MID
DISCOVER NINE NEW HOMES FROM YOUR REGION
BOLD & PLUS TOP INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS FOR NOW
MODERN
HOUSES WITH HIGH IMPACT
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Nothing less than
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to
the Registered Master Builders House of the Year 2024 magazine for the Mid & South Canterbury Region
Creating a home is about more than just materials, it’s about turning aspirations into reality. The annual Master Builders House of the Year competition celebrates how members’ dedication, expertise and effort bring homeowners’ dreams to life. This year, the judges were truly impressed by the high-quality craftsmanship in both new homes and renovations. We invite you to explore the homes in your area and be inspired by the exceptional skills on display. Maybe it’s time for you to start planning your own dream home with a Master Builder member.
Canterbury, Mid & South Canterbury Presidents
Master Builders
H ouse of the Year REGIONAL MAP
AUCKLAND / NORTHLAND / COROMANDEL WAIKATO
BAY OF PLENTY & CENTRAL PLATEAU (Tauranga, Rotorua, Taup¯o, Whakata ne)
CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND (Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu and East Coast, Hawke’s Bay)
WELLINGTON & WAIRARAPA
NELSON / MARLBOROUGH / WEST COAST CANTERBURY
MID & SOUTH CANTERBURY (Ashburton, South Canterbury)
SOUTHERN (Central Otago, Southland, Gore, Otago)
LAST YEAR’S WINNER
Mid & South Canterbury Region
WRITERS
Fiona Barber, Rebecca Barry Hill, Kate Coughlan, Joanne Elwin, Mary Lovell-Smith
SUB EDITOR
Claire McCall
DESIGNERS
Linda Baehr, Lucy Casley
PUBLISHER
Brydie Canham
PRODUCTION
MANAGER
Jo Seakins
ART DIRECTOR
Susanne Baldwin
EDITOR
Amanda Linnell
EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR
Shoba Pillai
ADVERTISING SALES
Tracey Bree, Chris Moo, Tanika Goodall
ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR
Bryony Ammonds-Smith
RETOUCHING
Mark Grogan
B MEDIA 09 308 9998 PO Box 47014, Ponsonby 1144 bmedia.co.nz
Registered Master Builders House of the Year is published by specialist custom publisher B Media Ltd, on behalf of the Registered Master Builders Association. Registered Master Builders House of the Year is wholly owned and managed by Registered Master Builders Association. Registered Master Builders House of the Year is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher.
COVER HOME
2023 Regional Supreme House of the Year over $1 million
LOC Construction
This magazine is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forestry. Please enjoy it, then recycle it.
If you’d like an extra copy or your magazine is damaged, please call 09 308 9998 and we’ll send you one. Postage charges may apply.
Registered Master Builders House of the Year
Judging the competition
A panel of industry experts has put the homes featured in this magazine through a rigorous points-based judging process. The highest-scoring projects are awarded Gold and the best become Category winners . The three Category winners with the highest points and that meet the points threshold are named Regional Supreme House of the Year under $1 million , Regional Supreme House of the Year over $1 million and Regional Supreme Renovation of the Year. Entries are judged on building
NATIONAL COMPETITION
Each year a maximum of 100 entries from the regional competitions receive Top 100 status and, out of those, we find the National Category winners. Lifestyle, Craftsmanship and Special Award winners are also named at the national level. The three best houses (a new build under $1 million, a new build over $1 million and a renovation) become the National Supreme winners, to be announced at a special awards gala on November 23, 2024
excellence, but also on their lifestyle value, so you’ll see kitchen, Plumbing World Bathroom , outdoor living and APL Environmental and Sustainable lifestyle awards. Excellence in workmanship is recognised by the prized Pink Batts Craftsmanship Award . The Canterbury competition, one of seven regional House of the Year events, will be held on 26 July, 2024. All the results from the event can be viewed from 27 July at: houseoftheyear.co.nz
REGIONAL AWARDS
REGIONAL SUPREME WINNERS
Awarded to three Regional Supreme Award recipients from each regional event: House of the Year under $1 million, House of the Year over $1 million, and Renovation of the Year.
BRONZE
Awarded to builders whose entries achieve 75 per cent of the points available and are judged to be at least 50 per cent above industry standard.
NATIONAL SUPREME WINNERS
There are three winners: two new builds crowned the best of the best, and the best renovation in the country.
PINK BATTS NATIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD
Awarded to the entrant who attains the highest score out of the points available in the Workmanship section of the judging criteria.
NATIONAL LIFESTYLE AWARDS
Awarded for attaining the highest score in each Lifestyle category, including the APL Environmental and Sustainable Excellence Award and Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award.
PINK BATTS CRAFTSMANSHIP
Awarded to the entrant who attains the highest score out of the points available in the Workmanship section of the judging criteria.
SAPPHIRE
Awarded to an entrant who has received three Regional Supreme Awards regardless of whether these homes are renovations or new builds.
NATIONAL CATEGORY AWARD
Awarded to the highest-scoring Gold Award winner from each category.
PLATINUM AWARD
Recognises outstanding achievement in building excellence and is awarded to those who win five or more National Category titles.
REGIONAL CATEGORY WINNER
Awarded to the highest-scoring Gold Award winner from each category.
REGIONAL SPECIAL AWARD
Bestowed by the judges when a house is worthy of special recognition.
TOP 100
Each year the highest-scoring top 100 houses go on to the National Competition.
NATIONAL SPECIAL AWARD
Bestowed by the judges when a house is worthy of special recognition.
GOLD
Awarded to builders whose entries achieve 90 per cent of the points available and are judged to be at least 80 per cent above industry standard.
REGIONAL LIFESTYLE AWARDS
Awarded to the entrant who attains the highest score in each Lifestyle category, including the APL Environmental and Sustainable Excellence Award, the Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award and the PDL by Schneider Electric Smart Home Award.
SILVER
Awarded to builders whose entries achieve 82.5 per cent of the points available and are judged to be at least 65 per cent above industry standard.
Thanks to our Sponsors
MASTER BUILDERS
For more than 30 years, House of the Year has celebrated the very best of residential building in New Zealand. Master Builders is very proud of this competition, and the beautiful homes you’ll see in the following pages will inspire, motivate and show that quality can be achieved, no matter what the budget. We hope you enjoy taking a sneak peek into these amazing homes – all built by a Master Builder in your region. masterbuilder.org.nz
BUNNINGS TRADE
Bunnings Trade has been providing innovative building and hardware solutions for over 130 years. We believe in long-term partnerships based on trust and taking the time to understand our customers’ needs so we can build the right solution, every time. With a large dedicated trade team across New Zealand, supporting you in-store, on the phone and on the road. No matter where you are, we’re here to help.
