27 minute read
Fashion at the Beach
A stroll through Hurstmere Road in Takapuna has changed in recent times. Over the past 12 months the main street has been undergoing a rejuvenation aimed at making it more people friendly. This project is into its final stages (completion later this year) and positive results can already be seen. Slower traffic that travels one way, shared spaces with wider pavements, new streetscape furniture and planting to create a real community feel. It’s starting to look and feel good. Combine this with the iconic urban beach and other local favourites – such as Shore City Shopping Centre, the new 420 space Toka Puia Public Carpark and the reputation for great cafés, bars and eateries – and you can see that the future looks bright for Takapuna Beach.
Takapuna Beach Business Association CEO Terence Harpur says that Takapuna Beach has a huge variety of stores, with a real strength in style and fashion.
“We have over 100 retail stores in Takapuna with close to half of those in the style and fashion space. We have everything your wardrobe needs to keep you in style, warm and looking great this winter! Along with our great range of stores, we also have a multitude of cafes, restaurants and eateries, along with our stunning beach, to compliment your day out while getting some “retail therapy”. Despite the well-documented rejuvenation work taking place, we have also never had so much affordable parking in Takapuna which makes shopping very easy for those who love fashion. There’s the brand new Toka Puia carpark in Northcroft/Huron Street, Anzac Street carpark remains open, as well as the Killarney Street public carpark at the Bruce Mason Centre and Shore City’s big carpark with over 860 spaces. On top of this there is heaps of on-street car parks as well as Wilsons network of handy smaller car parks, making a total of over 4000 carparking options in the Takapuna town centre.”
Parking is very affordable in Takapuna as well. The first three hours are free in the Shore City carpark and parking is just $1.00 per hour (50c with the AT App) at the Killarney Street and Toka Puia car parks, two public carparks, with a maximum of $8.00. Anzac Street Carpark is $1.50 per hour for the first two hours and then $3.00 per hour after that. On street parking is 10 mins free, then $1 per hour.
As well as lots of parking, Shore City is also home to a range of fashion stores – for women and men. These fashion stores include Country Road, Cue, Veronika Maine, Duck Limited, Farmers, Glassons, Hartleys, Jacqui-E, Just Jeans, Portmans, Rodd & Gunn, Barkers, Rembrandt, Bendon Lingerie, Stirling Sports, Amazon, Merchant, Mi Piaci and Hannahs. No less than 19 fashion stores and some big brand names. LookSmart is another popular local store at Shore City for clothing alterations.
Country Road’s latest collection of knitwear embraces luxury yarns that have been expertly knitted to ensure they hold shape for years to come. From sculptured and refined to soft and relaxed, they’ve mastered the silhouette, composition and construction of their knitwear for superior quality and comfort. For women and men. Take a look at Country Road in Shore City.
The team at Barkers in Shore City is not forgetting their commitment to responsibly crafted gear for men that takes you where the signal ends. They say dressing for winter 2021 is all about chunky knitwear, well-constructed footwear and damn good denim – built for today with tomorrow in mind.
Duck Limited has recently re-located to a new larger store on level two in Shore City. Duck is a fashion, homeware and gift store that appeals to the fun and funky side in everyone. Fashion items include clothing, bags and jewellery. Fashion such as this featured Elm Mae Cord Dress, winter knitwear as well as Karen Walker and Boh Runga jewellery.
Rembrandt in Shore City believe too many men compromise on fit. Last year they set out on a mission to change that. They wanted more men to experience the feeling of a well fitted piece of clothing, the right fit, fit for them, and the confidence that comes with it. This season for the first time ever, they’ve added longer and shorter overcoats to their collection. This means if you’re a little shorter or taller, you too will be able to experience what many take for granted. It’s the start of a new direction Rembrandt and they tell us they have plenty more coming.
Karen Walker jewellery at Duck Limited
Barkers at Shore City
Rembrandt Knitwear at Country Road Shore City
Country Road in Shore City
Back to ‘main street’, where Hurstmere Road is a hive of activity these days, it is also home to loads of fashion stores. These include Augustine, Kilt, Seed Heritage, Decjuba, Recycle Boutique, Ruby, Lululemon, Merrell, Life For Men, 3 Wise Men, Fifth Avenue Diamond Jewellers, Michael Hill and Innes Jewellers. Lake Road is home to Repertoire and Superette; on The Strand you find Tosca and Aktivworx; Federation and Trelise Cooper’s CO-OP are in Northcroft Street and Chantal’s Boutique is on The Promenade opposite the main entrance to Bruce Mason Centre.
