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Charming linen-toned white, Resene Half Albescent White, adorns the walls in this home, with Resene Quarter Albescent Whitepainted on the ceiling and trims.
Resene Half Albescent White creates the perfect backdrop for the homeowners’ personal items and earthy toned décor.
This kitchen is bright and modern, with neutral tones for a timeless, clean feel. The ceiling is painted in Resene Quarter Albescent White.
A bold, earthy hue, Resene Raptor, was used in the media room, pairing well with the wooden panels and natural toned accessories. The ceiling is painted in Resene Quarter Albescent White.
The muted yet striking hue of Resene Double Lemon Grass adorns the walls in this bedroom, with green toned bedding for a harmonious feel. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Quarter Albescent White.
In another bedroom, the blue green of Resene Boulder creates a calm and inviting atmosphere. The ceiling is painted in Resene Quarter Albescent White.
An elegant master bedroom features Resene Wallpaper with bold accents and walls in the charming Resene Half Ash.
Creating a cohesive feel between spaces, the main bathroom was also painted in Resene Boulder, pairing beautifully with the dark cabinetry.
This bathroom feels like a serene retreat with earthy toned tiles creating a cocooning effect. To offset the darker elements, Resene Quarter Albescent White was used on the ceiling and trims to add brightness and lift the space.
The gorgeous dusty hue of Resene Half Ash envelopes the master bedroom, with floor-to-ceiling drapes for an effortless, restful space.
A home designed with heart, soul and just the right shades of colour
When homeowners Lynn and Keith embarked on their first new build, they were excited but also overwhelmed by the challenge of incorporating their diverse collection of furniture and art into a modern home. Having previously lived in both New Zealand and China, they had amassed a unique array of treasured pieces but struggled to envision how everything could come together cohesively.
Enter interior designer Tessa Simpson, who reassured them from the start. "I think I saw something they couldn’t see, reassuring them I would help create a home that reflected who they were and allowed their special pieces of art and furniture to have a place within their new home," Tessa says.
Completed by the skilled team at David Reid Homes, Oamaru, the home was designed with comfort and warmth at its core. "The brief was to create a cosy, homely space that the grandchildren would feel comfortable visiting and that Lynn and Keith could relax and enjoy for years to come," says Tessa. This meant balancing warm whites, natural greens and textured elements like wood panelling.
Charming linen-toned white, Resene Half Albescent White, adorns the walls in this home, with Resene Quarter Albescent Whitepainted on the ceiling and trims.
Resene Half Albescent White creates the perfect backdrop for the homeowners’ personal items and earthy toned décor.
To establish a harmonious flow, Tessa first mapped out the placement of feature walls and panelling. "I wanted to create points of interest as you make your way through the home whilst still retaining an overall cohesive feel," she says. The result is a home that feels layered and intentional, with each room offering a unique atmosphere while still contributing to a unified aesthetic.
A sophisticated base of Resene Quarter Albescent White painted on the ceilings and trims, paired with Resene Half Albescent White on the walls of the kitchen, living and dining areas, sets a warm yet modern tone. "These colours allowed the black and oak details we had selected for these spaces to pop and the height of the raked ceiling to be fully appreciated without distraction," says Tessa.
This kitchen is bright and modern, with neutral tones for a timeless, clean feel. The ceiling is painted in Resene Quarter Albescent White.
A bold, earthy hue, Resene Raptor, was used in the media room, pairing well with the wooden panels and natural toned accessories. The ceiling is painted in Resene Quarter Albescent White.
In the media room, a bold shift to Resene Raptor on the walls, trims and internal door creates a cocooning effect. "I wanted the media room to feel moody and masculine," she says.
Moving through the hallway, each bedroom introduces its own distinct character. One is painted in Resene Double Lemon Grass, a muted green that provides a calming retreat for guests. In contrast, another features Resene Boulder, chosen to complement an existing grey headboard with its dynamic undertones of grey, blue and green. The same shade carries into the main bathroom, where it pairs effortlessly with grey tiles and a black vanity.
The muted yet striking hue of Resene Double Lemon Grass adorns the walls in this bedroom, with green toned bedding for a harmonious feel. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Quarter Albescent White.
In another bedroom, the blue green of Resene Boulder creates a calm and inviting atmosphere. The ceiling is painted in Resene Quarter Albescent White.
An elegant master bedroom features a Resene Wallpaper, with bold accents and walls in the charming Resene Half Ash.
In the master suite, Tessa aimed for a luxurious, hotel-like ambiance. The colour scheme was curated around a striking black headboard, bold Resene wallpaper and pendant lights adding an element of drama. To balance this richness, floor-to-ceiling curtains introduce softness, while Resene Half Ash on the walls offers subtle depth. "At first glance, Resene Half Ash appears to be a soft dusty grey. However, when the sunlight hits it, you see an ever so subtle green hue dance across the room," Tessa says. The ensuite continues this theme, incorporating green, grey and black tones to create a seamless transition.
Creating a cohesive feel between spaces, the main bathroom was also painted in Resene Boulder, pairing beautifully with the dark cabinetry.
This bathroom feels like a serene retreat with earthy toned tiles creating a cocooning effect. To offset the darker elements, Resene Quarter Albescent White was used on the ceiling and trims to add brightness and lift the space.
The gorgeous dusty hue of Resene Half Ash envelopes the master bedroom, with floor-to-ceiling drapes for an effortless, restful space.
“Thankfully we didn’t strike too many issues during the build,” Tessa says. “I was grateful to work alongside an awesome team of trades that communicated well when it came to installing the interior elements and were happy to work together to create the desired outcome.”
By thoughtfully balancing bold statements with restraint, Tessa has created a home that not only embraces Lynn and Keith’s past but also provides a refined, inviting space for their future. It’s a testament to the power of carefully curated colour and design, proving that even the most eclectic of collections can find harmony in a modern setting.
design Tessa Simpson, Waitaki Interiors
build David Reid Homes
paint Darryn Stewart Painters and Decorators
tiling Sullivan Martin
joinery Firman Joinery
images Rachel Wybrow
Top tip: When opting for a darker shade in your home – for a media room or bedroom feature wall – a matte or low sheen finish like Resene SpaceCote reduces glare and gives darker hues a velvety finish.
Published: 27 Mar 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Half Albescent White
Resene Half Albescent White
Resene Quarter Albescent White
Resene Quarter Albescent White
Resene Double Lemon Grass
Resene Double Lemon Grass
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
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Resene Half Albescent White
Resene Half Albescent White
Resene Quarter Albescent White
Resene Quarter Albescent White
Resene Double Lemon Grass
Resene Double Lemon Grass
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
