What’s happening this winter

winter What’s happening in

Find out what’s new, what’s trending and what’s inspiring us around the home and garden this winter

A word from our editor

This issue, we’re

sharing some of what we’ve been doing while we’ve been at home. The team seized the opportunity to give some daggy furniture a much-needed and inspiring makeover (check out the results on page 59), with little more than paint and a bit of elbow grease. Paint is also the star of our story on giving your front door a whole new look (page 54), while influencer Geneva’s bedhead (page 64) is the best kind of DIY update: simple, speedy and striking!

Enjoy the issue!

Printed by Ovato Print Ltd. Paper fibre is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources.

Winter DIY jobs

Gorilla ‘Draught Stop’ 12mm x 3mm x 5m foam seal in White, $14.50, I/N: 0750487 Swann ‘1080p’ security camera with spotlights, $430/pack of 2, I/N: 0145126 Home security Now’s the time to replace that dodgy lock or have your security system serviced – or perhaps install a new one. Look at entry points around the home – do gates need new bolts or locks?

Mind the gap Stop that warm air escaping and keep your home toasty by fixing gaps in floorboards and around doors and windows.

Whites 180mm x 8m, super gutter guard in Black, $12.50, I/N: 3040589

Superfresco Easy 52cm x 10m green palm leaves wallpaper, $72.98, I/N: 1662903

Moroday ‘MDS 9’ all-weather door seal in Silver, $29, I/N: 4068042

Prestige plastic gutter cleaner in Green, $4.37, I/N: 0250563

Brighten up For a quick and easy update, paste-the-wall wallpaper is definitely your friend.

Will your rental get the green light? With the government’s Healthy Homes Initiative, Kiwi renters will live in dryer, warmer and healthier homes. If you’re a landlord, below is a snapshot of what you need to know to meet the criteria. For more information, search ‘healthy homes standards’ on hud.govt.nz.

Gutter care Clear debris from gutters and downpipes – it will help keep them maintained, avoid overflows and prevent costly repairs to roofs and foundations.

Heating – a fixed heating device to heat the main living room to at least 18ºC.

Insulation – Existing ceiling insulation with a minimum thickness of 120mm, and underfloor insulation with a minimum R-value of 1.3.

Moisture – Ground moisture barriers and efficient drainage and guttering.

Ventilation – An extraction fan in the bathroom and a kitchen rangehood.

Draughts – Sealing noticeable gaps in walls, ceilings, floors and windows.

Find out what relevant products are available at bunnings.co.nz/healthy-homes

Bunnings is eager to stretch your green fingers. Staying Grounded is a new gardening podcast series hosted by horticulturalist Chloe Thomson and includes a stellar line-up of expert guests talking all things plants, gardens and outdoors. Episode 1 welcomes plant designer Jenna ‘Plant Mama’ Holmes, whose leafy abode features from page 9. Episode 2 brings Dale Vine into the studio to dissect the tools and ingredients needed to help your garden grow, while chef and gardener Paul West shares his tips and tricks to growing and cooking veges in episode 3. If you want to learn which is the sulkiest fern or the benefits of worm wee, head to Staying Grounded by Bunnings in your podcast app, or visit bunnings.co.nz/staying-grounded, and start listening. 

Tune in to our podcast

Brilliant ‘Havana’ DIY plug in pendant in Deep Natural Rattan, $49, I/N: 0089051

See more lighting ideas on page 27

TOP 3 DIY LIGHTS Create a stylish statement with these easy-to-install pendants

LIGHT RELIEF

Upgrade a dated light fitting in minutes – without a sparkie – with a DIY pendant light

EXPERT TIP

TOOLS & MATERIALS  Safety equipment  Stepladder  Screwdriver  Ceiling paint  50mm angled paintbrush  DIY plug in pendant kit  Light bulb An ‘Edison’ bulb has a screw-in base, while a bayonet bulb has pins so it twists to lock. Always check which bulb is required A DIY pendant works by replacing the old light bulb with an adaptor that plugs into the existing bayonet batten fixing. Turn off the power before installing, wear gloves and safety glasses in case of broken glass, and dispose of the old bulb responsibly. We used the Brilliant ‘Milly’ DIY suspension light in Gloss White, $28.95, I/N: 0089045, which uses an Edison bulb (not included), and these instructions relate to that product; use them as a guide, and refer to the specific instructions in your chosen kit. Why it’s great Antique brass and a matte black finish combine to bring a retro look to your lighting scheme Brilliant ‘Foundry’ 28cm DIY batten fixture in Black, $43.90, I/N: 0133101 (bulb not included)

