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Don’t miss ASX XLS 2WD runout. Call 0800 54 53 52, visit mmnz.co.nz to find your nearest Mitsubishi Motors Dealer now. *

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Ideas you can use at your place

IT’S SPRING HIT REFRESH Blooming brilliant ideas + Styling with florals + Money-saving DIY hacks + Calming your clutter + And lots more

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HEAVENLY HOMES + Real-life renos + New builds with soul + An art deco darling + Scandi eye candy

THE BLOCK NZ What they’re doing right

S E E I N S ID E T H I S B E AU T IF U L H O M E O N PAGE 36

RENOVATION OF THE YEAR AWARDS OUR SECOND FINALIST REVEALED

Blindly obvious

Giving you peace of mind — Duette® Shades keep your home warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and quiet all year round, leaving you with the perfect home environment. The secret? Duette® Shades unique honeycomb structure. Not only are they visually striking, trapping air within their honeycomb cells effectively decreases heat and noise transfer at your windows, creating a highly efficient layer of insulation.

With a welcoming temperature and quiet atmosphere, stay in the moment with Duette® Shades.

Luxaflex Duette® Shades

Beauty is in the details, find them here luxaflex.co.nz

Beautiful bedrooms for little dreamers.

That’s freedom. $999

BOBBIE king single upholstered bed in navy

$549

BOBBIE upholstered storage bench

Everyday. Every Product.

Interest Free.* Shop in-store or online at freedomfurniture.co.nz Delivery fees apply. *Terms & Conditions apply. See in-store for details.

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TEMBER P E

Shopping: a lovely laundry

Your shopping

Fresh finds New products to love Save or splurge Cool blue wallpapers Style stalker Beautiful bath mats Women we love Meet YH&G’s gardens editor, Carol Bucknell, and see her gorgeous garden Trend Rust-toned florals We love Laundry day Next big thing Half moons

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Homes: a natureinspired new-build in New Plymouth

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Your homes

Black beauty A black steel exterior belies the fresh, welcoming family home that hides within Design for life Say goodbye to all-white interiors – the new Scandi style is all about quirky colour Hunter gatherer This clever Kiwi mum shows us how she furnished her new build on a bargain budget Luck of the Irish An art deco B&B casts its spell on two Irish expats

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Reno of the Year: see our second finalist

Your renovation

Ever green A bushclad 1970s home (with conversation pit) is lightened and brightened for busy family life Reno of the Year A gorgeous villa renovation that combines heritage restoration with modern comfort Workshop Past winners of The Block NZ, Alice and Caleb reveal their top five DIY jobs to save on tradies The Block NZ We identify the top trends from weeks 4-7

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Cover story PAGE 3 6

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Food: vege recipes with bite

Your makeover

Workshop Learn how to style your spaces using pretty floral homeware Then & now A design-savvy mum shows us the teen-dream bathroom she and her daughters created 10 healthy habits for a clutter-free home A tidying expert reveals her top tips for less stressful spaces Simple project Build a room divider Living well Natural cleaning ideas Finder’s Fi Sprucing up old furniture

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On the cover Flower arrangement

by Liv Wakem of Kensal Flower Studio, kensal.nz. Vase, Cocoa cookbook, Menu grinders, glasses, all from A&C Homestore.

Chopping boards (stacked), mug, tea towel, utensil holder, dark wooden spoon, all from Citta.

Chopping board and knife (on bench), white bowl, wooden spoons, all from Father Rabbit. Rug from Nodi. Celene Busher-Nepia wears top by Charmaine Reveley.

Gardens: secrets of a floral stylist

Your garden

From the heart This rambling country garden is a year-round showcase of flowers and foliage Flower bomb A floral stylist shares her tips for fresher flowers Garden makeover Carol creates a lovely approach to this rural home using raised beds and clever edging Workshop From woe to hoe – start building your gardener’s toolkit Outdoor diary September’s checklist

Photography by Helen Bankers.

Art direction by Fiona Kerr.

Styling assistant Bea Taylor.

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Your food

Viva la vege These zesty recipes take veges out of the salad bowl and into the spotlight

Regulars

Subscribe and receive a gift Resene Colour Home Awards Get your entries in for our 2019/20 awards Four ways with velvet

Casa Mia, Cabin from Feltex

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starts here Whether you are looking for flooring for one room or your entire home, we know you want top quality, real choice and real inspiration, as well as expert advice so it’s done right the first time.

The team at your locally owned Guthrie Bowron store are ready to help*, so pop in and let’s chat! * Flooring not available in all Guthrie Bowron stores.

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GuthrieBowron

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0800 GB HELP (424 357) guthriebowron.co.nz

FLOORING

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WALLPAPER

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CURTAINS

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BLINDS

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PAINT

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ADVICE

Hello LOV I N G quirky vases like Jones & Co’s beautiful ‘Radiant Ruby’ from Bolt of Cloth.

BUYING fun trinkets like this paperweight from Freedom for my new workspace.

A P P R E C I AT I N G spring anemones. Simple, striking and with just the right amount of nana-chic.

DREAMING of owning a mad, kaleidoscopic Moooi carpet from ECC one day.

LISTENING to pop-culture podcast The High Low. Hosts Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes nail the cool-yet-relatable dreamBFF vibe every time.

f facebook.com/yourhomegarden

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elcome to our spring issue – and my first as editor. It’s a thrill to be looking after Your Home and Garden while Kristina Rapley is on maternity leave, especially being a long-time reader and budding renovation enthusiast myself.

Putting together a magazine is actually a bit like renovating a house. It involves balancing practicalities, aesthetics and the all-important budget; as well as honouring its past heritage, enhancing its present features and figuring out how it can be better in the future. Once it’s finished you feel immensely proud – and rather exhausted.

This issue is packed with inspiring people, from homeowners who’ve cleverly infused stark new-builds with personality to seasoned renovators who’ve overseen total transformations on tight budgets. It’s impressive stuff. I hope you enjoy the issue as much as the team and I have enjoyed putting it together for you.

W Katie Newton Editor

instagram @yourhomeandgarden

yhg@bauermedia.co.nz

pinterest.com/yourhomegarden

Photography by Wendy Fenwick, Eva K Salvi (The High Low). Katie wears Charmaine Reveley dress, Karen Walker cuff and Zoe & Morgan bracelet. Stool from Freedom.

THIS MONTH I’M...

auckland | tauranga | hamilton | napier | palmerston north | wellington | nelson | christchurch | dunedin | queenstown | online

Social club EDITOR Katie Newton ART & EDITORIAL Deputy editor Sally Conor Chief sub editor Stephanie Attwater Art director Fiona Kerr Style director Catherine Wilkinson Gardens editor Carol Bucknell

Interact with Your Home and Garden any time, anywhere – we’d love to hear from you!

TRENDING ON HOMESTOLOVE.CO.NZ

T O P P O S T O N I N S TA G R A M

Tips for decorating with dark colours from those with first-hand experience

The open shelves, the vertical tiles, the handles… there is a lot to admire in this kitchen

DIGITAL Digital editor Lakshmi Krishnasamy Digital producers Bea Taylor, Olivia Day CONTRIBUTORS Helen Bankers, Anitta Behrendt, Florence Charvin, Sarah Ellison, Pippa Fay, Wendy Fenwick, Lynden Foss, Debbie Harrison, Tom Hollow, Angie Humphreys, Natalie Jane, Eve Kennedy, Claire Mossong, Todd Neal, Juliet Nicholas, Vanessa Nouwens, Pia Olsen, Eleanor Ozich, Alice and Caleb Pearson, Fiona Ralph, Sarah Rowlands, Tina Stephen, Sharon Stephenson, The Virtue, Melle van Sambeek, Liv Wakem PRODUCTION Production co-ordinator Lorne Kay Printer Webstar Distributor Ovato Retail Distribution ADVERTISING | MARKETING | CORPORATE Commercial director Kaylene Hurley Group sales director – directs/Australia Rachel McLean Head of brand – commercial Anna Magasiva Commercial brand manager Nat Davis ndavis@bauermedia.co.nz Associate commercial brand manager Alexandra Cuadros acuadros@bauermedia.co.nz Advertising coordinator Greer Wilkinson gwilkinson@bauermedia.co.nz Advertising sales (direct) Melissa Swanton mswanton@bauermedia.co.nz Directory advertising Kim Chapman classifieds@xtra.co.nz Brand & communications manager Katie Ward Publisher analyst Johanne Kendall

I N S TA G R A M A C C O U N T S W E ’ R E L O V I N G

PET OF THE MONTH

EXECUTIVE Chief executive officer Brendon Hill Managing director Tanya Walshe General manager – publishing Stuart Dick Editorial director Sarah Henry PUBLISHED BY BAUER MEDIA GROUP (NZ) LP

THINK

AHEAD

@thea_ceramics

@kensal_flowers

+ Editorial office Bauer Media Group, Shed 12, City Works Depot, 90 Wellesley St, Auckland. Ph 09 308 2700. Email yhg@bauermedia. co.nz. Postal address: Private Bag 92512, Wellesley St, Auckland 1141. + Subscription enquiries Auckland subscribers phone 09 308 2721 or call toll-free on 0800 MAGSHOP (0800 624 746), email magshop@magshop.co.nz or visit magshop.co.nz. Payment with order (quote credit card details or enclose a New Zealand cheque payable to Bauer Media Group). Please advise any change of address. + Advertising enquiries NEW ZEALAND Auckland: Nicola Saunders, ph (09) 366 5345, email: nsaunders@bauermedia.co.nz.

Directory Advertising: Kim Chapman, ph (07) 578 3646, email classifieds@xtra.co.nz. Sales Manager Wellington & Christchurch: Ros Ellison, ph 021 626 669, email rellison@bauermedia.co.nz.

Sales Manager Australia, NZ titles: Rachel McLean, ph (09) 308 2760, email rmclean@bauermedia.co.nz.

Your Home and Garden (ISSN 1173-8642) is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission of 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”. Opinions expressed in Your Home and Garden are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Bauer Media Group (NZ) LP. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material. Paint colours may alter in the printing process. This magazine is subject to NZ Press Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing to the editor’s email address. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Press Council PO Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at presscouncil.org.nz.

Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.

Readership 257,000 (Nielsen CMI January 2017 to December 2017). Average NZ net circulation 29,460 (Audit Bureau of Circulation April 2017 to March 2018).

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Now sadly departed to doggy heaven, Buddy the Labrador was much beloved by her family. “She was the best dog, so loving; she’d sleep under the covers with us every night. She was amazing with kids – she loved our boys and they loved her,” says Jane Murray. See Buddy’s beautiful New Plymouth home on page 54. @threebirdsrenovations

@riverbank1965

NEWSLETTER

I N S TA G R A M

Sign up to our newsletter and get a weekly dose of inspiration straight to your inbox.

Visit yourhomeandgarden.co.nz/signup.

We love seeing images from our #yourhomeandgarden community. @yourhomeandgarden

target the visible signs of ageing Natio Ageless is rich in deeply nourishing Rosehip Oil, antioxidants and natural nutrients. Moisturises, helps revitalise and protect skin of all ages and types.

Use the ‘try me’ free testers on all Natio display stands. natio.com.au

The home of

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New Zealand’s largest range of Logan & Mason

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Shopping YOUR

New products, places, trends and looks we love

Cushy deal Weave is a collection of unique cushions, lush throws and timeless rugs designed to mimic the colours and patterns of nature.

These high-quality soft furnishings are a beautiful and truly luxurious way to add texture to your home. weavehome.co.nz

DELANEY CAMEO T H R O W, $ 1 5 9.

AVA D U S K CUSHION, $ 4 9.

ANDES S A N D S TO R M R U G , $ 8 2 0.

Fresh finds Page 14 Save or splurge: new blue wallpaper Page 18 Style stalker: bath mats Page 21 Women we love Page 22 Trend: rusty florals Page 26 We love: laundry day Page 28 Next big thing Page 30

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NEWS

Fresh finds What’s new in homewares from our place to yours

TOP READ

BEDROOM

L i n e n l ove r s r e j o i c e The new Your Home and Garden collection has arrived at Farmers, with a new focus on bedlinen and soft furnishings. These fun pillowcases are just a taster. farmers.co.nz

BOOKSHELF

Ke ep i ng H o u s e This book by interior decorator Emma Blomfield will help you make the most of the home you’ve got. $39 from paperplanestore.com.

BA RGAI N BUY

STORAGE ART

FR OND FO R LIFE A W I D E R A N G E O F VI N TAGE-STYLE CAVA L L I N I P O ST E R S A R E J U ST $ 1 2 .9 0 EAC H F RO M I KO I KO.C O. N Z .

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BENCH, PLEASE! This oak-look storage bench is just the thing for tidying away discarded shoes and brollies.

It’s a steal at just $55 from kmart.co.nz.

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SUP ER BOW L K E E P YO UR CA N I N E C O M PA N I O N H YD R AT E D A N D YO UR K I TC H E N F LO O R LO O K IN G F I E R C E W I T H T H I S C O P P E R A N D C H R O M E D O G B OW L . $ 6 4 .9 0 F R O M SM AC KBA N G.C O. N Z.

HOME

GR ID FRIENDLY D I SP LAY TOYS AN D T RIN K ETS ON TH E S E S I M P L E S HELVE S BY S W ED I S H B R A N D K I D S CO N C E PT. $1 6 9 F RO M DA P P E R M R B E AR .C O.N Z.

FRAME IT

A RCH GALLERY T H E S E G O R G E O U S CA R DS WO U L D LO O K P R E T T Y P E AC H Y F R A M E D O N T H E WA L L . $ 8.9 9 E AC H F R O M SH U T TH E F R O N T D O O R .C O. N Z.

PLANTS

UNDER GROWTH TILES

G r o u t er s p ac e Try a fresh combo of green and white with these Artisan Deco Nove wall and floor tiles. $69.90 a square metre from tiledepot.co.nz.

The Aqua Culture vase by Kinto is designed to put the beauty of growing roots on display. $54.90 from goodthing.co.nz. yhg | 15

FRESH FINDS What’s new in homewares from our place to yours

KIDS

LIO N TH IN G WE ’D LOVE TO LIE- ON THIS CUTE CUSHION IF W E W E R E W E E . $ 7 F R O M K M ART.C O. N Z .

KITCHEN

DRAWERS TO ADORE Make the kitchen drawers your new favourite place to linger by lining them with wallpaper and adding stylish dividers. Blum’s AMBIA-LINE universal dividers in silk white matte make a great pairing with wallpaper 219280 from Resene’s Small Talk collection.

Available from blum.com and resene.co.nz.

EASY U P DAT E

DECOR

F l e c ks a p p e a l We’re loving the on-trend colours and functional shapes of the Capra Designs range. These gorgeous, round, terrazzo-look trays start at $28 and are available in New Zealand at surprisesurprise.co.nz.

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B AT H R O O M

HE AVEN S CEN T E C OYA H A ND A N D B O DY WAS H A N D H A N D A N D BODY LOTION IN LOVELY NEW AROMAS, $29.95 E AC H , F R O M F R E E D O M F U R N I T U R E .C O. N Z.

CREATE A HOME YOU LOVE With beautiful handcrafted curtains and blinds made in New Zealand.

Whether it’s a reno or a new build, window furnishings can make or break the look and feel of a room. That’s where we can help.

Our nationwide consultants bring a huge range of fabrics to your home and work with you to find the perfect solution – something that best suits your style and the way you live.

Your curtains and blinds are then custom crafted in our workroom and professionally installed by our experts to guarantee a perfect fit.

Book a free in-home consultation or we can quote off plans.

0800 808 300 russellscurtains.co.nz

UNDER $140 PER ROLL S AV E O R S P L U R G E

Paper plan Are you a wallpaper fan? This season’s hottest patterns are super-cool in tones of teal, duck egg and cream Styling by Catherine Wilkinson. Photography by Angie Humphreys.

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SAVE MODERN ART 6 2 0 9 2 4 , $ 1 3 9. 9 0, FROM RESENE.

SAVE O R N AT É 3 2 1 0 6 , $ 9 4 . 9 9, F R O M GUTHRIE BOWRON.

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SAVE GEOMETRIC 800722, $ 1 1 8 . 9 0, F R O M RESENE.

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SPLURGE ‘CHIMES’ MISP1214, $215, FROM ARTISAN COLLECTIVE.

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SPLURGE EARTH EAR603, $ 2 7 9.9 0, F R O M RESENE.

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SPLURGE MINI MODERNS ‘ P LU TO ’, $ 1 8 9, FROM ARTISAN COLLECTIVE.

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1 SAVE Modern Art 622317, $139.99, from Aspiring Walls. 2 SAVE Superfresco ‘Myrtle Geo’, $69.98, from Bunnings. 3 SAVE Geometric 34869-1, $106, from Resene. 4 SAVE Ornaté 32108, $94.99, from Guthrie Bowron.

5 SAVE Modern Art 489781, $118.90, from Resene. 6 SAVE Atelier 219400, $137, from Resene. 1 SPLURGE Quercus & Co ‘Linea’ WPLN012, POA, from Artisan Collective. 2 SPLURGE Khroma ‘Glasshouse’ GLA601, $224.99, from Aspiring Walls. 3 SPLURGE Designers Guild Mandora PDG1055, $235, from Allium. 4 SPLURGE Designers Guild Zardozi PDG1065, $245, from Allium. 5 SPLURGE Martyn Lawrence Bullard ‘Eden Stripe’ 113/15044, $265, from Allium. 6 SPLURGE Barneby Gates ‘Chevron’ BG1400201, $265, from Allium. All prices are per roll.

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Get the magazine look at your place

TRENDING NOW LILAC

MODERN CLASSIC BRUSH STROKES

TOP PICK TERRAZZO PRINT

L AY E R U P BLUE HUES

S H O P T H E N E W C O L L E C T I O N I N S T O R E A N D AT F A R M E R S . C O . N Z

S S T Y L E S TA L K E R

Super soakers Prevent puddles and give your toes something to snuggle into after a long shower with these on-trend bath mats in shades of blush, mustard and tan

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1 Sage & Clare Tula Nudie bath mat, $99, from Shut The Front Door. 2 Home Republic Livia pom pom bath mat, $29.99, from Adairs. 3 Frendi bath mat in mustard, $22.95, from Freedom. 4 Swirl bathmat, $5, from Bed Bath & Beyond. 5 Half bath mat, $24.99, from H&M Home. 6 Fringed bath mat, $14.99, from H&M Home. 7 Sage & Clare Rosie Rainbow bath mat, $109, from Shut The Front Door. 8 Triangle bath mat, $5, from Bed Bath & Beyond. 9 Get Naked bath mat, US$34, from Urban Outfitters.

10 Round sisal bath mat, $29.99, from H&M Home. 11 Wave bath mat, $54, from Amara. 12 Peachy Clean bath mat, US$39, from Urban Outfitters.

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WOMEN WE LOVE

Green queen YH&G gardens editor Carol Bucknell has been with us since 1994, when ruched blinds, bullnose benchtops and coloured windows were all the rage. We asked her how she became a gardening guru and how Kiwi gardens have changed Interview by Sally Conor. Photography by Claire Mossong.

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How did your career begin? I started my career in London, working on a wonderful weekly architectural magazine called The Architect’s Journal. I started as a secretary to the editor and worked my way into an editorial job. I loved it all: the subject, the quirky, interesting people I worked with, the lovely Georgian buildings in St James’s Park where our offices were.

