Actress Robyn Malcolm plays the much-loved character of Cheryl West in TV3’s Outrageous Fortune, a role for which she has won many awards. She has also become the high-profile ambassador for Right House, a company specialising in energy efficiency systems for new and existing homes.

Tell us about your work with Right House, and your own home.

When I heard that Right House was a company offering a way to create more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and economic homes, I was keen to get behind it. I’m a busy working mum and Right House offers people like me the opportunity to keep my kids warm and dry while taking a step towards doing the right thing, like reducing energy consumption.

The Right House team of experts did a makeover on my home and it has honestly made a world of difference to our everyday lives. Our shower uses less water, the insulation keeps us warmer and reduces our energy consumption – since my Right House makeover the power bill has been reduced by two thirds!

What is your favourite colour and why?

I don’t really have a favourite colour... honestly! It depends on the day, my mood, the weather. I guess the ones which come to mind would have to be grassy warm green, orangey red, warmish greys and beige colours.

What is your favourite decorating colour or combination of colours and why?

I decorated the kitchen using a palette of colours that to me represent a West Auckland beach – grassy green, stormy grey, pohutukawa red and toi toi blonde. I also have used a lot of soft blues and greens. I like cool colours in the house.

Have those choices changed during the years? If so, what influenced that?

No not really. I like what I like.

Is there a colour you would never use in your own home?

No, I think every colour has its place.

What do you love or hate about the recent (but waning) trend for neutral colours, white-on-white?

White-on-white colours kind of bore me but I can see the value in the ‘zen-ness’ of it. I occasionally like putting a few white tones together to create a peaceful look – as long as it doesn’t look too clean!

What are your three favourite colours from the Resene The Range 2009?

Resene Bullseye, Resene Cross Country and Resene Spanish White.