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Resene Albescent White painted on the walls helps to accentuate the modern design and stunning curves of the home, while Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream on the ceiling and traditional features highlights the heritage elements.
In the hallway, the lighter hue of Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream highlights the heritage details and ceiling. The trims are painted in Resene Thorndon Cream and walls in Resene Albescent White, a shade that blends well with the wooden flooring.
A light and white neutral inspired by fine wool, Resene Alpaca, graces the walls in this bedroom, providing a subtle contrast against the trims and heritage panelling behind the bed painted in Resene Thorndon Cream and ceiling in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
The earthy tones in the fabrics pair dreamily with the wallspainted in Resene Alpaca creating a warm and inviting space to rest. The panelling and trims are in Resene Thorndon Cream and ceiling in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
The kitchen provides a playful touch with an island in Resene Gull Grey, adding an almost violet hue against the walls in Resene Albescent White. The trims are painted in Resene Thorndon Cream and ceiling in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
The bespoke fireplace with a handy integrated minibar offers a unique and elegant touch to this space. The walls are painted in Resene Albescent White with trims in Resene Thorndon Cream.
The exterior weatherboards are painted in Resene Half Alabaster and joinery in Resene Alabaster. The roof is in Resene Gull Grey.
Heritage meets modern: Inside a remarkable villa makeover in Kingsland
Once a derelict student flat teetering on the edge of demolition, this Kingsland villa has been transformed into a luxurious family home, thanks to the vision and expertise of Jess Driver and Thomas Ward. Central to its revival, Resene paints played a pivotal role in creating a sophisticated, light-filled haven that respects the villa's 1920s heritage while embracing modern design.
This remarkable renovation was a labour of love for Jess and Thomas, who combined their skills of design and architecture to breathe new life into the property. The home now boasts an additional bedroom, a new entryway, a walk-in scullery and an open-plan extension that flows seamlessly into multiple outdoor spaces. Custom features, such as a bespoke fireplace with an integrated minibar, elegant archways and heritage-inspired detailing, ensure this villa stands out as a masterpiece of thoughtful design.
Resene Albescent White painted on the walls helps to accentuate the modern design and stunning curves of the home, while Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream on the ceiling and traditional features highlights the heritage elements.
In the hallway, the lighter hue of Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream highlights the heritage details and ceiling. The trims are painted in Resene Thorndon Cream and walls in Resene Albescent White, a shade that blends well with the wooden flooring.
The colour scheme was designed to brighten the once-dark villa while maintaining its character. Inside, the walls are painted in Resene Albescent White from the Karen Walker Paints collection, creating a neutral backdrop that enhances architectural details and allows the warm richness of wooden floors to shine.
In the bedrooms, Resene Alpaca introduces a subtle contrast, while Resene Thorndon Cream on trims and heritage panelling pays homage to the home’s historical charm. High ceilings, painted in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream, further amplify the sense of space and tranquillity.
A light and white neutral inspired by fine wool, Resene Alpaca, graces the walls in this bedroom, providing a subtle contrast against the trims and heritage panelling behind the bed paintedin ReseneThorndon Cream and ceiling in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
The earthy tones in the fabrics pair dreamily with the walls painted in Resene Alpaca creating a warm and inviting space to rest. The panelling and trims are in Resene Thorndon Cream and ceiling in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
The kitchen serves as a testament to this cohesive colour story. Its island, painted in Resene Gull Grey, harmonises with grey flecks in the stone benchtop and fireplace, creating a unified aesthetic.
The kitchen provides a playful touch with an island in Resene Gull Grey, adding an almost violet hue against the walls in Resene Albescent White. The trims are painted in Resene Thorndon Cream and ceiling in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
The bespoke fireplace with a handy integrated minibar offers a unique and elegant touch to this space. The walls are painted in Resene Albescent White with trims in Resene Thorndon Cream.
The exterior, meanwhile, reflects a traditional yet fresh approach, with Resene Half Alabaster weatherboards providing a crisp, clean look. Adding a playful touch, the front door painted in Resene Moccasin introduces a burst of terracotta warmth that hints at the creativity within.
The home’s thoughtful use of Resene colours bridges the gap between its storied past and its vibrant future. Jess and Thomas carefully balanced cool and warm tones to highlight the villa’s heritage panelling while giving the interior a modern, sophisticated edge. This balance extends to the exterior, where Resene Gull Grey on the roof complements the neutral palette below and offers added durability against the elements.
This comprehensive renovation didn’t stop at the walls and trims. The property’s landscaping was reimagined to create private outdoor spaces that blend beautifully with the home’s aesthetic. Mature trees, strategic fencing, and a generous lawn ensure the exterior is as welcoming and functional as the interiors.
The exterior weatherboards are painted in Resene Half Alabaster and joinery in Resene Alabaster. The roof is in Resene Gull Grey.
Renovating their own home came with unique challenges for Jess and Thomas, especially with two toddlers in tow during construction. Yet their dedication to creating a harmonious space has resulted in a villa that is as warm and welcoming as it is visually stunning.
The colours chosen by Jess and Thomas bring this villa’s story to life, proving that even the most neglected properties can become extraordinary with vision, effortand the right hues.
design Jess Driver and Thomas Ward, I Am Developer
images Taylor Wilson
Top tip:Thinking white but not sure which finish to use? Your paint finish can impact how well your chosen white works in your room as the level of shine – whether it is gloss, semi-gloss, low sheen or flat – will change how it reflects light. A higher gloss finish, like ReseneEnamacryl, will look lighter and brighterand the high gloss makes it easy to clean. A lower sheen finish, like ReseneSpaceCote Low Sheen, will make the colour look softer and more diffusedand helps to hide imperfections.
A popular option is to use ReseneSpaceCote Low Sheen on walls, ReseneSpaceCote Flat on ceilings and ReseneLustacryl semi-gloss on trims, with ReseneEnamacryl gloss on the front door.
Published: 08 Jan 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Albescent White
Resene Albescent White
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
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 Albescent White
Resene Albescent White
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Thorndon Cream
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