Augustine, right in the heart of Hurstmere Road, is a New Zealand label owned by Kelly and Nathan Coe and is a high end women’s clothing label that offers collections full of colourful, fun and gorgeous special occasion clothing as well as luxe daywear pieces. The Takapuna store has been open for almost three years and has a beautiful range of winter clothing and shoes instore as well as a gorgeous fine jewellery line.
As well as having a store in Takapuna – 104 Hurstmere Road, Kilt’s clothing is all made right here in little old New Zealand as well. They opened their our own manufacturing company ‘Made-It back’ in 2015 and they’re even under the same roof as their design room in the Hawkes Bay.
Kilt clothing, available in Takapuna and made right here in little old New Zealand
Julie (manager) and Andrea model Augustine clothing in the Takapuna store Dejcuba – Take your look from work to weekend Take your look from work to weekend (and everything in-between), in Decjuba’s most iconic jean ever – the Riley Jean. Pair it with the Morgan Crombie Coat and Camilla Knit for your next effortlessly-cool outfit. As pictured, the team from Decjuba in Hurstmere Road have the Riley Skinny Jean for $99.90, Morgan Crombie Coat in Soft Grey for $199.90, and Camilla Knit for $114.90, in store now.
Ruby Creative Director Deanna Didovich presents Champ – Ruby Champ 2021. The collection is a nod to the change Ruby wants to see. Four of the faces in the collection were cast through the brand’s first open Rubettes casting. Champ is about standing out, being daring and asking yourself – If not you, then who? Staying true to RUBY’s playful vibe, pops of vermilion, pink and pistachio marle sing in new knitwear. Shop new arrivals at Ruby Takapuna (8 Hurstmere Road – near Lake Road intersection) or online at rubynz.com.
Recycle Boutique Takapuna has recently moved just down the road to 95 Hurstmere Road. Just look for the yellow recycle sign! Whilst the look is new, they still offer the same convenient service of selling your clothing, shoes, and accessories on behalf. Just book a pick up, or an express drop off online.
Recycle Boutique new store at 95 Hurstmere Road
Seed Heritage
Shirts at 3 Wise Men Superette near Madam Woo, Lake Road
One day in 2004, three guys – all mates – were having a general chat about life, as you do. They got to the topic of shirts here in New Zealand. All three had lived overseas where selection, price and the ability to buy on-line meant that shirt shopping was actually a pleasure. They noticed that while a lot of guys here would still rather cut off their arm than go clothes shopping there was an increasing awareness of fashion. So they decided to put their money where their mouths were and established 3 Wise Men. One of their stores is right here, beside Ruby, at 6 Hurstmere Road.
3 Wise Men Takapuna have blazers, knitwear, shoes and of course shirts in store now for winter. Blazers are perfect for all occasions to wear with smart trou, chinos or denim. Their knitwear collection has a full colour range of fine-gauge pure merino and 100% lambswool heavier weight knits – the perfect winter layer no matter the conditions. Shirts for everybody in every colour, check, stripe, plain and print. New leather boots or shoes for the start off the winter season.
Over the road at 5 Hurstmere Road is iconic Takapuna store, Fifth Avenue Diamond Jewellers. Owner Adrian Turner says one of the trends they are noticing is a return to big, bold coloured stones. “Customers are now looking for something different, and as a result we have made some stunning pieces recently. Catering to a variety of individual tastes, we are sourcing stones internationally that are a little bit different. Exotic and less traditional than their ruby and sapphire counterparts, with us designing and crafting something truly unique.”
Stunning pieces made recently by Fifth Avenue Diamond Jewellers.
CHANTAL’S
Here at Chantal’s we provide one on one service for the ultimate exclusive shopping experience. Our friendly team will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
BRANDS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
New Zealand: Trelise Cooper, Curate, Paula Ryan, Anne Mardell, Visage, Noble Wilde, Standard Issue, Vassalli, Macjays, Stella + Gemma, Lemon Tree, Bittermoon and Random. Canada: Joseph Ribkoff and Frank Lyman. Australia: Zacket & Plover. Europe: Mos Mosh, La Lu’pa Italian Handbags, Ilse Jacobsen Coats and NYDJ.
