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The architects and interior designers used timber flooring in the entrance, stairwell and casual living areas and wood panelling on selected walls for its natural warmth and for the way it draws occupants in from the moment they step in the door. The walls are painted inResene Merino.
The walls and chapel ceiling of the living and dining space are painted usingResene Merino. The light and versatile off-white was chosen as a soft backdrop against the strong furniture pieces - the dark timber dining furniture, moss coloured modular sofa with combination of smoke, black and bronze cushions and the large format tile fireplace.
The kitchen cabinets were painted usingResene Triple Merino, a complex yet neutral amalgamation of bone and ash, both modest and peaceful. It’s contrasted by the tall side cabinets, painted inResene Triple Masala, a deep charcoal brown with hints of militant power.
The main bedroom features a panelled wall painted inResene Tapa, a tint of grey with complex underhues. Ali and Pip describe it as an oasis, providing a restful backdrop to the rural view beyond.
The remaining walls in the house, including this bedroom were painted using the soft and versatileResene Merino, which makes it easy to personalise each space by adding art or other effects.
Sitting alongside the soft, whiteResene Merino walls, black accents punctuate the scheme, working seamlessly with the home’s existing features. The outdoor deck area, with outdoor fireplace, upholstered outdoor furniture and sintered stone tables, has a high chapel ceiling painted inResene Merino giving a feeling of spaciousness and harmony.
The black-cedar second floor addition sits atop the original white-plastered ground floor, creating an interesting intersection between the old and the new.
Modern elegance meets mid-century charm
A revival for a beloved mid-century family home has created a refreshing and elegant space that still holds true to its roots. The addition of a second floor and the use of Resene has brought new life to this Masterton property. Sitting in amongst a swathe of native bush, its landscaped lawn and garden gives way to the view of the farm beyond.
The architects and interior designers used timber flooring in the entrance, stairwell and casual living areas and wood panelling on selected walls for its natural warmth and for the way it draws occupants in from the moment they step in the door. The walls are painted in Resene Merino.
The walls and chapel ceiling of the living and dining space are painted using Resene Merino. The light and versatile off-white was chosen as a soft backdrop against the strong furniture pieces - the dark timber dining furniture, moss coloured modular sofa with combination of smoke, black and bronze cushions and the large format tile fireplace.
Holmes Architecture and Holmes Construction collaborated on the second floor addition and Ali Brown and Pip Stephen of The Design Co. were responsible for the interior design and colour selection. Two new bedrooms and a bathroom were created on the second floor, allowing the three original downstairs bedrooms to be repurposed into a grown-up bedroom wing with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom.
Ali and Pip found the property’s wonderful rural setting allowed them to work with elements present in nature to enhance the newly introduced architectural features, as well as create an interior colour scheme that reflected natural earthy hues.
“For the interior furnishing palette we took inspiration from the gorgeous rural setting, utilising olive, rust and other earth tones to create a seamless transition between indoors and out,” say Ali and Pip.
The kitchen cabinets were painted using Resene Triple Merino, a complex yet neutral amalgamation of bone and ash, both modest and peaceful. It’s contrasted by the tall side cabinets, painted in Resene Triple Masala, a deep charcoal brown with hints of militant power.
The main bedroom features a panelled wall painted in Resene Tapa, a tint of grey with complex underhues. Ali and Pip describe it as an oasis, providing a restful backdrop to the rural view beyond.
The kitchen features a stunning Patagonia quartzite stone island set against two-tone cabinetry. Resene Triple Merino on the cabinets keeps the back wall light, but with enough complexity to keep from being stark. Resene Triple Masala on the taller cabinets blends seamlessly with the solid timber bar cabinet and woven brass metal screen.
The remaining walls in the house, including this bedroom were painted using the soft and versatile Resene Merino, which makes it easy to personalise each space by adding art or other effects.
Sitting alongside the soft, white Resene Merino walls, black accents punctuate the scheme, working seamlessly with the home’s existing features. The outdoor deck area, with outdoor fireplace, upholstered outdoor furniture and sintered stone tables, has a high chapel ceiling painted in Resene Merino giving a feeling of spaciousness and harmony.
The black-cedar second floor addition sits atop the original white-plastered ground floor, creating an interesting intersection between the old and the new.
The successful blending of modern elegance with mid-century charm in this home highlights the timeless appeal of thoughtful design and careful colour selection. The design not only revitalises this Masterton property but also ensures it remains a sanctuary for its whānau, embodying a deep sense of place and continuity for generations to come.
“Tūrangawaewae (sense of place) runs strongly through this whānau and the revival of this whare means it will continue to protect and nurture for many years to come,” say Ali and Pip.
interior design and colour Ali Brown and Pip Stephen of The Design Co.
specifier Holmes Architecture
build Holmes Construction
images Helen Gwyther Photography
Top tip: We tend to think of neutrals as whites or pale colours but dark colours can also be neutral. They add a modern edge in a home and transform a space. Look to hues that have blue edged undertones blended with charcoals, which are steely and stormy, adding mystery and moodiness. Check out Resene New Denim Blue, Resene Coast and Resene Raven. For a greener look, try Resene Swamp, Resene Tapa or Resene Masala. If you’re using dark colours outside, consider using a Resene CoolColour version of your colour to help reflect more heat.
Published: 31 Jul 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Triple Merino
Resene Triple Merino
Resene Triple Masala
Resene Triple Masala
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
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 Triple Merino
Resene Triple Merino
Resene Triple Masala
Resene Triple Masala
Resene New Denim Blue
Resene New Denim Blue
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
