Christian and Mark’s dream home: An abode of colour and comfort
Christian and Mark, along with their two children Frankie and Lulu, and dog George, have crafted a home that reflects not only their personal style but also the beauty of nature.
After losing his job in tourism during Covid, Christian saw the opportunity to make their long-held dream of moving out of the city a reality. Inspired by time spent with Mark’s grandparents in the countryside, they found the perfect spot and set out to build their dream home, using Resene colours to bring it to life.
The interior of Christian and Mark’s home is a masterclass in thoughtful colour selection. Keeping the main living areas clean and fresh with Resene Half Alabaster and Half Sea Fog, they let their stunning outdoor views and bold kitchen take centre stage. The kitchen itself is a statement of style with rich forest green cabinetry in Resene Holly, complemented by striking tiles.
The charming kitchen features Resene Holly painted on cabinetry, a striking wintry green, complementing the timber features and gorgeous grey-green tiles.
Surrounding the nature-inspired hues from Resene Holly and natural wood, Resene Half Sea Fog is painted on the walls surrounding the kitchen.
The couple’s journey into colour was aided by Resene Colour Expert Brenda Ngatai, who guided them through the selection process. With help from their interior designers and inspiration from countless photos, they achieved a modern, soft and welcoming style throughout their home.
This inviting living room draws you in with soft seating, subtle wood tones and minimalist décor. The walls are painted in Resene Half Sea Fog and ceiling in Resene Half Alabaster.
The dining room walls are painted in Resene Half Sea Fog allowing the nature inspired shades and elegant fixtures and décor to shine.
The charming neutrals used in main areas allow their stunning colour choices on cabinetry, décor and other spaces to shine. From the gentle Resene Half Duck Egg Blueto the dramatic Resene Indian Ink and bold velvet headboards, each space is as wonderful and unique as the next. For their pool house, Christian and Mark embraced a playful "Slim Aarons meets Palm Springs" theme, adding vibrancy with a fun Resene wallpaper, perfectly suiting the space’s fun and relaxing vibe.
A guest room overlooking the garden is a tranquil retreat with Resene Half Duck Egg Blue, a gentle hue that adds subtle elegance.
A bold velvet headboard in a luxurious blue covers the wall behind the bed – a stunning contrast to the Resene Half Alabaster walls.
A tropical pink and green design, Resene Wallpaper Collection E384501, adorns the wall in the pool house bedroom. Décor in similar shades creates a cohesive and fun space with walls and ceiling in Resene Half Alabaster allowing the colours to pop.
Frankie and Lulu each have their own colourful bedrooms. Lulu’s room is painted in Resene Cest La Vie, a soft pink that perfectly complements her bunk beds and bedding. Frankie’s room embraces nature with Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection, tying into the home’s overall theme of bringing the outdoors in. By using shades that are subtle, they not only give the children their own personal spaces, but also ensure the rooms will remain timeless and adaptable as they grow.
Walls and bunk railings in the children’s rooms are painted in subtle, whimsical hues creating a magic space for growing minds. Lulu’s room (left) is painted in Resene Cest La Vie and Frankie’s room (right) is painted in Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue.
Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue, a soft faded green with undertones of tranquillity, is painted on the walls of Frankie’s room, with various spaces to play, learn and rest. The ceiling is painted in Resene Half Alabaster.
A quiet rose white, Resene Cest La Vie, was chosen to Lulu’s room, creating a playful and soft space to house teddies and sweet dreams.
Christian’s favourite space is the family’s playroom, where he realised a long-time dream of having a large bookcase and plenty of room for the kids to play. With large windows that let in abundant natural light, this space is not only practical but inviting, serving as a daily reminder of the joy their home brings.
Lulu and Frankie enjoy their playroom. The sun warms up this inviting space, painted in Resene Half Sea Fog, allowing colours of toys and children’s artwork to take centre stage.
A large bookcase sits in the playroom with an abundance of learning resources for the children. The walls are painted in Resene Half Sea Fog and ceiling in Resene Half Alabaster.
Frankie and Lulu’s bathroom takes on a bold look with a navy and pink palette. Deep navy Resene Indian Ink, offers a soothing yet striking contrast against soft pink accents, creating a fun but sophisticated space. Meanwhile, the powder room repeats the forest green theme with Resene Holly, mirroring the kitchen cabinetry and providing a cohesive touch throughout the home.
Resene Holly painted on the wall pairs seamlessly with the powder room tiles in green and earthy tones.
The children’s bathroom features Resene Indian Ink, a deep midnight blue, paired with pink hues in the tiles.
Despite the many positives, the build wasn’t without its challenges. The regret of hiring contractors outside of their main building team became tough at times. However, their overall experience was a positive one, thanks to working with Landmark, who managed much of the process and offered a fixed-price contract, which was invaluable during the pandemic.
The home Christian and Mark have built is not only a reflection of their personal tastes but also their love for their children, with colours and spaces that make the house feel like a warm, inviting and fun place to live. From the kids’ wing adorned in soft hues, to the stylish and bold kitchen and pool house, their home is truly a celebration of life, family and colour.
The family’s hallway is painted in the classic Resene Half Sea Fog, creating a neutral backdrop for artwork and family photos.
Resene Indian Ink makes another appearance painted on the laundry cabinetry, creating a striking contrast against the timber, pink tiles and walls in Resene Half Sea Fog.
You can follow Christian, Mark and their family on Instagram at @LoveFromYourDads, where they share their journey as two dads raising Frankie and Lulu, as well as home content, lifestyle updates and behind-the-scenes of their family business, Edwards & Co, where Mark designs strollers, cots and car seats.
images Helen Bankers
Top tip: If you’re not sure how you’d like your kitchen to look, samples are the way to go! Visit your local Resene ColorShop to get samples of all the colours you’re interested in and lay them out together on a white board. This way you can quickly gauge whether your colours and textures work well together. Remember to take the samples or swatches with you when looking at other products.
Published: 11 Sep 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Holly
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Duck Egg Blue
Resene Half Duck Egg Blue
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Cest La Vie
Resene Cest La Vie
Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue
Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Holly
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Sea Fog
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Alabaster
Resene Half Duck Egg Blue
Resene Half Duck Egg Blue
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Cest La Vie
Resene Cest La Vie
Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue
Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.