Bunnings Trade. Helping business is our trade. trade.bunnings.co.nz
MITRE 10 TRADE
Mitre 10 Trade has been a part of New Zealand’s construction industry since 1974. You can get the whole job done with Mitre 10. We supply and deliver your complete build, sort out any special orders, and help make the whole job go as smoothly as possible. Our 100% locally owned network of 84 stores, broad product range and excellence in on-account customer service lets you get what you need, when you need it. Trade drive-thru’s are open seven days with extended hours and access to Mitre 10 Trade Hub is 24/7 for our trade customers. mitre10.co.nz/trade
ALTUS WINDOW SYSTEMS
Altus Window Systems is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative window and door systems. We’re also thermal technology experts so whether your project is big or small, residential or commercial, we’ve got the solution. Our exclusive fabricator network has been providing window and door systems for more than 65 years. You’ll know them by reputation: Bradnam’s™, Fisher Windows™, Nebulite™, Nulook™, Rylock™ and Vistalite™. Altus Window Systems, sharing your vision. altus.co.nz
BUILDERS ACADEMY
The agile apprenticeship provider. At Builders Academy, our team helps builders grow better apprentices, with the best service in market. Together, we ensure communities have competent, resilient builders, ready to train the next generation of apprentices. We’re building a stronger industry, one site at a time. Our guaranteed service promise is to visit apprentices on site every 6-8 weeks, which provides them and their bosses effective support. Visit our website or call 0800 876 4664 for more information. See you on site. buildersacademy.co.nz
CARTERS BUILDING SUPPLIES
CARTERS believes in partnership. We know combined expertise and a focus on efficiency, pricing and supply mean a successful outcome. Shared success is key –when your business grows, so does ours. CARTERS nationwide chain of 50 building supply stores and nine manufacturing plants, long-established industry network and focus on the trade means we’re committed to you. carters.co.nz
WINSTONE WALLBOARDS
At Winstone Wallboards we are passionate about providing quality GIB® products, systems and expert technical support to help make it a little easier, quicker and simpler for our customers to create great interior living environments both now and for generations to come. GIB® plasterboard, locally made for more than 95 years and counting. gib.co.nz
COMFORTECH BUILDING PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS™
As Aotearoa New Zealand’s only manufacturer of glass-wool insulation, Pink® Batts® understands what it takes to build a healthy home here. We have been working alongside builders and industry stakeholders for more than 60 years and are proud to have warmed a multitude of New Zealand homes and hearts. We believe everyone deserves a healthy, dry, warm, safe and efficient home, and we are committed to achieving this for the next 60 years. pinkbatts.co.nz
RESENE
Resene has all the quality paints, stains, colour, wallpaper, curtains, accessories and professional advice you need to get a superb finish on your decorating projects, inside and out. Choose from thousands of Resene colours or let Resene create one for you. Resene has been proudly 100 per cent New Zealand owned and operated since 1946, and has been named the Most Trusted Paint since 2012. resene.co.nz
APL WINDOW SOLUTIONS
APL Window Solutions is the largest window solutions organisation in New Zealand and has been proudly family owned and NZ-made for more than 50 years. We know 35-50 per cent of a home’s thermal performance comes from its windows and doors so our innovative window and door systems offer world-leading thermal performance that’s designed for our conditions and made right here, from start to finish. The future is here. Ready now. aplnz.co.nz/HOY
PLUMBING WORLD
Plumbing World is the largest 100% NZ-owned national plumbing merchant and has been giving back to our amazing industry for 60 years. Plumbing World has access to the world’s leading brands and the best Kiwi plumbers and builders in the industry. Our products not only look stunning, they are made to last and designed to perform. So come and see our team in black – they can advise you on the right home solutions with plenty of helpful insights.
plumbingworld.co.nz
MASTER BUILD 10-YEAR GUARANTEE
The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee is New Zealand’s leading guarantee. Over the past decade we have protected more than 105,000 families and our range of products offers flexibility, including the ability to transfer cover to a new homeowner, should you sell. The best guarantee from the best builders. masterbuilder.org.nz
PLAN FOR SUCCESS
With all the right steps in place, turning your residential dream into reality presents an exciting prospect and many rich rewards.
Planning is essential
Working with the right builder is key. An accomplished builder will guide you through the design, consenting, construction and approvals stages, then build your dream home. Make sure you choose a builder you want to work with, and who has completed similar projects to yours. Speak with their previous clients and, if you have doubts, wait until you find the right person. A Master Builder will streamline the process, as each has been vetted and receives ongoing support and industry training.
Communication is everything
Maintaining concise, consistent communication with a builder is vital. Set clear expectations around timing and budget and be honest about your needs and limits. This ensures both parties can flag any concerns.
Building requires bringing together diverse skills and resources. Ask builders about their relationships with trade partners – a Master Builder understands the importance of effective communication and relationships.
Contracts and legal advice
Get everything in writing and review your contract with a lawyer. Be realistic –if you receive a price that looks too good to be true, it probably is. Ensure your builder understands the market conditions and can discuss them with you. Most contracts have a clause for price fluctuations – discuss this with your builder and ensure you understand the risks. Be wary of fixed-price contracts as you may pay too much contingency. Conversely, too little contingency can create an even greater risk. Discuss a payment schedule with your builder to ensure you are not paying too much in advance and you have a fair allocation of risk.
Master Build 10-Year Guarantee
While most builds go smoothly, it pays to have protection. The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee provides the best protection on the market and a process for resolving any issues in your building journey.
By following these steps you will have everything in place to make your dream home a reality.
Cool curves
Designed to bring a retro 80s vibe to your kitchen, the Fitzroy bar stool from Christchurch’s Ico Traders is as elegant as it is comfortable. Made to last in steel, it comes in black, white, dark moss and adobe.
Fitzroy stool, $379, from icotraders.co.nz
LIGHT THE WAY
Bring an architectural edge to your lighting with the Tetris lamp, $899. Part of a series, it’s made from American oak and Japanese washi paper, and gives off a warm, diffused light.
From lowercase.co.nz
WHAT’S
new
STYLISH WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR INTERIORS
Surround yourself with beautiful pieces that are uplifting and add personality to your home – from handcrafted ceramics to elegant lighting.
Dine divine
From award-winning designer Tim Webber comes the Chronicle table with polygonal-shaped legs that cleverly rotate to offer different compositions. Available in ash, stained ash, walnut and oak, from $10,272 Photographed with Pivot chair, from $1719
From timwebberdesign.com
Mix & match
Light up your life and get creative with these Nanoleaf hexagon-shaped wall lights. Create your own design and then plug into their smart features such as a rhythmic music visualiser.
Nanoleaf Hexagon starter kit, $230, from nanoleaf.me/ en-NZ
SHOT OF SUNSHINE
Who can resist this uplifting yellow Mendoza stripe from the Élitis Acosta outdoor fabric collection, available through Seneca Textiles. Designed to cope with sun and rain, it’s soft, comfortable and will transform outdoor chairs, cushions or that dreamy sun lounger. From seneca.co.nz
HOME LIFE
‘State House 100’, oil pastel, framed, $3200, by Carmel Van Der Hoeven.
From turuagallery.co.nz
Peace out
Create a calming energy in your home with this hand-thrown oil diffuser, new from the Waiheke Island studio Thea Ceramics. Available in a range of glazes, it comes with a specially-blended oil mix of patchouli, cedar wood, ylang yang and lemongrass. $120, from thea-ceramics.com
BOLD MOVES
Brighten up your bathroom routine with these colourful yet sophisticated towels from Mosey Me. The Melbourne-based design studio hand paints its bold and playful prints before working with textile artisans in India and Portugal, who also translate the designs onto table linen, bedding, cushions and throws.
Mosey Me towels, from $35 , from paperplanestore com
All lined up
From Danish designer Morten Georgsen comes the Calgary storage system. With its clean lines and option of open shelves, drawers and drop-down compartments, it is a stylish shelving option that stands alone or can be combined to fill a wall space.
