While Sarah's Remuera townhouse has a contemporary design, her love of art and antiques has given it added character. In the kitchen/dining area, for example, she has managed to mix light wood, floral art and antiques with a modern designer kitchen and aluminium bi-fold doors. Surprisingly, the two styles work perfectly together, testament to Sarah's keen eye and evidence of her previous career as a designer.

"I wanted an interior that was sophisticated but also functional, to suit modern family living," says Sarah. While she painted most of the interior Resene Spanish White, Sarah also created several feature walls throughout the home, choosing the colours to create moods (like the upbeat, bright and happy Resene Cabaret wall) and evoke styles (like the Resene Linen wall that helps to create a French Country feel in the kitchen).

How long have you lived in your home? We have lived here for four years. We were attracted to the location (only five minutes' walk to the Newmarket shops), the privacy, and the large amount of space - having two separate living rooms is especially fantastic.

Which space do you get your greatest satisfaction from? The sitting room in the afternoon - there is plenty of sun, and no TV, children or noise. It is so peaceful and relaxing.

What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look? Don't be afraid to mix a variety of styles and eras together.

What colours did you use? I used Resene Spanish White throughout the house, except for the kitchen, where I used pale green Resene Linen. It is soft and peaceful while adding a bit of colour. I also wanted to bring some individuality and personality to the children's bedrooms, so the girls have a couple of walls painted bright pink - candy pink Resene Cabaret in one, and hot pink Resene Candy Floss in the other. In the master bedroom I used a frieze from Resene to complement the simple colours and add a more personal touch.

Get the look:
Sitting rooms are the ideal place to try out subtle muted colour schemes that encourage people to sit and linger a while. Try using a flatter finish like Resene SpaceCote Flat for a soothing environment.

One of the many outdoor areas (on the top two levels, there are decks on both sides of the house) of the modern townhouse. The exterior has been painted in Resene Double Drought.

Having two living rooms means that Sarah can devote one to "the adults". Like most of the house, this room is painted in Resene Spanish White.

A child's room has two walls painted in cheerful Resene Cabaret.

A dynamic pink Resene Candy Floss feature wall packs a punch in one of the children's rooms.

In the master bedroom, a frieze (available from Resene) "adds a personal touch" to the neutral Resene Spanish White walls.