European influence

Decorating articles and inspiration from TrendsIdeas

The European villa influence doesn’t just stop at the door of the Coatesville home.

It’s also evident throughout the interior, with paint finishes chosen to enhance the look.

Interior walls are a combination of plasterboard and undulating plaster, which creates a natural, weathered look. Both these surfaces are finished with Resene Zylone Sheen, a waterborne acrylic paint that provides a durable, low sheen finish.

To create a warm, inviting space, the entrance features Resene Sanguine Brown, which is contrasted with Resene Milk White. Designer Mark Wilson says Resene Milk White was used for walls and ceilings in a number of different rooms.

“This colour from the Resene Karen Walker collection has a slightly muddy look that gives extra depth to the interior, enhancing the aged feel.”

The formal sitting room, which has undulating plaster walls, features Resene Quarter Mondo from the Resene The Range Whites & Neutrals. This dark neutral creates a warm, intimate ambience. The colour also features on the integrated fireplace surround and cantilevered hearth, and is an ideal complement to the coloured concrete flooring.

Resene Zylone Sheen is well suited to broadwall surfaces and has the advantage of being a fast-drying, low odour, Environmental Choice paint. Surfaces are easy to wipe clean, making it ideal for family areas.

Although inspired by traditional architecture, the house was also designed to meet the needs of a modern family lifestyle.

Designer Mark Wilson of Masonry Design Solutions says the central family living space has a generously proportioned open-plan layout, which creates an easy flow between rooms.

“There are no doors in this area,” he says. “Rooms are defined by the furniture placement and by structural columns with niches.”

In keeping with the need to cater to a busy family, the kitchen has a more contemporary design, with an island providing a large work top and a casual seating area for friends and family.

“The house is designed for easy entertaining,” says Wilson. “Large bi-fold doors open up the kitchen to the outdoors and the loggia beyond.”

Two bedroom wings, on opposite sides of the living area provide a master suite on one side, with children’s rooms on the other.

“Providing that degree of separation helps make the space work well for the family,” says Wilson.