I became assistant features editor and my boss, a lovely man called Dan Cruickshank, was an expert on architectural history and would walk around London detailing the history and merits of each building we passed. I learned a lot about architecture and he helped me develop my writing skills.

Did you know you wanted to be a writer? What was your inspiration? I knew when I left school that I wanted to be a journalist; my sixth-form English teacher had suggested it and that thought stayed in my head. But first I did a BA in English, then travelled for a few years. I eventually moved to London for eight years, where I started looking for jobs in that field. It wasn’t easy as I wasn’t trained, but I was later told by a journalism tutor that working on a weekly publication in London was the best training I could’ve had.

Where did your work life take you before you arrived at YH&G? After Architect’s Journal I worked on a travel mag, then returned to Auckland where I was offered the editorship of Architecture NZ, which was about to launch. That was a dream job for me.

However, after my daughter was born, I needed more flexibility so I left to become a freelance writer. I wrote initially about houses and architecture, then gardens for various publications including The New Zealand Herald, New Zealand Gardener and Your Home and Garden.

Tell us about your early years on YH&G. I started writing for YH&G in about 1994, when my daughter, Miranda, was born. First houses then gardens. I have had the odd break from the magazine but always gravitated back somehow! There is a great team spirit on YH&G, and there have been some wonderful editors.

OPPOSITE Carol among a swathe of daylilies and dietes in her garden, Atlas trenching spade at the ready (“It’s perfect for digging holes for planting, which I am always doing”). THIS PAGE Lending support to the peas; repotting home-propagated mountain cabbage trees (Cordyline indivisa); avocados in Carol’s mini orchard.

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“I’ve seen a gradual shift from gardens being regarded as mainly a showcase for plants, to gardens as a place to live, an extension to the home, with plants used for structure and the soft furnishings” How did you start writing about gardens?

Were you already a gardener yourself? I have been a gardener most of my life and I come from a long line of gardeners. I hadn’t thought about writing garden stories until I was offered a column in Home & Building magazine about 20 years ago.

It just seemed to grow from there. The writing work encouraged me to study landscape design and so another door opened. Designing and writing about gardens – who could ask for a better career?

What are some of the big changes you’ve seen in what people want out of their homes and gardens? I’ve seen a gradual shift from gardens being regarded mainly as a showcase for plants, to gardens as a place to live, an extension to the home, with plants used for structure and as ‘soft furnishings’. And there’s definitely more awareness of sustainability now.

Who are your favourite garden designers?

Currently I love the work of naturalistic designers like Piet Oudolf, Tom Stuart-Smith, Dan Pearson and Nigel Dunnett. They create gardens that are in tune with nature, where there’s an emphasis not just on

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aesthetics but also on creating biodiversity. They select plants based on their suitability for the conditions of the site, so they need very little attention and no sprays, yet reappear every season in all their stunning glory.

What are your top five plants for beginner gardeners? My favourite plant for scent and structure is Murraya paniculata. My favourite for fruit is an avocado tree; if you have space for only one fruit tree and it’s not too cold in your area, plant one. They can be trimmed to fit reasonably tight spaces. For foliage I can’t resist tractor seat plant (Ligularia reniformis) although I do adore my native Coprosma ‘Poor Knights’ groundcover with its cascade of shiny leaves.

My favourite tree is kōwhai: light, lacy leaves that wood pigeons love and those delightful yellow flowers that attract tūī to the garden. I have an avenue of them in my garden. And peas are probably one of the best veges for beginners; there are so many varieties, you can eat the pods and the tips, and you can sprout the seeds indoors, too. Globe artichokes are also easy to grow and their beautiful, silver-grey, architectural leaves make a real statement in the vege garden.

Why are you so passionate about sustainable and eco-friendly homes and gardens? I believe we need to look to the rhythms and cycles of nature when creating spaces to live and relax in, as they will be the most harmonious and pleasant to be in. We’ve spent too many years in conflict with nature and it hasn’t gone well for us as human beings. Why not go with the flow rather than be constantly against it?

And finally, we’d love to hear a little about your own garden. There was virtually nothing in the garden when I started it four years ago – a blank canvas, which is a delight for all garden designers.

As the surrounding area is a bit wild in parts, a structured garden would have looked out of place, so here was my chance to create a naturalistic garden inspired by my favourite designers.

I grew most of the plants from cuttings, seeds and divisions – flaxes, reeds, daylilies, dietes – and planted them in big swathes, following the contours of the site. Some didn’t make it but now other plants are starting to self-seed in the garden, and I’m allowing it in order to increase the diversity of species for the bees and other insects. •

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A builder’s sharpest tool should probably be his imagination.

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Bringing your custom-home ideas to life takes years of experience and technical skill. But perhaps more important than that, it takes significant leaps of imagination.

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Meet Scott Hare. Good with his hands, even sharper with his grey matter. It’s his job to help you to see the potential of your land and realise the home of your dreams.

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If you’re ready to take the leap, visit davidreidhomes.co.nz and join us on a uniquely inspiring journey.

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1 Mustard Sketch rayon, $18.99 a metre, from Spotlight.

2 Silk eye mask, $15.39, from Adairs. 3 Cotton pillowcases, $69.90 for 2, from Paper Plane. 4 Mustard Garden rayon, $19 a metre, from Spotlight. 5 Jacovines rayon, $19 a metre, from Spotlight. 6 Rifle Paper Co pencil, $27.90 for 12, from Source Home + Object. 7 Rifle Paper Co notebook, $34.90, from Small Acorns. 8 Rifle Paper Co print, $49.90, from Ballantynes.

9 Wallpapers (from top) FI71301, $266.99 a roll; GLA805, $279.99 a roll; CN2105, $175.99 a roll, from Aspiring Walls.

10 Rifle Paper Co binder clip, $32.90 for 8, from Crave Home.

11 Daisy cushion cover, $49.90, from Citta. Background painted in Resene ‘Chelsea Gum’. Flowers by The Botanist.

TREND

Rust for life Florals in toasted tones of tobacco and turmeric are blooming all over textiles and paper goods. Try clashing colours and different designs for a modern twist on flower power Styling by Catherine Wilkinson. Photography by Wendy Fenwick.

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WE LOVE

Laundry day Make sorting your darks from your whites a soothing experience with textural stone, natural wood and calming pink and white Styling by Catherine Wilkinson. Assisted by Melle van Sambeek and Todd Neal.

Photography by Wendy Fenwick.

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L AU N D R Y B A S K E T, $165, FROM E V E R Y DAY NEEDS.

PLANTER, $ 3 4 . 9 9, FROM A&C H O M E S TO R E .

WAT E R I N G C A N , $ 7 9, F R O M FAT H E R R A B B I T.

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M AV I S & O S B O R N L AU N D RY H A M P E R , $ 3 2 4 .9 9, F R O M A&C H O M E S TO R E .

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1 Drying rack, $189, from Father Rabbit. 2 Vitra toolbox, $69.90, from Citta, with feather duster, $59, from Paper Plane. 3 Faux plant, $29.99, from Shut The Front Door. 4 Blush pillowcase pair, $99, from Father Rabbit. 5 Mug, $17.90, from Artisan & Merchant, with soap keeper, $14.99, from Shut The Front Door, nail brush, AU$9, and pot brush, AU$9, from Heaven in Earth. 6 Wash cloth, $29.99, from A&C Homestore. 7 Glass jars, from $69, from Father Rabbit, with laundry balls, $26, from Bianca Lorenne. 8 Clothes pegs, $23, from Everyday Needs. 9 Menu sweeper and funnel, $139, from Paper Plane. 10 Hut stool, $320, from Citta. 11 Washing machine, $2849, from Fisher & Paykel. 12 Grid linen pillowcase pair, $69.90, from Citta. Wall painted in Resene ‘Pearl Lusta’. Lombarda POR164 splashback tiles, $55 per sqm, and Context AST004 floor tiles in amber, $149.50 per sqm, from Tile Space. Victorian ash benchtop, $580, 800mm base cabinets, $99 each, 400mm modern doors in ‘Antique White’, $94 each, from Kaboodle.

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Stylish Shutters Transform your home with practical, stylish and affordable timber shutters Aside from their stylish good looks, shutters add a quality touch to any home. Made from sustainable timber, Harvey’s shutters are durable, easy to maintain and offer good insulation when closed.

Energy efficient shutters Shutters work by trapping a layer of air between the window and the room. This little air pocket keeps the outside air out and the inside air in!

In winter, this means that the cold air stays outside, keeping your living areas nice and warm during the colder months.

Get this contemporary look Allow your shutters to take centre stage by opting for neutral painted walls. Create a relaxed and comfy corner filled with scatter cushions and cosy throws.

Keeps your living areas nice and warm.

Shutters work by trapping a layer of air between the window and the room.

The cold air

stays outside.

Book a free in-home consultation on 0800 00 88 80 or online at harveyfurnishings.co.nz

NEXT BIG THING

Moon about Crescent shapes and half moons are on the rise right now

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1 Semicircle mat, $12, from Kmart. 2 The Poster Club ‘Shapescape 08’ print, $89, from Paper Plane. 3 Goblet vessel in orchid, AU$190.91, from Lightly.

4 Archie pot, AU$69, from Capra Designs. 5 Penny Foggo earrings, $34.90, from Iko Iko. 6 Mira Duo mirror, from $279, from Shut The Front Door. 7 Objekt small black mirror, $69.99, from Shut The Front Door. 8 Callisto brass wall hanging, AU$125, from Juno & Ace. 9 Rokk side table, $109, from Freedom.

10 Avery Arch queen bedhead, $1099.99, from A&C Homestore. 11 Metal bookend, $24.99, from H&M Home.

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Compiled by Vanessa Nouwens.

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YH&G + CORDIS 1

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1 Check-in at Cordis Auckland. 2 Downtown shopping made easy with Cordis’ shuttle service.

3 Hotel lobby reception. 4 Divine High Tea in the hotel lobby. 5 The boys enjoying some downtime in our hotel room. 6 A heated swim in the hotel pool. 7 Relaxation time in the Chuan Spa at the hotel. 8 Steven making use of the Cordis gym.

The ultimate family time Media personality Shelley Ferguson takes her family for the ultimate urban escape

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ordis was the perfect choice, thanks to a recent renovation to include family rooms complete with kitchen facilities and kid-friendly services.

Check-in was an unexpected highlight, with Cordis mascot Cody the Red Panda there to greet us, step ladders so the boys could check in themselves (once they’d finished chasing Cody’s tail), and a stunning lobby space for me to swoon over.

Then it was time to explore. Being in the city meant we could reconnect with what we love about central Auckland, and searching for personalised places (like my favourite shops) was made easy thanks to the hotel’s shuttle service which took me to downtown Auckland.

Over the course of the weekend, we took the free Cordis e-bikes to the park and over the pink cycleway. We had a divine New Zealand-inspired high tea in the hotel lobby,

visited the art gallery and strolled through the museum. We took the complimentary Cordis shuttle to Customs Street, where we shopped and bought ice creams before boat-watching at the waterfront. We even saw a movie at Imax followed by a hilarious game of ten pin bowling (the ball was almost heavier than Jett).

But perhaps most importantly, we completely relaxed. Steven and I have always loved hotels, but we didn’t expect our kids would love the luxurious little ‘Cordis Kids’ touches as much as they did. After a busy morning, they’d relax in the room enjoying the children’s backpacks provided, filled with stickers, a treasure hunt map, Jenga and Scrabble. After a late-arvo swim in the heated rooftop pool and jacuzzi, they rinsed off in the giant bath and swanned around the luxe bathroom in their adorable Cordis Kids dressing gowns and slippers.

Following a delicious dinner from the kids’

room service menu, the boys snuggled into bed with their free soft toys and watched the latest movies, wide-eyed at the giant TV screen. They felt special and pampered, and so did we. I had time for an incredible Chuan Spa session, and then swapped with Steve who got in a workout at the wellness centre. As parents, one of the most powerful parts of the stay was the complete lack of parental life admin, including cleaning and cooking. Some hotels are all about me time, but this was our time, as a family. Who says you can’t relax in the city?

A brand by Langham Hospitality Group 83 Symonds Street, Auckland cordishotels.com/auckland

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This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Subscriptions on Direct Debit renew automatically and will continue until we are advised of cancellation. Direct Debits may be cancelled at any time, simply by calling 0800 624 746 during business hours. Each subscriber will receive one hand cream and one $20 gift voucher. Hand cream scent will be selected at random and may vary from pictured. Gift will be sent to the bill payer. Savings are based off the retail cover price. Subscription rates are available for delivery to New Zealand addresses only. Please allow up to 6-8 weeks for delivery of first issue. For full terms and conditions and overseas rates, please refer to magshop.co.nz.

Do toys falling out of their baskets, colouring pencils hiding in dark corners, and clothing strewn around the room sound familiar to you? At Innovative Interiors, we understand the struggle of reining in the chaos of children’s bedrooms!

We offer simple yet smart solutions that provide order to the lives of your little ones, and you. Visit our website or speak to one of our consultants today.

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Homes YOUR

Creative and inspiring New Zealand homes with heart

Blue top

Photography by Anitta Behrendt.

None of us here at Your Home and Garden have ever considered a cornflower blue dining table, but this is compelling evidence that we’ve been missing out.

The home of Margrete Berri is full of such unexpected touches, which makes it super-inspiring for spring styling. See the rest of her fresh, bright home on page 46.

Black beauty: an interior designer builds her dream home Page 36 Design for life: a bouquet of colour inspo Page 46 Hunter gatherer: bargains abound in New Plymouth Page 54 Luck of the Irish: an art deco darling in Hawke’s Bay Page 66

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Black

This steel-clad home makes a bold statement on the outside, but inside it’s warm, welcoming and designed to create the ultimate Kiwi childhood Text by Debbie Harrison. Photography by Helen Bankers.

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Beauty

M E ET + GRE E T Celene Busher-Nepia, 34 (interior designer and stylist at Celene Interiors), Darnell Nepia, 36 (account manager), Kaelan, 6, Aria, 4, and Goldie, 20 months.

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t’s not unusual for strangers to drive up Celene Busher-Nepia and Darnell Nepia’s north Auckland driveway to knock on the door and pepper them with questions about their big, black, steel-clad home.

“This house is an attentionseeker, that’s for sure,” laughs Celene. “I’ve also had people message me through Instagram to ask about our build or even to say that our home inspired them to build a black A-frame, which is amazing.”

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For interior designer Celene, this is the best sort of feedback. But she didn’t set out to start a trend when she and Darnell began their house build in 2015 – she just knew what she liked.

“Building homes with black Colorsteel wasn’t a popular choice back then, but I fell in love with black A-frame houses after trawling Pinterest and being inspired by all these gorgeous Scandinavian homes,” says Celene.

“And now that we’ve built, I’m even more convinced. It just blends in so nicely with the beautiful countryside.”

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THE PLAN Celene and Darnell bought their land in Algies Bay, on the Mahurangi Peninsula, in 2012 without even setting foot on it. Living in London at the time, the couple were expecting their first baby and looking at lifestyle blocks back in New Zealand so they could move home to raise their family.

“We saw this northeast-facing, sheltered 1.1-hectare site with a beautiful rural outlook and it was only minutes away from three beaches – one being Martins Bay, which we love. We asked family to check it out, and my parents said they could see us being happy there. That was enough for us,” Celene recalls.

The couple returned to New Zealand and moved in with Celene’s parents to allow them to save for the build. Originally they asked their architect to design a home that could be built in two stages, so they could start small and add to it once they had more funds, but in the end they saved for longer to build it all in one go and keep the overall cost down.

The house comprises two pavilions – an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area in one, and the bedrooms, bathrooms and a second living room in the other. The pavilions are linked by a five-metre glass corridor with uninterrupted views of the countryside.

“Designing and building our own home meant we were able to create a place that suited our needs as a busy family, and which reflected our lifestyle and personalities and will grow as our family grows. That’s been the best thing for us,” Celene says.

THE KITCHEN “When your kitchen is in an open-plan area, you want it to fit in with the rest of the space so it is restful on the eye, while adding interest.

I chose an all-white design to allow the beautiful Calacatta engineered stone (from UniQuartz) to stand out. I was very happy when the bench was installed – I think there are photos of me lying on it, giving it a big hug!” Celene laughs.

Even though it’s more white, the brick splashback adds subtle texture and interest.

The punched-steel pendants over the island are a real focal point and bring a cosy feel as their brass insides reflect warm light across the walls.

KITCHEN, SECOND LOUNGE Celene chose an all-white kitchen to melt into the open-plan space but kept things interesting with a textured splashback and perforated metal pendants from Republic Home which cast flecks of amber light across the room. Black accents in the second living room include simply framed artwork from online store The Poster Club.

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STICKING TO BUDGET This savvy couple did what they could to keep the build cost down, including projectmanaging the work themselves and hiring labour-only builders for the internal jobs after Colorsteel had made the frame for the house.

“Our builders were happy for us to assist as much as we could to keep their hours down, so we would come up on the weekends and put the interior wooden framing in,” Celene says.

They also saved in areas like the bathrooms by using ready-made vanities and large wall tiles, which meant less labour and grout costs.

“We designed and installed the wardrobe systems from Cabjaks ourselves, which saved us a lot of money. We were really fortunate with my industry connections as an interior designer and my husband’s connections in the electrical and data industry – it meant we were able to make our money go further,” Celene says.

THE KIDS’ ROOMS Since buying their plot of land, the family has expanded to five, and Celene was keen for the children’s bedrooms to be fun but also capable of growing with them. “The kids were very much a part of the design process; I’d show them a selection of products or colours to choose from so they felt like they were included in the overall look and feel of their rooms,” she explains.

Celene scoured op-shops for furniture – both Aria and Kaelan’s beds were Trade Me finds.

“Aria’s bed originally had a wood finish but I had a custom paint colour made up to tie in with the bunting and artwork. I couldn’t believe it when I found Kaelan’s bed – it’s a Jenny Lind bed I’d wanted for years!”

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H THE WOW FACTOR In her day job Celene helps clients design and style their interiors so she was excited to finally apply those skills to her own home. Besides the black Colorsteel exterior, another must-have was concrete floors. “I love the look of concrete floors and did extensive research on colours, finishes, the curing process and the different grinding, polishing and sealing options,” she says.

“I was on site all day while the pour and power-floating [smoothing] took place. We put an additive in the concrete to slow down the curing process and reduce cracking. We went with the natural colour and did a very minimal grind just to take off any rough patches. We chose a medium polish and densified the concrete for protection against stains, rather than doing the traditional grind and seal,” she explains.

“The floors have been great. The children can be rough on them and they won’t scratch or dent. They’re also amazing at retaining heat and keeping the house warm.”

The other main design feature Celene had her heart set on was floor-to-ceiling windows along the hallway. “I wanted it so that when you walk up to the glass front door you only have a glimpse of the land beyond, then once you’re inside, you’re greeted by uninterrupted views of the countryside,” she says.

BEDROOMS The neutral scheme of soft grey, white and fawn continues in the bedrooms, where carpet replaces the concrete and rugs. Aria’s white storage cases came from Onceit, and Kaelan’s Oyoy road-map rug is from Dapper Mr Bear.

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OUTDOOR Adding the louvred canopy at the end of the lounge has effectively doubled the family’s summer living space – all the better to soak up the peaceful country views.

uild inspiration on

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“We love sitting here in the early evening, listening to music and enjoying the sunset and a quiet drink while watching the children run around outside” OUTDOOR LIVING With no close neighbours and their restful green outlook, it’s no wonder Darnell and Celene say their outdoor living room is their favourite space to spend time in.

