Diane dresses her new build to perfection
It all started with a dress. A summery number with a pattern of cherry red hibiscus and lush green leaves. And when Diane Norman met with an interior designer to talk about the colour palette for her family's new home, it was that dress that sparked the initial scheme.
The brand new Masterton home was built by Jennian Homes and sits on the northern edge of Masterton looking across the valley at the Tararua ranges.
It's painted mostly in soft brown Resene Quarter Pravda, with splashes of green on the walls. Red features in the cushions, lighting and bedware, bringing the colours of the dress from the wardrobe to the whole home.
Diane tells us more.
How did you decide on the overall look of the interiors?
Upon seeing my dress, along with my iPad’s scrapbook, that accompanied me to the first consultation, our interior design consultant Stella Lennox of Lennox Design immediately fell into the brief... and over two or three further sessions, we nailed it.
She supplied three choices for each selection – the family room feature wall, lounge, and the main bold neutral used through the great room and hallways. Again, three choices for the spare bedrooms and a different set of three for the master bedroom.
Both colours were to be a complementary neutral to the rest of the house but of differing temperatures and depths of warmth. In each instance, our colour preferences were in sync.
What part of the house are you happiest with?
The living area has been amazing. It's such an inclusive space, and means we can fit everyone in when they come over. It doesn’t matter how many people we have, as they can spill over into the patio.
What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look?
It’s good to identify colours that make you feel most comfortable and what you love, rather than what's on trend. And think about the colours of the environment outside of your home.
Most importantly, keep in mind the whole picture – walls, floors, furniture, etc. – but don't be afraid to be adventurous in places where space/perspective allows.
What was the biggest decorating, renovating or building challenge for this project?
Finishing the concreting outside has been a challenge with the unseasonable weather. It's set us back about three months. But it's coming together now! It's not something we complain about in the grand scheme of things, though.
Published: 23 Feb 2017
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The patio is a perfect hang out spot on a sunny day. The exterior is painted in Resene House White, with the pergola painted in Resene Quarter Black White.
pictures
Property Tour NZ. Additional photographs supplied.
The living room is Diane's favourite area in the home because it's able to accommodate large amounts of people (who can spill onto the surrounding patio, if need be). The walls are painted in Resene Quarter Pravda and the fireplace wall is painted in Resene Tax Break. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Black White.
The kitchen is part of the larger open plan living area, painted in Resene Quarter Pravda with trims and ceiling painted in Resene Black White.
The dining room sits between the kitchen and living room, and looks out to the patio. The walls are painted in Resene Quarter Pravda, with the ceiling and trims painted in Resene Black White.
Diane was excited to paint the lounge in Resene Smoky Green, the perfect hue for the rural landscape views. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Black White.
The inspiration from the colour of Diane's favourite dress can be seen throughout the home, including this vivacious red blanket atop their bed in the master bedroom. The walls are painted in Resene Cloud, with ceiling and trims in Resene Black White.
A welcoming guest room awaits, painted in Resene Quarter Joss, with ceiling and trims in Resene Black White.
The entranceway is a soft, neutral space painted in Resene Quarter Pravda, with ceiling and trims painted in Resene Black White.
Paradise wallpaper from Resene features in the computer nook, giving a flash of colour against walls painted in Resene Quarter Pravda.
A look at the living room, dining room and kitchen together, painted in Resene Quarter Pravda with ceiling and trims in Resene Black White. The fireplace wall is painted in Resene Tax Break.
Diane's favourite dress, which in turn inspired the colour scheme.
Resene Quarter Joss
Resene Quarter Joss
Resene Tax Break
Resene Tax Break
Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Cloud
Resene White
Resene Quarter Pravda
Resene Quarter Pravda
Resene Smoky Green
Resene Smoky Green
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 Joss
Resene Quarter Joss
Resene Tax Break
Resene Tax Break
Resene Black White
Resene Black White
Resene Cloud
Resene White
Resene Quarter Pravda
Resene Quarter Pravda
Resene Smoky Green
Resene Smoky Green
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.