The Dreamer’s Night Inn and the art of restraint

15 Sep 2025

Perched on the edge of the water on the ever-changing Kaipara Harbour just outside of Auckland, The Dreamer’s Night Inn is the latest addition to The Night Inn collection. Designed by Tim Groenendaal and Xavier Black, the property offers a unique alternative to the coastal getaways north of the big smoke.

The stay is intended to be just as inviting in the cooler months as it is in summer. “We wanted guests to do as little as possible, and the space feel safe and inviting, perhaps even a cocoon of calm,” says Tim.

That philosophy informed every decision, from the soft furnishings to the much loved finish of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen and considered Resene colour palette. Resene Milk White provided a neutral anchor for shared spaces, while Resene Sante Fe, a warm, earthy pink, became the project’s most noteworthy choice.

The downstairs bedroom is painted in the cool yet creamy shade of Resene Milk White, pairing beautifully with the exposed timber and dreamy décor.

What was once a fireplace is now a charming feature in the downstairs bedroom. The bricks and walls are painted in Resene Milk White, adding brightness to the space.

“Resene Milk White was our safe choice for some of the shared spaces, which allowed us to push the boat out a bit with the other choice,” Tim says. “We were dwelling on the idea of an adult having a bedroom colour that they might have loved as a child. Pink wasn't really an option, but we landed on Resene Sante Fe which we felt perhaps offered the same calm and safe feeling.”

The upstairs bedroom is painted in the pink-toned terracotta hue of Resene Sante Fe, with matching linen and curtains that pair beautifully with the warmth of the timber ceiling. The window trims are painted in Resene Milk White.

Hiding throughout The Dreamer’s Night Inn, you’ll find Resene Sante Fe painted on fittings and furniture like this towel rail and bath tray.

In the upstairs bedroom, Resene Sante Fe coats the walls, with matching curtains and bedding, creating a monochromatic envelope that blurs the line between surface and textile. The shade is gently placed around the property as subtle accents in trims and fittings, before re-emerging in a far more unexpected place… the kitchen appliances. The oven and fridge were custom painted in Resene Sante Fe, turning them into sculptural elements that quietly command attention while sitting harmoniously against timber cabinetry and surfaces.

The earthy pink of Resene Sante Fe was used on the custom-colour Belling fridge and oven. For a warm wood look like this, use Resene Colorwood Natural on exposed timber.

The oven was custom painted in Resene Sante Fe to add warmth and character to the kitchen. The doors are painted in Resene Milk White.

“We really didn’t want to have white whiteware in the kitchen as it didn’t sit well against all the beautiful timbers in the space,” says Tim. Partnering with Belling, an English appliance brand, and working with Onehunga Panel and Paint, the pair brought their colour concept to life.

“They delivered the oven in Resene Sante Fe, which really turns heads. We also had them paint the fridge in the same shade. It really makes for a wonderful kitchen and isn’t overpowering in the space. We wanted it to be a cool feature, but not stand out.”

Upstairs the painting room, with a view of the harbour for inspiration, is painted in Resene Milk White.

The cosy, cocooning living area is enveloped with natural materials, soft fabrics and flowing drapes, inviting you to settle in by the fire. The fireplace surround is painted in Resene Black. Use Resene Colorwood Teak for a dark timber stain like on this ceiling.

While choosing colour was one of the project’s greatest successes, Resene’s wonderfully wide scope of hues can sometimes make it hard to land on the ideal fit. “Picking the right colour. There are literally endless options. At some point you just have to make a choice. I’m sure a number of colours would have worked, but we are very, very happy with the end result. Sometimes you just have to follow your gut,” says Tim.

Resting on the edge of the harbour, The Dreamer’s Night in has it all. Cosiness, character and a striking view that’s hard to take your eyes off.

For The Night Inn team, the project is as much about protecting New Zealand’s built history as it is about curating memorable stays. “The Night Inn properties are historic in nature, and are about protecting small parts of NZ’s built history,” Tim says. “Guests often comment that staying in the properties feels like being in a movie set for a period film. This is intentional. We are not wanting to create cookie cutter modern spaces. We want people to settle in and stay awhile. Doing as little as possible is in the DNA of these spaces.”

The Dreamer’s Night Inn delivers on that promise too. It’s a retreat shaped by colour, texture and history, inviting you to step away from the busyness of life and simply… dream.

Design by Tim Groenendaal and Xavier Black
Images by Lisa Sun Photography

See more at The Dreamer’s Night Inn online, and if you’re loving this colour palette consider using Resene Milk White, Resene Sante Fe, Resene Colorwood Natural and Resene Colorwood Teak in your next project.

Published: 15 Sep 2025