A villa transformation: Breathing life into a family home

With a growing family at hand, these homeowners desperately needed more space, as well as some colour and life injected into their villa. Alongside some structural changes, gentle blues and neutrals like Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue and Resene Sea Fog were used to refresh each space.  

With the creative vision of interior designer Suzanne Allen and the expertise of Jones Architects, who designed a large extension at the back of the house, this villa has undergone a stunning transformation. 

Aiming to blend traditional villa features with modern, vibrant aesthetics, the owners' love for colour and desire for a homely yet interesting space guided the design choices. Suzanne’s design and colour curation ensured the overall aesthetic and final result reflected the owners' unique style and personality. 

The open plan kitchen and dining walls are painted in Resene Sea Fog providing a neutral backdrop and subtle contrast to the kitchen cabinetry in Resene Alabaster

Using lighter shades like Resene Sea Fog on walls allows colourful furniture pieces to stand out against the soft background colours. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Alabaster.

Using lighter shades like Resene Sea Fog on walls allows colourful furniture pieces to stand out against the soft background colours. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Alabaster.  

A noteworthy part of this renovation is the new open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. Designed to accommodate multiple family members working together, the kitchen now has the ample space it needs for cooking and food prep. The splashback tiles, featuring the owner's favourite colours of tranquil blues and greens, add a vibrant touch next to the soft neutral backdrop of the kitchen cabinetry and walls. 

A lounge dedicated just to the children allows space for play, learning and relaxation. Resene Quarter Periglacial Blue, a soft blue with a hint of green, makes this room inviting and practical, fostering creativity and comfort. The formal lounge is also painted in a similar tranquil green toned blue, Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue, making it a perfect retreat for the adults in the evening. 

The formal lounge is painted in the calming shade of Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue, with contrasting trims and ceiling in Resene Alabaster.

The formal lounge is painted in the calming shade of ReseneQuarter Robin Egg Blue, with contrasting trims and ceiling in Resene Alabaster 

The separate lounge and play area for the children is painted in Resene Quarter Periglacial Blue with trims and ceiling in Resene Alabaster.

The separate lounge and play area for the children is painted in Resene Quarter Periglacial Blue with trims and ceiling in Resene Alabaster 

Throughout the design process, the priority was to honour the client's love for colour while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Suzanne’s selected complementary hues have created a harmonious colour palette that flow seamlessly from one room to another. By balancing colour with neutral tones and considering the interplay of light, she has achieved a beautiful and calm feelingthroughout the villa. 

A vibrant purple rolled arm sofa in the living room has become a focal point, with the walls painted in Resene Sea Fog letting this piece shine.

A vibrant purple rolled arm sofa in the living room has become a focal point, with the walls painted in Resene Sea Fog letting this piece shine. 

In the hallway, a dado rail was added, with the lower part painted in Resene Alabaster and the upper part in Resene Sea Fog, enhancing the traditional feel.

In the hallway, a dado rail was added, with the lower part painted in Resene Alabaster and the upper part in Resene Sea Fog, enhancing the traditional feel. 

The thoughtful use of colouralso extended to the villa's exterior where the weatherboards are painted inResene Inside Back, a lovely grey-green, while the trims, veranda railings and fretwork werepainted in Resene Half Black White. This has createda striking contrast, highlighting the traditional villa features. The baseboards, painted in ReseneIronsand, anchor the house visually, and the front door, painted in Resene Smoulder, a deep red with slight eggplant overtones, perfectly complements the weatherboards, making the house stand out in the street. 

The grey-green of Resene Inside Back celebrates the character and history of the villa, while the front door in Resene Smoulder adds a stunning contrast and warm welcome to guests. The trims, veranda railings and fretwork are painted in Resene Half Black White accentuating the traditional villa features.

The grey-green of Resene Inside Back celebrates the character and history of the villa, while the front door in Resene Smoulder adds a stunning contrast and warm welcome to guests. The trims, veranda railings and fretwork are painted in Resene Half Black White accentuating the traditional villa features. 

The baseboards, which anchor the house, are painted in Resene Ironsand, a smoky, dark brown. The weatherboards are painted in Resene Inside Back with trims and detailing in Resene Half Black White.

The baseboards, which anchor the house, are painted in Resene Ironsand, a smoky, dark brown. The weatherboards arepainted in Resene Inside Backwith trims and detailing in Resene Half Black White. 

This villa is now a sanctuary where the owners can create lasting memories and enjoy various life stages. As the family grows and evolves, the renovated villa will adapt alongside them, ensuring it remains a cherished and beloved home for many years to come. 

design Suzanne Allen and Kirsten Roberts, Suzanne Allen Design 

architect Jones Architect 

build Harbourside Homes 

Top tip: Not sure where to start when picking a colour for your exterior? Check out these popular exterior looks created using the Resene EzyPaint virtual painting software for some inspiration. And remember if you need help, Resene Colour Experts are happy to give you advice.  Visit your local Resene ColorShop, Ask a Colour Expert online or book a consultation. You might also find the habitat plus – exterior colour schemes booklet handy to get you started on some more ideas.   

Published: 28 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 Quarter Periglacial Blue

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Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue

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Resene Inside Back

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Resene Half Black White

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