Savvy September 2021

KENSINGTONSTUDIO

HIHIAUACULTURALCENTRE

contents

Editor’snote

Ifyou’refeeling hard-donebyorare experiencingthe lockdownblues,sparea thoughtforourremarkable verstorywomanKaty t.Lastyear,Katyand youngdaughterswere trappedinSouthAfrica, havingtravelledtospendafinalChristmaswithher terminallyillmother.WhilehusbandAaronstayedin NewZealandtofundtheirpricelesstrip,theensuing pandemicmeanthewasseparatedfromhiswifeand daughtersfortenmonths.ItalsomeantKatyandher daughterswereleftinisolationtonursetheirbeloved

Editorial Jodi Bryant –jodi.bryant@nzme.co.nz

Advertising JanHewitt –jan.hewitt@nzme.co.nz

Design BryceZhang

motherandgrandmotherandwitnessher deteriorationuntiltheend,whichwasnotwhat anyofthemwishedfor,notleasttheirproud, stoicmatriarch.

Aftera harrowingyearwithCovidfleecingthe familyof so much,nowsafelyensconcedintheir Northland paradise,Katy,Aaronandthegirlsare countingtheir blessings everyday thislockdown that theyare together. Youcan readher storyon pages4&5 but,warning,havethetissues ready. Meanwhile,savour inthistimewith yourloved onesandreachout to thoseafar.

See youhopefullyoutthe othersidenext month.

OURPEOPLE

04-Blessedtobeinlockdowntogetherafterharrowingjourneyhome –adaughter’stributetoherbelovedmother

FASHION

06-WalkingintheSunshine…

BEAUTY

07-Skin101:HowtoSpringCleanYourSkincare

08-GHDUnplugged™CordlessStyler

HEALTH

09-GOWITHTHEGRAIN

10-8NutrientsThatWillOptimizeYourEyeHealth

11-PackardMotorMuseum–VehicleofTheMonth

SAVVYHOMES

14-Depthofcharacter–howtocreateatexturedlookonyourwallwithpaint

16-TheFliponMattresses:WhentoBuyandHowLongtoHold

17-WhangāreiHeadsPicturePerfect

18-Light,ventilation,accesstoabeautifulview

20-Kiwirenovationsfindingwaystopartyafter10pm

Published by NZMENorthland, 88 RobertStreet,Whangārei. savvy@northernadvocate.co.nz

Gardens

–thejewelinthe crownwe call home.

Peaceful, resolute,restorative and, atthistimeof year,delightfullyand silentlydramatic.

Unfurlingfrom alongwinter’s sleep,the hypnoticdream-likedevelopment offreshnew shootscolouredperidotagainst lastyear’s maturedeepemerald,bursts of brightcitrine-dippeddaffodilsdazzlingintheir morningdewdropletswhiletanzanitetinted freesiaspritzthe stillairwithmagnificent sweetperfume.

Jewels.Weare inspired, comfortedand entertained by them.Theysweepus away with romanticnotionsandvividmemoriesbut, most importantly,theycallus forward,igniting passion,desireanddrive.Why?

Like ashiningspoton today’sshifting horizon,theyare thegoal,theincentive and theirresistibletreat forour radiantclientsafter

thispastyear’s events.

21-Ahistorylesson–RollerBlinds,theAmsterdamTheatreandaNewfoundlanddog 22-DesignInspiration

23-Howtocreateadivinediningroom

Together we have had abusytimewith starts and stops,upsanddowns,diversions and worries, buttherehasbeensomuch to applaudwithmanylocalbusinesses takingflightinanunexpectedflurry of positivity. We have hadtheprivilegeof latetobringmanybeautifulcustom-made pieces to life, awakening celebrationand acknowledgingpowerfulachievementsby wonderful people.Thejourney towards

urvisionisnot unlikeagarden movingthrough theseasonsvibrant,intensesummers devoid refreshingrain,thequietsoulful deepeningofautumnasitsummons rwardwinter.Through allofthese momentsthe gardenlookstoward spring,theperfect collective ofthis journey that resultsinimmensebeautyandbountiful treasures.So whynothonouryourown success?

Asspringgraces usonceagain,pause,be still, revelinthevisualdramaunfoldingaroundusand remember your value. Seeyourselfintheruby saturatedwith rose redorsplashesofaquamarine, freshasthough fallenfromthe fountain.Hereis wherenatureisperfection.

Book yourdesigntime nowand together we will hand-selectbeautifulgems fromthe GlobalDiamond bouquetand tell your storythrough acolourful masterpieceofyour own.

Itistime to bloom!

Christine Price– Goldsmith forGlobalDiamonds

Blessedtobeinlockdowntogether afterharrowingjourneyhome

–a daughter’s tributetoherbeloved mother

ringlastyear’slockdownthe ottfamily were separatedby rdersthrough whatwould thehardest year of their ves. Katy Stottsharesher rrowing story.

KatyStottiscountingherblessingsher familyareunitedasabubbleforthis year’slockdown.Lastyear,sheand heryoungdaughterswereseparated enmonthsfromhusbandanddadAaron whilelockeddownhalfwayacrosstheglobe nursing,inisolation,herdyingmotherwho deservedadignifiedfarewell.Covidrobbed ofthat.

Katy’smumGertilivedinSouthAfrica,where Katyleftin2009.Anesteemednurseformany ars,inJuly2019,Gerti,66,wasdiagnosed theincurablemotorneuronediseasewhich usesthebrainandnervestoprogressively aken.WhileAaron,aKiwi,stayedinNew alandtowork,Katyandthegirls,Chrissie,9 dAllie,7,flewtoCapeTowntospendonelast stmaswiththeir“Gogo”–Zuluforgranny. ywereduetoreturninMarch. “WewerelivinginWellingtonandourlease supandwewererunningroundlookingfor ouseandIstoppedandsaidtomyhusband, ouknowwhat,IthinkIshouldgohometobe

“PartofwhywemovedtoNewZealandwas tobenearAaron’sparentsintheiroldage.My mumstillwas20yearsbehindthem,sowe plannedtogobackandlookafterheroneday, butnotthissoon.”

Theyputtheirbelongingsinstorageand Aaron,achef,movednorthtoworkwithhis sister’sfamilybusinessandfundthepriceless trip.ThefamilyChristmaswentasplanned andGertilovedit,tellsKaty.

“WehadareallyspecialChristmas,itwas alovelytime.Mumwasaverypragmaticand stoicperson.Sheprobablystruggledmorethan werealised.Shewasjustasinglemumkeeping ittogetherand,asamum,Icanunderstand thatnow.Sheshowedlittleemotionbut,with motorneurone,itputsyouinavulnerablestate whereshehadnothingtoloseso,inherfinal year,thatemotioncameoutinexcessivecrying orlaughing.Thegirlswerereallyproudwhen theycouldmaketheirgrandmotherlaugh.

