F O R WA R D TH I N KI N G
Visionary renovators stepping it up
home style
JUN/JUL 2021 NZ/AUS $11.50 INC GST
9 421022 130048
Do downtime right with life’s little luxuries
Meet makers up close with their craft
Places to go, exhibitions to see
Minimal style appliances shown here
THE BEAUTY OF CHOICE CHOOSE FROM THREE DIFFERENT DESIGN STYLES TO CREATE A UNIFIED LOOK, MIX AND MATCH STYLES, OR COMBINE WITH INTEGRATED APPLIANCES FOR A SEAMLESS AESTHETIC.
fisherpaykel.com/styles
CONTENTS
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98
Contents
June/July
HOMES
68 68
Hall order Getting what they wished for has been an extensive but superrewarding process for this couple.
84
Nothing else matters What’s important to this family is how their home makes them feel.
98
Major details The owners of this villa thought they knew what they were getting, but it wasn’t till they moved in that they discovered…
112
Just you wait This interior designer let time lead his heart to décor that proves patience is definitely a virtue.
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Bring your space to life
FRSTJUL21
Matt Black powdercoat to contrast with the white exterior
See more from this home
firstwindows.co.nz/peak-performers
Metro Series ThermalHEART was used throughout the home for superior thermal performance
Flush sill for carefree indoor/outdoor flow
CONTENTS
48
STYLE 20
Scout Covetable stuff and things.
24
What’s on Venture south in the north.
26
Bookmarks Your other favourite reads.
28
Colour palette Neutrals ‘n’ more.
31
Space to inspire … and hire.
34
Led by design Future kitchen comforts.
38
Paint trends Hot-right-now cocoa.
42
Opinion Are you for, against or in between?
44
Current mood Round it out.
People 48
Artist profile Andrea Bolima.
54
Design profile Deadly Ponies.
60
34
LIVING
Maker profile Lou Ashford.
144
Well & good Little luxuries.
126
DESIGN
146
Design choices
148
GoodFor.
Outside in Pavilions-plus.
136
ETC
Women in architecture Kate Rogan and Eva Nash.
140
Design destination Daphnes.
Step by step.
128
Store profile
Product profile Coloured concrete.
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Editor’s note
154
Subscribe
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Impressively elegant. Remarkably intense The new Silgranit black has an appealing depth that creates breathtakingly opulent accents in kitchens with light-coloured worktops, or exudes a mysterious sense of luxury as an elegant option for all-black kitchens. Discover wholly distinctive design possibilities and uniquely robust, easy-care material properties with the diverse selection of mixer taps and sinks in beautiful Silgranit black! Discover our sinks and taps in intense black at blanco.co.nz Monaco Corporation Ltd. is proud to be the official partner of BLANCO sinks and taps in the New Zealand market. @BlancoNewZealand @blanco_newzealand
“There actually are enough hours in the day to enjoy both work and play.”
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I happily hit the ground running at the start of this year, but as the months have ticked by, I’ve let my work-life balance slide a bit. Putting together this substantial new issue, it’s been comforting to be reminded I’m not the only one who’s keeping multiple plates spinning — and that there actually are enough hours in the day to enjoy both work and play. Phase one of my plan for scheduling more restorative time for myself involves finding a few more good books to lose myself in, and top of the pile is Still Life by Amber Creswell Bell (page 26). I’ve long admired Amber as an author, curator and cheerleader for the arts, and her latest read delves into an artistic genre I have a real affinity for. To satisfy my appetite for ‘achieving’ and help me feel on top of things, I’ve started crossing off a to-do list of simpler tasks at home, including a gradual overhaul of my kitchen cupboards. There’s a mindful pleasure to be found in seemingly mundane tasks, and for me, having a well-stocked, well-organised pantry is a kind of luxury. If you’ve been considering your own kitchen makeover, turn to page 34 for our forecast for a space that nourishes on all levels, then head to page 146, where you’ll find all the necessities for a sustainable scullery. Inspired by many of the other stories we’ve shared on the following pages — including the restoration of a heritage hall (page 68), two villas reimagined in distinctly different ways (pages 84 and 98) and one of our favourite interiors insiders living large in a small space (page 112) — I’m planning to prioritise quality downtime at my own home in the cooler months ahead. Let this magazine be a fantastic reason for you to devote some hours to reading, R&R and the little luxuries in your life too.
Alice Lines, @alice.lines
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Portrait: Simon Wilson. Alice wears: Ron blouse and Calla culottes, juliettehogan.com
EDITOR’S NOTE
FURNITURE & HOMEWARES | INTERIOR DESIGN WWW.COCOREPUBLIC.CO.NZ
CREDITS
EDITOR Alice Lines DEPUTY EDITOR Philippa Prentice ART DIRECTOR Juliette Wanty CONTRIBUTORS Isabel Buckley Frances Carter Rosie Dawson-Hewes Sarah Ell Wendy Fenwick Scott Hardy Sam Hartnett Duncan Innes James K Lowe Larnie Nicolson One to One Hundred Jono Parker Catherine Steel Jacqui Turk Sam van Kan Simon Wilson ADVERTISING & COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIPS Nicholas Burrowes General Manager nick@homestyle.co.nz +64 21 505 992 SUBSCRIPTIONS Online homestyle.co.nz Email subs@homestyle.co.nz Phone 0800 246 637 International phone +64 9 360 5700
PUBLISHER The Pluto Group Ltd Physical 326 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021 Postal PO Box 911577, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142 Phone +64 9 300 7544 Email info@homestyle.co.nz PRINTER Image Print DISTRIBUTOR Ovato SSN 1177-0015
homestyle is a member of the MPA, and circulation is independently audited under the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Contact us for our latest circulation and readership information.
homestyle is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either whole or in part, without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved in material accepted for publication, unless initially specified otherwise. All letters and other material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled ‘not for publication’. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material. Paint colours may alter in the printing process.
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Duncan Innes
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Freedomfurniture.co.nz
Harlem Pitcher Olive / Avoca Floor Rug / Monty Leather Swivel Chair
Autumn Winter 21 Lifewares
CHANGE STARTS WITH FINDING THE
The indoor waterfall. The rainmaker. The scorcher. Old turn ‘n’ burn. If the tap’s one degree too far right. We’re in Antarctica. One degree too far left. Liquid lava. It’s enabled the Kiwi thought process since forever ago. It’s helped us internalise the meaning of “yeah, nah”. It’s let us consider if we‘d still cut it as an All Black at 45. And it’s encouraged us to ask ourselves how someone could possibly milk an almond. Showers have kept Kiwi minds pondering deep into working hours. And with zero carbon gas on the way, they won’t be cooling off any time soon.
SPOT
Here’s to changing the world, without changing too much of yours.
See how gasischanging.co.nz
ALBUM SOFA Design by Cameron Foggo
Design by Cameron Foggo
www.dawsonandco.nz
STYLE
Style 20
Scout
24
What’s on
26
Bookmarks
28
Colour palette
31
Space to inspire
34
Led by design
38
Paint trends
42
Opinion
44
Current mood
Mmm, cocoa. ’Tis the season for rich hues like it, so on page 38, we show how to incorporate it into an entryway using some special effects.
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STYLE —— Shop
Scout
We’ve been shopping for your home.
SEA HERE & THERE Not all art has to hang on the wall and this sculptural beauty is an investment piece that’ll bring you joy in vignettes all over the house. It’s by Auckland’s Jark Pane, who’s definitely one to watch — and, incidentally, a classical pianist. Inspired by the seaside and her love of nature, Jark’s debut collection Soraā: Tones of the Tide includes an exquisite array of blown- and cast-glass objects, like this Soraā shell (Korean for ‘conch’, in homage to her heritage), which ever so slightly changes colour throughout the day, depending on the light.
Words: Philippa Prentice. Photography (this page): Ophelia King
museart.nz
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LOOPED IN Keeping you abreast of recent happenings in architecture, FYI West Auckland’s mid-century masterpiece Brake House (designed by architect Ron Sang in the 1970s for photographer Brian Brake) has had a bit of an update. To uphold the iconic home’s history, Bremworth’s retro-ish Galet carpet in Sienna was selected for the floor for its gorgeous New Zealand wool woven in a random loop-pile style, creating textural interest through its irregularity. bremworth.co.nz
Rosetti Olive
Freemans Linen Moss
NICE THREADS There’s no rest for the wicked, but those of us not on the naughty list can enjoy some extra-virtuous shut-eye tucked up in this Forestcoloured duvet set by Cultivar now available at Father Rabbit. It’s 100% linen (which requires less water and fewer pesticides to produce than cotton), breathable and long-lasting, and has been stonewashed for softness from the get-go. > fatherrabbit.com
Arboreal
A unique range of designer interior textiles, direct to the public at affordable prices. Available Nationwide. Free samples via our website.
www.marthas.co.nz
STYLE —— Shop
NEW HANG What’s happening in Wellington? Just-opened contemporary art and design space Kaukau by Nadya France-White and Prak Sritharan (the couple formerly known as founders of women’s concept store Ena and object store/gallery Precinct 35) — that’s what. Stop in for a browse of their finds by an ever-changing roster of skilled artisans, like this Bathe series of oil paintings by Briana Jamieson. kaukau.co.nz
DAILY HABIT Thanks to its walnut frame of intersecting boards and dowels, the Daily armchair by David Moreland and Nikolai Sorensen for Città is a veritable party in the back, while the cushions can be covered in your choice of fabric — and this seriously cool corduroy means business. Given it looks so swish from all angles, we predict your biggest challenge won’t be where to put it, but how to carve out as much time as possible to spend on it. cittadesign.com
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS Plan to have some fun with flowers via this chic clay vase handmade in Auckland in a collaboration between floral design studio Isadia and ceramicist Misma Anaru. It’s segmented to ensure arranging’s easier, though Isadia’s Isabel Johnston and Lydia Reusser do love unstructured styling that allows you to follow your artistic instincts and nature’s lead. isadia.co.nz
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$27,990
+ORC*
The SUV to be seen in is the freshly designed ASX. It’s wearing a chic new look with 18 Inch Alloys, LED Headlamps and DRL’s and distinctive touches all over. VRX is particularly well-dressed with Leather-Appointed Interior, Front Heated Seats, driver’s powered seat and Panoramic Roof. Choose a 2.0L or 2.4L (VRX only) engine and enjoy Reversing Camera, Smartphone Connectivity and our 10 Year Powertrain Warranty* as standard. VRX and XLS also offer Forward Collision Mitigation and Blind Spot Warning. Call 0800 54 53 52 or visit mmnz.co.nz to find your nearest Mitsubishi Motors Dealer now.
STYLE —— What’s on
Exhibit A
The root of today’s terrariums, the Wardian case was developed in the 19th century and used to transport plants from Europe around the globe. However many years later, an ongoing art project is examining its influence on modern environments and the travel of botanicals to and from Aotearoa, plus people’s connection with plants, and the conflict between economic, social and environmental wants and needs. Florist/artist Felicity Jones and photographer Mark Smith’s journey began with Case Studies in the North Island in 2019, and now Case Studies South has seen them hit the road again to tell South Island stories, on a trip timed to coincide with the blooming of a controversial import — Otago’s lupins. “There are so many different angles when studying the lupins, so it was great to meet different people to get a handle on the conflicting viewpoints,” says Felicity. Felicity foraged for interesting plant material as they travelled, storing it in buckets so it was ready for its close-up if they needed it. “Although Mark and I had a fairly solid plan following much research on the history of particular plants and habitats, we also wanted to allow for the magic of spontaneity,” she says. Their strategy proved a great success, although Felicity says it did make for a few tense moments “with me ‘fussing’ with various flora and chicken wire while Mark anxiously called out, ‘The light’s going, Jonesy!’” The Case Studies South exhibition is on at Auckland’s Allpress Studio from June 1 to 18; felicityjones.co.nz; marksmith.co.nz. 24 homest yle
TOP Bouquet in Lindis Pass. “I liked the idea of a traditional European hand-tied bouquet sitting in a wild New Zealand landscape and made using two competing plants,” says Felicity. “The lupins dominate the native carex in the bouquet as they’re in danger of doing in the Lindis Pass.” ABOVE Lupins Through Campervan Curtains at Lindis River.
Words: Philippa Prentice
Top of our list of things to do in June is a show that sees artists on the scent of introduced plants.
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STYLE —— Bookmarks
On the shelf
Still Life by Amber Creswell Bell (Thames & Hudson, $65) Fruit bowls and flower-filled vases may be still-life mainstays, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that makes this type of art in any way banal. As Sydney arts writer, curator and author of this illuminating book Amber Creswell Bell explains, although they’re frequently more familiar and accessible than modern art, still-life works can contain significant meaning, exploring the senses and moral and intellectual ideas via glimpses into our everyday existence. Forty-one Australian artists are profiled here, all with distinct styles and all to be celebrated for their skill in conveying human narratives in the absence of an actual human. Among them is Julian 26 homest yle
Meagher, who’s become known for painting cask-wine bladders as a way to investigate our relationship with alcohol. Meanwhile, Jane-Frances Tannock works only with found arrangements — domestic scenes that come together through unplanned acts, like the stack of dishes next to your sink — as a reflection on the rhythms of family life. Given its subject is the depiction of things that generally just sit there, this read is thoroughly absorbing and thought-provoking. The often-poignant sense of connection these paintings offer is well put by another of the interviewed artists, Andrea Huelin, who says, “I think still life is a kind of communication — a way of saying, ‘Do you see this too? It’s beautiful, isn’t it?’”
Words: Philippa Prentice. Still Life photography: (this page, clockwise from left) Robin Hearfield, Mim Stirling and Greg Weight; (opposite, from top) Kim Landy and Jane-Frances Tannock
Change the way you see your world.
HOW TO HANDLE THE
HOUSING HEAT
There may be talk of imminent changes to the Kiwi housing market but the reality remains: New Zealand homes are hot property.
ABOVE Big Harvest by Lucy Roleff, who loves the sense that an arrangement “has been left to sit quietly while other life goes on elsewhere… It’s a moment ‘in between’.” BELOW Near the Fridge by Jane-Frances Tannock. OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT I Folded My Body Through the Dark by Bronte LeightonDore; Study for There is Hope to the Last Flower by Julian Meagher; Shelf Still Life by Cressida Campbell.
