Home & Garden Winter 2012

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

Renovating & Retrofitting Rule Making the Most of Your Winter Garden Cheery Colours for Winter Warmth

REST ASSURED THAT UNDERNEATH THE ITALIAN LIGHTS AND THE SCANDANAVIAN FURNITURE, THIS IS STILL A NEW ZEALAND LOCKWOOD. At Lockwood we understand that tastes change. That’s why we offer a huge range of up-to-the minute design and build options.

However one thing that hasn’t changed is the unique nail-less locking system that not only gives us our name, but has also kept our homes standing strong in all conditions around the world, for the last 60 years. And that’s something we reckon is worth holding on to.

Start building your new home at lockwood.co.nz

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

4. COSY AND COLOURFUL WINTER Bright hues and styles unlimited

9. READY TO PAINT Paint a priority for renovators

12. STEEL FRAMED HOUSES PUT TO THE TEST Controlled seismic testing results reassuring

14. INSULATE AND STAY SNUG Insulation vital for old and new homes

16. RENOVATION ROCKS Innovative improvements

17. MILAN MAGIC Furniture fair for global styles

18. BOTANY IN BEDROOM Botanical styles in bed linen MANAGING EDITOR

21. DRESSING YOUR WALLS

Oliver Lee

Edgy ideas for clever art work

22. CARPETS GOING GREEN

EDITORIAL

Eco-friendly floors

Kathy Goodwin Sandy McKenzie Robyn Yousef

24. OUTDOOR FIREPLACES Stay warm outside in winter

25. HOME FIRES BURNING

PRODUCTION

Check the rules for indoor fires

hurley new zealand limited

26. HEAT PUMPS increasingly popular

Printer

Heat pump technology continues to advance

Webstar, Masterton

29. WINTER A BUSY TIME FOR GARDENERS

Publisher

Make things happen in the winter garden

30. JAZZ UP THE OUTDOORS

Copyright

Make paint work here too FRONT COVER IMAGE Home designed by John Mills Architect with Resene Wasabi feature wall.

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Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited.

PO Box 331-667, Takapuna Auckland 0740, New Zealand T: 09 486 6966 E: oliver@oliverleepublications.co.nz Pa ge

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The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.

CREATE YOUR OWN

URBAN OASIS

Exclusive to Farmers. farmers.co.nz or call 0800 FARMERS

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energise yourself with colour confidence & design intelligence

Eclectic Colour and Styles for Winter Cuddle up over the cold months in a colourful and cosy home. By Robyn Yousef Renovation definitely seems the way for many Kiwi homeowners this winter. With a shaky housing market, we’re making the most of current homes and using a whole eclectic mixture of styles to create homes with a real sense of family and cosy winter warmth.

“Minimalism is no longer strong and we are moving towards having more familiar things around us – things which make us feel warm and snuggly,” says Shelley Brockliss, the design business manager for Yellowfox, Auckland. With 30 years’ experience, she works alongside a team of six other designers.

“A high percentage of our business is designing high-value renovations on homes. With the economic downturn, many people have decided just to sit it out in their current properties until they see market improvements. They are doing up their places now to live in instead of to sell and really enjoying the result,” says Shelley.

The colours and cool lines of minimalism are being nudged aside for a style mix which incorporates sizzling colours, a touch of industrial chic (think rolling carts as tables, old metal filing cabinets or heavy duty steel shelves for storage) and lots of ‘controlled clutter.’

The industrial thrust is particularly dominant in lighting with lots of vintage and factory-style lights shining in family spaces. A strong sense of nostalgia has old tractor seats being tarted up as cool stools and all sorts old character pieces being salvaged and restored.

“It’s probably borne of the recession, but many old throwaways are now seen as items to treasure and polish up and the eclectic melds old and new.”

In this country, the style is also strongly influenced by our surrounding landscape and the colour palette used often reflects this.

There’s a definite move away from muddy colours. “We’re away from the ‘doom and gloom or heavily muted colours’ into bright and clean colours with lots of navy, green and mustard,” adds Shelley. And as with the fashion world, colour blocking is big. The latest trend is to display ornamental pieces grouped in different hues of the same colour and align this with neutrals.

Organic forms and soft lines are all ‘in’ and the use of natural fibres and wood is very popular. Exotic pieces from places like CONTINUED PAGE 7

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

page 4

ABOVE: Sizzling colour with Walls in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Whizz Bang, floor in Resene Outrageous, table in Resene April Sun. BELOW: A snug corner with living area finished in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene High Noon.

Our heat pumps don’t come with freebies or celebrities.

They come with heat.

When you invest in a heat pump, you need to know it will do what you want it to do - keep you warm.

That’s not something celebrity hype will deliver, or something a freebie can ever compensate for.

Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pumps are known to heat more effectively and quietly than any other heat pump in New Zealand. They’re designed with heating in mind, not cooling like most others. That means they’re better equipped to warm your home.

So, avoid the hype and get the warmth you need this winter with the superior quality of a Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pump. Arrange your free in-home consultation at www.mitsubishi-electric.co.nz

Designed for Superior Heating

renovate the right way BRANZ, New Zealand’s leading research, testing, consulting and building knowledge company have just launched their new “Renovate” website.

Offering tools to assist planning, regulation and compliance requirements with crystal clear drawings highlighting typical construction methods.