“MotorNeuroneisaverycrueldisease whereyoudon’tgetafightingchanceandshe embraceditandwemadethebestofitwhile weweretogether.”

Withthosespecialmemoriesfirmlysealed, inMarch,asplanned,theysaidtheirfinal goodbyesandKatyandthegirlstravelledto Johannesburgtospendtimewithfriendsbefore returningtoNewZealand.ThenCovidstruck.

AlthoughmarriedtoaKiwi,Katyneededto applyforavisatoreturntoNewZealandand

BYJODIBRYANT

realised,withCovid-19brewing,thedelaywas likelyduetostudentsfleeingChina.

“Itwascompletelynormal.Peoplewere jokingaboutCovid,nothingevendawnedon us,”sherecalls.

Thenbordersshutandthecountrywent intolockdown.

Theyhadnooptionbuttoreturntoher mother’sandnurseherinisolationuntiltheend.

“Wehadtowatchmumdeteriorateandshe wouldhavehatedthat,”saysKatybreaking down.“Shealwayssaid,‘Parentsdon’tdiein frontoftheirchildren’.Thatwasthelastthing theycoulddotoprotecttheirchildrenandthat wastakenawayfromhertoo.

“There’sadignitythatmymumdidn’tget becauseofCovid.”

BetweenKatyandherstep-father,they nursedGertiinisolationasthesupportthathad beeninplace,ceased.

“InCapeTown,wecouldn’tevenleaveour frontdoor,wewerecompletelyisolated.Iwas tryingtocareformum,homeschoolinthe earlierdays,andapplyformyvisa.Iwantedto gohometomyhusbandandCovidtookour choicesawayanditstilldoesnow.

“Everyonewastiredandstressedbutthere isnowhereyoucango.Wecouldn’tevengo forawalkaroundtheblock.Atthesametime, you’retryingtomakethemostofthetimeyou haveandalotofpeoplesay,‘Atleastyouwere thereforyourmum’,butitwasn’tthewayit shouldbe.”

Tohelpeasetheirstressandforeveryone’s mentalhealth,theyplacedGertiinhospice. However,shehateditandlastedfourdays.The secondattemptresultedinherbeingevacuated duetoanin-houseCovidoutbreak.

“Mystep-fatherandIwoulddrivefor40 minutestovisitherdaily.Hewouldgoinand visitfortenminuteswhileIwaitedinthecar, thenhe’dcomeoutandIwouldgoin.Then,on aroundherfourthday,oneofthenurseshad testedpositiveforCovidandtheyevacuated andwehadtogetanambulancetotakeher. Theyweren’tverykeenoncomingtoget someonewhohadpotentiallybeenexposed.”

“suddenly,mymumcouldn’tmakethe decisionsandwedidn’tknowwhattodo.She hadnursedherselfuntiltheend.”

OnJuly1,theyknewtheendwasnearand hospicewascalled.

“Hospicearrivedwearinghazmatsuits. You’reballingyoureyesoutbecauseyour mum’sdyingandtheyjustwanttohugyoubut theycan’tandyoucan’thuganyone.”

Aswellashospice,asperprotocol,the ambulancearrived,thepoliceandthenthe undertakers.ThefollowingZoomfuneral,Katy describesasprobablytheworstexperienceof herlife.

“Mumhadherwishesandhersongs pickedoutandCovidtookthatawaytoo.

“There’s adignitythat my mumdidn’tget becauseofCovid.”

Becausetherewassuchabigline-upatthe crematorium,weweren’teventoldwhenshe wascremated.”

Nolongerabletobearbeingsurroundedby thememories,sheandthegirlswenttostay atanAirbnbforthedurationand,betweenher andAaronandalotofsupport,steppedthings uptogetthemhome.Finally,mid-July,avisa wasgrantedandaflightbookedandpaid. However,therewasanotherset-backwhenthe flights,whichturnedouttobeunconfirmed, werecancelledamidpoliticaldisagreement betweenthecountries.

“Iwentfromnursingmymumandnot gettingtomournher,thenfightingtheNew Zealandgovernmenttoletushome.Thegirls werealsowritinglettersanddrawingpictures saying,‘Pleaseletuscomehome’.”

“Gettinghomewassodifficult.Wehada policeescortand,everystepoftheway,we wonderedifwe’dgetturnedaround.Wedidn’t carewherewewereinisolation,aslongasit wasNewZealand.Itwassogoodtobeback.We hadnohomebutwedidn’tcare,wewerejust tootired.”

ThereunionwithAaronwas“amazing”,Katy says.

“Ididn’twanttoseehimthroughthefence. I’dseealotoffamilieswaitingthroughthe fenceandIsaid,‘Whateveryoudo,don’tcome early.Thewayisolationworksis,ifyoulandat 4am,likewedid,you’reallowedoutat4am.I hadn’tseenmyhusbandintenmonthssowe decidedon5am.

“Hedroveupthenightbeforeandstayedina motelacrosstheroadandwaswaitingthereon time.Themilitarycometothefrontofthehotel rryallyourstuff,youhaveathermometer checkandyou’rewalkedtothedoor. ebeenwithmyhusbandaround13 wetravelledaroundtheworldand throughthehardestthinginmylife withouthim.Anditwashardforhimbecause uldn’tsupporthiswifeandhewasgreat swithmymum.”

ThefamilydecidedtosettleinHaruru, etheyhaveatranquilspotoverlookingthe llsandAaronworksatthenearbyWaitangi yGrounds.Here,Katycouldbeginthe

grievingprocessand,inJuly,theyfinallyhelda memorialforGerti.

“Mum’sanniversarycameandIwanted todosomethingsoImadeagardenforher andwehadaservice.Isaidattheservice; Whenshewassick,Iknewwhatgracewas forthefirsttime.Shewassogracefuleven withadisease.AndthenIunderstoodwhat mercywaswhenitwastimeforhertogo. Andnow,aftertheyearwe’vehadandinher garden,Ijustwantpeace.Covidrobbedmeof everythingthatsomeonegoesthroughwhen someonedies.”

Sowhenlockdownwasannouncedlast month,thefamilyembracedit.

“Atfirst,whentheymadethe announcementlastweek,Icouldseemy oldestdaughterprocessingit.Lockdown tothemmeanssomethingdifferentand traumatic.It’sbeenreallyinterestingseeing themeaseintoitandenjoyit.”

Shesaysthegirlsgrewupfastaftertheir experienceinSouthAfrica.