Proud stockists of Weave - Cushions, Rugs, Throws
Event: Special Client Evening Thursday 10th June 4.00pm
OPENING HOURS
Monday - Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday - 10.00am - 4.00pm
10 The Promenade, Takapuna (opposite Bruce Mason Theatre entrance) Plenty of Parking Right Outside
www.chantalsboutique.co.nz
Fil Noir shirts at Life For Men
Great colours for winter at Life For Men
SuperDry knitwear at Life For Men Repertoire – NZ inspired, designed and made clothing
Scott Donavan, Gabby and Wendy at Life For Men Scott Donavan’s Life For Men store has been a fixture in Takapuna’s Hurstmere Road for 20 years. Scott’s fashionable leading brand menswear, paired with Life For Men’s superb service and advice, has created a very strong following over that time. Their brands include Ted Baker, SuperDry, Hugo Boss, Diesel Clothing, Pepe Jeans, Bertigo, and Scotch & Soda. Scott says that winter 2021 sees blazers being huge; there are great coloured jeans and they also have a great range of Fil Noir shirts from Italy. Pop in and see Scott and his team of Wendy, Gabby and Olia – his very first store manager who has recently returned from. Make sure you like their Facebook and Instagram pages. They have a massive following on social media and are posting new instore items regularly! Apparently it’s really easy to buy on their social media platforms as well. See them in-store at Life For Men, 31 Hurstmere Road. Repertoire has been part of the Takapuna fashion scene for many years – a decade or more. The brand was created 15 years ago by three close friends who wanted to share and celebrate life and fashion with other like-minded women. Their overarching philosophy has always been to inspire and support women by creating clothing that gives them everyday self-confidence. Their New Zealand heritage is paramount to their success. Takapuna is home to one of their seven beautiful service-driven stores featuring their New Zealand inspired, designed and made clothing. Discover designer fashion with an edge. Their elegantlyrelaxed fashion pieces are easy to put together, versatile, comfortable and designed to last. New collections drop every week. Shop the latest arrivals instore at Repertoire on the corner of Lake and Northcroft Road or online now at www.repertoire.co.nz
Tosca and Salome luxe bohemianinspired womenswear store is located at 2 The Strand in Takapuna, behind Michael Hill Jeweller’s store. They offer slow, sustainable fashion with all natural fabrics. Stockists of Spell, Rowie, Kathryn Wilson, James Smith and their own best-selling Tosca range. Their new season range is in store now, just arrived in early June. Sign up online for 10% off your first order with loyalty points and same day shipping available. Pop in and see them at Takapuna Beach!
Certainly plenty to choose from at Takapuna Beach for those who love fashion. Do it local when you are shopping for fashion! Visit: www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz
Tosca and Salome luxe bohemian inspired womenswear
Fashion stores at Takapuna Beach – Country Road - www.countryroad.co.nz Cue - www.cue.com; Veronika Maine - www.veronikamaine.co.nz Duck Limited - www.ducklimited.nz • Farmers - www.farmers.co.nz Glassons - www.glassons.com • Hartleys - www.hartleys.co.nz • Jacqui-E - www.jacquie.co.nz Just Jeans - www.justjeans.co.nz • Portmans - www.portmans.nz Rodd & Gunn - www.roddandgunn.com • Barkers - www.barkersonline.co.nz Rembrandt - rembrandt.co.nz • Bendon Lingerie - www.bendonlingerie.co.nz Stirling Sports - www.stirlingsports.co.nz • Amazon - www.amazonsurf.co.nz Merchant - www.merchant1948.co.nz • Mi Piaci - www.mipiaci.co.nz Hannahs - www.hannahs.co.nz • LookSmart Alterations - www.looksmartalterations.co.nz Augustine - www.augustine.co.nz • Kilt - www.kiltonline.co.nz Seed Heritage - www.seedheritage.com • Decjuba - www.decjuba.co.nz Recycle Boutique - www.recycleboutique.co.nz • Ruby - www.rubynz.com Lululemon - www.lululemon.co.nz • Merrell - www.merrell.co.nz Life For Men - instagram life.for.men • 3 Wise Men - www.3wisemen.co.nz Fifth Avenue Diamond Jewellers - www.fifth-avenue.co.nz Michael Hill Jewellery - www.michaelhill.co.nz • Innes Jewellers Repertoire - www.repertoire.co.nz • Superette - www.superette.co.nz Tosca and Salome - www.toscaandsalome.co.nz • Aktivworx - www.aktivworx.co.nz Federation - www.federation.co.nz • Trelise Cooper’s Co-op - www.trelisecooperonline.com Chantal’s Boutique - www.chantalsboutique.co.nz
Classic &CosyThis season cosy takes a classic chic spin with timeless patterns and texture for every woman at Shore City.