BRZ 6688 H&G

This website complements the existing Renovate Series of publications detailing everything you need to renovate homes from different eras.

www.renovate.org.nz

CONTINUED from PAGE 4 Morocco (particularly for richly-coloured ottomans), India and Bali work well with lots of use of opulent fabrics and rugs – notably the Kilim style. Use of local art is adding colour to the style mix, while textures are favoured over pattern and the patina of leather adds to the character.

“There is definitely a trend towards doing up at present, says Karen Warman, marketing manager at Resene. “People are staying put in their homes so they’re making minor changes – for example painting walls and/or wallpapering rather than anything too major. People who regularly renovate and redecorate tend to be more adventurous with colour and opt for either all coloured rooms in mid tones or strong feature colours. Those who decorate less often tend to stick to whites and neutrals which they feel will be a safer option.”

For house exteriors, more and more dark neutrals being used outside – deep greys, complex greys through to the blackest blacks. Outside features such as the front door or feature panels are often highlighted in bold reds, oranges or yellows/yellow greens. Colours like Resene Pohutukawa, Resene Whizz Bang and Resene Jalapeno are popular options for this.

If people go for an all coloured exterior, they tend to opt for a mid blue or green as they blend the best with nature, choosing colours like Resene Periglacial Blue from the Karen Walker collection or Resene Escape.

Wow walls Make a bold statement with stunning feature wallpapers from the new Resene Habitat and Resene Walltrends II collection.

These superb collections make choosing your favourite wallpaper easier than ever.

Come in and view our extensive wallpaper library at your local Resene ColorShop or view thousands of wallpapers online at www.resene.co.nz/wallpaper

Inside we’re seeing the neutrals trend towards more green based tones, less yellow creams and lots of strong colours.

TOP: Funky family space including colour from Resene’s Wasabi. Design by John Mills Architects.

MIDDLE: This welcoming hallway includes striking chequerboard floors created by painting Resene Blanc lines over timber floors finished with a dilute solution of Resene Waterborne Colorwood stain. Walls are Resene Celeste.

ABOVE: A chic and welcoming living room with walls in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen tinted to Resene Half Tea.

page 7

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

0800 RESENE (737 363) www.resene.co.nz

Warm your home faster than a heat pump A gas-fired Rinnai Energy Saver heats your home so quickly, it’s like magic. Easily connected to either a fixed line natural gas or LPG cylinder supply, the Energy Saver is so fast and efficient it can heat the room quicker than a heat pump of the same output. Turn on a Rinnai Energy Saver now and you’ll be amazed at how swiftly it turns your home into a comfortable, snuggly, warm nest.

• Approved by the Sensitive Choice program of the Asthma Foundation* • Draws in external air to maintain air quality in the home • Comes with a 2 year warranty.

For more information on Energy Savers visit rinnai.co.nz/heaters *The Energy Saver maintains air quality by drawing air for combustion from outside.

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Gearing Up Painting, whether it be walls, ceilings, floors or furniture, is often our first thought when it comes to renovating.

Nothing covers the ground quite so quickly, nor makes such an impact, as new paint, which is probably why it’s our material of choice when it comes to renovation.

These days there are just about as many paints as there are surfaces to which to apply them, which is actually good news, if a little confusing. But it does mean you need to have a deep and meaningful conversation with your paint retailer about what you’re going to paint, what was on it before, whether you need to get it off, and what you want it to look like at the end.

The first job though, is to make your design decisions, either with the help of an interior designer, or a few well chosen magazine articles or design books.

Second – check out what needs to be done to the surfaces you want to paint.

Some may need a scrub down with sugar soap, some may need sanding, or you might need to use a sealer. There are a few good ones on the market – Resene has an extensive range of sealers and undercoats to make the job easier, and there’s also Dulux’s water-based primer, sealer and undercoat in one which can be top-coated with oil or water based paint.

Even if you’ve decided to paint everything in the room the same colour, there are some subtleties that can make the difference between an ordinary job and an elegant one. Paint your architraves, skirtings and scotias one or two shades lighter or darker than the walls. It’s very subtle, but it adds definition. It’s usually recommended to paint

Get your walls in fashion The Range fashion colour fandeck from Resene is full of inspiring designer paint colours designed for 2012 and beyond.

Each colour features complementary colour ideas to help you splash your personality around your home.

CONTINUED PAGE 10

Get inspired with a Resene The Range fashion colour fandeck worth $9.95 FREE! Simply bring this ad into your local Resene ColorShop and we’ll give you the latest Resene The Range fashion colour fandeck brimming with colours to get your walls into fashion.

Limited to one The Range fashion fandeck per advertisement at Resene-owned ColorShops only until 30 June 2012 or while stocks last. Excludes The Range Whites & Neutrals.

page 9

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

0800 RESENE (737 363) www.resene.co.nz

Art Finishes

Too scared to go mad on the walls or ceilings? Then employ a few folksy finishes to furniture to add impact to your décor.

There are many ways to redo furniture for a unique look without resorting to a professional painter or furniture restorer, and there’s plenty of information available on how to go about it, from books to dvds to Youtube demonstrations.

