Paint and decorative effects were a key part of the solution to refurbish a modest 1926 bungalow, which had been subjected to a terrible renovation in the 1970s. The aim was to reinstate the essential bungalow features to recapture the intrinsic warmth and deep colours common to the 1920s.

The colours selected needed to be soft to evoke the heritage values of the home, consistent with those used in the 1920s and – since a combed decorative finish was to be applied – suitable to replicate a timber grained effect to blend with the clear finished Cedar and Oregon doors.

The five coat combed effect on all the architraves, skirting boards and picture rails is composed of Resene Aubergine as a base colour and Resene Hairy Heath combed to provide a grained effect. The grained effect was enhanced by using Resene Lusta-Glo semi-gloss enamel for both the base and topcoats. The gloss levels were reduced by the application of a Resene Qristal Clear Poly-Satin polyurethane final coat.

Wall colours Resene Heathered Grey and Resene Sugar Loaf in acrylic low sheen provide a warm background for the stronger trim colours. Resene Colorwood English Walnut stain was applied to the lounge ceiling beams and finished with Resene Qristal Clear Poly-Satin.

Resene Qristal Clear Poly-Satin (two coats) was applied to the floor after this had been hand scraped. Hand scraping followed and ensured that all the character marks and stains were retained. The retention of the 'patina of age' was important and would have been removed with machine sanding.

The ragroll effect on the bay window panelling utilised the same colour palette as elsewhere.