look book
latest
habitat tv
Say goodbye to the morning scramble for keys, coats and sunglasses and hello to this… see this and more videos
blog
Reader roundup: Public murals and powder blues
A Morningside mural, an exterior refresh, and striped walls. Let these projects be your inspiration… more
Caroline and Julian from VILLA&CO.
Ceiling in Resene Quarter White Pointer, ceiling rose in White Pointer, walls in Half Evolution.
Kitchen walls in Resene Quarter Truffle, ceiling in Quarter White Pointer. Get this kitchen shade with Half Lemon Grass.
Restoring a 118-year-old villa
Many character homes have disappeared in Christchurch over the past decade, but choosing to restore rather than demolish has become a meaningful way to preserve the city’s architectural heritage.
This is a big part of VILLA&CO’s philosophy, where their work focuses on giving historic homes a new life while respecting the stories they already hold.
Their project, Gillies House, for example, is proof that thoughtful design and careful craftsmanship can transform a home to embrace modern living without leaving its history behind.
The 118-year-old villa was originally built by Inspector Gillies for his retirement home. It has been carefully rebuilt and strengthened while retaining the charm and personality that have defined it for more than a century.
Caroline and Julian from VILLA&CO.
Every colour inside and out highlights and celebrates its heritage, and still the home feels warm, contemporary and ready for another century of family life.
For Julian and Caroline from VILLA&CO, creating that balance came down to thoughtful design decisions.
“We set out to let the villa's personality speak for itself, choosing a colour palette that is both sensitive to its 118-year history and bold enough to feel fresh,” says Caroline.
“Warmth and modernity guided every decision, shaping what we now call our 118-year-old new build. Inspired by the eccentric charm of English villas, we embraced character, quirk and individuality, allowing each room to develop its own distinct identity while still feeling part of a cohesive whole.”
Exterior in Resene Truffle, roof in Ebony, decorative gable details in Dusky Pink.
Working alongside Resene Colour Consultant Jackie Nicholls, warm earthy neutrals layer with richer tones, giving each space its own personality while maintaining a cohesive flow.
Outside, the villa makes an elegant first impression. The exterior is painted in Resene Truffle and Half Truffle, decorative gable details are in Dusky Pink, while the roof is in dramatic Ebony, creating contrast that highlights the home's timeless architecture.
Hallway walls in Resene Quarter Truffle, ceiling in Half Ironsand.
Ceiling in Resene Quarter White Pointer, ceiling rose in White Pointer, walls in Half Evolution.
Inside, the hallway is wrapped in Quarter Truffle, with a striking ceiling in Half Ironsand. Crisp detailing in White Pointer across skirtings, cornices and decorative ceiling roses allows the villa's original features to shine. And the kitchen, living spaces, pantry, bathrooms and walk-in wardrobe feature the warmth of Quarter Truffle.
Living walls in Resene Half Evolution, ceiling and trims in Quarter White Pointer.
Master Bedroom walls in Resene Innocence.
The colour palette shifts subtly to suit each room. The drawing room is painted in muted green Half Evolution, while the master bedroom is a peaceful retreat in Innocence. Another bedroom features the subtle grey-pink of Del Rio, and a third bedroom pairs panelling in Malta with walls in Sandspit Brown, creating a layered, relaxed feel.
Bedroom walls in Resene Del Rio.
Bedroom walls in Resene Sandspit Brown, panelling and trims in Malta.
Underfoot, the original timber flooring has been protected with Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K, allowing the natural grain to remain a feature while providing a durable finish for everyday life.
The design choices echo VILLA&CO's broader philosophy of restoration over demolition. Rather than recreating the past exactly as it was, the rebuild and colour scheme give this remarkable villa a fresh perspective.
It proves that heritage homes can feel both authentic and contemporary.
Kitchen walls in Resene Quarter Truffle, ceiling in Quarter White Pointer. Get this kitchen shade with Half Lemon Grass.
Dining walls in Resene Quarter Truffle, ceilings in Quarter White Pointer.
Preserving character doesn't mean standing still. Thoughtful restoration, considered design and a carefully curated palette make this 118-year-old villa feel every bit as timeless as it did when it was first built.
design VILLA&CO
staging Frobisher
Resene Pro Tip:
If you’re looking to protect timber floors, but want a slight addition of colour, consider using Resene Colour Enhance. It can be added straight to your clear coat (like Qristal ClearFloor or Aquaclear) to add subtle colour. For more depth and colour, you can apply more coats.
Published: 23 Jul 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Quarter Truffle
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Half Evolution
Resene Sandspit Brown
Resene Half Lemon Grass
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 Quarter Truffle
Resene Quarter White Pointer
Resene Half Evolution
Resene Sandspit Brown
Resene Half Lemon Grass
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