One of the easiest is faux limewashing (pictured below) – rubbing raw or sanded wood with flat white acrylic to give the effect of aged limewash, and finishing with satin polyurethane.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 walls in a silk finish and ceilings flat, but timber ceilings can look brilliant painted in a high gloss. And if you’re painting plaster or concrete and you want to achieve a Mediterranean look, a matt finish is essential.

Remember when it was impossible to achieve a high gloss finish without using enamel? Not now. Gloss paint is currently making a comeback and it comes in acrylic enamel, which is shiny, hardwearing and still cleans up in water. Hadley Vaughan, senior brand manager at Dulux, concedes it doesn’t quite have the gloss level of oilbased enamels, but says that’s offset by the fact that water-based paints are better for the environment.

Check out the internet for info and lessons on this and antiquing, crackle painting, crackle varnishing, gilding, verdigris, faux rust, and vinegar graining.

On a smaller scale, grab a couple of spray cans and have fun with metallic paint. Give terracotta pots, the tin lids of your glass storage jars or pine cones, seed pods and dried foliage a fun new look. If you don’t want to risk wrecking your own stuff, collect a few pieces from the local hospice shop and discover the artist in you.

Should you want to be a bit more adventurous in your painting, consider a stunning feature wall to add impact to your room. Choose a short wall rather than a long one, preferably without windows or doors, and go all out with your favourite colour. Remember, you can change it as often as you like, which opens up all sorts of possibilities to use paint to warm a room in winter and cool it in summer.

There are companies making specialist paints that contain all manner of additives from eggshell to clay, designed to give a particular look. They’re sometimes a bit more expensive than the stock standard models but it may mean the difference between a job you’re really happy with and something that never feels quite right.

Relax. Insulating is easy with GreenStuf

®

No itching, no scratching.

Just warmth you can really feel.™ Feel the difference with GreenStuf® insulation in your home. It’s different because it’s made from polyester fibres — the same fibre found in pillows and duvets used by most New Zealanders every night. GreenStuf® is not made from glass and there aren’t any nasty chemicals that can be found in other common insulation products.

GreenStuf® is trusted and safe so choose a warmer, quieter and healthier home with GreenStuf® insulation, available from Bunnings Warehouse.

Visit greenstuf.co.nz to view our install videos or to request a GreenStuf info pack.

NZ Steel Home Framing Passes Safety Test With the devastation from the Christchurch earthquakes still etched in our national psyche, results from controlled seismic testing of a lightweight steel framed test house are extremely reassuring. By Kathy Goodwin In 2009 before the Christchurch earthquakes, the National Association of Steel Framed Housing in New Zealand (NASH), commissioned a full scale shaking table test to check the ability of a steel framed house to withstand a major shake.

Dr Charles Clifton from the University of Auckland was part of the team at Melbourne University, where the tests were carried out.

Brick cladding was added to a steel frame to replicate a family home, and a series of tests were conducted at varying loadings ranging from 6.2 to more than 9.0 on the international Richter Scale.

Dr Clifton says his expectations for the test house to remain stable and largely undamaged were exceeded. “These tests proved we have a steel framing system being used in the construction of New Zealand homes, which is incredibly robust in an earthquake,” Dr Clifton says.

You can watch a video of the testing at www.nashnz.org.nz Golden Homes is the only nationwide home builder using patented ZOG® Steel Framing, specifically designed to provide new homeowners with a safer, healthier, more cost effective and environmentally responsible framing option.

ZOG® Steel Framing is manufactured for Golden Homes using AXXIS® steel from New Zealand Steel. Steel framing is becoming

increasingly popular with New Zealand and overseas home owners because of its many positive features. These include not warping or retaining moisture, so there’s no risk of rot, insect infestations or movement.

A steel frame is typically one third the weight of a wooden house frame. Because steel has a higher strength-to-weight ratio there is less house frame weight in an earthquake to move and to stop moving. Engineers recommend the use of “earthquake friendly” materials including lightweight framing and roofing in the “Earthquake Facts” IPENZ publication which can be downloaded at www.ipenz.org.nz Another important consideration is the non-combustibility of steel, so there’s no ‘fuel’ to encourage the spread of fire after an earthquake, as is sometimes the tragic result.

Steel framing also has good health qualities because it doesn’t contain additional preservative chemicals and won’t give off gases or emit VOCs. AXXIS® steel used in framing has been assessed by an independent product advisory panel and subsequently recognised by the Asthma Foundation as a ‘Sensitive Choice.’

Look for the blue butterfly logo which is the Asthma Foundation’s symbol for easy consumer identification and reassurance when choosing products which may help improve outcomes around asthma and allergies.

ABOVE LEFT: Golden Homes combines the best of both worlds – a lightweight yet strong steel frame, and the beauty of a stylish exterior.

ABOVE RIGHT: The test house which remained standing despite a magnitude 9 controlled shake. Dr Clifton (facing the camera) talks to a team member during testing.

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

page 12

energi_J13228_H&G

Trust steel for the life of your home It’s easy to trust in the quality of a home framed with Axxis® Steel. Made by New Zealand Steel, Axxis® Steel is galvanised, high tensile steel specifically designed for New Zealand’s house framing market. In many countries, steel has been the construction material of choice for decades - in New Zealand, well known building companies build hundreds of steel-framed homes each year. Frames made with Axxis® Steel will not support the spread of flame and have been proven to perform well in earthquakes - you can trust steel for the future of your home.

