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A pastoral, pleasant green, Resene Paddock, waspainted on the brick wall leading up the stairs. Timber features were stained in ReseneColorwood Natural and finished in ReseneQristal Clear. Surrounding walls feature Resene Wallpaper collection RD7019 painted in Resene Half Merino and trims painted in Resene Quarter Merino.
Resene Paddock leads the way to the upper floor of the home. A complementary hue, ReseneColorwood Mahogany, was used on the exposed timber beams throughout, giving the home a calm, earthy palette.Surrounding walls feature Resene Wallpaper collection RD7019 painted in Resene Half Merino.
The feature kitchen bench is made from repurposed timber joinery, and along with other timber walls, was stained in ReseneColorwood Natural and finished in ReseneQristal Clear. The ceiling is painted in Resene Double Alabaster, with contrasting exposed beams stained in ReseneColorwood Mahogony.
In the living room, more repurposed timber was used to make a bookshelf, tying the home’s present to the past. The walls feature a textured design, Resene Wallpaper collection RD7019, painted in Resene Half Merino, and contrasting exposed beams stained in ReseneColorwood Mahogony.
This bedroom is calm and airy, featuring Resene Wallpaper collection RD7019, painted in Resene Half Merino.
Thefeature bathroom tiles tie into the deep green hue of Resene Paddock used around the home. The walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Double Alabaster.
The exterior has been refreshed with Resene Black White, featuring Resene Paddock on window trims, tying the outside to the inside. The exterior soffits and front entrance are painted in Resene Element.
Resene Paddock frames the door on the exterior creating a harmonious link to the interior scheme. The exterior brickwork is painted in Resene Black White.
Restoring the past, reimagining the future: A Christchurch modernist home
Amidst the architectural history of Christchurch, this home is a rare example of the 'Christchurch School' modernist style, designed by the renowned Warren and Mahoney Architects. Recently, this home has been transformed, paying homage to its mid-century roots, along with modern touches, thanks to skilled architect Cymon Allfrey and a specific blend of Resene paint, wallpaper and wood stains.
Originally built in 1970 by local lawyer John Brown for his mother, Unit 7 of this multi-unit complex has stood the test of time. Featuring an extended floor plan, a simple open fire and a generous garden, the home has seen numerous changes over the years, yet still carries the spirit of its mid-century origins.
“In 1980, Mrs Brown added an entrance porch and laundry, removing what was an entry courtyard,” says Cymon. “Various layers of cosmetic work followed with the last major modernisation in the mid-1990s, being a new kitchen, a refitted bathroom and much of the original masonry interior was concealed with wall lining.
“Consequential of the Canterbury earthquakes, the home received some cosmetic repair in the mid-2010s and all surfaces were painted in a flat white, further concealing the heritage fabric of the home. While it was presented as a clean and tidy home, it had become more ‘coastal chic’ than ‘Christchurch Modern’.”
By 2020, its new owner saw potential in the home, insulating and double-glazing it to bring it up to modern comfort standards. But it wasn't until two years later that the full transformation began – a project led by Cymon, along with interior designer Sarah Eaton and landscape architect Tony Milne.
A pastoral, pleasant green, Resene Paddock, waspainted on the brick wall leading up the stairs. Timber features were stained in ReseneColorwood Natural and finished in ReseneQristal Clear. Surrounding walls feature Resene Wallpaper collection RD7019 painted in Resene Half Merino and trims painted in Resene Quarter Merino.
Resene Paddock leads the way to the upper floor of the home. A complementary hue, ReseneColorwood Mahogany, was used on the exposed timber beams throughout, giving the home a calm, earthy palette.Surrounding walls feature Resene Wallpaper collection RD7019 painted in Resene Half Merino.
Completed last year, this "RestoMod" was more than a restoration – it was a sensitive reimagining of the home for contemporary living, while respecting its heritage.
The concept of RestoMod combines restoration with modernisation, blending old-world charm with contemporary functionality. Instead of simply preserving the past or pushing for an ultra-modern update, this design approach honours the building’s original intent while adapting it to meet today’s lifestyle needs.
The new design included restoring the entry courtyard to create a more welcoming entrance and a functional laundry and powder room. The original structural timber was stripped back, sanded and stained with Resene Colorwood Mahogany, finished with Resene Qristal Clear, to bring warmth and highlight the grain patterns – a key aspect of the modernist movement.
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the project. Original timber joinery that couldn’t be reused in its original location was repurposed into custom furniture pieces, including a library in the living room and a feature kitchen bench. This thoughtful reuse further ties the home’s past to its present.
The feature kitchen bench is made from repurposed timber joinery, and along with other timber walls, was stained in ReseneColorwood Natural and finished in ReseneQristal Clear. The ceiling is painted in Resene Double Alabaster, with contrasting exposed beams stained in ReseneColorwood Mahogony.
In the living room, more repurposed timber was used to make a bookshelf, tying the home’s present to the past. The walls feature a textured design, Resene Wallpaper collection RD7019, painted in Resene Half Merino, and contrasting exposed beams stained in ReseneColorwood Mahogony.
Exposed concrete masonry was similarly revealed in key areas to allow meaningful engagement with the home’s texture. Walls that had been lined in previous renovations were adorned with Resene Wallpaper Collection RD7019, an anaglypta design, and painted in Resene Half Merino, introducing texture that harmonised with the rough masonry.
The home’s colour palette was designed to remain neutral yet warm, allowing its smaller spaces to feel open while letting bolder design choices stand out. The main walls are finished in Resene Half Merino, while the ceilings were painted in Resene Double Alabaster. In contrast, bold colours such as Resene Paddock were used to define circulation spaces, adding depth and creating a calm strength throughout the home.
This bedroom is calm and airy, featuring Resene Wallpaper collection RD7019, painted in Resene Half Merino.
Thefeature bathroom tiles tie into the deep green hue of Resene Paddock used around the home. The walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Double Alabaster.
The RestoMod approach taken by Cymon and his team has breathed new life into this Christchurch home. The balance between preservation and modernisation has allowed the home to retain its mid-century charm while providing a space that functions effortlessly for contemporary living.
The exterior has been refreshed with Resene Black White, featuring Resene Paddock on window trims, tying the outside to the inside. The exterior soffits and front entrance are painted in Resene Element.
Resene Paddock frames the door on the exterior creating a harmonious link to the interior scheme. The exterior brickwork is painted in Resene Black White.
Every detail, from the reconditioned original hardware to the bold Resene colour scheme, tells the story of a home that has evolved over time, yet continues to hold onto its architectural roots. It’s a tribute to the past, a nod to the future, and a home ready to stand strong for decades to come.
design Cymon Allfrey, Cymon Allfrey Architect
colour Cymon Allfrey; Sarah Eaton, Tailormade Space
images Jamie Armstrong
Top tip: To add a unique touch to your home design, choose a pattern from the Resene Anaglypta Wallpaper Collection, then paint over it with your favourite Resene colour. It’s the perfect way to get a textured finish on your walls in just the right colour to suit your furnishings. Order your favourite Resenewallpaper from your local Resene ColorShop.
Published: 25 Sep 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Quarter Merino
Resene Quarter Merino
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Double Alabaster
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the look
If you're stuck on what
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