“Theywererighttherebesideme,they’re suchstrongyoungwomen.Thethreeofusslept inthisdoublebedforthreemonths,therewas justus.Myoldergirlwouldbetheonetohug mewhenIwascrying,shebecamemysidekick really.Tenmonthsisalongtimeandthey experiencedsomemassivelifeskills.Butshe’s beenallowedtobeakidagainthisyear.

“Wenevertakeforgrantedthatwe’re together.Wekeepwalkingaroundsayinghow blessedwearetobetogetherthistime.Home learning,workingfromhomeandafewlife stressesarenothingcomparedtowhatourlives lookedlikelastyear.

“Wefeelincrediblyblessedtoberidingthis wavetogether,asaphysicalunit.”

BackhomeinHaruruKatycreatedamemorialgarden,“Gogo’s Garden”for hermotherand finally wasable to grieve.

lking the Sunshine

…

Thereisnothingdrababout summer 2021.Itisa sizzling combinationof everything you ever want forthisseason.

Naturalfibresincottons,rayons,viscose, andcoollinensaregracingtheracks inclassicfreshshadesofwhite, beige,sage,andnavy.Softpastelsin mint,pinkandmauvesitalongsidebigbrightbold ‘hereIcome’huesoforange,mustard,electric blueandemerald,eitherinblockcoloursor thrownintoamixtureoftotally‘outthere’florals thatwilljustmakeyourday.

Wide-leglinentrousers,full-lengthorcropped, areagreatstatementpiecethissummer.Not onlyaretheycooltowear,buttheyalsomake aflatteringcomboteamedbackwitha Randomcroppedknitjumperorsnazzycardiover aVassallituckedorhalf-tuckedt-shirt.

BYKARENMATICH&CHERYL POLWART,POLWARTHDESIGN

There-emergenceoftheblazerstripedor plaininlinen,cotton,orviscose,isafabulous garmentto‘up-casual’andLania’sTramBlazer isanidealoption.Tocreatethatcasualedgy look,itcanbewornoverawhiteshirtovericewashedjeansandwhitesneakerorflicked overmatchy-matchytrousersoralinendressfora moreformaloccasion.

Dressesforsummerarealwayssucha refreshingchoiceandthestylesarevariedand exciting.Forgirlswholovecolour,youroptions aregloriousandTreliseCooperandCuratehave gonealloutthissummer.Boldbrightsilkflorals withflamboyantbellsleevesandfullfloaty oversizeddressesinviscoseandlinenareall aboutembracingcolourandcomfort.Blackstone’s plainlinenswithorwithoutsleevesareticking therightboxesand,dominatingtheever-popular cottonknitdressinstyleandcontentment,is LemonTree.Forthatcoolersofteralternative, LaniaandLoobiesStoryhavebothworkedpastel floralsintoslim-lineshiftswithsleeves,orfull floatyfemininemaxiorcalf-lengthdresses,so suitableforabeachorgardenweddings.

Everyonelovesatleastonefabulous topperseasonandLoobiesStory andLaniatheLableareno-brainers.Cleverin theirchoiceofexclusivefabriccombinations, theirclassyseparatesarejustasperfectteamed backwithapairofNewLondonjeansforthe casuallunchdateastheyarepairedwithasleek pleatedskirtandsnazzyshoesforaspecial occasion,doublingtheirwearingprofile.

Summerthisyearisanabsolutecasual explosion.Everythingissowearableandfun and,inthenewworldthatwelivein-refreshing. Asweembraceourdigitalpresence,weare delightedthatourwebsiteiscompletelyup-todateforyourshoppingconvenience.Wewould liketoinviteyoutobrowseandbebold.Thank youforyouronlineordersandongoingsupport. Itissoappreciated.

RandomMaisy

SKIN 101: HowtoSpringClean Your Skincare

Achangeinseasonisthe perfecttimetospringclean your beautyroutine. Just likethe perishablegoods in your pantry,your favouritebeautyproductscomewitha best-beforedatetoo.

Wehadachattotheskincare expertsatCaci.Herearetheir topfivetipsonhowtodeclutter andrefresh:

1.REMOVE

Startbycleaningoutthecabinet,remove everythingandgivethecabinetagood wipedown.

2.REVIEW

Reviewtheexpirydatesofyourproducts. Sometimesthereisnoexpirydatebutthere alwaysshouldbeaperiodafteropening numberwhichtellsyouhowlongtheproductis goodafterit’sbeenopened(thelittlejarsymbol onthebackorbase).Ifit'sexpired,changed colour,textureorscentthentossit.

Asageneralrule,productswithactive ingredientslikeVitaminC,Retinolorplant extractshaveashortershelflife,whileyour fundamentalswithfeweractiveslikecleansers ortonerslastlonger.

Generally,hereishowlongyourskincare willbegoodforafteropening:

•CleansersandExfoliatingcleansers: 1-11/2years

•Toners:1-2years

•Exfoliatingserumsortoners: 6months–1year

•Serums:6months

•Facialoils(withoutactives):1-2years

•Facialoils(withactives):6months–1year

•Moisturisers:6months–1year

•Eyecreams:6months–1year

•SPFs:1year

•Facemasks:6months–1year

Youmayalsohavesomeskincarethat youjustdon’tuseorthatyou’veused,had areactionorbreakoutanddidn’tuseagain.Be honestwithyourselfabouttheseproducts:

•Doyoustillwantthemorwilltheysit arounduntiltheyhaveexpired?

•Istheresomeoneelsethatmightbenefit fromthem?

•Canyoufigureoutawaytogivethem anothergoandincorporatetheminto yourroutine?

3.REDUCE

Onceyouhavewhittleddownyourcollection, reviewhowmuchofeachproductyouhave.For thoseproductswherethereisn’tmuchleft,can youputthemintosmallercontainers?

4.CLEAN

GHDUnplugged™ CORDLESS STYLER

Transformyourlifewitht 1stcordlesshairstraightene from ghd-introducing theghd unplugged™ cord hair straightenerfor portab powerful stylingwherever youare.

Theysaygoodthingstaketime andghdhavecertainlyworked hardtoperfecttheirfirstever cordlessstyler.Withtheguaranteed performanceofaregular-sizedghdstylerfor quick,sleekandsmoothhairwhereveryou are,unplugged™isyournewhandbaghair stylinghero.

Thistoolharnessesthepowerofdual-zone technologywithceramicheatersthatensure theoptimumstylingtemperatureof185°C. Featuringhybridco-lithium

advanced,long-lastinglithium-ionbatterythat deliversupto20minutesofcontinuousstyling, plusitchargesinjusttwohoursforeasy,onthe-gostyling.

Thebestpart?it'shousedinaluxurytravel pouchwithheat-resistance.