To discover the enduring properties of framing made with Axxis® Steel - visit www.axxis.co.nz today.

www.axxis.co.nz

Insulation Pays Dividends When it comes to retrofitting, homeowners make insulation a priority.

Good insulation is imperative to create the warm and cosy homes we all want to come home to – especially on a chilly winter’s day. Insulation saves money and energy while safeguarding health and should be a priority for all new houses as well as retrofits or renovations.

Through Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart, homeowners can get 33 per cent off the cost of insulation, totalling up to $1300.

This funding is available for all homeowners with homes built before 2000.

Many New Zealand homes, which were built before insulation became mandatory in 1978, have no insulation at all. Others have insulation which either is not working properly or is well below today’s standards.

The New Zealand-based manufacturing and product development company, Autex, which produces the environmentally-friendly insulation, GreenStuf®, is also part of the Warm Up scheme.

“The fundamentals for ensuring warm, dry houses that are economical and environmentally friendly to heat are sufficient insulation; minimising any sources of moisture; clean and effective heating and adequate ventilation,” explains EECA Senior Technical Advisor, Christian Hoerning.

The first priority for a retrofit is to insulate under the floor and ceiling, he advises. Others are rehanging and weather-stripping doors and windows, blocking unused chimneys and sealing large gaps and holes between floorboards. Thermal floor-length curtains, double-glazed windows and insulation in walls also have a big impact.

The Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme, now in its third year, is a government-based insulation and clean heating programme.

The scheme aims to retrofit at least 188,500 New Zealand homes over four years, and has insulated almost 150,000 so far.

EECA is working with several local councils and most of New Zealand’s major banks for insulation costs to be covered over a period of time as part of homeowners’ rates bill or mortgage.

GreenStuf® is made from previously recycled and recyclable polyester fibres – the same fibre found in pillows and duvets. It’s a simple and safe to use product that has been classed as a low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC).

The thermal bonding process used means the insulation material is self-supporting in walls and ceilings and won’t break down over time.

It’s vital to include good insulation in a new home’s design, Autex advises, and it is best to tackle wall insulation during renovations as often the wall lining or cladding needs to be removed in order to do it.

Information on councils offering assistance: http://www.energywise.govt.nz/content/help-your-council Information on banks offering assistance: http://www.energywise.govt.nz/content/help-your-bank

ABOVE LEFT: Almost 150,000 houses have been insulated under the government-based insulation scheme.

ABOVE RIGHT: Even old houses can be well insulated in a retrofit, improving the comfort level and cutting heating costs.

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

page 14

Cuts effort

as well as branches

For effortless hassle-free cutting: The Keo from Bosch cuts branches up to 80mm with the push of a trigger.

With detachable grip to hold unsupported branches, the Keo is always ready to use with Lithium-ion Battery Technology.

Check out the Bosch website: www.bosch-garden.co.nz KRD 05/2012 RB 2736 PNZ

Reuse, Recycle, Renovate!

Kiwis are showing ingenuity when it comes to improving their housing.

Renovating a house can be great fun, and thanks to the economic downturn, and arguably a lack of good sites for new buildings, it’s the path many Kiwis are choosing to improve their living space.

Seventies houses are particularly popular because of their cool, retro styling, and because they tend to be well built – perfect candidates for a do-up.

According to BRANZ (Building Research Association of New Zealand) 279,000 homes were built in the seventies and are likely to be fairly sound, with features valued by home owners of today.

Design The two car garages, low pitched, metal roofs, aluminium joinery and concrete floor slabs fit in well with the requirements of the

From The Ground Up

For those who are able to build a new home from scratch, there are many options, from having an architect draw up your dream home and then finding a builder to do the job, to buying a kitset and having a builder erect it. Then there’s the design and build companies, or buying a house and land package, or using a building company to build a home to your own design.

Whatever your choice, once again it’s best to start with sorting out the rules and regulations. Spend some time on your local council’s website and inform yourself of exactly what’s involved from the point of view of consents and permits.

Choosing a builder – whether it’s a design and build company or an independent contractor – is another area that requires particular due diligence, according to Warwick Quinn, CEO of New Zealand’s Registered Master Builders Federation.

Represented regionally with 22 associations spread throughout New Zealand, the federation has checks and balances working to keep its members at the top of the industry and clients’ building projects completed successfully.

It suggests the following: ■ Request references on recently completed work ■ Make

a comprehensive written building contract checked out by a lawyer ■ Establish a payment schedule and stick to it

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

page 16

modern family, and renovations are likely to focus on upgrading comfort and energy efficiency, adding space, improving layout and orientation, improving indoor/outdoor flow and upgrading services.

As a first step, be aware that any new construction work must comply with the Building Code and there could also be resource consent issues. BRANZ also advises checking whether load bearing walls have been removed, if bracing is adequate, and if there is other evidence of structural problems such as floors slumping.

MOISTURE Houses built during the 1940s-60s generally have few weathertightness issues. However, weathertightness is sometimes an issue if cladding is damaged or deteriorates, or around windows – especially when no flashing has been used.

INSULATION Few houses built in the early 1970s were insulated, and where insulation was installed it is unlikely to meet modern requirements.

Insulation may be required as part of any renovation project, and in any case will provide benefits for occupants.

