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The upstairs living space feature wall is painted in Resene Claypot, inspired by the tones of the existing fireplace brickwork providing a warm backdrop to this family space. Trims are painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake.
The dramatic green hallway space painted in Resene Rivergum welcomes you down as you descend the stairs, drawing the eye down and around the corner where it opens up into light filled rooms. Adjacent walls and trims are painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake.
The deep green of Resene Rivergum complements the rich tones of tawa used throughout, and changes beautifully in tone with the light. The trims and ceiling are painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake.
Slimline jambs in Resene Quarter Rice Cake frame the doors, which match the hallway in Resene Rivergum on the outside, enhancing the dark but cosy qualities of this space. Trims and bedroom walls are painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake.
A neutral shade is always a good choice for a background to display personal belongings and décor. Resene Quarter Rice Cake allows these colourful books and ornaments to shine and pop off the wall.
The downstairs nursery is painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake, a warm white that gives a contemporary feel while staying in keeping with the home’s mid-century character. Neutral shades are a handy blank canvas for children to express their creativity and display their own colourful artwork and belongings.
A Wellington home embracing light, colour and texture
The transformation of this mid-century Wellington home will show you the power of design to redefine spaces, inviting warmth, light and colour to coalesce in perfect harmony. This renovation project, executed with finesse by Sally Apthorp of Apthorp Architecture & Interiors, showcases the fusion of restraint and vibrancy through the careful use of Resene paint colours, allowing the dwelling to embrace the interplay of light, colour and texture.
The home's ground floor, once characterised by its cold and underutilised demeanour, has now blossomed into a sanctuary of warmth and functionality. Disconnected from the embrace of its surroundings, it was in much need of a transformation to cater to the needs of a growing family. Architect Sally unlocked the potential of this space through the orchestration of a few well-considered changes.
The central theme that weaves through this renovation is the idea of transition. This home takes you on a truly wonderful journey as you move from the high-ceilinged, open-plan upper level with its sweeping panoramas of Lyall Bay and the Remutaka Range, to the downstairs where dappled light filters through fern fronds and tree canopies, cocooning the rooms with a delicate radiance.
The palette of colours chosen for this home was designed to echo the lush green surroundings and capture the essence of nature indoors. A green hallway, adorned in Resene Rivergum, beckons visitors downwards as they descend the staircase. This deep green complements the rich tones of tawa used throughout, and changes beautifully in tone with the light.
Complementing the overarching green theme, the home boasts the graceful presence of tawa wood. The restored tawa flooring, revealed after the removal of worn carpets, fills the interior with an inviting warmth. This warmth is extended with the addition of tawa in the stair treads, handrail and screen – just some of the stunning features throughout the home.
Crafted with minimalism in mind, an elegant and simple palette creates a contemporary aesthetic while staying true to the home's mid-century origins. Resene Quarter Rice Cake, with its delicate neutral hue, elegantly frames the doors and windows, enhancing the cocoon-like quality of Resene Rivergum and the lower level.
Resene Quarter Rice Cake also finds its home painted on the walls of the downstairs bedroom, nursery and home office. This choice harmonises the home's mid-century character and its subtle charm brings a timeless quality to these spaces, a canvas for creativity, work and rest.
The living space on the upper level became a canvas for an inspired choice – Resene Claypot. Drawn from the existing fireplace brickwork, this earthy tone not only adorns the walls but also provides a backdrop for cherished family moments and trendy artwork. It’s a great marriage of heritage and innovation, underlining the importance of design as an ongoing dialogue between the past and the future.
This Wellington home emerges as a union of artistry and functionality. As light dances upon the walls and colours infuse life into the surroundings, it’s clear this renovation is more than just a physical transformation – it's an embrace of the spirit of a home made anew.
design Sally Apthorp, Apthorp Architecture & Interiors
images Andrew Elias-Jones
Top tip: Resene Zylone Sheen is a low sheen finish that is easy-to-apply on interior walls for a smooth, yet durable, finish. It’s a popular option for bedrooms and general living areas teamed with Resene SpaceCote Flat or Resene Ceiling Paint on the ceiling. For more help choosing paint and colours for your next job head to your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Resene Colour Expert online.
The upstairs living space feature wall is painted in Resene Claypot, inspired by the tones of the existing fireplace brickwork providing a warm backdrop to this family space. Trims are painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake.
The dramatic green hallway space painted in Resene Rivergum welcomes you down as you descend the stairs, drawing the eye down and around the corner where it opens up into light filled rooms. Adjacent walls and trims are painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake.
The deep green of Resene Rivergum complements the rich tones of tawa used throughout, and changes beautifully in tone with the light. The trims and ceiling are painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake.
Slimline jambs in Resene Quarter Rice Cake frame the doors, which match the hallway in Resene Rivergum on the outside, enhancing the dark but cosy qualities of this space. Trims and bedroom walls are painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake.
A neutral shade is always a good choice for a background to display personal belongings and décor. Resene Quarter Rice Cake allows these colourful books and ornaments to shine and pop off the wall.
The downstairs nursery is painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake, a warm white that gives a contemporary feel while staying in keeping with the home’s mid-century character. Neutral shades are a handy blank canvas for children to express their creativity and display their own colourful artwork and belongings.
The view from the open-plan upper level with its sweeping panoramas of Lyall Bay and the Remutaka Range.
Published: 06 Sep 2023
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
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Resene Quarter Rice Cake
Resene Quarter Rice Cake
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
