Watson-Smith new house

The house is long and skinny in shape and steps down the slope to a row of Pohutukawas and a small stream and reserve at the bottom of the site.

A bright red, Resene Livewire window box, ‘pops’ out of the blackness and into the Pohutukawa trees at the lower end of the house. This acts as a positive termination to the lower end of the house and looks amazing, particularly in the summer when the Pohutukawas are in flower.

Colour was used in a focused and restrained way, behind glass to create and emphasise a particular character or energy in each space.

The main feature colour throughout the house, both internally and externally, is the wonderful red Resene Livewire. (We now have every single red, and variation of red in our office library!). Inside the house, Resene Livewire is featured in the kitchen which is literally at the ‘heart’ of the house, as a large back-painted glass splashback. It is the hub of the house and the Resene Livewire reinforces a positive, warming and friendly energy.

Natural materials of Meranti timber, bamboo flooring and stone tiles are taken through the house and it is then in the bathrooms where a particular colour has been highlighted:

In the ensuite, a fresh, energising and invigorating green was selected. We chose Resene Chameleon to feature behind the glass splashback where it feels like you are biting into a fresh, crisp Granny Smith apple each morning!

For the main family bathroom, a more fun and punch colour; Resene Extrovert was chosen (and approved by the 10-year-old daughter). Resene Extrovert provides a bright, cheerful character and gets regular positive comments when visited by guests.

Colours used: Resene Chameleon, Resene Extrovert, Resene Livewire.

Products used: Resene Lustacryl, Resene Lumbersider.

Architectural Specifier: Carolyn Smith
Building Contractor: Shore Developments
Colour Selection: Carolyn Smith
Interior Designer: Carolyn Smith
Painting Contractor: T.L. Baldock, Way-Out-West Glass
Photographer: Carolyn Smith
Other Key Contributors: The team at Architecture Smith & Scully Ltd
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2020

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