look book
latest
habitat tv
Say goodbye to the morning scramble for keys, coats and sunglasses and hello to this… see this and more videos
blog
Celebrating creatives this International Artist Day
October 25 is International Artist Day, and we’re taking a look at some of the… more
Kitchen and dining window wall painted in Resene Ipanema, shelving back in Resene Weathered Orange and ceiling in Resene Albescent White.
Entry door and kitchen shelving painted in Resene Weathered Orange, entry wall painted in Resene Lichen and ceiling painted in Resene Albescent White.
Entry wall painted in Resene Lichen, door in Resene Weathered Orange, window wall in Resene Ipanema and ceiling in Resene Albescent White.
Internal doors painted in a vibrant mix of Resene Atomic, Resene Hot August and Resene Fiddlesticks, hallway walls in Resene Half Cougar and ceiling and trims in Resene Albescent White.
A colourful mid-century-inspired Wellington apartment
Embraced in natural light, and rich in history, this 1960s Wellington apartment has been given a bold yet beautifully balanced new look. It was designed for a semi-retired couple with a love of books, art and family gatherings. The reimagined space celebrates the best of mid-century style. Warm timber, playful Resene colour and functional form.
“This iconic ‘60s apartment building has original architectural features and natural light in abundance,” says Joneen from Hello Home Interiors, the team behind the design. “The clients are a semi-retired couple, who wanted a simple design that was of the era but not too fussy, and joinery to house their extensive library.”
Entry door and kitchen shelving painted in Resene Weathered Orange, entry wall painted in Resene Lichen and ceiling painted in Resene Albescent White.
Entry wall painted in Resene Lichen, door in Resene Weathered Orange, window wall in Resene Ipanema and ceiling in Resene Albescent White.
The new layout opened up the kitchen and living spaces, creating a more fluid connection between the rooms. The birch plywood joinery offers a clever mix of open shelving and practical hidden storage and brings warmth and texture while providing a backdrop for the pair’s personal belongings. “Comprehensive joinery design allows for maximum storage to meet the brief, and for the client’s multitude of books, art and ornaments,” says Joneen.
“Mid-century design aesthetic and the practice’s love of colour was the driver for the colour scheme in this design,” says Joneen. “We were also fortunate to have trusting repeat clients, who were willing to take risks and develop a unique interior for their new apartment.”
Kitchen and dining window wall painted in Resene Ipanema, shelving back in Resene Weathered Orange and ceiling in Resene Albescent White.
The team built the scheme around a contemporary blend of birch plywood and Resene paint colours, layering cheerful tones that provide a beautiful rhythm throughout the apartment. The shelf backing in the kitchen and the entry door are painted in Resene Weathered Orange which echoes the warmth of the timber and the cork flooring, while walls in the energetic yellow of Resene Ipanema add freshness and flow.
Internal doors painted in a vibrant mix of Resene Atomic, Resene Hot August and Resene Fiddlesticks, hallway walls in Resene Half Cougar and ceiling and trims in Resene Albescent White.
The palette continues through the home with doors in Resene Hot August, Resene Atomic and Resene Fiddlesticks, each one creating a moment of surprise and delight and an invitation into a different space. The entry hall in Resene Lichen and other main walls in Resene Half Cougar bring a grounding calm, while Resene Albescent White keeps the ceilings and cornices bright and open.
“Bold colour also continues into the hallways and the bathrooms, each door a different colour, and wall colours to compliment the cork detailing,” says Joneen. It’s an interior that feels cohesive yet full of character. Every corner a little celebration of colour, texture and mid-century charm.
Touches of cork, plywood and tile grout tie the palette together with subtle rhythm. The cork flooring, installed with sound-minimising underlay, was chosen for its warmth, comfort and acoustic benefits. It’s a practical yet stylish nod to apartment living. “Alongside the cork and birch plywood for simple cabinetry design, we knew we could go bold with colour,” says Joneen.
Bathroom wall and sink area painted in Resene Atomic and ceiling in Resene Albescent White.
Powder room painted in Resene Fiddlesticks and door in Resene Atomic.
Original architectural details, such as the slatted timber battens in the building’s lobby, inspired elements like the kitchen island and rangehood design. The project wasn’t without its challenges, as with many renovations. “The challenges of renovating an older apartment building were evident, including an ancient lift to access the top floor apartment, leaking issues to be resolved and structural engineering review of the design prior to works beginning.” But this was nothing the design team couldn’t soldier through and the result is a testament to thoughtful design and creative problem-solving.
Every part of this Wellington apartment has been designed with intention from storage that keeps things tidy to bold hues that bring joy. It’s a space that now feels both fresh and familiar. Deeply personal, yet effortlessly timeless.
It also caught the eye of the judges in the Resene Total Colour Awards 2024/25 winning it a Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Award.
“The colour palette provides a rhythm in this apartment, however each space feels calm and comforting,” says Joneen. “The reimagined interior for this iconic ‘60s apartment is cherished by the owners, and their family to gather for family occasions.”
designHello Home Interiors; Morgan Bird, Brenda Lawton, Joneen Rodgers, Hannah Ferens
paint and build Philp Construction
imagesAnna Briggs
Top tip: To protect and bring out the best in plywood and timber cabinetry and walls, use a clearcoat like Resene Aquaclear. If you’re wanting a different shade or look, try a Resene Colorwood stain or whitewash followed by a couple of coats of Resene Aquaclear, or use Resene Colour Enhance mixed with Resene Aquaclear to add a subtle wash of colour to the timber.
Published: 29 Oct 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Weathered Orange
Resene Albescent White
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 Weathered Orange
Resene Albescent White
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
