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Home Inspiration DIY and Crafts

The second winner of the 2025 Resene Weekend Transformation Awards

Ready to start renovating, Kate Kelly chose a verdant shade to liven up her bathroom and old furniture
Green paint on bathroom wall and old cabinetPhotography: Gina Fabish

Kate Kelly advocates for living in a home before making renovation decisions. It’s what helped motivate her first change – a colour refresh on one of her bathroom walls.

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Resene Wabi Sabi, a green paint shade, is used to refresh bathroom wall

The room in the 1920s bungalow was once a washed-out peach tone and Kate was ready to add her creative touch. “I wanted a green paint that wasn’t too bright or dark and Resene Wabi Sabi is the perfect mix. It also looks great with white and wood,” she says. Once it was on the wall, she loved it so much that she decided to upcycle an old cabinet in the same shade. The sweet mid-toned green paint is described as having a rustic simplicity at heart, which pairs perfectly with Kate’s home. She says, “This colour fits in with the boho furniture and vibes.”

The same green paint shade was used to upcycle an old cabinet

Now that she’s done the bathroom and cabinet, she is ready to transform the rest of her New Plymouth home. One thing’s for sure: that particular colour will continue. The green will pop up in a different format, such as plants or wallpaper. Currently, Kate says she’s thinking of painting the main bedroom a pale blue shade and choosing burnt orange for the front door.

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Homeowner Kate Kelly

“I find colour very energising and I have lots of white walls to play with.”

More Resene colours to try (left to right): Resene Aloe Vera, Resene Contour, Resene Smashed Avocado.

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