Largely thanks to fierce competition, searching for your dream build, old or new, continues to come with challenges, yet for those who are willing to do their homework and stay the course, the right home surely awaits. New Zealand’s number-one real estate buying website, Trade Me Property, is an excellent resource to help you understand the risks and benefits while gaining insider information to ease your anxiety. According to Trade Me Property experts, the high demand for housing is still predominantly driven by consistently low interest rates; this makes buying more affordable for many, as borrowing from the bank essentially costs less. The demand can also be attributed to the fear of missing out that brings emotions to the fore, elevating prices in auction rooms and on negotiation tables. Whatever happens in the coming months, you can stay abreast of any changes in the market via the Trade Me Property website and app, while searching for accommodation types, suburbs, highest and lowest prices, latest listings and open homes.
CONFIDENTLY NAVIGATE THE KIWI HOUSING MARKET AT TR ADEME .CO.NZ
STYLE —— Colour palette
Edge ways One thing in particular in this updated apartment has us border-line obsessed.
Bespoke built-ins and soothing curves feature heavily in this new favourite fit-out — the Bond Street apartment by US design firm Home Studios, who modernised the New York dwelling within a landmark 1925 building for a young family. Subtly encouraging a sense of playfulness, the curves are a nod to late Finnish architect Alvar Aalto’s shapely forms, but it’s the contrasting edging that enhances them — such as this headboard’s walnut timber and the copper borders around the door frames and skirtings — that really gets us going. It’s an effect you could also achieve with paint, amid pieces like these in calming neutrals offset by moody blue and rich earth tones.
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Photography: Brian Ferry
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9 10 Resene Sour Dough
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16 6 OPPOSITE, FROM LEFT 1. Museum stool, $795, homestyle-editions.co.nz. 2. Linen Cotton cushion cover, $80, cittadesign.com. 3. Cotton Velvet cushion cover, $50, cittadesign.com. 4. Otto vase, $109, cittadesign. com. 5. Acton sculpture, $295, cocorepublic.co.nz. ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT 6. Waste basket by Saito Wood, $135, goodform.co.nz. 7. Morandi cushion cover, $70, cittadesign.com. 8. Realism No. 46 print by Atelier CPH, $150, slowstore.co.nz. 9. Essential throw, $285, cocorepublic.co.nz. 10. Petite Pleated lamp, $199, ornament.co.nz. 11. Atwood coaster set, $145, cocorpepublic.co.nz. 12. Stevie vase by Marloe Marloe, $420, slowstore.co.nz. 13. Rattan buffet, $1895, corcovado.co.nz. 14. Aurora swivel chair, $1899, dawsonandco.nz. 15. Wool bouclé fabric, $210/m, marthas.co.nz. 16. Bowl by Finn Juhl for Architectmade, $475, goodform.co.nz.
Colours from Resene’s MultiFinish range, available at Resene ColorShops and selected resellers.
www.resene.co.nz 0800 RESENE (737 363)
Auckland • Hamilton • Wellington • Christchurch cittadesign.com
Book Creative director Emily Priest of Cheshire Architects walks and talks us through The Libraries, the intelligent new function rooms at Auckland’s The Hotel Britomart that you can hire for your next rendezvous. INTERVIE W
PH OTO G R APHY
Alice Lines
Sam H ar tnet t
smart
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STYLE —— Space to inspire
CONNECTED COLLECTIONS Emily says the rich history of the Britomart precinct and the hotel’s heritage also informed The Libraries’ interiors. “Britomart has a multitude of grand old buildings, so we wanted to insert a sympathetic set of spaces into the Buckland Masonic Building. The Libraries is a collection of sorts. The century-old brick, kauri timber beams and relics such as patterned wallpaper and hand-painted typography are treasured keepsakes that remind us of the buildings we seek to celebrate. Showcasing the work of talented artisans and fabricators, a library of tools, artefacts and artworks are housed within the spaces, each with a strong connection to our land and culture.”
So Emily, what was Cheshire Architects’ intention for these spaces bookable for everything from meetings to private parties? We designed the spaces — The Lounge, The Wine Library, The Chef’s Library and The Pupuke Room — to be as welcoming for a couple enjoying an intimate breakfast as they are for a group around the chef’s table experiencing an exquisite dégustation menu by executive chef Tom Hishon. Can you explain the thinking behind the colour and material palettes? 32 homest yle
We wanted The Libraries to have a unique fingerprint that could never be repeated. With Aoteroa’s landscape as our muse, we combined warm timber and exposed brick with soft, neutral linens, terracotta and lush green woollen rugs, hand-tooled side tables and leather-backed chairs, alongside numerous handcrafted ceramics. Who are some of the local artisans whose work is featured here? The Libraries is filled with as many beautiful pieces as we could gather,
both our own bespoke designs and objects made in collaboration with local creatives, including ceramicists Jane Burn, Kristen Calder, Rachel Carter and Elena Renker; weaver Ruth Castle; painter and woodturner Peter Edmonds; woodturners Walk in the Park; glass artists Monmouth Glass Studio; and curator of Ponsonby store and gallery Public Record Yuka O’Shannessy. It was an absolute highlight having such talented people working alongside us. thehotelbritomart.com
FOOD FOR THE SOUL Facing a future that shows no sign of slowing, we introduce another kind of nourishment that’s about more than what goes in your mouth. Here’s how to put it on the menu. 34 homest yle
KITC H EN D ES IG N Juliet te Want y 3 D VI SUALI SATIO N One to One Hundre d
Led by design —— FISHER & PAYKEL
INGREDIENTS Essential to your recipe for success is balancing your textural elements with others that provide visual rest. In a calming, neutral colour palette, this welcoming dream kitchen features earthy brick flooring that’s warm underfoot; clean matte cabinetry with curved edges that gently guide you into the adjacent thoroughfares while offsetting the solidity of the smooth marble island, which ‘floats’ on its legs to lighten the mood; and upholstered timber seating that invites you to stay awhile. At the rear of the room, a splashback made with 3D tiles creates a cocooning effect right up to the patterned-glass clerestory window; the latter retains privacy yet provides natural light that reflects off the gloss finish of the powdercoated rangehood. >
METHOD “Even when rushed off our feet, we all have to stop to eat, so it makes ever-increasing sense to forecast for a kitchen that’s a space in which you can experience moments of self-care that nourish both body and mind,” says homestyle art director Juliette Wanty, the creative behind the first future-focused kitchen in our new ongoing series. Responding to the trend for tactile materials, her scheme has a soothing, grounding effect. Designing rather than styling with texture (as you might a living space), she’s layered materials, colours and objects that are pleasing and comforting to the eye, to the touch and to use, including state-of-the-art appliances by Fisher & Paykel to make life that much easier.
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FISHER & PAYKEL —— Led by design
“It makes ever-increasing sense to forecast for a kitchen that’s a space in which you can experience moments of self-care.”
LEADING TECH Forward-thinking kitchens that support us to make the most of our downtime harness the power of technology. In this one, a selection of Fisher & Paykel Series 9 appliances — some on display and others seamlessly integrated — helps set you up for quality me- or we-time. The stacked ovens feature a pyrolytic cleaning function and touchscreen tech that offers guided cooking, recipes and helpful tips. The hybrid gas and induction cooktop gives you the best of both worlds — and brings liquid to the boil at lightning speed — while the rangehood has dimmable lights for practicality and ambience, and a nice quiet motor too. Concealed within the cabinetry, the DishDrawer is at bench height, meaning no more bending, and has a clever knock-to-pause function, so there’s no need to worry about missing a dish. The column fridge offers flexible shelving, ActiveSmart technology that helps keep food fresh for longer and an internal dispenser for convenient access to chilled water. The column freezer has a Variable Temperature Zone for optimal storage, and an ice-maker with a boost option — for when time is money but you’ve got a minute for a refreshment on the rocks.
ABOVE: APPLIANCES, FROM LEFT Fisher & Paykel 76cm, 17-Function, Self-Cleaning ovens, OB76SDPTDB1 $8129
each; Fisher & Paykel Integrated Single, Tall, Sanitise DishDrawer™ dishwasher, DD60STI9 $2269; Fisher & Paykel 90cm, 1-Burner, 4 Zones with Smartzone Gas and Induction cooktop, CGI905DNGTB4 $5499; Fisher & Paykel 90cm Integrated Insert rangehood, HPB9048-2 $3599; Fisher & Paykel 76cm Integrated Column fridge, RS7621SRHK1 $15,999; Fisher & Paykel 45.7cm Integrated Column freezer, RS4621FLJK1 $11,999, fisherpaykel.com. OTHER ITEMS, FROM LEFT Cabinetry in Melteca Mist, laminex.co.nz. Vases, $280 (left) and $350; pedestal bowl, $70; plates, $80 each, rachelcarterceramics.com. Lampe de Marseille lamp by Le Corbusier for Nemo Lighting, $2115, matisse.co.nz. Rombini tiles by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, POA, mutina.it. Crystal Tempest marble, POA, universalgranite.co.nz . Vivid Slimline Pull Out sink mixer, $460, phoenixtapware. co.nz. Rangehood in Dulux Renovation Range Tiles & Benchtops in Dulux Five Fingers Peninsula Half and Dulux Renovation Range Gloss Clear Coat, dulux.co.nz. Custom brick flooring from the Create range, clay-bricks.co.nz. High L stools, $5500 each, ninaseirafi.com. ADDITIONAL ITEMS ON PAGE 35, FROM LEFT Speckled vase, $220, rachelcarterceramics.com. Grace jug, from $300, margi.co.nz.
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The kitchen is usually the busiest room in the house. It is where you cook, eat, socialise and then clean up afterwards. It should be beautiful but able to withstand the fun and chaos! In an open floor plan layout, using the same flooring in your living, dining and kitchen is an easy way to unify the space. All Godfrey Hirst products will withstand the constant movement and traffic of daily lives. For busy households consider extra protection with hard wearing products
Effortless Kitchens Featured: Laminate Flooring, Legacy Harvest Oak.
Request your free hard flooring samples. www.godfreyhirst.com
like Vinyl Plank, Hybrid or Laminate containing spill protect properties. These extremely durable products are made of several layers of compressed materials finished with high end topical coating systems preventing most stains and damage from liquids.
Choc full
Sample all kinds of cocoa-ish colours and textures for an entry that’s an all-around treat. ST YLIN G
PH OTO G R APHY
Sam van Kan
Wendy Fenwick
Paint trends —— RESENE
Get the look -
-
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Let your colours be led by your entryway’s architecture, allowing them to transition where the different forms meet. For visual cohesion, opt for a palette of paints that all have a warm base, using the strongest shade on the floor — its effect will be more grounding and less intense than if you use it at eye level on the walls. Use your styling smarts to make an entrance that’s chic and functional, complete with a ‘drop zone’ for keys, coats and boots, plus sculptural twigs that echo the outside world.
How to... A ripped-up old sheet is ideal for adding this textural rag-rolled finish to your walls. We applied two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen tinted with Resene Almond Frost, then when dry used a large brush to apply Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Half Joss in a criss-cross motion, before rolling a rag in random directions over the wet paint. Working on 1m of wall at a time, aim to create an irregular pattern but achieve a uniform finish. >
OPPOSITE: BACKDROP, FROM LEFT Walls in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Almond Frost (as base), and Resene FX Paint Effects Medium with Resene Half Joss; stairs and bench in Resene Walk-on with Resene Swirl; floor in Resene Walk-on with Resene Swirl ‘grout’, Resene Espresso ‘tiles’ and Resene Concrete Wax, resene.co.nz. OTHER ITEMS, FROM TOP LEFT A Series of Failures, POA, malloryallen.com. Lady Yearling boots, $754, rmwilliams.com.au. Wooden Sphere object by Kristina Dam Studio, $288, tessuti.co.nz. Vase, POA, instagram.com/alice.lines. Foliage, POA, isadia.co.nz. Wednesday coat, $699, juliettehogan.com. Rafah cushion by Missoni, $415, tessuti.com. Moss Stitch scarf, $199, juliettehogan.com.
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RESENE —— Paint trends
How to… -
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Create this tile effect on your floor using Resene Walk-on tinted to your chosen colours. Paint the entire floor with two coats of your ‘grout’ colour (we used Resene Swirl), leave to dry, then use painter’s tape to mask a grid pattern over the top. Paint the entire floor with two coats of your ‘tile’ colour (we used Resene Espresso), then when dry remove the tape before applying Resene Concrete Wax for added protection. Craft a circular clay hook like these by using a cookie cutter or bowl to make two 1cm-thick discs of air-dry clay, one larger and one smaller. Dampen the underside of the smaller disc to stick it on top of the larger circle before drying overnight. Soften more clay in your hands, then add to your joined discs to smooth away the step between the larger and smaller rounds, embracing the imperfections. Leave to dry overnight again, then mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda into a testpot of Resene Sambuca and apply two coats. When dry, attach to the wall with a removable hook.
Resene Almond Frost
Resene Swirl
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Resene Half Joss
Resene Espresso
TIMELESS STYLE MEETS ME TIME.
TALK TO THE MATCHMAKERS. In an always-on world, it’s important to take time to switch off. So make a date to chat to our bathroom matchmakers. You’ll find that creating your own happy place is surprisingly relaxing. plumbingworld.co.nz
THE WHOLE SPECTRUM Not that this is a therapy session, but how do you feel about colour? Writer and convert Rosie Dawson-Hewes offers ideas for using it — or not.
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Image: The Togo print by Hanna Peterson for the Poster Club, from $95, paperplanestore.com
STYLE —— Opinion
Opinion —— STYLE
What makes good art good is that you love it. The same can be said for your home. There’s no good or bad colour.
