements.
Higgs Rest: A rustic retreat with eclectic charm
Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Spring Grove, Higgs Rest is the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. After living in the property on and off for the last decade, homeowners Jeanette and Glen have transformed this unique property into a serene retreat designed to resemble an old tobacco kiln, using Resene paints and an eye for detail to bring their vision to life.
Originally discovered online, Higgs Rest immediately captivated Jeanette and Glen for the historic William Higgins Cobb Cottage that is situated on the same land. When they visited the property, the timber features and sunny aspect of the main house, along with its proximity to the Wai-iti River and unique architectural style, sealed the deal. "We had never seen anything like it," says Jeanette. Fast forward a few years, the couple embarked on a renovation project to update the interiors and prepare the property as a short-term rental and retreat.
Inside the cosy living room, Resene Bianca brightens the walls and creates a stunning contrast against the timber ceiling and trims finished in ReseneQristal Clear.
The sunlit kitchen and dining highlight the beauty of the wood, finished in ReseneQristal Clear, and walls painted in Resene Bianca, a charming off-white.
Interior designer Kate Alexander worked remotely with Jeanette and Glen as a mentor to help clarify their plans and create a cohesive aesthetic. "Jeanette and Glen are the most creative and capable DIY go-getters I’ve ever met!" Kate says. The palette they chose needed to complement the home’s eclectic style and rustic architecture while creating a calming and connected feel throughout.
The colour scheme is anchored by Resene Bianca, a warm white that ties together the home’s timber features and bright summer light. Used across walls, ceilings and skirting boards, Resene Bianca creates a light and bright atmosphere that doesn’t feel stark.
In the master bedroom, Resene Taupe Grey on the panelled headboard and the striped floor, painted in Resene Bianca and Resene Sand, adds understated elegance. Jeanette admits the checkered pattern on the floors was a challenge but worth the effort.
Resene Bianca adorns the walls in this comfy corner of the master bedroom. The striped floor is painted in Resene Bianca and Resene Sand, creating a cohesive feel throughout the home. The side table is painted in Resene Taupe Grey and is one of Jeanette's many upcycled furniture items.
In the master bedroom, a panelled wall in Resene Taupe Grey, an earthy brown, creates a cosy space to rest. Surrounding walls and theceiling are painted in Resene Bianca.
A chequered floor paintedin Resene Bianca and Resene Sand adorns the floor upstairs. The bedroom walls are painted in Resene Bianca.
The duo’s creativity shines in every corner. The bathrooms feature a soothing palette with Resene Bianca and accents of Resene Tom Thumb, a beautiful green that Jeanette cites as her favourite colour. In the laundry, a concrete floor painted in Resene Half Masala adds a subtle touch of sophistication, while a stool painted in Resene Tom Thumb brings a pop of colour.
Another standout feature is an existing green striped wallpaper in the twin bedroom, similar to Resene Wallpaper Collection 101077036, or as Kate suggests as an alternative – painted stripes using Resene Apple Green and Resene Bianca.
A pop of colour in Resene Tom Thumb on the stool in the laundry brings nature indoors and complements the timber wall. Surrounding walls, trims and ceiling are painted in Resene Bianca.
Resene Woodsman Greywash enhances the back timber wall in this bedroom. The ceiling is painted in Resene Bianca and an existing wallpaper adds a playful touch – try Resene Wallpaper Collection 101077036, or painted stripes using Resene Apple Green and Resene Bianca.
The unique trims on this doorway are finished in ReseneQristal Clear to enhance and protect the timber. The walls and door are painted in Resene Bianca.
For Glen, the “Falcon’s Nest,” a cosy, hidden nook at the top of the house, is his favourite retreat. "It’s restful and has a lovely view over the property," he says. Jeanette, meanwhile, loves the transformation of the master bedroom. "Entering the master bedroom always takes my breath away," she says.
The exterior of Higgs Rest received a refresh as well, with Resene Masala replacing the previous brick red on the corrugated iron, and Resene Woodsman Pitch Black accentuating the timber posts.
The spa pergola, sourced from Trade Me, was another ambitious project. Jeanette and Glen transported it, erected it, painted it in Resene Half Alabaster and landscaped the surrounding area.
The exterior is painted in an earthy grey brown, Resene Masala, blending into the natural surroundings. Timber posts are stained in Resene Woodsman Pitch Black.
The spa pergola is painted in Resene Alabaster, creating a bright and open space to relax while protecting occupants from the elements.
A mural adorns the wall outside, painted by artist Alessandra Gobbi in an array of Resenetestpot colours.
Every room in Higgs Rest tells a story of hard work and creativity. From upcycled furniture to carefully curated décor, Jeanette’s talent for repurposing shines through. As Kate sums it up, "It’s eclectic, but it all works. It feels luxurious in a refreshing and unexpected way."
Higgs Rest stands as a testament to Jeanette and Glen’s dedication, a tranquil retreat that beautifully balances rustic charm with modern elegance. And the best bit is, you can stay there! You can experience the redefined rural luxury of Higgs Rest any day of the year. Visit www.higgsrest.com.
design Jeanette and Glen; Kate Alexander, Places & Graces
Top tip: Clear finishes are used on interior timber to protect the timber against wear and tear and make it easier to clean – but which gloss level should you choose?
Gloss: Gloss finishes make a surface appear cleaner and brighter, and are easy to clean, but because they are highly reflective, they can highlight imperfections. Try Resene Qristal Poly Gloss or Resene Aquaclear gloss.
Semi-gloss: A semi-gloss has a slightly reflective appearance but is more forgiving of imperfections. It is ideal for walls and woodwork which receive a lot of wear and tear. Try Resene Aquaclear semi-gloss.
Satin: Satin finishes are popular for walls and ceilings. Their lower sheen diffuses light and helps to conceal surface imperfections. Colours underneath satin/low sheen clear finishes appear muddied and darker than when overcoated with a glossier finish. Try Resene Aquaclear satin or Resene Qristal Clear Poly-Satin.
Flat/matte: Matte finishes diffuse the light and impart a very natural look to the surface but are not as durable as high gloss finishes. They are usually best used on walls and ceilings. Try Resene Aquaclear Natural or Resene Qristal Poly-Flat.
Published: 17 Dec 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
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