HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ Dawson & Co.

Top Kida hanging lounge chair RRP $6,179 Dala lounge chair from RRP $6,739

Middle Sealine 2 seater sofa RRP $11,339

Bottom MBarq high back 2 seater sofa RRP $16,349

DAWSON & CO., Northshore Showroom, 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale T: 09 476 1121, Parnell Showroom, 115 The Strand, Parnell; info@dawsonandco.nz www.dawsonandco.nz

BLAIR HADDOW: Spring selling resurgence comes right on schedule for greater Ponsonby’s residential property market

It’s hard to believe, especially with the recent bouts of chilly temperatures and regular downpours, that spring is now officially on the way.... especially for activity in Greater Ponsonby’s residential property market.

While the winter months of July and August were quiet for real estate agencies from a listing volume perspective – as they traditionally have been – anecdotal data is showing the market is now warming up as more homeowners decide to place their properties up for sale in time to be out by Christmas.

Leading Bayleys Ponsonby salesperson Blair Haddow said that while the winter season was historically the industry’s flattest period with many vendors previously focussed on overseas holidays, this year should have been different as a result of New Zealand’s international travel quarantine restrictions keeping most Kiwis at home.

“Regardless of the reasons for this year’s winter hibernation and market malaise, spring is back to normal patterns. I’ve kicked off the season strong, and now expect volumes to continue gathering momentum right through until Christmas,” said Blair.

“These are vendors who have taken the educated opportunity of getting their property on the market at the head of the spring bow-wave when competition is low.”

In recent weeks alone, Blair has taken on a handful of new homes being marketed for sale in the coming weeks and months. They include:

•1 Ariki Street in Grey Lynn – a three bedroom, two bathroom, two living area villa renovated just four years ago. The family home on a flat north-east facing section has double car garaging and additional off-street parking for another vehicle.

Extensive decking wraps around the kitchen and dining room – making for a relaxed al-fresco space accessed by large bifold doors. The home is being marketed for sale at auction on 15 September.

•A prime do-up project at 57 Williamson Avenue in Grey

Lynn – a classically styled three-bedroom/one-bedroom villa with off-street parking for two vehicles. In its near original format, the property has been a rental for it its current owners for quite some time, and has plenty of scope to add value through renovation and modernisation.

•A mixed-use property in Franklin Road originally a fourbedroom/one-bathroom residence with double off-street car parking which has been used as commercial premises by its current owner and their professional services business.

The single level villa offers a ready-made opportunity for a ‘work from home’ scenario, or could just as easily be converted back into a purely residential address in a street famous for its Christmas lights display. This property is scheduled to come into the market early September with an auction on the 22nd. •A substantial eight-year-old home in Westmere – packed with the latest high-tech gadgetry for controlling everything from lighting and the sound system through to underfloor heating, electric vehicle charging points, and security.

The grand four-bedroom/four-bathroom home on a full site overlooking Meola Reef in the inner-harbour has a study, swimming pool, and double garaging with internal access. Marketing details were again being completed as Ponsonby News was going to press, and Blair would also be notifying his extensive buyer database on the opportunity within days.

Also on Blair’s listing radar for the start of spring is a chic twobedroom/two-bathroom/two-level apartment in the heart of Auckland City. The designer freehold Queen Street address has its own balcony sitting above a globally-renown fashion retailer in the city’s foremost shopping locale. Watch Blair’s website for more information as it comes online any day now.

www.bayleys.co.nz/blair-haddow

QUALITY HERNE BAY OFFICES AVAILABLE

Sue Collis from Barfoot & Thompson speaks to the landlord about the benefits of his building.

Our offices are suitable for small professional businesses that can work close to home without working from home!

What are the benefits of the building? The existing fitout is good quality with decks on both sides of the building with opening doors. The car parks are easily accessible and good ratios available. The offices are “move in" ready as the previous tenant spent good money on the fitout that has been retained.

When are the offices available? Immediately. This is the first time in 15 years these offices have become available. The previous tenant loved the building so much they stayed for 15 years, Sue negotiated the lease deal back then so I hope she can find us another great tenant. The only reason that tenant has moved out is that they bought a building to occupy.

What is the expected tenure of lease? The landlord understands that the working environment has changed and businesses have a shorter view on commitments, so will consider any reasonable length of lease term.