Availableinbothmatteblackandmatte

FEATURESINCLUDE:

•USB-Ccharging: Chargeinjusttwohoursfromyour laptop,yourcaroranyUSB-Csocket. Thismakesyourstylerperfectfortravel orkeepinginyourdeskatworkforthose sneakyafterworknightsout.

•Smartbatterylevelindicator: Keeptrackofyourchargewiththebattery lifeindicator,eachlightrepresenting typically20percentofcharge.

•Heatprotectivecaseincluded: Becauseyourstylerisperfectforon-thego,theheatprotectivecaseiscrucial. Thelastthingyouwantistopopa

IncomparisontotheghdGoldand theghdPlatinumPlus,theUnpluggedis shorter-perfectforon-the-go-butstillpacking

hotstylerbackintoyourhandbagbefore it'shadachancetocooldown-thecase thatcomeswiththeUnpluggedsolves thisproblem!

•Sleepmode: Thestylerswitchesoffautomatically afterthreeminutesofnon-usageto preservebatterylifeandtogiveyou extrapieceofmindwhenpoppingit backintoitscase.

•Batterywarning: TheUnpluggedmakesanoiseandstarts flashingwhenthereis15percentof chargeleftsoyouarenotcaughtout.

apunchwithfineceramiccoatingforsmooth, snag-freestylingandsleekresultswith65per centmoreshine.

GOWITH THEGRAIN

Whilericeandpastaareadinnerstapleinmanyhouseholds,thereare plentyofalternativestobulkoutameal.Grainssuchasbarley,bulgur wheatandquinoa,amongothers,alladdwonderfultexturl.Hereare somesatisfyingrecipestoaddtoyourgrainyrepertoire.

Pearlbarleyand fennel risotto with freshsnapper

SERVES2

INGREDIENTS

FORTHERISOTTO

7Tbspoliveoil

1cupmushrooms,sliced

½cupfreshfennel,dicedsmall

½cuponions,dicedsmall

½cupcelery,dicedsmal

1tspgarlic,grated

½cupwhitewine

1½cupspearlbarley,washedincoldwater

3cupsfishstock

1Tbspfreshthyme,chopped

1Tbspfreshrosemary,chopped

1Tbspfreshoregano,chopped

½cupparmesancheese,grated

FORTHEFISH

2piecesfreshfish,150geach

1tspsalt

1Tbspricebranoil

1Tbspspringonion,sliced

METHOD

1. Fortherisotto:Heat1Tbspoftheoilinalarge fryingpanandcookthemushroomsuntil caramelised,removefromthepanandkeepon theside.

2.Placeafurther2Tbspoliveoilinthepan, addthedicedvegetablesandgentlyfryuntil lightlycaramelised,addthegarlic,thenwine andsimmertoreduceuntilwinehasalmost evaporated.

3.Addbarleyandcoverwithhotstock.Coverand simmerfor30minutes.Allthestockwillbe absorbedintothebarley.

4. Foldintheherbs,parmesanandremaining4 Tbspoliveoil,seasonwithfreshlygroundwhite pepperandextrasaltifnecessary.

5. Forthefish:Heatricebranoilinalargefrying pan.Seasonthefishwithseasaltandcookuntil golden,turnover,removefromthepanand keepontheside.

6. Toserve:Spoonrisottoontohotplates,place mushroomsontopandlastlyfish.(Extra risottocanbefrozenandreheatedgentlyinthe microwave.)Garnishwithslicedspringonions.

Themostcommoneyeconditions includecataracts,macular degeneration,glaucoma,and diabeticretinopathy.Yourrisk ofdevelopingthesediseasesdepends onyourage,genetics,chronic diseases,andlifestyle.

Eyehealthgoeshand-in-hand withgeneralhealth,butafew nutrientsareespeciallyimportant foryoureyes.

Thesenutrientshelpmaintaineye function,protectyoureyesagainstharmful light,andreducethedevelopmentofag relateddegenerativediseases.

VitaminA

VitaminAdeficiencyisoneofthemost commoncausesofblindnessinthe world.Thisvitaminisessentialfor maintainingyoureyes’light-sensingcells, alsoknownasphotoreceptors.

Ifyoudon’tconsumeenoughvitaminA,you mayexperiencenightblindness,dryeyes,or evenmoreseriousconditions,dependingon theseverityofyourdeficiency.

VitaminAisonlyfoundinanimal-derived foods.Therichestdietarysourcesincludeliver, eggyolks,anddairyproducts.However,you canalsogetvitaminAfromantioxidantplant compoundscalledprovitaminAcarotenoids, foundinhighamountsinsomefruitsand vegetables.

LuteinandZeaxanthin

Luteinandzeaxanthinareyellowcarotenoid antioxidantsknownasmacularpigments.They areconcentratedinthemacula,thecentralpart ofyourretina,whichisalayeroflight-sensitive cellsonthebackwallofyoureyeball.

Luteinandzeaxanthinfunctionasa naturalsunblock.They’rethoughttoplaya centralroleinprotectingyoureyesagainst harmfulbluelight.

Luteinandzeaxanthinusuallyoccur togetherinfoods.Spinach,swisschard,kale, parsley,pistachios,andgreenpeasareamong thebestsources.What’smore,eggyolks,sweet corn,andredgrapesmayalsobehighinlutein andzeaxanthin.

Omega-3FattyAcids

Thelong-chainomega-3fattyacidsEPAand DHAareimportantforeyehealth.

DHAisfoundinhighamountsinyour retina,whereitmayhelpmaintaineye function.It’salsoimportantforbrain andeyedevelopmentduringinfancy. Thus,DHAdeficiencycanimpairvision, especiallyinchildren.Evidencealso showsthattakingomega-3supplements maybenefitthosewithdryeyedisease. Omega-3fattyacidsmayalsohelpprevent othereyediseasesandreducetheriskof diabeticretinopathy. ThebestdietarysourceofEPAandDHA isoilyfish.Additionally,omega-3supplements derivedfromfishormicroalgaearewidely available.

Gamma-LinolenicAcid

Gamma-linolenicacid(GLA)isanomega-6 fattyacidfoundinsmallamountsinthe moderndiet.Unlikemanyotheromega-6fatty acids,GLAappearstohaveanti-inflammatory properties.TherichestsourcesofGLAare eveningprimroseoilandstarfloweroil.

Someevidencesuggeststhattakingevening primroseoilmayreducethesymptomsofdry eyedisease.

VitaminC

Youreyesrequirehighamountsofantioxidants —moresothanmanyotherorgans.

