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Colour takes centre stage at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
In the exhibition, Picasso: Designed by Paul Smith, colour becomes part of the story.
Picasso: Designed… more
Warm neutrals and earthy greens for a nature-inspired Wellington home
Earthy Resene colours, beautiful native timbers and a thoughtful renovation have given this Wellington home a new lease of life, all while keeping its original character intact.
Located in Karori, Wellington, this 1940s home has been thoughtfully transformed by INLINE Design & Build into a warm, welcoming retreat. A true showcase of nature, colour and craftsmanship coming together.
The renovation focused on making the most of the home's existing footprint, with a clever reconfiguration of main living spaces to provide a more open, connected environment without the need for an extension.
A few key walls were removed to improve the flow between rooms, creating a home that feels spacious and contemporary while retaining the charm and character of its past.
Kitchen and dining painted in Resene Half Tea.
At the heart of the design is where colour and texture reside. The homeowners wanted an inviting, harmonious interior that included rich, enveloping tones and plenty of personality.
One of the homeowners is a practising weaver, and their appreciation for textiles helped shape the colour palette. Just like the layers of woven fabric, the paint colours build depth through subtle tonal variation.
Living room painted in Resene Half Tea.
The home's elevated position and established gardens also played an important role. Surrounded by mature greenery, the property has an almost treehouse-like quality which inspired a palette of earthy greens and warm neutrals that connects the interior with the natural landscape outside.
In the kitchen, living and dining areas, Resene Half Tea in a SpaceCote Flat finish provides a soft, understated backdrop. This versatile neutral brings warmth to the open-plan spaces, and complements the timber flooring, cabinetry and carefully chosen furnishings.
Kitchen and dining painted in Resene Half Tea, feature wall on left in Lichen.
A striking feature wall in Lichen, finished in SpaceCote Low Sheen, adds a deeper, earthy green to the living area. Paired with a vintage timber sideboard, framed artwork and lush indoor plants, this colour creates a cosy, grounded atmosphere.
Feature wall painted in Resene Lichen.
The connection to nature continues throughout the home, with each room given its own subtle colour identity.
In the study, Resene Piazza in SpaceCote Low Sheen creates a warm, earthy backdrop for the custom built-in desk and shelving. Timber detailing, black wall lights and carefully arranged objects bring personality to a practical space.
Study walls painted in Resene Piazza.
The guest bedroom features Grey Olive, while another bedroom is painted in Awaroa Bay. These muted, nature-inspired hues offer a sense of calm and comfort, allowing the rooms to feel distinct while remaining connected to the home's palette.
Half Tea also continues into the bathroom, providing a gentle contrast to the tiled surfaces, timber accents and darker vanity.
Bathroom painted in Resene Half Tea.
Beyond the colour palette, the thoughtful reuse of native timber is one of the home's defining features.
Reclaimed rimu has been carefully salvaged and restored. It finds new life in custom cabinetry and the beautifully renewed original flooring. Its rich, honey-toned grain brings natural warmth to the interiors and provides a meaningful connection to the home's history.
Walls in Resene Grey Olive.
Modern additions, including streamlined kitchen cabinetry, integrated storage and contemporary lighting, sit comfortably alongside vintage furniture, handcrafted pieces and treasured objects.
Through considered design, tactile materials and a beautifully layered colour palette, this Karori home has been given a fresh chapter without losing the character that makes it so special.
Design INLINE Build & Design
Painting Viet Duc Painting
Images Nick George Photography
Resene Pro Tip:
Choosing the right paint finish can make all the difference to your interiors. Resene SpaceCote Flat offers a smooth, sophisticated finish that helps soften the appearance of surface imperfections, it’s also great for ceilings as it minimises glare. Additionally, Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen provides a subtle lustre that's ideal for busy family spaces. Both offer excellent washability, making them practical choices for beautiful, lived-in homes.
Published: 29 Oct 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
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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.