What does the area of Herne Bay/Ponsonby offer in the form of amenities? Great cafes and nearby restaurants, and close proximity to the CBD and all motorway entry and exits. It's also suitable for staff coming from the Shore as the bridge entry point is basically at the end of the street!

For more information call Sue Collis on T: 021 885 545, or E: s.collis@barfoot.co.nz

QUALITY HERNE BAY OFFICES

160 Jervois Road, Herne Bay These well-located offices are ‘move in ready’, complete with existing quality fitout. Boardroom, separate executive offices, kitchens and bathrooms in each tenancy. The total area for lease is approximately 171m², divided into three tenancies that can naturally separate different parts of the business. The tenancies have suburban views and Jervois Road outlooks from decks on both sides. – 1A - 84.94m² plus deck – 1B - 26.50m² plus deck – 1C - 59.69m² plus deck – 1B and 1C combine easily to interconnect - total 86.19m² – Good on-site car park ratios available

ED CRUIKSHANK FOR CUSTOM FURNITURE

Ed Cruikshank lives and works in Queenstown where he specialises in the design and creation of outstanding custom furniture. His high quality pieces are designed specifically for each customer and hand-built in New Zealand to last a lifetime.

After a five year training in fine cabinet making and an industrial design degree, Cruikshank headed the Linley design team in London and managed their special projects, one of which brought him to New Zealand in 1999 to design the interior of a beautiful sloop being built in Auckland by Alloy Yachts.

Twenty years later, having set up home in Queenstown in 2002, he has designed all manner of things, including unique and extraordinary custom furniture pieces, a collection of timeless chairs and tables and his devilish Infernorator firepoker and blower for clients in New Zealand and around the globe.

According to one of Ed’s long standing customers, “the quality of Ed’s work and the care and attention he puts into every aspect of the process are a rare thing these days. We love the fact that our furniture was built here in New Zealand, but the thing that stood out for us was the way he and his team seamlessly combined creativity and design expertise with an ability to communicate their ideas so clearly that we knew exactly what to expect before we signed off on the designs. They delivered on time and at the exact budget we agreed and it was a fun and rewarding experience. Most of all we treasure the thought that our family will enjoy it for many years to come.”

With many of Ed’s customers based in Auckland and elsewhere in the North Island, he has decided to create a small and perfectly-formed presence in the heart of Ponsonby working with strategic communications specialist Julien Leys at Pendulum Strategies at historic Letham House on Jervois Road.

Ed will be in Ponsonby on a regular basis and will be happy to also make special visits if you are looking for anything from a handmade dining table or contemporary-classic leather reading chair to a full interior scheme. He can work with you directly, or alongside your architect or interior designer.

You can contact Ed to arrange an appointment by visiting his website or calling him directly on M: 027 441 3434, www.edcruikshank.co.nz

APARTMENT LIVING

A WHOLE NEW WAY OF HOME LIFE

Lahood Window Furnishings make the apartment interior design process a breeze, with strong links with many developers and body corporates in the Auckland market.

While apartments are an increasingly popular choice for many people, high-density living is radically different to a leafy suburban lifestyle.

For apartment owners who move into new developments, there are the challenges of interior design to work through. With smaller spaces and body corporates wanting to maintain consistencies in décor and materials for flooring, wall coverings and window furnishings, the use of an interior design consultant makes the job so much easier.

At Lahood, they specialise in providing that important link between the architect or developer and the purchaser. Lahood’s Interior Design Consultant Tricia Dunlop says “We provide a complete service to guide owners through the whole process. They come in with their dreams, and we make it as easy as possible to help their imaginations become a reality.”

Because Lahood have preferred provider status with many of the developments, they are fully aware of the design guidelines that need to be adhered to. Tricia carries swatches and samples of all the flooring and wall covering options for each development. New owners can compare those with the substantial range of fabrics and blinds in Lahood’s showroom and build a design plan that suits the décor and the client’s budget.

“Because we have the product knowledge and we stock the full range of product options, we can put all the combinations together for the right style and design. It is very satisfying to see a whole project through from start to finish, we handle everything right though to installation,” says Tricia. “We often get involved in soft furnishings and accessories to match, not just the window treatments. We can restyle existing furniture with new upholstery to suit, we carry a wide range of cushions and throws; that is all part of the service to make the apartment a real home.”