PLUMBING The good news is that copper pipes will probably not need replacement but plastic pipes may – have them checked. Also check if there are any obvious leaks, that fittings still work well and there is good water pressure. Low pressure hot water systems may need to be upgraded to mains pressure. Pipes and fittings such as mixers may need replacement to cope with the higher pressure.

ELECTRICITY While wiring is likely to remain in good condition, many 1970s houses will not have enough power and light outlets. Put plenty of thought into this – a power board on every plug is not a good look.

FOUNDATIONS and FLOORS Most foundations will be in good condition, though some piled foundations may lack adequate earthquake bracing. Check for unevenness, moisture and other signs of damage or deterioration.

Original floors may remain in good condition, but should be checked for borer, rot, moisture damage or other signs of deterioration.

There’s certainly a lot to consider when undertaking a renovation project, but with the help of a good architect, it can still be a pleasure. Malcolm Taylor of Xsite Architects says most of the architects he talks to are working mainly on renovations.

“This is not just due to new build costs, but the increasing shortage of urban and suburban sites. Council development contribution costs as well as the restriction of the urban city limits have restricted a lot of new build options,” he says.

Milan Furniture Fair Top Trendsetter From the earth-friendly through to affordable quality and exorbitant opulence… it was all on show at Milan. By Robyn Yousef Kartell Goes Rock – six armchairs demonstrating an unexpected design collaboration between style-setter Philippe Starck and rocker Lenny Kravitz – made headlines for the recent International Furniture Fair in Milan.

But, then the world’s most prestigious furniture trade show has always set global trends while also applauding the weird, experimental and whimsical.

More than 320,000 visitors crammed the aisles of the fifty-first edition of the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, and more than 2500 vendors exhibited in 22 buildings with designs demonstrating true social consciousness through to those of unfettered luxury.

Environmentally-friendly materials with streamlined packing methods reducing their carbon footprints were also stars of the show with many companies showing how products are made and easily deconstructed.

ABOVE: Resident Tangerine Chair (by Simon James), Spar Junior Lamp (by Jamie McLellan) and Hawk Table by Simon James. The yellow piece is part of the Flyover Table. INSET: Resident Studio Chair by Jason Whiteley.

Kiwi Success At Milan

Kiwi designs show refined aesthetic, clean lines and attention to detail at Milan show.

The debut of New Zealand’s contemporary design and manufacturing company Resident at the Milan Furniture Show this year was a resounding success. International buyers and media appreciated the refined aesthetic, clean lines and attention to detail.

Established in 2011, Resident specialises in furniture and lighting. The directors and founders, Scott Bridgens (managing director) and Simon James (creative director), aim to create an international, visionary brand.

The company is currently working with five New Zealand designers based in this country and Europe – Jamie McLellan, Simon James, Jason Whiteley, Gidon Bing and Nat Cheshire. At the Milan Fair they showed 11 products in 21 variations with “an outstanding response from international buyers and media.”

Simon said the show represented a chance exhibit alongside some of the most respected brands in front of key buyers and worldwide media. He knows how important Salon del Mobile is on the international scene as he has been visiting on a regular basis over the last 10 years as a buyer.

At Milan, the Resident designs on show used a variety of materials including wood, laser cut steel, brass, marble and ceramics with a slightly craft-based theme. “I believe consumers are becoming more and more aware of materials used and where a product is made and are looking for a point of difference. In recent years we have seen a move back to honest materials such as wood rather than plastic which is an industry New Zealand can be strong in.”

Following a strong theme at the show, this Kiwi brand also champions advances in science and technology to apply new methods of manufacturing, in the interests of waste reduction, sustainability and the environment. Most of the Resident collection will flatpack – reducing travelling volume, packaging waste and storage space.

And to streamline European sales, Resident has established warehousing in London along with a UK VAT number. Following the success of the show they are in discussions with retailers and dealers from several different countries.

page 17

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

Blooming Beautiful Bedrooms Botanical Prints with Brights make magic in the bedroom this season. By Robyn Yousef From delicate wildflowers through to brilliantlycoloured rambling roses, bedding is blooming with botanical themes this winter. The popular colours are bold with large prints, embroidery or subtle embellishments to accentuate the design.

Textured details are also trendy in bedding and the statement cushions for this winter’s bedroom design, according to Helen Northy, Farmers homeware divison merchandise controller.

With a simple change of duvet cover and by adding some cushions along with a tactile throw or stylish comforter, a bedroom can be transformed very easily from a cool summer look to a cosy winter ambience.

For this winter, styling in furniture remains classic with the use of practical materials in light or dark oak or simple black and white.

Bedroom furniture is becoming less important as more people incorporate walk-in and fitted wardrobes.

Bedside tables and headboards are the key staples and these are usually not changed frequently. But while many prefer the classic and tailored lines, the colourful and retro looks definitely rules right throughout the house this winter and you can ring the changes in your furniture with some recycled treasures. A new head board can also change the entire look and be custom made to co-ordinate with bedding designs or colours. And if you’re handy with a sewing machine, this can be made at home.

There is still a demand for blankets and bedspreads, but ease of use and affordability makes duvets (often with a selection of covers) the most popular option. While New Zealanders show a definite preference for natural fibres including down, feather, wool and silk, fibre fill is still popular due to price points.

