Plimmerton by the sea

This cosy seaside cottage is transformed by new colours and furnishings from The Furnishing Affair.

Location can play a key role in the interior design of a home, providing the inspiration for both colour and material selection.

When designer Leigh Nichols from The Furnishing Affair was asked to come up with a new colour scheme to change the mood of this seaside cottage, she says she knew instinctively the feeling that needed to be achieved.

"The cottage had to be warm, cosy and welcoming," she says.

"The owners already had a number of interesting rugs and accessories acquired during their travels overseas, which needed to be part of the design. These added richness and warmth, enhancing the overall effect."

Leigh Nichols says the house was refurbished one room at a time, with the interior gradually taking shape as the various decorative layers were added.

"Fabrics were matched with paint colours, which were chosen to create a feeling of relaxation and comfort. The St Malo seashell fabric in the dining room, for example, has a resort look and helps to link the interior with the sea view outside. It is matched with Resene Splash on the walls."

The Furnishing Affair is a soft furnishing retailer that specialises in interior design consultancy work. The company also makes customised bedspreads, curtains and blinds.

All Resene paints are available from Resene ColorShops.

The sun porch is painted in Resene Cactus to complement the Lusty Lloyd Loom furniture.

The bedroom features an elephant-patterned fabric, matched to Resene Falcon paint.

The dining room features St Malo seashell fabric for the curtains and blinds. Both the living and dining rooms are painted in Resene Splash.

Find out more home design, landscaping and decorating ideas at www.trendsideas.com.