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From worn down to wonderful with charming neutrals
When property investor and renovation enthusiast Laura Goldsworthy bought her Karori home last year, it felt like stepping into another era. The house, as many do, had good bones, but decades of wear had taken their toll.
“The house was originally a 1960’s build and I purchased it in close to original condition. The structure was beautiful, but everything was worn down,” says Laura.
Rather than shy away from the scale of the project, Laura leaned into it. In fact, the renovation marked a turning point in her career. “I did work in sales and business development, but am now renovating houses full time after years of doing it part time.”
Living room painted in Resene White Pointer with ceiling and trims in Half Black White.
Walls in Resene White Pointer, ceiling and trims in Half Black White.
The transformation was no small undertaking, especially with Laura completing it all herself after being made redundant from her job. “It is all done up and ready for a family to move in now as it’s too big for my current life plans.”
Inside, Laura set out to create an atmosphere that felt calm, open and timeless. “I wanted a light, airy and peaceful vibe, leaving space for sunlight and nature to stream in through the windows. I am a longtime fan of Resene Half Black White for ceilings which I also used on all framing, skirting and architraves.”
Kitchen walls in Resene White Pointer with ceiling and trims in Half Black White.
Entryway and stairwell in Resene White Pointer with ceiling and trims in Half Black White.
For the walls, she turned to a shade that had captured her attention years earlier. “I fell in love with Resene White Pointer about five years ago at a friend’s property and have never looked back.”
This soft neutral now flows throughout most of the home, creating a cohesive backdrop for the other design features Laura introduced. “I love a neutral palette for the majority of spaces, something timeless and effortless, with little spritzes of colour and character in the finishings.”
Bedroom painted in Resene White Pointer, ceiling in Half Black White.
Bedroom painted in Resene White Pointer, ceiling in Half Black White.
A restrained colour scheme allowed Laura to highlight some of the home’s standout elements such as lush Italian tiles, metallic finishings and the expanse of native wood flooring which runs through the property.
One room, however, tells a slightly different colour story. The master bedroom sits beside the backyard, where native wildlife often makes an appearance. Laura wanted the space to echo that natural setting.
Walls in Resene Woodrush with ceiling and trims in Half Black White.
“This room connects directly to the back yard filled with native wildlife and fauna overflowing from the Zelandia Nature park which almost borders the property. Here I wanted to bring the comforting peace of the trees inside, and this was achieved with Resene Woodrush.
“The master bedroom, once the darkest corner of the house it is now a cosy, and comforting home base to retreat to. With the dark green embracing the space and provoking a feeling of calm and peace.”
Bathroom painted in Resene White Pointer.
Outside, Laura took the same thoughtful approach. “I wanted something that wouldn’t date and would fit into the classic palettes of the street in Karori and work in harmony with the native landscape around it. In the end, Resene Eighth Truffle was the choice, and I adore it.”
Exterior painted in Resene Eighth Truffle.
“This is the biggest project I have ever done, just the sheer volume of windows to be painted, square metreage of ceilings to be rolled and walls was a lot for one person to tackle!”
Still, paint has always been at the heart of her projects. “I have been a Resene fan since my first project when I was 19, almost every cent of my wages from when I was about 17 went into property and renovations and Resene paints.”
Her favourite shade remains a quiet hero of the palette. “Half White Pointer. It just feels calming, goes with everything and is so effortlessly timeless.”
With the renovation complete, the Karori home is ready for its next family. But meanwhile, Laura has already moved on to her next challenge. “I’m already getting a start on my next project, a 1910’s railway cottage in Lower Hutt that I have moved into.”
For Laura, it seems the renovation journey is just getting started.
design Laura Goldsworthy, @goldiesrenos
contributors Tomgas Plumbing, Zues Tiling, Tim Tooney Electrical, JB Kitchens and Bramco
Wondering what this home looked like before? See below:
Resene professional recommendation:
The walls in many older homes have multiple layers of paint and along with the usual wear and tear of daily life are rough and imperfect. Resene Broadwall Surface Prep and Seal was developed to improve the wall surface before top-coating. It is a high-build paint that sands easily, creating an ideal base for painting. It is perfect to use in one or two coats after stripping away wallpaper. Use a low sheen or flat finish to recreate the look of a new smooth wall.
Published: 09 Apr 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene White Pointer
Resene Half Black White
Resene Eighth Truffle
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 White Pointer
Resene Half Black White
Resene Eighth Truffle
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