Available in natural oak veneer, dark oak and matte ash grey lacquered, from $2399, from boconcept.com
SITTING PRETTY
With its slender proportions and ergonomic design, make this dining chair your own by choosing from signature timber finishes and a range of fabrics and European leathers. From $847, from kingliving.co.nz
Jewel in the crown
Who could resist the sexy curves of this B&B Italia Camaleonda modular sofa? Designed by Mario Bellini it has, he says, a sense of freedom with infinite possible configurations. POA, from matisse.co.nz
A FINE BALANCE
Coming soon to Simon James is Cugino Soft by Mattiazzi. Based on the Italian design house’s original Cugino stool, its trusses are made of sustainable spruce wood, its top covered in hardwearing linoleum. $1035, from simonjames.co.nz
Organic curves
Inc Design in Oamaru has a reputation for sourcing unique pieces that will add personality and character to your life be it fashion or homewares. This scalloped terracotta and navy vase or plant holder is hand built and painted by artist Susan Christie of Formantics Studio. Terracotta vase, $239, from incdesignstore.co.nz
DESIGNS of the times
Interior designer Sarah Thatcher understands the importance of individuality when it comes to creating a stylish, liveable home.
When Sarah Thatcher picks up the phone, she’s fresh from visiting the new apartments in Ashburton and, she radiates enthusiasm. “It’s pretty exciting,” she exclaims. “It’s the first apartment build for the town and they’re lovely.” This energy and excitement are hallmarks of Sarah’s approach to her work and life, a balance she has skillfully mastered as an interior designer and mother of three.
Sarah’s roots run deep in Ashburton, where she grew up with an innate desire to design interiors. She studied at Careerlink College in Christchurch, completing a diploma in interior design and decor with a focus on kitchen and bathroom design. “I loved it,” she recalls. Her education set the foundation for a career defined by creativity, hard work and a personal touch.
After graduating, she honed her skills under the tutelage of interior designer Davinia Shrimpton, working on luxurious homes across New Zealand. The experience was invaluable, but it wasn’t long before Sarah’s entrepreneurial spirit took over. With her father owning a building company in
Ashburton, Sarah initially worked alongside him, but as his business grew, he encouraged her to start her own venture. Her business, Sarah Bennett Design, blossomed through word of mouth, leading to the opening of her own retail premises. For seven years, her Ashburton-based showroom was a hub of creativity and commerce.
Life took a turn when Sarah met and married David Thatcher, a farmer. The couple moved to his 600-hectare farm in Peel Forest, a 45-minute drive from Ashburton. The daily commute eventually proved too taxing, prompting Sarah to set up her office at home. This change was fortuitous, as it allowed her to balance her burgeoning career with raising their three sons, Tom (10), Henry (8) and Rupert (7).
Despite the demanding lifestyle, Sarah thrives on her dual roles. “Farm life is hectic but an absolute privilege for my boys and me,” she says. “It’s a beautiful part of the world to live in, with so much space. We have a five-bedroom home with a tennis court and swimming pool. The boys are always entertained, whether on their motorbikes or helping around the farm.”
ON MY RADAR...
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater
In Pennsylvania, it’s a unique design with no solid ground beneath it and is built around a 30ft waterfall. He would have to be one of the world’s best architects of all time – timeless classic designs which are phenomenal.
Andrew Martin interior design books are truly inspirational. They showcase and review the best interior designers in the world.
A Chinese antique console in black gloss I just bought this for our own home.
Walking in Peel Forest where we live. There are lots of gorgeous walks, including the Acland Falls and the ‘Big Tree’ if you have smaller children.
Sarah’s design philosophy is rooted in understanding her clients. “It’s like forming a friendship,” she explains. “I get to know them really well — how they live, what they need , who will be living there. My designs are for everyday living, tailored to each family’s unique lifestyle.”
She eschews trends, preferring a timeless, classic aesthetic. “I can’t stand beige and love colour — in the right place,” she laughs, noting the irony of her own black-and-white home. Her projects are characterised by their functionality and beauty, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. For instance, for a house on the downs in Geraldine, Sarah persuaded the owners to incorporate colours that mirrored the natural landscape, such as tussock greens and woody hues, rather than sticking to an all-white palette suggested by the architect.
Sarah will often take clients to Christchurch to visit fabric houses and furniture makers. “Many clients have pieces they love, and we work from there,” she says. Texture plays a vital role in her designs, with rugs and textiles adding depth and warmth to spaces. Her network of wholesalers and traders in Auckland and Wellington ensures she offers a wide range of options to her clients. Her portfolio is diverse, ranging from modern homes to historic properties like the homestead at Peel Forest Estate. Working with owners Graham and Robyn Carr, Sarah refreshed part of the iconic house with a blend of colours and patterns, respecting its history while introducing contemporary touches. “We mixed florals with checks and stripes, creating a vibrant yet harmonious look.”
Sarah’s projects take her across New Zealand, from house renovations in Gisborne to new builds in Ashburton. “People’s attitudes towards interiors have really changed,” she notes. “They’ve become bolder, more expressive. A home should reflect who you are and be a place you love.”
Balancing her busy career with family life is a juggling act, but one Sarah manages with aplomb, thanks in part to her supportive husband David. “We couldn’t do it without each other,” she says.
Reflecting on her journey, Sarah recalls her early days visiting building sites with her father, whose
SARAH’S TOP DESIGN TIPS:
1. In the kitchen, tile up to the ceiling as it will make the space look bigger. The kitchen is often the hub for entertaining and family time, it can never be too big.
2. Upholstered bedheads are a must to finish off your bedroom space, along with lush cushions and good lighting.
3. Strategically placed mirrors can amplify natural light in living areas. Not only do naturaly lit interiors feel inviting but they encourage Vitamin D production which is essential for wellbeing.
4. With bathrooms, aim for plenty of storage. I also love the vertical towel ladders that are out now. The y save space and dry those towels!
5. Don’t be afraid of colour or an expensive wallpaper. Used the correct way, it can finish off your space and bring the room together.
1. Bold stripes on the walls are an unexpected element in the living room of an Ashburton townhouse, but are reflected in the striped ottoman. 2. Interior designer Sarah Bennett. 3. Traditional with a twist was Sarah’s approach to the decoration of the Cowman’s Cottage at Peel Forest Estate. 4 . Bright floral curtains are teamed with colourful cushions add impact to an upstairs room at Peel Forest Estate Homestead. 5 Sarah wrapped wallpaper around a feature wall to elevate a new build in rural Ashburton.
passion for homes inspired her own. “I always wanted to be an interior designer,” she says. “Meeting an interior designer in Christchurch when I was 14 sealed the deal for me.”
For Sarah, every project is an opportunity to create something beautiful and functional. Whether she’s working on a modern build overlooking Lake Tekapo or a cosy home in Geraldine, her designs are always timeless, classic, and comfortable — a true reflection of the lives they are meant to enhance. sarahbennettdesign.co.nz
Bold moves
Look to magazines such as World of Interiors for homes that celebrate individual expression through colour and carefully considered homewares that truly reflect the owner’s personality.
MAKE
your mark
From earthy neutrals to jewel-toned golds and emerald blues, now is the time to express your individuality and create a home full of colour and life.
