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Like the sand and sea, Wendy’s interior scheme is made for the coast. The walls are painted in Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown, with the ceiling and trims in Resene Alabaster.
Like the sand and sea, Wendy’s interior scheme is made for the coast. The walls are painted in Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown, with the ceiling and trims in Resene Alabaster.
Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown on walls brings warmth inside all year round. The ceiling and trims in Resene Alabaster lift the ceiling and brighten the space.
The kitchen is crisp and modern with warm timber flooring and shelves complementing the cabinetry in Resene Double Alabaster, walls in Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown and ceiling in Resene Alabaster.
The bathroom is a gentle escape, painted in Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown which pairs well with the timber vanity.
The entryway is warm and welcoming in Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown, complementing Grant Hanna’s striking coastal painting. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Alabaster.
Outside, the cladding is painted in Resene Lumbersider in Resene Ironsand, a bold slate neutral, while the pillars, soffits and panelling is painted in Resene Titania.
The two-toned exterior adds depth to the design and showcases the striking build. The vertical cladding is painted in Resene Ironsand, pillars in Resene Titania and eves in Resene Half Titania.
The warmth of flowing sands
The Resene’s Whites and Neutrals range was the perfect go-between for this Whitianga Waterways home, allowing it to blend naturally with its coastal surroundings. The street name translates to ‘flowing sands’ in Māori and the choice of a pearly beige brown from the Karen Walker Paints collection could not have been more fitting.
“The warmth of Resene Sandspit Brown paid off as when the light touches the walls there brings a sense of softness, warmth and comfort to the internal surroundings,” says homeowner Wendy. “Especially as this being a warm colour, there is a double lift.”
Like the sand and sea, Wendy’s interior scheme is made for the coast. The walls are painted in Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown, with the ceiling and trims in Resene Alabaster.
Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown on walls brings warmth inside all year round. The ceiling and trims in Resene Alabaster lift the ceiling and brighten the space.
The design was created by a local architect, Chris Smith from Architechnics, ensuring the home made the most of natural light in every room. The use of neutrals highlights the striking angles and columns within the home, and the warmth of Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown is accentuated by aquamarine accents, yellow gold, whites, creams and stone browns. Together they created a harmonious palette that give the home confidence and elegance.
“The complimentary colours also matched timelessly and to tradition,” Wendy says. From porcelain Italian tiles to charming vanities, the grains and tones all came together, blending seamlessly.
The kitchen is crisp and modern with warm timber flooring and shelves complementing the cabinetry in Resene Double Alabaster, walls in Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown and ceiling in Resene Alabaster.
The bathroom is a gentle escape, painted in Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown which pairs well with the timber vanity.
“The inspiration from this handpicked colour scheme made its way from the magnificent surroundings of a nearby beach,” says Wendy. “A shell stood out and with its beautiful colours hence became the main focal point for the interior.”
Artwork also plays a role in anchoring the scheme. Grant Hanna’s commission painting brought in a seaside vibe with its vibrant natural colours, while Peter Hackett’s oil painting captured the atmosphere of coastal toi tois. Together, they tied the theme back to the environment and reinforced the sense of peace and serenity Sandspit Brown provides.
The entryway is warm and welcoming in Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown, complementing Grant Hanna’s striking coastal painting. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Alabaster.
Every detail was carefully matched, from kitchen cabinetry with light-to-dark grains to Resene Alabaster accents and rustic flooring. “Nothing goes a miss when you blend the natural habitat from the outside in, it flows flawlessly,” Wendy says.
The interiors fold together, like a cosy envelope. They create a welcoming and relaxed vibe. The design allows the family to move from room to room, always connected to their environment. “As it is like the street name and the chosen colours of Flowing Sands, as you move from room to room and settle down in your chosen spot with a natural twist and turn you have settled down in your home at last. Until you are ready to uplift and move again like flowing sands.”
Outside, the cladding is painted in Resene Lumbersider in Resene Ironsand, a bold slate neutral, while the pillars, soffits and panelling is painted in Resene Titania.
The two-toned exterior adds depth to the design and showcases the striking build. The vertical cladding is painted in Resene Ironsand, pillars in Resene Titania and eves in Resene Half Titania.
The exterior was designed to reflect its unique natural setting, drawing inspiration from surrounding rocks, sand, toi tois and ocean views. Resene Ironsand and Resene Titania were chosen to ground the home. These colours offer structure, strength and softness. A true timeless scheme. From the street, the two-toned look creates a wonderful balance. The covered walls ensure privacy and the Resene Titania pillars on the porch enhance the sense of height and openness.
Plantings of toi tois, silver and copper-toned foliage and timber decks add texture and warmth, blending perfectly with Wendy’s chosen Resene shades. This home feels as though it has grown from its surroundings. It’s timeless, harmonious and perfectly in tune with the seaside environment.
As Wendy says, “The vibe is welcoming and relaxing. As you enter this residence it all folds together, like a letter to an envelope.”
colour and design Wendy Tarr
architect Chris Smith, Architechnics
build M J Nicholson
paint Kyle Andrews
imagesDmitri Kotelevski
If you’re looking for a chance to move to the coast, this home is currently for sale. See the listing here.
Top tip: If you’re wondering how to choose a colour scheme for your home, use the Resene ColourMatch Online tool. Simply load a picture of your favourite artwork or inspiration photo and click on the image to find the matching Resene paint colours. This should give you a base for your new home palette, and it will also tie in nicely with your artwork! Just remember, electronic colours can look different on different computers and screens, so make sure to visit your local Resene ColorShop to view it in person or pick up a testpot before making any big decisions.
Published: 08 Oct 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown
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.
Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown
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.