Apartment living can be very different to a home is the suburbs. Often with large window areas, apartments can be very bright and hot in summer. Privacy is also an issue, as is noise from busy street activities and traffic. It’s important to plan how these factors can be minimised by using the right fabrics and layering. Lahood has a wide range of coloured linings to match all interior fabric colours and designs. Using heavier fabrics will also help to limit sound transmission through windows. can be fitted with fully automated systems. And owners can manage all rooms via mobile device apps. So, when not at home, window furnishings can be programmed to open and close together, separately, or be adjusted at any time if the weather decides to surprise you with unexpected heat or cold.

Whether you have a newly purchased apartment, or just want to give your existing windows a modern makeover, you should talk to Tricia at Lahood. She will make your project a pleasant and rewarding experience and show you why Lahood Window Furnishings is the most complete and trusted service in Auckland.

Q&A with Antoine Roset

Synonymous with modern luxury, French furniture brand Ligne Roset has long graced the homes of discerning design devotees in all corners of the globe.

The enterprise encompasses both a family tradition rich with more than 160 years of experience in furniture making and artful collaborations with established and up-and-coming talents in contemporary design. Arguably its most notable partnership being in the early 1970s with Michel Ducaroy of the famed Togo settee, which catapulted the brand into worldwide recognition. With a global network of more than 200 exclusive stores, the latest addition to the Ligne Roset footprint is right here in New Zealand. Ligne Roset Marketing Director and the founder’s great-great-grandson Antoine Roset shares insight into his family’s business ahead of the exclusive Auckland showroom opening in August.

Describe Ligne Roset in one sentence… A high-end, contemporary French furniture manufacturer and a family business operating since 1860.

Which of the brand’s achievements are you most proud of over its centuries-long tenure? Our worldwide recognition.

How many different designers has Ligne Roset collaborated with over the years and how does the partnership process take shape? We’ve worked with more than a hundred designers. Collaboration is formed through various channels including furniture fairs, annual design contests, word of mouth and contacts between designers.

How many in-house designers work for the brand? We’ve worked with three major in-house designers: Michel Ducaroy of Togo and Saparella fame, Annie Hieronimus of Plumy, and Claude Brisson of Multy. These products are among the best sellers in the Ligne Roset collection.

Where are you based? I spent 11 years heading our US branch in New York before returning to Lyon, France, two years ago where I live close to our headquarters and main workshops.

Do you have a personal favourite piece in the Ligne Roset collection? No, because that would be too restrictive! My taste changes with time.

Why do you think Togo has withstood the changing trends, proving popular for decades? After 48 years of existence, it’s remained a very unique design and an example of anti-conformist seating. Lightness, durability and creativity are probably the key successes of Togo.

Is there another piece, in your mind, set to take over the craze and demand of Togo? It’s difficult to predict. We have several other standout designs that have been easily recognisable for years – decades even – such as the Ruché sofa and bed by Inga Sempé, Pumpkin sofa by Pierre Paulin, Peter Maly 2 bed by Peter Maly, Everywhere cabinet collection by Christian Werner, and Multy sofa bed by Claude Brisson. What is your vision for how the brand positions itself to ensure future success? Through creativity, customisation and high-quality products.

Your grandfather, Jean Roset, who headed the company at the time, had to field initial doubts about the Togo but believed in designer Ducaroy’s vision. What qualities make for a successful product pitch and how does the brand differentiate between a bold idea and something that will actually sell? I wish we knew the answer to that! We call it a combination of both talent and chance. A mix of several criteria makes a new product successful including creativity of the design, its comfort and the approval of the public.

Following Lockdown the Ligne Roset Auckland showroom at 299 Great North Road, Grey Lynn will be open again. On display are an extensive range of lighting and accessories, and living and dining furniture from the 2021/22 collection, including Ducaroy’s coveted Togo settee. Other firm favourites are the Prado sofa by Christian Werner, Ploum sofa by R. & E. Bouroullec, Pumpkin armchair by Pierre Paulin and Pukka sofa by Yabu Pushelberg. The selection of outdoor furniture will arrive in time for our 2021 summer.