It started with a teal couch. I fell in love with it and convinced my husband it should find a home in our predominantly beige rental. That couch, although long gone, was the beginning of something bigger. We were living in Mt Maunganui, in our seventh beige rental in as many years. We’d both spent more than a decade surrounded by various shades of tea. Now, I’m not knocking tea — in the right setting it can be a lovely warm neutral, the perfect palate cleanser. But when that bold-coloured couch arrived in our living room, we realised that the neutrals we’d lived with were just… not us. Not long after the couch, we were superprivileged to buy our first home, and discovered that one of the easiest ways to make a room look and feel completely different was to paint colour over the half-brewed-tea walls. I painted our bedroom navy and found I didn’t mind spending a day sick in bed when I was embraced by such a warm, soothing hue. That deep blue made me feel, well, less blue. But how did we, complete novices, pick the right colour? It’s kind of funny. We’ve always been collectors — our house is full of all sorts of trinkets and mementoes, physical manifestations of hobbies and memories, including Lego. So, standing in front of that huge wall of paint cards feeling more than a little overwhelmed, we had a trick up our sleeve. Or, more accurately, a brick in our pocket. We figured Lego probably has a whole team of experts selecting their colours, so we picked one of our favourite models and matched our bedroom wall to it. Now, years later, our colourful home is
part of who we are. We bought it because it was originally used by a Rudolf Steiner doctor for colour therapy in the 1920s. Ironically, it was white when we moved in, but we’ve embraced its history and only one white room remains — for now. You don’t need a colour-therapy house or Lego — that’s our story. But if you do want to try colour, just try it. There’s no need to go full maximalist, with patternclashing brights. It’s not an all-or-nothing relationship. Start simple or subtle; choose one thing — a favourite book cover, a piece of art, a weird ceramic object you picked up at an op shop. Your colour could be in the form of a rug, a cushion or a bedspread, or you could paint just one wall or one room (renters, you can do this too now, with your landlord’s permission). Just pick a colour you love and start. Then pick another. Or don’t. It’s up to you. A dear friend and I always joke about our polar-opposite houses. Hers is painted all white and mine is all colour, but neither is right or wrong. Her house tells her story in the same way that mine tells ours. So if you feel colour calling you, be brave. You might love it. And if it’s not your jam, that’s okay too. I saw a quote recently that said something along the lines of, “What makes good art good is that you love it.” The same can be said for your home. There’s no good or bad colour. Your home is your retreat, your source of joy and inspiration. It tells your story. So it actually doesn’t matter what’s in it — colour or not, the latest trends or things you’ve had for decades. As long as you love it. homest yle 43
BOCONCEPT —— Current mood
Circles of life
Beauty comes in all shapes and forms, and this one can really make your days.
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ST YLIN G
PH OTO G R APHY
Juliet te Want y
James K Lowe
Styling assistant: Isabel Buckley
Current mood —— BOCONCEPT
Love, unity, harmony, protection… Circles are said to symbolise so much — and judging by this space, we can add rest and relaxation to the list. Rounded shapes are also just lovely to look at, especially in a living room, where comfort is a top priority. This lounge setting embraces the softness of curves in the form of essentials like the coffee table and pendant light, in accessories such as the vases and storage containers, and in the R&R focal point: the Indivi sofa by BoConcept, which has a new round resting unit that gives you gloriously ample space on which to curl up or laze around. Warm, tonal shades subtly colour this room where a gentle grey is the hero hue, teamed with sandy highlights and the odd hint of noir for depth. All it needs is for you to pour yourself a cuppa, slide a book off the shelf, take a seat and live it up. boconcept.co.nz
OPPOSITE, FROM LEFT Simple rug, $2619; Bordeaux console table, $919; Ribbon vase, $329; Smoke vase, $125; Harlekin vase, $139, boconcept.co.nz. Fine Sand linen fabric (used as curtain), $52/m, marthas.co.nz. Aerial pendant, $1069; Madrid coffee table, $2169; Basin bowl, $299; Indivi sofa with round resting unit, $11,490; Linen cushion, $99; Velvet Rough cushion, $149; Hana No Ma I artwork, $1319, boconcept.co.nz. Containers, flowers and books stylist’s own. ADDITIONAL ITEM ABOVE Velvet cushion, $119, boconcept.co.nz.
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PEOPLE
People 48
Artist profile
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Design profile
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Maker profile
In the interview overleaf, visual artist Andrea Bolima tells us all sorts of interesting things, like why movement is a feature of her paintings — and she has an invitation for you.
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INTERVIE W Alice Lines
EMERGING TALENT ANDREA BOLIMA IS OPEN TO POSSIBILITY, WHICH SUBTLY SHOWS IN HER WORK. PH OTO G R APHY L arnie Nicolson
Artist profile —— PEOPLE
ABOVE Andrea’s studio is handily located in the garage of the home she shares with her father. Pictured on the top shelf are Through the Forest in Purple (left), Thyme and Thyme Again (middle) and Stormy Blue (far right). The works on the floor are all in progress. “ Lately, I’m informed by my dad’s garden when it comes to naming my paintings,” says Andrea. “But it’s mostly about how colour performs in nature, like the way leaves change.”
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PEOPLE —— Artist profile
BELOW LEFT Andrea often transports paintings from the studio to hang in her dining room. “I make very important decisions about them while eating very important meals,” she says. BELOW RIGHT Sometimes if she hasn’t achieved something with one painting, she’ll try to do so with the next, which means all of her works are kind of connected to each other, even if they look different.
Philippines-born, Auckland-based visual artist Andrea Bolima’s explorations of colour and form tell the story of how things move and don’t move, the varying degrees of tone, control and spontaneity showing their flow and suspension. Right now, she’s preparing for an exhibition that will showcase her recent journey from art school to art world. We’re captivated by your colour palettes, Andrea. What draws you to the hues you use? I went through a black-andwhite phase a couple of years ago, so I could focus on the transition between light and dark. This led to the palette
I’m working with now, where the colours are slightly subdued and seem to come from a grey area. Because of that, I’m drawn to colours that are mostly toned down, and occasionally use sharper tones for contrast. What’s your creative process in the studio? I enjoy starting from scratch, so I begin by stretching my own canvas then priming it with gesso. It’s a ritual, like making coffee in the morning. I then start layering oil paint onto the canvas and react intuitively to what happens as I paint. I often have a vague idea of how I want something to look, but it’s never a fixed vision. This is to
keep things open and allow for possibilities. You never know, I might invent a new colour or something! What materials do you like to use? At the moment, I like using oil on canvas. The slightly rough texture of the canvas gives me enough control to make any kind of gestural marks. Materiality is important in my practice. The slowdrying feature of oil paint keeps things open and approachable. What led you down the path to the art practice you have today? I’ve always had an inclination towards communicating things visually. >
Artist profile —— PEOPLE
“I enjoy starting from scratch, so I begin by stretching my own canvas. It’s a ritual, like making coffee in the morning.”
GO WITH THE FLOW “I find myself constantly inspired by everything around me, but that doesn’t always translate into a painting,” says Andrea. “Sometimes I express feelings of inspiration through food, clothes or music.” She might find herself in the zone day or night, but usually paints while listening to music, and any genre will do: “I just press shuffle and off I go.”
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PEOPLE —— Artist profile
BELOW LEFT Titled Bluey One, This One, this painting was selected as one of the finalists for this year’s Molly Morpeth Canaday Award. BELOW RIGHT When Andrea hits a creative block, she stops and does something else for a while, like having a shower or watching a movie. “Art’s about making the intangible tangible,” she says. “If I can’t see or sense something, I take a break and start again.”
Painting stuck with me because it gives me the middle ground between chaos and control, light and dark, and allows me to make something with my hands. You completed a Master of Visual Arts at AUT last year — what are your thoughts on making art in these Covid-y times? The world being put on hold definitely gave me a lot of time to paint, and that level of attention it wouldn’t otherwise get made me really focus on my practice. I feel both comfort and discomfort during these times. It’s nice to be able to paint but also unsettling because you can never tell what’s going to happen in the future, and this can be reflected
in my paintings, where forms may seem grounded but at the same time have a strong sense of movement. What gets you in the mood to paint? With the projects I’m working on at the moment, the act of painting becomes less about what gets me in the mood and more about allowing for moods and forms of expression to take place. I don’t sit around waiting for ideas to come to me — I just go to the studio and work with what I have. The pondering comes afterwards. What would your dream project be? Lately I’ve been working with kids
who have special needs and helping with their transition into the working world through art. I’m very grateful for all the opportunities I’ve received so far and this is my way of giving back to the community. Working with them is so rewarding, and it’s also taught me a lot about myself. My dream project would be to be able to do more of this. What else is on the horizon for you? My first solo exhibition is on at Föenander Galleries in Mt Eden from June 3 to 23 and I’m really excited about it. Everyone is more than welcome to see it, so please come along! @andrea.bolima; @foenander_galleries
YOUR DESTINATION FOR CLADDING Rhnk \eZ]]bg` bl paZm ]^Ûg^l rhnk ahf^' Bm l Zg important blend of aesthetic and function. We have a comprehensive range of cladding to \ahhl^ _khf' PaZm^o^k rhn k^ Z_m^k Z \eZllb\ ehhd% Z le^^d fh]^kg lmre^% ehp fZbgm^gZg\^ Zg] aZk]&p^Zkbg`% hk Z lmZm^f^gm ib^\^ _hk rhnk ^gmkZg\^ p^ aZo^ lhf^mabg` _hk ^o^krhg^'
Get inspired! inspir Check out our latest Cladding Catalogue placemakers.co.nz/cladding-catalogue
INTERVIE W Alice Lines
FROM CRAFTING PIECES IN HIS GARAGE TO THE HELM OF KILLER BRAND DEADLY PONIES, LIAM BOWDEN’S COME A LONG WAY. PH OTO G R APHY Scot t H ardy
TAKING CARE “Reflecting on the past 15 years, I feel proud to have created a business that has integrity around the product we make and the footprint we leave behind,” says Liam, seen here in Deadly Ponies’ Eden Terrace studio. “In the future, that’ll become even more important, and we’ll focus even more on the care we put into our product and the impact that has on people and the planet.”
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SENSING A PATTERN Deadly Ponies’ colours and patterns are often pleasingly unexpected, and Liam says their selection is predominately about the inspiration for each season and what works within a collection. “We also consider what colour a true Deadly Ponies collector would want in their wardrobe, then try to ensure we offer something muted and something bolder, to cater to all tastes.”
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Design profile —— PEOPLE
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A natural-born creative, Liam Bowden of luxury leathergoods brand Deadly Ponies has a real love of making things, seeing finished products, and every other part of the process for that matter. A fresh idea is seeded every day at the Auckland studio he runs with his husband/business partner Steven Boyd — and he revels in it.
There’s a lot going on in the studio… We have the full suite of outputs happening here, beginning with design and material development and extending all the way through to marketing, photo shoots, sales and distribution. We’ve worked hard to create a collaborative setting, so we can easily share ideas and have a sense of family in everything we do.
chairs. This idea of exaggeration set the tone for inflated chains and straps on some of our most iconic designs, turning them into supersized pieces to be worn with the rest of the collection.
Liam, what stories do you want to tell through your work? For me, it’s multilayered. The first layer is exciting our customers by bringing creators, designers or influencers to their attention; I hope to highlight someone or something that might spark creativity or light within them, encouraging a shared community. The second layer is the idea of lust for something they’ll cherish forever, and the third layer is giving them a feeling of pride to own a piece from a brand that has an ethos of integrity and sustainability.
What informs the aesthetic of each new collection? We’re constantly working on material innovations with new and existing suppliers, so a lot of the time our development is material- and colour-based, which evokes a mood or feeling for the collection. We also have an ongoing aesthetic that forms a wider story around the look of our products; we want them to feel timeless. For our latest collection, Fall Winter ’21 Part III, we took inspiration from furniture designer Gaetano Pesce and his voluminous, balloon-like Feltri
Is this where you find inspiration for styling your beautiful campaigns? As a starting point, I often look to the world of art and sculpture, such as how an ancient vase or an antique rug might be displayed in a gallery or shop. From there, we’ll craft a concept, creating a world around our bags so they seem less like handbags and more like precious collector’s objects.
What books are on your bedside table? Picasso & Paper by the Royal Academy of Arts and Karl Lagerfeld’s Villa Noailles.
Given your penchant for art and antiques, are you a collector too? I love collecting and can definitely become obsessive >
PEOPLE —— Design profile
“All of our items are handmade, so people can have a truly unique piece of the Deadly Ponies story for themselves.”
about certain styles and items. I have a long wishlist that’s constantly being added to with art, clothes or books. Previously, it was Gouda pottery, which has now found its home in our Britomart store. At the moment, I’m collecting volcanic rocks and stones. As someone who appreciates the natural world, how are you tackling Deadly Ponies’ environmental responsibilities? The accomplishment I’m most proud of was setting up our own eco-atelier two years ago in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It’s been a massive step forward in
achieving our sustainability goals and having real transparency and control around our supply chain and manufacturing. We’ve also recently established a sustainability committee at DP HQ, to spearhead our goals and so we can be constantly on the lookout for innovations in the industry. Right now, our focus is on becoming carbon neutral, publishing our first transparency report and achieving B-Corp and Zero Waste certification by 2022 — so watch this space! deadlyponies.com
INNER WORKINGS Outside of the nine to five, Liam’s likely to be found home-renovating with Steve. Their refined eye for interiors shows in the fit-outs of their stores and studio/HQ too, which they’ve decorated with functional local finds and antique furniture picked up on their travels. “I like to reuse and repurpose, so we also include pieces from previous pop-up stores and retail environments,” says Liam. “In this large, industrial space, we’ve opted for wood and sisal for a feeling of warmth. I’m drawn to materials that have a sense of craft.”
INTERVIE W Alice Lines
LOU ASHFORD OF SNICK MAKES UPHOLSTERY COOL AND HER SEATING IS PRETTY DAMN SNAZZY. PH OTO G R APHY Frances C ar ter
Maker profile —— PEOPLE
ON THE JOB This is Lou in her workshop at Goldsworthy Studio at an industrial walking-foot sewing machine; behind her are a twin-needle sewing machine and an overlocker. She says her industry is male-dominated and she once missed out on a role because the employer didn’t think a woman could be physically strong enough for it. “We need to keep supporting women and gender-diverse people into these industries, which is why the Tradespeople directory is so important. I’m so grateful to be listed with such capable and talented people.”
