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look book 
As visitors swing up the drive to Little Villa, they're met with a serene vision of green, from the French country-style garden to the exterior painted in Resene Paddock.
Maria loves the splash of red in the lounge, painted in Resene Red Berry, which helps to bring the artwork alive. The other walls are painted in Resene Bianca.
The same theme follows in the guest room, painted in Resene Red Berry and Resene Bianca. Maria is inspired by French Country decor, which translates well in Little Villa's country setting.
Maria has used different textures and patterns together to create a quaint, homely feel. In the bathroom, she's mixed Resene Bianca and Resene XX (blue) on the walls with checkerboard flooring and rustic decor.
With an awning, comfy seating and rural outlook, the outdoor living area is a pretty place to kick back and unwind. It's painted in Resene Paddock and Resene Bianca.
Marc and Maria go French Country cosy
Located on a working dairy farm just outside of Cambridge, Little Villa is as country as it gets. Painted in Resene Paddock, the guesthouse blends in beautifully with its natural surrounds, an oasis for visitors coming in from the big smoke.
When it came to decorating, owners Marc and Maria were inspired by French Country, bringing in rustic decor, floral artwork and a splash of Resene Red Berry. That, plus a private outdoor living area also painted in Resene Paddock, gives it a cosy feel, perfect for guests wanting to unwind.
Maria tells us more about Little Villa's decor inspiration.
How did you decide on the overall look of the interiors?
For some time now I have been inspired by French Country decor. I have loved the ‘distressed’ look, even before the phrase shabby chic started to feature in the home decor scene. I also love different textures and patterns being mixed together to create a quaint, homely feel.
What part of the house are you most happy with?
Guests staying at Little Villa often comment on how they are inspired to get creative after their stay with us. That gives me a huge amount of pleasure. Creativity is good for the soul, so I believe everyone should give it a go.
What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look?
Pinterest has become my jumping off point for ideas. I don’t use it to necessarily copy ideas but it usually gets my creative juices going which results in creating something unique.
A favourite pasttime is to pop into secondhand shops. I like to find pieces that are more commonly described as trash as opposed to treasure and revamp them into new life. A small amount of dollars can go along way with a touch of paint and some creative thinking.
What was the biggest challenge for this project?
Little Villa is a total of 48 square metres, so a lot needed to fit into that space. Choosing colours that were not going to close in the space was important, as well as choosing furniture wisely to ensure practicality as well as style.
Do you have a favourite colour?
My husband will hate me saying this but you can never go wrong with the right shade of white. For me, Resene Bianca has been perfect as it is not too stark yet is still crisp and fresh.
I am glad though Little Villa has a splash of red. It is often said that art is best displayed on white walls but I personally feel a backdrop of strong colour can help bring ‘pop' to artwork.
For more about the Little Villa accommodation, go to www.littlevilla.nz.
Published: 08 Jun 2017
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
As visitors swing up the drive to Little Villa, they're met with a serene vision of green, from the French country-style garden to the exterior painted in Resene Paddock.
Maria loves the splash of red in the lounge, painted in Resene Red Berry, which helps to bring the artwork alive. The other walls are painted in Resene Bianca.
The same theme follows in the guest room, painted in Resene Red Berry and Resene Bianca. Maria is inspired by French Country decor, which translates well in Little Villa's country setting.
Maria has used different textures and patterns together to create a quaint, homely feel. In the bathroom, she's mixed Resene Bianca and Resene XX (blue) on the walls with checkerboard flooring and rustic decor.
With an awning, comfy seating and rural outlook, the outdoor living area is a pretty place to kick back and unwind. It's painted in Resene Paddock and Resene Bianca.
The outdoor living area is a cosy space, nestled between the lounge and bedroom. It's painted in Resene Paddock and Resene Bianca.
Painted in Resene Paddock, Little Villa blends in beautifully with its natural surroundings.
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If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
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the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