TheconcentrationofvitaminCishigherin theaqueoushumoroftheeyethaninanyother bodyfluid.Theaqueoushumoristheliquid thatfillstheoutermostpartofyoureye.The levelsofvitaminCintheaqueoushumorare directlyproportionaltoitsdietaryintake.In otherwords,youcanincreaseitsconcentration bytakingsupplementsoreatingfoodsrichin vitaminC.

HighamountsofvitaminCarefoundin manyfruitsandvegetables,includingbell peppers,citrusfruits,guavas,kale,andbroccoli.

VitaminE

VitaminEisagroupoffat-solubleantioxidants thatprotectfattyacidsfromharmfuloxidation. Sinceyourretinahasahighconcentration offattyacids,adequatevitaminEintakeis importantforoptimaleyehealth.

ThebestdietarysourcesofvitaminEinclude almonds,sunflowerseeds,andvegetableoils likeflaxseedoil.

Zinc

Youreyescontainhighlevelsofzincwhichis apartofmanyessentialenzymes,including superoxidedismutase,whichfunctionsasan antioxidant.Italsoappearstobeinvolvedin theformationofvisualpigmentsinyourretina. Forthisreason,zincdeficiencymayleadto nightblindness.

Naturaldietarysourcesofzincinclude oysters,meat,pumpkinseeds,andpeanuts.

1933 Austin Seven

BYGERALDINECRAW

AMotorMuseumisour1933Austin Seven;orBabyAustinastheywere oftenreferredto.TheAustinSeven wasproducedfrom1923throughto1939and, foritstime,wasoneofthemostpopularcars producedfortheBritishmarket.Italsosold welloverseas.TheSevenendedupreplacing manyotherBritisheconomycarsandcyclecars oftheearly1920s.

ThecarwasdesignedbySirHerbert Austintomeettheneedsofyoungfamilies

wassaidtobethes

bethesmallestclosedcarinthe world.From1930on,fabricfelloutoffashion, beingreplacedbysteel.OurcarisasteelbodiedAustinSeven.

In1921,theHorsepowerTaxwasintroduced inBritain.Thistaxedhigher-value,higher horsepowercarsmorethanthelow-cost vehicles.ThishelpeddrivesalesoftheAustin Sevenasthecarusedasmallfour-cylinder enginewhichinearlycarsproduced7.2 horsepower.

Likemanyofthecarsthatcameonthe

DEPTHOF CHARACTER

To some,a plain wall witha freshcoatofpaint is just the tonic. To others, it mayseem alittleboring; that feelingthat it just needssomething else simply won’tgoaway.

Texturecanbringanewdimensionto awallthatcolour–inallitsglorycan’t.Bumps,grooves,undulationsall makeshadowsandallowmovement withlight,respondingtolightindifferentways throughouttheday.Suchtextureprovides characterthatasmoothwalldoesn’t.

Yourownpersonaltastewilldrivethedesign here,you’llbechoosingnotonlyacolourbut alsoaneffectthatprovidesalookuniqueto yourhome.

It’salsohandyforwhenyourwallsare lessthanperfect.“Usingatexturedpainton interiorwallsisagoodwaytohidesurface imperfectionsortohelpmaskcriticallight issues,”saysResenetechnicalpaintexpertJay Sharples.“Itcanalsobeapointofdifference fromotherwalls.”

Thereareseveraltechniquesyoucanuse withpainttocreateauniqueeffect.Decideon aResenecolourandmixone60mltestpotto onelitreofReseneFXPaintEffectsMedium. Fromhere,youcantryyourhandatdifferent techniquesforyourdesiredeffect.

Jaysuggestsusingproductslike ReseneResitexandReseneSandtex,which themselveshavedifferentgradesranging fromsuperfinetocoarse.Theyareaccessible waystoapplyatexturedproducttoaflat surfacebywayofarollerorbrush. “With differentapplicationtechniquesyoucan createdifferentlooksandtextures,”Jaysays. “Differentapplicationtechniquescanadd textureandfeaturesusingastandardacrylic paintaswell.Grabatestpotandhaveaplay toseewhatworksbest.”

Ifyouhavewallscoveredinwallpaperthat youdon’tnecessaryfeelattachedto,youcan makethemworkforyoubyapplyingacoatof paint.It’llsaveyoutheworkofstrippingthe wallpaperandgiveyouawallcolouryoulove withaninterestingtexture.“Whenpaintingover wallpaper,thetextureofthewallpaperwillstill bethere.Paintingitgivesacolourchangeand potentialglosschange(dependingonproduct used),”Jaysays.“Youcoulduseatexturedpaint butdependingonthewallpapertextureitcould beverydifficulttoachieveauniformedfinish. Rememberthatwhenyoupaintwallpaperit becomesverydifficulttoremoveinthefuture.”

Toachievemoretextureonyourwallswith aplasterfinish,thereareinterioroptionsfrom Japaneseclay/limefinishestonaturalclayor polishedVenetian,Jaysays.Oneofthemost popularisReseneConstruction’sOtsumigaki traditionalJapaneseinteriorclayandlime plaster.Thisisanaturalproductconsistingof whiteclay,sandsandlime.Itsfinishonyour wallsechoesthatoftraditionalJapanese homes,anddespiteitsflatfinishitcreates texturaldepth.Youcanalsohavecolouradded tocreateatintthatsuits.

Breakupcolourbywayofcolourwashing, atechniquewhichrequiresalightcolourbase tocontrastwiththetopcoat.Whencreating awasheffectusingReseneFXPaintEffects Medium,thekeythingishavingenough variationbetweenabasecolourandwhatever hueyouaddintotheReseneFXPaintEffects

Medium,saysResenecolourconsultantAmy Watkins.“Ifyouwanted,forexample,totryan orange/yellowtone-on-toneeffect,useResene CleopatraasayellowbaseandReseneTwisted Sisterastheorangetopcoat.Thereisenough differencebetweenthetwotonestoprovidea hintofdrama.”

Makeahomagetothosebeautifulhistoric buildingsofEuropethathavestoodthetestof time,withalimewashaffect.It’llprovideyour wallswithasoft,weatheredlook,reminiscent inoldbuildings.Theimpactonyourwallswill beromantic,interestingandunique.Togetthis effect,useReseneEighthBlackWhiteasabase andReseneTripleBlackWhiteasthetopcoat. Abasecolourwouldneedtwocoats,thenone coatofReseneFXPaintEffectsMediummixed withacolourofyourchoice.Thenuseasponge,

roller,ragorbrush.“It’sdowntoyourown interpretationofhowyouwanttocreatethe lookyouwant,”saysAmy.“Itpaystobesure beforeyoustartworksohaveagooncard, playingaroundwiththevariousmediumsand yourapplicationtechnique,toconfirmthelook youwant.”

