Designed by Terry Walsh of Terry Walsh Interiors, this Tauranga home brings together a striking mix of furnishings and finishes. “The brief was to have this classic eclectic ambience about the place,” explains Walsh. “We used materials and finishes that would stand the test of time such as classic herringbone floors and carrara marble — details and fittings that were classically beautiful. The client also had existing furniture which helped dictate the style of the house.”

To tie all the elements together, Walsh and the client looked for classic wall finishings that would contribute to the overall look without drawing attention from other elements. They had used Porter’s Paints in two prior projects, and knew it would be the perfect option. “We chose Porter’s because it’s the perfect backdrop for the key elements,” explains Walsh. “Rather than the paint colour being the focal point, it provides the perfect backdrop to support the elements in each space.”

He adds that the quality of the Porter’s finishes was also an advantage: “The Porter’s Paints products and colours offer a real softness and an ethereal look that you can’t get with other paints,” he says.

Porter’s Low Sheen Acrylic was used throughout the home, with colours carefully chosen to subtly support the elements of each area. To add a feeling of enclosure and warmth to the large main living area, a mid-tone grey was chosen, making the space feel more intimate. For the main bathroom a subtle light tone brings attention to the panelling. The same colour is used in the hallway, making sure that the elaborate panelling and patterning of the space takes centre stage.

In contrast to these subtle colour choices, in the powder room dark walls contrast with the patterned floor tiles and white shutters, adding a touch of drama to the space.

“Porters Paints plays a really significant role in the total overall ambience,” says Walsh. “It supports other elements, to provide a space that is really well executed.”

Walsh says that Porter’s unique colour palette and the softness of the paint finishes is something he hasn’t been able to find elsewhere. “I’ve used Porters for the past 17 or 18 years and you can’t get those finishes with any other conventional paint. They provide a tool for me to really push the boundaries that much further and come up with something really supportive of the whole look of each project.”