Step inside this revamped 70s brick home

David and Nicola’s two-story 70s brick home was a classic with strong bones, but in dire need of a modern makeover. Using a carefully selected palette of Resene paints, interior designer Candace Schrader has masterfully updated the space, blending retro vibes with modern touches that reflect the homeowners’ personal style.  

The renovation journey began long before the paintbrushes were out. Candace focused on optimising the upstairs layout, enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow to the pool area, and making significant structural changes such as realigning the kitchen, altering windows and relocating the front door. These alterations were crucial in creating a space that not only looked modern but also functioned seamlessly for daily living and entertaining. 

When it came to colour choices, Candace helped in transforming this solid structure into a contemporary haven, all while maintaining its inherent character. For the open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas, Resene Barely There was chosen for the walls and trims, with lighter Resene Quarter Barely There for the ceilings and architraves. This subtle, bright hue created the perfect contrast to the dark walnut cabinetry in the kitchen, ensuring the space felt fresh and inviting.  


The master bedroom is adorned in Resene Bunting, a rich navy hue.  


Complementing Resene Bunting on the walls and headboard are mustard toned curtains and floral bedding. The ceiling is painted in Resene Quarter Barely There.  

The master bedroom is where Candace truly pushed boundaries. Bathed in natural light, the room was the ideal canvas for a bold, dark choicedeep, saturated navy, Resene Bunting.To prevent the colour from feeling flat, texture was introduced with a full wall headboard in the same hue, complemented by mustard velvet curtains. The result is a space that exudes sophistication yet remains cosy and welcominga perfect retreat for the homeowners. 


A classic neutral, Resene Barely There, adorns the dining space, a seamless contrast to the simplicity and darker tones of the furniture.  


The walls of the open plan living and dining room feature Resene Barely There, with a lighter hue of Resene Quarter Barely There painted on the ceiling. 

Challenges are an inevitable part of any renovation, and this project was no exception. An unexpectedly angled kitchen wall required rebuilding, but thanks to David and Nicola's meticulous project management, the renovation process remained smooth and efficient. Candace praises their attention to detail and careful planning, emphasising the importance of taking time during the planning stages to ensure the best use of space and resources. 


The open-plan kitchen, dining and living is bright and modern thanks to Resene Barely There. The kitchen island and cabinetry are painted in Resene Half Bokara Grey. 


Resene Barely There is the perfect contrast to the dark walnut cupboards in the kitchen, creating a space felt fresh and inviting. The kitchen island and cabinetry are painted in Resene Half Bokara Grey. 

Reflecting on the project, Candace’s passion for mid-century style shines through. Her personal style leans towards vintage and rustic, and she relished the opportunity to incorporate these elements into the home. With walnut cabinetry, blonde Scandi flooring and vintage pieces collected by the homeowners, the overall aesthetic is a harmonious blend of retro charm and modern design. Her eye for detail is evident throughout the home, but the space that really stands out as her favourite is the master bedroom. The room’s dramatic palette makes it a personal highlight.  


A bedroom in the lower part of the home features Resene Palm Green painted on the feature board and batten wall, paired with the classic white of Resene Half Rice Cake on the walls and ceiling.


The kitchen and laundry space are painted in Resene Barely There, with the ceiling in Resene Quarter Barely There. This classic white is the perfect backdrop for the timber tones and dusty pink tiles.  

In transforming this 70s brick house, Candace has not only updated its look but also created a timeless, functional space that David and Nicola can enjoy for years to come. For homeowners looking to embark on a similar journey, Candace offers this advice: "Take your time in the planning stages. Ensuring the layout, door, and window placements are spot-on is key to creating a space that functions beautifully and feels like home." 

design and images Candace Schrader, Home Candy Interiors 

Top tip: When opting for a dark shade in your home, a matte or low sheen finish like Resene SpaceCote reduces glare and gives darker hues a velvety finish. 

Keen to see what the space looked like before? Take a look: 


Before: Kitchen


Before: Bedroom


Before: Laundry


Before: Living 

Published: 03 Sep 2024

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

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Resene Barely There

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