Letyourwallsshimmerwithdelightby creatingthelookofbrushedmetalswith ReseneFXMetallic.Onceyou’veappliedyour basecoatbrushonthemetallicinacriss-cross strokeforyourdesiredeffect.Sitbackand admirehowthelightplaysonthisglistening surfaceinvaryingways.

ReseneColorwoodWhitewashprovidesa whitewashedlookthatcanbeusedontimber floors,wallsandfurniture.It’sperfectifyou’re wantingaslightlyantiquelookinyourhome.

“Differentapplication techniques canadd texture andfeaturesusinga standardacrylicpaint as well.Graba testpotand have aplaytosee what worksbest.”

ReseneColorwoodGreywashisasimilar product,butwithatouchofgreyforamore agedlookandfeel.

Seekinspirationfromtheeleganceof heirloomfurnitureandtheageditemsin antiquemarkets.ReseneFXCrackleprovidesa worncharmtoasurface,allowingsmallglances ofthebasecolourunderneathtoshinethrough. AllthatisrequiredisforyoutoapplyResene FXCrackletoapaintedsurface,thenbrush onReseneFXCrackleandallowtodry.Brush onatopcoatcolour.Thecrackswillbecome apparentwhenthepaintdries.

Anothereffectivetechniquetoapplypaint toyourwallswithtexturedfinishisbysponging andragging.Youcandothiswitholdsheets, cheeseclothorasponge.Dabthespongeor ragusingdifferentpartsofeachasyoumoveit aroundyoursurfaceforanorganiclook.Trya darkcolouroveralightbaseforalittledrama. Likeallofthesemethods,theendresultwill bringwarmthandtexturetoyourroom,aresult ofyouruniqueuseoftechniqueandcolour.

Investinginyourdreamsleepcanpay dividendsforyourhealthandonceyou’ve foundtherightmattress,thethoughtof replacingitwillbethelastthingonyour mind.Amattressisalong-termhold,nota life-longholdandthereisasweetspotfor whenit’stimetotradeitin.

Cuttingtieswithyourbedisoftenshuffledto thebottomoftheto-dolist.It’sabig-ticketitem and,let’sbehonest,abitofasnoozytask.You can’ttakeyourfriendsforaspinonit(usually) orwearitoutatanimportantoccasion. However,sleepisacornerstoneofgoodhealth; agoodnight’skiphasapositiveeffectonour mood,stressandweightregulationsoit’s importantwegetplenty.

Qualityplaysabigfactorwhenit’stime toretireyourmattress.Thosewithadvanced technologyandsuperiormaterialscanbestill holdingstrongandprovidingexcellentlongtermsupport,whilethoseofcheaperquality canrolloverbeforethey’reonlyafewyearsold ifusedeverynight.

Dependingonwhichbedyou’vepurchased, werecommendreviewingyoursnoozeevery fewyears.Checkinwithyourselftoreflecton whetheryouarestillfeelingwellrestedeach morning.Aqualitybedshouldlastalong

timewithmostofourwarrantiescovering tenforextrapeaceofmind.Andit’snotjust thelongevityofmaterialsandfeaturesthat canstarttoaffectyoursleepastheyearsgo on.Thinkaboutyoursight,yourhealth,your nutrition.Alloftheseneedschangeyearonyear aswegetolder.Justasaglassesprescription won’tbeasaccuratefiveyearsdownthetrack, thesamegoesforthesupportyouneedfrom yourbed.Thisiswhywealwaysrecommend speakingtoabedspecialist,whowilltailor-fit yournextbed,toyourindividuallifestageand sleepneeds.

Herearefoursignsit’stimetotradeupto bettersnooze: Morningfog Bright-eyedandbushytailednomore?Your datedmattresscouldbetoblame.Overtime, mattressesbecomethehostforallergensand dustmites,whoseeksolaceinwarm,humid environments.Thiscanintroducenewallergy symptomsorworsenpre-existingones—like coughing,congestionandwatery-eyes—that interruptyourblissfulslumber.

Thrillsandspills

We’reforthemomentsspentinthebedroom,

whichoftenextendfarbeyondsleep.From breakfastinbed,tosickdaysunderthecovers, watchingthegoal-winningtrytomoreenergetic pursuits;there’splentyofopportunitiesfor yourmattresstoweartheimpact.Spillsand stainsarealmostinevitableandareastrong indicatorofhowhygienicyoursleepingsurface maybe,astheyultimatelyimpactyourhealth andimmunity.

Wakingupstiff

Ifyou’rewakingupwithmuscleorback stiffness,youmaynolongerbegettingthe supportyouneedfromyourmattress.Although manymattresscores—whetherspring,latex orfoam—flauntdurability,bearingtheweight ofafull-grownhumantakesitstolloverthe yearsandcanhaveyourbodyfeelingalittle weatheredtoo.

Interruptedsnooze

Strugglingtosleepthroughthenightisa potentialsignyourmattressisn’tofferingthe

comfortitusedto—especiallyifyoufindyou sleepbetterelsewhere.Partnerdisturbancecan playabigroleinthistoo;anoldmattresstends toaccentuateeverymovementwhileanew oneisbetteratminimizingtheeffectsfeltfrom tossingandturning.Checkyourmattressfor lumps,bumpsandvalleys,evensmallonescan haveabigimpactonyourslumber.

Overadecadeyou’llclockupnearly30,000 hoursofsleepinyourbed.Althoughanew bedmayseemtobeasignificantinvestment, aqualityoneshouldlastthosethousandsof sleephours,nottomentionthefewhundred moreforotherextracurricularactivities.

Inaddition,amattressprotectorisasmall investmentforsignificantreturns;prolonging thelifeofyourmattressbyofferinganadded layerofprotectionfromallergens,dustmites, spillsandstains.

Ageisjustanumber,unlessyou’reamattress —Sleeponthatnexttimeyouwonderifyouare losingthefightonfatigueduringtheday.

Thiseleganthomehasallowedfor exactlythatwithcathedralceilingsand largepicturewindowsthatlookout overthegorgeousharbour.

Fromthediningroomtothelivingareaand bedrooms,thevistaisfrontandcentre.The viewsarejustpartofthemagicofthis277sqm home.Featuringcrisparchitecturallines, thehomeiswell-plannedandfunctional, boastingafabulousdesignerkitchenand scullery,threebedrooms,aseparatedining area,andtwolounges–allofwhichallowfor

secludedcomfort,whilepromotingafeeling ofspaciousluxury.