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PEOPLE —— Maker profile
TOOL TIME Here, Lou’s cutting out foam for a bespoke chair. Her Bosch foam cutter is her favourite tool. “It was my biggest expense when I started Snick and it felt like a real accomplishment when I bought it,” she says. “We share our tools in the studio, which means I have access to hand tools, drills and saws. I love working with power tools — it’s a fun and satisfying way to make real, tangible things.”
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As a child growing up in Mangawhai, Lou Ashford used to plead with her parents for clothing that she’d usually cut up and sew into something else. No one was surprised, then, when she moved to Wellington to complete a Bachelor of Design at Massey University, majoring in fashion. A stint in the US ensued and now she lives in Auckland, where she runs her own upholstery business, Snick, and is also available for hire via Tradespeople’s national directory of women and genderdiverse tradies. So Lou, what led you to this work? University helped me develop some pattern-making and sewing skills, and one day I woke up knowing that upholstery was what I wanted to do. The skills seemed transferable, and I knew I preferred working with thicker fabrics and power tools. I guess I also wanted a job that felt more ‘behind the scenes’. It made sense to me. My brother-in-law connected me with a marine trimmer, and so I ended up working for a great company called Interiors & Coverings, doing upholstery, covers, clears and carpet for boats. And how did Snick come about? Snick began in February 2019, three months after my brother, Terry, passed away. He was one of the kindest, most creative and gentle humans I’ve ever known. That absolute loss reframed everything for me, highlighting both the limited time we have and how it’s up to us to change our circumstances to get what we want out of life.
The definition of ‘snick’ is to make a little cut. I thought it sounded fun.
upholstering or battling the admin side of things.
What exactly do you do? The job is really project-dependant; I feel lucky that it’s very diverse. It’s fun to see large-scale projects come together, like commercial ones, where I work alongside interior designers and construction teams on hospitality and retail fit-outs and custom pieces for homes. Otherwise, I work directly with customers. I do a lot of squabs and window seats, and also speciality designer furniture that may take a bit of problem-solving and complex pattern-making. My last big job was the leather interior and curved, red outdoor seating at [Auckland eatery] Azabu Mission Bay. More recently, I’ve been reupholstering some interesting pieces for [vintage furniture and homeware store] Babelogue on Auckland’s Karangahape Road.
What part of the process do you enjoy the most — starting or finishing? There are things I like about every step in the process. I definitely start projects optimistically, and I also love being challenged. Of course, it’s easier to say that once I’m on the other side of it.
Do you work alone or with a team? I currently work solo, but I’d like to build a Snick team in the future. I work in a shared workspace on Cross Street [in the inner city] with some incredible industrial designers, and I love the company and being able to bounce ideas and concerns off each other. What’s a regular workday like for you? Always coffee first, then I jump into whatever project is highest on the priority list. Every project is different and I usually have a few on the go at once. That means I could be patternmaking, cutting fabric, sewing,
Do you rely on any everyday routines to sweeten the deal? I have lunch in Myers Park with a friend almost every day. It’s a great way to break up the day and soak up a little sunshine. What fabrics/textures/colours are you jazzed about? I’m loving really rich, extra-thick and textural fabrics right now, and deep, earthy oranges and dark green colours. I’m getting into fabrics that are reminiscent of the ’70s, but I’m also loving soft pinks and butter yellow, and creating shapes that feel really ’80s. I’m putting this out there for anyone working on a new build: I really want to make a conversation pit! These sunken living rooms — built-in seating that’s lower than floor level — were popular in the ’60s and ’70s but are thought to have first been designed in the 1920s. Where do you find inspiration? My partner and I have been watching a lot of films made in the ’80s and I’m always pointing out shapes and colours I love. I’m often inspired just by seeing combinations of colours together out in the world. There’s magic everywhere. snicknz.com; tradespeople.co
“That reframed everything, highlighting both the limited time we have and how it’s up to us to change our circumstances to get what we want out of life.”
PEOPLE —— Maker profile
THIS IS THE LIFE “I love my job, but work-life balance is something I’m always working on,” says Lou. “It’s hard to keep on top of everything and it can be a bit like spinning plates, so I learn from the people around me. Outside work, I like to have dinner with friends, get out in nature, go to yoga, and bake gluten-free and vegan treats.”
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Ercol ‘Originals’ Collection by Lucian Ercolani
Designer Furniture, Lighting and Objects
15 Williamson Ave Ponsonby, Auckland goodform.co.nz
AUCKLAND | WELLINGTON | CHRISTCHURCH
HOMES
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Hall order
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Nothing else matters
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Major details
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Just you wait
Turn to page 112 to see more of this joyful apartment expertly styled by interior designer Jono Fleming. Filled with art and plants and just enough bits and bobs, it’s evolved little by little into something that truly reflects his taste.
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HOMES
Getting what they wished for has so far been an extensive but superrewarding process for this couple.
Hall order
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PH OTO G R APHY
Alice Lines
Dunc an Innes
HOMES
B ABOVE Letters preserved on the front and side of the hall reference its previous owners. OPPOSITE The front door ushers you into the lofty living zone in the hall proper, where oversized paper lightshades from Wah Lee are a practical way to fill the volume of the space. “They might be trending, but these lanterns are perfect here, as the ceiling is almost 6m high,” says Jess. Laid in a herringbone pattern underfoot, the Moda Capri planks from Forté Flooring were an early selection made in response to the soft terracotta hues of the hall’s original bricks. The dining table is a family heirloom, the chairs were bought secondhand and the bar stools were customised by Jess with new upholstery.
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ehind the façade of a landmark hall in Auckland’s Ponsonby, a very different kind of life takes place than what was originally intended for the stately building. Built in 1907 and having previously been owned by two private societies (the International Order of Odd Fellows, then the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes), when Jess Britten and her husband Warren Durling came across it, it was not as commanding as it had once been. In fact, the whole place was in a state of disrepair. “We’d been looking for a property for a while — almost anything, anywhere in Auckland,” says Jess. “Warren stumbled across this on Trade Me, and although a heritage hall is not something that would usually capture this accountant-by-trade’s imagination, he was curious about it, so we headed along to the open home, and totally fell for the idea of bringing it back to life. It was not what we thought we’d buy, but we put in an offer, and the rest is history.”
Signing on the dotted line was only the first of many steps the couple have taken to transform the dilapidated hall into a family home. “When we took ownership, the whole place was at a breaking point,” says Jess. “We were lucky and unlucky that it had never been renovated.” Jess and Warren cracked on with the repairs themselves, working nights and weekends to create a liveable space for themselves. However, they were determined to restore the building sensitively, and as they began to realise that every decision they made was reliant on how robust their overall plans were, they figured the best money they could spend was on an architect. Engaging Dorrington Atcheson Architects, they worked alongside Sam Atcheson to hone their vision for a two-stage renovation that would allow them the time and money to do things right. “We knew what the building was capable of and how we could honour its provenance, and we also knew that we didn’t have the resources to do it straight away,” says Jess. “We didn’t want to live in a crusty >
HOMES
THE PROJECT With Dorrington Atcheson Architects, mum Jess Britten and her husband Warren Durling (who’s COO at Dovetail) renovated this four-bedroom hall in Auckland’s Ponsonby for themselves and their daughter Stevie (2).
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LEFT Surrounded by oak timber left over from the flooring, the kitchen island’s brass kickplate is made from another salvaged material; scored from a local bar, it would otherwise have been dumped. The artwork on the wall here is by Michael Smither. BELOW Treasures are arranged in the dining space on Radial shelving from Città. “We’d like our lives to be quite lean in terms of the amount of stuff we have, so although this is an enormous house, we’re always culling,” says Jess. “We want to have only what we really love and need.”
old building, though, especially once our daughter Stevie came along, so we needed to make it a bit safer.” Stage one of the rebuild started with a major structural upgrade, for which the team were joined by Intact Construction. In the front half of the building, new foundations and roofing were required before the existing kitchen and bathroom could be replaced with two guest bedrooms and ensuites downstairs. Upstairs, a generous sleep space for Jess, Warren and Stevie now takes advantage of the hall’s north-facing aspect to form a light and airy sanctuary that they can enjoy at any time of the day. The bath up here has become a favourite hangout spot too. The double-height open-plan area of the hall proper downstairs was also given lots of TLC. New herringbone flooring, painted 72 homest yle
walls and a series of smaller rooms housing an office, laundry and storage space came together in neutral, tonal textures to create a relaxed living zone where the family can now spend time comfortably without worrying too much about stage two of their renovation, which will see their grand plan fully realised. The heritage building exudes character, and reflecting this in the updated material and colour palettes was the cornerstone of the couple’s process. “I knew I wanted to inject minimal colour but lots of texture and took to carrying around a bag full of samples wherever I went to piece it all together,” says Jess. “It was a real jigsaw — I loved it.” With the major chunk of the budget allocated to structural work, Jess was resourceful in terms of how she invested in the décor, sourcing secondhand wherever she could. The kitchen cabinetry was bought >
HOMES
KITCHEN The cabinetry in the 25-year-old hand-me-down kitchen was updated with Dulux White Island paint and handles by Fog Linen. The subtle green theme continues with Cinca tiles from Artedomus, while a freestanding Fisher & Paykel cooker makes light work of meals for family and friends.
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LIVING The addition of crisp, fresh white Dulux Ōkārito in the living space makes up for the lack of natural light. Also on the wall is a painting by Carmel Van Der Hoeven of George Sand Studio, which the couple commissioned. Curtains in Cavalier fabric from James Dunlop Textiles cascade from ceiling to floor, cushions from Città are dotted across a secondhand BoConcept sofa, and a custom rug by Nodi on the floor delineates this zone from the rest of the room. The coffee table was an upcycling project, and the vintage chair and ottoman were reupholstered in Fabio fabric from Warwick. The floor lamp in the far corner was handmade by Warren’s talented late mum, Yvonne; it’s recently been updated with a pleated shade.
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RIGHT The couple reupholstered this Freeform sofa and ottoman by Isamu Noguchi with Bespoke textured velvet by Catherine Martin for Mokum from James Dunlop Textiles. BELOW This scene includes an ink drawing by Dominique Marriott on the wall, and on the heirloom half-moon table, a vase Jess made at a workshop run by designer Phil Cuttance sits alongside a Night Owl table lamp by Fritz Hansen from Nordic Nest, a print by Carlo Zinelli and a candleholder by Boo Ceramics.
off her godparents in Northland, some sheets of brass were picked up from the demolition of a downtown bar, and furniture found on Trade Me was reinvented with some savvy DIY. Such smart workarounds meant the pair could save where they needed to in order to splurge on the more fundamental fittings and finishes. Selecting products for their timeless attributes, Jess (who has been documenting their renovation journey on Instagram at @hallweneed) says, “Once I started bringing our materials together, I stayed away from social media. It was a very conscious uncoupling, because it became important to distance myself from what other people were doing and find my own voice. Unlike at the beginning of the project, when I was sending poor Sam a Pinterest board every day, I stopped wanting to look online because I felt like that phase of my inspiration had ended. The next part was just about how I felt when
I looked at products together in real life. I think if you embrace that evolution and let go of the fear of doing something wrong, you’re more likely to enjoy the process and actually create something interesting that you love.” Now that they’ve settled in, she says, “Having this place as a base is such a privilege. My mum comes up to stay from Christchurch, Warren’s dad is often over from Great Barrier Island and we’ve currently got Warren’s brother living with us. Our neighbours are always dropping by too, and it’s so satisfying to share this space with our community.” Jess and Warren are keen to see stage two through to completion down the track. After four years on the tools to get to where they are today, though, they’re happy to measure the next steps in decades. For now, they have all they need. To find out more about Jess and Warren’s colour and material choices, flip to page 126. homest yle 75
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Upstairs, the generous sleep space is a sanctuary they can enjoy at any time of day.
LEFT “I find myself wandering around thinking how completely mind-blowing the new spaces are, because they’re so different to what was here before,” says Jess. This part-wall in the redesigned upstairs bedroom has been given a textural plaster finish by Zane Pilkington of Pilkington Interiors, Dave Owens of HBC Joinery made the built-in oak wardrobes behind it and the wool carpet was custom-made by Nodi. A plinth by homestyle Editions functions as a bedside table — on it is a JWDA lamp by Menu.
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MAIN BEDROOM Pillowcases by Penny & Bennett and linen from Wallace Cotton dress the bed, another Trade Me score that was sanded back from black paint to natural wood. Kyoto linen curtains from James Dunlop Textiles filter the abundant sunlight that streams in through the sash windows. The Mary Arch mirror, large vessel and Hendrix chair are all from McMullin & Co, and the Ollie pendant light is from Mr Ralph.
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ENSUITE In the bathroom off the main bedroom, Buddy mixers by Progetto from Plumbline and Acacia basins by Tomorrow’s Concrete join with a vanity custom-made by Dave Owens of HBC Joinery with a Biello marble top from Artedomus. Three types of tiles play well here: Seta Ghiaccio mosaics for the splashback, Blanco tiles on the walls and Tundra tiles for the crazy paving, all from Artedomus. The ceramic toothbrush caddy is by the couple’s friend Misma Anaru.
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STEVIE’S SPACE This solid kauri ceiling is completely original and was removed, restored, then reinstated, and the walls in all the bedrooms were revitalised with Dulux Haast Half. Milk bottle sculptures by Simon Lewis Ward are a fun accent above Stevie’s bed (with pillowcases from Città and linen by Domani from Farmers), and beside it are a homemade pōhutukawa-stump table (left) and Jamie Suar table from A&C Homestore, with an antique lamp purchased on Trade Me.
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“Having this place is such a privilege and it’s so satisfying to share it with our community.”
GUEST ROOM This downstairs sleep space introduces earthy green hues in a cushion from Città and a rug from Nodi. Next to the bed is one of three sconces made by Jess’s late father, John Britten — a fortuitous find on Facebook. “The only reason I found them was because I was tagged in a social media post by someone who recognised them from my sister’s place,” says Jess. “It’s incredible that they would find their way into our home. When I look at them, I think about him making them with his own hands long before I was born.”
