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The fleecy hue of Resene Quarter Bianca brightens the kitchen and dining and provides a stunning contrast to the cabinets painted in Resene Gunmetal.
The bold Resene Gunmetal gives this kitchen a modern, chic feel. The walls, ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Quarter Bianca.
The hallway is clean and crisp painted in Resene Quarter Bianca, complementing the warm timber flooring.
The clean lines in the bathroom and dark fixtures provide a stunning contrast to the walls, ceiling and trims painted in Resene Quarter Bianca.
The new laundry is now a practical yet visually appealing space, painted in Resene Quarter Bianca.
From retro to refined: A modern refresh for a 1970s home
When it comes to transforming a dated home into a modern masterpiece, the colour scheme truly steals the show in this inspired project. Interior designer Stacy Middleton from Studio Reno chose bold yet balanced Resene hues, marrying the home’s original character with a sleek Scandinavian aesthetic.
The heart of the design lies in the bold embrace of Resene Gunmetal, a deep and moody hue that set the tone for the home. This dramatic shade flows effortlessly through the interiors, with Resene Quarter Bianca providing a soft, complementary backdrop on walls and trims. The effect is a harmonious balance between dark and light, creating spaces that feel cosy yet open, modern yet timeless.
The fleecy hue of Resene Quarter Bianca brightens the kitchen and dining and provides a stunning contrast to the cabinets painted in Resene Gunmetal.
The bold Resene Gunmetal gives this kitchen a modern, chic feel. The walls, ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Quarter Bianca.
The kitchen is a particular standout. By reimagining the layout and removing a door to the laundry, the space was given room to breathe, with a striking marble-tiled feature wall stealing the spotlight at the far end. Shaker-profile cabinetry, painted to match Resene Gunmetal, ties everything together with understated elegance. The result is a kitchen that feels both functional and undeniably stylish – a true centrepiece for the home.
The drama continues in the powder room, where Venetian plaster in Resene Gunmetal, envelops the walls and ceiling for a luxurious, cocoon-like effect. It’s a bold move that pays off, turning a small space into a show-stopping feature. Meanwhile, the primary bathroom continues the palette with tiles that echo Resene Gunmetal’s depth, proving that cohesion can be anything but boring.
The hallway is clean and crisp painted in Resene Quarter Bianca, complementing the warm timber flooring.
Resene Gunmetal carries through to the toilet with a low sheen for a velvety feel.
Stacy’s design brief was clear: the clients desired a minimalist, masculine aesthetic with clean lines and natural materials. The colour palette was crafted through close collaboration, with inspiration drawn from a previous Studio Reno project.
Beyond the striking interiors, the renovation paid homage to the home’s 1970s roots while introducing contemporary touches. It’s a delicate dance of old and new, with thoughtful design elements that bridge the decades seamlessly. Natural materials like wood and stone add texture and depth, while clean lines and modern finishes ensure the space feels fresh and current.
The clean lines in the bathroom and dark fixtures provide a stunning contrast to the walls, ceiling and trims painted in Resene Quarter Bianca.
The new laundry is now a practical yet visually appealing space, painted in Resene Quarter Bianca.
For Stacy, Resene Cab Sav, a rich and luxurious red, might be a personal festive-season favourite, but Resene Gunmetal certainly deserves the spotlight in this project. Every brushstroke of paint tells a story of transformation, from the dramatic powder room to the serene kitchen and beyond.
As Stacy describes it, Studio Reno’s approach is about creating spaces that feel both refined and lived in. This home is no exception. Every element of the renovation contributed to crafting a space that feels thoughtfully designed, functional and welcoming.
It’s a reminder that even a home built decades ago can be refreshed into a sanctuary of style and substance – and sometimes, all it takes is a little collaboration, creativity and the perfect shade of Resene colour.
design Stacy Middleton, Studio Reno
contributors Christie Construction, Temple Tiling, Phoenix Plastering and Adios Asbestos
Top tip: When opting for a dark shade in your home, a matte or low sheen finish like Resene SpaceCote reduces glare and gives darker hues a velvety finish.
Published: 05 Dec 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Bianca
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 Quarter Bianca
Resene Quarter Bianca
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
