Charming colour, bold wallpaper and rolling hills in Kaiwaka
Burnside Residence in Takahoa Bay, Kaiwaka is a striking architectural home that perfectly showcases how Resene paints, finishes and bold wallpaper can bring together a modern home in harmony with its natural surroundings.
Designed by architectural and interior designer Dasha Tarasova of DDA Consultants, this house sits overlooking picture perfect rolling hills, as well as a freshwater lake on one side and the Kaipara Harbour on the other.
The living room window has been designed to frame the harbour, just like a painting, while the main wing and deck look over the bird-filled lake. The owners even stated that the windows capture the views so beautifully they had no need for any wall art in the house.
The dining room and bar walls are painted in Resene Athens Grey, a cool, pearly hue, with contrasting trims and ceiling in Resene Double Alabaster. The warm timber floor grounds this space while effortlessly connecting it to the outdoor deck.
In the living room, expansive views of the lake and rolling hills are framed by the seamless canvas of Resene Athens Grey and Resene Double Alabaster. To get this look on timber beams, use Resene Colorwood Matai.
Even the kitchen has a front seat view to the surrounding landscape. The walls are painted in Resene Athens Grey with ceiling and trims in Resene Double Alabaster. For a bold blue in your kitchen like this, use Resene Coast.
The exterior palette was chosen to seamlessly blend with the surrounding woods and paddocks. Dark brick laid in black mortar and vertical cedar cladding finished in Wood-X Kauri Gum settle the home comfortably into its lush, rural environment.
The exterior cedar cladding is finished in a warm shade using Wood-X Kauri Gum blending in with the natural surroundings. For a similar look use Resene Woodsman Natural Wood Oil in Resene Rakiura or Resene Kaimanawa.
The home’s interior palette is also inspired by the surrounding landscape, chosen to reflect both modern crispness and country warmth. Walls throughout are painted in Resene Athens Grey, a soft pearly hue, with a gentle contrast on trims in Resene Double Alabaster.
A noteworthy highlight is the feature wallpaper in the primary bedroom. Resene Masterpiece Wallpaper Collection 358002 was selected by the European-born owners as a way to link their heritage with their new life in New Zealand. The vibrant, bold blooms within the design add both cosiness and energy to the space, with plenty of colour inspiration to pull into décor and fabrics.
The continuity of colour throughout spaces in the home means everything feels connected. The cohesive design extends to the joinery, wardrobe, kitchen and bar, all planned as part of the architectural concept and imported in one shipment to ensure consistency. It’s clear to see nature’s tones played a big part in this design, both in colour and detail.
A standout feature in the master bedroom is the bold, blooming design of Resene Masterpiece Wallpaper Collection 358002, paired with Resene Athens Grey walls and Resene Double Alabaster trims and ceiling.
An incredible view to wake up to from the master bedroom, framed by walls in Resene Athens Grey and trims and ceiling in Resene Double Alabaster.
A second bedroom in the home is a tonal dream in the cool neutrals of Resene Athens Grey and Resene Double Alabaster, tying it in to the rest of the home’s palette.
The striking exposed roof beams required an unconventional method of installation. To achieve this, the roof was built in reverse, with stained timber beams installed first, then the ceiling lining, insulation and finally the roof iron. This unusual process saw the entire site be wrapped and scaffolded to protect against the weather. But it was all worth it. The result is a distinctive design feature that’s both structural and aesthetic.
The blend of innovation, attention to detail and carefully chosen Resene finishes makes Burnside Residence a seamless union of architecture, interior design and the natural beauty that surrounds it.
design Dasha Tarasova, DDA Consultants
build Brogan Builders
Product alert: Resene have recently released Resene Woodsman Natural Wood Oil, a unique stain developed using renewable resins. Named after National Parks and Forest Parks, this collection is designed to bring out the best in your timber inside and out – especially cedar. Use on weatherboards, landscaping, interior walls and ceilings to protect, enhance and rejuvenate your timber finishes. Continue the same colour from your exterior to your interior for seamless style.
Published: 25 Sep 2025
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Resene Double Alabaster
the look
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Resene Double Alabaster
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.