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The skylight not only floods this stunning space with natural light but also extends the feeling of the sky, with the adjacent wall painted in Resene Breeze, a soft, calming blue. Surrounding walls are painted in Resene White Pointer and the ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Alabaster.
The contrast of black fittings against the walls in Resene White Pointer adds crispness and modernity to the bathroom. The right wall, painted in Resene Breeze, connects the interior to the sky above. The ceiling is painted in Resene Alabaster.
In the living room, Resene White Pointer contrasts against the black joinery, adding a modern touch to the space. Beneath the mantel, wooden fireplace corbels were restored, bringing character while reconnecting the home to its past.
Roughcast concrete panels add interest to the living space and pair beautifully with the slight earthy white of Resene White Pointer. The ceiling is painted in Resene Alabaster.
The soft diffused neutral, Resene White Pointer, brings a cosy feeling without being too stark and works well against the concrete panels. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Alabaster.
In spring, the cherry trees bring striking pink hues to the garden which contrast with the exterior painted in Resene Charcoal.
Samson House: Hues of heritage
When it comes to blending history with modern luxury, few homes do it as effortlessly as Samson House in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. With its clever design that nods to the past while looking firmly to the future, Samson House has truly become a home for the ages. And what better way to highlight its transformation than with a colour scheme powered by Resene. Originally built in 1908 for Janet Samson, a Scottish descendant, this charming worker’s cottage has stood the test of time – and thanks to a recent renovation, it’s now poised to last for many generations to come.
Designer ShyronnSmardon, took inspiration from a love of small spaces and a fascination with minimalist travel. “I sifted through this building project in a similar rhythm to how I travel,” Shyronn says. “It was all about purpose, attention and quality.” The interior is a celebration of light, bright spaces, where every decision – from the full skylights to the carefully selected Resene paints – was made with intention.
The skylight not only floods this stunning space with natural light but also extends the feeling of the sky, with the adjacent wall painted in Resene Breeze, a soft, calming blue. Surrounding walls are painted in Resene White Pointer and the ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Alabaster.
The contrast of black fittings against the walls in Resene White Pointer adds crispness and modernity to the bathroom. The right wall, painted in Resene Breeze, connects the interior to the sky above. The ceiling is painted in Resene Alabaster.
The colour palette throughout the home is designed to extend the feeling of space and light. Inside, Resene Breeze accents under the skylights reflect the daylight, creating an airy, expansive atmosphere. “The intent was to have the outside feel small and compressed, while providing a sense of expansion when entering the house,” says Shyronn. To enhance this, ceilings were opened up, and the main walls were painted in Resene White Pointer, a soft neutral that invites calm and serenity into the space. The ceilings themselves are finished in Resene Alabaster, adding to the sense of openness.
For durability, Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel was used on the architraves, while the bathroom ceiling uses Resene SpaceCote Kitchen & Bathroom – both in Resene Alabaster – a practical choice for dealing with steam and exposed areas. The walls in all the dry areas of the house have been sealed with Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer, ensuring each space has the right foundation for the paint.
In the living room, Resene White Pointer contrasts against the black joinery, adding a modern touch to the space. Beneath the mantel, wooden fireplace corbels were restored, bringing character while reconnecting the home to its past.
Roughcast concrete panels add interest to the living space and pair beautifully with the slight earthy white of Resene White Pointer. The ceiling is painted in Resene Alabaster.
The soft diffused neutral, Resene White Pointer, brings a cosy feeling without being too stark and works well against the concrete panels. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Alabaster.
But let’s not forget the exterior – where the balance between history and modernity is taken to a whole new level. The home may be small, but its façade, painted in Resene Charcoal with added Resene CoolColour technology, stands bold and proud. “Choosing a dark colour on a small historic home might seem counterintuitive,” says Shyronn, “but it allows the new light-coloured concrete work and fresh greenery to pop.” Resene CoolColour technology prevents the house from overheating in the summer sun, ensuring the home stays comfortable and energy-efficient year-round. The result is a modern, timeless home that welcomes the sunlight while preserving its historic charm.
And let’s not forget about the pièce de résistance – during spring, the Resene Charcoal backdrop provides the perfect canvas for the cherry tree’s light pink blooms, adding a splash of natural colour to the sleek exterior.
In spring, the cherry trees bring striking pink hues to the garden which contrast with the exterior painted in Resene Charcoal.
To bridge the gap between past and present, lost architectural elements were thoughtfully reintroduced. Cast iron porch fretwork restored lost character, while wooden fireplace corbels were returned beneath the mantel. The original front gate was lovingly restored, and an inverted cast iron fireplace hood found new life as a planter at the entry. The exterior brickwork also tells a story, with hundreds of bricks salvaged after the Christchurch earthquakes carefully incorporated into the garden.
In a way, Samson House tells the story of its own journey – from the days of the Otago Gold Rush to the present day – and the colours chosen for both the interior and exterior play a pivotal role in telling that story. It’s a home that’s light, bright and future-proof while respecting its rich history – a true testament to the power of design and colour.
design and images Shyronn Smardon, shyronn.com
Top tip:If you’reprepping a brand-new unpainted wall or an older home, in a dry area such as a lounge or bedroom, apply Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer. This Eco Choice-approved product is designed to minimise porosity and textural differences on surfaces like plasterboard. Sand using 220 grit sandpaper and wipe away dust before painting. In wet areas, use Resene Waterborne Sureseal instead.
Published: 15 May 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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