b"blue skyand surroundings. I chose my site at Whitebridgespecificallyappears in the central area and on various surfaces throughoutthere, I used swatches from my Resene fandecks to refine the the Burwood Bowling Clubas its 360-degree views offer athe early learning centre. paletteintoacohesiveinteriorscheme.TheReseneColour stunning perspective of the Newcastle coastline and the nearbyTheideaforthering-shapedpodsstartedwithroughPalette Generator was also incredibly helpful for visualising how Glenrock State Recreation Area, including the Yuelarbah Track.sketches inspired by nature, especially the gumnut flowers nativethe colours worked together, ensuring they mirrored both the Yuelarbah translates to place of many footsteps and the trackto the area along the Yuelarbah Track. The colours drew fromvibrancy and serenity of the environment.issurroundedbybeautifulnativefloraandprovidesastrongthe stunning native flora and coastal hues, blending the naturalTheplacesKatrinahaslivedhavealwaysproventobean connection to nature. These elements perfectly align with mybeauty of the surroundings into the design. The concept evolvedinspiring backdrop for nurturing her creative interests. Before design vision of a seamless flow between indoor and outdoorto reflect the organic shapes and interconnectedness found inrelocating to Newcastle, it was working on her first home in spaces, creating an environment that encourages exploration,nature, creating a space that feels fluid and alive. This designMelbournewhichignitedherpassionforinteriordesign.28 learning and play. encourages curiosity and movement while fostering a sense ofyears ago, my husband and I purchased a warehouse shell and LikeExploringTreesexistingprojects,Katrinaaimedtoinclusion. The circular layout eliminates harsh edges, making thetogether we transformed that empty industrial space into a warm capturethelandscapethroughherdesignsinteriorinawayenvironment feel softer and more invitingperfect for children.and inviting homeone that would accommodate our growing that felt unique to its location. With expansive windows, indoorTo keep the atmosphere calm, sound would be managed with soft,family and become the setting for many cherished gatherings. plantings and shapes and colours that echo the surroundings, hernoise-dampening materials, ensuring a peaceful and welcomingThatearlyexperiencespurredmylovefordesigningspaces enchanting design offers a variety of spaces for children to learnspace for everyone. that foster connection, functionality and a sense of belonging. through different creative activities. In making her colour selections, Katrina used her trusty ReseneMybrother,atalentedbuilderbasedinMelbourne,hasalso Connections to nature are inherently intertwined throughoutfandecks and the free online Resene Colour Palette Generatorinfluenced my appreciation for design and craftsmanship. And Katrinasprojectbutthering-shapedroomsthatprovidetool(www.resene.com/palettegenerator)topullcoloursfrommy previous studies in teaching instilled in me the importance zonesdedicatedtovariousenrichmentactivitiesareanotherthe projects nearby surroundings. Spending time in Glenrockof understanding and responding to peoples needsskills I now notablefeature.EachringspurposehasbeendifferentiatedReserve, walking the Yuelarbah Track and taking in Whitebridgesapply in my design work, she says.with a carefully chosen Resene paint colour that contrasts yetstunning coastline, I was inspired by the vibrant mix of colours thatOver the years, Ive been the go-to person among friends for complementsthegreenery:ReseneComfortZonefortheappear in these locationsthe rich reds of native blossoms, thedesign advice. While I thoroughly enjoyed helping them create library, Resene Kingfisher Blue for the toddler playroom, Resenegolden hues of wild grasses, the lush greens of the forest canopy,beautiful and practical spaces, I often felt unqualified to provide SpringFeverfortheinfantplayroom,ReseneCelestialBluethe warm browns of tree bark and the deep, calming blues of theadvice tailored to their unique needs. This realisation led me to for the music room, Resene Tapestry for the atelier, Reseneocean and sky, she explains.pursue formal studies at Sydney Design School, allowing me to Quarter Coriander for the staff room, Resene Lisbon BrownTocapturetheessenceoftheselandscapesandbringrefine my skills and transition into a professional design career.for the workshop and Resene Forest Green for the quiet room.theirinspirationtolife,Istartedbyobserving,sketchingandSince graduating, Katrina has taken on the role of Lead Interior Together, these hues are unified with Resene Ciderhouse, whichdocumenting the colours that stood out for me the most. FromDesigner at After Dark Design & Construction. She also runs her far left: Katrina selected soft Resene Comfort Zone for the children's library to enhance the reading environment with a calm and serene hue conducive to concentration and learning. The gentle blue hue further reflects the tranquillity of the nearby coastal landscape, fostering a sense of peace and relaxation that supports the childrens literary exploration and enjoyment while complementing the adjacent room painted in Resene Spring Fever (left) and the ceiling and perimeter walls in Resene Ciderhouse.left: Katrinas design supports and stimulates various activities, provides opportunities for physical movement and encourages children to create their own play styles and learn through real-life experiences. In addition to the large windows that frame the surrounding landscapes, she looked for opportunities to include indirect connections to nature through colour. By continuing the connection from the outside using paint colours that echo hues found in the surrounding environment, the children can experience the beauty of nature and the passage of time throughout the four seasons from anywhere in the facility. Walls in Resene Spring Rain set the tone in the toddler playroom.blackwhitemag.com 69"