Inside style
A rich renaissance
Maree Hynes of Maree Hynes Interiors is loving the recent shift towards bold, expressive tones.
WHAT’S NEW?
It’s such an exciting time in interiors, colour is making a strong comeback! At Maree Hynes Interiors we’re loving the reappearance of moody, rich tones. There’s something so rewarding about using colour confidently on the walls, then layering in texture through curtain fabrics, wallpaper and soft furnishings. I have used Resene paints for more than 30 years. With their incredible depth, the paints are always a pleasure to use and help us create memorable spaces for our clients.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE COLOURS RIGHT NOW?
I’m absolutely loving seeing the return of some all-time favourites: mossy greens, inky navies, burnt terracottas, spicy ochres, muddy neutrals and soft mushroom tones. These beautiful colours have echoed through interiors time and time again over my career, and it’s so inspiring to see them reimagined in fresh, modern ways. They’re timeless, grounding, and always full of character.
HOW HAVE YOU USED COLOUR IN THIS PROJECT?
At Maree Hynes Interiors, our passion is creating interiors that truly reflect the people who live in them. A home should feel personal. It should speak to who you are and offer a sense of calm the moment you walk through the door. That’s always our goal, to create spaces that feel relaxed, welcoming and deeply individual.
This project is an architecturally designed new build in Timaru, thoughtfully created for modern living. Inside, the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area is defined by soaring ceilings and expansive windows that flood the space with natural light. Sumptuous colours and textured wallpapers add warmth and depth, creating an atmosphere that is luxurious and inviting. The clients wanted a home that felt like a sanctuary. With their children grown and moved on, this was their time to create a space that truly reflected the next chapter of their lives: calm, refined and deeply personal. The result is a space that is not only visually striking, but also grounded in the feeling of belonging. The colours we used were Resene Blackjack, Resene Lemongrass, Resene Foundry and Resene Rice Cake.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR US?
Don’t be afraid to use colour, it’s one of the most powerful tools in interior design. Think about the mood you want to create in each space. Colour has the ability to evoke emotion, define atmosphere and bring personality into your home. Look for continuity, but that doesn’t mean every room needs to be the same. Instead, choose shades that complement one another and create a cohesive flow.
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?
I spend a lot of time travelling and working all over the South Island, but Maree Hynes Interiors is based in Timaru in a purpose-built 400sqm space right next door to the historic Harlau House Cafe building. We’re fortunate to have a large showroom that not only offers full interior design services, but also a store selling beautiful, curated products. It’s a fantastic destination experience.
