For the love of the 50s

Becky gradually started adding colour into the home beginning with a wallpaper that she loved on a small wall in the kitchen – acting as a launching point for the rest of the home. She started to think about the era of the house; 1950s style and design, and how she could put her spin on that.

Black and white chequerboards, a rainbow of eye popping pastels, pink bathrooms, mid-century modern style, sculptural pieces, exuberant patterned fabrics; the post war 1950s had a positive outlook and the decor was fun and vibrant. Becky's interpretation of this involved keeping black and white elements throughout as a nod to the quintessential chequerboard tiles popular in the 50s, embracing an adventurous combination of colours, and connecting these ideas across the property with carefully curated soft furnishings and vintage pieces. Another favourite feature is the Flemish glass 1950s front door saved from a wrecker's yard, repaired, repurposed and installed as a barn style door in between the hallway and living area.

Next it was time to transform the entry – an unattractive glass conservatory added on at the front door in the 70s/80s at best guess. Becky collaborated with artist Samantha Elise to design a stencilled tile mural for the brick walls.

Becky had recently acquired the run down family vintage caravan (a Christchurch built 'Bermuda Princess' circa 1961 and a project in the making!). She selected colours for the mural to connect to the caravan and also reference colours appearing elsewhere in the home. Samantha developed the design and then patiently executed the mural using Resene St Kilda, Resene Blanched Pink, Resene Siesta, Resene Ragamuffin and Resene Mai Tai.

Becky's interior palette is a brave collection of hues, with the hallway in Resene Alluring and Resene Black White, the master bedroom in Resene Apache and Resene Black White, and the kids' rom in Resene Keppel with Resene Energise on the beds. The lounge is equally bold in Resene Rouge and Resene Black White. The guest bedroom offers a warm welcome in Resene Swiss Caramel, with Resene Soulful on the side table and Resene Sakura on the trunk. Resene Sakura is continued into the bathroom combined with Resene Black White. A pop of Resene Smitten on the dining table is a striking contrast against the Resene Black White walls, which also continue into the kitchen.

It's a home of colour with uplifting hues from room to room.

Decorating inspiration gallery
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