Plaid, houndstooth and gingham are trending this season but being timeless classics, they will be a perfect addition to your winter capsule wardrobe. Try a plaid blazer for its versatility and ability to play on colour or a tailored trouser for a fun twist on a staple.
Soft luxury knits are a romantic addition to your winter wardrobe. Look for pastels or earthy tones to bring colour to your face and blends such as mohair, angora and alpaca. Subtle French tucks bring shape to your waist while the texture of the blend does the talking.
You’ll find all your winter wardrobe essentials at Shore City
shore-city.co.nz
52–56 ANZAC STREET, TAKAPUNA
OVER60
SPECIALTY STORES FREE WIFI 3
HOURS
FREE PARKING
Catching up with Chantal…
A lovely new store that has very quickly become a favourite of North Shore fashion lovers is Chantal’s Boutique on The Promenade, right opposite the entrance to the Bruce Mason Centre. This whole building has undergone some impressive renovation in recent times with some lovely retail and showroom (as well as office) spaces created. Chantal’s is in one lovely space and the Art By The Sea Gallery has also recently relocated to another. For this fashion feature we sat down with Chantal Chilcott, the lady behind the store and talked about business, fashion, Paula Ryan elegance, Trelise Cooper coats, why she loves the Shore…
CHANNEL MAG: You’ve created a very popular fashion business here in Takapuna with an impressive list of well-known fashion labels. When bringing on board a new label what are the key considerations to ensure they are a good fit for Chantals? CHANTAL CHILCOTT: I get to know my customers, what they like and what their needs are. I then consider what clothing brand best fits my customer base. Often bringing on board a new label is based directly on customer requests for that specific brand. I am focussed on bringing in top quality designers that you don't generally find elsewhere on the Shore. Choosing designers who produce high quality clothing made from natural fibres is also an important focus for me.
CM: Do you personally pick the items from the supplier to stock in your store? CC: Yes, every item in the store is personally picked by me. I visit each designer twice a
Chantal in store. year to choose from their Summer and Winter collections. I visit Trelise Cooper four times a year as they also have a Spring and Autumn collection.
CM: You launched your new store just before COVID took hold but have still created a vibrant and very popular store. What are the key things you have learnt since starting Chantal’s that have enabled you to refine things and clearly hit the right spot for local fashion customers? CC: Given this is the first store I have owned, it has certainly been a steep learning curve. Learning what items sell and which ones don't, how many sizes of each item to buy, and what level of stock to hold, have all been part of my journey thus far. When we first opened, the store was equally balanced with clothing, furniture and homewares. Our focus has now shifted away from furniture and towards ensuring we offer exceptional quality fashion brands from New Zealand, Canada and Europe.
CM: What do you love about doing business in Takapuna and on the Shore? CC: I have lived my entire life on the North Shore in Milford. I went to Carmel College and my two children attended Westlake Girls and Boys. I love the lifestyle the Shore brings with the beautiful Takapuna beach just minutes from the doorstep of my shop. I love the Shore people, my loyal customers, and being part of the greater community.
CM: Who’s your favourite fashion designer and who’s clothing do you wear for special occasions? CC: I love Paula Ryan for its elegant simplicity and amazing fabrics that last for many years and don't date. For special occasions I like to wear Trelise Cooper for its point of difference and femininity.
CM: Got some fashion tips for Winter '21 for Channel Mag readers? CC: Winter is all about feeling warm and cosy while looking stylish. NZ Merino knitwear from Visage and Paula Ryan is a Winter staple, as are a pair of Vassalli pants. If you are going to invest in one
Chantal Chilcott, wearing a Trelise Cooper sweater and Paula Ryan pants. Available in her lovely store now.
fashion item this Winter I would suggest a Trelise Cooper coat, everything about them is fabulous!
CM: When you are not working in your store what do you love to do? CC: I go walking with my little dog Teddy every morning with a group of girlfriends from Milford Beach to the end of Takapuna Beach and then a coffee and chat at the local Takapuna Beach Cafe. I also love going to the movies at Bridgeway Theatre, having dinner in one of Takapuna's excellent restaurants and then stopping off for a real fruit ice cream at my favourite ice cream parlour, Scrunchy Millers in Milford. I'm also currently very much enjoying helping my daughter plan her wedding!
