Maggie describes herself as a 'blue and green girl', as evidenced by the colour palette in many of the rooms. In this calm and tranquil living space, pastel green Resene Mantle is a perfect backdrop for some of Maggie's treasures – an eclectic mix of old and new.

Nicola Blackmore of Domesticity suggests this alternative scheme: a naturally classic living space, using delicate Resene Half Athens Grey on the walls and soft silvery Resene Alabaster for the trims. "Because of the heritage details of the room, the furniture selected combines classic silhouettes which have been reinvented in a modern style," says Nicola. 

Soften the appearance of harder surfaces with natural materials, such as linen, wool and whitewashed timber. 

Heidi Meyer of Yohm Interiors mixed stripes of Resene Glorious (an infusion of soft pink and clear orange) with Resene Flourish, creating this visual delight. The floors and trims are tempered with a calmer colour suggestion of Resene Ditto.

Inspiration came from sitting rooms of old, which were places of entertainment and visual stimulation. Style with artworks, crystal ornaments and metallic touches.