Why it’s great Industrial chic meets coastal elegance with this stone-look concrete and resin pendant Brilliant ‘Elliot’ concrete DIY plug in pendant in Cream, $49, I/N: 0089052 (bulb not included)

1 Turn power off. Set up a stepladder on a stable surface. Remove old light shade. Use a screwdriver to check the screws in the batten holder are tight and it can support the new light.

2 Gently twist the old light bulb to the left to remove it, leaving the batten holder attached to the ceiling. Tip: If needed, touch up the ceiling paint using a 50mm angled brush.

3 Unscrew the DIY pendant’s cord anchor and slide the cover 200mm down the cord.

4 To fit the plug, line the pins up with the slots in the batten holder, push up gently and twist to the right. Tug gently to check it is secure.

5 Slide the cover up and over the batten holder to position against the ceiling, then tighten the cord anchor to hold it in place.

6 Install an Edison bulb inside attached shade by twisting it to the right. Turn the power back on and switch on the light.

Why it’s great Go for maximum impact and install a black wire shade in a striking geometric design Brilliant ‘Trinity’ metal wire batten fix light in Black, $49.98, I/N: 4371035 (bulb not included). Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

DISPOSING OF OLD BULBS Not all light bulbs are created equal and should be disposed of accordingly. The guides vary by area, so it’s best to check your local council’s recommendation. Never put bulbs in your home recycling bin.

Take it outside

Dulux Cardrona

Swatch this space! Want to colour match a paint? To ensure the best results, show the paint desk a sample chip no smaller than 30mm across Inside tip

Winter months in the garden

Dulux Musket Bay

Tick off this to-do list for tiptop outdoor areas. For more on what to do in the garden during winter, visit bunnings.co.nz/garden-diaries

Dulux Totara Park Quarter

If not given adequate TLC, the garden shed or backyard garage can quickly become one great big eyesore, detracting from even the most luxe alfresco settings. An easy way to tie the bow on the backyard of your dreams is to refresh your shed with paint. Choose a colour based on whether you want the shed to blend in or become an eye-popping feature. Dulux colour expert Davina Harper says, “Greens are trending for 2020, from soft mint and sage green to earthy olive. Muted greens will add freshness to a tired exterior and they harmonise beautifully with plants and foliage.” UGLY SHED BE GONE

POT OF THE MONTH Brighten up your home this gloomy winter season with a touch of colour. These ceramic pots in pretty shades make a cheerful feature on their own, or mix and match the different colours and sizes

Tuscan Path ‘Matilda’ 30cm x 22cm large ceramic pot in Blue, $44.89, I/N: 0118050, and Salmon, $44.89, I/N: 0118043

Scotts ‘Osmocote’ controlled release fertiliser for vegetable, tomato, herb & garden beds, $15.87/1kg, I/N: 2961302

Get the most out of your leafy veges by feeding them with a highnitrogen fertiliser. Feed regularly or as directed, to ensure strong, healthy growth.

Make new from old by propagating hardwood cuttings. Hydrangeas, roses, wisteria or bougainvillea are great choices. Dip ends into a rooting hormone and plant up in a loose seed-raising mix.

Trojan stainless steel D-handle garden fork, $49.98, I/N: 0322904

Plant or move deciduous trees and roses. Use a fork to loosen the soil and lift the root ball, before moving into a spot with well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter.

Bare-rooted roses are in store now. After purchasing, remove the plastic and soak the roots in a diluted seaweed solution overnight before planting.

Fiskars ‘Powerlever’ hedge shears with telescopic handles, $58, I/N: 0832603

Yates ‘Turfix’ lawn weed spray, $15.46/750ml, I/N: 0153566

Keep an eye out for weeds in your lawn. Control most broad-leaf weeds with a selective herbicide that’s suitable for your lawn type.

Give your garden tools some thought. Now’s the time to sharpen, oil and clean them or replace those that have seen better days. ◆