Crisp white walls may dominate in many New Zealand homes, but it’s exciting to see a growing confidence as people understand the importance of colour. Not only is it a way to bring personality and individuality to your home, colour also, importantly, impacts on how we feel.
Wall art
Nothing beats the power of wallpaper to bring colour and texture to a room. For those seeking a distinctive look, Resene’s Wallpaper Collection provides a myriad of options including impactful wallpapers such as the one pictured right, which work like a beautiful painting to draw the eye to a certain area of the room.
SOFTLY, SOFTLY
Neutrals are subtle in appearance but powerful in effect. If you want to create a sense of warmth and complexity, look to combine Resene’s taupe and beige paints with earthy browns and dark chocolates. Unlike whites or greys, which can feel cold and flat, shades of beige are a timeless way to bring an elegant sophistication to an interior.
Resene Indian Ink
Resene Dark Chocolate
Resene Wallpaper Collection E307402
Wall and sideboard painted in Resene Indian Ink with wood top finished in Resene Colorwood Pitch Black; floor in Resene Colorwood Bask; plant pot and floor vase in Resene Athena. Armchairs, side table (right), table lamp and rug from Ligne Roset; side table (left) and pendant from Snelling Studio; occasional chair from Soren Liv. Books, candleholder, vases and table lamp from Tessuti; candles from Faradays; artworks by Julia Holderness, Ray Haydon, Damien Kurth and Brendan McGorry from Sanderson Gallery; curtain from James Dunlop.
Back wall painted in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream; floor in Resene Dark Chocolate. Table, stool and chair from Good Form; sideboard from Ligne Roset; pitcher, glasses, bowls, lantern, candle and books from Father Rabbit; flowers from Urban Flowers.
Plywood wall stained in Resene Colorwood Pitch Black; floor in Resene Colorwood Dark Oak; cabinet and small black vase painted in Resene Blackout; DIY artwork in Resene Gin Fizz and Resene Blackout. Chair and pendant lamp from Good Form; floor vase from
Great outdoors
When it comes to exterior paint, consider grey-edged Resene blues. They are an unexpected, nature-inspired option that sits comfortably with the muted colours of the New Zealand landscape.
Wall painted in Resene Baring Head; decking in Resene Woodsman Uluru; pendant lamp in Resene Alabaster; plant pot in Resene Baring Head; vase in Resene Ocean Waves; tray in Resene Timeless and art object in Resene Alabaster, Resene Timeless and Resene Ocean Waves.
Table, chairs and cushion from Danske Møbler; tableware from Good Thing and Bed Bath & Beyond; throw from Furtex; basket from Father Rabbit.
DARK & DRAMATIC
From Resene Pitch Black for an opaque finish to the softer Resene Charred Black, Resene’s carefully curated collection of woodstains enhances the natural texture of wood finishes while providing contrast and drama.
Wall painted in Resene Daylight with arched alcove in Resene Liquid Gold; floor finished in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy and side table in Resene Off The Grid. Bedlinen from George Street Linen; rug and cushions from Baya; toys from Smith & Caughey’s and Allium Interiors; books, basket and nightlight from Little Whimsy; jumper from Phoenix and the Fox.
Taste of sunshine
Inject a welcoming sense of warmth and wellbeing into interiors with the colour yellow. Known among interior designers as the hue that makes us feel positive, uplifted and happy, it’s a wonderful option that spreads sunshine throughout the home. In the kitchen, often the energetic hub of the house, consider bold saturated shades, while in a living room or dining room try rich earthy golds to create an inviting space that feels warm, and encourages people to feel relaxed. In a child’s bedroom, as pictured left, look to layer softer shades for a calming but happy space for sleep and play. Contrasting white accessories or window frames work to allow the colour to truly pop.
Visit your local Resene ColorShop for colour and paint ideas and inspiration. Or, book a Resene Colour Consultation, in-store, virtual or at your home, www.resene.co.nz/colourconsult Colours are as close as the printing process allows. Always view Resene testpots or colour charts before making your final choices.
Baring Head
Resene Colorwood Pitch Black
Resene Liquid Gold Resene Daylight
Città.
Resene Colorwood Dark Oak
Ethnicraft Spindle bed frame in solid oak (black), $4660 , from mckenzieandwillis.co.nz
In Amber’s Wake, a novel set in 1980s New Zealand, by Christine Leunens, $35, from aotearoabooks.co.nz
from fluxboutique.co.nz
, from thefoxesden.co.nz
Stonewashed cotton pillowcases in Sunset Check, $39 a pair, from homelabstore.co.nz
SLEEPING beauty
duvet cover, $389, from cittadesign.com
When it comes to our wellbeing, a good night’s sleep is vital. Leave the digital devices at the door and invest in soothing lighting, luxurious and comforting bedding, and a good book to help you wind down.
paperplanestore.com
Picton
Linen Euro pillowcases in French Blue, $158 a pair
Karlsson boxed LED alarm clock, $179,
Rosie Coker wool and cashmere hot water bottle cover, $79, from everyday-needs.com
Lumira Arabian Oud room spray, $99, from
Lull queen-size upholstered bed in recycled velvet, $2999, from slowstore.co.nz
Verve Design Akio paper table lamp, $50, from bunnings.co.nz
CREATIVE expression
Making a space truly your own is the key trend for 2024. Express your individuality and make the world a more colourful and interesting place.
One of the biggest events on the annual interior design calendar is Salon del Mobile, held in Milan. Here everything from fabrics to furniture, lighting to wallpaper is on display, providing inspiration and reflection of what people are craving for their homes. The over-arching theme to emerge this year is the importance of personalisation being brave and bold enough to make
your home truly a reflection of your personality and style. In a world where homogenisation reigns supreme, being innovative in your expression is more important than ever. In this bedroom, the Resene colour team has cleverly used a single roll of tropical wallpaper and cut out the edges of the pattern to create an original alternative to a headboard.
Wall painted in Resene
wallpaper design in
Bitter with cut-out
Resene Wallpaper Collection 37990-3, floor in Resene Moon Mist, bedside table and pendant lamp in Resene Hemlock, tealight holder in Resene Cape Palliser, plant pot in Resene Thorndon Cream with stripes in Resene Cape Palliser and book in Resene Bud. Rug from Mocka, bedlinen and throw from Adairs, cushions from Adairs, Bed Bath & Beyond and H&M Home.
BOLD beautiful &
Stand out from the crowd with interiors that ooze charisma. Solid blocks of eye-catching colour are a good place to start, be it a stool, a luscious sofa or a striking tiled wall.
Martino Gamper Arnold Circus stool in magenta, $275, from achomestore.co.nz
Orange and blue Pillar lamp with cotton lampshade, $3489, from faradays.store
Oblure Arch Circle pendant lamp, $6175, from goodform.co.nz
Marazzi Luz small, glossy porcelain tiles, poa, from designcentralnz.co.nz
Cassina Capitol Complex sofa, poa, from matisse.co.nz
Allen Maddox, Toy Love, 1979, oil and acrylic on paper laid onto canvas, poa, from gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz
Kip & Co Paddington velvet Rajasthan cushion, $96, from teapea.co.nz
Muller Van Severen two-colour table, $2283, from finnishdesignshop.com
Mondrian Loqi shopper, $25, from shop.aucklandartgallery.com
It ’s easier doing business with people you know.