“The large bifold doors off the living room open up the whole space, creating amazing indoor-outdoor flow. We love sitting here in the early evening, listening to music and enjoying the sunset and a quiet drink while watching the children run around outside,” Celene says.

One of their best investments was getting a louvre roof installed. Before then, the furniture in the living room had been getting hammered by the afternoon sun streaming in, but Celene didn’t want curtains detracting from the clean lines of the room and the windows.

“I loved the idea of being able to control the amount of light that came in,” Celene says. “We got The Outdoor Room Company to install the louvres and it was the best decision.

Not only does it protect the furniture from the sun and give us a shaded area for summer, it immediately created an amazing outdoor room and essentially doubled our living space.

“Eventually we will add outdoor blinds to the louvre system so it’s weathertight, but the louvres have really changed the way we can use our outdoor area,” she says.

THE FUTURE Sitting outside and watching the kids racing around the large backyard, it’s clear this is a house that will keep the Busher-Nepia family happy for a long time. There are further plans, though. The couple say they have a lot of planting and landscaping to do, and they’re considering adding a third pavilion at some stage comprising a garage with a loft or minor dwelling above.

Another bedroom and a swimming pool are also on the wish list, but for now they’re happy to enjoy the family home they’ve created – and to share the details with those surprise visitors and Instagram followers. •

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SHOP THEIR STYLE Marble and concrete meet cosy fabrics and gleams of brass in a modern but comfortable family home

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TOP STYLING TIPS + Celene: Always anchor your bed with a headboard, a large piece of artwork above the bed or a feature wall. Then add cushions – I use two euros at the back, two standard pillows, and one or two small cushions at the front. + When styling a living area, find your focal point, whether it’s a fireplace, a large piece of artwork or an oversized mirror. Style your room around this. I love using occasional chairs in living rooms because they enable the flow of conversation as well as allowing easy movement through the space. + Make sure colourful soft furnishings relate to something else in the room, such as the drapery, wallpaper or an artwork.

If you want to keep your furnishings neutral, add interest through texture, patterns and different fabrics. + Indoor plants are one of the best accessories you can use in your home. They are great for filling an awkward space.

My personal favourite is Zamioculcas zamiifolia.

HONESTY BOX

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1 Your Home and Garden Torano tassel throw, $99.99, from Farmers. 2 Segment tray, $89.90, from Citta. 3 Altelier wall light, $279.90, from Lighting Direct. 4 Mali Ghana cushion, $100, from A&C Homestore. 5 Chet mirror, $79.99, from EziBuy. 6 Drum side table, $399, from Freedom. 7 ‘Pairs’ framed print, $179, from Paper Plane. 8 Clovelly drinks trolley, $129, from Freedom. 9 Boden chaise sofa in charcoal, $1799, from Early Settler. 10 Axis coffee table, $399, from Nood.

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+ Best memories in your home?

Having my dad’s 80th here with all his dearest friends. Our first Christmas here was special, too. + Was building a smooth process or a painful one for you? Our build was smooth sailing, but it was still stressful projectmanaging and commuting back and forth with a toddler and baby.

The only part of the process that wasn’t smooth was the earthworks: our house pad was cut much lower than it was meant to be and the land wasn’t reshaped the way we wanted, so that is something I’d like to fix in the future. + Any regrets? I wish we had flat ceilings in the bedrooms to make them easier to heat and cool. We also didn’t think we had enough funds for a fourth bedroom but it turns out we saved more than expected doing work ourselves.

I wish we had a spare room so our family could stay more regularly. + What advice do you have for others about to start a build? Do your research, get multiple quotes and use good-quality products in areas which add value to a home.

H FLOOR PLAN KEY 1 Entry 2 Kitchen 3 Living 4 Toilet 5 Lounge 6 Main bedroom

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COLOUR PALETTE 7 Wardrobe 8 Ensuite 9 Bedroom 10 Bathroom 11 Laundry 12 Storage

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RESENE ‘Alabaster’

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RESENE ‘Quarter Surrender’

+ Best purchase? Darnell says it’s the ride-on lawnmower!

I would say our outdoor louvres

by The Outdoor Room Company – they’ve really changed the way we use the space and have essentially given us another room. + Favourite thing in the house?

Besides our family, our sound system would be one. Good music always has a positive impact in our house – the kids and I love to turn up the sounds and have a good dance. We have some great electrical features in the home thanks to my husband. + What are you most proud of?

The whole house. We’re very happy and grateful that we were able to create this home for our family.

RESENE ‘Quarter Silver Chalice’

CONTACTS Interior design Celene Interiors, 021 887 795, celene.co.nz Builder Brett Brown, Brown Bros Builders, 021 591 550 Electrician Mark Mitchell, 09 444 8544 Concrete Concrete Grind & Polish, concretegrindandpolish.co.nz

SUPPLIERS Furniture Soren Liv, sorenliv.com Decor Mulberi, furtex.co.nz; Citta, cittadesign.com; Country Road, countryroad.co.nz Indoor plants Plantlove.nz, 021 0261 2274

TOTAL SPEND $420,000 approx (inc architect

and council fees, earthworks, drainlaying, 100m driveway, deck and retaining wall).

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Design for life

This chic mum-of-two took from the colours and textures of her childhood to create a home that fuses Scandi style with personal touches Text by Pia Olsen/Living Stories. Photography by Anitta Behrendt.

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efore designer Margrete Berri and her family moved into their small white house in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, it had been a horse stable, workspace and photo studio, so they knew it would take plenty of time and creativity to turn it into a family home with room for two children.

“We fell for the large skylight in the living room and the central location, but we were not fond of the rest,” Margrete remembers. “The house needed a whole new floor plan. I was very pregnant with our second child and was doubtful about whether it was the right project for us.”

But the couple couldn’t stop thinking about the house and kept returning to look at it. They even started drawing up plans for how they would transform its spaces before they finally made the leap. “Eventually we turned up and threw ourselves into a six-month renovation,” says Margrete.

MEET + GREET Margrete Berri, 33 (designer at Nué Group) with her husband and their two children. Follow Margrete on Instagram @margreteberri.

SURFACES & TEXTURES The couple’s first move was to renovate the kitchen. Old cabinets were replaced with warm grey versions from IKEA, and a solid oak benchtop and brass handles were added for a touch of luxury.

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“I am drawn both to the stylish and to the colourful. I like it when opposites meet because it is simply more exciting to live with”

STYLE HIGHLIGHTS The ‘Life is fantastic’ artwork is by David Shrigley, the balloon light is vintage, the rugs are Moroccan boucherouites, and the floral sofa is from IKEA. In the dining area, the light is a Vertigo pendant by Constance Guisset for Petite Friture, the table is by Egon Eiermann and the chairs are vintage.

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BATHROOM An IKEA vanity was upgraded with doors by Superfront (a company that makes different fronts, legs and handles to fit onto IKEA frames) and a custom laminate top. The brass mirror is vintage and the terrazzo tiles were found at a demolition yard.

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BEDROOM In contrast to the vivid blues used elsewhere, the couple’s bedroom is painted in muted Farrow & Ball ‘Skylight Blue’. Pale pink accents in the pillows and decor items add warmth.

The bathroom was fitted with a bathtub and heating was laid under a terrazzo floor.

“Terrazzo reminds me of hot summers in Lebanon, where I vacationed with my family as a child,” says Margrete. “It was difficult to find exactly the same style and, after much searching, we came across some leftovers at the local demolition yard. Now I think of childhood memories each time I enter the room.”

EAST MEETS NORTH Margrete is inspired by Lebanese style, which favours lots of colour and flowers, but prefers to combine it with Nordic simplicity.

“I am drawn both to the stylish and to the colourful,” she says. “I like it when opposites meet because it is simply more exciting to live with.” •

Find more Scandi style inspiration on

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SHOP THEIR STYLE Cleverly contrasted colours and effervescent florals are balanced with white in a home that’s equal parts calm and joy

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MARGRETE’S STYLE INSIGHTS + The colours on the living room walls are something I often change – it reflects my mood.

They have been all possible shades of blue and pink. + Often decor can become very adult but I think it’s nice to allow some room for play and humour in interior design. I like to include slightly quirky elements such as our Vertigo pendant, which is totally over the top and reminiscent of a big hat (in fact, we use the same word for ‘lamp’ as we do for ‘hat’ in Denmark).

Lights like this give an Alice in Wonderland feeling that I love. + The best thing of all is when our guests say that our house has such a homely feeling – then I feel good, knowing that we have set up a home where you can relax.

GET THE LOOK To emulate Margrete’s interior decorating style, try these ideas:

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+ Choose a room you love, but don’t always spend time in, as your experimentation area.

Regularly try out new paint colours and effects in there, and rearrange the furniture as often as you like. Use your favourite combinations elsewhere around your home. + Think of a texture, colour palette or shape from your past that makes you feel good and place it somewhere special to remind you of happy times. + Display fresh flowers and foliage throughout your home and forage interesting greenery from your neighbourhood to add colour and variety to your interior.

COLOUR PALETTE

1 Ivy table lamp, $299.99, from A&C Homestore. 2 Around coffee table, $855, from Bauhaus. 3 Althea hand-tufted shag rug, from US$329, from Urban Outfitters. 4 Wishbone chair, $329, from Me & My Trend. 5 Life is Fantastic tea towel, AU$45, from thirddrawerdown.com. 6 Brilliant Lighting Grange floor lamp, $198, from Bunnings. 7 Black jug, $29.99, from H&M Home. 8 Mamasita Frida planter, $99.99, from Bolt of Cloth. 9 Thea sofa, $1499, from Freedom. 10 Home Republic Vera floral day cushion, $69.99, from Adairs.

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RESENE ‘Quarter Surrender’

RESENE ‘Coast’

RESENE ‘Alabaster’

RESENE ‘Nepal’

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KITCHEN Bespoke touches to this inexpensive kitchen have given it a subtle heritage feel. The pendants were a steal at just $40 each and are cleverly echoed in the glassware on the bench, while the barn door in muddy green was made by the builders to Jane’s specifications.

MEET + GREET Jane Murray, 37 (stay-at-home mum), Marc Murray, 37 (engineer), Arlo, 6, and Herbie, 3, plus Buddy the Labrador.

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Hunter gatherer

A nose for a good deal combined with DIY skills has given this couple’s New Plymouth new-build plenty of soul — without breaking the bank Text by Sharon Stephenson. Photography by The Virtue.

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ON THE BENCH The chunky Prime laminate benchtops (from Kitchen Designz) have an exposed birch ply edge which links in with other wooden details such as the stools bought for just $15 each at The Warehouse. “I talked them down from $25 as they had a few scuffs,” says Jane.

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f there were a crown for New Zealand’s Best Bargain Hunter, it would belong on Jane Murray’s head.

Not only is this stay-at-home mum an expert at upcycling and recycling, she’s also got a knack for finding super-stylish items on sale.

It’s a skill that came in handy when Jane and husband Marc built their house in Whalers Gate, a new subdivision in New Plymouth.

“When you’re on a limited budget, you have to get clever about doing things,” says Jane.

The couple are no strangers to renovation, having previously done up a villa in Dunedin (where Jane is from) and a 1980s house in New Plymouth after Marc’s work in the oil industry led them to move to the city in 2013.

But they’ve always had a hankering to build their own home, so when this section became available in 2016, they jumped at the chance to purchase it and build their dream.

THE PLAN There were only a few things on the Murrays’ wish list: their house had to be a black barn, a style Jane has long admired, have easy-care concrete floors and include a partial dividing wall in the kitchen/living space to allow for separate zones.

“We also wanted three bedrooms but were open to the layout. We worked with the building company to come up with an L-shaped design which groups the bedrooms on the west side and the cooking and living areas towards the front of the 183-square-metre house,” says Jane.

The original plan was to build a cedar barn and paint it black, but when that proved too expensive, the couple went for lowmaintenance black aluminium, which not only saved them money but also means low ongoing maintenance costs. However, they did use cedar panels on the front of the house and garage to help break up the “sea of black”.

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CUT AND DRIED Jane’s styling has added a layer of country character to the brand-new house. Her home-dried flowers feature in vignettes around the home and even the kitchen peg rack is a nostalgic treat. Not one to give up if something is too expensive or impossible to find, Jane just draws up a design and asks husband Marc to make it, as she did with her foliage drying rack and hall table (right, middle).

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EAGER WEAVER The decoration in the master bedroom is simple yet thoughtfully done. The cane headboard ties in with the Olli Ella mini hampers (“borrowed” from the kids and used to hide charger cords), woven pendant and easy chair. Jane’s dried arrangements could almost be an art installation.

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THE STYLE Although Jane only caught the interior styling bug a few years ago, she’s now a dedicated fan.

So when the time came to decorate her new house, she was in heaven.

“I wanted more contemporary-style furnishings so we sold most of our old furniture.

I have a policy of selling something if I want to buy something, which is not only cost-effective but also means I don’t end up with too much stuff,” says Jane.

New items included the family’s grey sectional sofa, a cane chair in the master bedroom (which was bought online from a store in Wellington), her sons’ black bed frames and the desk in Arlo’s bedroom, which she refashioned from a Freedom bar cart.

Jane saw the Perspex book holders in Herbie’s room online but baulked at the price,

so she tracked down a company in Tauranga that made them for a third of the price.

In typical Jane style, she also found the grey carpet for the three family bedrooms at a third of the cost of what she’d been quoted and shopped around until she found a website that was selling the green bedside cabinet in Arlo’s room at a discounted price.

She even created a stylish laundry on the cheap using a sheet of faux black subway tiles gifted to her by Vinyl Home, a company she does some styling work for, and some nifty shelves picked up for $30 online from US store Urban Outfitters (she combined it with other purchases as the shipping is free once you spend US$50).

“It’s all about being open to different sources and ideas. You never know where or when you’ll find a bargain,” says Jane.

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AHEAD OF THE CURVE The headboard was spotted at The Importer in Mount Maunganui and the bedside tables were on clearance for $69 each at Wallace Cotton (“When they arrived the stain was a bit orange for my liking so I stripped them back and left them natural,� says Jane).

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IN THE DARK Black accents link the interior to the black barn-like exterior and window joinery. The boys’ beds are Olly beds from Big Save Furniture and the glossy laundry tiles are sticky-back vinyl sheets from Vinyl Home.

THE DETAILS As a fan of Scandinavian design, Jane opted for simple but stylish fittings such as white tiles with black grout in the family bathroom and master-bedroom ensuite. Grey hexagonal tiles in the shower base were exchanged for light pink tiles in the ensuite.

In the kitchen, Jane chose plywood cabinetry with a laminate benchtop. The barn door in the scullery was another budget hack – the family’s builders used leftover timber to make it to Jane’s specifications. She also found the striking pendant lights above the kitchen island for $40 each on sale, and picked up the kitchen stools for $15 each.

MAKING AN ENTRANCE Jane was keen on a dramatic entrance, so she asked the builder to create a 9.5-metre concrete path, edged with lime chip, to the front door.

She’s always dreamed of a statement front door but when she was quoted $2000 for a powder-coated pink front door, Jane took the plain aluminium door to a local panelbeater who spray-painted it for $500.

The entrance’s pink theme continues with a collection of pale pink pots which started life as $20 terracotta pots from The Warehouse and were then painted by Jane.

A CRAFTY COUPLE Anything Jane can’t find for a good price, she designs and Marc makes. The wooden clothes drying rack in the hallway where she dries foraged flowers and herbs, the pine shelving in each bedroom, and the entryway table are all examples of their ingenuity. They are also what makes this new-build feel like an established home – those little touches that only the Murrays could produce.

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PINKY PROMISE Jane’s vision of a striking entryway was brought to life after her plain aluminium door was given a $500 paint job at the local panelbeaters. •

uild inspiration on

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TIP Create a sense of arrival by painting inexpensive plant pots and grouping them together. Plant with statement succulents and cacti or pretty perennial flowers.

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SHOP THEIR STYLE

HONESTY BOX

Simple cane and raffia decor pieces, along with retro household items, instil old-time values into this new-build

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+ Best lessons learned?

Jane: Stay on top of the budget (and your building team) to make sure you’re on track with finances and the time frame. + What would you never do again? I wouldn’t install heated towel rails. They’re not something we ever use and we really only put them in for resale value. If I did it again, I’d use the towel holders from Made of Tomorrow. + Any DIY disasters? To save money we chose not to install a wire wardrobe system in our wardrobes as I’m not a huge fan.

Instead, we hung IKEA rails, most of which have stayed up, but the ones in our bedroom fell down, leaving big holes in the wall which now needs re-plasterboarding.

For now, I’ve ‘installed’ a floral arrangement in the wall. In hindsight, we should have gone with what we are currently using: IKEA floor racks. + Anything else you’d change about your house if you could?

The kitchen splashback. Initially, we used smaller, whiter square tiles but, once they were in place, they showed up major defects and cracks so I had to quickly choose another tile. Because the new tiles were much greyer I changed the grout to a light grey, rather than the black I wanted. It’s a small thing but it always annoys me. + Most memorable experience in your home so far? Moving-in day. We feel so lucky to have been able to design and build a home for ourselves and our family.

SHOPPING 9

Jane: We rented while the house was being built and, in those months, I sold most of our old furniture and started buying new items. When it came time to move in, unpacking it all felt like Christmas.

SPEND

1 Rattan headboard, $690, from Indie Home Collective. 2 Tea towel, $12.99, from H&M Home. 3 Apothecary long pendant, $189, from Mr Ralph. 4 ‘In the past’ poster by Fashionell, $59.50, from Little Whimsy. 5 Mirror, $49.99, from H&M Home.

6 Wooden drying rack, $189, from Father Rabbit. 7 Shorty locker, $289, from Dapper Mr Bear. 8 Floor basket with handles, $22, from Kmart. 9 Cody dining table, $399.95, from Mocka.

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Land purchase $195,000 Build contract $378,000 including blinds and partial landscaping (we spent $14,000 on landscaping but it wasn’t enough to finish it).

Total $573,000

H FLOOR PLAN KEY 1 Entry 2 Living 3 Dining 4 Kitchen 5 Scullery 6 Wardrobe

COLOUR PALETTE

7 Ensuite 8 Main bedroom 9 Bedroom 10 Toilet 11 Bathroom 12 Laundry 13 Garage

RESENE ‘Sakura’

RESENE ‘Alabaster’

RESENE ‘Lichen’

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TIP I F YO U CA N ’ T F I N D T H E PERFECT STO OL OR CHAIR, BUY A PLAIN ONE AND PA I N T I T I N T H E C O L O U R O F YO U R C H O I C E .

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LUCK OF THE IRISH A family moved to New Zealand with a clear plan in place, but instead fell under the spell of this magnificent art deco homestead in Hawke’s Bay Text by Fiona Ralph. Photography by Florence Charvin.

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MEET + GREET Emma Hadden, 43 (co-manages Meadowood with Colin), Colin Hadden, 52 (horticulturist), Ivy, 4, and Ross, 3 months, plus black Labrador Kai and cat Inca.

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ometimes even the best-laid plans have to move aside for what some call ‘fate’, and others ‘good luck’. When Colin and Emma Hadden moved from Ireland to Hawke’s Bay in 2013, they planned to find work in the farming industry. But when dairy prices crashed, they changed tack and looked into orcharding instead.

