A vantage point of view
Some houses just need a little nudge to shine, and others need a full-blown revival. This Christchurch property was perhaps in the second category. Tired and a little neglected, it had been a rental for years and was showing every bit of it. But with the right team behind it, and a Resene colour palette that wasn’t afraid to stand out, the home has now gone from forgotten to full of charm.
The renovation was handled by Rosefern Homes as a trade-in project. With the owner overseas and not wanting the hassle of a full refresh, they handed it over, and Charlotte from City Style Co took the reins on all things interior and exterior design. The mission was to make it market-ready in a way that felt bold, modern and a bit more exciting than your average flip.
The smoky, deep green of Resene Vantage Point was used in the kitchen, a stunning shade that pairs beautifully with the warm timber tones and crisp white ceiling in Resene Black White.
In the living space, neutral furniture and décor create a welcoming space and contrast against the walls painted in Resene Vantage Point. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Black White.
“I love using colours in my designs, especially jewel tones,” says Charlotte. “I found Resene Vantage Point and knew it would be the perfect neutral base for the living area of this home.” Used across the living, kitchen and dining areas, it quickly became the anchor for the rest of the home’s refreshed style.
From there, the layers of colour kept coming. Resene Xanadu gave the hallway and master bedroom a soft, calming feel. The bedrooms were lightened up with Resene Double White Pointer, while Resene Black White was used on trims, ceilings and doors to give everything a clean finish. Outside, Resene Half Grey Olive brought warmth and depth to the cladding, complementing the interior tones without being too matchy.
The crisp Resene Black White painted on the ceiling and trims allows Resene Vantage Point to really pop in the living space.
In the master bedroom, a slightly richer green, Resene Xanadu, adorns the walls. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Black White.
The standout space for City Style Co was the kitchen. “The balance of the character features, the green walls, the warm wood tones and the white cabinetry, it all came together in such a stunning way.” The result is one of those spaces that feels modern without being cold, and full of interest without trying too hard.
It’s a great example of City Style Co’s signature approach – colour-forward, high-contrast spaces that still manage to feel inviting and personal. “I love colour, but it has to be used thoughtfully,” says Charlotte. “It’s about creating that pop without overwhelming the space.”
Resene Double White Pointer warms this bedroom, while Resene Black White painted on the panelling, trims and ceiling adds depth and a subtle contrast to the space.
Any guest would be happy in this dreamy neutral space. The walls are painted in Resene Double White Pointer with trims and ceiling in Resene Black White.
As with any older home, there were a few surprises under the surface – namely, the state of the exterior cladding. But with a skilled team including Rosefern Homes and landscaper Kayne Sheath, the project came together with polish and personality.
Now sold and ready for its next chapter, this home is a showcase of what clever design and brave colour choices can do. “Midnight Express has always been a favourite, but after this project, I’ve added Resene Vantage Point to the list too,” Charlotte says. “It’s the kind of colour that makes a statement without screaming for attention.”
The neutral tones carry through to the bathroom for a bright and clean space. The walls are painted in Resene Double White Pointer and trims in Resene Black White.
The exterior was brought back to life with Resene Half Grey Olive painted on weatherboards and Resene Black White on trims.
That’s really the sweet spot for City Style Co – vibrant, personality-filled interiors that still feel calm, cohesive and easy to live in. When a home looks this good, you don’t need to say much at all, it speaks for itself!
design City Style Co
client Rosefern Homes
landscaping Pure Home & Style
images Supplied by Harcourts Holmwood
Top tip: Thinking green for your home? Lighter, softer green shades, like Resene Secrets and Resene Pale Leaf, are fantastic for living rooms and bathrooms because they create a calming, restful atmosphere. For kitchens and dining areas, lean into mid-tones like Resene Vantage Point and Resene Norway, they bring a fresh, clean vibe that still feels lively and grounded. In practice, it means choosing a different shade of green depending on how you want each space to feel, whether you're after a peaceful sanctuary or a spirited hub where life unfolds. If you’re unsure, head into your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Resene Colour Expert free online for more advice.
Wondering what this home looked like before? Here’s a couple of snapshots.
Published: 24 Jun 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

Resene Vantage Point


Resene Vantage Point

Resene Half Grey Olive


Resene Half Grey Olive

Resene Double White Pointer


Resene Double White Pointer
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 Vantage Point


Resene Vantage Point

Resene Half Grey Olive


Resene Half Grey Olive

Resene Double White Pointer


Resene Double White Pointer
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.