From blank walls to bold statements: Alisha’s vision for a happy and restorative home
After the trials of the pandemic and raising four preschoolers, Alisha found herself in need of a creative outlet. When her tenant vacated her cosy one-bedroom rental in Palmerston North, the timing was perfect to turn it into something special. With a modest budget but big ideas, Alisha decided to transform the space using vibrant Resene paints to create a fun, restorative and uplifting retreat.
The renovation began with a neutral canvas, choosing Resene Half Bianca for the walls, ceilings and trims. This warm, embracing white provided the perfect backdrop for Alisha’s bold vision. “The mural in the lounge inspired the entire colour palette,” she says, reflecting on how this central feature set the tone for the rest of the project.
The fleecy off-white of Resene Half Bianca creates a warm welcoming space in the living room, also creating a canvas for Alisha’s stunning artwork and mirror frame (far right) painted in Resene Fuel Yellow.
In the kitchen, Resene Half Bianca on thewalls and ceiling continues, with bursts of colour on bar stools in Resene Fuel Yellow, ReseneSurfie Green, Resene Just Right and Resene Material Girl. The kitchen island is painted in the deep blue of Resene Indian Ink.
To breathe life into the space, Alisha used splashes of colour through strategic colour blocking and painted accessories. ReseneSurfie Green and Resene Material Girl adds playful charm to bar stools and a semi-circle by the toilet, while Resene Just Right brings warmth to the bedroom wall. Resene Indian Ink lends depth to the kitchen island, while a pop of Resene Fuel Yellow makes the bathroom and lounge mirror stand out.
A pink and peach toned pastel, Resene Just Right, adorns the headboard in this bedroom, pairing beautifully with the warm white walls in Resene Half Bianca.
Wanting a playful touch in the bathroom, Alisha added a pop of colour in Resene Fuel Yellow which stands out brightly against the walls in Resene Half Bianca.
Alisha didn’t stop at walls and furniture. She upcycled wooden furniture and hand-painted accessories, pots and even small decorative animals to match the scheme. The result is a cohesive, joyful aesthetic that feels both curated and creative.
This renovation is proof that impactful design doesn’t require an extravagant budget. Using Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer (now known as Resene Laminate and Melamine Primer), Resene Wood Primer and Resene Quick Dry, Alisha prepared surfaces for the vibrant topcoats. The kitchen benchtop received a custom finish using Resene Colorwood Enhance, mixed with Resene Aquaclear for a sleek yet durable look.
In the WC, playful shapes painted in Resene Just Right and ReseneSurfie Green add to the home’s vibrant palette.
The final touches came together just in time for arriving guests, spurred on by the impending pressure of hosting. “It’s a happy little place to come for a maybe not-so-boring stay in Palmerston North,” Alisha says proudly.
Now an Airbnb, this vibrant retreat serves as a joyful escape for visitors. The playful use of colours and the personal touch of Alisha’s hard work make it more than a rental – it’s a celebration of creativity and resilience.
Top tip: If you’re thinking about adding bold and bright colours to your home, try starting with smaller elements and accessories like plant pots, vases and mirror frames. The best way to do this is buying some Resene testpots of your favourite hues to figure out what shades or colour palette you want before trying larger areas. Pick up some testpots from your local Resene ColorShop today or buy your favourites in the Resene ColorShop online.
Published: 28 Nov 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Half Bianca
Resene Half Bianca
Resene Fuel Yellow
Resene Fuel Yellow
Resene Surfie Green
Resene Surfie Green
Resene Just Right
Resene Just Right
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Material Girl
Resene Material Girl
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 Half Bianca
Resene Half Bianca
Resene Fuel Yellow
Resene Fuel Yellow
Resene Surfie Green
Resene Surfie Green
Resene Just Right
Resene Just Right
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Material Girl
Resene Material Girl
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.