Spanish steps

From the Resene/Your Home and Garden Colour Home Awards Competition - Fifth finalist 2019

The vibrant hues of the Mediterranean inspired this homeowner to break out the brights in her back garden.

After a year spent living in Spain, the Emery family returned to Auckland and found that their home of 10 years looked a little tired. The vibrancy of Spain’s art, design and architecture had made its mark, and interior designer Erina Emery decided to make some bold changes.

Painting a patio in Resene Polo Blue

A Mediterranean inspired garden re-do

Instead of launching into a full renovation, Erina looked for some quick, easy ways to update her home. A shabby paved area that had been cobbled together using recycled materials was an obvious choice and the family’s recent travels provided ample inspo.

“Inspired by a shopfront in Bali, I decided to go full colour,” says Erina. “We painted the pavers in Resene Polo Blue, which was a risk, but they look amazing.” The pavers were prepped with Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer first before topcoating.

Erina Emery in her garden

Painted patio stones in Resene Polo Blue

“We then bought three large planters and painted them in Resene Half Turbo, Resene Princess and Resene Mariner,” says Erina. “New white outdoor furniture makes the whole space feel light and fresh, and the colours just pop with the green garden.”

The Emerys love their refreshed backyard and Erina feels it now reflects her design philosophy. “I want our home to be full of colour, curiosities and memories, with little corners everywhere that make us smile.”

A home full of colour, curiosities and memories