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THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE, TOP Designed by Jess and manufactured by Eden Stone using reclaimed crushed quartz, marble and stone, this basin informed the mood for this guest ensuite. On the wall, Cinca tiles from Artedomus continue the green theme, and a mirror from Harvey Norman adds another organic form to the mix. The Buddy tapware is by Progetto from Plumbline and the soap dish is by Misma Anaru. Behind reeded glass from Crest Showers, the shower is an Arena column by Nicolazzi from Plumbline, surrounded by limestone Pistachio tiles from Artedomus.
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GUEST ROOM Against the original brick wall, curtains in Kyoto linen from James Dunlop Textiles lend a gentle warmth to this guest bedroom dubbed “Grandma’s room” by Stevie. Shedding light on the Lato LN8 side table by &tradition from Cult and vintage chair is a lamp by RaraForma. The rug is another custom creation by Nodi.
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GUEST ENSUITE Jess allowed herself to be experimental in all of the bathrooms, to give them each a distinct look. Here, she opted for unfilled, bead-blasted travertine wall tiles, plus white finger tiles in the shower, both from Artedomus. A Coral light by Søktas hangs beside a Pond mirror by Ferm Living from Slow. Feeding into the carved basin from StoneBase is another Buddy mixer, and the shower is another Arena column by Nicolazzi, both from Plumbline.
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What’s important to this family is how their home makes them feel.
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THE PROJECT Experience designer Fiona Clarke and her business-owner husband Michael McLean renovated this three-bedroom home in Auckland’s Kingsland for themselves and their children Violette (5) and Evie (2).
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ppealing to the senses when designing a home can only reward you. It’s as simple as the smooth feel of a surface, the way tiles catch the light or how a dark, sumptuous room cocoons and soothes. By designing a home that’s more than just visually inspiring, we nurture the soul, reaffirming our dwellings as places in which to recharge. This couldn’t be more accurate for Fiona Clarke in her home in Kingsland, Auckland, which she and her husband Michael McLean bought in 2016. “Michael always talks about how the world can throw what it wants at us, but our house is our sanctuary — everything within it is about that,” she says. The couple had previously been living in a 1910 villa at the bottom of the hill a few streets away. Rainy nights would see them lying awake, hoping for no water damage. Knowing they didn’t want to stay there forever, Fiona spotted a house for sale — a villa built in 1905, but this time at the top of the hill on a flat section. They viewed it on a Thursday and won the auction on the Saturday. After living in the “almost unliveable” house for four years, they were financially ready to renovate. Fiona, an experience designer, and business-owner Michael called on friend and interior designer Jessica White of Room By Room to draw up >
ABOVE Decorated with a gifted vase (left) and another by Rynne Tanton, plus a vintage brush from Junk & Disorderly, an ex-Post Office drawer unit hangs in the spacious hallway below a mirror from Shut the Front Door and some hats-turned-art. Resene Half Rice Cake has been used on the walls and skirtings throughout the house.
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some plans. They then turned to another friend, builder Glynn Hogg, to bring her ideas to life. Beyond the villa’s modest frontage, there’s a hallway with a 3.10m stud height that exudes grandeur. The team kept three of the existing bedrooms where they were and turned the fourth into a living area, removing a wall to link it with the kitchen and a play nook for the couple’s daughters, Violette and Evie. The bathroom was relocated and an ensuite created. While she was deciding on the look for the interior, Fiona was working on mood boards for a client. “One summed up my old aesthetic: bright and clashing. But with children, you end up with so many bright toys and clothes, so the other mood board, which was more pared back, was what appealed. I used to want my home to be energetic; now we need it to be calm. My job is to understand how people live, what motivates them, what their struggles are and where we can design new ways, and here it was about how to make the house easy to live in, enjoyable and not over-designed. It was about how this space works for us.” To that end, the kitchen was placed in the most extensive space in the house. “We’re in there more than we are anywhere else in our home,” says Fiona. > 88 homest yle
ABOVE The hallway is one of Fiona’s favourite zones. “Although this is a humble house and the way we’ve finished it is humble, there’s something about the space in here,” she says. “Friends have suggested taking a foot off it to add onto the bedrooms since it’s so huge, but the hallway makes the house.” The lighting here includes a pendant that was already installed when the family moved in, which they matched with a wall lamp by Made.
“The world can throw what it wants at us, but our house is our sanctuary.”
DINING Positioned for easy access to the barbecue on the deck, a Radial bench and table by Città are teamed with No. 18 bentwood chairs by Thonet and lit by a Dimmable light by Valentas Wood. “We purposely don’t have anything too shiny in here or in the rest of the house,” says Fiona. “We wanted our home to be pared back and calm, so there aren’t any hard, reflective surfaces and there’s no reflective glass — even the hallway mirror has a pink tint.”
KITCHEN Inspired by old houses they’d seen on a trip to Argentina, the couple used a thin slice of Corian in Witch Hazel for the kitchen benchtops. “When we renovated, it was fashionable to have a thick, marble-look slab, which I didn’t like,” says Fiona. “When I asked for a 1cm-thick surface, nobody believed it’d look good, but I think it looks perfect.” They coordinated the plywood, walnut and veneer cabinetry by Opus Libero (with the visible joints Fiona requested to celebrate their craftsmanship) with Radial bar stools from Città.
LIVING Resene Atomic cloaks the walls in this space mostly reserved for grown-ups, while Lawrence chairs from A&C Homestore, a Humla coffee table by Hans Bølling from Bauhaus and a sofa from Freedom congregate on a rug that used to live in Fiona’s grandmother’s house in Wales. “I love that it hasn’t faded in the middle where her dining table stood,” says Fiona. The neon sign was made for the couple’s wedding by Custom Neon and the Ledlux Massimo table lamp is from Lighting Direct.
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The kitchen flows through the girls’ nook to the “grownups’ lounge”, with its walls drenched in a dark grey-blue. “The children don’t tend to use this space,” says Fiona. “At night, it’s easy for Michael and I to shut the doors, hide the mess away and pull the screen down to watch movies.” The bathrooms are fitted with brass tapware that will develop a patina over time, and rounded sinks that are velvety to the touch. “It comes back to everything in the house feeling nice,” says Fiona. “It’s the same with the wall tiles — they’re matte, and we like the uniformity of their square grid.” Among the home’s most celebrated new features is the deep, curved, limestone-resin bath that sits beneath the main bathroom’s pink ceiling. “I like to come in here in the evening and light candles, which makes the room glow pink,” says Fiona. “It’s heavenly — like being in a spa.” Michael’s more likely to be found on the covered deck, stoking up the woodfired barbecue, a key part of his vision for the home. “He cooks out there a lot,” says Fiona. “After dinner, the girls toast marshmallows and we sit and chat. There’s something about fire and water — they take you back to what’s important.”
ABOVE A Two-Armed light from Mr Ralph perches above photographs by Gaston Tomasetig and an Aspen sofa from Nood in the children’s play area. “We wouldn’t have removed a wall to open up the kitchen into the lounge if it weren’t for our interior designer Jessica White — we just didn’t think of it,” says Fiona. “This nook in between them is a way of using what would otherwise have been disused space.” A rug from Bunnings provides some extra padding on the original kauri floor.
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ABOVE & BELOW LEFT The main bedroom and ensuite exude a gentle luxury. The Buddy tapware is by Progetto from Plumbline, the basin by Toka Boutique is from Stonebaths, the white tiles are from Tile Warehouse and the Ecostone Amsterdam tiles are from Tile Space. BELOW RIGHT Some of the special finds in the girls’ room include the artwork from The Poi Room above their mantelpiece, their bunks from Made From Wood and their vintage Axminster carpet, which Fiona added to cart on Trade Me.
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“I like to come in here in the evening and light candles, which makes the room glow pink.”
MAIN BATHROOM In this room judiciously decorated with only the essentials, including a Vetro wall light by Made, a Vivienne bath by Toka Boutique from Stonebaths is positioned beneath a pink ceiling in a custom Dulux colour amid walls in Resene Half Black White. “I love wooden houses, but they can be a bit echoey,” says Fiona. “We wanted to bring in some weight to make the bathroom feel solid, and these Ecostone Oslo tiles from Tile Space were a good way to do that.”
EXTERIOR Michael’s dream barbecue by Flare is complemented on the covered deck by Zaza sofas by King Living, a coffee table from Freedom and a rug from Bunnings. “In the weekends, he does all of our cooking and mostly on the fire,” says Fiona. “I broke the oven once and he cooked on the fire every night!”
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ABOVE Out the back is a sweet little fairy house bought off Trade Me for Violette and Evie. “The backyard is huge,” says Fiona. “There’s enough space to throw a ball for the dog and we hope to eventually put in a pool. I’d also love to extend the vege garden so it’s big enough to feed the family from.”
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The owners of this villa thought they knew what they were getting, but it wasn’t till they moved in that they discovered…
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THE PROJECT With Malcolm Walker Architects and interior designer Karen Kelly of KKID, owners of Kwanto Maria Ross and James White renovated this three-bedroom villa in Auckland’s Sandringham for themselves and their daughter Mackenzie (12).
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ecrets reveal themselves in their own time at this home in Sandringham, Auckland — little quirks in the design that you might only catch a glimpse of when you’re opening a blind, kicking back on a window seat or playing with the dog in the garden. Switch on the indoor/ outdoor sound system concealed within the walls and you’re in for another surprise. “There are so many well-finished details that you can’t take them all in in one gulp,” says homeowner James White. “It’s so cool — I really love that about good design.” Much of the original goodness of this 1920s villa had been stripped out when it was converted into two two-bedroom flats in the ’60s, but James and his wife Maria Ross, who run quantity surveying firm Kwanto, were keen to retain what character they could while putting a spin on it, bypassing the standard villa renovation with the box extension out the back for something more inventive. Kwanto has had a professional relationship with Malcolm Walker Architects for several years, so the pair were excited to bring his creativity to their personal project as part of an A-team that included “true craftsman and hero of the show” Craig Miller of Miller Builders and “frank, pragmatic, talented and wonderful” interior designer Karen Kelly. “Malcolm is a genius when it comes to making spaces > 100 homest yle
THIS PAGE Street-side, the villa remains true to the traditional format, with the front garden raised to provide level access from the footpath and the façade upgraded with details including new double-glazed windows in the existing configuration. The low-maintenance planting of the front and rear gardens by GreensceneNZ placed the focus on natives (among them kōwhai, nīkau, pūriri, ponga and puka) and other plants that will attract the birds and the bees.
EXTERIOR The pergola and decking out the back are two of Maria and James’s favourite features. They were extra chuffed with the picture-frame deck when they took a closer look at its flawless finish.
KITCHEN The kitchen by Cube Dentro offsets the visual complexity of the island’s mare giallo quartzite from Artedomus, the oak veneer cabinetry, and the parquet flooring from Timber Floor Solutions with a simple stainless steel bench, and light grey Antilia tiles from Artedomus. The vases (on the bench and island) and bowl (on the shelf) are by 101 Copenhagen from Frobisher Interiors, the Mesa bowl (on the bench) is from Città, the Untitled 30 artwork is by Grace Badar from Melanie Roger Gallery, the Highline pendant is by Rakumba from ECC and the Harriet bar stools are by David Shaw.
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ABOVE With all those sun-loving windows, double glazing and underfloor heating, the home is as warm as toast; still, the Spartherm wood fireplace is a focal point in the living area that the family loves for the cosy atmosphere it creates. Poured concrete and bagged bricks add textural interest around it, while downlights tucked into the adjacent shelving can be used to accent objects and artwork, including (top shelf) a pair of Kansas vases from Bauhaus (left) and a couple more by 101 Copenhagen from Frobisher Interiors. One of the two Dexter tables by David Shaw also holds a vase by 101 Copenhagen from Frobisher Interiors, while the coloured cushions on the window seat are from Città.
interesting, and having him on board and understanding how we wanted to live allowed him to play with the idea of the villa while flooding the rooms with natural light,” says James. “The key essence of the alteration was to extend the living areas to the eastern boundary to provide open western evening living and access to the rear garden,” says Malcolm. “Replanning within the existing footprint of the villa provided two bedrooms and a bathroom off an entry hall by way of a lobby to the west, and a master bedroom, ensuite, laundry and study to the east. The new extension for the living areas creates a sense of retreat while maintaining connections to the sheltered decking and newly landscaped garden, while all-day sun is provided without loss of privacy by the extensive yet careful use of clerestory windows.” Years of travel taught Maria and James that you don’t need loads of possessions to be happy. They value quality over quantity, and that’s evident in every aspect of this sophisticated abode. “We’re a family of three and don’t have a lot of stuff, so we aimed to avoid ‘space redundancy’ and invest in design, materials, fixtures and fittings so this home will serve our needs for a long time,” says Maria, who along with her husband is highly conscious of the issues around consumption and consumerism. With myriad ideas on the table, they needed interior designer Karen to help keep their décor succinct (and to become an ally for James, who could talk furniture and lighting all day). > homest yle 103
“It’s not really until you’re in a space that you can appreciate what Malcolm was trying to achieve there,” says Maria.
LIVING Initially, the couple thought they’d make a bold statement with paint, but on Karen’s advice, they opted for more neutral choices, including Dulux Haast Half on the walls in the living spaces and Dulux Ōkārito for the ceiling, trims and doors. The triangular window to the south accentuates the gable nature of the home, and the family has discovered that from the outside looking in at night, it looks sculptural, like a star. “You’re welcome, neighbours,” jokes James.
DINING The curtains in Barcelona fabric by Villa Nova from James Dunlop Textiles are a cool, steely blue, but their velvet texture lends them a luxurious warmth. Over the table custom-designed by Karen, with Tangerine chairs by Simon James, are globes by Luke Jacomb of Lukeke Design. The Monk vases are from Bauhaus and the Untitled 29 artwork is by Grace Badar from Melanie Roger Gallery. Untitled Oil Painting I, at Lockdown by Yukari Kaihori from Public Record hangs in the living area beyond, where the sofa is another of Karen’s custom pieces.
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ABOVE “Because of the nature of the build, we avoided anything too trendy,” says Karen. “The feel was actually the number-one consideration. Maria and James are very busy, so I wanted their home to be a restful oasis, but also liveable. For example, they need to be able to drag firewood inside, so the custom rug by Designer Rugs in the living room is 100% wool; although it will inevitably get dirty, it will also clean well and last.” The Cooper chair sitting on it is by Bauhaus, the Ridge vases to the left are by Muuto and the Dexter coffee table in the foreground is by David Shaw.
