feature areas – ones that would be stunning in their own right but that would make our favourite artwork come to life. We were also seeking colours that would be at home in the comparable ‘island nation’ of New Zealand.” The couple had previously owned large homes on larger lifestyle blocks so thought long and hard about what they needed for the next phase of their life. With a daughter, Holly, at university and Kaye’s mother Olwen living with them, they decided that small was good. Or rather, smaller. They found an 8000sq m piece of land with stunning north-western views, privacy and enough room for a few horses and their three dogs. The simple and efficient house plan measures 150sq m. Then came the task of culling a lifetime’s worth of collecting art, accessories, furnishings, furniture and books. “We had to be ruthless! There was a lot of merging and purging.” But they also took their time unpacking and arranging, savouring each piece of art or objet as they feature house Left: Dwight and Kaye have happily down-sized for their new home. Top right: A pop of Resene Wild Thing sings out from the hallway leading to two of the bedrooms. The artwork was done by the couple’s daughter Holly when she was young, in the style of Austrian-Kiwi artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Right: The ensuite has the same character features as the rest of the house. The walls are Resene Dali, which is from an older Resene collection. Try Resene Freelance as another option. Below: The simple exterior is painted in Resene Triple White Pointer. Rocks provide temporary landscaping as the couple plan their garden. Resene Freelance Resene Half Dutch White Resene Triple White Pointer Resene Dali Resene Wild Thing top tip For more great colourful houses every week, visit www.habitatbyresene.com. You’ll also find a selection of easy DIY projects for you to try. 49