That ’70s kitchen

Breathing new life into a classic.

When design duo Alice and Caleb tackled the kitchen refresh in their latest home makeover they used Resene colours to create a ’70s-inspired look that looks modern and fresh, while remaining relevant to the era of the Auckland house.

A 70's inspired kitchen renovation

The finished kitchen is a mix of modern and ’70s styles using Resene New Denim Blue on the bench and cabinets, with Resene Rascal walls above the bench and Resene Quarter Solitaire on the ceiling. The side wall and cupboards are painted in Resene Solitaire.

Over the past 13 years the couple has renovated 11 of their own properties with the goal of selling them, but this project, which they’ve dubbed “That ’70s Reno” is their first family home; one they live in with their four children.

“We plan to do a big-scale renovation, but while we wait we are using paint to tackle some problems and make the house our own,” Alice says.

“It means we have to be creative, problem solve and consider how to give outdated and tired elements of our house a brand new look. The kitchen was the biggest challenge with this concept but also provides the biggest transformation,” she says.

The couple wanted their kitchen’s update to be fast, effective and bold, and knew that paint was the best way to achieve it.

Alice said there are two main influences on how she chose colour schemes for the kitchen – and the rest of the house. One is the house itself, and the other is a desire to use colour.

A 70's inspired cork floor

Cork tiles finished in Resene Colorwood Natural, Resene Becalm and Resene Rising Tide complete the tribute to the ’70s.

“For years we have renovated houses that ultimately someone else will live in, but as I've designed for others I've created a colour wish list of my own, wanting my favourite Resene colours in my house. This renovation is about making my colour wish list a reality.”

Alice spoke to Resene Colour Expert Brenda Ngatai about the colour palette she’d curated, which included Resene New Denim Blue – a charcoal blue for benches and cabinetry – and Resene Rascal – a light sandalwood brown. Brenda suggested using Resene Quarter Solitaire as a neutral ceiling colour, as its subtle peaches-and-cream tones create a welcoming warmth.

For added texture and flair, the couple also wallpapered the seating side of the kitchen’s breakfast bar with Resene Wallpaper Collection RD819, a textured anaglypta wallpaper which was then painted in the same Resene New Denim Blue as the cabinetry.

Alice and Caleb also got creative with their flooring, to give the kitchen another inspired nod to the 1970s. “You can’t get more ’70s than cork tiles,” Caleb says.

To achieve their quirky bespoke flooring, the couple stained each cork tile in Resene Colorwood Natural wood stain, before adding repeat geometric patterns with Resene Colorwood Becalm and Resene Colorwood Rising Tide before sealing the tiles with Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K waterborne flooring urethane for a durable finish.

Caleb says: “From what this kitchen was to what it is now has been quite the transformation and the process has been really satisfying.”

Top tip: To paint a benchtop, first seal with Resene Waterborne Sureseal and prime with Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer. Let dry for 48 hours, then topcoat with water-and chemical-resistant Resene Uracryl 403 tinted to your chosen Resene colour.

In Alice's words

Describe your cooking style.

Alice: I love slow-cooked meals in the oven, and the house is filled with the yummy scents of dinner!

What is your favourite part of this kitchen?

Alice: The flooring and our very retro oven.

Which recipe from this issue of dish would you like to cook and why?

Alice: Aromatic Fish Curry – we both have fathers who love fishing so new ideas are always welcome! I also love the Cauliflower Bolognese. Bolognese is a family favourite and I love meat alternatives.

Colours mentioned in this article