NZRealReveals week three: Now this is lounge inspiration!

16 Oct 2025

Wrapping up week three of NZRealReveals we are in awe of what Micah and Blondie have achieved in their living room. As with most older homes, there was definitely some prep that needed to be done before starting to decorate. Let’s take a look at how they did!

Before:

Micah and Blondie began by completely gutting their lounge, exposing the timber flooring and getting rid of all the old wallpaper. While taking down some of the wall to open up the gap to the lounge, they even found a little surprise… a Western Leader newspaper from 1991! Probably about time for a makeover then we think.

Before painting, the team used Resene Waterborne Sureseal on the walls and fireplace to penetrate, seal and bond any old decaying surfaces and plastered up any holes and dents. They also sanded back the timber floors and hand-built a custom bookshelf to surround the fireplace. This was all very new for Micah, but luckily his mum, Blondie, is “a weapon on the tools” as he says. 

Tip: If you're painting walls that have previously been wallpapered, use Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal, it smooths out surface imperfections left after wallpaper removal, seals the porous plasterboard and creates a uniform base for painting.

After:

The walls are now painted in a refined tan brown, Resene Leather, using Resene Zylone Sheen in a low sheen finish. The panelling, fireplace and bookshelf are painted in a light beige that pairs perfectly with the brown, Resene Parchment using Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. The timber mantlepiece and tile surround of the fireplace are now stained in Resene Colorwood Bark adds to the cosy, sophisticated vibe, and the ceiling in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Alabaster brings a touch of lightness into the room.

The leather couch, sheepskin, and stylish furniture add to the overall design in Micah and Blondie’s space. It is truly impressive to see what they have accomplished in one week, we are loving the result!

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: 16 Oct 2025