Resene products transform historic Timaru building

From its earliest days of European settlement in 1839, Timaru became an important port town and major agricultural export centre. A bustling main street was established and commerce flourished.

Then, in 1868, a fire laid waste to three-quarters of the main street, which was, not surprisingly for the time, a collection of timber buildings. In the aftermath, it was decreed that the rebuild would utilise brick and stone, resulting in the Victorian and Edwardian buildings that grace Stafford and Church Streets today.  

One of those buildings was the Empire Hotel (1891) and the addition, known as the Empire Hotel Extension, which came later. Unfortunately, the Empire Hotel was demolished in 1977, however, the extension building has survived and has recently been refurbished to provide boutique accommodation. 

A base palette of Resene Malachite Green is accented with Thorndon Cream and Nero, all in Resene Lumbersider. Images by Ash Ronald.

Comprising a total refurbishment of the interior and exterior, the refreshed building features a sympathetic colour scheme that provides a nod to the past while also appearing fresh and contemporary. 

“One of the most interesting aspects of this project was developing a colour scheme that honoured the building’s heritage character while giving it a fresh, cohesive look. The challenge was achieving balance – enhancing the detailing without overwhelming it,” says Deborah Still of Deborah Still Interior Design.  

Resene FX Metallic in Gold Dust was chosen to highlight decorative elements on the façade, including the cast-iron lion-head bosses (see inset) that punctuate the fire escape railings. 

“Resene Malachite Green provided the perfect soft, mossy base, complemented by crisp Resene Thorndon Cream on the window frames coupled with the depth of Resene Nero on the metalwork – all three working in concert to impart a touch of elegance.  

“To celebrate the building’s unique architectural flourishes, I used Resene FX Metallic Gold Dust to highlight the cast-iron lion-head bosses that punctuate the railings, along with other decorative elements. The metallic finish adds warmth and texture, drawing attention to details that might otherwise be overlooked and bringing the building’s character back to life. Together, these Resene products restore the building’s heritage with subtlety and charm.” 

Resene Lumbersider was specified for the exterior plaster and timber detailing, chosen for its exceptional durability and its ability to deliver a smooth, even finish to the classic façade.  

“It’s a product I return to often because it stands up beautifully to weathering while retaining depth of colour over time,” says Deborah.  

Much of the building’s heritage features were stripped out in the 1970s, so interior designer Deborah Still combined the colour palette with vintage details, such as these gilt mirrors to inject some character back into the building. 

The exterior colour scheme also informed Deborah’s choices inside. 

“Internally, I wanted the colour palette to have enough pop and interest to catch people’s eye while still being sympathetic to the age of the building. I didn't want the Empire to look like ‘mutton dressed up as lamb’; I wanted her to be a regal, beautiful old building, but modernised. So that's why I chose ReseneThorndon Cream and Longbush as my base palette.” 

The colour palette of neutrals and greens has been extended into the interior of this suite, one of six available. 

Over time, much of the building’s inherent character had been stripped away, so the focus became one of accentuating what remained and adding back as much as possible through thoughtful design. 

“The purpose was to add interest and storytelling back into the building. I scoured a lot of second-hand and vintage shops to ensure that everything was styled with personality and storytelling. The result is a one-off, bespoke look where the colour palette and the furnishings and styling complement each other in a way that is comforting and familiar, and which feels like home.” 

Now operating as short-stay accommodation, the Empire Hotel’s new lease of life has garnered approval from both guests and the city’s residents, says Deborah. 

Bespoke soft furnishings were designed to reinforce the heritage charm, while the hotel’s motif, a golden lion’s head, has been embroidered into the blanket. The off-white palette creates a soft, comforting feeling. 

“I had a local historian approach me the other day and say how grateful they were for the care that had been shown to this building, and that the project had not just improved one building, it had added pride and vibrancy to the whole streetscape. 

“In this case, a fresh coat of paint isn’t just a makeover, it’s a reminder that our history still has plenty to say, and that when people choose to look after our heritage, they keep the stories alive.” 

Photography by Ash Ronald.