Daring to dream in colour: A 1940s state house makeover
In a lovely Wellington neighbourhood stands a 1940s state house, a canvas of history and potential that caught the eye of Emma and Simon. Unfazed by the mish-mashed interior and outdated colours, they took on the challenge of redefining their living space using a unique and stunning palette of Resene paint colours.
Initially boasting 1940s charm, the house had undergone several changes over the years. Emma recounts the odd walls, lost features and an outdated late-90s colour scheme of lime greens, buttery yellows and questionable purples that had lingered for far too long. Drawn more by the location and space than the house's aesthetic, Emma, Simon and their two children, Joshua and Nia, now have a home that is truly theirs.
Colour selection played a pivotal role in breathing new life into the home. The living room, painted in serene Resene Merino, and Resene Double Alabaster on doors and trims, is a harmonious blend. A bold move was the Resene Haven accented dining area, providing a distinctive and unique touch. The removal of carpet in the living room also saw the choice of Resene Drought, a warm dusty beige, being used on the floor, marking one of their most recent triumphs.
The couple's love for colour and a collection of global artworks guided their choice of a neutral base with splashes of bold Resene greens and blues. A Resene colour consultant played a crucial role in crafting the initial palette, providing a foundation for the evolving interior.
Describing their style as ‘eclectic’ and ‘lived-in’, Emma notes the inevitability of a home with young children not adhering to magazine perfection. Their house is a vibrant expression of their personalities - a living space that tells a story.
The recently transformed living and dining area steals the spotlight as their current favourite space. The painted floor brought a newfound brightness and modernity, proving the impact of thoughtful design. The laundry, an original project, stands as a testament to their DIY prowess, evolving from a storage cupboard to a functional and stylish space.
Emma's self-taught plastering skills, acquired through YouTube tutorials, stand out as a significant achievement. The mishmash of various flooring and wall surfaces posed the biggest challenge, requiring creativity to unify them seamlessly.
Resene Coast is one of this duo’s favourite colours, gracing the kitchen and laundry with its deep blue allure. It's a hue that resonates with them, adding character to their living spaces.
As for the future, a potential makeover for eight-year-old Joshua's room is on the horizon, promising to inject a splash of colour into the last untouched space. Emma and Simon also hope to rebuild the deck and restore the original rimu floorboards in the hallway, with a well-deserved break afterward to savour the fruits of their labour.
Emma and Simon's home shows us the transformative power of colour, turning a dated canvas into a vibrant tapestry of personal expression and colourful character.
Top tip: Using bold Resene colours can really liven up and add depth to a space. Consider first what functions you're going to be using the room for: is it a cosy retreat, a lounge for entertaining or somewhere practical for getting work done? Decades of studies have shown that the colour you choose in a space impacts your mood when you're in it, so you'll want to select one that brings the right vibe for the activity at hand. A strong colour scheme that showcases deeper, more saturated colours can elicit a strong emotional response. Certain bold shades create feelings of security and comfort while others may feel too heavy or even closed in. If you need more help deciding which colours are right for you, book a Resene Colour Consultation, www.resene.com/colourconsult, with a Resene Colour Expert, virtually, instore or at home or Ask a Resene Colour Expert online, www.resene.com/colourexpert.
Published: 06 Dec 2023
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Merino
Resene Haven
Resene Drought
Resene Drought
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Coast
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Xanadu
Resene Bismark
Resene Bismark
Resene Wafer
Resene Eighth Drought
Resene Eighth Drought
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Merino
Resene Haven
Resene Drought
Resene Drought
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Double Alabaster
Resene Coast
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Sea Fog
Resene Xanadu
Resene Bismark
Resene Bismark
Resene Wafer
Resene Eighth Drought
Resene Eighth Drought
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.