Terrific transformation: A shoebox project with a twist

03 Jun 2021

The humble shoebox has been transformed into interior inspo with the Resene Dream Room in a Shoebox competition. People around the country dove deep into their cupboards to find old shoeboxes, or got crafty and made their own, to enter the competition that showcased upcycling at its best – and smallest.

Kate Cooke created her dream room in the 35cm space and took out the over-16s prize for her exotic jungle themed room. She used Resene Seaweed, a deep and adventurous olive brown, to complement her delicately handmade furniture and abundance of tiny houseplants. She finished the jungle look with elegant bi-fold doors, an arched feature window and a leopard.

Kate created an oasis in her shoebox when she painted Resene Seaweed on the walls. Team this with timber stained in Resene Colorwood Meranti.

Twelve-year-old Gabrielle Marais designed her dream room with bright hexagons in Resene St Tropaz, Resene Half Tuna, Resene Biscay and Resene Lemon. She took upcycling to the next level, reusing pieces of ribbon, tape, fabric and fake flowers from her home. Gabrielle left room for her dog, creating an even smaller bed and pipe cleaner toys for her pooch. Her cute and creative project won the 12-and-over award.

Gabrielle’s colourful dream bedroom uses crafty hexagons to spice up the room. She painted them in Resene Half Tuna, Resene Biscay, Resene Lemon and Resene St Tropaz. Walls in Resene Quarter Grey Chateau complement this vivid design. 

A riot of colour can be found in Zoe Hitchin’s dream bedroom, who entered the Under-12s category. With a vibrant popsicle stick floor in Resene Yellow Submarine and rich aqua walls in Resene Sea Crest, Zoe’s bedroom is full of personality and sparkle – complete with a cat.

Zoe’s magnificent bunkbed and desk in her dream room are highlighted by the walls painted in Resene Sea Crest. She finished the look with a sunny yellow popsicle floor in Resene Yellow Submarine.

If you’re feeling inspired by these shoebox creations and thinking of getting crafty this long weekend, look no further than habitat’s wide range of DIY ideas. With everything from Kiwiana wall hangings to colourful garden decorations, we’ve got a boredom busting project for you. For more tips and DIY, visit our website here

Published: 03 Jun 2021