A travel-inspired terracotta family home with heart

Helen and Phil’s Auckland home exudes life and warmth, so much so it almost wouldn’t surprise you to find a beating heart right in the middle of it. Collected treasures like shells, tea sets and Moroccan rugs dot the home, and its Resene interior and exterior colours tell stories of the couple’s far-flung adventures. “The colours in our home evolved from our overseas travel adventures in our younger years. Some European colour ideas came home with us – bright Portuguese fishing boats, decorative tiles in Spain and terracotta roofs in Portugal.”

It isn’t surprising Helen and Paul’s Manukau Harbour home is rich with a family history. The house was designed by Phil’s brother-in-law and Helen, then built by Phil in the 1990s. Originally it was built as a spec house for resale. “We lived across the water at the time in Conifer Grove, so it was a two minute trip over. Phil came home from the project one day and said: ‘I don't think I could live here and watch another family live in that house,” says Helen.

The home’s exterior hints at its interior warmth. A custom terracotta colour was created for the couple by their local Resene ColorShop in Takanini almost 30 years ago. Resene has plenty of terracotta tones to get a similar look – try subtler terracotta colours like Resene Tuscany and Resene Sante Fe, or richer tones like Resene Moccasin and Resene Raging Bull

Helen says their bright blue aluminium joinery (for a Resene alternative, try Resene Anchor) was a bit of a shock when it arrived on the back of the truck when the house was being built, but the warmth of their Resene custom terracotta tone set the colour off perfectly. 

Colours inside the home needed to match the exterior’s warmth, and complement their story-filled treasures and furnishings. Resene Jalapeno is full of character and packs a punch on the lounge and hallway walls. The salsa red was a no-brainer, Helen says. “The walls have unusual curves and angles, so it was an easy decision to go bold. Our Four Square man looks amazing on the colour, he was rescued from the side of a local Whitianga glazing company truck, we gave them $10 and a box of beer.”

Subtle and sophisticated Resene Blanc has recently been introduced to their walls, painted for contrast next to the heat of Resene Jalapeno. “Resene Blanc was recommended to us and works well with the floor tiles, blue joinery, terracotta and the cedar doors. It's such a warm colour.”

Cedar doors and decorative shutters in the lounge were crafted by Papakura Joinery and stained in Resene Colorwood Teak Stain. The deep brown wood stain finish added colour to the timber, but also allowed for the natural grain to show through.

Helen and Phil have raised five children in the home (Damian, Chris, Sophie, Renee and Jacob, now grown-up). “Now that both of us are retired, we’re enjoying sharing the many areas of our home with our children, five grandchildren, and extended family and friends.” Naturally, their favourite room to enjoy together is their Resene Jalapeno family room. 

Recently a friend and interior designer (Sharon Fergusson) recommended the couple hang a ‘winter warmth curtain’ to separate the family room from the glass area towards their front door. The hanging gold fabric offers a warm and regal glow against Resene Jalapeno.

A dusky green colour addition is on the cards shortly.

“We're looking forward to changing one wall in the family room and the master bedroom soon to Resene Jurassic, after seeing it on the cover of the latest habitat magazine.”

Top tip: Exterior paint can be kept in top notch condition with a simple wash each year. Resene Paint Prep and Housewash is a quick and easy way to wash your home or building to give an immediately fresher appearance. It’s also ideal as part of the surface preparation prior to painting, and works well for both interior and exterior work.

Resene Jalapeno is full of character and makes a statement on the lounge and hallway walls. The ceiling and side walls are Resene Blanc. “Resene Blanc was recommended to us and works well with the floor tiles, blue joinery, terracotta and the cedar doors,” says Helen.

Resene Jalapeno is bold and makes for the perfect backdrop for treasures collected overseas by the couple.

“Our Four Square man looks amazing on Resene Jalapeno, he was rescued from the side of a local Whitianga glazing company truck for $10 and a gifted box of beer.” The ceiling and other walls are Resene Blanc.

A curtain separates the family room from the glass area towards their front door. The hanging gold fabric offers a warm and regal glow against Resene Jalapeno on one side, and Resene Blanc on the other.

 

The green of the couple’s house plants stand out against Resene Jalapeno and Resene Blanc on the walls and trims.

A custom terracotta colour (named “Lynch Terracotta”) was created for the couple for the exterior of their Auckland home by their local Resene ColorShop. For a similar look, try Resene Tuscany and Resene Sante Fe, or richer terracotta tones like Resene Moccasin and Resene Raging Bull

Helen and Phil’s home has a tropical feel, with frangipani growing and a passionfruit vine. A custom terracotta colour (named “Lynch Terracotta”) was created for the couple for the exterior of their Auckland home by their local Resene ColorShop. For a similar look to their exterior paint, try Resene Tuscany and Resene Sante Fe, or richer terracotta tones like Resene Moccasin and Resene Raging Bull. Their aluminium joinery is a vibrant blue. For a Resene alternative, try Resene Anchor.

Published: 07 Apr 2022

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

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Resene Raging Bull

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