The couple searched for a house and lifestyle business for a long time, but nothing seemed right. Then they heard about a B&B called Meadowood.

“When we drove up the drive, even before we saw the house, we got a good feeling and said, ‘This is it,’” recalls Emma. “The trees and gardens; they’re so like home. Properties in New Zealand with those mature gardens don’t come on the market that often.”

In fact, this house wasn’t even on the market. A friend in real estate had suggested the couple take a look, and they fell in love with it despite themselves. “It wasn’t about the house,” Emma says. “When we saw the house we weren’t mad about it because it was icecream pink, which was very polarising to say the least.” The Haddens managed to purchase the property in a private sale and the fourbedroom 1930s homestead was theirs.

EXTERIOR OVERHAUL The property, dubbed Meadowood House in the 1960s, has been reinvigorated under the Haddens’ care. While the interior had been refurbished by the previous owners with help from interior designers Bibby + Brady, Emma and Colin overhauled the exterior. The

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LIVING ROOM, WHISKEY ROOM The living room is a classic example of art deco architecture with its curved wall and built-in niche. The wallpaper is ‘Volute’ in old gold from Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers in the US, and the leather chair is an original Barcelona Chair, first conceived in 1929.

The working radiogram in the whiskey room was a lucky find on Trade Me.

ice-cream pink made way for cobalt blue, a choice inspired by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s famous Marrakech home, Villa Oasis.

The Haddens have also planted a sizeable apple orchard on their lush section.

In the garden, the pair did “a phenomenal amount of work”, ripping up lawns and fences in favour of raised flower beds, paved patios and intimate seating areas. Colin did a lot of this work himself with the help of family friend and tradie Sebastian Logan. “I’m a complete and utter black thumb,” says Emma. “I’m not allowed near the garden.”

For the patio, Colin wanted to create an aged effect in keeping with the house, so instead of using pavers he made individual frames and poured concrete into them. Once the concrete was set, he pulled up the frames and filled the gaps with red stones.

The front and back entrances of Meadowood were switched around and the parking area was moved to the front of the property, to make the back garden feel more peaceful. “The previous layout with cars parked beside the house was unsightly and it got really mucky if it rained,” explains Emma.

Finally, the couple changed the accommodation offered at Meadowood from B&B to a whole-house-for-hire, and quickly abolished the ‘no kids or pets’ rule. “We just thought, ‘This house has the potential to be such fun,’” says Emma.

They ripped down all the old signs, scoured the op-shops for accessories, and named each room after a different 1930s icon. They also turned an unused sitting area into a whiskey room. “My husband and I are both Irish and a house isn’t a home unless you can offer a guest a tipple of Jameson,” laughs Emma.

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SKY’S THE LIMIT The wallpaper in the Amelia Earhart room (Bradbury & Bradbury’s ‘Aeroplane’ in sky blue) is particularly apt as it was created in the early 1930s, possibly intended for the home of a female aviator at the time. A slimline mirror and wall lights, sourced at auctions by interior designers Bibby + Brady, fit perfectly in the petite ensuite.

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CHANGE OF PLANS When the Haddens first bought Meadowood, the property had six acres (2.4 hectares) of grapevines which were leased by the neighbouring vineyard. Unfortunately, three weeks after they purchased, the vineyard was sold and the couple couldn’t get anyone else to lease the vines. Knowing nothing about viticulture, Emma and Colin had to come up with an alternative income source to keep up with mortgage repayments.

Colin’s idea to add glamping to their accommodation offering has been a winner.

“This year it’s nearly taken over from the house bookings. It’s been phenomenally successful,” Emma says. She wasn’t initially keen on Colin’s suggestion to buy tents for a glamping zone, so it was a surprise to her when four tents turned up on the doorstep – but it all worked out in the end.

“After thinking that selling wine was the be all and end all, the change actually turned out to be quite a plus,” Emma says. “We’re next door to Zeffer Cider Co and our two brands really complement each other. The demographics for the cidery and glamping are very similar.”

They’ve also replaced the grapevines with apple trees, which they hope to export in a few years. “It’s ended up being a blessing. We’d

always intended to put in an orchard eventually but that just happened sooner than planned.”

Gardening might not be Emma’s thing, but interiors and taking care of the glamping are “her babies” [as well as her actual baby, Ross, who was born not long after this photoshoot].

In the glamping zone, Lotus Belle tents are fitted out with comfortable queen beds and quality linen. Outside, showerheads emerge directly from tree trunks, and lights are strung through trees. “At night time it looks like a fairytale. It’s fabulous,” Emma says.

A garage was turned into a speakeasystyle bar by Colin and filled with op-shop finds

by Emma. The idea was to have a space for glampers to relax “if the weather wasn’t playing ball”. Inside there’s a projector and a range of black-and-white movies; outside a spa and brazier, with marshmallows for toasting. “It’s all very romantic.”

Rather than let all those romantic vibes go to waste, the entrepreneurial couple have also turned the property into a wedding venue, purchasing a marquee so that couples need only worry about catering (flowers can be picked from the gardens). In their first season they hosted three weddings – even managing when little Ross arrived two days before the first.

H RAZZLE DAZZLE Gold and turquoise wallpaper (‘Deco’ by Harlequin) with matching cushions channel 1930s glamour in the Fred & Ginger room, while chrome and plush fabrics (and a bar cart, of course) create a boudoir fit for Mae West. Fittingly, the platinum vamp’s wallpaper is Bradbury & Bradbury’s ‘Havana’ in platinum.

HISTORY REPEATS The Haddens are not the first to raise a family at Meadowood. The property has had just four owners since it was built in 1934 as a replacement for the farm homestead damaged by the 1931 Napier earthquake. The house was built in stages on a bare paddock, while the owners made do in a tent. They also planted the stand of trees which now surrounds the home.

Colin and Emma, with baby Ross and fouryear-old Ivy, live in a small two-bedroom cottage behind Meadowood, which they’ll eventually replace with a larger home. It was a tight squeeze moving from a five-bedroom house, so a lot of the couple’s furniture and artwork has found a place inside the main house.

With no hospitality experience, the pair have had to get used to hosting guests, although Emma had worked in PR and communications previously. “Pulling events together and looking after guests is not dissimilar to PR,” she says.

“And we still have a lot of privacy around our cottage so it works fine.”

Ivy adores it, too – she has an amazing garden to play in and interesting people to meet. Often Emma will discover her daughter has already shown guests around before she can get to them, and loves how at home she feels. “I like to think both my kids will grow up here,” she says.

A folder containing contributions from the house’s previous owners includes details of pipes laid and plants grown, and the original owners’ grandchildren visited recently. The remains of their grandmother’s kiln are still in the garden – just a pile of red bricks – and Emma often finds pieces of homemade pottery in the garden. “When we do eventually build, I want to incorporate that red brick into a feature wall,” she says.

The family adore the sense of history that surrounds their home. “We honestly feel like we are custodians of this property and all its history. We absolutely love it and we’re going to look after it for as long as we can. We truly feel that Meadowood found us.” •

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ENCHANTED GARDEN Rustic seating areas are scattered through the grounds so glamping and house guests can enjoy a little privacy as they take in the garden. But if they’re seeking company, the speakeasy-style bar – painted a rich red and furnished in vintage style – is the place to go (opposite, middle far left).

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omes? See more 1930s interiors on

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SHOP THEIR STYLE An art deco interior is brought to life with decor that captures the glamour and spirit of the era

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HONESTY BOX + What do you love about this home? Emma: The history it brings with it. We genuinely feel we are custodians of this beautiful home and hope the original builders/owners, Oscar and Agnes Janett, would approve of what we’ve done to the old dame. + Best lessons learned?

Trust your vision and go with your instincts – sometimes the house and gardens are really speaking to you. + What’s one thing you would change about the home if you could? We’d love to add another ensuite, so that each bedroom would have its own bathroom. + How do you find the experience of hosting people?

We love it. Guests are in holiday mode so are in great form (mostly!) and that’s infectious. + Most memorable experience you’ve had at your property?

Being blessed to meet the grandchildren and son of the original owners, and host them at Meadowood. They shared so many stories and photographs with us and helped us join up a lot of dots!

EMMA’S BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION STYLING TIPS 8 10 9

1 Luca glass pendant, $99, from Early Settler. 2 Oxford mirror, $269, from Freedom. 3 Modern Art 433227 wallpaper, $139.99 a roll, from Aspiring Walls. 4 RCR Oasis whisky decanter, $79.99, and Pasabahce Karat whiskey tumbler, $7.99 each, from Briscoes. 5 Smeg fridge, $4409, from Kitchen Things. 6 Pharmacy desk lamp in polished chrome, $99, from Lighting Direct.

7 Broyhill Sculptra tallboy, $2950, from Mr Bigglesworthy. 8 Mercer & Reid Bombay velvet cushion, $48.99, from Adairs.

9 Hobbs sofa, $2495, from Me & My Trend. 10 Your Home and Garden velvet cushion, $59.99, from Farmers.

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+ The small details are key.

For example, sugar cubes served with little silver tongs instead of sugar granules. + Think decadence – crystal glassware, Champagne saucers and vintage china. + Don’t have rules! We pulled down all the signs that the previous owners had hung on the wall – they just seemed so unwelcoming. If something gets broken or there’s a bit of wear and tear, so be it. Everything can be repaired, replaced or touched up. Guests should feel they’re in their own home, relaxed and comfortable. + Use good-quality bedlinen, always – no excuses. + In the garden have small, private seating areas as opposed to one open-plan garden. It adds an air of romance.

Keep your DRAWERS on!

FLOOR PLAN

CHESTYboy 2 Bay 3 High

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COLOUR PALETTE WATTYL ‘Paris Skies’

RESENE ‘Black White’

BRADBURY & BRADBURY ‘Volute’

KEY 1 Entry 2 Mae West room 3 Deck 4 Whiskey room 5 Fred & Ginger room 6 Living room 7 Terrace 8 Amelia Earhart room 9 Ensuite 10 Kitchen 11 Dining room 12 Bathroom 13 Clark Gable room

CHESTYboy 1 Bay 3 High

SPEND We painted the house, overhauled the gardens and installed an outdoor speakeasy-style bar for approximately $70,000.

CONTACTS Handyman Sebastian Logan is fabulous; 022 526 1989.

SUPPLIERS The Cranford Hospice shop in Hastings is a treasure trove; 306 Queen Street West, Hastings.

Greenleaf Nurseries in Clive were fabulous with advice on plants and trees; greenleafnurseries.co.nz.

Interior designers (commissioned by previous owners) Bibby + Brady, bibbyandbrady.co.nz.

Love it? Get it now.

Pay it in 6.

N O W AVA I L A B L E

TH RE E K I N G S N O RTH S H OR E AL BA N Y BOTAN Y D OWN S H AMI LTO N TA U RA N G A TA U P O H AS TI N G S PAL MER S TON N TH LO W E R H U TT

meluka.co.nz

9 8 3 MT E DE N RD 13 A LI N K DR 26 0 OT E H A VA LLE Y RD 5 01 T I RAKAU DR 15 MAU I ST 15 6 CH ADW I CK RD 29 TOTARA S T 8 10 H E RE TAU N G A ST 6 9 9 MAI N S T 28 R UT H E RFO RD ST

D ESIG NED AND M AD E IN NZ

Entries are open!

Photography by Helen Bankers.

Have you used Resene paints at your place?

You could win $5000 Get your entry in by 27 October 2019 and you could be our first finalist

HOW TO ENTER Email photos and a 200-word-or-more description of your space to yhg@bauermedia.co.nz with your last name and ‘Resene Colour Home’ in the subject line.

Please include your name, home address, email address, daytime phone number, the names of the Resene colours used, and details of when your space was painted.

Please credit anyone who assisted you in choosing your colours. The five finalists will each appear in Your Home and Garden, starting in our November issue.

Every finalist will receive a $250 Resene voucher and a feature in the magazine, with the winner taking out the Resene Colour Home Awards and $5000 cash. An extended story on the winning home will feature in the WHAT April 2020 issue.

COLOUR HOME AWARDS

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Clever interior colours • Inventive paint projects • Exciting exterior paint

TERMS & CONDITIONS Instructions on how to enter are part of the conditions of entry. This competition is open to New Zealand residents, except employees of Bauer Media Group (LP), Resene, and their immediate families and agencies. The five finalists and overall winner will be notified by telephone and/or email. All entries are eligible for consideration for the Resene website. Finalists may be videoed for online content to appear on homestolove.co.nz. Any non-finalists selected for the Resene website will receive a free gift from Resene.

PROMOTION

BUILDING OR RENOVATING

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How to choose the right builder for you We know building a new home or doing a major renovation is a big deal – you need a builder you can trust. Here are a few tips from Master Builders, New Zealand’s leading building association.

Choosing a builder is like starting a new relationship. You both need to be honest and open from the beginning for the relationship to work.

Spending some time finding the right builder for you will set you and your builder up for a successful relationship for this project, and maybe even for others.

Five tips to finding a builder you can trust TIP 1

Get referrals and ask around.

Word of mouth is great way to find an experienced builder. Ask family, friends, work mates and don’t forget your architect (if you have one) and other tradies. We recommend you talk to and meet at least three builders and get quotes from them that you can compare.

Ask them if you can speak to some of their other clients. When you talk to their clients don’t just ask them about the end result, ask what it was like working with the builder throughout the build, for example how was their communication? What happened when there was a problem (which is bound to happen) or when they didn’t agree with their builder?

TIP 2

Ask lots of questions.

Don’t be afraid to ask the builder a lot of questions. This is your chance to find out as much about them as you can. After all this is the start of the relationship, so you want to get to know them and their business to see if they are right for you. You need to know things like, how long have they been in business? Do they do a lot of projects that are the same size and type as your project?

Can they share examples? How long will the building consent process take? How will the communication process work? We have more questions you should ask on our website.

The builder should also be asking you lots of questions as they also need to get to know you and your project and understand what your expectations are. It is a good idea to be clear about what is important to you when it comes to your building or renovation project so you can be open about this when meeting potential builders.

TIP 3

Get everything in writing.

Make sure you get everything in writing, especially cost estimates and quotes. Don’t rely on verbal agreements. There will be a lot of new information to take in and having it in writing means you can take the time to read things again and do more research if you need to. It also gives both you and the builder clarity.

When you have chosen your builder, it is vital that you have a written contract in place.

TIP 5

Check they are a Master Builder.

Master Builders must meet high quality standards. This includes building experience, trade and professional qualifications, on-site management experience, workmanship and financial stability. Choosing to use a Master Builder means that you are choosing quality.

And, only a Master Builder can offer you the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee.

And don’t just take our word for it.

Our recent brand research* shows that people trust Master Builders: •

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Kiwis say Master Builders are more trustworthy than other builders – almost twice as trustworthy.

Kiwis are more satisfied when they use a Master Builder – people who use a Master Builder say they are more satisfied than those who use other builders.

The top reasons for choosing a Master Builder are quality workmanship and having back-up if there are any issues. *2018 Brand Research

Trust your gut feelings.

Spend some time with a few different builders or building companies. Make sure you feel comfortable with your chosen builder. On any project there will ups and downs – you need to be able to work through these with your builder as smoothly as possible.

To get more helpful advice, and to find a Master Builder, visit masterbuilder.org.nz

Renovation YOUR

Expert advice on home alterations, extensions and updates

Restoration home

Photography by The Virtue.

When Emma and Josh Smaller bought their rundown villa in New Plymouth, they were warned how much work it would take to get the heritage home up to scratch for modern living. But thank goodness they didn’t listen — this renovation is something special. See the whole house on page 89.

Ever green: breathing new life into a bushclad home Page 80 Renovation Awards: our second finalist is a thriller of a villa Page 89 Workshop: Alice & Caleb’s top 5 DIY hacks Page 100 The Block NZ Page 107

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Ever green Some deft tweaks and a new colour scheme saw this previously dingy mid-century home become a classic natural beauty Text by Tina Stephen. Photography by Helen Bankers.

FORMAL LOUNGE The conversation pit by the fire is a favoured spot in winter. Floor length green curtains tie in with the home’s simple, close-to-nature vibe.

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BACKGROUND

When Jane and Bryan Smith’s family of four began to outgrow their bungalow in the Auckland suburb of New Lynn, they set their sights on Titirangi, a bushclad suburb further west in the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges.

“Since moving to Auckland from the US in 2008, we’ve loved Titirangi,” says Jane. “The village, the bush, the views out to the Manukau Harbour, and its closeness to the Waitakeres.

When we went looking for a bigger house, we zeroed in on Titirangi.”

A particular home caught Bryan’s eye online and he knew instinctively that the house would be theirs. “If this place is half as cool as it looks, I think we’re going to have to buy it,” he remembers saying at the time.

With a lifelong love of the mid-century aesthetic, Bryan needed little convincing that the home, with its round windows, sunken lounge and sea views, would be perfect for them.

Jane, on the other hand, had her reservations.

“On-screen the layout looked unconventional and I wasn’t sold on the 1970s style. But at the first open home, we walked through the house and the layout made sense. The views were spectacular and the space seemed made for the way our family live,” she says. A decision was quickly made and the property was soon theirs.

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THE LAYOUT

The home is a stone’s throw from Titirangi village, local schools and the beach yet is still secluded, tucked away down a long drive and surrounded by bush.

“We love its proximity to the village with all it has to offer, but the privacy is amazing – the kids love to watch the kereru in the trees, look out to the beach, and spot airplanes taking off from the airport in the distance,” says Jane.

In true 1970s style, the home is split over several levels, with two living areas flanking the galley kitchen; the master bedroom is upstairs and the other bedrooms downstairs. With two living areas to play with, the flexibility of the space really suited the growing family.

“In terms of layout quirks, there are a few,” says Jane. “The two living areas are separated by the kitchen and not accessible one to the other. At first, we used the second living area as the kids’ playroom, and the other as our general living and dining room, then we turned the second living space into more of an informal family room, and made the main living area a more formal, adult space.”

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PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS

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The galley kitchen was dark and dated.

Removing a wall between the kitchen and dining let in light and improved airflow, while a new palette gave the space a natural feel.

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The house was cold and damp during winter.

Five heat pumps were installed to heat the house and keep it dry.

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The house was a little dim and dingy.

Fresh white paint brightened the interior.

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MEET + GREET Jane Smith, 37 (public policy researcher), Bryan Smith, 38 (data scientist), Edmund, 6, Lizzie, 4, and Charlie, 1.

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THE KITCHEN

The biggest job the couple tackled was altering the kitchen. The original space was dark and dated with a lack of storage that didn’t suit family life. Although only small changes were made to the layout, including removing a wall between the dining room and kitchen, these have transformed the way the family use this space, which now has a far better connection and flow to adjoining areas.

Aesthetically, the new kitchen has changed the whole look and feel of the home. The design brief was for a functional hub that maximised the views of the harbour and bush. The couple chose robust, wood-look tiles over laminate flooring and insisted on soft-close cupboards and drawers to minimise noise and protect small fingers. The result is a light, airy space which feels restful and links effortlessly to the treetop views.

True to form, the kitchen has become a central part of the family’s life, with homework spilling out over the breakfast bar, and Charlie, the newest addition to the family, learning to walk – and now dance – in the kitchen while the family swirl around him in the morning.