Forsoakingupthesunshineorsittingunder thestars,theprivateshelteredcourtyardlends itselftoyear-roundentertaining.Andforthe ultimatewaytoreallyappreciatethescenery–pouraglassofwine,luxuriateinthefreestanding bath,andwatchthecloudsdriftovertheocean throughthehugebathroomwindow.Combining

Light,ventilation, accesstoa beautifulview

–there’sno endtowhata well-placedskylightcando.

Homerenovationand design platform Houzzoffers millionsofphotos fordesign inspiration, includingfresh ideastobrighten your home with skylights. VanessaWalker, HouzzAustralia& NewZealand Editor,has compiled aseriesof practical tips from professionals intheHouzz communityfor homeowners to consider when installing askylight.

•Lettherebelight.Butwhere? Recent‘Houzz&Home’studiesreport21% ofrenovatingNewZealandhomeowners installedaskylightwhenupdatingtheir home.Skylightsaremostusefulinspaces whereyoudon’thaveaccesstonorth-facing lightorwherethereisn’tanynaturallightat all.Thinkaboutplacingaskylightinmodest spacessuchashallwaysandbathroomsthat relyonartificialillumination.Wealsooften seeprofessionalsonHouzzuseskylightsin vaultedceilings,tospotlightoverastaircase orinlargelivingareas.

•Illusionofspace

Ifyou’reeagertobringmorelightinto

through eilings anopenconnectionbetweendifferent floorlevels.Thecombinationalsohelpsto drawlightdeeperwithinthehomewhich energisesotherelementsinthespacesuch aspaintcoloursappearingbrighter.An architectordesignercanhelpguideyouin creatingthislayeredlightinglook.Headto theHouzzdirectorytofindprofessionals inyourlocalarea.

•Controltemperaturelevels

Installingaskylightcertainlyinvitesthe

ssrisinghe

tintedglasstoblockUVraysorretractable blindstodiffuseglareandprovideshading overlivingandworkspaces.Aprofessional installerwillbeabletoadvisewhat’sbestfor yourhome’sorientation.

•Readyforwhateverweather

NewZealanddoescomewithextreme weatherchallengessowhenconsidering skylights,resiliencetoprevailingrain,hail andshineshouldbeofutmostpriority. Typically,skylightsareweather-proofed withoutsidealuminiumframingandcan comewithawallswitchorsensorsto triggertheskylighttoclosewhenitrains. Toensuretheskylightcanholditsownin summers’peak,consultaprofessionalon doubleglazedwindowoptionsandhave theminspecttheprofileandglassfor defectsafteranysolidprecipitation.

KIWIRENOVATIONS finding ways to party after10pm

Three noisycontrol tips to consider when creatinghome entertainmentareas.

Kiwisarediningoutlessinfavourof socialisingwithfriendsandfamilyat home,atrendreflectedinthehome renovationsandmaintenancemarket wherespendingisgoingthewayofbigger kitchensandnewentertainmentareas–but noiseisaproblem.

NationalrenovationsfranchiseMaintain ToProfitmanagingdirectorandfounder MarkTraffordsaysKiwihomeownershave discoveredthejoysofhomecookingand hangingout,butthatmeansfindingwaysto belessdisruptiveafter10pm.

Kitchenmake-overs,barareas,swimming

poolsandnewentertainmentrooms–completewithpooltable–arethetrendatthe moment,alongwithhomegyms.

"WhileCovid-19maybeturningKiwisinto homebodies,mostofusseemtohavedecided tomakethemostofitbytransformingour homesintoplaceswherewecanlive,work, playandexercise.

"Unfortunately,thesekindsofactivities generatenoise,andifhomeownerswantto getthebestoutoftheirhomes,theyneed totakeintoconsiderationtheneedsoftheir neighbours."

1.Soundproofing Traffordsays,increasingly,homeownersare lookingtosoundproofpartsofthehouse,like thegymandentertainmentareas.

"Apracticalideawouldbetohavea dedicatedentertainmentroomlinedwith

noisecontrolplasterboardthatispurposemadetodampensound.

"Thesamegoesforthehomegym.Music andloudweightsslammingdownonthe floorcanbeverydisruptive.Ifyouwanta homegym,ithastobeaplaceyouwant togoandtrain.Systems,climatecontrol, lightingandmusicwillmakethedifference betweenwantingtogointothehomegym oravoidingit."

2.Weatherstrippingforinteriordoors "Youmayalsowanttothinkabout weatherstrippingbothyourexteriorfacingand interiordoors,particularthosethatopenand closeonyourentertainmentarea.

"Adoorsweepwillalsohelp,butpay particularattentiontothequalityofthe materialsandinstallationbecausethatwill makeadifference."

3.Floorcoverings,carpetingandrugs Traffordsaysfloorsalsoconductnoise,mainly iftheyarehardconcrete,woodortiledfloors downstairsorinthebasement.

"Interlockingfloormatsforthegym, carpetpaddingorsoundproofflooringare someoftheoptionsthatwillhelpyoumute noise.Therearealotofproducts,designsand strategiesforkeepingnoiseundercontrol.”

Thereareessentiallytwokindsofnoise, airbornenoiseandimpactnoise,andboth candisrupttheneighboursandotherpeople inthehouse.

"Youneedtobestrategicabouttheusage oftheroomandthekindofnoiseyouneed todampen.Fortunately,therearealotof goodqualitychoices,andyou'llwantexpert advicetomakesureyouareinformedofall youroptions."

AHISTORY LESSON

RollerBlinds,the Amsterdam Theatreand aNewfoundlanddog

BYTRACEYHARVEY, FRAZERHURST

Roller Blinds areone of the most popularandfashionable styles ofblindavailable today and, at Frazerhurst, we’re proud tooffer arange of Weathermaster® roller blinds.

TheWeathermaster®brandhasbeen aroundsince1962,butdidyouknow thatroller-blindshaveactuallybeen aroundformorethan300years?

Itbeganwiththe‘ScotchHollandblind’and datesbackasfarastheearlypartofthe18th Century.Theearliestmaterialusedforthe purposeofmakingrollerblindswasHolland linencloth.

ActualrecordsofthemanufacturerofScotch HollandfabricgobacktoGlasgowin1725toa weaverofwhitelinenclothforcurtains-James LouisRobertson.

Apparentlyin1773heupdatedhis productionoftheclothbyinstallingtwo

newloomswhichwerepoweredbyalarge Newfoundlanddogperformingtheroleofagin horsewithinalargetreadwheel.

Tolinkthelinentotheroller,soto speak,thestoryisaDutchmansittingina theatre,lookingatthelinenstagecurtainasit roseandfell,hadtheideaofawindowblind madefromHollandcloth.

Theoriginalwoodenrollerblindwas developedfromthe‘bookfold’system,where theclothlayinfoldslikeaconcertinaonthe windowsillandwasraisedtocoverthewindow byacorddroppingback.Thissystemprevailed forseveralyearsuntilsomeoneinventeda rollerwithaflangeend,butthisstillhadtobe securedtoacleat.

