When taking on the project of transforming her living room, Erin Charter had a specific aesthetic in mind: “I took inspiration from old libraries and spooky mansions.”
The room in her Lyall Bay home in Wellington had been painted a neutral sage by the previous owners and was not quite what Erin and her partner were envisioning for the shared space. “It was a little too quiet for us knick-knack and antique-loving enthusiasts,” she says.
As self-proclaimed “big fans of green”, it was easy to settle on the colour choice. The more challenging task was selecting the shade. Erin ended up with two choices, Resene Seaweed and Resene Turtle Green, but ultimately decided on the latter. The deep bronze green had the depth the space needed, and Erin noticed that the colour “reads differently on the different surfaces in the room”.
The walls and ceiling were painted with Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Turtle Green. For the shelves, Erin first applied Resene Laminate and Melamine Primer, which she says was “a magic product for transforming the white shelves.” All that was needed was to clean the cabinet and shelves and paint it on ready for topcoating. No sanding needed. After that, she used Resene Lustacryl Turtle Green on the shelves, skirting and window frame.
Once the painting was completed, the green living room started to emulate the dark and cosy aesthetic she was after. Erin, who has collected antiques for years, added the finishing touches by filling the shelves with an array of treasures. Admirers can find a sewing machine, books and tchotchkes perched on the newly painted nooks, among others.
The new walls provided the right backdrop for her artwork. Erin, who is a full-time web content designer, but has also been an avid crafter and artist for more than a decade, has been able to display her weaving and quilts. She and her partner both love the green living room makeover. “It’s our place to relax together.”
Erin’s goal is to continue the green theme throughout the house, she says. “We haven’t decorated our bedroom yet, so that will also involve some dark green.”
How to enter
Email photos and a 200-word or more description of your space to [email protected] with your last name and ‘Resene Colour Home’ in the subject line. Please include your name, home address, email address, daytime phone number, the names of the Resene colours used, and details of when your space was painted. Please credit anyone who assisted you in choosing your colours.
The finalists will each appear in Your Home and Garden. Every finalist will receive a $250 Resene voucher and a feature in the magazine, with the winner taking out the Resene Colour Home Awards and $5000 cash. An extended story on the winning home will feature in the June 2025 issue.
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