Scott Towers’ cosy creative haven

MAS Member and musician Scott Towers’ Havelock North home is a symphony of colour and character.

After falling in love with the region while touring with his band Fat Freddy’s Drop, musician Scott Towers, along with wife Fiona and their son Salvador, made the shift from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay in 2016. 

They purchased a 1920s stucco farmhouse on a couple of acres in Havelock North, and saxophonist Scott says it was the proportions and potential that drew them in. 

“There was lots to love about the property – masses of space, which we quickly filled up with sheep, chickens, 2 dogs and a cat – but there was definitely work to be done, both inside and out.” 

Natured-inspired palette 

Front of mind was preserving the heritage character and charming period features of the home, while tastefully updating it to suit their tastes. 

“We’re not that big on a house that feels too white or clinical,” MAS Member Scott says. “We love being in a light, white environment when we’re at a beach house or city apartment, but here in the countryside, with all the greens, golds, blues and browns surrounding us, we like to reflect that, as well as complement the rimu joinery and mataī flooring.” 

First on the hit list? Stripping the worn carpet and tired wallpaper and changing the interior colour scheme. “One room was painted in a shade I can only describe as a bit like margarine, another was a deep lavender. It just wasn’t our taste,” says Scott. 

Resene hit the right notes 

The Hastings Resene ColorShop quickly became their go-to source for colour, advice and inspiration as they overhauled each space, which included an office for PR powerhouse Fiona and a studio for Scott, both painted in Resene Atomic. 

The studio is a place for Scott (aka Chopper Reeds) to revel in music, both creating it and listening to it, and a space where he can store an impressive record collection curated over years of world tours with the band. 

“I probably own about 4,000 records. For me, it’s not about growing the collection. It’s about  having a better selection of the ones I really love. I spend more and more time in this studio because it’s a good place to be. It’s full of records and musical instruments and it’s probably my favourite room in the house.” 

Renovation redo 

It was a process of trial and error to create an ambient and inviting feel in the sitting room, with the first grey tone the couple painted it being a non-starter. “It made the room so lifeless and cold, like walking into a giant refrigerator,” says Scott. A friend in interior design put them straight, advising Resene Inside Back as a better choice.  

“It was a lesson in remembering to ask for help when you need it. It’s incredible to see the impact a slightly different shade can make to a room. It was transformed into a place that’s snug and inviting, using nothing but colour.”