A bold and beautiful mid-century inspired home
Defying the norms of interior design, this masterpiece, crafted by visionary homeowners Jenny and Paul, showcases a symphony of unique and quirky Resene colours.
Located in Mt Pleasant, Christchurch, every detail of this home, from its inception to its completion two years later, was meticulously planned and executed by the homeowners themselves. Paul, with his expertise as a sign writer, meticulously painted every corner, infusing it with vibrancy and personality.
The living room features a custom earthy green Resene colour which the homeowners named ‘Cohen Green’ – try ReseneHighball as an alternative. Trims are painted in Resene Nero and a range of stunning mid-century furniture makes this a unique and warm space.
A mix of vibrant mid-century shades adorns the hallways. The room divider is painted in Resene Ecru White, with two custom Resene colours, ‘Cohen Green’ – try Resene Highball as an alternativeon the left and ‘Callahan Brown’ on the right– try Resene Dragon as an alternative. The ceiling is finished in ReseneAquaclear satin and trims in Resene Nero.
What sets this home apart is its bold departure from the whites and neutrals that dominate modern interiors. Paul and Jenny were determined to inject life and character into every room, banishing the mundane in favour of a kaleidoscope of hues.
Resene Ecru White, chosen for the wall dividers, serves as the sole neutral amidst a sea of vibrant tones. Drawing inspiration from their love of mid-century furnishings and local art, the couple embarked on a journey of colour exploration. Countless evenings were spent looking through Resene colour charts, teasing out shades that would complement their eclectic collection.
The result? A captivating fusion of colours that breathe warmth and personality into each space. What's truly remarkable is the couple's ingenuity in sourcing colour inspiration. Music albums and a disposable coffee cup served as unlikely muse, with Resene expertly matching these unconventional shades to perfection.
Jenny and Paul’s collection of art, crafts and memories take centre stage against the gentle custom green Resene colour, ‘Cohen Green’.
The kitchen is calming with the natural shades of greens and browns. The ply ceiling is finished in ReseneAquaclear satin, walls in Jenny and Paul’s custom made ‘Cohen Green’ - try Resene Highball as an alternative. Trims in Resene Nero.
One of the standout hues, affectionately named ‘Cohen Green’ after a Leonard Cohen album cover, evokes a sense of serenity and sophistication in the open-plan area. This verdant shade, custom-mixed by their local Resene ColorShop, has become a talking point among visitors, captivating them with its timeless allure. For a similar colour try Resene Highball or Resene Grass Hopper.
But the creativity doesn't stop there. From the hallway adorned in another custom Resene shade, ‘Callahan Brown’, inspired by a Bill Callahan album, to the opulent gold ceiling in the main bedroom, reminiscent of an underground coffee cup, every corner of this home tells a story. For a similar colour try Resene Dragon. The dark shade of Resene Nero painted on all trims works to define and accentuate the wonderful colours.
The walls in the main bedroom are in the dark, moody shade of Resene Nero, with a custom Resene gold for a touch of luxury. The ply feature wall is finished in ReseneAquaclear satin.
The ceiling and three walls in the spare bedroom are painted in the soft dusty pink of Resene Blanched Pink, complementing the existing mustard toned feature wall.
Beyond aesthetics, Paul's expertise in painting and his steadfast trust in Resene products ensured not just beauty but durability. From ReseneBroadwallWallboard Sealer to ReseneLustacrylsemi-gloss waterborne enameland ReseneAquaclearwaterborne urethane, each product was carefully selected for its quality and performance for a finish that stands the test of time.
A refreshing and calming space. The ceiling of this bathroom is painted in Resene Sail, a soft, breezy blue.
The stunning cedar exterior blends well into the natural surroundings, stained in Resene Woodsman Bushtrack with trims in Resene Pitch Black.
In a world where conformity often reigns supreme, Jenny and Paul’s home is a refreshing oasis of individuality and creativity. Their fearless embrace of colour challenges the notion that as beautiful as neutrals can be, they are often a safe choice.
One thing is abundantly clear in this duo’s home – it is a testament to the transformative power of paint and personal expression.
Top tip: Thinking of trying a mid-century colour scheme? This palette can be pretty broad, so start with bringing in rich, natural tones such as olive greens like Resene Fiji Green, mustard golds like Resene Hacienda and earthy browns like Resene Antique Brass. There’s also room for bolder, brighter shades such as burgundy-toned reds like Resene Hot Chile, teal blues like Resene Cello and dusty oranges like Resene Tuscany. Use lower sheen finishes, such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, to bring out the undertones in your colours or opt for a glossier finish with Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or Resene Enamacryl gloss to bring out the boldness of the colour and help it capture attention.
Published: 21 May 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
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Resene Blanched Pink
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
Resene Blanched Pink
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
Resene Antique Brass
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
Resene Antique Brass
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
Resene Blanched Pink
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
Resene Blanched Pink
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
Resene Antique Brass
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
Resene Antique Brass
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.