Root bound - Empire Hotel

Refurbishing the 100 year old Empire Hotel in Fortitude Valley proud of its roots brings with it the responsibility to design a colour palette that will appeal to modern society without shunning the traditional birth colours of the building.

Mindful of the original colour and style, a colour palette dominated by Resene Livid Brown (chocolate brown) from the Karen Walker collection and offset with Resene Double Spanish White (muddy light neutral) on trims and infills was selected. Aiming to softly blend colour with style, while enjoying the added benefit of masking surface imperfections caused by weathering, the main timber substrate was coated in Resene Quick Dry Acrylic Primer Undercoat followed by Resene Zylone Sheen topcoats. A high gloss contrast was employed on infills using Resene Galvo One galvanised iron primer topcoated in Resene Hi-Glo gloss acrylic, accenting these feature areas.

The stylishly recoated pub successfully reflects its heritage while appealing to modern day consumers, demonstrating to all passing traffic that the two aims can be blended to the advantage of the building rather than to its detriment.

Colour Selection: Carmel Haugh, Damask Design
Painting Contractor: Carlos Perez, United Colours
Resene: Jason Osborn, Queensland Trade Sales Representative

Resene case studies/awards project gallery

View case studies that have used Resene products including many from our Resene Total Colour Awards. We hope these projects provide inspiration for decorating projects of your own...view projects

Total Colour Award winners: 
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | Entry info

Latest projects | Project archive | Resene news archive | Colour chart archive