Out of the blue

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

This determined homeowner didn’t rest until she found the perfect nautical hue

Blue lounge with dramatic pink couch

In pursuit of a shade of blue that seamlessly fit into the ’50s nautical bach vibe for her Taupō home, Holly Spooner tried and tested too many hues to count.

It wasn’t until a friend shared a picture of her newly renovated kitchen, painted in Resene Half Kumutoto, that Holly found she had discovered one that fit the bill.

“It was the exact shade I’d been looking for,” she explains. “It’s a gorgeous bold blue that creates a statement without being too dark.”

When paired with fresh window trims in Resene White, it delivered the nostalgic bach feel Holly was after – with a twist. Because, simply having bright blue walls wasn’t enough for the furniture upholsterer, who then added a hand-painted striped mural in Resene Poppy, Resene Laser, Resene Rose of Sharon and Resene Ashanti.

“I love using paint in different ways and experimenting with colours,” says Holly. “I also love painting furniture and old-fashioned lamps for the custom shades I make.”

Resene Rose of Sharon is becoming a fast favourite with Holly, who is planning on utilising its warm desert hue in other rooms in her home.

Holly Spponer with skeeter her french bulldog

Meet & greet: Holly Spooner (upholsterer and soft furnishing designer), Brett Cameron (owner of Coverup Upholstery) and Skeeter the French bulldog.