As well as dealing with the natural challenges of building on a steep site with unstable ground, Duncan and Carolyn had to relocate four large, protected pohutukawa trees in order to make way for their family home. Although a major process, the relocation paved the way for one of the greatest successes in the build, as the living area of Duncan and Carolyn’s home now reaches out among those very trees, making it feel as though you are literally in them.
The trees also inspired the colour scheme of the front door, bay window and living area – Duncan and Carolyn chose deep red Resene Livewire to match the pohutukawa flowers.
Throughout the home, they have paired natural materials (Meranti timber, bamboo flooring and stone tiles) with bright accent colours, in the form of back-painted glass splash-backs. “We believe in using colour to enhance a feeling or quality of space, rather than simply following fashions,” explains Carolyn.

What did you want to achieve with your house, in terms of interiors? A peaceful, light-filled daily journey through the house, with occasional bursts of colour.

Why did you make the colour scheme choices you did? For the kitchen, we chose deep red Resene Livewire because it is a warm, lively colour that goes so well with cooking and dining. It is especially great in the winter. In the guest bathroom, we chose lovely buttery yellow Resene Starbell, which is friendly and relaxing. In the main bathroom, my daughter Hazel chose bright, deep crimson Resene Extrovert, and in our ensuite we used Resene Chameleon – a crisp, Granny Smith apple-green to start the day with.

Which space do you get your greatest satisfaction from, and why? The generous living space and the bay window seat, where you can lie and watch the tuis hopping from tree to tree just beside the bay window.

From outside, the bay window “pops” with the help of Resene Livewire, standing out dramatically against the black of the Mini-Onduline corrugated sheets and the fresh green of the surrounding tree foliage.

Inside, the fireplace and tree-enveloped bay window make the living room a cosy, inviting place to be.

The front door, also painted with Resene Livewire, offers a bright and welcoming invitation to visitors.

Duncan and Carolyn chose Resene Chameleon for the en suite bathroom because it is “fresh, energising and invigorating.”

Red makes another appearance in the kitchen/dining area. “It is the hub of the house and Resene Livewire reinforces a positive, warming and friendly energy,” explains Carolyn.