mixing This family turned an all-cream scheme into one with interest and mood. it up D on’t get us wrong, Resene Thorndon Cream is a delightful colour, but when it’s used on every single surface of an interior… its charms can be somewhat diluted. That was Jessica’s reaction when she and husband John bought their brand new house in Cambridge, in the Waikato. They didn’t set out to impose a particular style on the house, only to break up the cream. But as time has gone on, the interiors have evolved into what Jessica describes as “contemporary with a country twist”. It reflects the home’s outlook across the rural outskirts of Cambridge, where cows happily graze in the paddock next door. The changes have been more than decorative. Early on, the couple added on a family room. The original layout of the house had the main living area very separate to the kitchen and dining area, which wasn’t very practical for a couple with two young daughters, Indie (10) and Matilda (7). The area next to the kitchen wasn’t big enough for a good-sized sitting area and a dining table, but was also a bit large for just a dining table on its own. Above: The walls in the open-plan dining and kitchen area are half painted in Resene Bokara Grey (below) with Resene Half Silver Chalice on top to add visual interest to the large, long space. Left: Jessica with daughters Indie and Matilda, and her mother Vivienne. Opposite: The family room addition is painted in Resene Silver Chalice with a feature wall in Resene Bokara Grey. The ceiling is Resene Half Thorndon Cream and the artwork is by Jessica’s second cousin Julia Oakley. Resene Bokara Grey Resene Silver Chalice Resene Half Silver Chalice Resene Half Thorndon Cream Resene Half Thorndon Cream 23 feature house