Northy reports a noticeable move towards the luxury of higher thread counts in pure cotton sheets, but notes that easy care poly/ cotton will always be priced better. In winter many Kiwis love the seductive warmth of flannelette sheets and this season there is a big range of beautiful designs available.

Innovations in pillow manufacturing have resulted in the increasingly popular memory foam pillows, providing a different level of loft and firmness depending on the way we sleep. The big Euro pillow features and stylists are still incorporating piles of cushions.

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

page 18

TOP: Life is a bed of roses with linen from HouseHold Linens. Photography by Robin Hodgkinson courtesy of Resene. MIDDLE: An oriental flavour featuring the Linen House Kimono Duvet Cover from Farmers. ABOVE: Botanical beauty with the Keiko Estie Duvet Set from Farmers.

Insulating your home is one of the best things you can do to stay warm and healthy this winter

Ogilvy/EEC2363

A properly insulated home is warmer and healthier, which means less illness and a happier family. Get up to $1300 towards the cost of insulation and pay off the balance for as little as $7 a week. Don’t put up with another cold winter, find a provider NOW! Visit energywise.govt.nz or call 0800 749 782

0800 804 222 www.methven.com

Dressing Up The Walls The painting’s finished, the furniture is in place and – you’re surrounded by bare walls. By Sandy McKenzie The problem is, the renovation budget’s pretty much spent and original artwork is out of the question. Or is it?

Those who like ‘real’ art as opposed to prints, but can’t afford a Picasso or a McCahon, can search out original pieces in original places.

Schools and polytechs occasionally have sales of students’ artwork, interesting works sometimes find their way into charity and

second hand shops, and country markets are also happy hunting grounds.

If prints are not a problem, you’re spoiled for choice. Provided you choose carefully, you can end up with something that looks amazing but costs only a few dollars.

Resene Curtain Collection Xpressions - Ebony

Other colourways available

Charcoal

Flame

And don’t discount making your own artwork for the walls. Again, charity shops are a good source of interesting frames that sell for just a few dollars, and you can add your own paint finishes and artwork.

Curtains

that co-ordinate with your walls

A collection of stunning fabrics and designs that co-ordinate with popular Resene wall colours.

So now you can choose your new Resene curtains when you No bookcase doesn’t mean no books. This quirky wall treatment adds colour and interest to the wall and can be changed at will.

This huge canvas was on special for $30 at The Warehouse. The plum colour of the flower heads is picked out in the pillowslip. It’s not art, but there’s nothing shameful about a photograph if it works.

choose your Resene paint.

Available from Resene ColorShops and selected curtain specialists.

www.resene.com/curtains

50 voucher

$ Dried flowers and foliage have been rolled in old sheet music and secured with string, before being attached to an ancient plastered wall. This very original decoration never fails to attract attention.

Give an old frame a new lease of life with a rubbed paint finish, and buy a cheap print to fit. If it doesn’t fit, trim it. It may be considered sacrilege by some, but it’s not against the law.

page 21

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

Get a $50 Resene paint voucher FREE with all purchases of Resene Curtain Collection fabrics or curtains over $1000.

See your local Resene owned ColorShop or curtain specialist for details. Offer ends 31 August 2012. Limit one free voucher per customer/qualifying purchase.

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Carpets Going Green

ABOVE: Family fun on a deep twist Godfrey Hirst carpet in a strong charcoal hue.

Savvy consumers are choosing man-made fibres for smart looks and durability.

Even the carpets we walk on daily in Kiwi homes are now part of a huge manufacturing initiative to preserve our environment.

Good looking man-made carpets with a raft of user and familyfriendly features are selling well.

“There’s been a major move away from the traditional style of carpet and growing interest in the man-made fibres – particularly over the last three to four years,” says Brian O’Connell, marketing manager for Godfrey Hirst Carpets.

This company has combined innovative manufacturing to develop their eco+ range, using *DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced™ polymer. Made from 37% natural corn sugar, this polymer relies less on nonrenewable resources and generates less greenhouse gas emissions to produce when compared to the production of an equal amount of nylon 6 (CISO standard 14040)*.

The eco+ range includes stain protection which will even handle red wine or the kids’ fluoro-coloured cordial. With a strong resistance to wear, the carpets are dyed for exceptional colourfastness and fade resistance.

When selecting your carpet, Brian suggests collecting inspiration from swatches of fabrics or paint colours along with magazine cuttings to create a colour board. Once you have decided on a colour, you can then choose the carpet to co-ordinate with your décor. It’s also advisable to view a sample in your home under natural and night time lighting.

With carpet going green, many of the current hues and textures are inspired by nature using soft, neutral tones. Bold colour is back too with colours such as deep red ruby red, strong blues, charcoals and chocolates. * 37% of polymer weight contains renewably sourced ingredients. page 23

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

Heating Up The Great Outdoors Outdoor living’s all very well, but only if you can keep your guests warm, writes Sandy McKenzie.

Kiwis have become committed to the idea of being able to sit outside even in the winter, which makes an outdoor fireplace not so much a luxury as a necessity.

Luckily, having one installed is no longer a major project, unless you want it to be. You can virtually buy a fireplace at breakfast time, and have it delivered and set up in time for dinner.

Those who want it and want it now will be impressed by the idea of a totally portable, stainless steel fire that you can wheel from one place to another. Perfect if you’re on a windswept site and you don’t want your party ruined by too much breeze.

