Darren and Lee's Inner-City Oasis

After living in their Californian bungalow for 17 years, Darren and Lee wanted to create a private backyard haven that would inspire them to relax and unwind. By using every inch of space available to them, they were able to build a pavilion spacious enough to incorporate a spacious seating area and kitchen, and even managed to find room for a small swimming pool. This urban sanctuary has been given an exotic, tropical feeling by the use of Resene Hyperactive orange, Resene Secret Garden olive, and Resene Foundry charcoal, all carefully chosen to complement the natural textiles, leafy palms, Buddhist-style sculpture and water feature. The open-air kitchen comes complete with a fridge and barbecue, and a flat-screen television can be viewed from the seating area. With a spa bath adjoining the swimming pool, this now feels less like a backyard and more like a luxury resort.

Where did your inspiration come from? 

The main influence was the Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe, the less-is-more guy. It is a simple but elegant structure, known as one of the most important houses of the 20th century. His was in the same steel as mine, but the original is white and mine is black.

Why did you make the colour scheme choices? 

The bold colours were inspired by Mondrian. The olive is a nice "muddy" tone which ties all the mediums together.

What was the greatest success in the renovation? 

The blending of the two eras on the small land parcel – and maintaining privacy when and where required in a busy inner-city suburb.

Which space do you get your greatest satisfaction from? 

The rear pavilion room and adjoining family and kitchen rooms. They are the nucleus of our home for everyone from family (including our loved labradoodle Meg) to visitor and friends.

What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look? 

Do not be dissuaded by trades people to not strive for the little details. Close enough is not good enough, and if something needs to be redone, do it, as it will come back to haunt you after all the noise and the workers have moved on.

Published: 18 May 2015

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.

Black and bold

orange paint, orange wall, black paint, feature wall

A block of Resene Foundry perfectly offsets an ornate mirror.

Wonder wall

pavilion, orange paint, black paint, timber, feature wall, garden

A curved wall in vertical square slatted timber batons, painted Resene Hyperactive orange, is a strong focal feature of the pavilion.

An urban sanctuary

swimming pool, pavilion, exterior, orange paint, black paint, charcoal paint, contemporary garden

This urban sanctuary has been given an exotic, tropical feeling by the use of Resene Hyperactive orange, Resene Secret Garden olive, and Resene Foundry charcoal.

pictures

Architectural Specifier: Shearmagic Landscape Design http://www.shearmagic.com.au/ Photographer: Robert Barker

Water water everywhere

swimming pool, outdoor pool, exterior, water feature, grey wall, grey tiles

Although it's hard to see it in this picture, the tiled wall beside the pool is actually also a water feature, with water running down its block-patterned surface.

Just hanging around

pavilion, orange paint, hanging char, feature wall, timber, contemporary garden, modern exterior

A hanging cane basket chair was a must-have for Darren and Lee, who wanted the space to incorporate their favourite creature comforts.

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Resene Hyperactive

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Resene Secret Garden

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the look

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