Coloured in concrete

When building their home, like anyone else, they had a major budget blow out. However, they didn't want to compromise on their dream of a slick concrete abode so Jeanine painted her walls like concrete... and then the doors... kitchen bench... and whatever else came her way.

Jeanine's kitchen bench is now two years old and still holding up to a good beating, including the occasional beetroot, red wine and curry splashes. The walls are oh so maintenance free because the occasional bumps and nicks just add to the fake patina. The hidden doors are the only problem – guests often can't find the way out!

To paint the 'concrete look' surfaces, Jeanine used a first coat of Resene Quarter truffle (to match the real concrete areas), a second coat in Resene Transmission to get a mottling effect and a third coat in Foundry for the splashes.

Jeanine also used Resene Scrumptious as an accent on selected furniture to break the monochromatic surroundings.

The kitchen and bathroom benches were sealed with a waterborne hardwearing polyurethane topcoat.

When time permits Jeanine transforms second-hand furniture with whatever testpot she can get her hands one.

Jeanine's philosophy is to keep her environmentally footprint to a minimum and tries to use locally made products, like Resene, as much as possible.

Decorating inspiration gallery
Click on the links below to view more great home decorating ideas and colour schemes for home interiors and exteriors.