Her peaceful, minimal palette of natural, textural, hard-wearing materials came together around an amazing slab of stone (which the couple had already chosen for their kitchen benchtop) and is expressed in neutral colours accented with blues and greens, and brass and stainless steel highlights. Dressed in Karen’s expertly resolved finery, the remodelled home is exerting its influence on its inhabitants slowly but surely. “I think you subtly begin to change your behaviours when you’re living in a new house,” says James. “You kind of develop go-to points — like, for me, peacing out on the window seat with my headphones on for an hour in the weekend, or sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee and having Mackenzie come and sit on my knee. To me, that’s just so precious, and what it’s really about. It’s about giving ourselves different spaces in which to enjoy each other’s company, and the longer we’re here, the better we become at exploiting those areas.” Providing just enough spots to share and retreat to, the villa is now a perfectly formed place in which this family can enjoy life and grow together. “With your kitchen, your dining and your living, it is a villa push-out, but Malcolm has done it differently with the nooks and insets and interesting ceilings and hidden doors,” says James. “It’s kind of like waking up in a luxury retreat every morning, but what really spins my wheels are the details. We may never really appreciate it all as a whole package because there are just too many things to take in.” homest yle 107
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“I frequently found myself paring back the palette until the balance was just right,” says Karen.
ABOVE “Generally, our approach is to acknowledge that villas are generous and simple, and we followed that by making all our doors, windows and spaces generous and simply linked,” says Malcolm. “We also allowed the central hallway to continue notionally right through to the back wall. There’s something nice about looking right through a house.” Traditional accents he’s reimagined include the ceiling battens, which aren’t intricate but dressed and lead along the hallway through a frameless glass highlight window past a pivot door and into the dining area. RIGHT Having used wallpaper in their Kwanto office, the couple were keen to incorporate it here (with Curiosa wallpaper by Arte from Unique Fabrics) to make a ‘moment’ of this nook.
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MAIN BATHROOM Both this bathroom and the ensuite are compact, so Karen knew she wanted to use a single stone for the walls and floors, something earthy and dramatic. “I chose azzurro marble from Artedomus, which like the kitchen stone has copper veining and an underlying warmth. ‘You can’t go wrong if you stick with nature’ was my motto.” Enhancing its beauty is Essence tapware by Grohe from Robertson, a vanity by Cube Dentro, a Bari light by Astro Lighting from ECC and a vase by 101 Copenhagen from Frobisher Interiors. The Nought stem holder beside it and the towel on the Barcelona bath by Victoria & Albert from Robertson are from Città.
MAIN BEDROOM Here, Bailey pendant lights by Rakumba from ECC enable a restful wind-down in the evenings. “I love the way the curtains [in Carezza fabric by JAB from Seneca] fall behind the scotia detail, emphasising the bay windows and the height that comes with these grand villa rooms,” says Karen.
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MACKENZIE’S ROOM Karen chose Dulux Narrow Neck Quarter for the walls in all three bedrooms, including this one, where the décor effortlessly ties in with the rest of the house. Now there’s a home office big enough for everyone, the couple have instigated a no-screens policy for the bedrooms, so Mackenzie’s wide window seat is dedicated to device-free reading and relaxing.
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This interior designer let time lead his heart to décor that proves patience is definitely a virtue.
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THE PROJECT Interior designer and stylist Jono Fleming curated this two-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s Waterloo for him and his 3D-renderer partner Ryan McGregor.
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RIGHT Palette by Jono Fleming’s limited-edition artworks come printed on canvas and framed. Hanging in the kitchen is Split Pomegranate by Rachel Stevens, in a vignette formed with a Desert Rose vase by Home Republic from Adairs and a jug by Sit Still Lauren Ceramics. OPPOSITE Jono says the secret to creating a great gallery wall is going slow. “If you want a layered collection of art, don’t rush it. Add artwork to the wall when you find pieces you connect with.” Among the works in the living area (where Jono has trained a devil’s ivy right up to the ceiling) is Sunset Cenotaph by Tym Yee for Palette by Jono Fleming (top left). The seating here is a Kelly chair and Valley sofa by Jardan.
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ono, you’ve been living here for about six years — what’s the backstory? I was looking to buy a place but wasn’t quite ready to tackle a house or a renovation, so I was mainly looking at apartments, but so many of the new builds I saw lacked personality, and they all had very small kitchens. So I started focusing on ‘designer’ apartments, and when I came across this one by SJB in a gorgeous spot in Waterloo, I knew it was a winner and bought the last available apartment off the plan. They’d already started construction, so I took a bit of a gamble and hoped for the best, but knowing SJB, I knew I was in good hands — and I wasn’t wrong!
and I wasn’t keen on having a large, immovable feature in the centre of the living room wall.
Were you able to customise any of the finishes? There were a few options to choose from off the plan, such as the beautiful parquet flooring, which I chose to continue throughout the apartment, including in the bedrooms, for a spacious, seamless feeling. I went with light marble benchtops rather than a darker granite finish, and there was the option for a fireplace, but I didn’t think we needed it in this climate
Curating a meaningful interior takes time though, right? How many looks has this place seen since you moved in? Over the years, I started to get more comfortable with my own design choices and began to add more colour — through cushions and art, and eventually larger furniture items. It’s been an organic evolution, rather than a journey through specific looks. >
With this refined backdrop established, how did you tackle the fun bit — adding your own special touches? It’s wild to me how much my taste has changed. When I arrived here, I had a Pinterest board on which I’d saved a lot of Scandinavian-inspired looks. I really thought that I could pull off a minimal, sleek, European effect, but I was wrong. When I moved in, I had a beige sofa, a black-and-white beni ourain rug, blush accents, a fiddle-leaf fig and a reindeer hide slung casually on a dining room chair. It was very chic, but it wasn’t very me.
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ABOVE A Samsung The Frame TV displays an ever-changing array of digital artworks above a Balmain buffet by James Lane decorated with finds including a Teiko vase by Clay Canoe and a Sydney Opera House sculpture by Nat Rosin. The planter on the Yeh wall table by Menu is by MAC from Nikau Store. OPPOSITE An altered vintage coffee table stands on layered rugs by LRNCE (top) and Pottery Barn. The bouclé Monet ottoman is from Life Interiors.
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OPPOSITE Jono’s other art tip is to get works framed by an expert. “I used to have a pile of things that I thought I’d frame ‘later’ and inevitably they’d get creased or it’d never happen. But by getting things professionally framed, you can elevate even the most affordable piece of op shop or poster art, and it helps preserve it. The power of a frame — don’t underestimate it.” Some of the artworks in the dining area are Florence Uzi (Pink) by Magnus Gjoen (top left), with Cabazon Dinosaur by Jacqui Turk just below it, and Stormy Skies by Rachel Stevens for Palette by Jono Fleming (top right). Sphere candles by Candle Kiosk are arranged on the table with a pedestal bowl by Simone Karras and an Arco candleholder from Place at Home.
“I treat each object, vase and shape as a piece of art, and not much is for display only.”
How does sustainability play into your décor decision-making? Although I definitely accumulate lots of ‘things’, I like to use the excuse that they’re work-related purchases, plus I’m conscious of supporting local businesses rather than mass-production stores. It’s firstly a quality issue — if you buy quality pieces, they won’t be landfill after six months — and it’s also how I bring personality into my home. I treat each object, vase and shape as a piece of art, and not much is for display only. Everything is useful and nothing is too precious that it has to be saved for a ‘special occasion’, so nothing is wasted. With Palette by Jono Fleming, you’ve created an accessible way to add art to interiors — what led you to launch this side hustle? My art collection kind of snuck up on me. I used to see art as a scary prospect — it was always too expensive and too mature, and for the most part I didn’t know what I actually liked. But I started finding pieces at op shops and getting posters framed, and over time, my collection grew. Last year when we were in lockdown, I spent time at my family’s farm, pottering around and styling sideboards and bedside tables in lieu of actual work, and realised I wanted some smaller-scale pieces for these interior moments. I looked online and couldn’t find anything at affordable prices that I’d want to invest in, so I approached my best friend’s sister, Rachel Stevens, an extremely talented illustrator, pitched her the concept of creating artworks that were based on classic still lifes and landscapes, and from there Palette by Jono Fleming was born. 118 homest yle
You’ve also used plants to add character to this apartment… It’s taken time to figure out which plants are the right fit for this area. I found it helpful to chat with the people at my local nursery, who were able to help me choose the best options and understand what specific plants need as far as light and water go. I think when people think of lowmaintenance plants, they end up at succulents and cacti, which are beautiful but don’t always suit a space. For me, it’s all about combining plants of different heights, textures and shades of green to create a full garden that needs watering only about once a week. You call yourself a ‘curated maximalist’ — what’s your advice for embracing this aesthetic? Remember that you don’t have to have all of your décor items on display at once. Collections and vignettes help guide the eye around a room, so group pieces together to place the focus on different stories and moments. Arranging pieces you have a connection with will make your home feel like a true reflection of yourself. Colour can be intimidating, so my suggestion is to start small. You don’t need to paint the walls right away — just put a pop of colour on your coffee table with a great book. Pick colours you really love in the form of cushions, a vase or a candle, then build up to including that colour in an artwork. Explore complementary colours opposite each other on the colour wheel that sit nicely together, and play with different shades and tones. What colour combos are you into at the moment? I never thought it’d say this because it was never a colour I loved, but I’m having >
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RIGHT Beyond a cuppa in the kitchen, Jono and Ryan like to unwind by driving out to Jono’s family’s farm about three hours from Sydney. “The property has been in my family for 52 years, and six years ago, my parents allowed me and my friend Allison Williams of Green Apple Interior & Design to design a farmhouse for it,” says Jono. “Set against the backdrop of a pine forest, it’s home away from home for us now. It’s a house built for entertaining and a great place to decompress and cook up a storm with friends. We’re so grateful to have it to escape to.” OPPOSITE The main bedroom is beautified by an Etched Arcadia mural by Anthropologie behind the bed and Nuvolette wallpaper by Cole & Son on the remaining walls. The books on the Arte side table by Jardan are leaning on a Picasso Lamp by Neighbourhood Studio, the David fragment on the wall is by HK Living, the Landscape 7 sketch is by Rachel Stevens and the bedding is from In Bed.
a real lilac moment. I’m sneaking it into my life in everything from décor to clothing — and I’m loving it. There’s a freshness to it, it works really well as a neutral base to build on and it pairs well with so many other colours, while bringing softness to a space. At the end of a working day, how does it feel to arrive home here? As a freelancer, I work from home. I design here, record podcasts here, wrap and send artworks here… so it’s usually all systems go. At the end of the day, I pack it all away and make sure the visible rooms are clear of any work ‘noise’ — and that’s when I get all the lamps in the house going. Ryan and I love our ‘layers of light’ at home, and we have a bit of a lamp addiction. I switch off the big light and get a soft, ambient glow coming from all corners of our living space. It’s calming and changes the mood from a workspace to a home again. It’s all about using different rituals to delineate how we use the space every day. What other at-home rituals do you enjoy?
I recently bought an oil burner and I’m so happy with that choice! After a morning gym session, I love to open up the balcony doors to let in the fresh air, then light our burner from Fazeek with my scent du jour, A New Path to the Waterfall by Black Blaze. It smells amazing and there’s something so calming and almost meditative about starting the day with a special scent. It puts me in the right headspace. What else does living here do for your wellbeing? The thing I love most about this apartment is how much it inspires me. It’s an ever-evolving home, but there’s something so special about it that makes me so happy to be here. From the soft, curvy shapes to the textured fabrics, everything acts like a big hug, and combined with the bold colours and beautiful décor, it’s all the things I love in one place. I’ve never felt more inspired than I do right now, living and working in this apartment. It’s taken six years to get here, but I think things will be staying as they are for a while. homest yle 121
HOMES
ABOVE ”I love my balcony so much — it’s at a point where it’s lush but really manageable,” says Jono of the outdoor area he’s decorated with plants and (from left) a vintage table, an Etta stool from Life Interiors and a Trace chair by Tait. OPPOSITE Greenery creeps gracefully over the breeze-block detailing in the common area of the apartment complex. “Waterloo’s about 10 minutes by bus from the CBD, so it’s really close to many design hubs and design destinations in Sydney,” enthuses Jono.
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“For me, it’s all about combining plants of different heights, textures and shades of green.”
DESIGN
Design 126
Design choices
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Women in architecture
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Product profile
You won’t find the usual lawns at this out-of-theordinary house by RTA Studio on page 128. Instead, it’s all about courtyards cleverly planted by landscape designer Paul Bangay.
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Brush with history
You’ve read how Jess Britten and Warren Durling are living their dream in their 1907 hall — now dive deeper into how they wrote the next chapter of its colourful life.
When did colour come into your planning process, Jess? Right at the beginning. The walls were originally clad with timber, which would have been lovely, but unfortunately it was rotten beyond repair in many places, so we looked at it as an opportunity to expose some of the gorgeous brickwork, which became the foundation of our colour and material palette. From there, it was about finding other colours and textures to complement the brick and help balance the light, which is a bit inconsistent throughout the building. 126 homest yle
How did you harness paint’s textural qualities? I love colour, but I knew I wanted the focus to be on texture and how colour could enhance it; I liked the idea of using texture and paint to enrich the mood and express our personalities. I was also curious to explore how paint products, which are mostly thought of as 2D or flat, can introduce texture and depth, and was blown away by the number of unique products Dulux has on offer, such as the Dulux Design Effects and Dulux Renovation Ranges.
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This being a heritage-listed building, were there any guidelines you had to work around? Before launching into any work, we did a lot of research on the history of the ‘category A’ building so we were able to approach our renovations with care, and our paint choices were very much a reflection of this. We chose colours that were close to what would have been used originally, and these decisions were supported by Auckland Council and Heritage New Zealand, who we’ve worked closely with throughout.
Design choices —— DULUX
Dulux, worth doing worth Dulux and Colours of New Zealand are registered trademarks of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd. Please note that due to limitations in the printing process, photographic and printed images and swatches may not represent the true colour. Always confirm your final colour choice with Dulux sample pots.