Package
receive a $ to help you complete your new homes acessories. Use for furniture, throws, cushions, homewares or anything that you love from our interior design store
With so much at stake, so many choices, decisions, legislation… it makes sense to start with us.
We offer more than a per square metre rate. A lot of factors affect the pricing of your construction project, including foundations, local government rules, geographic areas, types of finishes and the style of house, to name a few. We break your building components down into a schedule and then measure and use our database of costings to calculate a final price. In some instances we can also shop around for prices. With a QS estimate document in hand, you can commit to working drawings with confidence, or tender your job knowing everyone is pricing the same project and allowing the same standard of finish and products in your build.
Bonnie & Neil linen napkin in cornflower pink, $25, from thesundaysociety.co.nz
Ethnicraft Bok dining table, $2895 , from mckenzieandwillis.co.nz
Crushgrind Aarhaus salt and pepper set, $189, fromhomelovemettek.co.nz
Royal Yerseke shrimp bowl, $49, from theaxe.co.nz
THE scene
Take time to create a beautiful table setting – be it for family or special guests – and encourage relaxed conversation and connection over meals.
Goa white and matt gold, 24 piece cutlery set, $1314, from thestudio.co.nz
Broste Nordic speckled vanilla tableware, from $12, from addyandlou.co.nz
Bough dining chair, $790, from cittadesign.com
Frankie striped small candleholder, $59, from earlysettler.co.nz
Deep dinner plates in kelp green, $50 each, from lilceramics.co.nz
Handblown Monmouth stemless glasses, $70 each, from paperplanestore.com
Wyndham candlestick holder, $50, from freedomfurniture.co.nz
Patras alabaster pendant, $3795, from cocorepublic.co.nz
QUIET luxury
Bring a sophisticated and contemporary edge to your interiors with pieces that blend beauty and functionality. Look for clean lines, organic soft curves, subtle colours and rich textures.
Santiago ceramic table tops with dark oak bases, from $1099, from boconcept.com
Loop mirror in brushed brass, $1890, from powersurge.co.nz
Nouveau tripod floor lamp, $184, from mitre10.co.nz
Gilded serving bowl, $99, from folklorestore.co.nz
Suzy Costello female torso bronze, poa, from suzycostelloartist.co.nz
Alza ice bucket, $313, from slowstore.co.nz
Maya wool throw, $335, from cocorepublic.co.nz
Aria 3-seat sofa in cypress cotton velvet, $4475, from stacksfurniture.co.nz
Cotton velvet cushion cover, $55, from cittadesign.com
Nothing beats a handcrafted item for the home. Treasured for the time and loving energy that goes into creating each piece, they bring meaning and depth to your interior.
1. Lens Awkward rosewood sculpture, poa , from snellingstudio.com 2. Bellis bespoke pendant light shade, from $440 , from thebrimlabel.com 3. Aroha nui cotton pillowcase, $32 , from ifeelnatty.com 4. Raku copper red vase, $295 , from flowstudioceramics.co.nz 5. Wave bowl, $139, from sundayhomestore.co.nz 6. Recycled glass bell jar, $350 , from monmouth.glass 7. Tidal Pool cushion, $190 , from goldiestore. co.nz 8. Kiriana O’Connell (Ngāti Tūkorehe, Pākehā) ketes, from $220 , from publicrecord.shop 9. Melanie-Jane Smith (Ngāti Porou) luxury throw, $495 , from thepoiroom.co.nz 10. Richard Beauchamp handthrown stacking mug, $50 , from madegood. co.nz 11. Baxter cabinet, from $3800 , from wrw.co.nz
MT JOHN
Under land and stars
The name of this property near Lake Tekapo is the ‘Bunker House’, but that hardly does it justice. Yes, it’s partly underground and, yes, it has hallmarks of a bunker, but the moniker doesn’t hint at the laidback luxury and the extent of the pared-back style within.
The owner wanted to create something that would last for centuries, blend into the landscape and provide a sense of splendid isolation. Wilson Building Timaru expertly ticked off all three, and produced a lot more besides. It’s extraordinary.
The glazed facade lets the owner feel part of the landscape and enjoy the star-studded night sky without interfering with it.
There’s only one large, glazed facade in the 200sqm two-bedroom house cocooned in the earth. It ushers in light and warmth, but faces away from Mt John Observatory to reduce light impact. The Mackenzie region is, after all, part of an internationally recognised dark sky reserve that draws star-gazers from all over the world. The glass-covered frontage lets the owner feel part of the stunning landscape and enjoy the starstudded night sky without interfering with it.
Concrete panels make up the tussock-covered rectangle and are exposed in the interior. The palette echoes the rugged environs with concrete, steel and recycled timber – although the design still manages to be cutting-edge contemporary. The two-ensuite home is warm in winter and cool in summer.
On the drawing board is a tunnel to an underground plane hangar. This unique home truly stands out for its clever connection with the natural environment. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
METHVEN Excellence set in stone
Sanctuaries come in many forms, but few are such accomplished all-rounders. This lovely 480sqm home clad in schist and plaster is practical, sustainable, automated and undeniably luxurious.
High-quality materials are hallmarks of this four-bedroom home, as is the craftsmanship, evident at every turn. They’re every bit as good as the outlook, which includes the green of the racecourse and the mountains. Inside, polished concrete floors are colour-tinted to match features
High-quality materials are hallmarks of this fourbedroom home, as is the craftsmanship evident at every turn.
made of stone from the Ōreti River in Southland. EzyJamb Inswing Door frames sit flush without architraves to produce a modern look with clean, sharp lines, as does negative-detail skirting that sits flush with the walls. That's attention to detail.
The main living space with slick monochrome kitchen flows into two living spaces, which open to a covered dining and entertaining oasis. The main-bedroom suite has a walk-in dressing room and ensuite, and both the latter and family
bathroom are beautifully tiled. You'll also find a study, kitchen scullery and triple garage here.
In terms of sustainability, there are myriad features, including an 8.3kW solar array with tilt brackets that optimises sunlight exposure for energy generation. Efficiency is enhanced by a heat pump that makes the most of any surplus energy.
Technology takes centre stage, too, with smart features seamlessly integrated throughout. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Stu Bell Construction
ASHBURTON
M 027 696 8532 • E stu@stubellconstruction.co.nz W stubellconstruction.co.nz
Locally owned and operated Roofing Specialists
Lines of beauty
On the semi-rural fringes of Timaru, you’ll find this striking, architect-designed 339sqm house. Its two distinct gabled forms are connected by a flat link with membrane roof. It’s both eye-catching and beautiful in dark metal and brick veneer, and trimmed with shiplap cedar. You’ll also see glass wherever you look: in wide sliders, clerestory windows and even in the double-garage doors.
Belying the strong, simple lines and materials of the exterior are details that required craftsmanship – hidden gutters and custom-made downpipes, for instance. Connecting the sharp exterior with the four-bedroom, two-bathroom interior are lovely outdoor entertaining and relaxing zones, including one with a louvre roof and a gas outdoor fire. This
and the brick fireplace inside have custom-made chimneys. Flooring consists of polished concrete, herringbone timber and tiles which are warmed by a heat pump-fed underfloor heating system.
With all the glass, the house is naturally illuminated during daylight hours which casts interior features such as the slick black kitchen and raked ceiling in a beautiful light.
