Nicknamed the 'purple lady', Erica Martin had a challenge on her hands when asked to collaborate on a colour scheme with Architects Judi Keith and Ewan Brown for the exterior of their Mt Victoria, Wellington residence using variations of Resene grey hues. Casting the usually favoured warmth of blues blended with reds aside, a monochromatic scheme was devised for all sides.

The original South facing entrance is grounded with Resene Ship Grey (dark grey) joined by Resene Alabaster (blackened white) on cornerboards and facings. The depth of grey was lightened to the fresher Resene Triple Concrete (clean light grey) on the new North facing addition. Doors were finished in Resene Delta (mid grey) with the entry door striking in Resene Nero (near black). Resene Lumbersider satin acrylic used on the weatherboards is forgiving of the imperfections in the substrate, softening the darker greys and blending them into the style of the house, with the higher gloss of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel on doors and Resene Super Gloss Enamel on windows punctuating these features for impact.

The finish is a stylishly urban edge to a beloved classic beauty.

Colour Selection: Erica Martin, erica.martin.designs
Painting Contractor: Redshirt Painters
Resene: Camille Jaspers, Wellington Architectural Services Representative
From the Resene News – issue 3/2005