OPPOSITE, LEFT Jess chose Dulux Haast Half for all of the bedrooms. OPPOSITE, RIGHT The Auckland hall’s exterior in Dulux Mt Aspiring Quarter and Dulux Design Gold Effect. LEFT A desire to create a home that feels grounding, welcoming and authentic saw Jess and co go for enduring materials with their own character and flaws, including timber, stone, marble, brass and linen. BELOW Stevie’s upcycled headboard in Dulux Design Suede Effect in Fossil Beige.
Why did you opt for Dulux Ōkārito for the interior walls? The hall proper gets very little sun, so we wanted a vibrant white that would lift the mood and make the room look brighter. I’ll never forget when we walked in and saw the space with the first coat on — we couldn’t believe how much it’d changed. It went from feeling drab, dark and cool with yellow stains from decades of cigarette smoke and dust, to clean, crisp and welcoming. The experience shaped the way I think about paint and the power it has to transform and define a space. And why did you choose Dulux Haast Half for the bedrooms? The bedrooms are north-facing and get tons of natural light all day — the opposite of what we were dealing with in the hall. Dulux Haast Half is a gorgeous beige neutral that ticked all the boxes. It felt welcoming, but not too stark or reflective, and we love how it looks with Dulux Ōkārito.
How else did you use paint in this house? I decided to give our secondhand kitchen an update with paint and new handles, and it was an incredible transformation — and one that saved us having to invest in an expensive new kitchen. I used Dulux White Island from the Renovation Range and I’m so glad I took the plunge and used a soft green, as it works really well. I also upcycled a preloved headboard for our daughter, Stevie, using Dulux Design Suede Effect in Fossil Beige, and did the same with a doll’s house using Dulux Mt Aspiring Quarter — which we chose for the exterior of the hall — plus a bunch of testpots in fun colours for the inside and Dulux Design Stone Effect on the roof. It’s been a big hit with her! Want to try Dulux products at your place? Order free large colour swatches and buy sample pots and paint from dulux.co.nz.
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FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS —— Outside in
PEAK PERFORMERS These gabled pavilions are much more than just roofs over their owners’ heads.
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Outside in —— FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS
ABOVE LEFT Key materials used in the kitchen include crown-cut American white oak and white lacquer for the cabinetry, exposed aggregate concrete tinted with black oxide for the flooring and Calacatta marble for the benchtop. ABOVE RIGHT Slatted screens over the streetfront stacker sliding doors by First Windows & Doors manage privacy and filter the late-afternoon sunlight. First Windows & Doors’ Metro Series ThermalHeart joinery was installed throughout the house for its superior insulation. BELOW RIGHT The hallway is one of several circulation spaces that are designed to be enjoyed as much as the destination spaces are. Tall windows running the length of it let light dance across the walls and floor as the sun shifts throughout the day.
Tucked into a valley near Auckland’s Hobson Bay, this home by RTA Studio sees the gabled-roof vernacular of quintessential Kiwi state houses reinterpreted as a series of pavilions that house a family of five. “Our clients actually lived here in an ex-state house prior to the build,” says project architect Michael Dalton. “It sat in the middle of the large section, and they were very short on space, so they were enthusiastic about the opportunity to utilise the land to its full potential.” Taking their aesthetic cues from the street, the RTA team was inspired by the simplicity of the surrounding singlestorey dwellings. Following suit, once the original home was removed, they took those familiar gabled forms and pushed, pulled and repeated them to create a five-bedroom dwelling that stretches from the front to the back of the property. “Being in an urban environment, planning rules and height in relation to boundary are always a consideration, and this naturally puts emphasis on building in the middle of the site,” says Michael. “We created a single-level building to maximise the available space, and what really interested us was dealing with the scale of the building by splitting the gable to utilise the inside-outside connection and create a series of different volumes.” Opting for several interconnected pavilions rather than a single voluminous form gave RTA the opportunity to explore > homest yle 129
FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS —— Outside in
ABOVE The family loves to cook and are also big fans of having everything tucked away — this U-shaped kitchen expertly caters to both and contains the activity within the open-plan living space. Carlielle Kitchens crafted all the cabinetry in the home and also assisted with the design of the handsome storage cupboard pictured below. BELOW Thanks to a pull-out bed, the office can double as a guest bedroom. Resene Half Sea Fog was used on the walls here and throughout the living spaces. Also on this wall is McLeavey Sat Here by John Reynolds.
courtyards as a hero feature of their design built by Ninety45, with the pavilions arranged around them for shelter and to allow sunlight into all parts of the house. The front door is located between two of the peaked structures and ushers you into a wide corridor below a flat, slatted-cedar ceiling. “This is the spine of the house,” says Michael. “Its generous size makes it a gallery-like space you can circulate through and filter off into different areas from.” The section is longer than you can appreciate from the road and slopes steeply as it rises to the rear boundary. The split-level plan accommodates this incline, with the front of the home dedicated to public zones and the back reserved for private ones, the journey up the stairs to the bedrooms enhancing the sense of retreat. To boost the west-facing home’s energy-efficiency, RTA arranged multiple windows on the northern side to achieve solar gain. High-performance ThermalHeart joinery was selected to regulate this gain as well as heat loss for increased comfort year-round. “Designing all the gabled forms with large openings from First Windows & Doors really maximises the light while allowing for a breeze through the house as well,” says Michael. Stacker sliding doors bookend the living room, creating a wonderful sight line that extends from the leafy front courtyard to an internal courtyard that accommodates outdoor dining > 130 homest yle
Outside in —— FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS
LIVING Creative touches in this space include a Hush pendant light by David Trubridge and PLN Group, a sculpture by Ray Haydon, and lithographs Picnic 2 (top) and Picnic by Bill Hammond. They’re arranged on either side of a tall, narrow window that gives an artistic glimpse of greenery.
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FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS —— Outside in
EXTERIOR The clean lines and flush sills of First Windows & Doors’ Metro Series ThermalHeart sliders provide a pared-back look well-suited to this home’s minimal aesthetic. They’re powercoated in Matt Black with matching Urbo hardware that complements the exterior colour scheme in Resene Half Sea Fog and Resene Double Cod Grey.
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Outside in —— FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS
ABOVE The south-facing courtyard offers welcome respite from the heat in the height of summer. With stacker sliding doors on all sides, it also acts as an extension of the kitchen and dining area when the family’s entertaining. Like the other courtyards, it features saw-cut coloured-concrete pavers underfoot. BELOW Housed in its own pavilion, the main bedroom is a real sanctuary. Echoing the front of the house, its façade pairs a slatted screen with Metro Series ThermalHeart sliding windows.
and an elevated pool, and leads towards the main bedroom further up the hill. “The house utilises cross-ventilation, but there are also some good active systems in here, so when you’re not able to use the passive ones, you’ve also got good insulation and underfloor heating,” says Michael. Another big focus for the team was designing a lowmaintenance home in which all the materials are robust and long-lasting. To this end, they chose to clad the pavilions with bagged, plastered bricks juxtaposed with board-andbatten timber in contrasting black and white on either side of the home’s spine. The bricks travel from the outside in, wrapping themselves around the fireplace in the living area. “With open-plan, you can lose the comfort and intimacy achieved with a separate living space,” says Michael. “Here, you get a feeling of openness, as the lounge has a relationship with the dining and kitchen area through a large internal opening, but also has the ability to be completely closed off with hidden sliding doors.” Indoor-outdoor flow is more than just a concept here; living takes place within, across and around the interconnecting spaces, allowing the family to use all areas of this home on any given day, in any given season. Linked to each other and the outside world, the pavilions are proving to be a beautiful backdrop to a new-and-improved life as they know it. firstwindows.co.nz homest yle 133
FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS —— Outside in
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ABOVE The view towards the street from the main bedroom captures the reflection of the living space’s gable in the pool. BELOW Architectural details such as the cedar overhangs on the north-facing windows along the hallway also help to control the amount of light entering the house.
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For the best
Continuing our Architecture+Women NZ series, we had a chat to Kate Rogan and Eva Nash of Auckland’s Rogan Nash Architects.
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Interview: Alice Lines. Photography: (this page) Jackie Meiring and (opposite) Simon Devitt
DESIGN —— Women in architecture
Women in architecture —— DESIGN
“We’d like to have even more engagement with the architecture community, standing at the forefront of the profession to encourage other women into architecture.”
ABOVE LEFT Rogan Nash Architects’ project The Blackbird. The Grey Lynn, Auckland home with two living spaces and four bedrooms shows how a well-conceived floorplan can rise above the limitations of a compact site. ABOVE RIGHT Their City Chalet project in Auckland’s Parnell doubled the size of the house with a comprehensive extension that included the specification of the furniture and fittings too, among them this custom-designed library ladder. OPPOSITE Eva (left) and Kate.
What drew you two to architecture? Kate: I’ve always wanted to be an architect. My grandfather, Norman Knowles, who died before I was born, was a draughtsperson who worked on drawings for the Auckland Harbour Bridge. I see his achievement most days and it’s a built legacy for him and my family. I guess because of this, I’ve always felt like design is in my blood. His success makes me feel as if I’m carrying on where he left off. Eva: I grew up in a house designed by the architects who designed the Auckland Museum — Grierson, Aimer & Draffin — and being surrounded by well-crafted, considered spaces sparked an early interest in architecture. At primary school, I used to design
houses for all my friends, and the desire to create buildings never left me. How did your professional partnership at Rogan Nash Architects come about? Kate: We met at architecture school. We both knew we wanted to have our own practice and were lucky to find each other as we have so much in common, from our design aesthetic to our family values. Do you tackle projects separately or together? Kate: We rigorously discuss all our ideas and designs, and have so much fun working together. We find that two sets of ears listen to things differently, resulting in designs that truly reflect our clients’ wishes.
How would you describe the other’s key strengths? Kate: Eva’s always striving to better herself by listening, learning and understanding. She always looks for a solution to arrive at the best outcome for the project. Eva: Kate’s a great communicator. She takes the time to explain, listen and discuss, and is always looking for ways to share her ideas and knowledge. What aspect of the process of designing a home do you find most satisfying? Kate: It’s so rewarding working with my best friend and our amazing team to achieve a great result for our clients. Eva: I love every part of the process, but it’s certainly a delight to see a happy client walking through their new home. > homest yle 137
DESIGN —— Women in architecture
What do you think is the best way for someone to select the right architect or practice for their new build or renovation? Kate: Choose someone you get on with and who understands your ideas, and be really clear with yourself and the rest of the project team about what you want for your home. A great brief provides a great result. Eva: Creating a home is a very personal experience, so for the most successful outcome, you need to find someone you trust. What are you looking forward to sinking your teeth into this year? Kate: We’d like to have even more engagement with the architecture 138 homest yle
community, standing at the forefront of the profession to encourage other women into architecture. Eva: We also have some fantastic projects underway. I’m especially looking forward to seeing our new house project at Lake Okareka in the Bay of Plenty under construction and we’re hoping to break ground on a new house on Waiheke Island. Both projects embody sustainability at the core of their design, a principle that’s close to my heart. Where do you think the future of architecture lies in that regard? Eva: People are starting to think more about the environment and the impact of construction on it.
We all need to work to reduce our waste, but there are many more things to consider when designing a house that can reduce your ongoing effect on the environment. We take a holistic approach to each of our projects, and when we’re designing, we think about sustainable-design fundamentals, such as the orientation of the house, avoiding overheating, high levels of insulation and energy-efficiency. If you hadn’t devoted your careers to architecture, what else would you be doing? Unanimously: We can’t think of anything we’d rather do! rogannash.com; architecturewomen.org.nz
Photography: Simon Devitt
ABOVE Also in Grey Lynn, project The Stage & The Cave sees a heritage home transition at the rear of the long, narrow property into a contemporary ‘stage’ for living that blurs the lines between inside and out and also features cave-like spaces, including a scullery and media room. Riffing off the client’s favourite sideboard, mid-century meets villa in the refined yet relaxed interior design and character details throughout.
Women in architecture —— DESIGN
THIS PAGE Inside Eva’s own family home in Westmere, Auckland. The design-andbuild project gave her and Kate a chance to realise some of their best ideas.
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PETER FELL —— Product profile
Modern art
Coloured concrete offers endless potential for creativity, and the positives don’t stop there.
ABOVE Concrete is used throughout the interior and exterior of the Chamberlains’ place in Waimairi Beach. Here, cocoon-concrete walls meet coloured-concrete floors in PFL 609 from Peter Fell’s Charcoal range, providing a neutral backdrop for furniture and art, and a low-maintenance solution for sandy feet and paws. RIGHT Also in PFL 609, the family’s coloured-concrete fireplace was prefabricated off-site, then craned in before a gas fire was fitted. Its textural effect is one of many finishes and patterns that can be achieved.
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Photography: Anna McLeod
Why live in the standard issue when you could live in a veritable sculpture? Good question, especially when you learn what else concrete has going for it. Contemporary and classic, smooth and hard, warm and cool — this minimalist material is marvellously multifaceted. As seen at this Christchurch home by Jo and Blaise Chamberlain, profiled in our October/November 2020 issue, it can be used to shape a dwelling that’s both striking and sensible. The Chamberlains’ concrete was coloured with the Peter Fell system, which offers more than 80 shades (and custom options) that add extra visual appeal to the material’s practical pluses, like the heat it absorbs then releases to keep your home healthy while reducing your heating/cooling costs, and how easy it is to clean. And because Peter Fell hues are blended all the way through, your form of expression will stay true for decades. peterfell.co.nz
Assurance Guaranteed When you choose an approved NZCB builder you’ll qualify to apply for Halo – our comprehensive 10-Year Residential Guarantee. You can also be assured all our builders have met stringent building qualification and financial business standards. You’re in good hands.
nzcb.nz
EDITIONS
A curated offering of furniture and lighting designed and made in Aotearoa. homestyle-editions.co.nz
LIVING
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Design destination
Keen to pull up a seat front of house at new Auckland bar-taverna Daphnes? Flip to page 148 to discover the behind-the-scenes story before you go.
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LIVING —— Shop
Well & good
Everyday delights that make life more liveable.