Itisnotknownexactlywhenthemoderndayspringrollerwasinvented,exceptthatit waswellintothe19thcentury.Itisknown, however,thatitwasveryslowtobecome

popularaspeopledidnottrustthenewfangledspring.

Jumpforwardtotodayandherewe areencouragingourclientstoembraceRadio TechnologySomfy®(RTS)rollerblinds.

Ipersonallylookforwardtowhen thenew-fangledelectrochromic glass(SwitchableSmartGlass),thatchanges fromcleartoopaqueattheflickofaswitch,is readilyavailable.

JoinusatFrazerhursttoembracethe

DesignInspiration

Simpletipstomakeyourhomepet-friendly Ifyouownadogorcat,itisdefinitely‘partof thefamily’–andwewouldn’tleavethatfamily memberoutofourhousedesign.

WithNewZealandhouseholdsranking secondintheworldforpetownership(the UnitedStatesisfirst),weneedtomakesureour furryfriendshaveacomfyplacetocallhome.

Whetheryouareadogowner(31percentof usare)orhaveabelovedfeline(45percentof usdo)–youneedtothinkaboutthemwhenit comestothedesignoryourhome.

Thebestdecisionyou’llmakeistoensure itispet-friendly,notonlytokeepthem comfortable,buttomakesureyourhomestays intiptopshape.

Usingoutdoorspacetoyouradvantage

Wemaynotberunningaroundthebackyard, butourpetsdefinitelyare.Whendesigninga house,it’scrucialtothinkaboutyouroutdoor spaceandhowimportantitisforyou.First, doyouliketoentertainandwantabigpatio area,andwillyouneedanareatofenceoffFido whenguestscomeover?Ifyouhaveadog,you needtobemindfultheyareroamingtheyard dailyandanyextraspaceyoucandedicateto outside,thebetter.Butthisalldependsonthe typeofpetyouhave,becauseI’msureyourcat won’tbebotheredandcanjumpthefencefora bitmorefreedomifneeded!

Keepingpetsindoorsandoccupied Dependingonyourpet’sindoorhabits,youmay wanttocreatespecialareasforthemtocurl upandgetcomfy.Forexample,yourcatmay enjoyabuilt-inwindowseattowatchbirds, whiledogsmaybenefitfromabuilt-inlounger nearhigh-trafficareasinyourhome,suchasthe kitchenorplaceswhereyousocialiselikethe loungeroom.

Somenewhomebuyersrequestdesignated playareasfortheirpetsinabedroomor laundrytokeepthementertainedinasecure locationwhenindoors.Dedicatedareasare

greatoptionandcanreducethechanceofthem scratchingordamagingfurnitureastheysettle intotheirnewhomes.

Usepet-friendlymaterials throughoutyourhome Weallknowthatpets(andkids!)canbe messy,soitisbesttokeepthisfrontofmind whenchoosingcertainmaterialsforyour home.Tokeepyourfloorsingoodcondition andeasytoclean,optforhard-surface flooringsuchaslaminate,stoneorceramic tiles,orpolishedconcrete.Obviously,carpet isacomfortablechoicefortheloungeroom andbedroomsbuttakeintoconsideration

whereyourpetwillbespendingmostoftheir timeandhowthatwillimpactthecondition ofyourhome.

Atipforthewalls:Ifyouwantthemtostay cleanthinkaboutupgradingtoaneasy-wipe paintforaddedprotectionagainstdrool,mud orsplatters.

Extratipstokeepyourpethappyandyou!

•Avoidrugsandcarpetwherepossible(not onlywilltheygetdirty,butdoghaircanbe toughtovacuumout!)

•Avoidbuyinglightcolouredupholstery

•Makesureyourrubbishbinhasalidforno nastymesses

•Ifyou’rekeenonindoorplants,tryapetfriendlyonelikeanAfricanVioletwhichis non-toxic.

•Installabarrierifneeded.Ifthedogisn’t allowedinthebedrooms,thenblockthat partofthehouseoff

Findideasandinspiration forbuildingwithGeneration

HomesintheirLookbook

eBook–findithere

Howto create adivine dining room

BYLAURAHEYNIKE,ONEROOF

Screation;ifyourguestsfindyour companyabitaverage,atleastyou haveawellstyledroom.

Whilelighting,acousticsandvisualreliefsuch asartworkorwalltreatmentsareimportant,let’s workthroughthetopthreeessentialstosetyour diningmoodfromthestart.

Diningtable

Beforewegetintostyling,theperfectplace tostartiswiththerightdiningtableforyour space.

Ipersonallyfeelthatextensiontablesare agoodinvestment,evenifyouonlyusethe extensionfeatureacoupleoftimesayear.

Dependingonyourlifestyle,consider carefullythematerialthatyourdiningtableis constructedfrom.

Theyoungfamilyperhapsshouldoptfora rustictoporceramic,perfectifkidsspill,draw ordamagethetop;itwon’tbeaspreciousas asoftandperfectoakveneer.Aprofessional couplewithoutchildrencanchoosefromavast arrayofmaterialsfromveneer,smokedglass throughtoagorgeousmarble.

Whateveryouchoose,tieitinwiththe ofyourdecor,especiallyifitisanopen-plan situation.

Diningchairs

Diningchairsare oneofthehardestthings to buy.

Irecommendfindingyourtable,andthen arrangingafewchairoptionsonloantoput aroundthetabletofindtheonethatfitsthe best.Ifyourtableisabitplain,useitasan opportunitytobringinthewowfactorthough upholsteryorthestyleofthechair.

Foranidealsetup,Iusuallyencourage clientstobuytwoextraforwhenyouneedthat extensiontablefeaturesonoonedrawsthe shortstrawleftwiththedeskchairruiningyour interiorscheme.

Napkinsandserveware

Dependingonyourcookingstyle,yourguests mayspendalongtimeatthetablewithoutyou. Theperfectreliefforawanderingeyeissome cleverstylingtosetthetone.

Thefirstruleofthumbistoputawaythe papertowelsandinvestinsomenicereusable linennapkins.

Branchoutanddiveintotherichwinter tones,andforthesummeraclassicoatmealor afreshpastel.

Whilecolouredmetalcutleryisabitofafad foreverydayuse,Idoliketheideaofhavinga setthatisabitdifferentforyourentertaining.

Otheraspectslikeplates,serveware, condimentcasings,andappropriateglassware includingawaterjugisallimportanttolayer withtextures,materialsandcolourtotellyour diningjourneythroughyourwellputtogether designselections.