“We talk, we eat, we play, and we prepare for our days in the kitchen,” says Jane. “Plus, with the view out the window, doing dishes is hardly a chore! We’ve had several friends come over for dinner and ask if they can do the dishes just so they can look out the window.”

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THE STYLE

“The main feeling we got from the home when we first moved in was of a retreat,” remembers Jane. “We usually love a lot of colour, especially on the walls, but for this house we kept everything white, as it gives a sense of calm as well as letting all of the glorious scenery outside become the focal point. The finishes and furnishings are all chosen to echo the natural beauty that surrounds the house – the browns and greens of the bush, and the green and blue of the water.”

Once the kids are all in bed, Jane and Bryan settle into the formal lounge, complete with carpeted conversation pit and woodburner, perfect for an after-dinner glass of wine.

“In winter, we spend a lot of time in there, firing up the wood burning stove,” says Jane.

“It’s such a cosy spot, part of the main living space but almost like a secret hideaway.”

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THE END

The family feel very lucky to have spent time in this unique part of Aotearoa.

“The house is so different from anything we’ve ever lived in, and we feel like you wouldn’t find this anywhere but in Titirangi,” says Jane.

But after enjoying the home and the neighbourhood, and welcoming baby Charlie into the family, the Smiths decided it was time to sell and head back to the States. Despite their distance, they say the house will always “evoke for us the place we have come to call ‘home’, no matter where in the world we live”. •

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BEDROOMS Soft white walls (Dulux ‘Mt Aspiring’) brighten the rooms while helping the original wooden beams and curtain rails stand out. The children’s bunk beds (built by Bryan) and rich-toned bedding provide an energising burst of colour and texture within the neutral scheme.

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R ENOVATI O N WO RKS HEET HONESTY BOX

FINISHES

Kitchen floor Sequoia tiles in red cherry from Tile Depot

Exterior Resene ‘Triple Masala’

Kitchen walls Victoria tiles in white gloss from Tile Depot

Bunk beds Dulux ‘Goat Island’

FLOOR PLAN

KEY 1 Entry 2 Toilet 3 Bathroom 4 Bedroom 5 Office 6 Deck 7 Family 8 Dining 9 Kitchen 10 Lounge 11 Master bedroom 12 Ensuite 13 Wardrobe 14 Storage 15 Carport 16 Shed

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Interior walls Dulux ‘Mt Aspiring’; trim in Dulux ‘New Brighton’

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TIMELINE

MAY 20 16 Moved in.

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+ Best lesson learned? Jane: It can take time to find good tradies, but taking that time is well worth it in the end. When we moved into the house, the deck spa pool wasn’t working. We got it fixed, but not well, and when it inevitably stopped working again, we had several tradies and companies out to take a look. They all gave it up for dead, until we found Chris at Crystal Clear Pools, who not only fixed the pool but did the job quickly and for an extremely fair price. It took us nearly two years to find a good tradie to fix the pool, but it was so worth it. + What would you never do again? Never underestimate the bush. Coming from more traditional urban suburbs, we moved into our home thinking that the bush setting would mean less yard maintenance than a lawn. But the bush grows and encroaches and needs to be tamed quite often. It’s lovely but it is a lot of work. + Any DIY disasters? Bryan built the kids’ bunk beds last winter. Once he had cut all the pieces of the bed and assembled the sides, he wanted to paint it before putting it all together. But he needed somewhere to do it that would stay consistently dry over about a week.

Our au pair had recently left so Bryan brought the bunk-bed pieces in and painted them in her old room (which later became Charlie’s room). He put down a drop cloth, but it turns out that paint can soak through drop cloth! There were some sizeable circles of blue paint on the carpet when he was done. Lesson learned – furniture painting should never be done on carpet. + Is there one thing you would change about your home if you could? The master ensuite. Bryan loves the vintage silkscreened shower door, but between the carpet (that our daughter spilled makeup on), the tiled vanity top (with grout that never quite comes up clean) and the showerhead that shoots in every direction but at the person showering, it would be the next thing to go if we were staying. + Most memorable experience you have had in your home? Nearly giving birth to Charlie in the living room!

CONTACTS AU G UST/SE PT 2 01 6 Installed heat pumps and shed.

F E B RUA RY 2 01 8 Started renovating the kitchen.

M AY 2 0 1 8 Kitchen finished.

Builder Origin Builders, originbuilders.nz Kitchen design and cabinetry Kitchen Mania, kitchenmania.co.nz Spa pool repairs Chris Boyd, Crystal Clear Pools, crystalclearpools.co.nz

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BUDGET + How much have you spent on your home?

We’ve probably spent about $65,000 on renovations – $50,000 on the kitchen, $7000 on the shed and $8000 on the heat pumps. + How did your budget compare to your actual spend? We stuck pretty well to our budgets on the renovations. Luckily we didn’t have many surprises along the way that would have blown out our costings. + What areas of your home did you save or splurge on? We definitely splurged on the heat pumps, but good climate control is important to us, and multiple heat pumps made the most sense for us (a ducted system wouldn’t work as well over three levels). We saved a bit in the kitchen; our original vision for the space included bamboo countertops, but we quickly discovered they would be about twice the price of engineered stone. + Best advice when it comes to spending money on a home? Take time to know what you really want. We’ve never done renovations without living in the home for at least several months – if not a year – to know how we use the space, and what we want and need. Plus it gives you time to really research what’s available, how much it all costs, and where bargains are to be found.

SIGN OF THE TIMES Typical of many 1970s buildings, the house spreads itself over several levels and includes that hallmark of the era: a sunken lounge. Although it looks rambling on paper, the Smiths found the layout flexible, familyfriendly and generous with its bush and water views.

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FINALIST NO. 2

The wish list Ignoring the advice that renovating a villa is “a lot of work”, Emma and Josh Smaller turned a rundown New Plymouth house into a light, liveable dream home Text by Fiona Ralph. Photography by The Virtue.

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ith a philosophy of “do it once, do it right”, Emma and Josh Smaller painstakingly restored a New Plymouth villa to its former glory with a few modern touches and a reworked floor plan. The six-month project – which began just three months after the couple had completed their first reno – ended up being more expensive and time-consuming than they’d expected, but the proof is in the light, bright home they have created.

Did you have a plan or did you give your architectural designer free rein? Emma: We had an idea of what we wanted to achieve. Top priorities were adding an ensuite to the master bedroom and utilising the enormous laundry in a better way. Our designer, Paul Russell, gave us the confidence to go ahead and make pretty significant structural changes.

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B EFORE

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MEET + GREET Emma Smaller, 27 (lawyer and owner of catering company), and Josh Smaller, 28 (electrical and instrument technician).

KITCHEN The simple yet striking kitchen was designed and built by Rowson Kitchens. The brass and leather bar stools are from Freedom.

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HALLWAY An original ornate wooden archway was painted in Resene ‘Quarter Rice Cake’ and offset by simple pendant lights from Tudo & Co.

“We wanted our home to be classic, elegant and timeless, with reclaimed matai flooring and white walls. Paying homage to the villa’s character and history was important to us” 92 | yhg

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LOUNGE A brown leather sofa from Freedom was given a personal twist with the addition of mid-centurystyle legs from Swedish brand Prettypegs.

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MASTER BEDROOM Bedlinen from Citta and A&C Homestore plus a soft reindeer hide create a cosy feel. In the ensuite and main bathroom (opposite), pressed-tin panels were chosen to add texture to the white walls and provide a tougher surface than plasterboard.

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What look were you going for? We wanted our home to be classic, elegant and timeless with reclaimed native matai flooring and white walls.

Paying homage to the villa’s character and history was important to us.

What changes did you make to the floor plan?

We knocked down every internal wall except for the hallway. Internally, the only things that are still truly original are the arch in the hallway, the floorboards and the front door. The hallway used to run right through the home but we fitted a scullery/laundry into a section of the old hallway and turned the old laundry into a bedroom.

Because we were adding an ensuite, some of the windows on the south side had to shift. We moved one of the bedrooms from the western side of the home to create our living room.

Panelled internal sliders between the kitchen, dining and living rooms and hallway make the home open plan but allow us to create separate areas when entertaining.

What other interior work did you do? The whole house was rewired and replumbed, new doubleglazed windows were installed, and we put new ceilings over the old ones. The really fun stuff began with the ceiling roses going up and the pressed-tin wall panels being installed in the hallway and bathrooms.

Once the walls were plastered and painted, the new kitchen was installed. Then came the tiling, the bathroom fittings and the last of the electrical work. The final step was having the carpet laid and the floors sanded and polished.

What about the exterior? Over half the house needed new cladding. The front porch was rotten and also needed replacing. We replaced the lacework on the front verandah with beautiful art deco features and gave the house a fresh coat of paint. We also had the stained glass in the front door reinforced because it was quite weak and we wanted to make sure it would stand the test of time.

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SPEND + Plans $4000 + Labour and materials incl building, painting, plumbing, plastering, electrical, tiling $120,000 + External wooden joinery and window and door hardware $28,000 + Bathroom and ensuite $13,000 + Kitchen, scullery and appliances $50,000 + Doors, wardrobe and internal sliders $12,000 + Radiators $16,000 + Matai flooring and carpet $12,000 + COLORSTEEL® gutters $2000

BE FO RE

T O TA L $257,000 approx

Tell us about the kitchen and scullery. We love to entertain so we wanted a big kitchen. I spend a bit of time catering for my business, Daughter’s Table. It was important the kitchen had plenty of storage and a really functional layout. Putting the fridge in the scullery was one of the best ideas Annika from Rowson Kitchens had. We have our laundry in there, too. We’ve kept the kitchen classic but with unique details like the brass Buster + Punch handles and a Corian benchtop in witch hazel. There’s also a sliding window over the buffet bench so beers can be handed out to whomever is at the barbecue!

Did you face any challenges? The sourcing and supply of the matai flooring took longer than expected and ended up holding the other trades up. We wanted to run floorboards all the way through the kitchen, dining and living rooms to

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achieve a cohesive look between the original house and the 1970s extensions. Unfortunately it wasn’t straightforward because the floor joists in the extension ran the opposite way to the floor joists in the original house. However, the final product was 100 percent worth it.

Because we were doing something different to the norm, we were often faced with lead times for special products, and things seemed to be a bit more expensive.

How did you make the home lighter? We added French doors off the kitchen and made the windows bigger on the north side, which made a perfect nook for the addition of another window seat. The light that streams through the kitchen and dining area is beautiful throughout the day and a real contrast to how dim it used to feel inside.

EXTERIOR A fresh coat of Resene ‘Half Blanc’ is softened by a pair of rattan armchairs from Home Love & Mette K, which create the perfect spot for afternoon tea or a sundowner.

SA R AH P E PWO RTH H E A D OF M A RK ET I NG

COLORSTEEL® has been protecting the places New Zealanders live, work and play in for over 35 years. We chat to Sarah Pepworth, Head of Marketing, about what’s new in steel roofing and cladding.

How do I inject a bit of personality into my roof? For many designs, the roof is a visual aspect that has a strong impact on kerb appeal.

Colour is the obvious way to make a statement and COLORSTEEL® also offers a matte range for a more refined aesthetic. There are also many different profile options, eg tray, trapezoidal and corrugate, which can add interesting lines and different effects.

Did you hire tradies or do the work yourselves?

We used tradies for the plumbing, plastering, painting, tiling and building. Luke Nolly was our main builder, and Horry from Hubbard Building stepped in when Luke went overseas. We both had fun with the sledgehammer knocking down walls. I couldn’t do much more than help pull off the scrim and sarking at the beginning and insulate once the walls went back up. Josh did all the electricals and helped out our builders a lot. Josh’s dad helped with the demolition too.

Did you stick to your budget? Ideally we wanted to spend around $200,000. But once we got quotes for everything, we realised that wasn’t going to be feasible given the extent of the work. In the end, we went about $50K over.

What did you save on? Splurge on? We saved on an electrician as Josh was able to do our electrical work himself. We also saved on our bathrooms. Our vanities were custom-made to fit the heritagestyle basins which were reasonably priced, as were our toilets and tiles. Our bath is a restored clawfoot bath found on Trade Me. The double-glazed wooden windows were a big splurge but an amazing addition for warmth and aesthetic value.

We also put in radiators, which help keep the home warm and dry. Our kitchen, including the appliances and scullery, was definitely a splurge. Lighting was something we probably didn’t factor into the budget very well from the outset so lights were also a bit of a splurge. •

What are the latest looks and exciting developments in roofs? I’m loving the new COLORSTEEL® Matte range, which creates an elegant effect using an innovative new paint technology specially designed for a soft, textured look. Another product that is especially relevant at this time of year is COLORSTEEL® Dridex®, a roofing solution that delivers superior condensation absorption and allows for better ventilation, thereby reducing mould and other pollutants. It helps create healthier and drier homes and has been approved by the Sensitive Choice run by the Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand.

What are the benefits of using steel cladding?

It provides a contemporary look and integrates well with other materials to create interest. It’s durable, fire resistant, lightweight and easy to maintain. You can select from a range of colours, it’s quick and easy to install and comes with peace-of-mind warranties. And to top it off, steel cladding can be recycled when it is time for a new design, contributing to a sustainable, circular economy

NEW BUILD

HEART WA R M I N G After a decade-long planning process, this sustainably minded couple finally built their dream family home amid the rolling hills of the Waikato Text by Tina Stephen. Photography by Simon Wilson.

EXTERIOR A materials palette of warm cedar shiplap cladding, concrete and black iron tone in beautifully with stylish matte window joinery in ‘Porpoise’ (grey) and ‘Flax Pod’ (brown-black).

YH&G + VANTAGE

MEET + GREET Rachael and Kip Matterson, sons Seb, William and Nate, plus Winston the dog and Arty the cat.

and doors on the north and south sides of the home. These large panes of glass would maximise sunshine hours, providing passive heating by warming the concrete floors, as well as allowing access to the outdoors. High clerestory windows and lower-level windows onto the courtyard provide ventilation.

“We realised that despite double glazing, a lot of heat would be lost through the glass in our living area,” says Rachael. “So it was important to maximise our glazing options to retain heat.”

ThermalHEART technology from Vantage Windows & Doors proved to be an easy choice.

“Window joinery was a big-ticket item,” says Rachael. “So it was important to lock in some of these key decisions early on. It’s proven to be robust, low maintenance, and it looks great.”

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fter completing a traditional villa renovation in Auckland in 2001, Rachael and Kip Matterson moved south to the Waikato, where Kip grew up. While the perfect home eluded them for over a decade, the couple had time to work out what they wanted.

“It needed to meet our needs throughout the various stages of our lives,” says Rachael. “We wanted a forever home.”

The design was inspired by piazzas in Rome and ancient caravanserai on the old Silk Road, lofty ideals for a slice of farmland that also needed to be merged with the Mattersons’ desire for an energy-efficient, eco-friendly home.

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The Mattersons couldn’t be happier with their new home and a recent celebration helped them realise how well it works for their way of life. “We recently hosted my mother’s 80th birthday with immediate family all staying and extended family joining us for a sit-down dinner in the living room,” says Rachael. “The house worked so wonderfully for all three generations. We have been lucky enough to build our dream home and we plan to be here for a very long time.” •

SU STAI NAB I LI T Y

The design brief was fulfilled with a central courtyard, snug internal spaces and a central living space with large windows

S E E M O R E O F T H I S H O M E AT VA N TA G E . C O . N Z / H E A R T W A R M I N G

WORKSHOP

5 easy DIY wins (the tradies don’t want you to know about) Professional renovators and past The Block NZ winners Alice and Caleb Pearson share their five favourite DIY jobs for adding value and transforming spaces Text by Alice and Caleb Pearson.

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Photography by Helen Bankers, Bauer Syndication.

Do your own wallpapering For a while wallpapering seemed almost a lost art. But with advances in digital printing making any design possible, modern wallpapers now come in an almost infinite range of styles and can make a massive impact in your space. We have become big wallpaper fans and regularly use it in our renovations as it adds warmth, pattern and texture – something paint can’t do.

‘Paste the wall’ wallpaper makes applying and removing wallpaper a far simpler process than it used to be. You don’t need a professional to install wallpaper and you only need a handful of simple tools such as a smoother and a plumb line. This DIY task takes time, patience and planning – if you have those, you can wallpaper. You don’t need a flawless surface as you do with paint, which saves the cost of skim coating.

Use a pigmented sealer before you apply wallpaper, to keep any stains or colours from bleeding/showing through. Next, apply size (a wallpaper primer) to the wall and leave for 24 hours to fully cure. When you’re ready to hang, start with a plumb line to make sure the wallpaper will be straight. Apply one drop of wallpaper at a time, abutting the first one to the plumb line; if there is a pattern, take your time to make sure it lines up from one drop to the next. At the end, use a metal ruler and a sharp knife to trim the edges.

F I V E FA B WA L L PA P E R S

Imaginarium 12170, $109.95 a roll, from Resene.

Modern Art 610734, POA, from Aspiring Walls.

Ashford Tropics AT7092, $200.95 a roll, from Resene.

Modern Art 624304, POA, from Aspiring Walls.

#Smalltalk 219213, $136.99 a roll, from Guthrie Bowron.

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Artisan gloss tiles in rose mallow, $99.50 per sqm, from Tile Space.

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Tile your own splashbacks A tiled splashback can breathe new life into a kitchen, bathroom or laundry and will add some signature style as well as giving you all the benefits of a cleanable, hard-wearing surface. If your space needs an update but you can’t justify or afford a full remodel, a freshly tiled splashback might be just the solution.

Tiles can be relatively inexpensive, as are the tools required, so this is a great opportunity to have a go yourself. Splashback spaces are not created equal and some will present more challenges than others, eg you may have to navigate corners, power outlets etc.

It’s the same with tiles: some shapes and patterns will be trickier to deal with than others. Keep this in mind when buying your tiles: a regular shape and a simple pattern will make life easier.

Plan your tile layout before you apply any grout so you know where you will need to cut tiles and where grout lines will line up. This way you can minimise cuts and avoid having to make decisions on the fly – that’s where DIYers can get into trouble.

Check out our website (pearsonandprojects.com) for more detailed instructions.

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FOUR TRENDING TILES

Marvel cube mosaic in noir, $45 a sheet, from Tile Space.

Ritmos tile, $24 a sheet, from Tile Warehouse.

Beton Still mosaic in rosy blush, $39.90 a sheet, from Tile Depot.

Ecostone terrazzo tile, $185 per sqm, from Tile Space.

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Build a bench seat

TIP ADD STORAGE S PA C E I N S I D E YO U R B E N C H O R W I N D O W S E AT.

STYLE NOTE U S E S TA C K E D CUSHIONS AS AN EASIER A LT E R N AT I V E TO A SQUAB.

If you have a space you think would be perfect for a window seat or some form of built-in seating, have a go at making your own – it might end up cheaper than buying a piece of furniture. Building a seat will involve some basic carpentry to frame, line and finish a suitable base, as well as some sewing skills to create a squab to sit on top. While you’re at it,

these seats can easily double as great storage if you add access panels in the top or build the squab into a removable seat. Consider the height you want your seat to be at and don’t forget to make suitable allowances for the thickness of the squab. Don’t be shy with the width of the seat or the quality of the foam for your squab – you want to be comfortable!

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Sand and polish wooden floors For a DIY task that your friends won’t believe you did yourself, you can’t beat sanding and sealing your own wooden floorboards. Removing the existing finish, sanding and restoring the boards to look like new, then coating them in your preferred seal is something you can definitely do yourself – if you can find the courage.

