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From the Resene/Your Home and Garden Colour Home Awards Competition - first finalist 2020

The Karen Walker Paints range from Resene provided stylish inspiration for the pastel-toned makeover of this heritage home

Then Sam and Tineka Hoskin finally moved into their first home with their four children in July, after seven years living in a minor dwelling, they were over the moon about being home owners but less than enthused about the house’s quirks.

“There were strange add-ons to the house, like a door to go outside right beside the toilet and a really small room not big enough for anything at the end of the hallway,” says Tineka. “It was very dark and closed in and the ceilings were covered with ceiling tiles.”

However, the couple loved the heritage home’s original wood panelling, high ceilings and kauri floors and set about both restoring its character and making it their own.

We wanted a home that felt warm and cosy but spacious,” says Tineka. “Sam found the Karen Walker Paints range from Resene and we chose Resene Quarter Robin Egg Blue for most of the house, including the kitchen. We also used it in the girls’ room and paired it with a Resene wallpaper that is girly but will age with them for the next few years.”

When it came to giving the Helensville, Auckland, house its facelift, the Hoskins had the ultimate advantage: not only is Sam a house painter, his sister and cousin are, too. “They all chipped in and got the painting done!” tells Tineka.