CM: Complete the following… CC: When the World’s borders are fully open again I will be off to… Hawaii, for some R&R in the sun. Now that the the travel bubbles have opened I would like to head off to Sydney to visit my son and Aitutaki with my partner for a winter get away.
Introducing… Art in the Park
Eden Park, Auckland – July 23rd to 25th
Art in the Park is a uniquely curated art show which is being developed by Shore residents and business owners Sofija Matich and Cary Cochrane to offer a new platform for New Zealand artists annually at Eden Park. Having worked together at the Flagstaff Gallery in Devonport, they are an experienced team with specialist knowledge of delivering contemporary art exhibitions and events to Auckland communities.
Art in the Park will provide the opportunity to meet New Zealand’s best artists and enjoy an unforgettable weekend of art and culture. For more than a century, Eden Park has been the home of New Zealand’s great sportspeople. Now it will also be home to some of our great artists. This is the first opportunity of its kind to see curated contemporary art at New Zealand’s national stadium.
At this year's inaugural show you can go behind the scenes with 100 of New Zealand's most impressive artists. Hear them talk about their art, watch them create, and be inspired. Enjoy a family-friendly ticketed event where kids go free, and you can explore both the art and Eden Park itself. Cary Cochrane has a passion for art and people and has organised multiple large-scale charity events throughout the world. As the owner of the Flagstaff Gallery, she specialises in nurturing artistic talent and is known for her warmth and expertise in this field.
“Art in the Park provides a truly unique platform for New Zealand artists to connect communities at a time when our collective Art in the Park organisers, Cary Cochrane and Sofija Matich. experience has never been closer, and yet at the same time more isolated,” says Cary.
Sofija Matich has a proven record of creating new opportunities for businesses and people to maximise their potential. She has orchestrated hundreds of events for some of the world’s largest arts institutions, including the National Gallery and the Wallace Collection in London.
“We believe in bringing communities together through art that creates connections and enriches cultures,” says Sofija. “Eden Park gives us the opportunity to do that on the largest scale yet. By shining a light on the best emerging and established New Zealand artists, we aim to set the stage to connect this talent with everyone from aspiring collectors and enthusiasts, to celebrities, to the everyday public – so that the best in our country’s creativity is championed to the degree it deserves.”
Art in the Park – Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th July, Eden Park, Auckland. Tickets start from just $15 and are on sale now at www.artinthepark.co.nz. Ticket sales will help to support and fund ongoing arts initiatives at Eden Park.
CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS
You can pop into the store to order, contact us by telephone on 09 869 2333 or by email (doug.cochrane@nw.co.nz), you can also find us online at www.newworld.co.nz. Open 7 days a week 7am - 8pm
This month at SHORE CITY
HAIRCARE FOR THE COLDER MONTHS
In an issue where fashion is a focus it was appropriate for us to visit Shampoo 'n’ Things in Shore City. The day we popped in we chatted to the friendly duo of store manager Natalia Angelakov and assistant Janet Vickers. Natalia has a team of six staff for the seven-days-a-week operation to ensure their customers are well looked after and receive the right advice. A topic of discussion with Natalia and Janet during our visit was haircare during the colder winter months. Natalia explained that this was a time that hair can become dry and requires a lot more nourishment and hydration than in the warmer months. “We stock a range of great products that can help, including the market leading Kerastase range,” explained Natalia. "This is a big seller, with our customers loving the benefits that Kerastase products provide for their hair. In addition to Kerastase we also have the French brand Angel, Nak from Australia and Shampoo 'n’ Things store manager Natalia Angelakov and assistant Janet Vickers. Wella, is also very popular. Shampoo ‘N’ Things are the leading stockist of all the best salon quality hair product brands and styling accessories." Expert advice in store is available from hair professionals from New Zealand’s top hair salon, Rodney Wayne. Natalia Angelakov and assistant Janet Vickers each have over 20 years experience in the hair care industry, so they have a great deal of knowledge and can provide advice for all hair issues that you are looking to solve. Make sure you go in to see Natalia and her team to ensure your hair’s nourishment and hydration are sorted for winter 2021!