This is not a job for the faint-hearted, but one that will be extremely rewarding. It is physical, dusty work and it will take several days to sand through the different grits and allow drying time between coats of seal.

We recommend hiring the right equipment for the job along with plenty of sanding discs and sheets. Don’t scrimp by trying to get extra use out of sanding discs – they need to have grit to be effective.

Once the sanding is over, your floorboards will mark and stain very easily so get the seal on quickly to avoid compromising your hard work. Check out our website (pearsonandprojects. com) for more detailed instructions on sanding floors.

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ALICE AND CALEB PEARSON R E N O VAT I O N EXPERTS

Alice and Caleb Pearson renovate for a living and have transformed nine houses so far – their most famous project being their winning renovation on The Block NZ in 2013. Alice and Caleb (and their two young children) are currently in the middle of their Renovation Road Trip and are chronicling this journey through their Pearson + Projects website and social media channels. “Pearson + Projects is an extension of our passion for renovation and wanting to share this with our readers – people who, like us, have got a thing for design, getting hands on and learning new skills,” says Alice. @pearsonandprojects pearsonandprojects.com

PLANNING IS KEY

RESEARCH WORK OUT EVERY S T E P I N V O LV E D .

PLAN L I S T A L L T H E M AT E R I A L S A N D E Q U I P M E N T YO U ’ L L REQUIRE.

Ever since our time on The Block NZ and our first experience of laying pavers, we have never looked back.

Working on the outdoor areas is a great way to save money and make changes on a bigger scale.

Paving can both define and create spaces and pathways. Consider the texture and colour of the pavers and how they will work with your exterior colours and landscaping.

When it comes to getting your pavers right, take your time with the preparation. Excavate to a sufficient depth for base course (a gravel layer that stops pavers from sinking), consider how you will edge or lock your pavers in, and plan your paver layout to minimise cuts. Work out the desired height of your finished surface, then clear and excavate the area, making deductions for the paving, base course and a slight fall to direct rainwater. Check the levels with a string line before you start laying to keep the surface consistent. •

BUDGET K N O W W H AT EVERYTHING WILL COST AND A L W AY S H AV E A C O N T I N G E N C Y.

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THE BEAUTY OF CHOICE INTRODUCING THE BLACK STAINLESS STEEL FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR

fisherpaykel.com

THE BLOCK NZ

THE BLOCK With no love lost between some of our teams, weeks 4-7 on The Block NZ were full of drama.

But, like a crane above Kingsland, stakes at the Firehouse just keep getting raised Photography by Tom Hollow.

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ollowing a disastrous bathroom week, The Block NZ teams started week four ready to step up their game. Since that low point, we’ve seen a consistent lift in the standard of finishing and styling from our teams, culminating in the season’s first perfect 10 in week six.

But the feuding and in-fighting, particularly between apartments 2 and 4, have seen plenty of strategic manoeuvres from our savvy Blockheads. Turning up the heat, Dinner Wars arrived in week four.

Despite this, and the added pressure of having to finish their incomplete bathrooms (or risk disqualification), the teams managed to work together and deliver a cohesive, well-finished apartment 5. Then, at the beginning of week six, the judges decided to stage an intervention, imploring the teams to make bold decisions and go all out on texture for their kitchens. The results were stunning, with Stacy and Adam’s black, white and orange kitchen taking the win, while Sophia and Mikaere’s chic all-white room landed them in bottom place.

Week seven’s living rooms carried on the theme of ‘go bold or go home’ – who do you think deserved the win?

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Social-influencer Stacy and designer Adam, both 25, are from Wellington.

Caterer Lisa, 37, and print technician Ribz, 34, are from Wellington.

Builder Ethan, 26, and joiner Sam, 28, hail from the mighty Waikato.

Chef Sophia, 31, and teacher Mikaere, 32, are from Turangi.

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WEEK 4 MASTER BEDROOM + ENSUITE With three of the teams not even coming close to completing their family bathrooms last week, they all felt they had a lot to prove. This week’s double room reveal also meant double the prize money, with $10,000 at stake.

FROM TOP Sophia and Mikaere’s super-sized master suite (right) had a luxurious feel but received no score due to the team’s disregard for the rules; Stacy and Adam’s bedroom window seat was a hit with the judges; Lisa and Ribz’ master bedroom was praised for its use of colour.

A TO BAC C O THROW draped over sleeping spaces and reading nooks adds a cosy feel.

C H A R C OA L BEDLINEN provides contrast with paler tones while supplying a neutral base for more decorative elements.

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CLUSTERED P E N DA N T S create repetition, which helps make a space feel more cohesive.

THE BLOCK NZ

R EACT IV E GLAZED TILES have variation in their surface finish and look warm and authentic.

TONGUE & G R O OV E feature walls are an easy way to add texture.

BERRY TONES are trending as an accent colour in cushions, throws and soft furnishings.

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WEEK 5 A PA RT M E N T 5 After a week of feuding, the teams had to put (or try to put) their troubles aside and work together to finish apartment 5.

Amy and Stu had already completed the bathroom in this apartment, so it was up to the teams to create the kitchen and dining (Sophia and Mikaere), living room (Stacy and Adam), bedroom and hallway (Ethan and Sam), and laundry and second bedroom (Lisa and Ribz).

FROM TOP Sophia and Mikaere’s lack of kitchen storage was a miss with the judges; Stacy and Adam’s living area scored points for its avocado green feature wall; Lisa and Ribz were inspired by The Block NZ 2018 winners Amy and Stu when it came to decorating their bedroom.

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WEEK 6 KITCHEN + DINING Kitchen week saw an uptick in both the scores and the judges’ positive comments. “Fabulous!” they said of Stacy and Adam’s striking wallpaper. “Wow!” they gasped when they saw Lisa and Ribz’ handsome black cabinetry. Ethan and Sam were given a hearty “congratulations” for the improvement in their styling, and Sophia and Mikaere’s white kitchen was called “beautiful”.

FROM TOP Lisa and Ribz went bold with their colour scheme but it was their planning the judges appreciated, with their kitchen’s layout and lighting particularly praised; Ethan and Sam finally won a decent score for their styling, as well as their lush appliances and bronze tiles.

B L AC K CABINETRY is a dominant kitchen trend that shows no sign of fading.

POTTED HERBS are an easy way to make your kitchen look and smell amazing, as well as being handy for cooking.

HANDLELESS CABINETRY creates a sleek look and allows other details to take centre stage.

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Tiles and materials with a textural look and feel reflect light and add interest behind the stove.

S TAT E M E N T STOOLS Colourful or mismatched bar stools add a sense of fun.

GLASS TA B L E S are back in style and are a great way to make a small space look larger.

FROM TOP The judges loved Stacy and Adam’s choice of graphic wallpaper and praised almost everything about their funky yet functional kitchen; the stylish design of Sophia and Mikaere’s white kitchen was recognised, especially the island with its continuous form, but Jason felt the benchtop could have been more generously sized and, once again, the quality of the team’s finishing was criticised.

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WEEK 7 LIVING ROOM Another week of strong rooms produced more relatively high scores this week, but once again Stacy and Adam took it out with their talent for creating appealing spaces, as well as taking brave chances with their styling. At the other end of the scoreboard, Sophia and Mikaere let themselves down with poor finishing once again.

FROM TOP Ethan and Sam’s green fireplace was a hit with the judges; Stacy and Adam took out the win with their cosy and cohesive space; the judges felt Lisa and Ribz added one too many colours to their room palette. OPPOSITE Sophia and Mikaere created a potentially stunning living space but their styling missed the mark. Visit homestolove.co.nz to find all the products you love from these rooms.

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17 20 B U I LT- I N MINI BARS are a sociable addition and take your living space to the next level of luxury.

ARMY GREEN is the colour of the moment and looks gorgeous paired with natural timber.

TOETOE FRONDS are everywhere but this trend is starting to feel a little overdone. •

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Discover the latest designer tiles and see all the looks from Three’s The Block NZ at TILESPACE.CO.NZ

A heads up on home loan top-ups TSB shares the good news – you can use your existing home loan to fund your renovation

YH&G + TSB

THINGS TO CONSIDER + Is it best to structure my top-up as an increase to my existing home loan, or as a separate loan? Adding to your existing loan means you can pay it off over a longer period, whereas having a separate loan allows you to pay it off sooner. + Will the renovations require a building consent? If so, there’s additional information TSB will need from you. Let them know what you’re planning and they’ll help get the right paperwork together. + Are the renovations significant? If they are and you require a building consent and progress payments, a building loan may suit you better. + Am I covered? Don’t forget to let your insurance company know that you’re planning a renovation, to make sure you’re covered if the unexpected happens.

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t’s official – you’re now a homeowner!

Congratulations for making it onto the property ladder. If this is your fi rst house purchase it might not be your dream home just yet, but with a bit of imagination, Kiwi ingenuity and elbow grease you can transform it over time into a home that proudly showcases your unique style.

If renovating will play an important role in turning your home into your dream home, you’ll be looking for ways to fund your refurbishments (obviously you’re too late to apply for this season of The Block NZ!). And the good news is you can often get that little bit extra you need from your current home loan.

With a home loan top-up, you’ll get a lower interest rate than you’d get from a personal loan or credit card, so it can be a cost-effective way to get that extra funding you need TOPPING UP YOUR HOME LOAN

HOW MUCH CAN I BORROW?

You’ll probably be familiar with topping up your phone, your HOP card and your car oil, but topping up your home loan is a little bit different. A top-up means borrowing more on top of your existing home loan, something that’s possible when the market value of your home has increased, or you’ve created equity through paying off a portion of your home loan – which allows you to then borrow against that equity.

Generally, your home loan interest rate will be lower than a personal loan or credit card interest rate, so it can be a cost-effective way to get that extra funding you need.

When considering the value of your top-up, you’ll want to think about how it impacts you in the long term. Home improvements can add value to your property over time, so you could spread this cost over a longer period.

Alternatively, taking out an additional loan over a shorter time period will save you interest in the long run, if you can afford it.

While there are benefits to topping up your home loan, be aware that this will increase your repayments or the time it takes to pay off your home loan, so consider if topping up is right for you.

The amount you can borrow will depend on a number of factors, including the equity you have available in your home and your personal fi nancial situation. You’ll usually need a minimum of 20% equity in your home, or more if it’s an investment property. If you’re thinking about renovating, talk to one of TSB’s lending specialists to fi nd out what you need to do and whether you’re eligible for a home loan top-up.

LOOKING TO BUY A FIXER-UPPER? If you’re planning on buying a house with the intention of renovating straight away, let your bank know. You may be able to apply for a home loan for the total amount you need, rather than trying to top up afterwards.

Contact TSB to talk through the steps involved to bring your renovation project to life – we’re here to help. tsb.co.nz | 0800 872 226

FISHER & PAY K E L’ S P Y R O LY T I C B U I LT- I N OV E N

KITCHENS It’s happened slowly but surely – the kitchen is now the star of our living spaces. What was once a utilitarian room hidden on the fringes of the house has morphed into entertainment central, basking in the limelight of family life.

This transition to truly open-plan living has meant that it’s more important than ever for kitchens to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your living area, creating a sense of continuity that makes them feel fully integrated.

Whether you’re planning a total renovation, or just want to make some tweaks, there are a few key considerations which will make your design decisions easy.

HERE ARE OUR FIVE KEY DESIGN POINTS WHEN CREATING OR UPDATING A KITCHEN:

NOW Open-plan living has truly come of age with integrated kitchens and a seamless transition to living areas changing the dynamics of family life and how we entertain. Here are some of the key considerations when creating a fabulously functional and unified space that also has serious wow factor

1 S O P H I S T I C AT I O N We all know the value of having a chic little black dress in our wardrobes, and modern kitchens are in tune with this fashion maxim. Monochrome kitchens are in the spotlight, with shades of black taking top honours. Concentrating on one colour gives kitchens a sophisticated edge and you can conjure up interest by using different textures, playing with subtle changes in finishes, and employing materials like wood, copper, chrome and marble as highlights.

The key to this aesthetic is ensuring appliances such as rangehoods and wall ovens blend seamlessly with the palette you have chosen. If you’re looking for an integrated option, Fisher & Paykel’s Pyrolytic Built-in Oven is a stylish choice.

The black glass and streamlined finish make it recede and become part of the whole look of your kitchen cabinetry.

YH&G + NOEL LEEMING

3 M A K E A S TAT E M E N T Just as you express your personality in living areas with signature pieces, the new breed of kitchens needs the same touch. Hang a bold painting by the bench that reflects the style of decor in your living area.

Including a few statement appliances can also enhance this melding of boundaries between areas. For example, the Breville Barista Touch coffee machine not only makes great coffee but also lends a sophisticated European touch to a kitchen benchtop.

Finishing details such as placing a sculptural fruit bowl or vase on the benchtop are another way to enhance the ambience.

4 M U LT I F U N C T I O N A L Kitchens are a hub of creativity and cooking is often a pastime that we share with others. To make your kitchen the life of the party, you need a multi-zone space that can easily accommodate the kids doing homework, your friends coming round for drinks, or those big family feasts that need plenty of bench space.

To cope with these demands ensure you have multiple work surfaces for easy prepping and consider the practical positioning of key appliances like your fridge and oven. Central islands with integrated seating are a stylish and practical solution that bridges the space between your kitchen, living and dining zones. The best bit is you can hide extra storage and your dishwasher in the island, keeping the area tidy and ready for entertaining.

2 CONTINUITY Thanks to the growing trend for benchtops and cupboards to look like considered pieces of furniture, and with the messier functions often hidden out of sight, kitchens now play a starring role in your overall entertaining space.

The key to achieving this at home is to integrate appliances with your cabinetry. Choose appliances that feature integrated panelling – this creates a seamless look and helps to blur the lines between the kitchen and living area. Fisher & Paykel have a range of integrated appliances including a French Door Fridge Freezer and Double DishDrawer that both feature all the latest technology and front panels that make them ‘disappear’.

If you want an easy update, painting existing cabinetry in a modern palette and installing a new benchtop and splashback can make a dramatic difference and give that wow factor.

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JEREMY’S TOP TIP When choosing appliances take your lifestyle into account – a family will need a big fridge but couples may opt for a smaller unit with a wine fridge for entertaining.

5 ELEGANCE This is a word that never used to be associated with kitchens but these days many cooking spaces reflect this quality in spades. It’s not just a combination of colour palette, cabinetry and lighting but also attention to detail. Gone are the days when you would fill a chilly bin with ice to keep wine or beer cool when friends came over – there are now alternatives such as the Fisher & Paykel Wine Fridge that are not only practical but give kitchens a real touch of class.

When selecting small appliances look for styles and colours that echo the dominant colourway in your living space and segue into your overall design scheme, such as Breville’s Luxe Kettle, and select from a single range so you have a consistent style.

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SAMSUNG FRAME SMART QLED TV

JOSH’S TOP TIP Connect and control your TV, lights or speakers with voice assistant devices.

LIVING AREAS

2 LIGHTING

As our living spaces become truly multifunctional, we are presented with another set of design challenges – making sure they work as a traditional living room as well as providing a smooth transition into the kitchen area. The trend for integrating everyday items into the kitchen to make an overall design statement is now just as important in living areas. New television and lighting options are just some of the ways to make this happen.

There’s nothing that sets the mood in a room more than lighting and in living areas it can be used to both define and unify spaces. Modern lighting fixtures are often a focal point and create a sense of drama. Make sure that you include a range of lighting options to suit how the living space is used – a statement pendant over a dining table, side lamps by couches for ambient light and a stylish floor lamp for reading.

Keep your lighting features within a consistent theme between the kitchen and living area to achieve continuity. Philips Smart Lighting Solutions can help you to easily change lighting effects over the whole area to match your needs and mood. You can also give living spaces a feeling of drama and highlight architectural features, signature pieces of furniture such as consoles, or items like shelving, with Philips Hue Light Strips. They are flexible and can be cut or extended to create subtle effects with indirect light in a range of colours. The adhesive backing means they’re incredibly easy to install and change as you wish.

HERE ARE SOME GREAT WAYS TO MAKE LIVING AREAS TRULY FLEXIBLE:

1 TELEVISION As TV screens get bigger, a new innovative range of integrated televisions will complement your decor and become a central part of the design aesthetic when turned off. The screens are statement features in their own right and can be used to express your sense of style. There are a range of options to choose from, depending on the impact you want to achieve.

You can get a streamlined effect with Samsung’s QLED range which simply dissolves into the background when not in use. This is perfect if you want your wall art to take centre stage while your TV stays as unobtrusive as possible.

The Samsung Frame TV really stretches the role of the television itself by becoming a piece of feature art when it’s turned off. Simply choose your favourite image to display on the screen when the TV is not in use. With its stylish frame and intelligent light sensors, the TV ‘artwork’ is difficult to distinguish from your other paintings and contributes to the overall style and mood of your living area.

Or you could integrate your TV even further with Samsung’s Smart QLED TV. You can create the appearance of a window by capturing a view from your window on the TV screen. It replicates your homes outlook to dramatic effect and is a wonderful way to bring the outside in.

YH&G + NOEL LEEMING

S HO P T HE LO O K Transform your home with the help of these stylish, smart solutions from Noel Leeming

3 SOUND

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Most of us regard our televisions as our personal entertainment centres and want to replicate a cinema-style experience when we watch a movie or binge on a favourite series. Clunky speakers and audio equipment needed to achieve special sound effects detract from the style of a room, especially now most living areas are part of an open-plan setting.

Choosing an audio solution that can be easily integrated into your home will allow you to live smarter and won’t detract from your interior look. Samsung’s Soundbar is a sleek and unobtrusive option. Its impressive subwoofer will fill your whole living area with balanced acoustic sound while its streamlined, wireless design allows it to blend into the background.

The incredible surround sound will take your movie night to a whole new level and its voice-activated Alexa feature means you won’t have to scramble for the control again.

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4 STYLE A key way to integrate living spaces is to have a considered approach to surface treatments for the whole area. Using the same flooring in your living, dining and kitchen is an easy way to unify the space. You can then delineate areas using rugs, which are also a great way to absorb the noise that comes with open-plan living.

Threading colours, textures and materials through your living area and into your kitchen will help to reinforce a cohesive and considered design. Try echoing the palette of kitchen cabinetry and surfaces in your living area through upholstery, cushions and drapery.

The important thing is to make the whole space gel while still being multipurpose. Integrated breakfast nooks are right on trend and can act as an effortless bridge between your living area and kitchen. Similarly, freestanding or built-in shelving made with similar materials to your kitchen can be a great way to create a zone that reflects your design aesthetic.

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ASK AN EXPERT With 74 stores nationwide, Noel Leeming is the authority on electronic appliances, technology and services in New Zealand, offering a wide range of premium products and the expertise to match.

Visit noelleeming.co.nz or call 0800 44 44 88.

1 Fisher & Paykel’s Pyrolytic Built-in Oven, $2998. 2 Fisher & Paykel French Door Fridge Freezer, $8399. 3 Breville’s Luxe Kettle, $199. 4 Breville Barista Touch coffee machine, $1199.

5 Fisher & Paykel’s Integrated Double DishDrawer, $2399. 6 Samsung 49” Frame Smart LED TV, $2347. 7 Philips Hue Starter Kit, $279.99. 8 Amazon Echo Dot, $89.99.

