It’s hard to believe that this is Bridgette Lawrence’s first serious foray into decorating with different colours. A big fan of a neutral palette, Bridgette decided to take on the project of refreshing her holiday home at Waitaki Lakes in the Canterbury region.
“While the bach has always represented a place to make great memories, its function was countered by its lack of aesthetics,” she says.
Armed with 10 Resene paint colours and one wallpaper, she set to work breathing new life into the 1950s property. The result that followed is a colour-rich haven that pays homage to the surrounding landscape.
Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Saltpan was Bridgette’s neutral, which she then countered with greens and blues such as Resene Juniper, Resene Gecko, Resene Atomic, Resene Cinder and Resene Balderdash.
Then she added sporadic bursts of exciting colour, with circles of Resene Yuma, Resene Tuscany and Resene Golden Sand appearing in the bedrooms and kitchen. The home’s exterior, as well as pieces of furniture, are painted in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Green Meets Blue. When writing a detailed list of paints, she realised that nearly every inch of the abode had been painted.
“Bridgette’s home is the perfect example of a successful paint-over and how a little Resene colour can go a long way to make your space feel new without the time and expense of a full reno,” says Resene marketing manager Karen Warman.
“Bridgette has cleverly used Resene Saltpan for her main neutral, which helps to hero her accent colours and keeps things looking fresh.”
Bridgette isn’t new to a DIY update. At her full-time home, she’s creating “luxe for less”, making plinths and wall mouldings that give chic Parisian Haussmann vibes.
But the bach makeover has inspired her to bring colour into more spaces.
“The results surprised the heck out of me,” she enthuses. “I’m now looking at my own home in a more playful manner.”
Being selected as the 2025 Resene Colour Home Awards winner has delighted Bridgette. “I was ecstatic just to be chosen as a finalist so actually winning has been a shockingly great surprise.”
Her words of advice to anyone wanting to follow her lead and take the leap into decorating with colour?
“Be brave. Be bold. It’s only paint and it can always be changed.”
See more images of the winning 2025 Resene Colour Home below
Your Home and Garden is on the search for the next winner. If your home stylishly showcases colour and you want to inspire others, click here to find out how you can enter.
