Rental refurb

Leela started with the obstacle of unchangeable white walls in their rental home. They didn’t want being renters on a low income to stop their home telling a story of who they are.

At first Leela considered using painted strips of old wallpaper or fabric pieces with jagged, unfinished edges. But she chose thick, heavy cardboard pieces that she got for free from her husband’s work. She painted them individually then attached them to the wall, sealing the gaps with an interior filler and hiding the staples. She left the surface rough and textured, then repainted.

A stripe of concentrated colour enabled her to use a richer, deeper hue. Leela decided on Resene Salem, a colour that also complemented her collection of turquoise vases and ceramics.

The sea of blues and green makes the room feel exotic, enchanting and reflects the Polynesian roots of their family. Any flower or even just simple green foliage in a vase looks luminous with the Resene Salem backdrop.

The Bhai family love the outcome, not just because it was easy on the wallet, but because of its abstract celebration of colour and the way it makes them feel truly at home.

Walls

Resene Salem

Decorating inspiration gallery
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