All from Noel Leeming

Makeover YOUR

Design, colour and styling advice for simple and affordable transformations

Cushion candy

Styling by Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by Wendy Fenwick.

Whatever your budget or your energy levels this spring, a quick cushion refresh is an easy way to add some zing to your home. Pack away the faux fur and rich jewel hues of winter and bust out the sherbet tones, leafy greens, peach-fuzz velvets and natural linens.

Check out our workshop over the page for more spring decor inspo.

Workshop: decorating with florals Page 122 Then & now: a teen’s dream bathroom Page 128 10 healthy habits for a clutter-free home Page 132 Simple project: make a folding screen Page 136 Living well Page 138 Finder’s Fi Page 140

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WORKSHOP

Free the flowers Florals don’t just belong in a vase – use blooming bedlinen, curtains, rugs and even furniture to add colour, pattern and beauty to your spaces Styling by Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by Wendy Fenwick.

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ARCH MIRROR, $15, FROM THE WA R E H O U S E .

I V Y L A M P, $ 2 9 9.9 9, F R O M A&C HOMESTORE.

DESIGNERS GUILD DELFT FLOWER NOIR PILLOWCASES, $140, FROM ALLIUM.

Hugo velvet chair, $1695, velvet cushion, $69.90, from Me & My Trend. Oak-look side table, $25, white ribbed-base vase, $12, sheer grey curtain, $17, from Kmart. Living & Co candle ice cream bowl, $3.98, from The Warehouse. Amos sage vase, $29.99, from Shut The Front Door. Jepi brass candleholder, $13.95, Rogue faux pittosporum, $39.95 a stem, from Freedom.

Designers Guild Delft Flower Noir king duvet cover, $500, Robert Gordon Landscape mug, $37.90, Mulberi Indira cushion, $99, from Allium. Faux eucalyptus spray, $9 a stem, from Crave Home. Wall painted in Resene ‘Buttery White’.

Rhino Rhode Island carpet, $107 per sqm, from Carpet Court.

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Art We all know the power of art and how it can completely transform a room, so if you are looking for something special to grace a blank wall, consider a floral-themed piece. From gallery investment buys to more affordable prints, there is a vast array of art to choose from which will add impact and enhance your space.

Curtains While current trends are leaning towards neutral curtains that blend with the walls and serve a largely functional purpose, stunning floral drapes can be a great design feature in their own right. If you prefer a neutral or tonal interior scheme but are looking for an accent or hero for the space, a floral curtain fabric could be just the answer.

Kobo spruce cushion, $119, from Shut The Front Door.

Madras blush velvet cushion, $152, from Allium. Gracious Living Troyes throw, $99.99, from Farmers. Oak-look coffee table, $35, green footed candle, $17, pink bowl, $6, ribbed-base vase, $12, Linear pink planter (on magazines), $8.50, from Kmart. Meloria ball candle, $59, rose and olive Glow tumblers, $12.90 each, Grow pot in moss (on table), $29.90, from Citta. Spa candle (small pink pot), $44.99, from Adairs. Faux hydrangea, $16 a stem, from Crave Home. Wall paint and carpet same as previous page.

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f you love the colours and patterns found in nature and want your interior to bloom beautifully year-round, introducing floral patterns to your home is an easy decision. The only hard part is choosing between the many flower-strewn textiles, wallpapers, accessories and artwork now available.

Flowery motifs have left the safety of Nana’s front room and rambled their way onto a wide range of stunning contemporary prints and patterns. Moody, dark, vintage florals – large-scale, luscious and full-blown – suit both contemporary and older homes; while nostalgic 1970s-style daisies and simple flower shapes rendered in earthy tones are also having a moment (see page 26 for more on this trend).

There are numerous ways to incorporate florals, the key is getting the balance right with your existing decor. If you love the idea but aren’t ready to fully commit, the easiest approach is to add a floral accent through a few accessories – cushions, art, lampshades, candles – or bedlinen, as we did on the previous page. If you’re feeling bolder, a couch upholstered in a beautiful floral (as seen here and in the home on page 46) will stamp your style on a space and provide a focal point. Then go tonal with the rest of your styling to stop the look getting too busy.

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Poppies print, from $29, from Papier HQ.

Just South West Petals cushion, $159, from Tea Pea.

M ‘FLOWER BOMB’ F R A M E D P R I N T, $ 1 8 9 , F R O M PA P I E R H Q .

TIP Let a floral sofa sing with just a few accessories in complementary colours and muted tones.

S O P H I E S O FA , $ 6 9 9 9, F R O M ALLIUM.

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Cushions Cushions are one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to add floral flair to your interior space. From modern to vintage-look florals in velvets, linens and cottons, you are not short on choice. Some designers even have matching cushions and art (as seen in this blue hydrangea living room) if you like a coordinated look.

Fresh or dried flowers To enhance your floral look, don’t forget the real thing – choose from fresh, dried or faux flowers, or a mix of all three.

Mirror, $30, from Kmart. Freya sofa, $3295, Noir coffee table, $895, from Me & My Trend. Linens & More Blooming White cushions (sofa), $45 each, from Allium. Linens & More Blooming White cushion (floor), $69.90, from Crave Home. Mercer & Reid velvet cushion, $69.99, from Adairs. Marble Mantra white candle, $44.90, from Bed Bath & Beyond. Claro vase, $7.95, from Freedom. Wall in Resene ‘Buttery White’. Rhino Manhattan carpet in Eastside, $399 a linear metre, from Carpet Court.

AURA C H A M B R AY LINEN THROW, $195, FROM ALLIUM.

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YO U R H O M E A N D G A R D E N V E LV E T C U S H I O N , $ 59.9 9, F R O M FA R M E R S .

M Wallpaper If you are interested in making a long-term commitment to the floral look, look no further than your walls. Floral wallpapers instantly make a space pop and are a great way to add a focal point to a room. A wonderful place to use floral wallpaper is in the bedroom where it can create a relaxing, meditative, sensual vibe.

Rugs Whether you have wooden floors or carpet, a striking rug can really pull an interior scheme together. Many designers work from the floor up when creating a space and a rug can be a great starting point, providing colours that dictate the room’s whole decor.

If you decide on a floral rug, let it be the hero of the room and resist the urge to add lots of other items, as your rug will quickly lose impact. A round floral rug is also a great way to soften a space so keep this in mind when making your choice. •

‘Mary Margaret’ print, $80, and cushion, $55, from Wallflower Posters. Black display ladder, $99, from Freedom. Magnolia clear/blue vase, $79.90, from Citta. Marble Mantra candle, $44.90, from Bed Bath & Beyond. Small blue vase (part of set of 3) $8.50, black Apollo cushion, $8, from Kmart. Linen cushions, $15 each, from The Warehouse.

Linens & More Posy cushion, $45, from Allium.

‘Flower Girl’ print, from $59, from Papier HQ.

IXXI still life, $199.50, from Shut The Front Door.

Just South West ‘Floral Gem Sapphire’ print, $49, from Tea Pea.

‘The Renaissance’ still life, from $450, from Helen Bankers.

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THEN & NOW

Banishing beige Once lined wall-to-wall with dull Seventies plastic, this bathroom has been transformed into a black, white and pink room of teenage dreams Interview by Sally Conor. Photography by Sarah Rowlands.

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M MEET + GREET Miranda Osborne, 47 (director of Ico Traders), Richard Osborne, 51 (head of transport, Christchurch City Council), Henrietta, 15, and Matilda, 12, plus Huxley the dog and Dougal the cat.

BE FO R E

How long have you lived here? What did you like about the house when you moved in? We moved in 18 months ago (with the promise to the girls that the bathroom would be the first thing we renovated). I fell in love with the back garden and the brick fence, Rich fell in love with the two huge gleditsia trees in the garden, and the girls with the pool. The house had good spaces and we knew it would be wonderful for us, with a little work.

What changes or renovations have you carried out prior to renovating this bathroom? The girls’ bedrooms were purple and pink and the kitchen was butter yellow. Three days after we moved in, a very kind friend came over and painted all three rooms white – then we felt we could breathe!

What did you like about this bathroom? And what didn’t you like? The old bathroom had 1970s beige plastic on the walls, a beige basin, beige plastic shub, a shower that didn’t work and a beige toilet. There was not much to like about it, and although I was sad to rip up the vintage lino, I was even sadder to find it contained asbestos. We received a big bill to remove it.

What was the goal of this renovation? We wanted a simple-looking, workable bathroom that the girls could share. I wanted to create an element of privacy for them if they were both using it at the same time. I also have a pet peeve about bathrooms where you can see the toilet when the door is left open – that’s a no-go for me.

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Miranda chose Snowflake pressed-tin panels from her Ico Traders range and had them powder-coated in blush and black by Industrial Painters in Christchurch. The white plant stand is also from Ico Traders. The floor and wall tiles are from Tiles Direct, the vanity is from Primo Bathrooms and the towels are from Farmers. The ‘his and hers’ metal figures are from LisaSarah Steel Designs.

How did you go about designing the bathroom?

It was a fairly organic process. I knew I wanted to use some of the pressed-tin panels that we sell at Ico Traders. The rest was designed by hand drawing and a little bit of basic computer sketching.

Any big challenges or setbacks? The asbestos really set us back both in terms of cost and time.

Did your daughters, Henrietta and Matilda, get involved with the design stage? The girls both had lots of say in the bathroom, but there were some things I vetoed, mostly because of the cost. The shower was designed by the girls (the rain shower and tiled footrest recess were must-haves for them) but the blush pink door came from me. If they’d had their way, everything would have been black and white.

What do you love best about the new bathroom?

What do your daughters like about it? The girls both love the shower and the inset shelving; I love the minimalistic look and get satisfaction from the practical things, such as the positioning of the shower controls and the toothbrush chargers (which are hidden away inside and between the vanity drawers). I also love the fact that I no longer have to share our ensuite bathroom. •

Was it DIY or did you use tradies? Apart from some of the painting, we had help with everything.

Sadly, Rich is not practical and I’m too messy.

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10 H E ALTH Y Text by Natalie Jane.

H AB IT S FO R A CLU T T E R- FR EE H O ME

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eeping our homes organised and free of clutter is a struggle for many of us. Creating good habits is the key to having an organised home so you can relax and enjoy it rather than feeling overwhelmed by mountains of paper, wardrobes full of abandoned toys and the mess of everyday life.

These 10 bulletproof habits are tried and tested by me and, if you can put them in place and keep practising them, they’ll help you calm your clutter once and for all.

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Natalie Jane from Be Organised

Professional organising consultant Natalie Jane knows the power of good habits because she’s seen the amazing changes that can be achieved when people add them to their daily routine. “I have always had a passion for organising,” she says.

“Even as a child I would clean and organise my room on a weekly basis – my parents told me I was born organised!”

MAKE YOUR BED EVERY DAY

This should be one of the first tasks you complete each morning. If you manage this one, you’ll find it leads to other good habits and sets the tone for the entire day. Think about how peaceful a hotel room feels when you walk into it; you can create that feeling every day by cultivating this habit.

Photography by Bauer Syndication.

EXPERT

REPEL CLUTTER

BY STYLING S U R FAC E S O R A R E A S T H AT AT T R A C T S T U F F .

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DON’T PUT IT DOWN, PUT IT AWAY Items should live as close to their point of use as possible and be stored in a way that suits the natural flow of your household. Once everything has a place, the next step is to practise putting it back as soon as you have finished with it. If you get busy in the moment and are not able to put the item back straight away, it’s important to remember to go back and put it away as soon as you can. If you can embed it, this habit will save you lots of time in the long run.

IF IT TAKES LESS THAN A MINUTE… DO IT!

A L L O C AT E E V E R Y F A M I LY MEMBER A HOOK NEAR THE FRONT DOOR.

KEEP SURFACES FREE OF CLUTTER

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FIND A HOME FOR EVEN THE SMALLEST ITEMS SUCH AS D R AW I N G P I N S .

P L A N A R E WA R D FOR A WEEK FREE FROM CLUTTER, LIKE A P I Z Z A N I G H T.

Flat surfaces become prime spaces to dump stuff.

Create homes for your common culprits such as bags, car keys and coats and practise putting these things in their proper places. Also try styling surfaces with attractive arrangements so you’re more invested in keeping them clear.

By taking a moment to ask yourself ‘Will this take less than a minute?’ before you walk away from an undone task, you’ll find it gets easier and easier to stay on top of small jobs. By taking care of one-minute tasks such as answering an email, putting old tins in the recycling bin and restocking the toilet paper, you stop all those little jobs from building up into an overwhelming mental block.

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SORTING SEASON Decluttering needs to happen regularly. Keep only the things you love and use and try to eliminate the ‘I might need it one day’ items. Get into the habit of scheduling seasonal, or at least annual, decluttering sessions to keep your stuff in check and help your home feel like a refuge from the busy world outside.

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EVERYDAY MAINTENANCE Every home needs a daily tidy-up. Even 5-10 minutes a day makes a difference and, once your items have logical and practical homes, you’ll get faster. Choose a time that works for you – after school drop-off, in the evening, or before the TV gets turned on. Get everyone on board and have daily family tidy-ups.

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STAY ON TOP OF PAPER

Loose papers have a way of creeping into our homes. Most of us don’t have any system for storing papers, so piles can build up very quickly. First, create a system and establish a place for mail. Then schedule a time each week to dedicate to sorting your papers. Be strict about dealing with them all at the assigned time, then reward your efforts afterwards.

I F Y O U C A N ’ T AV O I D

SEARCH PINTEREST

A SMALL AMOUNT

F O R W AY S T O K E E P

OF CLUTTER, TRY

CORDS, PLUGS AND

G AT H E R I N G I T E M S

D E V I C E S T I DY –

LIKE KEYS, COINS

CLEVER SOLUTIONS

AND SUNGLASSES

RANGE FROM BREAD-

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TA G C O R D T I D I E S TO

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D E D I CAT E D C H A R G I N G

O R P L AT T E R .

CUPBOARDS.

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THINK BEFORE YOU BUY When you declutter and reorganise your belongings, you will be more familiar with what you have, and therefore what you actually need. Before you buy that bright shiny thing that catches your eye as you walk past, ask yourself: “Do I love it? Will I use it/wear it?” Be honest. Get into the habit of taking a pause before you buy – you’ll be surprised at how often you decide to walk away.

CREATE ROUTINES

Routines help everything run more smoothly because they remove the stress of thinking about what needs to happen next. If you follow the same sequence of tasks each morning, you’ll save yourself time and energy. These routines will take time to create, but the benefits of doing so include more energy for thinking about other stuff and a more relaxed household overall.

10 SET UP A DONATION BASKET

When you decide you no longer want an item, place it straight into a donation basket rather than back in your closet.

When the basket is full, pop it in your car and take it to a charity store. This is a great way to get kids into the habit of donating things when they have outgrown them, and is a reminder that moving items on and rehoming them with people who need them is something we should all do regularly. •

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SIMPLE PROJECT

Screen time A screen is an easy and decorative way to divide a room or create interest in a bare corner. Here’s how to make your own Created by Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by Wendy Fenwick.

G R E Y VA S E , $ 6 4 . 9 0, F R O M C O U N T R Y R OA D.

Quay Lagos buffet, $1499, from Freedom. Asili soapstone dish, $229, Asili soapstone vase, $189, from Citta.

Downloadable abstract art print, $11.75, from etsy.com/heartsincolors.

White and oak-look photo frame, $8, from Kmart. Dried flowers from The Botanist. Wall and floor painted in Resene ‘Half Concrete’. Screen painted in Resene ‘Concrete’.

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TULIP ARMCHAIR IN PECAN, $1395, FROM ME & M Y T R E N D.

M YO U W I L L N E E D

INSTRUCTIONS

+ 2 pieces of 1900mm x 600mm x 18mm MDF (if you wish, you can use slightly thinner MDF to make screen lighter and easier to move) + 1 piece of 2100mm x 600mm x 18mm MDF + Pencil, string, drawing pin + Hand-held jigsaw + Sandpaper + Paint roller and tray + Paintbrush for edges + Paint in colour of your choice + 4 hinges + 1 packet screws (for hinges) + Screwdriver

1. Tie 600mm length of string round a pencil. Measure 600mm down 1 side of an MDF board (measuring from top) and fix loose end of string to that spot with a drawing pin. Tighten string and draw a curve from top corner to the other side. Repeat on other boards.

2. Cut along curved edges with a handheld jigsaw. Sand edges smooth.

3. Using roller (and paintbrush for edges), paint boards in chosen colour. You’ll need up to 3 coats for a nice finish.

4. Stand long board against wall (long side down). Stand 1 short board next to it (long side down), with bases aligned.

Screw in 2 hinges to join boards.

5. Flip boards onto opposite edge and line up third board (long side up).

6. Attach 2 hinges to join third board to longest board.

7. Stand screen in a zigzag pattern for stability (not suitable for rooms accessible to young children).

TIP A S A N A LT E R N AT I V E , T R Y PA I N T I N G E A C H P A N E L I N VA R I AT I O N S O F T H E S A M E TONE OR COVERING THE S C R E E N I N WA L L PA P E R O R FA B R I C.

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ELEANOR OZICH Home wellness expert

LIVING WELL

Clean & green Eleanor shares her recipes for natural cleaning products that are effective and smell heavenly Text and photography by Eleanor Ozich.

elcome spring into your home with these lovely homemade cleaners.

Making the switch to all-natural cleaning might seem like a lot of fuss, but it’s really simple. The ingredients are cost-effective and easy to find at most organic/health stores (or through online soap-making and aromatherapy stores), not to mention gentler on our environment.

My favourite recipe is for this zippy all-purpose spray which will leave surfaces sparkling and your home smelling delightful, plus the addition of citrus essential oils helps to lift your mood. I guarantee that once you make your own, you’ll never buy store-bought again!

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CITRUS ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY 2 tsp liquid Castile soap (I use Dr Bronner’s) 10 drops wild orange essential oil 10 drops lemon essential oil 10 drops peppermint essential oil Put all ingredients in a 500ml glass spray bottle and top up with filtered water. Shake gently to combine.

PASTE CLEANER

½ cup baking soda 3-4 Tbsp liquid Castile soap 5 drops tea tree essential oil 5 drops lemon essential oil Stir ingredients together until they form a creamy paste. Dip a cloth into the mixture and scrub your bath, tiles or oven, then rinse off with water.

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LAUNDRY POWDER Bar of natural soap, grated ¾ cup borax or washing soda ½ cup baking soda 10 drops of lavender essential oil 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil Place ingredients in a food processor and process to a fine powder; transfer to a glass jar. Use 2-3 Tbsp per load of washing. Wash processor bowl well and rinse with splash of vinegar before using it for food.

YLANG-YLANG, LAVENDER & LEMON AIR FRESHENER/LINEN SPRAY 1 Tbsp witch hazel 10 drops ylang-ylang essential oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops lemon essential oil Put all ingredients in a 100ml glass spray bottle and top up with filtered water. Shake gently to combine. Use to deodorise the air or spray onto clothes before ironing.

WOOD POLISH

FABRIC SOFTENER

1 tsp liquid Castile soap ¼ cup filtered water ¼ cup olive oil Combine ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.

Dip a cloth into the solution and wipe over wooden surfaces to polish and nourish.

Add ⅔ cup white vinegar to the start of your wash cycle, along with your washing powder, to soften clothes and keep colours vibrant.

