How a 1920s villa got the ultimate outdoor upgrade

17 Sep 2025

When it comes to villa renovations, few transformations are as striking as Steve and Kerry’s 1920s home makeover. What was once an underused space has been reinvented as a stylish outdoor room, seamlessly blending with the villa’s classic character. This dramatic upgrade shows how the right Resene colour choices, layout and furniture can completely change the way a home is lived in.

When Steve and Kerry looked out at the tired space at the back of their villa, they saw an opportunity. Their vision was simple: create a warm, inviting outdoor room that felt like a natural extension of the house, and one they could use year-round. Today, that dream has come to life in the form of a stylish, sheltered space that blends comfort with character, using Resene paints for a curated colour palette.

When Steve first bought the property a decade ago, the house was largely untouched. The weatherboards were painted butter yellow with dark green trim, and while the bones were strong, it was ready for a refresh. The interiors were tackled first, completed seven years ago, with the exterior and outdoor areas following gradually. The final stage, the deck floor, was only finished a couple of months back.

Shingles in Resene Gauntlet, weatherboards in Resene Double Truffle, trims in Resene Black White and deck in Resene Mondo.

As the founders of outdoor furniture retailer Outside Space, Steve and Kerry knew how important it was to get the details right. Steve’s sons, James and Tom, who also work in the family business, pitched in too. “We live, work and renovate together,” Kerry says. “There’s always something happening, but we love the process.”

The home’s colour scheme strikes a balance between classic villa charm and contemporary warmth. Weatherboards in Resene Double Truffle are paired with trims in Resene Black White, while the outdoor room continues the theme with crisp white walls and a soft Resene Ceiling White overhead. Resene Gauntlet shingles add interest up top and the back door and basement are finished in the bold Resene Porter.

Door painted in Resene Porter, weatherboards in Resene Double Truffle and trims in Resene Black White. Chairs from Outside Space. Deck in Resene Mondo.

The deck floor was the trickiest element. Originally painted in Resene Half Tuna, it never felt right. “Even our cleaner told us it was too blue,” Kerry laughs. The couple eventually repainted in Resene Mondo, which is a warmer tone that ties in beautifully with their vision.

Outdoor Furniture was an equally big consideration. The family knew they wanted the Outside Space Unwind Range in a white frame with Agora Coco fabric, so they designed the layout around how the furniture would fit, rather than the other way around. It’s a decision that’s paid off, resulting in a space that feels open, conversational and perfectly practical.

Weatherboards in Resene Double Truffle and trims in Resene Black White. Outdoor furniture from Outside Space.

The outdoor room has quickly become the heart of the home. With heaters and pull-downs, it’s a spot they use in every season. “Without question, it’s completely transformed the villa,” says Kerry. “It’s warm, inviting, and just works for how we live.”

While the project is largely complete, Steve, Kerry, James and Tom continue to experiment with colour in other properties, including a recent shift toward earthy browns. For them, renovating isn’t just about the finished product but about the journey together. “We’re proud of what we’ve built,” Kerry reflects. “It’s fun, rewarding, and best of all, we get to enjoy it every day.”

Main image: Kerry, Tom, Steve and James enjoy their outdoor room year-round. Weatherboards in Resene Double Truffle, trims in Resene Black White and deck in Resene Mondo.

Before and during the renovation:

Published: 17 Sep 2025