Beside the Sea

Nature never gets it wrong when it comes to choosing colour, and composing wonderful combinations. For my colour inspiration for this project all I needed to do was to stand on the front deck of this family home, and look across the unobstructed view to sand dunes and sea. The client also had an affinity for the colour blue, and this added an extra layer of significance to the organic palette. First impressions count, and so we chose to make bold statement right from the entry point. We painted the stairs in a striking blue, called Hauraki Gulf, and the paint colour's name alone is meaningful because the house stands on the Gulf. The staircase is an eye-catching focal point, and sets the tone for the entire interior palette. The softer blue walls in Franz Josef in the open-plan kitchen and casual living area maintain a cohesive connection with the impact of the blue entry staircase, and the serene blues observed in the seascape. We laid floorboards throughout the ground floor in tones of weathered wood, and used soft sandy neutrals, and a white, the colour of the caps of waves, to complement the blue hues used in all textures and finishes throughout the home, including the choice of paint colour for the ceiling, architectural trims, and kitchen cabinetry. The end result of this home pays homage to the artistry of the natural world, and how we can use paint to replicate its thoughtful choice of colour.