A Southern Highlands stunner

There’s something undeniably charming about this Southern Highlands home. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to swan around in a silk robe, sipping tea and pretending you’re in a period drama. Inspired by the elegance of Government House Sydney, this newly built home near the historic town of Joadja blends stately grandeur with the warmth of country living, and it’s all wrapped up in a dreamy Resene palette. 

With KMI Builders bringing the architectural vision to life, designer Carmel Sloane leaned into the timeless vibe with colours that feel both luxurious and liveable. Think classic neutrals, gentle earthy tones and a few confident deep hues – like a well-curated wardrobe, there’s a bit of everything, and it all works seamlessly. 


The silvery grey of Resene Half Silver Chalice graces the walls of the kitchen adding a modern touch to the classic wooden flooring and doors. The trims are painted in Resene Half Spanish White 


This home offers a welcome as grand as its design. The walls are painted in Resene Triple Parchment with panelling and trims in Resene Half Spanish White 

The heart of the home is painted in Resene Half Silver Chalice, a sleek silvery grey that adds depth between the ceiling and trims in Resene Half Spanish White. The whole kitchen has a calm feeling to it, especially with the help of the warm timber floors.  

Flowing through to the hallway, gallery and staircase, walls in Resene Triple Parchment create a gentle warmth without stealing attention. It’s subtle, elegant and makes the grand décor pop just that little bit more.  


The bold blue of Resene Regatta adorns this home office adding depth and sophistication. The ceiling and trims are a sharp and stunning contrast to this dark hue in Resene Half Spanish White 


In the living room, Resene Triple Parchment creates a cosy and inviting space. The trims and ceiling are painted in Resene Half Spanish White 

The study, dressed in bold Resene Regatta, is a statement space with built-in shelving that’s pure library goals. It’s dark and moody in all the right ways the kind of room that makes you want to light a fire, sit with a hot cuppa and write your memoirs – the perfect mix of modern and classic design.  

Upstairs, the bedrooms are a mix of warm, golden hues in Resene Haystack and Resene Double Parchment. These colours are soothing and simple, exactly what you want in spaces designed for rest.The warm neutrals also create a gentle backdrop for the homeowners’ elegant décor and personal artwork.  


This spa-like ensuite is painted in Resene Double Parchment, with a subtle contrast on the trims and ceiling in Resene Half Spanish White 


The mudroom and laundry is painted in the grounding hue of Resene Stone Age, with trims and ceiling in Resene Half Spanish White 

Even the mudroom didn’tmiss out on the magic, dressed in Resene Stone Age a refined olive-beige that feels both grounded and graceful. Equal parts practical and polished, it’s got room for boots, coats and laundry duties, all while looking effortlessly stylish. As the first space you see when entering the home, this earthy green sets the tone beautifully, blurring the line between indoors and out. 


The exterior, sitting proudly against the landscaped yard, is painted in a bright yet warm hue, Resene Quarter Spanish White 


The home has a grand, historic feel, even though it is a new build. Resene Quarter Spanish White offers a grand welcome to visitors.  

This particular project of Carmel’s won her two awards in the Master Painters Australia NSW Awards For Excellence, including Regional Project of the Year Residential.  

Carmel describes her work as a passion that’s spanned over two decades, saying, “For the past 20 years I have been pursuing my passion by bringing great design and colour to life.We pride ourselves in creating designs, colour schemes and finishes that reflect our client’s personalities and lifestyles.” 

design and images Carmel Sloane, Carmel Interiors 

Top tip:Your paint finish can also impact how well your chosen white works in your room as the level of shine - whether it is gloss, semi-gloss, low sheen or flat - will change how it reflects lightA higher gloss finish, like Resene Enamacryl, will look lighter and brighterA lower sheen finish, like Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen for interiors or Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen for exteriors, will make the colour look softer and more diffused. 

Published: 05 Jun 2025

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 Half Silver Chalice

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Resene Half Spanish White

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Resene Triple Parchment

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Resene Double Parchment

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Resene Quarter Spanish White

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