A place to call home

From the Resene colour inspiration – latest looks gallery

As the pendulum swings from the instant gratification of a quick makeover and everything straight off the shelf to a more personalised style which is developed over time.

We show how to add personality and part of you into your home through displaying personal items and creating spaces that express who you are and what you believe in. Take your house to something that feels like a home, telling stories of those living here.

Simply stylish

A simple, stylish and parred back aesthetic, how the house might be when you purchase it - it is still beautiful but somewhat lacking. Why do some homes feel instantly welcoming and others don’t? It is not about the price of the furnishings; it is the thought that has gone into crafting the space and the attention to details. Walking into a home that reflects the person/people living in it is so refreshing in a time poor society, spending time crafting your home is a special type of luxury. The space feels authentic, a home that tells a story and has a strong sense of identity.

We all love a simple, stylist aesthetic but if you are craving something with a little more personality we show you how. Although this space feels beautiful, as a home - who lives here? Let’s build homes that say I live here.

A simple, stylish and parred back aesthetic
Walls and ladder painted in Resene Alabaster, and floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash.

Accessories: C317 rattan chair by Feelgood designs, available at backhouse. Tassled wool rug in Dove, 2m x 3m, Twill throw in clay (on ladder); both from Nodi. White concrete pot and poster hanger, Moodstore. Faberge art print by Paper Collective, Father Rabbit. Soho Corner Sofa, light grey; Side Table Ottoman in Biscuit; both from Me and My Trend. Linear Two Tier coffee table; Endicott glass vase; Heavy linen cushion covers in grey and Ivory; all from Citta. Cait water jug in white; Garment Project white sneakers; Father Rabbit. Amber drinking glass by Monmouth Glass, Tessuti. Kingdom candle, Good Thing. 36inch Paper lantern, Wahlees.

Create a mood board with Resene test pots

Where to start? Ask yourself...

What is your story and how will you tell it?
How do you want to feel in this space, how will people experience the room and behave in it?
What activities will be done in this space?
Who is this space for and what does it say about you/them?
What colours and textures express this?
What objects/photos/furniture/heirlooms/art do you have that would work in this space?

Create a mood board

Grab a notebook and start writing down your ideas, picking up Resene testpots and playing around with colours that you like. Make sure you have a selection of light and fun shades and something with a bit more depth. Think about plants and beautiful accessories.

Testpots clockwise from left in Resene Sunbaked, Resene Red Herring, Resene King Tide, Resene Alabaster, Resene Soulful, vase painted in Resene Just Dance. Floorboards in Resene Colorwood Whitewash. Black and White Notebook, Father Rabbit.

Update old furniture and heirlooms with interesting shapes

These old chairs were pulled out of an old commercial building by Dad and had been sitting around unused. I loved the shape and with a coat of Resene Alabaster have become a really interesting contemporary piece of furniture. Sitting alongside an old oil painting of the Coromandel that was purchased from the artist 20 years ago - this space is starting to feel unique. A few plants in contemporary shaped pots and a collection of your current reads keeps the mix modern and practical.

Create a library corner

A few wall shelves filled with a mix of books, artwork and family photos will completely change the feel of your living room. Not only is it a practical storage solution, but it can create a space to display what your family is about - kids art and trophies, special moments shared. It is also so easy to update with your latest photos, art arrived home from school and your favourite new reads. We have created a warm colour palette to highlight our library corner. A painted colour block in Resene Soulful on the wall with wall shelves in Resene Just Right and boxed wall shelf in Resene Sunbaked ties the tonal look together.

Left: upcyled chairs. Right - library corner: Walls and ladder painted in Resene Alabaster, and floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash. Colour block on wall painted in Resene Soulful, Ikea picture shelves painted in Resene Just Right and box shelving in Resene Sunbaked.

Accessories: (for library corner) Tassled wool rug in Dove, 2m x 3m; from Nodi. Poster hanger, and copper velvet cushion, Moodstore. Faberge art print by Paper Collective, Father Rabbit. Soho Corner Sofa, light grey; from Me and My Trend. Reversible Cotton Knit Throw (on ladder) in Toffee, Citta. Plaster dog, Flotsam and Jetsam. No Bad Vibes artwork (stylist’s own). Small wooden bird on stand, Father Rabbit. Victorian ink pot, Flotsam and Jetsam. Yoga Croquis Art Print by George Sand Studio, A4 unframed, Endemic World. Simple Fare cookbook; Handmade Home, and Garden by William Dangar, all from Father Rabbit. Kingdom candle, Good Thing. The Glass House No1 Photographic Print by Amy Wybrow, A4 unframed, Endemic World. All else stylist’s own.

Embracing your story

Where are you visible in your home, on the walls and what do you value - education, sports, trophies, art, travel? Are all the members of your family/home represented in some spaces? What do some materials mean to you? Add sentiment.

Blue feature wall and art

We use our homes to make purposeful and deliberate statements about ourselves ‘identity claims’ these reflect our goals, values, roles and priorities. Iconic photographs, photos of you and your family, books. These are displayed in public spaces essentially saying “this is who i am and this is what matters to me”.

Add depth with deep tones

A deep wall in Resene King Tide can really be a game changer. If you are new to adding bold colours, it doesnt’t need to be your large main wall, try a side wall to begin with. It will also really bring your artwork or photos to life. A favourite painting can also be a great way to pull together a colour palette - just pick your favourite colours from the painting to pull your cushions and accessories together. If your couch is neutral, be brave with your cushion choices with a mix of colours, shapes and patterns.

Family photos / use travel photos as art

When we see ourselves in our homes, literally on the walls, we instantly feel connected to our space, who lives here - you do!

Lounge and art impact
Walls and ladder painted in Resene Alabaster, and floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash. Right hand side wall in Resene King Tide. Colour block in Resene Soulful, wall shelves in Resene Just Right and boxed wall shelf in Resene Sunbaked.

Accessories: C317 rattan chair by Feelgood designs, available at backhouse. Tassled wool rug in Dove, 2m x 3m; from Nodi. White concrete pot and poster hanger, Moodstore. Faberge art print by Paper Collective, Father Rabbit. Soho Corner Sofa, light grey; Side Table Ottoman in Mustard; both from Me and My Trend. Linear Two Tier coffee table; from Citta. Garment Project white sneakers; Sophie Store So Sweet hat, Father Rabbit. Amber drinking glass by Monmouth Glass, Tessuti. Kingdom candle, Good Thing. 36inch Paper lantern, Wahlees. ‘Lift me from the ground’ original painting, by Selena Kitchen. Cushions from left, Copper velvet cushion, Moodstore. Cotton Velvet Round Cushion Cover in carrot; Buttercup Cushion Cover; Forget Me Not Cushion Cover, all from Citta. Plaster dog, Flotsam and Jetsam.

On shelves from top. No Bad Vibes artwork (stylist’s own). Yoga Croquis Art Print by George Sand Studio, A4 unframed, Endemic World. Simple Fare cookbook; Handmade Home, and Garden by William Dangar, all from Father Rabbit. All else stylist’s own. Small wooden bird on stand, Father Rabbit (under coffee table).