Warren and Heather's small reno makes big impact

A cosy 100 square metres with a generous backyard, this bungalow was the perfect size for Warren, Heather and their young family when they bought it 10 years ago. But as the kids grew up, the house started to shrink... and eventually it came time to renovate.

To visually expand the interior, a new colour scheme was introduced, using neutrals Resene Half Perfect Taupe and Resene Black White. An extension was also added, taking into account that Warren and Heather didn't want to lose the entire backyard (although losing the cricket pitch was a bonus with so many new big windows).

Using only 60 square metres for the extension, they were able to fit in a new master bedroom with ensuite, a second living room and a large kitchen/walk in pantry.

They tell us more. 

What Resene colours and products have you used, and what inspired those choices?

The walls inside are all painted in Resene Half Perfect Taupe – we liked it because it was neutral but warm. 

The sills and skirtings are painted in Resene Black White, which goes well with the white aluminium joinery and is a nice clean colour without looking stark or cold.

The outside is painted in Resene Foggy Grey, a colour we had seen painted on a house down the road.

How did you decide on the overall look of the interiors?

We wanted a clean, light open kitchen/living space.

The industrial feel was based around a light fitting that Warren made out of a water cylinder from a previous house.

We thought the white joinery would be the easiest to keep clean and would give a more spacious feel. 

The 3.2 metre high stud also makes the space feel larger and, teamed with the high windows, lets in a lot of light and warmth.

What part of the house are you happiest with?

The kitchen, living and deck space. The French doors fold back completely, and the louvres serve to extend the available living area.

What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look?

High ceilings, lots of windows, and neutral colours – and then fill it with what you like.

What was the biggest decorating, renovating or building challenge for this project?

Living through the renovation when the kitchen was out of action (having to walk into the laundry to fill up the Nespresso machine!).

Do you have a favourite colour, and if so why is it your favourite?

Teal blue – it is colour that looks great on anything and anyone.

Is there anyone else you would like mentioned?

Our builders, Residential Castles. The boys were considerate of our space while getting the job done.

Published: 29 Nov 2017

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

kitchen, white, neutrals

As part of the renovation, the homeowners expanded their kitchen and painted the walls in Resene Half Perfect Taupe. The ceiling is painted in Resene Half Merino and the trims are painted in Resene Black White.

exterior, neutrals, white

The kitchen feeds out onto the sunny deck, with weatherboards painted in Resene Foggy Grey.

neutrals, white

The second living room is a new addition, painted in Resene Half Perfect Taupe, with the ceiling painted in Resene Half Merino and the trims painted in Resene Black White.

white, neutrals, exterior

The homeowners used 60 square metres of their generous backyard for the extension, including a new master bedroom with ensuite. The exterior is painted in Resene Foggy Grey.

bedroom, white, neutrals

The master bedroom gets a healthy dose of sun during the day, painted in Resene Half Perfect Taupe. The ceiling is painted in Resene Half Merino and the trims are painted in Resene Black White.

exterior, white

The exterior is painted in Resene Foggy Grey, with trims painted in Resene Black White. 

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Black White

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Half Merino

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×
Square square colour information icon
Square square colour information icon

Resene Half Perfect Taupe

register h icon  look book

Create your own mood boards of your favourite colours, photographs and information from habitat by resene.

Login or Register to get started!

×

the look

If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.