A decade of dreams: How love, patience and colour created a forever home

Purchased in 2009, this three-level home nestled on one-and-a-half acres of land has become a true labour of love for its owners.

Carlene Duffy, homeowner and interior designer at Cedar + Suede, calls her home their “big beautiful money pit”, a name that reflects both the challenges and passion invested in turning this property into their dream abode.

"Very little logic came into play when we purchased this property, it was all heart and lust,” Carlene says. “We knew then, as we know now, that as long as we were patient and content to chip away at it ourselves over 10 years, it will be a hell of place to bring up kids and eventually worth it.”

The kitchen is painted in a soft faded green with undertones of tranquillity, Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection, with ceiling in Resene Black White.

The light reflects off the walls painted in Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue, making the kitchen and dining a fresh and inviting space. The ceiling is painted in Resene Black White.

The property's evolution includes a light-filled breezeway connecting living and sleeping areas, wrapping around a central pool. This transformation has not only made the home more liveable but also a haven for future generations. The interiors, characterised by bold textures, colours and finishes, showcase a blend of styles, with rough sawn timber cladding and white window frames providing a modern barn-coastal aesthetic.

The media room is adorned with a gorgeous icy blue, Resene Botticelli, creating a calm atmosphere and surrounding charming furniture and décor.

Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue is a timeless shades that adds a gentle touch of colour and freshness to the home.

The heart of this transformation lies in the carefully chosen Resene colour palette, reflecting Carlene's personal style and the family's lifestyle. The black façade seamlessly blends with the lush green surroundings, allowing the majestic trees to shine as the true heroes. White window trims pay homage to the coastal location, creating a striking contrast against the natural landscape.

Against the stairs, Resene Mantle adorns the wall, creating a harmonious feel for this well traversed part of the home.

A delicate pearl grey, Resene Quarter Foggy Grey, graces the bathroom, creating a personal oasis for relaxation. The ceiling is painted in Resene Black White.

"The colours are truly a reflection of having the freedom to choose the colours I wanted to live with but also ones that we wouldn’t tire of," Carlene says. The blues and greens in the bedrooms gracefully extend into the common areas, creating a cohesive and harmonious atmosphere throughout the home.

A gentle pastel green, Resene Mantle, was used for the master bedroom, complementing the earthy toned décor.

A deep navy blue, Resene Madison, was used in the children’s bedrooms, providing a pop of colour and joy.

The landscaping, a crucial aspect of the project, was expertly designed by Dave Franklin to embrace a Palm Springs-inspired outdoor haven. The pool, positioned as the jewel in the crown, forms the centrepiece of the home, adding a touch of luxury to the property. This thoughtful outdoor space complements the interiors, creating a seamless transition between inside and outside living.

Bold Resene Black painted onto this home’s exterior provides a stunning contrast to the lush greenery surrounding the home. Trims are painted in Resene Black White. 

The breezeway and trims are painted in Resene Black White to open up the indoor space, while Resene Black graces the exterior.

Carlene’s home truly stands as a testament to dedication, creativity and the transformative power of colour. "I’ve borrowed what I love from different styles to create a home that is true to us," she says. The result is a vibrant, eclectic and thoroughly enjoyable home that has truly come to life over the past decade.

design Carlene Duffy, Cedar and Suede

images Mindi Cooke

Top tip: When using dark shades like Resene Black, or other popular exterior shades like Resene Nero and Resene Foundry, use the Resene CoolColour version of the colour to help reduce heat stress and damage. A Resene CoolColour reflects more of the sun’s damaging UV rays than the standard version of the colour and is especially useful when you’re opting for a dark shade.  Check with Resene ColorShop staff if a CoolColour is right for your project.

Published: 13 Mar 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 Quarter Robin Egg Blue

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Resene Black White

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