This type of fire is easy to assemble, easy to move on its casters, and comes with brakes and a stainless steel flue.

A built-in, permanent outdoor fire – either gas or wood fired – is probably a more common choice. A custom-made fireplace like this will allow you to have a hand in the look and design, but if that’s not an issue, there are many pre-cast options. Check them out in the

showroom and choose from a range of styles and sizes, already tried and true. There’s a choice of colours and finishes, and installation is quick and easy, although not necessarily a DIY job.

And if you’re seriously into the retro look inside and out, you could consider a hand crafted pizza oven that doubles as an outdoor fire. Garden centres are a good place to find these, as they’re often made by local craftspeople in fairly small numbers. There are artisans all over the country who build them, and they’re sometimes on display at farmers’ and craft markets.

Proper fires need to be lit, so unless you’re a dab hand at getting them to catch immediately and without smoking everyone out, look into gas. There are built-in, freestanding, stand-alone and table top units available.

One of the disadvantages of most outdoor fires is that while they warm up the front of you, the heat then dissipates into the open air behind you and you’re left with a freezing cold back. You can solve this by enclosing your outdoor living area with a fence or wall. Install a radiant outdoor heater on it, and everybody will be toasty on both sides.

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Fireplaces for Warmth and Ambience Choices for open fires will be led by what you want, and what you’re allowed to have.

“You are a King by your own fireside, as much as any monarch on his throne.”

Fireplaces have changed considerably since the Spanish literary great Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) wrote this, but a warm fire still represents a haven and home to many.

There are many more options and apart from an open fire, you could be feeling equally toasty and regal in front of a wood burner, pellet burner or a gas fireplace.

Christchurch-based Evan Harris (managing director of Harris Home Fires) has been in the heating industry since 1975 and has been on the executive of the New Zealand Home Heating Association for the last decade.

He points out that all solid fuel heaters require a Building Consent and if being installed on less than two hectares, must comply with the Ministry for the Environment’s National Environmental Standard with regard to tested emissions and efficiency.

Requirements do vary with some councils having tighter requirements for emissions, for example Canterbury requires 1.0g/kg and 65% efficiency. And theirw open fires and burners older than 15 years may not be used from March to September. Check with your local council for your particular requirements.

“You cannot beat a clean wood fire,” according to Harris.” There are many options, but a well priced clean wood burner with a wetback for hot water is a great option. Heats the house, reduces the power bill.” But, he agrees the style of heating used depends on the individual’s needs.

Many people are turning to gas home heating because of the speed and convenience of gas, national marketing manager for Rinnai, Kathryn Geck says.

“Consumers are seeking ways in which they can reduce their energy costs and gas (especially natural gas) ticks this box in terms of it being cost effective and green.

“The light is what guides you home, the warmth is what keeps you there.” (American writer, Ellie Rodriguez).

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Heat Pump Origins in Air Conditioning Coming home to an already warm house is one of Winter’s little luxuries and heat pumps are an increasingly popular way of achieving this. By Kathy Goodwin While the latest heat pumps are sleek in design, produced in the latest décor colours and use the newest green technology, their genesis dates back to Willis Carrier in 1902 and his invention of the first air conditioning units.

Heat pumps for space heating are a reverse cycle air conditioner which can both heat and cool. The oil crisis of the 1970s, meant heat pumps became a more popular form of home heating because of their energy efficiency.

Over the last 20-30 years there have been major innovations.

These include design of all year round comfort using intelligent controls and better designed refrigeration systems.

Inverter technology was incorporated in the 1980s meaning the compressor or motor speed could be increased or decreased depending on need. Wisely used, heat pumps can produce savings of up to 40 per cent on energy bills and reduce the carbon footprint by up to 50 per cent.

Like New Zealand, Europe is also adopting heat pumps in large numbers. In 2008 alone, more than 300,000 units were sold in Germany and France.

One of the latest developments by Panasonic is the ECONAVI heat pump which uses sensor technology to not only monitor the room temperature, but using thermal sensing, can monitor the use of the room, a person’s location and how active they are, so the temperature can be automatically adjusted to give best temperature control, while using as little energy as possible.

Panasonic’s range of heat pumps also feature a unique E-ion purifying system, which detects and eliminates nasties in your home’s air. If airborne dust or dirt is detected, active e-ions are released to collect and deactivate airborne particles, delivering cleaner, healthier air for your whole family.

The look indoors is also more appealing and individual with the introduction of Mitsubishi Electric’s Designer Series offering heat pumps in black, silver and classic white to suit any décor.

The company says control is the way to get the most out of your heat pump. Regulating the temperature and using the timer to manage when the pump is on and off. Seven day controllers, like those available on the Mitsubishi Electric GE Series and Designer Series, allow programming for an entire week.

For true remote control, Mitsubishi Electric’s AG-150 is web accessible allowing the heat pump to be turned on from almost anywhere, and can control ventilation and lighting systems too.

Get The Most...

Here are some tips to ensure the best use of your heat pump.

Check the heating capacity not just the actual size of the heat pump. However, the size of the heat pump will depend on the size of the area you want to heat. A heat pump that’s too small for the space will have to work overtime to get to the preferred temperature, and will therefore probably not achieve your desired result.