The four bedrooms include a main suite that has a walk-in dressing room and ensuite with custom vanities, a double shower and standalone bath by a vast window. All the bathrooms are fully tiled.
Landscaping incorporates fencing that encloses spaces, making them extremely private.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
LAKE HOOD
Luxe on the lakefront
Remarkable location. Stunning home. It’s all here in this Ashburton lakefront property. Add four bedrooms, three bathrooms, three living spaces and 370sqm of sophisticated living space and the owners and their visitors have plenty to delight in.
The house, handsome in cedar and lightweight concrete, is configured in an H-shape to make the most of the water views. Decking and covered alfresco places extend from the lounge, living room and main-bedroom suite, which also has
The house, handsome in cedar and lightweight concrete, is configured in an H-shape to make the most of the water views.
a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. If you can haul yourself away from these sunny oases – there’s also decking right on the lakefront – you’ll find the interior is just as impressive. The flow between the two is seamless, as is Jennian’s craftsmanship.
The open-plan communal space features the living, dining and hub-of-the-home kitchen with scullery. These have herringbone floors. A study completes the wing. Connecting this pavilion and the next is a link containing an entry and a lounge.
In the second wing you’ll find the main suite, two more bedrooms with ensuites, family bathroom, laundry and double garage. The owners have added their own style with elegant flooring and furniture in bold hues.
Up the stairs above the garage is a self-contained suite with a bedroom and kitchen, living and dining spaces. Guests can mingle with the owners but can then retreat to their own upstairs sanctuary. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Jennian Homes Canterbury CHRISTCHURCH
M 021 220 0591
E dwayne.prendergast@jennian.co.nz
W jennian.co.nz
HUNTINGTON
Delight in the detail
No detail has been spared in this home that epitomises easy modern living. It’s perfect for the semi-retired farming couple who lives here, but is equally well set up as a sanctuary for generations to come. Located near Lake Hood, south of Ashburton, the 285sqm, three-bedroom home is an exemplar of quality and detail. Top-grade materials, such as the ceiling lined in cedar tongue-and-groove with exposed steel beams, and walls of in-situ poured concrete, illustrate the point. With materials such as
The aesthetic is minimalist, and modern. As a result, the finishes had to be pristine and again, the team came up trumps.
these, impeccable workmanship was called for and Stu Bell Construction delivered.
In stark contrast to their farm life, the owners’ aesthetic here is minimalist and modern with clean lines. As a result, the finishes had to be pristine and again, the project team came up trumps. Just look at the polished-concrete floors and wide glazing, including clerestory windows.
Decks on either side of the main communal space – one an outdoor room – allows the owners
to enjoy the fresh Canterbury air with a glimpse of the Southern Alps. One hundred year old ironbark was sourced from the old Timaru wharf and milled, cut and used to build a pergola over the deck. In terms of durability and external good looks, nothing was overlooked, either. Vertical cedar, concrete and metal-tray cladding provide contrast, a modern vibe and robustness. The charming minimalist native garden is low care. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Stu Bell Construction
ASHBURTON
M 027 696 8532
E stu@stubellconstruction.co.nz W stubellconstruction.co.nz
Our Guarantee is New Zealand’s leading and longest standing building guarantee.
Building a house or undertaking a major renovation is probably the biggest investment of your lifetime –the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee helps protect it.
While the vast majority of building projects will run smoothly, sometimes things do go wrong. The Guarantee provides protection when these issues arise.
Regardless of what happens in the future, Registered Master Builders will be there to help you for the next 10 years – it’s the best protection on the market. It adds value to your property, and can help you finance your build, as most banks require it. It costs less than 1% of the total build cost to protect your biggest investment.
The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee provides cover for loss of deposit and non-completion during the build. It also provides cover for structural defects, workmanship, and materials after the build is completed. The role of the Guarantee is to support you to get your home finished if your builder cannot or will not complete it.
Our Guarantee provides much greater protection than both the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Building Act. Maybe most importantly, these Acts provide no financial support if your builder goes out of business.
Building a Better New Zealand
Over the past decade we have protected more than 105,000 families. This represents $46 billion worth of property. When you choose a Master Builder, you are choosing quality. The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee is New Zealand’s leading and longest standing building guarantee. It has been designed and developed in New Zealand for New Zealand homes and is only available from a Registered Master Builder.
The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee has protected more than
105,000 families’ homes over the past 10 years
How does the Guarantee work?
A Master Build 10-Year Guarantee is a guarantee that includes insolvency protection. It is not an insurance policy.
With an insurance product, the relationship is traditionally between the consumer and the insurer. With a Master Build 10-Year Guarantee there are three parties involved – the consumer, their builder, and Master Build Services. In general, a guarantee or warranty provides assurance that something will be fixed if it goes wrong, whereas insurance provides an offer of compensation for loss. The vast majority of claims under the Guarantee are settled with the builder returning to site to address the issues. This is always our first course of action.
You are covered for:
Loss of Deposit and NonCompletion
Workmanship and Materials
Structural Defects
Temporary Accommodation
While you’re still building our Guarantee protects your deposit and covers you for non-completion and remedial work (you can choose to opt out of this cover).
Your project is covered for defects in workmanship and materials for two years after your building work is completed.
You’re protected for any structural defects including weathertightness issues (rot and fungal decay) for 10 years from the date your Guarantee is accepted.
If your home is unable to be lived in after it has been completed as a result of the damage in your claim, you will be covered for costs and expenses relating to removal, storage and alternative accommodation to a maximum value of $10,000.
The Guarantee does not cover contractual disputes. Master Builders provides a free disputes resolution service to help resolve these issues.
SEAVIEW
Earthy elegance
This home borders the edge of Timaru’s CBD, but there’s nothing borderline about what’s on offer in the executive retirement haven with views of Caroline Bay. It’s simply lovely.
The allure starts with the exterior. Cladding is a classic mix of narrow vertical cedar in a natural hue and vertical heritage-tray metal in an iron-sand shade. The monopitch roof matches the latter.
Landscaping is easy care: stack-bond concreteblock retaining walls and low-maintenance beds – perfect for the retired owners.
So far so good. As you move inside the 209sqm home, you’ll find a generous entrance, two bedrooms and a bathroom as well as an internalaccess double garage that includes the laundry.
To check out the upstairs you can either walk up three sets of stairs or take the lift – something that ensures the home is future-proofed for its owners. Up here, you’re struck by a feeling of space and luxury in the open-plan zone. Decor ranges from the almost-black to paler neutrals – it’s a showcase of earthy tones. In the kitchen, for instance, the dark cabinetry, island and splashback are accented with bronze-look tapware and pendants.
Step through open sliders to the generous deck that enjoys outlooks to the bay. Morning coffee or an evening tipple with views?
Upstairs also has a generous main bedroom with walk-in robe, ensuite and high-end fittings. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
HAMPSTEAD
Undeniable appeal
Why change a winning formula? This dapper Ashburton house has been built to one of Milestone Homes’ original plans, which has evolved to become one of the firm’s most popular. It’s easy to understand why.
Three bedrooms, plus open-plan living, a slick kitchen, two well-appointed bathrooms, a separate laundry and a garage with internal access, all add up to one smart, stylish cost-effective home. It’s ideal for first-home buyers and those wanting to downsize, although the house, clad in pale brick and black horizontal Linea weatherboard, will appeal to many more.