Shampoo 'n’ Things – Open 7 Days, Level One, Shore City Shopping Centre. Phone 09-486-2443
LOOKING AFTER YOUR SKIN DURING WINTER
You may find your skin needs some extra TLC during the cooler months. The team at Life Pharmacy Takapuna have you covered with their wide range of prestigious skincare. During winter it’s important to look for products that build strength in your skin’s immunity so that it can combat the extra stress that the weather and heating creates. A serum such as Lancôme’s Advanced Génefique Youth Activating Concentrate, applied onto a clean face accelerates the skins recovery to not only protect it from the elements, but to give you younger looking skin. Clinique also offers a pre moisturizing serum in their best-selling Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate. This product has the ingredient of the moment, Hyaluronic Acid which along with activated aloe water will quench dry skin and give you a youthful glow. Once you have got the serum on, then it is time to moisturise! Clinique’s fan favourite Moisture Surge Auto-Replenishing Hydrator has just been upgraded to last for 100 hours, even after you have washed your face. This product is lightweight but penetrates over 10 layers to lock in moisture and is great under makeup if you are looking for a dewy finish. Clarins have a range of moisturisers available to suit every type of skin. Depending on the level of moisture you need during the winter, you can either change your moisturiser or use the same moisturiser all year around and add some drops of treatment oil, to give it a bit more oomph. Clarins have three treatment oils to choose to fit your needs, if your skin type is dry there is Santal, if it is oily the Lotus or if your skin is dehydrated, Blue Orchid. There is a common misconception that dehydrated and dry skin is the same thing, however dry skin is a skin type as your skin doesn’t produce a lot of oils. Dehydrated skin is due to environmental factors or lack of hydration so can occur to any skin type. If you are unsure of what would best fit your skin needs, be sure to visit the skincare experts at Life Pharmacy Takapuna.
Shariar Jaber (left) and his Life Pharmacy Takapuna team.
Pharmacist and owner of Life Pharmacy Takapuna Shariar Jaber, says that “as well as keeping your skin glowing, one of the best things you can do to stay well this winter is to get your Flu Vaccination. These are available instore now. Talk to the team or give us a call to book yours today. Plus with every flu shot at Life Pharmacy Takapuna, pick up a FREE Lipo-sachet Vitamin C + Vitamin D sample pack" (*may not be suitable for everyone. Ask your Pharmacist for advice). Visit Shore City Takapuna for all your winter health and beauty needs.
Life Pharmacy Takapuna – Open 7 Days, Level Two, Shore City Shopping Centre. Phone 09-486-2655.
Green with envy
Choosing the colour palette for her client’s new kitchen was a fairly natural process for Michelle Gillbanks from Kitchens By Design, as their home was layered with different shades of green – in the wall-hanging art and the pottery dotted around the living room.
“My clients, a professional couple with older children who have left home, came to us wanting something clean and uncluttered, easy to maintain, and also to create a scullery and extra storage in their existing laundry space. Most of all, though, they wanted colour,” says the designer. “The one thing they were certain about, right from the start, is that they didn’t want a white kitchen.”
The cabinetry is the largest surface in any kitchen – it therefore sets the tone for the rest of the space. Most people opt for white, or shades thereof – and for good reason. It’s easy. Everything goes with white, and when it comes to selling, white doesn’t offend anyone. With this kitchen, however, Michelle’s clients were not putting in a new kitchen for anyone else, or for whoever was going to live in the house in the future – they were doing it for themselves, for right now.
“With the base colour of the kitchen established as a deep, rich green, I then took my clients to select the natural stone for their benchtop, waterfall end and splashback – and they instantly fell in love with a striking slab of Macchiato Quartzite, with contrasting folds of teal and coffee brown, from where it gets its name.”
Interestingly, however, the shade of green that Michelle had chosen for the cabinetry didn’t quite match the lighter, aqua shades of the stone. So, it was back to the stone supplier with the colour palette underarm, to match a new shade of green to the stone her clients had fallen in love with. And she did so, perfectly. Looking at the final polished benchtop, it’s almost inconceivable that the forces of nature have come together to forge such a dazzling palette of colour – and using the same stone for the splashback enhances the effect, sitting behind the cooktop like a piece of modern abstract art.
For the practical surfaces, hardwearing and easy-to-clean stainless steel was used on the hob bench, as well as in the scullery. Michelle also hid the fridge and pantry behind tall, handle-less doors, to give her clients the clean, uncluttered effect they asked for. She even gave them a ‘hidden’ drinks cabinet, also disguised within the cabinetry along the back wall.
To finish off the look, and to give the kitchen an extra dose of pizzazz, a smoky glass mirror was wrapped around the front of the island, enhancing the beautiful stone and creating a startling ‘floating’ effect when viewed from certain angles.
“The best part of the whole process for me was when we saw the stone for the first time and my client commented that the colour reminded her of the fishand-chip shop back home in Scotland! I had to laugh,” says Michelle.