While the initial investment in a heat pump may be bigger than some other forms of heating, if used correctly, the long term savings on energy use are far greater.

Come home to the luxury of a warm house with a heat pump.

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

page 26

Don’t operate your heat pump like a radiant heater. Starting your pump on a temperature higher than 26 degrees C isn’t going to make the room heat any faster. It will use a lot more energy as the heat pump struggles to calculate how much energy is required to reach the preferred temperature. In Winter it will also have to calculate how many defrost cycles are needed.

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Get Growing Turf out your gone-to-seed lettuces and tomato plants and get on with winter planting, writes Sandy McKenzie Many of us think of gardening as a spring and summer activity, but autumn and winter can be just as busy – and rewarding. After all, anyone can grow a few lettuces, and it’s hard to go wrong with herbs, but sustaining a food garden throughout winter is a bit more of a challenge.

Get started with some good old staples, like onions. There are heaps of varieties available so you can choose for colour, pungency, size and storage abilities, as well as varieties suited to your neck of the woods. You can sow either direct in the ground or in trays for later transplanting. Onions are slow growers and very susceptible to weeds so trays can give them a good start. You can put them in the ground in early spring.

Food To Spare

If your winter garden does well and you have produce to spare come spring, don’t waste it. Find out how to store it and you’ll be on your way to a sustainable lifestyle.

Storing potatoes, pumpkins, onions and the like is easy enough, but many of us have no idea how to store surplus fruit and other vegetables.

When planting, space them according to how big you’d like them to grow. For small, pickling style onions, plant close together; for giants, space them out and they’ll grow into whatever space is available.

Basically, you can choose from pickling, freezing, bottling, drying, canning, potting, jugging and, believe it or not, burying, so there’s no shortage of methods.

Garlic’s good to go now too, so either plant in the ground or, if the soil is really wet, into pots until it dries out a bit. Plant the individual cloves within the bulb about 7 cms below the soil surface and about 10 to 15 cms apart.

Start with the easiest, which is freezing. Many veges such as beans, carrots and broccoli can be quickly blanched and then frozen, and they’ll keep very well. If you’re not sure whether something you have grown will freeze, check the freezers in the local supermarket – if Watties can do it, you can.

Garlic likes well-drained, fertile soil in full sun, minimal weed competition and plenty of food. Water well in the warmer months.

When to harvest garlic is a judgement call, but a good sign is when the lower leaves start to brown. Don’t be tempted to start digging them up until January.

Meanwhile collect up old jars and containers and search out some recipes for jams and pickles. Spend some of those rainy weekends in the kitchen and before long you’ll have a pantry full of food you grew and preserved yourself.

Broad beans, once the bane of many children’s lives, have finally become trendy. Luckily they are quick and easy to grow and seem to thrive in most fertile soils around the country. They like a deep, free draining soil but they’re very tolerant so most reasonable soils will do, provided the ground isn’t water-logged. A recommended trick is to soak seeds in water overnight to speed up the germination process.

Choose a sunny site away from strong winter winds and be prepared to stake them as they grow. Sow in double rows 30cm apart and trenches 5cm deep, with 10cm between each seed.

To get some greens happening, spinach is an easy option. There are numerous varieties and most come as seeds or seedlings. It’ll grow in full sun or part shade, in garden beds or pots, and all it requires is soil free from lumps and clods, with regular feeding of liquid plant food or sheep pellets. Keep the soil moist throughout dry periods and stand guard against slugs and snails. page 29

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

Paint It... Red! Even if you don’t have a lot of winter flowering plants in your garden, you needn’t go without colour through the colder months. By Sandy McKenzie A lick of paint is the easiest way to transform a dull spot, and it doesn’t even have to be permanent.

Find an unused relic – a tin watering can, an old metal letter box, a wheelbarrow with holes in, or even a bent piece of corrugated iron, give it a clean up with a wire brush, and paint it the colour of your choice. Anything from the red palette will brighten up the garden without looking garish or out of place. If you have a few tester pots, mix them together until you come up with something that looks good, and apply two or three coats.

If your relic is a wheelbarrow, get it multi-tasking by planting with winter veg, or use your piece of corrugated iron as a backdrop for something with stunning foliage (variegated miniature flax looks good against red).

For a real designer look, repeat the paint colour on a section of wall or fence, or a garden seat.

Come summer, you can aim for a coastal look by changing the colour to sea green or blue.

Home & Garden WINTER 2012

page 30

ABOVE: A simple tin ornament is transformed into a vibrant garden feature with a coat of red paint. BELOW LEFT and RIGHT: A bright wall provides a stunning backdrop for artworks and plants. Note that shades from the red palette contrast well with iron artworks, and with most foliage.

Buy a Panasonic Heat Pump before June 30 and get a

BONUS LED TV*

Now there’s even more reason to stay inside this winter.

Install a Panasonic Heat Pump before June 30 and you’ll receive a bonus 24” Full High Definition LED TV with built-in Freeview.

To book a free, no obligation home heating consultation, visit www.panasonic.co.nz/heatpumps.

You’ll be in your stubbies in no time.

Clever, made easy. *Terms and conditions apply. Bonus product is a Panasonic Viera 24” LCD LED TV. Offer ends 30/06/12.

For Multi type systems only one redemption per outdoor unit applies. Visit Panasonic.co.nz for full details.

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