Removing walls and creating wider openings between rooms can make all the difference to an older home. So, too, can a change of paint colour.

The owners of this home did all these things to create a lighter, more spacious living area. Walls are painted in Resene Zylone Sheen tinted to Resene Half Villa White. This is complemented by Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta on the ceilings.

The dining room features a splash of colour, with a lively accent wall painted in Resene Jigsaw, a fresh spring green.

The colour is echoed by the glass mosaic splashback in the adjoining kitchen. Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel, tinted to Resene Half Villa White was used for the painted wood joinery.

The architectural specifier for the project was Gisler Architects, colour selection was by Parkhurst Design, and the painting contractor was Waikato Decorators. The project has received national recognition, winning the Resene Total Colour Residential Interior Award 2012.

Resene Zylone Sheen and Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen are recommended for interior broadwall areas. These are both waterborne paints that are low-odour and Environmental Choice-approved.