NZ RealReveals week five: Carla and TJ’s stylish lounge reveal

30 Oct 2025

Week five of NZRealReveals has just wrapped up and Carla and TJ definitely turned up the heat with this one! With incredible bones, their living room still needed some TLC, and we absolutely love what they have done. Let’s take a look!

The big question was on everyone’s minds this week… will the duo keep the arch, or ditch it? But after plenty of consideration and listening to the fans, Carla and TJ decided to keep it. It was a good choice, adding plenty of character to their new design while also offering a gentle nod to the home’s era.

To start on their tired 80s lounge, they stripped the old carpet to reveal a concrete floor which they then sanded back and finished with Resene Concrete Wax. They then used Metylan Wallpaper Striper to remove old wallpaper before prepping and sealing the walls in Resene Broadwall Wallboard Sealer.

After some hard mahi from the team, now came the fun part, the colour and design! Resene Ceiling Paint in the shade Resene Half Wan White was used on the ceiling, Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Wan White for the walls with arches, and Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss in Resene Wan White was used on the trims, doors and skirting boards.

Alongside these gorgeous neutrals, Carla and TJ chose a stunning wallpaper design for a feature wall that pairs beautifully with their dreamy Balinese-esque space – Resene Infinity 2 Wallpaper Collection IF4-054.

In the evening, the backlight behind the lounge’s panelled wall offers diffused lighting and a sense of calm and cosines. The varied textures, natural materials and lush greenery add to this design. What an incredible transformation!

With fresh energy, new creative partners and a cast of Kiwi teams bringing unique stories and styles, NZRealReveals is inspiring a new wave of Kiwi DIYers! Make sure to tune in and follow along on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok: @NZRealReveals.

Published: 30 Oct 2025