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Exterior is cladded in a Resene Construction Systems / ROCKCOTE system coloured to Resene Fossil. Deck stained in Woodsman Decking Stain in Equilibrium.
Grounded coastal living in the South Island
At first glance, Michelle’s home feels quietly confident, settled into its coastal setting with ease. But the story really begins back in 2010, when her and her husband Peter bought what she describes as “a great family home by the beach” that “with two young sons, suited us well.”
The property came with a future already mapped out. “It also had an adjacent section that had already been subdivided so the plan was once the boys grew up, we could sell or build next door,” Michelle says.
“We decided to build so that we could have control over how the two adjacent properties functioned alongside each other and to maximise views and privacy for each property.”
Dining area painted in Resene Half Fossil, ceiling in Alabaster.
Kitchen walls in Resene Half Fossil, ceiling in Alabaster.
What followed was a deeply hands on process. “During Covid lockdowns we began working on the design concept enlisting Tony King from nearby Green Island as our builder and then brought in our architect, Patrick Pitts of Robust Architecture Design. My husband and I took on the role of project managers while both working full-time.”
The timing was not without stress. “Ensuing supply issues and soaring building costs provide additional challenges, but by then we were committed to the build and determined to see our vision through.” Work began on site in October 2024, and Michelle and her husband moved in at the start of December 2025.
Office nook back wall in Resene Bitter, surrounding walls in Half Fossil.
Entrance foyer Resene Bitter, trims and doors in Fossil and ceiling in Alabaster.
While the home has a strong modern presence from the street, Michelle is quick to point out that efficiency was key. “Although the home looks large from outside due to modern design we were keen to make it as efficient as possible. The floor plan is 236m2 of which 36m2 is garage.” And the style is clear and grounded, with Michelle describing it as contemporary, coastal Kiwi with strong references to its environs. Natural and built.
Living and kitchen walls in Resene Half Fossil, ceiling in Alabaster.
Living room walls in Resene Half Fossil, ceiling in Alabaster.
Now empty nesters, the home reflects a new chapter. “We are empty nesters and the home was designed with that in mind plus the option for intergenerational living with a downstairs suite.” Their sons are close by. Joshua, 24, and lives and works for a rehabilitation provider, and Harrison, 19, is in his second year at Otago University studying Media and Communications. Day to day life now belongs to Michelle, her husband and their dog Mia, a Fox Terrier-Jack Russell cross.
Michelle’s working life has evolved too. “I worked in journalism and PR for 17 years before retraining as a secondary school teacher of Media Studies and English in 2010. I now work as a learning support specialist at Bayfield High School supporting neurodiverse learners.” Peter, meanwhile, is the caretaker at Balmacewen Intermediate.
Family bathroom in Resene Bitter, door in Fossil and ceiling in Alabaster.
Ensuite in Resene Half Fossil.
Inside, walls are painted in Resene Half Fossil, with trims and doors in Fossil and ceilings in Alabaster. The soft olive green of Bitter appears in the entrance foyer, office nook and family bathroom.
“Scandi design principles resonate in terms of both colour palette and overall design – spaces to hunker down in during winter, pale walls and floors, light airy spaces, natural products and lack of clutter,” says Michelle. “I was keen to bring in a green shade both to ground the home in the natural environment and to create a sense of calm after challenging days at work. The combination of Resene Bitter alongside Fossil and Half Fossil create a sense of calm and refuge. It’s incredibly grounding, I breathe out every time I walk up the stairs to our living space.”
Bedroom walls in Resene Half Fossil, doors in Fossil.
Bedroom walls in Resene Half Fossil, doors and trims in Fossil.
The exterior palette continues the story with Resene X-200 in Resene Fossil on the façade. Resene X-200 is New Zealand’s most specified and recommended waterproofing and weatherproofing coating, it is relatively straightforward to apply and used by homeowners and professional painters alike. The deck is stained in Woodsman Equilibrium, COLORSTEEL® FlaxPod roof (try Resene Element) and James Hardie Axon Panel cladding in Flaxpod.
The exterior sets up a deliberate contrast. “This resulted in a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde approach with a dramatic exterior featuring charcoal grey on three sides juxtaposed with a warmer façade and wooden deck – Fossil on textured ROCKCOTE and smoky grey tinted ship lap cedar cladding the soffit. These elements aimed to create a sense of refuge, firmly rooted in place reflecting the beach, surrounding bush and ever-present skyscape.”
Exterior is cladded in a Resene Construction Systems / ROCKCOTE system coloured to Resene Fossil. Deck stained in Woodsman Decking Stain in Equilibrium.
Exterior in ROCKCOTE painted in Resene Fossil.
The heart of the home is the living space. “This area does so much,” Michelle says. And zones are very carefully considered. “We created zones for resting, viewing, working, relaxing, cooking and eating.” The cohesion is intentional and detailed, from white oak cabinetry and brushed nickel handles to sage green melamine, blush pink shelving and textiles that quietly mirror each other across the room.
And then there is the window seat. “If I had to pick a space in that zone, I’d pick the window seat. It’s a great place to read and watch the waves. Mia likes to snooze at one end, and I read at the other.”
Stairwell in Resene Half Fossil.
Ask Michelle for a favourite Resene colour and there is no hesitation. “Resene Bitter,” she says. “Based on previous experience it can be challenging to get the right shade of green but the minute I saw it on the walls, I knew it was the perfect choice. It has a muddy background making it more of a khaki green so complements the surrounding Fossil walls while exuding calm. I find it grounding.”
“Building post-Covid, we were determined to support local tradespeople and suppliers,” she says. That commitment runs through the project, right down to the people involved. Michelle credits “Our Builder Tony King for his commitment to the project, Graeme and Josh Hasite from Southern Kitchens and Joinery and our sparky, Jeremy Treweek from Advanced Electrical Solutions.”
There is a sense that this home is not just finished, but settled. As Michelle puts it, the style is “Kiwi coastal with a twist. It’s pared back and relaxing but also hard working in terms of functionality.” A home designed to breathe, to look outward to the sea, and to hold everyday life gently.
Top tip: If you’re thinking of adding some colour to parts of your home, like Michelle did with Resene Bitter, opt for a similar undertone in any neutrals you choose. For example, if you’re choosing a warmer toned green, try whites with a green edge like Resene Merino or Resene Half Thorndon Cream. And for pairing with blue shades, try cooler whites like Resene Sea Fog and Resene Eighth Black White.
Published: 04 Feb 2026
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
the look
If you're stuck on what
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the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