At 127sqm, the house is cosy without ever feeling small. You can chalk much of the light, spacious
feeling up to the L-shape open-plan zone, which flows from the kitchen into the dining room and then into the lounge. The kitchen, with white subway tiles and a breakfast bar, maximises every centimetre of space. With this house, the diningliving area is effectively doubled thanks to sliding doors that open to a covered private patio.
The three sunny bedrooms have built-in ward-robes and the main room has its own ensuite. There’s storage aplenty. The large single garage is connected to the house by a separate laundry. Clever design, top-notch craftsmanship, tasteful decor and durable, low-maintenance materials – it’s all here in one appealing, value-for-money package. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Testpots clockwise from top left in Resene Oasis, Resene Bright Spark, Resene Blackout, Resene Gum Leaf, Resene Ottoman, Resene Half Gin Fizz. Middle testpot in Resene Rusty Nail.
ASHBURTON Heavenly features
Combining shades of grey with white never goes out of style – as this property so stylishly demonstrates. From the contrasting colours and textures of the dark vertical weatherboard and pristine white plaster exterior that faces the street, every detail and every care has been taken in the planning and construction of this 220sqm executive home.
Twin gables, a timber boardwalk entrance and landscaping only add to the strong street appeal
The kitchen-dining zone flows into a communal space with sliders that open to an apron of timber decking.
– and that’s just the start of the magic in this four-bedroom, H-shaped show home. The dark pavilion is devoted to living – and what living it is. The kitchen-dining zone flows into a communal space with sliders that open onto an apron of timber decking. At the other end of the wing is a lounge, which can be closed off with a sliding barn door. Again, a monochrome colour scheme comes up trumps. The black barn door and kitchen cabinetry contrast sharply with crisp white walls. The kitchen,
the hub of the home, has a stone benchtop, marbled splashback and walk-in pantry. The other wing has a main-bedroom suite with ensuite, walk-in robe, make-up nook and deck. There are two more bedrooms, a bathroom, powder room, laundry and double garage. In the link between the pavilions are the entrance and a fourth bedroom. Defined spaces that offer retreat and tasteful decor choices are hallmarks of this Jennian stunner. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Jennian Homes Canterbury CHRISTCHURCH
M 021 220 0591
E dwayne.prendergast@jennian.co.nz W jennian.co.nz
ELGIN Show business
A show home is a window display for a builder’s skills and gives would-be buyers inspiration for what’s possible. This Milestone 7 house achieves both beautifully. The three-bedroom home also demonstrates optional upgrades, such as ducted heating, attic storage and a tiled ensuite.
The 205sqm house delights from the get-go. Gables, white plaster and grooved timber cladding ensure instant street appeal. Open the front door and you are greeted with a spacious entry leading
The alfresco area, off the dining and family spaces, is just the spot for relaxing or hosting gatherings. It’s an entertainer’s dream.
into the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. Off to the side is a separate carpeted cosy lounge for movie nights or get-togethers with friends.
The kitchen, in classic black and white, has a walk-through pantry that opens into the garage – ideal for hauling a car-load of groceries inside.
The alfresco area, off the dining and family spaces, is just the spot for relaxing or hosting summer gatherings. It’s an entertainer’s dream. Two double bedrooms with large wardrobes
provide plenty of space for children to play, and the main-bedroom suite, with a walk-in robe and tiled walk-in shower, is a true sanctuary. Tiles behind the vanity have surprised many visitors who’ve assumed they’re wallpaper. There’s also storage aplenty in a hall cupboard, separate laundry and attic above the double garage.
This is a home designed for ease of living; it’s light, spacious and built for the sun. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Milestone Homes MID CANTERBURY
T 0800 645 378 • M 021 0257 2788
E midcanterbury@milestonehomes.co.nz W milestonehomes.co.nz
JUST
relax
TOP WAYS TO TRANSFORM YOUR BATHROOM INTO A SANCTUARY
One of the few rooms in the house where you can close the door on the world and indulge in quality ‘me time’, like you the bathroom deserves extra attention.
1
Designed to share
Nothing says relax a while more than a freestanding tub designed to ensure you can truly stretch out from head to toe – or choose to share it with someone special. Hugi deep-soaking tub, $4795 , from stonebaths.co.nz
3
2
ZZ Piccolo plant, $39, from johnnyjungle.co.nz
Go green
There’s no denying the feel-good factor of connecting with nature, and where better than in the bathroom? Look for humidity-loving plants that will help reduce moisture and can thrive in low light. Ferns, orchids and peace lilies are firm favourites to help create a plant oasis.
Code Delta Kilo modular lighting, $2475, from nightworksstudio.com
Mood lighting
Setting the scene with lighting is all important in bathrooms. Look for fixtures that add interest and create a colour that is as close to natural daylight as possible. A mirror should have lights evenly placed on each side to avoid shadows when you’re shaving or applying your make up.
4
Hayes
in Lake Blue, $90, (other sizes also available) from sundayhomestores.co.nz
Towel power
Nothing beats stepping out of the bath or shower and wrapping yourself in a luxurious towel. They also work to add pops of colour and texture to the bathroom and are a costeffective way to change the vibe. Look for matching sets or play with layering tones to add interest.
Petrol blue 100 per cent French flax linen waffle towels, $110 , from bedthreads.co.nz
Baina
bath towel
6
Power on
Showerheads that have the option to play with the pressure and different functions elevate the everyday. Look for those with a range of settings for a truly sensory experience.
Nikles 3-function shower column with 2-jet handspray, in brushed nickel, $1280, from plumbingworld.co.nz
5 9
Mirror mirror
Think big when it comes to mirrors in the bathroom: they work to add light and a greater sense of space. They also offer an opportunity to add personality, so look for something different such as this bold, curving Arc mirror available in blackened, aged and brushed brass, $2190, from powersurge.co.nz
8
You’re soaking in it
Nothing transports bathtime instantly to the luxurious like bath salts that combine soothing and restorative minerals with – depending on your mood – relaxing or uplifting scents.
Onsen Saru hot spring bath soak, $40, from everyday-needs.com; Nellie Tier bath salts, $45, from nellietier.co.nz
10
Details count
Invest in quality accessories when it comes to items you use every day – they’ll bring so much pleasure.
Maya soap dish shelf in brushed brass, $220, from abiinteriors.co.nz
Well placed
Stylish storage is imperative in the bathroom, that’s why we love this basket – you could even use it as a toilet roll holder. Powder room basket, $195, from corcovado.co.nz
Modern minimalism
Earthic, released at the Milan Furniture Fair, is a sustainable surface material that works beautifully in bathrooms. From grey with white recycled PET fragments that creates a subtle pattern through to darker tones punctuated with white accents, this finish is modern yet minimal. consentino.com/en-nz
RUSTIC LUXURY
From the recycled rawhewn wood panels on the walls to the black taps and exposed pipes under the basin, this bathroom has a robust and practical aesthetic that fits with the entire house, which is designed to connect with its rugged environment. There is no compromise, however, when it comes to being luxurious, elegant and cutting edge. For more on this home, turn to page 26.
