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Resene Stonewall is used in the master bedroom and has become Rachael’s favourite colour. It’s masculine yet soothing and a great backdrop for pops of rich colour on the bed.
Picture gallery shelves and quirky wire furniture greets guests in the entrance way. The walls are the Resene Merino which, with its green-tinged base, goes perfectly with Rachael and Ben’s other colour choices.
The living room perfectly illustrates Rachael’s decorating ethos where she has used classic neutrals, like Resene Sisal seen here, and bought fashion colours through in her furniture and accessories.
Rachael and Ben turn yuck into yum
It was ‘hate at first sight’ when Ben and Rachael Shadbolt bought their Wellington house 10 years ago. But now, washed in a soothing palette of Resene classic neutrals, love has come at last.
Says Rachael: “The first time I was shown through the house I hated it. It had been rented for a few years, was dated, had various not so ‘on trend’ plaster effects in the lounge and bedroom, and a very retro spiral staircase. But all the rooms were in the right place, it had fantastic light, was close to Khandallah village and public transport – we really couldn’t miss the opportunity. So we bought it knowing we had a project on our hands.”
What Resene colours and products have you used and what inspired those choices?
Ben and I painted all of the interior rooms ourselves so have used numerous Resene products with great success from wood primer, to wallboard sealer, to the fun part – the colour. And the not so fun part – painting all the windows, doors and skirting boards.
I have always loved the Resene oldies but goodies with Resene Sisal, Resene Fossil, Resene Merino, Resene Stonewall and plenty of crisp clean Resene Alabaster. The first coat of Resene Sisal was drying on the lounge walls on Christmas Eve 2004 and I still love it. It’s just a great soothing neutral that never looks dull.
I followed the colour theme through with Resene Fossil on the less sunny hallway walls and Resene Merino in the entranceway. The most recent renovation was the master bedroom, which is done in Resene Stonewall, which I love. Paired with lots of Resene Alabaster on the ceilings, windows and doors, all these colours have stood the test of time and still look fresh.
How did you decide on the overall look of the interiors?
During the past 10 years of renovations the house could have turned into a patchwork of the latest on-trend Resene colours that I have coveted, but I have always come back to the crisp clean neutrals and added colour with floor rugs or wall art.
What part of the house are you most happy with?
I love the lounge. It’s a big sunny space that leads onto the kitchen and is where we all end up at the end of the day. It’s big enough that everyone has their own corner to relax in. In summer we have the doors open onto the deck which extends the living space really well.
What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look?
Take your time, don’t try to get the total ‘house and garden’ look all at once. Homes take time to layer up all the things that mean something to you.
What was the biggest decorating, renovating or building challenge for this project?
We didn’t move out during the various renovations but nothing makes you appreciate a new kitchen, laundry or bathroom more than not having them for 4-6 weeks. Thankfully our builder always made sure we had the basics wired or plumbed in so we made the best of it.
We have a fantastic builder, Chris MacIver from M3 Construction, who is also a personal friend and throughout the various renovation projects, the friend status has remained intact. Chris is great at interpreting my often not very clear ideas and making them a reality.
Do you have a favourite colour, and if so why is it your favourite?
I have had a long-term love of Resene Sisal but since the master bedroom renovation, my favourite colour is now Resene Stonewall. It’s masculine enough for Ben to cope with but soft enough that it makes the room a lovely quiet retreat.
Published: 20 Jun 2015
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Stonewall is used in the master bedroom and has become Rachael’s favourite colour. It’s masculine yet soothing and a great backdrop for pops of rich colour on the bed.
Picture gallery shelves and quirky wire furniture greets guests in the entrance way. The walls are the Resene Merino which, with its green-tinged base, goes perfectly with Rachael and Ben’s other colour choices.
Stylish Resene Fossil is used on the hallway, offsetting the typography artwork.
The living room perfectly illustrates Rachael’s decorating ethos where she has used classic neutrals, like Resene Sisal seen here, and bought fashion colours through in her furniture and accessories.
Another view of the living area, with its Resene Sisal walls. This colour has been a long-time favourite of Rachael’s.
An inviting outdoor retreat, the deck is partly shaded and backed by weatherboards painted in Resene Napa with Resene Alabaster trims.
the look
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.
