During 41 years of marriage they have moved on numerous occasions. In each location making the house their home has been important, with the new apartment being no exception. The intention is that this will be a ‘forever home’.

The first project was the hallway. Debbie and Andrew wanted to respect the features and communicate welcome, friendship and hospitality. They chose to retain the wood cornice, housing fluorescent lights, complementing the high atrium timbers. The original wood panelling was faded and marked. The initial thought was to ‘blond’ the panelling with Resene Colorwood Rock Salt natural wood stain to maintain the grain effect. However, owing to the fading and marks on the panelling it didn’t provide the impact they had in mind.

Hesitantly, they decided to paint. Despite their apprehension as to how paint would take to the panelling the paintwork in Resene Half Napa and Resene Red Berry has been successful, highlighting the panelling groove in the Resene Red Berry with Resene Whiskey Sour. The trim was painted in Resene Enamacryl white and the door in Resene Enamacryl in Resene Half Napa.

With secondary glazing in the atrium windows, the new striking ‘starburst’ LED chandelier completes the look.