1
Smooth operator
When it comes to a minimalist aesthetic for the pantry, the Blum Space Tower is the perfect solution. The inner pullouts can be individually designed and tailored for your storage needs. Available at blum.com/nz
2
Ronda 4042 handle in satin brass, $26, from mardeco.co.nz
Hold on
Armac Martin Croxford Collection handle, from $110, at inres.co.nz
Speck brushed nickel knob, from $11, from csstudios.co.nz
One of the simplest ways to bring an architectural feel to your kitchen is to fit out drawers and cupboards with new handles. Look for organic shapes in polished-metal finishes.
3
Full exposure
Add a sense of individuality to a clean-lined kitchen with open shelving and artfully display your favourite items. The key is to group pieces together such as your favourite plates alongside elegant glassware, or your favourite cookbooks beside a plant. It’s not a place for clutter, however!
TOP
10
STYLISH WAYS TO MODERNISE YOUR KITCHEN
Whether you are going for a total overhaul or looking to update with a few key accessories, here’s how to transform the busiest room in the house.
4
Spotlight appliances
Up your culinary output with the Fisher & Paykel freestanding induction cooker. From the finely tuned cooktop controls to the evenly heated 140L-capacity oven with its AeroTech circulatory air system, it has five cooking zones with nine oven functions including pastry and pizza mode.
Freestanding 90cm induction cooker, $12,000, from fisherpaykel.com
5
Centrepiece
Elevate your kitchen with a sculptural tap such as the Insinkerator LIA MultiTap. A stylish combination of chrome and black, it is a kettle and mixer in one.
$2525, from plumbingworld.co.nz
Allie’s dream Kaboodle kitchen, from bunnings.co.nz
7
6
Hidden secrets
When it comes to how you start your day, take inspiration from this stylish kitchen from ABI Interiors. Not only do we love the calm ambience created by combining textured white surfaces with the warmth of wood, we also love the clean lines of the floor-to-ceiling cupboards. The highlight? Doors that open to reveal an elegant coffee bar complete with coffee machine and spacious shelving. From abiinteriors.co.nz
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8
Bespoke fridge
Whiteware can often interrupt a truly cohesive look in a kitchen – but not anymore. Check out the Samsung Bespoke French Door refrigerator. It cleverly comes with interchangeable door panels, which means you can select from a range of Resene colours, such as this fridge in Resene Eighth Ash. Available from Samsung retailers.
Platinum tall salad bowl, $389, from bello.co.nz
Inoxriv Design+ saucepan, $190, from orient-nz.com
Shine bright
Add a sense of grandeur to your daily routine with bowls, saucepans and utensils in shiny finishes. Take it one step further with a brushed silver fridge and freestanding oven.
High & dry
The ever-present tea towel can be used for more than just drying dishes – use them to add colour and personality to your kitchen. Solid bold hues work to bring accents of colour to a minimalist kitchen, while pretty vintage floral prints will add a sense of traditional country.
10
, from cittadesign.com
Handsome devils
From hand-glazed to plain, if you’re looking for an alternative to natural stone or concrete finishes, check out these authentic-looking porcelain tiles. Made in Italy. From materialspace.co.nz
RAISING THE BAR
This upstairs kitchen is something you’d expect to find in a penthouse apartment, with its dark cabinetry, island and splashback highlighted with accents of copper-look tapware and smoky pendant lights. These tones work with the wider neutral and earthy colours of the openplan living and dining areas, and connect with the deck and views across Caroline Bay. A walk-in pantry keeps the space tidy and helps maintain a minimal vibe, making it the perfect place to entertain. For more on this home, turn to page 38.
Stainless steel Forge serving spoon, $33
MM Linen tea towel, $20, from mckenziewillis.co.nz
Mary Lovell-Smith shares the best ways to help your backyard bloom.
Gardening matters
Go slow
The hottest gardening movement right now is slow gardening. It’s about ditching the power tools, smelling the roses and taking time and pleasure in everyday garden tasks.
The mere acts of weeding and clipping can induce a Zen-like calm – if approached the right way. Using your hands and hand tools means getting up close and personal with plants and thus a more intimate knowledge of them, of their health and that of the wider ecosystem.
Instead of a noisy leaf blower, it’s the satisfying swish of a birch broom; instead of nasty weedkillers, it’s the thrill of a gloved hand, pulling out a weed and observing the tiny organisms and insects at its roots scatter for cover.
Slow gardening is about observing and respecting the seasons, acknowledging and taking pleasure in the timely cycles of life. It’s not about making gardening harder but making it more enjoyable, interesting and rewarding. It can be about incidental exercise. Using short-handled tools necessitates much squatting and kneeling, which along with the ability to easily get up and down, is an invaluable asset to retain all one’s life.
Lush crush
Never mind the landscaping, it’s all about the plants – their number and diversity – according to the top designs at this year’s world-acclaimed Chelsea Flower Show.
Typical of most of the show gardens, more than 75 per cent of the Best in Show-winning Forest
Bathing garden was covered in plants. The vibe is green: lush foliage dusted with sprinklings – and sometimes clouds – of purples, white and pale lemon of the irises, wild strawberry, thalictrum, aquilegia, ferns and creeping geranium.
Some gardens, such as the urban Octavia Hill garden, added in some very pretty muddier yellows and browns. In others, blooms were almost entirely absent; the differing shapes, sizes and shades of green foliage sometimes combined with water creating luxuriously lush and languid oases.
We’re in love with...
Amaranthus ‘Hot Biscuits’, a fabulous plant with tall (up to 1.5-metre) plumes in coppery, chestnut, coffee and russet shades, that blooms all summer and into autumn. This easy-to-grow annual looks gorgeous among ornamental grasses and with deep-purple or red flowers. We’re thinking the likes of Salvia patens (gentian sage) and Rudbeckia ‘Cherry Brandy’. Combinations made in heaven.
Five a day
The easiest, most productive, least problematic, insect and disease-free, all-time useful vegetables to grow in a sunny spot in the garden or in containers are: tomatoes (plant in spring, stake, nip out laterals); courgettes (plant at least two in spring); lettuce (plant all year round but out of midday summer sun); silverbeet (plant all year round just about anywhere); and potatoes (plant in mounds in early spring).
Read all about it
Look out for this new book by an artist, interior designer, and of course gardener, Julia AtkinsonDunn. A Guided Discovery of Gardening ($50, Koa Press), is the book she says she wishes she had when she began gardening. The result is a beautiful book gardeners of any experience will enjoy. From her generous appraisals of others’ gardens to how to germinate from seed; from her romantic photographic portraits of her own garden and its flowers to watermanagement strategies, Atkinson-Dunn’s prose is lively, charming and sprinkled with practical information.
Tool
death do us part
Should you have only one tool, let it be the Japanese short-handled, crane-necked sickle, popularly known in New Zealand as a Niwashi, although that is actually a brand name. Traditionally used in its homeland, Japan, for weeding, it can also chop, dig, slash, cultivate, dibble, scrape, cut, mound, measure, drill… Invaluable.
Plum job
If you were ever in that highly unenviable and unlikely position of being able to plant only one tree, high up the list might be a wellshaped plum to provide gorgeous frothy spring blossom, delicious juicy summer fruit, beautiful flaming autumn colour and stark architectural winter form. Plus shade to repose under and branches for children to climb on and from which to hang a swing.
Traditional Japanese Niwashi sickle, $45, from Mitre 10.
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