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The textured walls add depth to the lower level, finished in Resene Sandtex in Resene Ash. This muted grey green creates a cosy dining space and pairs seamlessly with the elegant décor. The window trims are painted in Resene Half Sea Fog.
In the heart of the home, Resene Half Sea Fog was used on the kitchen island and cabinetry, contrasting with the darker timber flooring and walls in Resene Sandtex in Resene Ash.
In the downstairs living area, the walls are painted in Resene Ash, with the ceiling painted in Resene Half Sea Fog to add a touch of brightness.
Upstairs, the colour scheme of Resene Ash and Resene Half Sea Fog continues, tying the spaces together.
The silvery, cool grey of Resene Atmosphere adorns the walls in the master bedroom, complemented by bursts of blue and lush bedding and drapes.
Resene Atmosphere graces the inside of this cupboard, adding depth while contrasting with the dark timber doors – use Resene Colorwood Pitch Black wood stain to get this look.
Up close with Resene Ash, the undertones of green and smoky grey add depth, changing throughout the day to suit the mood.
A Mangawhai sanctuary drenched in soft tones
When it comes to creating a home that seamlessly blends with its surroundings, this Mangawhai renovation is a stunning example of how thoughtful design and the right choice of Resene colours can elevate a space.
Led by the team at Amavi Interiors, this home was designed to be a retreat that exudes a special kind of calm and laid-back luxury. A perfect escape after a day of swimming or roaming the nearby coastal environment. By drawing inspiration from nature’s colours, the home’s design has a harmonious atmosphere, reflecting nearby dunes, the calm estuary and lush greenery.
One of the main challenges of this renovation was transforming the narrow, dark living area. A central wall was removed to open the space, allowing natural light to flood in and create a sense of openness. This change was key to shifting the mood of the home, allowing it to feel more expansive and connected with the outdoors. A sanctuary where the homeowners could unwind and reconnect with the beauty of the surroundings.
In the heart of the home, Resene Half Sea Fog was used on the kitchen island and cabinetry, contrasting with the darker timber flooring and walls in Resene Sandtex in Resene Ash.
The textured walls add depth to the lower level, finished in Resene Sandtex in Resene Ash. This muted grey green creates a cosy dining space and pairs seamlessly with the elegant décor. The window trims are painted in Resene Half Sea Fog.
The design is subtle, with a careful focus on texture and soft tones. In the main living area, a Resene Sandtex finish was chosen to provide a soft, textured appearance. This choice was not only a nod to the sand dunes just outside, but also offered a gentle yet sophisticated feel without the expense of a full plaster system.
The Resene Sandtex finish adds depth to the walls, making the space feel tactile and inviting while still maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. A great choice for homeowners looking for something a little different.
In the downstairs living area, the walls are painted in Resene Ash, with the ceiling painted in Resene Half Sea Fog to add a touch of brightness.
Upstairs, the colour scheme of Resene Ash and Resene Half Sea Fog continues, tying the spaces together.
To complement this natural texture, the colour palette was also inspired by the surrounding landscape. Soft smoky greens and greys like Resene Ash and Resene Atmosphere were selected to evoke the calmness of the water and the greenery of the hillside, creating a serene atmosphere throughout. The goal was to keep the colours soft enough to be calming, yet interesting enough to hold attention.
The master bedroom was treated as the ultimate retreat space. With Resene Atmosphere on the walls, the room truly lives up to its name. This soft, cool grey creates the sensation of calm water, while the natural timber and sisal flooring adds an earthy touch, referencing sand while grounding the room in nature’s warmth.
The silvery, cool grey of Resene Atmosphere adorns the walls in the master bedroom, complemented by bursts of blue and lush bedding and drapes.
Resene Atmosphere graces the inside of this cupboard, adding depth while contrasting with the dark timber doors – use Resene Colorwood Pitch Black wood stain to get this look.
The kitchen was also updated with new cupboard fronts and a beautifully designed curved island, a subtle but striking feature that mimics the gentle curves in the curtains. The choice of curves instead of angles adds softness to the home and connects various design elements within the main living space. Resene Half Sea Fog was used on the ceiling and kitchen island, giving a crisp, clean contrast to the more subdued wall colours.
Throughout the house, Resene Ash appears in the lounges and bottom level of the house. This grey edged green was an intentional choice, tying together the natural elements found both inside and outside. Resene Ash pairs particularly well with both light and dark timber, making it a versatile option for a space meant to feel both grounded and elevated.
Up close with Resene Ash, the undertones of green and smoky grey add depth, changing throughout the day to suit the mood.
By drawing on the natural beauty of Mangawhai’s landscape, this home now offers a sense of calm. A perfect sanctuary for the homeowners. A home that truly embraces the spirit of the area.
designAmavi Interiors
build and paint All Aspects Construction
images Jackie Meiring
Top tip:Resene Sandtex can be applied using a brush, roller or spray, making it versatile and adaptable to various project needs. Its coating is ideal for achieving a Mediterranean-style finish. By applying it in a criss-cross technique (also referred to as a ‘crows’ foot’), you can create a random, aged plaster or limestone appearance. It's also excellent for adding depth to decorative paint effects, serving as a base for techniques like colourwashing or metallic finishes. Beyond aesthetics, Resene Sandtex is a practical choice for covering surface imperfections on substrates like concrete and plasterboard. Its flexibility ensures it remains intact over time, and when overcoated with Resene Concrete Clear, it becomes self-cleansing and highly durable.
Published: 26 Aug 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
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the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
