Bold and beautiful: A Wellington home bathed in colour

Nestled into the side of a Wellington hill, this stunning multilevel home offers a bold and inviting retreat for its owners, who moved from Sydney and wanted to bring a splash of colour to their new space. Sitting below street level, the home’s iron roof is the first thing you notice from the road, but step inside and you’re greeted with vibrant Resene shades and a thoughtfully designed interior, perfectly framing the spectacular views Wellington is known for. 

When the new owners arrived, they had a clear vision in mind. Their Sydney home had a bright, cheerful colour scheme they loved, and they wanted to recreate something equally as lively in Wellington. However, the design had to consider the differences in light between New Zealand and Australia. Debra De Lorenzo, the interior designer behind this transformation, embraced the couple’s passion for colour while creating a scheme that suited the softer light of New Zealand and the home’s unique location. 


In the main area, Resene Cod Grey gives the space depth and drama, while the contrasting tones of Resene Double Alabaster on the ceiling and trims brings a light, airy feel.  


The bold hue of Resene Cod Grey is the perfect backdrop for the homeowners’ artwork and lush greenery. The neutral walls are painted in Resene Half Tana, and ceiling and trims in Resene Double Alabaster 

Upon entering through the front door, painted in the vibrant Resene Bilbao, you’re greeted by the deep blue of Resene Indian Ink on walls, serving as the perfect backdrop for the couple’s collection of colourful Australian Indigenous artworks. The space feels bold yet refined, setting the tone for the rest of the house. Off the foyer, the study offers both a calming retreat and a stunning view, with walls painted in rich Resene Loch Ness, a hue that complements the outdoor greenery. 


The front door is painted in Resene Bilbao, a fantastic sharp green, contrasting against the walls in Resene Indian Ink and trims in Resene Double Alabaster 


The deep green blue of Resene Loch Ness adorns the walls in the office, with doors and trims in Resene Double Alabaster 

The internal layout was carefully reworked to maximise the home’s stunning views. The kitchen was relocated to make the most of these vistas, with the added bonus of what might be the best walk-in pantry view in Wellington. With its dark cabinets painted in Resene Jaguar, the kitchen is anchored by rich, earthy tones, which blend beautifully with the terracotta and red décor in the lounge. Timber flooring further grounds the space and provides a warm, organic contrast to the vibrant walls. 


The master bedroom is painted in Resene Arthouse, a chic deep red that complements the headboard and artwork.  

Debra’s use of colour flows effortlessly through the house. The living room fireplace wall is painted in moody Resene Cod Grey, a striking contrast to the bright greens of the outdoors. The playful touches continue in the child’s bedroom, where an array of bright pastels was carefully curated to bring joy and energy to the space. 


This playful child’s room is painted in bright hues, including Resene Bowie, Resene Studio, Resene Dancing Girl, Resene Riptide and Resene Witch Haze. 


Colourful hues evoke learning and playfulness in the children's bedroom, painted in Resene Bowie, Resene Studio, Resene Dancing Girl, Resene Riptide and Resene Witch Haze.

Every corner of the house has its own character, each room a perfect balance of functionality and flair. This home is a celebration of colour, a reflection of the owners’ vibrant personalities and a perfect fusion of art and design. It’s proof that bold choices, when thoughtfully executed, can create a warm, welcoming and truly unique space. 

design Debra De Lorenzo Design 

images Paul McCredie 

Top tip: If you’re planning to go for a colourful mix in your project, make sure you test the colours in the spaces you plan to use them in using Resene testpots. Paint two coats onto large A2 card leaving an unpainted border around the edge, then move the sample around the room to see how it looks at different times of the day. 

Published: 09 Oct 2024

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.

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Resene Double Alabaster

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Resene Dancing Girl

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