To the max

As a maximalist, Josephine aims to have their home looking like the ultimate junk shop/bordello.

They moved into their 1946 Mt Roskill cottage a year ago and it was totally white, just screaming to be coloured in.

Josephine has always been obsessed with red. As a child she would always draw women in red dresses. So Resene Red Berry was an easy choice for the lounge. It sounds, and looks good enough to eat. Josephine loves the cosiness it creates when the fire is going, and the way it looks with wood, and with their books.

The dining area is Resene Tulip Tree, a deliberately vibrant shade, as this room is in the middle of the house and needs to be bright. She loves the way it sets off her black ladies. It reminds her of Josephine Baker's banana dance.

The hall is Resene Fountain Blue. This was a risk (Josephine has never done blue) inspired by an antique bag she was given by a friend. Luckily she loves it!

Josephine wanted a bedroom that was feminine and somewhat bohemian. Her brother-in-law described it as 'a tart's boudoir'. Success!

Her daughter chose Resene Iko Iko for a hint of a forest look in her bedroom.