When Jodie Robertson of Smoke N Mirrors was asked to design the interiors of a showhome for Jennian Homes, there was a special twist to the job. The house was part of the Heart Foundation Lottery, a regular fund-raising event that includes prizes such as new houses, cars and overseas travel.

The lottery raises funds for the charity for its contributions towards heart research, education and health initiatives. This particular house was built, for the first time, in Napier and decorated with Resene paints.  

What was your design philosophy?

My brief was to give the house a subtle French look.  As a lottery prize, the house also had to appeal to the wide range of ages and tastes of the people who buy the Heart Foundation Lottery tickets. I wanted a home that felt warm and inviting.

What colours did you use, and why?

I chose Resene Merino as the neutral to use throughout the house. It’s a colour I use a lot as it has a hint of grey in it. I used a feature wall in the kitchen of Resene Rolling Stone, as well as a noticeboard in Resene Blackboard Paint. In the bedrooms, I had a bit of fun with Resene Crisp Green in one bedroom and another one in Resene Clouded Blue.

Which part of the house are you most happy with?

I was most happy with the kitchen. The Resene Rolling Stone used on the back wall is a fantastic colour and it’s the colour most people commented on when they came through the house. I love the blackboard idea too.

What was the biggest challenge? 

The biggest challenge was when the painter called me to say that the Resene Crisp Green made the bedroom look like an avocado. I raced around to see it and thought ‘no leave it’.  Once the carpet went down and the bed linen was in the place it looked fabulous. I like to do one bold room.

Despite the painter saying that Resene Crisp Green made the bedroom initially look like an avocado, once the carpet was laid the the bedlinen added, it now looks like a fresh and welcoming space.

Resene Clouded Blue is a wonderful steel blue, great for bedrooms. 

The feature wall of Resene Rolling Stone with its noticeboard finished in Resene Blackboard Paint was a real hit with those visiting the Jennian Homes home before it was put up for lottery.

Resene Merino was chosen as the main neutral throughout the house, including the dining area which is part of the open-plan living space. Jodie Robertson of Smoke N Mirrors has used this colour often and likes its touch of grey and sophisticated edge.

The main bedroom was kept more neutral, in Resene Merino.