Retirement bliss: How one blue hue transformed this Wellington villa

Once an old villa that had seen many generations of Wellingtonians, both living and flatting, this house was in much need of a spruce up. Now adorned with timeless Resene blues and neutrals, this home proudly sits on the sunny slopes of Mt Victoria, emulating its beautiful and lush surroundings.

Having owned the villa for over 30 years, the homeowners wanted to settle down and retire here, but not before making it a fresh new space with inviting colour and a new design. John Mills, from John Mills Architects, stepped in to help with the brief for this home, infusing new life into each space.

Exuding a fresh and welcoming feel, the kitchen features a mix of blue, white and natural tones. The panelled kitchen island and wall are painted in half strength Resene Wishlist, with surrounding walls in Resene Ecru White and trims in Resene Foggy Grey. 

A home that reflects the natural beauty of its surroundings. Panelled walls and kitchen island are painted in half strength Resene Wishlist, with living room walls in half strength Resene Wireless and ceiling in Resene Ecru White.

“We were obliged by the client to rebuild this in the same style with replicated facades to the west and south,” John says. “Inside however, we were free to use our imaginations. While keeping many of the patterns and materials associated with Mt Victoria, we went for a sumptuous, stylish and casual feel. Cool and fresh colours imbue the interior, complementing the green, natural surrounds and varied architectural neighbours.” 

This charming bathroom is painted in the aquamarine hue of half strength Resene Wishlist, creating a tranquil and serene space to relax in a hot bath.

The stunning blue of half strength Resene Wishlist is used throughout this home for a cohesive and harmonious environment from one space to the next. The trims and surrounding walls are painted in Resene Foggy Grey and Resene Double Ecru White.

The colour palette for the interior was chosen to create a cool, relaxed and timeless feel. “We wanted a New Zealand feel with bold highlights that meet and complement the timber features and colourful garden outside,” John says. “The design also had to give a nod to the rural roots of the owners.”

The fresh aquamarine blue of half strength Resene Wishlist adorns the walls throughout the home, creating a charming contrast with the rich toned wood features and classic furniture. As a balancing shade between the blue and brown, a grey stony shade, half strength Resene Wireless, was chosen for the living room and staircase walls. To frame these lovely hues, neutrals like Resene Double Ecru White, Resene Ecru White and Resene Foggy Grey are painted on trims, beams and the ceiling.

The staircase walls are painted in half strength Resene Wireless, while half strength Resene Wishlist is used on the panelled wall leading you downstairs.

Connecting the outside with the inside, half strength Resene Wishlist is used on the soffits too. Half strength Resene Wireless adorns the living room wall with Resene Double Ecru White painted on surrounding walls and Resene Ecru White on the ceiling.

John says the project was “quite an adventure” and did not come without its challenges. It was a tight sight, meaning access was challenging and parking almost impossible. Nevertheless, the team persevered and the result of the home is a masterpiece of colour and comfort that has provided the perfect retirement haven.

design John Mills, John Mills Architects

images Paul McCredie

Top tip: Thinking of blue for your home? If you’re new to using colour, sometimes it’s best to start small, then add more colour as you get more confident. Choose one statement piece to feature the hue such as the kitchen island. Sky blue in the breakfast room will make your morning coffee a delight while white accents will help it feel fresh. Then add smaller touches of the same colour elsewhere in the room to help it belong. Opt for a pale, barely-there shade of blue like Resene Breathless to use the colour as a neutral, or a deep blue like Resene Indian Ink to give a warm, wintery vibe; pair with white to ensure a bright, airy atmosphere. For more advice, visit the Resene decorating blog and find out Which blue is right for you! then pop in and see the team at your local Resene ColorShop who can help you find just the right blue for your project.

Published: 06 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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