Although David and Dee describe their home as English colonial in style, there is something decidedly Mediterranean about the place - perhaps it is the warm, slightly rustic colour scheme, or the numerous large open fireplaces. The fact that it's surrounded by 2.3 acres of Bordeaux grapes, on sunny Waiheke Island, certainly helps.

David, Dee and their two young daughters have lived in this house for nearly four years, attracted by its unusual style and idyllic location. With a walk-in wine cellar, huge outdoor fireplace, balconies off all three of the bedrooms, and ocean views that take in Rangitoto Island and the city skyline, it's easy to understand the attraction.

While architectural designer Bryce Ardern is responsible for the house's design, it is Dee who has made the interior what it is today. Describing her interior design style as "country and eclectic", Dee chose all the paint colours and furnishings herself. "The house naturally lends itself to a more 'relaxed' interior style," she explains.

What was the biggest challenge with creating your home interior look? Deciding what colours to choose - there are so many!

What was the greatest success? Moving the furniture in and realising we had made the right decisions on colour and furnishings - in our humble opinion!

Which space in the house do you get your greatest satisfaction from? The kitchen and family room - this is where we spend most of our time as a family and when friends come over. It has a great feel about it and it's where we tend to congregate.

What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look? Do your research by reading magazines and books that feature homes with the look you are trying to achieve. Don't be afraid to experiment with colour and furniture arrangements. And only ask for advice from people whose own homes you admire!

What colours did you use? With the exception of the girls' bedroom (painted in Resene Mint Tulip), all of the colours are nature-inspired. Every window in the house has views of either bush, vineyard or sea, so it seemed natural to use these colours. They are also very easy to live with. In the main areas, we used Resene Quarter Putty and Resene Eighth Putty. In the formal spaces, we used Resene Teak. In the master bedroom, barn and studio, we used Resene Spanish White. In the hallway to the library and on the kitchen cabinetry, we used Resene Finch. In the guest bedroom we used Resene Pavlova.

Get the look:
You can maximise or minimise outside views with careful selection and placement of paint colours. If you want to enhance a view, pick lighter, natural colours to frame the view. This will draw people's attention into the view itself. If the outside view isn't perhaps as picturesque as you'd like, paint the wall in a contrasting colour and hang artwork. This will distract attention away from the view outside.

David and Dee's English colonial style house has a separate self-contained studio and spectacular views.

The master bedroom is full of light, enhanced by soft Resene Spanish White on the walls.

Like many rooms in the house, the kitchen features lots of exposed wooden beams. The walls and ceiling are painted with Resene Quarter Putty and Resene Eighth Putty. The kitchen cabinetry has been painted with Resene Finch.

The girls' bedroom is painted in blue-green Resene Mint Tulip.

The guest bedroom on the top floor is painted with Resene Pavlova.