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This timeless kitchen is painted in contrasting Resene Double Ironsand and Resene Double Thorndon Cream, with surrounding walls and ceiling in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
The classy antique white of Resene Double Thorndon Cream and bold shade of ReseneDouble Ironsand pair well with the marbled splashback and timber flooring.
This charming entryway with stylish décor and bold artwork is kept fresh with walls and ceiling painted in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
This living room carries the same contrasting hues of light and dark on walls and décor. The walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
The striking artwork by Tanya Stubbles features in the dining room. The ceiling is painted in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
Natural materials and earthy toned décor feature downstairs with a crisp backdrop in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
The secret to a sophisticated home? A little moody magic!
Some homes whisper, while others make a statement. This 1990s house, once cold and uninspired, has been transformed into a warm, stylish retreat thanks to the expertise of Oliver Myles Interiors. With a keen eye for detail and a Resene colour palette that balances boldness with softness, the result is a home that feels both expansive and intimate – a place where comfort meets sophistication.
The vision for this renovation was clear: to create a space that felt light-filled, inviting and detailed without being fussy. A home where family and friends could come together with ease. “We wanted to achieve a sense of grounding with a moody colour palette,” says Richelle from Oliver Myles Interiors. And the result is a refined yet relaxed aesthetic that speaks volumes – without shouting.
The kitchen underwent a dramatic transformation, with a once-separate walk-in pantry reimagined as part of the main kitchen space. Now, a beautifully functional area boasts an appliance cabinet and ample pantry storage. The V-groove detailing, two-toned colour palette in Resene Double Ironsand and Resene Double Thorndon Cream, and marble mosaic splashback, create visual interest while maintaining a calming effect.
This timeless kitchen is painted in contrasting Resene Double Ironsand and Resene Double Thorndon Cream, with surrounding walls and ceiling in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
The classy antique white of Resene Double Thorndon Cream and bold shade of Resene Double Ironsand pair well with the marbled splashback and timber flooring.
The open-plan living and dining areas are a masterclass in contrast – balancing natural textures and deep hues with moments of brightness. Cool, impersonal floor tiles were replaced with warm timber, instantly evoking a relaxed, coastal vibe. Layers of linen, boucle, leather and textured walls add depth among the charming neutrals, making every space feel curated yet effortless.
Choosing the right colour scheme was essential in bringing warmth and intimacy to the expansive home. Resene Double Ironsand on the kitchen cabinetry adds drama, while Resene Double Thorndon Cream on the kitchen back wall and pantry provides a crisp, sophisticated contrast. “Both colours are suited to the coastal aesthetic my client wanted, but without the ‘Hamptons vibe’ that has been popular here in recent years,” Richelle explains.
This charming entryway with stylish décor and bold artwork is kept fresh with walls and ceiling painted in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
This living room carries the same contrasting hues of light and dark on walls and décor. The walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
Throughout the home, the walls and ceilings are adorned in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream, a soft and inviting shade that ties everything together seamlessly. Deep ebony and flax tones further enhance the sense of warmth, proving that moody doesn’t have to mean dark and heavy, it can also be calming and cocooning.
While every design choice in this home has been intentional, one standout feature in the dining area carries extra meaning. A striking artwork by Tanya Stubbles – crafted from charred bark peeled from fire-ravaged trees after the devastating 2019/2020 South Coast bushfires – adds a layer of history and resilience to the space. This unique piece not only complements the home’s colour palette but also serves as a powerful reminder of nature’s strength and renewal.
The striking artwork by Tanya Stubbles features in the dining room. The ceiling is painted in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
Natural materials and earthy toned décor feature downstairs with a crisp backdrop in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.
Downstairs, the living space takes a chic and casual turn – proofthat an all-white palette can still exude warmth and personality. Natural materials shine in this contemporary setting, with carefully placed pops of brass elevating the look. “There’s a commitment to intensity that feels confident,” says Richelle, summing up the project’s success.
From its carefully curated colour scheme to its thoughtful design choices, this renovation is more than just a makeover – it’s a mood. A place where beauty and function harmonise, where textures invite touch and where every detail has been chosen to create a home that feels as good as it looks. And really, isn’t that what great design is all about?
design Oliver Myles Interiors
build Icon Projects NW
images Maree Homer
Top tip: Your paint finish can impact how well your chosen shades work in your home as the level of shine - whether it is gloss, semi-gloss, low sheen or flat - will change how it reflects light. When opting for a dark shade in your home, a matte or low sheen finish like Resene SpaceCote reduces glare and gives darker hues a velvety finish. For whites, it’s all about preference. A higher gloss finish, like Resene Enamacryl, will look lighter and brighter and a lower sheen finish, like Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, will make the colour look softer and more diffused. A popular option is to use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen on walls, Resene SpaceCote Flat on ceilings and Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss on trims, with Resene Enamacryl gloss on the front door.If you’re choosing gloss white finishes inside, check your lighting to make sure you don’t end up with glary areas.
Published: 01 Apr 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Double Thorndon Cream
Resene Double Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream
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 Double Thorndon Cream
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the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