DEFINITE MOOD Our very scientific research shows you significantly up your chances of having a great day when you wear Klay’s new tops and totes. In a series of optimistically bright and muted block colours ideal for layering, made from hand-loomed cotton that’s locally dyed, cut and sewn, they make you want to kick up your heels — perhaps in the reversible Himukashi socks and Moonstar shoes Klay’s mother-daughter duo Kirsty McLay and Hannah Broatch also stock.
GLOW UP If you’re not peckish now, you will be when we tell you Le Creuset’s latest collection, Nectar, is inspired by honey and caramel. It’s available in their Signature Cast Iron (pictured) and Stoneware ranges, and is great for busting hunger with nourishing winter dishes while transforming table settings with its golden colour, which graces everything from mugs to eggcups as well.
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MICKY DAY FOR IT
mickyday.com
SLEEP TIGHT Knowing it’s not one but two layers of soft South Island-grown merino wool, it’s only natural that you’d want to have a snooze with Plain & Simple’s beautiful ethical baby blanket yourself. However, leave it to a deserving little one and you’ll still rest easy knowing its low flammability was independently tested and even its care label is thermal-printed to avoid irritation. plainandsimple.eco
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Words: Philippa Prentice
Because who better than a former barber to know what blokes need to feel their best, Micky Day founder Hops Rutene hopped to it and developed products to fill the gap in the market for a highend dude’s grooming range created by industry pros. His paraben-, siliconeand cruelty-free clay and pomade are handmade in Aotearoa, and 10% of the profits support men’s mental health.
RUFFLED & READY A quick burst in the microwave and this linen and cotton Frills wheat bag will be all set to comfort and soothe, ease muscle and joint pain, and keep frosty feet sweet on chilly days WFH. Choose from Khaki and Oat hues, handcrafted in New Zealand by accessories aficionados Sophie. sophiestore.co.nz
KITCHEN AID There’s not much anyone can do to extend the life of your next batch of can’t-stop-atone home-baked biscuits, but the pinny you make them in is a different story. This rad find (with an adjustable neck strap, a split pocket, bronze hardware, reinforced seams and herringbone ties) is by Matt Nash of Northland’s M.N Uniform, who’s assembled a team of talented locals to help him craft kids’ and adults’ aprons and workwear. Produced using tailoring techniques and with longevity in mind, their pieces are real tough cookies. mnuniform.com
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME AWAY FROM HOME Kram is Swedish for ’hug’, and that couldn’t ring truer vis-à-vis Seljak’s durable woollen Kram throw/rug, which wraps you in a warm embrace wherever you find yourself. By sisters Karina and Sam Seljak, it’s made in a closed-loop process, and we can particularly recommend stashing its eco-friendly goodness in the boot of your car, so you’ll be as snug as a bug if an unseasonable urge to forest bathe or watch the sunset strikes. madegood.co.nz
Good for you Thinking about making a change for the better? Great stuff! The movement starts at home, where you can waste not and want not. ST YLIN G
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Store profile —— GOODFOR
ATTENTION, SHOPPERS GoodFor stores (this one’s in Takapuna, Auckland) are light and airy troves of basics and special treats. Their affordably priced Everyday Essentials range removes cost barriers to purchasing plastic-free, high-quality and organic products; you may even find you save through buying only what you need when you’re more mindfully refilling, rather than plonking packaged products into a trolley.
Although it’ll make you happy every time you open its doors, switching from supermarket to refill station isn’t just about your pantry, people. We’re talkin’ ’bout a revolution that sees society’s rampant consumption and waste consigned to the past, while we all enjoy the wide-reaching benefits of a slower, kinder, healthier lifestyle. Wholefoods refillery GoodFor, for one, envisages a future in which the throwaway approach is no longer our cultural norm, and is doing its utmost to make it a no-brainer for us all to act right now. Since its inception in 2017, it’s grown to include seven stores nationwide, which are replete with more than 400 ingredients — many at supermarket prices — alongside speciality items and lifestyle products that align with the philosophy of consuming less and consuming quality. Every buy
contributes towards the planting of a native tree, and even their online orders are delivered in plastic-free and home-compostable packaging. Shopping more sustainably is an ongoing feel-good form of self-care, and your pantry could be set up to support that without over-complication or expense. So what are you waiting for? Well, there’s little sense creating waste by throwing out your existing stuff willy-nilly, but when it’s ready to be replaced… Let’s begin Keeping your pantry organised and well-stocked provides a satisfying feeling of security and comfort, and you can start by giving yours a clean-out. Make it manageable by doing a bit each week, starting with your herbs and spices, say, then moving onto cereal, pasta and other staples.
Make your pantry prettier GoodFor sells refillable glass jars and bottles, wooden scoops and whatnot that are good for you, good for the environment and look good too. Use planet-friendlier paper washi tape to label your containers or write directly on the glass. Having ingredients on display also makes what’s-for-dinner decisions easier and gives you a handy snapshot of what requires replacing on your next shop. Clean green While you’re at it, extend the sentiment to encompass other household essentials as well. GoodFor stores stock Ecostore personal hygiene and cleaning liquids and concentrates in bulk, so you can say “Nah” to buying more plastic bottles when yours run out and “Yeah!” to the good life of responsible refilling and reusing. goodfor.co.nz homest yle 147
Culinary journey A real trip for your taste buds, at just-opened bar-taverna Daphnes, Greece is the word. INTERVIE W Alice Lines PH OTO G R APHY Jono Parker
Design destination —— LIVING
THIS PAGE “The colours I used are bold and it took some time to find the exact matches I was looking for, but I absolutely love Porter’s Paints for their off-tones and matte, eggshell finish,” says Clare. OPPOSITE Sydney sisters Sefton & Segedin created this artwork, My Daughters, in the front bar. The trio of Opal pendant lights in this zone are by Ferm Living from Slow.
After selling their Auckland hotspots Odettes Eatery and Hugo’s, hospitality gurus Clare and Joost van den Berg planned to take a break, but as the saying goes, you can take the restaurateurs out of the restaurants… While on their sabbatical, Joost found himself on the trail of a new location, and when he discovered this one, he knew he was onto something. It was a definite yes from Clare too, who loved the charm and character of the standalone Ponsonby Road building. Welcome to Daphnes…
You guys have opened some iconic Auckland eateries in your time, Clare, including Herne Bay café Zus & Zo and Takapuna’s Zomer. What sparks your imagination? It’s always about creating something with a difference, something we believe is missing in the city and somewhere we’d like to go ourselves. How did you land on the idea for this Greek-taverna-style restaurant? We went to Greece on a family holiday in 2018 and absolutely loved everything about it. Sitting in a taverna in Paros,
we discussed opening one in Auckland; the idea seemed wild at the time, but we’ve made it happen! Most people think whitewashed walls and sea blues when they think of Greece, but here you’ve opted for something richer… We wanted to do the unexpected, yet with definite nods to Greece. Terracotta’s another colour of the Mediterranean, so we’ve combined tonal terracotta hues, including the beautiful salmon that frames the exterior, with navy and > homest yle 149
LIVING —— Design destination
A VISUAL FEAST “I never like too many white plates, so ‘Bold, patterned, textural and a little mismatched’ was the brief we gave to Waiheke potter Jane Burn,” says Clare of the tableware that also includes items like the ones above, purchased here and there. “She’s now making more pieces to add to our collection.” The tables pictured left are topped with porcelain from Artedomus, the No. 18 bentwood chairs are by Thonet, the wall lights are by Ornament and the candleholders are by Iittala.
light blues. I’m not a big fan of white, so we went with a warm cream instead. What elements did you introduce to support the laidback-luxe vibe? I incorporated texture through patterns, tiles, walnut timber and the plasterwork by Zane Pilkington of Pilkington Interiors in the kitchen. It was essential to us that the open kitchen felt homely, like you’re having a Greek feast at your own dinner party, so the island benches are important and the main focus of the restaurant. 150 homest yle
The textural wall effect also creates a lived-in mood — how did you achieve that? Through good luck — it was here already! I was adamant about keeping it to honour the space and also made sure we retained all of the exposed brick. How did you get the light right? Lighting is so important for ambience, and here we’ve used it to give every zone a different feel. I worked with Sheelagh O’Dowd to make some lampshades, we had the beautiful light that runs along the dining room wall custom-made,
and Gina Riley of Ornament created some lovely custom lighting for us as well. We also powdercoated a couple of the existing lights to give them a new look. Vintage store Flotsam & Jetsam got hold of some lights that were part of a chandelier that hung in Ponsonby music venue the Gluepot Tavern, which closed in 1994. We loved the thought of using something from such an iconic landmark, so we had them rewired, and now they hang in our bathrooms. daphnes.co.nz
LEADING LADY In Greek mythology, Daphne is a nymph associated with bodies of fresh water, and Clare says they went on a wonderful journey with New Zealand-born, Sydneybased artist Claire Stapleton to create this custom artwork that portrays her. “Claire is very clever and currently working on another piece for us that’ll tell the love story of Daphne and Apollo.” Among the tipples you can try at Daphnes are a selection of Greek wines, Greek beer Mythos and Greek aperitif ouzo. Here, bottles sit on a sideboard from The Sunday Society in Tamahere.
CATALOG
BOCONCEPT —— Interior design
POWERSURGE —— Homeware
FREEDOM —— Furniture & homeware
BoConcept are experts at making design, furniture and colour come together in your home. If you need someone to bounce ideas off, their interior decorators are on hand to help you complete any scheme — single rooms, small apartments, big houses or corporate spaces. Book a free consultation with one of BoConcept’s interior decorators today.
Elevating essentials into artisanal accents, Powersurge’s homeware collection presents minimalist linear lighting alongside a timeless suite of mirrors, handles and shelving. All items are available in custom sizes on request. Visit the website for the full Home collection of brass furnishings and accessories handmade in Powersurge’s Auckland Studio.
info@boconcept.co.nz boconcept.co.nz
info@powersurge.co.nz powersurge.co.nz
We all have different tastes and lifestyles, which is one good reason why more than 75% of Freedom’s sofas (including the modular Sorrento style above) are now made to order. Taking cues from our Australasian lifestyle, each piece is made by hand to your specifications by craftspeople in specialist factories, using fabrications exclusive to Freedom. Although this process takes time, it means you can rest assured that your purchase is uniquely yours.
PHOENIX —— Tapware
THREAD DESIGN —— Interiors
BLANCO —— Kitchens
Introducing Phoenix’s ultimate kitchen mixer collection, Designer Sink Mixers, created to meet the needs of any household. With detachable silicone hoses for extended reach and 360-degree swivel capabilities, enhanced functionality is just one of the benefits this stylish range has to offer. The four designs — Blix, Prize, Vezz and Vido — can be incorporated flawlessly into contemporary homes and are available at Mico. Pictured is the Prize Flexible Coil Sink Mixer.
Named after the great naturalist David Attenborough, this modern botanical print inspired by vintage illustrations combines iconic kōwhai flowers with succulents and pineapples. Mix and match the Attenborough collection with Thread Design’s wide range of plain linen pillowcases, duvets and quilts, available online and in store at 274A Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland.
Since 1925, Blanco has encapsulated sinks, taps and appliances that combine quality, design and service. Established in Germany, they pioneered the innovative Silgranit sink and tap material that’s scratch-resistant, and easy to clean and maintain. Now providing refined kitchen essentials to New Zealand homes, Blanco aims to be recognised and respected as the leading brand in kitchen technology solutions.
phoenixtapware.co.nz
threaddesign.co.nz
blanco.co.nz
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freedom.co.nz
CATALOG
FELTEX —— Carpet
BLUM —— Hardware
GODFREY HIRST —— Flooring
Synonymous with style, luxury and integrity, Feltex design for and are inspired by New Zealand. As leading manufacturers of the finest carpet, they set the benchmark for quality in wool and wool-blend options. When you choose a Feltex carpet, you can rely on almost 100 years of manufacturing experience and expertise.
Blum has opened its new destination for storage inspiration in Christchurch at 16 Avenger Crescent in Wigram. Featuring high-tech, sustainable designs and materials, it’s an innovative space where South Island customers can experience how creative interior design can be implemented throughout the home in the form of high-quality fittings. Come and see for yourself.
Godfrey Hirst believe the quintessential easygoing Kiwi lifestyle should resonate in our interiors. They’ve built a reputation as one of New Zealand’s premier carpet manufacturers and hard-flooring distributors through consistently providing consumers with innovative, high-quality and stylish floorcovering solutions.
feltex.com
blum.com
godfreyhirst.com
DULUX —— Colour design service
PLUMBLINE —— Bathrooms
HOMESTYLE —— Content creation
With Dulux’s Colour Design Service, a skilled interior designer can help you select the right hues for your home. Choose either the In-Home option (from $125 per hour) or the new Online Colour Consultation service ($89 for one hour). Conditions apply; to book and for more information, visit the website or call the number below.
Plumbline’s range of contemporary and traditional bathroom and kitchen products is carefully selected for their enduring quality, exceptional design and outstanding value. With one of the most extensive bathroom collections in New Zealand, it’s your one-stop destination for your bathroom or kitchen project. Visit a Plumbline showroom or the website for the latest ideas.
At homestyle, we’re specialists in working with brands to create innovative, integrated, bespoke home and lifestyle content. From initial concept to polished finish, our clients benefit from our in-depth understanding of these categories and our expert design, styling and editorial advice. Gain exposure across multiple channels, including print and online. Get in touch to learn how to further the reach of your next campaign.
plumbline.co.nz
09 300 7544 nick@homestyle.co.nz
0800 800 424 dulux.co.nz/services
If you’d like your business to be featured in the homestyle Catalog, please email us at advertising@homestyle.co.nz. homest yle 153
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Contemporary lighting, mirrors and homeware, elevating home essentials into artisan accents. Solid yet refined structures paired with gentle formations and delicate detailing.
Lateral Light Made by hand from solid brass in our Auckland studio.
powersurge.co.nz
Obsessively considered details are a signature of Tim Webber’s unique aesthetic. Functionality and form meet to create pieces of uncomplicated beauty. Every piece in the range is designed to endure, to become part of a life well lived. New Zealand and European Furniture Design Showroom 18 Westmoreland St, Grey Lynn, Auckland timwebberdesign.com
Ph 09 600 22 74
