In the grand parlour, Resene Fuscous Grey was used on the lower walls, dado and skirting to complement the Resene Wallpaper Collection 32722 statement wallpaper (discontinued wallpaper design). Try Resene Wallpaper Collection 30396-5 to get a similar look, or check with your local Resene ColorShop for other alternative options.

She says they were inspired by a photograph of the same wallpaper styled with a contemporary leather couch. “It contrasted beautifully with the dark walls, and it was at that moment that we decided to create a similar look. However, we changed it up with a painted dado, shutters and fireplace. The dado was painted Resene Fuscous Grey, which complemented the wallpaper beautifully. Our search was then on for the right furniture to add the pop of colour. We found the perfect lounge suite at Dawson & Co – a burnt orange Cloud Sofa.”

Homeowners Doug and Sandra were inspired by a photograph of the same wallpaper, Resene Wallpaper Collection 32722 (discontinued wallpaper design), which had been styled with a contemporary leather couch. To emulate the look, they opted for a burnt orange lounge suite from Dawson & Co.

Doug and Sandra decided that they wanted the main floor kitchen and living space to make a real statement by mixing ultra-modern with traditional elements, like the ornate fibrous plaster ceilings.

The walls of the living area are in Resene Copyrite.

“We painted the walls to the kitchen and living rooms in Resene Copyrite, which we had used in our last property and really liked. It provided a light background to the dark kitchen which used dark colours in the cabinetry, ceilings and exposed steel elements.”

The kitchen ceiling battens are in Resene Colorwood Dark Ebony natural wood stain and protected with Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish in a satin finish with the steel frame in Resene Fuscous Grey. The walls are in Resene Copyrite.

The modern theme was continued into the kitchen with the exposed steel portal frame, which was painted Resene Fuscous Grey, and the ceiling battens stained using Resene Colorwood Dark Ebony natural wood stain. The contrasting theme was used throughout the house, another example being the formal dining room where traditional elements were retained and enhanced with modern furnishings. The dining room was painted Resene Sandspit Brown.

Doug and Sandra chose Resene Sandspit Brown, a classic warm taupe, for the dining room.

“The renovation was a challenging situation at times, but the result is spectacular and one that we are thrilled with.”

To those who live in or have visited Auckland, Franklin Road is well known for its extravagant Christmas light displays. When the home was undergoing revitalisation, locals waited in anticipation of how it would be decorated – and number 38 definitely did not disappoint.

See more at www.franklin38.co.nz.

images Doug Stockwell