DISHWASHING POWDER

5 drops tea tree essential oil Sprinkle the baking soda around the inside of toilet bowl. Mix the vinegar with the essential oil and sprinkle or spray around the toilet bowl. Allow to fizz and leave for 10 minutes.

Scrub well and then flush.

1½ cups baking soda ½ cup citric acid ⅓ cup fine sea salt 10 drops lemon essential oil 10 drops lime essential oil Combine ingredients in a large glass jar, add lid and tip upside down to mix. Use 1 Tbsp of powder per dishwasher load. For an extra-clean load, add some white vinegar to the rinse compartment.

TOILET BOWL CLEANER

½ cup baking soda ½ cup white vinegar

eleanorozich.com @eleanorozich

YH&G + ECOSTORE

Good habits Busy working mother Kath Gola shares her tips for making the most out of family life in an eco-conscious way

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or working mother-of-two Kath Gola it’s so important to regularly get back to basics. She simply loves to share her passion for food and nature with her husband and sons, and together they’ve formed a fun-loving and efficient eco-friendly team. In the future she’d love to get chickens and an electric car, but for now, the little things are all adding up. Here, she shares her top tips.

K AT H ’ S T I P S

1 STA RT FR OM SCRATCH

“I’m at my happiest when I’m making and creating. Most recently I made pizza sauce and homemade pizzas, and cooked them in the pizza oven my husband built. It was great for the kids to learn about where their food comes from, as well as the value of hard work. Next time I’ll get out the cheese-making kit!”

2 T HIN K AHEAD

“As a family we love ticking off the local walks – with a classic Kiwi packed lunch – leaving only footprints, as they say. It’s exercise that’s free with no detrimental effect on the environment and the scenery helps motivate us – with the promise of an ice cream at the end for the kids!”

CARB

PAK

HIT THE T RAC KS

New ecostore kids’ products TURE™

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“We organise a weekly click and collect to save both time and bags. We always have a family roast on Sundays and I keep the leftovers for Monday’s dinner.

I also make big batches of food for the week on a Sunday, using the heat from the oven for more than one meal.”

ecostore has launched a new range with children specifically in mind; a kids toothpaste and toothbrush. The toothpaste uses safer plant and mineral-based ingredients and has a naturally derived strawberry flavour. The toothbrush is made from renewable, plant plastic.

Available in New World and Pak’nSave stores, and ecostore.co.nz, $4.99 each.

Be a conscious consumer and help choose a better tomorrow.

~ Secondhand shopping guide ~

Finder’s Fi Give your secondhand finds a sparkling new lease of life with these cleaning tips and tricks Text by Fiona Ralph. Illustration by Eve Kennedy.

intage furniture can sometimes need a little TLC before it’s displayed in your home, and pieces you’ve had for a while may also be ready for a spring clean. A quick wipe-down or wash will suffice for some things, but how do you tackle those harder-to-clean items?

V CANE

Cane chairs, tables, shelves and bedheads, with their small crevices, can be dust magnets. Fortunately, you can remove dust with a feather duster, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, and use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas. To get rid of dirt, most items can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and stains tackled with a soft-bristled brush dipped in a mix of gentle dishwashing liquid and warm water. Make sure not to leave your cane furniture wet after cleaning as mould can grow. Dry it with a fan or leave outside in the sun.

Dust wooden furniture gently with a soft cloth, or damp cloth if needed. According to the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute, wooden furniture should be cleaned only when there is a build-up of wax or dirt, and only unfinished wood, painted wood, or wood with a sturdy finish should be cleaned. Oily dirt or waxy residue can be removed with diluted mineral turpentine or a mix of mild detergent and water, but take care this doesn’t affect the wood or finish (do a spot test somewhere unobtrusive first).

The Smithsonian recommends avoiding polishes, oils and beeswax, and to instead buff with a stable, hard furniture polish, no more than twice a year for areas of heavy wear, and once every three or four years for other areas. Most other products will do more harm than good as they cause a buildup over time which can be hard to remove.

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FABRIC AND LEATHER

RESOURCES

You can dust fabric or suede surfaces using the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner (on low suction), and wipe leather with a soft, damp cloth. Don’t forget to clean in between the folds and creases of couches and chairs.

From dishwashing liquid to vinegar and baking soda, there are a number of household products you can use to attempt to get out a stain, but it is best to research the correct method for each specific item and type of stain, and do a test first to ensure the product you’re using won’t damage the fabric.

Always dab rather than rub at the fabric to ensure you don’t weaken it. You may need to repeat the process a number of times to fully remove a stain, and stubborn stains may need to be seen to by a professional.

+ The Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute has detailed info on cleaning antique items.

Visit si.edu/mci/english/learn_more. + On thespruce.com you’ll find a number of articles detailing cleaning methods for different furniture types. + Go to homestolove.co.nz and search ‘cleaning’ for more handy hacks.

THINK

AHEAD

YH&G is committed to featuring stories with a sustainable focus. Read more eco stories at homestolove.co.nz/green-living.

Photography by Helen Bankers.

WOOD

ADVERTISING PROMOTION

LO G IST IC S

PASSIVE HOUSE

—

PART THREE OF A FOUR-PART SERIES

Factory to site From finalising design to the day of touchdown and settling in, we share a step-by-step guide to owning a FlyingSpaces® passive house

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PRODUCTION GOES AHEAD After receiving the building consent, the FlyingSpaces® is built in our state-of-the art German factory. This takes one to two weeks.

STAG E 4 ARRIVING IN NEW ZEALAND

erhard and Sina from Avondale, Auckland, are very excited about their new non-toxic, environmentally friendly home. The home, built by German company FlyingSpaces®, will last for generations and will be extremely economical to run.

Being German himself, Gerhard was already familiar with the reputation of FlyingSpaces® for precision during its design, manufacturing and shipping processes, and was excited to hear the homes are now available in New Zealand.

The company have constructed 40,000 homes since 1950 and sources wood for its construction from a sustainable forest near its factory.

So how does the FlyingSpaces® process work?

STAG E 2 PLACING THE ORDER The financial terms and conditions of the contract are agreed upon and an order is placed with the factory in Germany. At the same time the FlyingSpaces® architect and customer start the planning and layout process while the licenced building practitioner works on the building consent.

STAG E 1 CS25249 09/19 ADVT2019

STAG E 3

LOCKING IN THE DESIGN The customer meets with FlyingSpaces®' on-the-ground team and licenced building practitioner who checks it's possible to deliver a FlyingSpaces® to the site and looks into securing a building consent for the section.

For more information and pricing options contact Dean Dalton, FlyingSpaces Construction NZ Ltd – Dean@FlyingSpaces.co.nz or phone 021 271 7043, schwoererhaus.com/en-gb/flyingspaces.

Shipment from Germany to New Zealand is included in the base price. After a journey of about five weeks the fully equipped FlyingSpaces® house arrives and is independently checked at the port. Once cleared by Customs it's transported to its new location on a low loader and lifted on to the foundations using a crane. The transport costs depend on a number of factors such as distance and the size of the FlyingSpaces® home. All power, water, waste water and communications are connected that same day.

STAG E 5 THE FLYINGSPACES® HOUSE IS A HOME The customer sleeps in the FlyingSpaces® passive house that same night. The whole process from fi rst meeting until delivery takes between six and eight months.

YOU HAVE THE CHOICE Attached to house eg studio/granny flat Extension eg carport Connected eg kindergarten Elevated eg sloping site Top-storey addition, or stacked Free standing

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Viva la vege Make vegetables the headline act with these colourful, crave-worthy and (mostly) meat-free meals

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M E AT- E AT E R S I N THE HOUSE? SWAP THE E G G P L A N T/ H A L O U M I FOR CHICKEN SCHNITZEL

EGGPLANT OR HALOUMI BURGERS

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EGGPLANT OR HALOUMI BURGERS WITH APPLE SLAW MAKES 6 INGREDIENTS 300g stale sourdough bread, torn coarsely 6 thick slices eggplant or haloumi OR 6 thin free-range chicken schnitzels (850g in total) ½ cup plain flour 2 free range eggs, lightly beaten 2 Tbsp olive oil 60g butter 6 brioche buns ¼ cup aioli

APPLE SLAW

¼ cup buttermilk 1 Tbsp olive oil 2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp caraway seeds, toasted, crushed coarsely 2 cups shredded purple cabbage ½ red apple, cut into matchsticks ½ bulb baby fennel, sliced thinly, fronds reserved 1 cup loosely packed flat-leaf parsley leaves, torn 1 Make apple slaw (see below).

2 Process sourdough until fine crumbs form.

Transfer to a plate. Coat eggplant/haloumi in flour; shake off excess. Dip eggplant/haloumi in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.

BROCCOLI, M U S TA R D & CHEDDAR PIES

3 Preheat the oven to 120°C. Line an oven tray with baking paper.

Recipes and photography by Bauer Syndication.

4 Heat half the oil and half the butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat; cook half the eggplant/haloumi for 2 minutes on each side or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to lined tray; keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining oil, butter and eggplant/haloumi.

BROCCOLI, MUSTARD & CHEDDAR PIES SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS

5 Split buns in half. Spread bun bases with aioli and top with eggplant/haloumi, apple slaw and bun tops. (If using schnitzels, halve them so they fit in the buns.)

APPLE SLAW Whisk together buttermilk, oil, mustard and juice in a large bowl; season to taste. Add seeds, cabbage, apple, fennel, reserved fronds and parsley, and toss to combine.

TIPS We used Pink Lady apples, or you could try a green variety. You could also use panko breadcrumbs instead of making your own.

6 sheets puff pastry ½ cup honey mustard (eg MasterFoods brand; or mix a little honey into your favourite mustard, to taste) 300g broccoli, chopped finely 1½ cups grated cheddar 1½ cups (150g) grated mozzarella 1 free range egg, lightly beaten 3 tsp toasted sesame seeds 1 Preheat oven to 200°C. Line 2 oven trays with baking paper.

2 Using a plate as a guide, cut out

6 x 22cm rounds from the pastry. Spread pastry with mustard, leaving a clear 1cm border around the edge.

3 Combine broccoli, cheddar and mozzarella in a large bowl; season. Place one-sixth of the broccoli mixture in centre of a pastry round; fold over to enclose filling, crimping the edge to seal. Repeat with remaining broccoli mixture and pastry rounds.

4 Place pies on trays. Brush with egg and sprinkle with seeds; cut 4 slashes on top of each.

5 Bake pies in the oven for 25 minutes or until golden and puffed.

TIP Pies can be made the day before up to the end of step 3; store, covered, in the fridge.

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MAKE IT VEGE SKIP THE BACON AND USE FIRM F E TA C H U N K S O R CORN KERNELS I N ST E A D.

RISOTTO-FILLED CAPSICUMS SERVES 6 You can also use green capsicums in this recipe; they may take a little longer to soften than red and yellow varieties.

INGREDIENTS 40g butter 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed Pinch saffron threads 1½ cups arborio rice 3 cups vegetable stock mixed with 1 cup water 1 cup finely grated parmesan 1 large courgette, coarsely grated 60g baby spinach leaves ½ cup chopped basil leaves 3 medium red capsicums 3 medium yellow capsicums 1 Tbsp olive oil ½ cup water 1 Preheat oven to 180°C.

SMOKY TOMATO & BACON FRITTERS SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 250g thick rashers bacon, chopped coarsely 3 cloves garlic 400g ripe tomatoes, chopped finely 2 tsp smoked paprika 2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives, plus 1 Tbsp extra for salad 2 free range eggs ⅓ cup milk 1 cup spelt flour ½ tsp baking powder 1 medium avocado ½ cup whole-egg mayonnaise 1 Tbsp lemon juice 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 large bulb fennel (550g), sliced thinly 1 Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over high heat; cook bacon, stirring, until golden and crisp. Transfer to a large bowl.

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2 Crush 2 of the garlic cloves and add to the bowl along with the tomato, paprika, chives, eggs and milk; stir to combine. Add combined sifted flour and baking powder; season and stir to combine. Stand mixture for 15 minutes.

3 Meanwhile, crush the last garlic clove and blend or process with the avocado, mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.

Season to taste.

4 Heat oil in the same frying pan over medium heat. Spoon 2 heaped Tbsp of batter into the pan to make 2 fritters; cook for 2 minutes or until bubbles appear. Turn fritters over and cook until the other side is lightly browned. Repeat with remaining mixture to make 8 fritters in total.

5 Combine the sliced fennel and extra chives in a small bowl; season.

6 Serve the fritters with fennel salad and avocado mayonnaise.

2 Heat butter in a large, heavy-based saucepan over medium-low heat; cook onion, stirring, for 10 minutes or until soft but not coloured. Add garlic, saffron and rice; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add stock-and-water mixture and bring to the boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered with a tight-fitting lid, for 15 minutes or until rice grains are almost tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring 2-3 times during cooking to check the rice is not sticking to the base of the pan. Remove from heat; stir in parmesan, courgette, spinach and basil. Season to taste.

3 Meanwhile, cut tops from capsicums, about 1cm from the top; reserve tops with stalks intact. Remove seeds and membranes from capsicums; rinse, drain well. Rub half the oil over capsicums; season. Place capsicums in a small baking dish or ovenproof dish just large enough to hold the capsicums upright. Fill capsicums with rice mixture and replace the tops. Drizzle capsicums with remaining oil; add the water to the dish.

4 Cover dish with a lid or foil and bake in oven for 40 minutes. Uncover and return to oven for a further 20 minutes or until capsicums are tender when pierced with a knife tip. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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RISOTTO -FILLED CAPSICUMS

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LENTIL, BEETRO OT & LABNEH SALAD

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F LENTIL, BEETROOT & LABNEH SALAD SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS 1kg Greek-style yoghurt 500g baby beetroots 500g golden baby beetroots Olive oil 1 cup French-style green (or Puy) lentils 120g baby spinach leaves 2 Tbsp lemon juice 150g baby green beans, trimmed ½ cup loosely packed baby basil leaves ½ cup loosely packed flat-leaf parsley leaves ½ cup loosely packed chervil leaves ½ cup chopped chives

DRESSING 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp sugar 1 You’ll need to start this recipe 24 hours ahead. To make the labneh, line a large sieve with 2 layers of muslin or cheesecloth; place sieve over a deep bowl or jug. Spoon yoghurt into sieve, gather cloth and tie in a ball. Place in fridge for 24 hours or until thick, squeezing occasionally to encourage the liquid to drain.

Discard liquid. Transfer labneh to a large bowl.

2 Preheat oven to 180°C. 3 Trim beetroot; reserve 100g of the nicest, smallest leaves. Wash beetroot well. Place in a roasting pan; drizzle with 2 Tbsp olive oil.

Cover with foil and roast for 45 minutes or until tender. Stand for 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, remove skins (they should slip off; if not, use a small knife). Halve or quarter beetroot lengthwise.

4 Meanwhile, cook lentils in a medium saucepan of boiling water, uncovered, for 12 minutes or until tender; drain. Rinse under cold water; drain well.

5 Blend or process spinach, juice and ¼ cup olive oil until well combined; season to taste.

SMOKY EGGPLANT SALAD WITH TA H I N I

SMOKY EGGPLANT SALAD WITH TAHINI SERVES 8 INGREDIENTS

6 Pour boiling water over beans in a large heatproof bowl; stand for 1 minute. Drain.

Refresh beans in cold water; drain well.

7 To make dressing, place ingredients in a screw-top jar, shake well and season.

8 Place beetroot, lentils and beans in a large bowl with herbs, reserved beetroot leaves and half the dressing; toss to combine.

9 Spread labneh on a platter; top with the spinach mixture and salad. Drizzle with remaining dressing and serve.

1 small red onion, halved then sliced very thinly 2 Tbsp lemon juice 5 medium eggplants 1½ Tbsp tahini 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 cup Greek-style yoghurt 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 cup loosely packed mint leaves, torn 1 tsp ground sumac 1 Combine sliced onion and half the lemon juice in a small bowl.

2 Preheat a barbecue (or grill plate) over

high heat. Prick eggplants all over with a fork. Cook eggplants on the heated barbecue or grill plate, turning occasionally, for 30 minutes or until skins are charred and flesh is very tender. Place eggplants in a large sieve over a bowl and leave to drain and cool.

3 Meanwhile, combine tahini, garlic, yoghurt and remaining lemon juice in a small bowl. Season to taste.

4 Remove and discard skin from eggplants; using 2 forks, pull apart the flesh into pieces. Spoon eggplant onto a large platter; season well, then drizzle with oil.

5 Serve topped with onion mixture, mint and yoghurt sauce. Sprinkle with sumac.

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4 ways with seeds

WE USED WHITE CHIA SEEDS FOR THEIR COLOUR BUT BLACK ARE FINE TO O.

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SEEDS & GRATED BEETROOT

SNACKING SEED MIX

SERVES 2

SERVES 4

Toast 2 Tbsp each pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds in a dry frying pan until lightly browned, stirring frequently.

Place seeds in a medium bowl with 2 medium (850g) coarsely grated beetroot, 200g crunchy mixed sprouts, 2 Tbsp torn mint leaves and 2 Tbsp each lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil; toss gently to combine. Season to taste.

Preheat oven to 180°C. Combine 2 Tbsp light brown sugar, 1 Tbsp tamari, 1 tsp ground cumin and ½ tsp each cinnamon and chilli flakes in a large bowl. Add 1 cup each pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, and 1 Tbsp each linseeds and white chia seeds; mix well. Spread seed mixture on a baking paper-lined oven tray. Bake for 20 minutes, turning and separating seeds regularly, until golden and roasted. Cool and store in an airtight jar; the mix will keep for up to 3 weeks.

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These seedy snacks are a nutritious way to satisfy hunger pangs

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SERVES 4

SERVES 4

Preheat oven to 220°C. Line 2 oven trays with baking paper. Whisk 3 eggs in a shallow dish; season with pepper. Combine 2 cups finely grated parmesan and 2 Tbsp chia seeds on a large plate. Trim ends from 20 asparagus spears. Cut 4 small courgettes lengthways into quarters. Dip asparagus and courgette into egg mixture then coat in cheese mixture. Place vegetables, spaced slightly apart, on trays.

Roast for 15 minutes, swapping the trays over halfway through, or until cheese is dark golden and vegetables are tender. Serve immediately sprinkled with salt flakes.

Preheat oven to 190°C. Cut around the edge of 3 x 20cm pita breads; separate halves. Whisk ⅓ cup Greek-style yoghurt and ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl (don’t worry if mixture looks separated). Combine 2 Tbsp crushed roasted hazelnuts, 2 tsp each nigella seeds and sesame seeds, 1 tsp each cumin seeds, crushed coriander seeds and flaked salt in a small bowl. Divide pita halves between 3 oven trays (or bake in batches), brush with yoghurt mixture right up to the edge; scatter with seed mix. Bake for 8 minutes or until golden. Cool. Serve with hummus. •

VEGE SEED STICKS

SEEDED FLATBREADS

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TOLOVE.CO.NZ

FOR HOME IDEAS, INSPIRATION, DIY TIPS & TRICKS

Garden YOUR

Gardening, landscaping and outdoor living

Chick magnet

Photography by Juliet Nicholas.

Flower gardens are beautiful to look at, of course, but they don’t just belong to us – the pollen and nectar found in flowers is crucial for birds, bees and insects too. Attracting fauna to your garden will give you joy, as well as contributing to a healthier environment, so add a bird bath or bird feeder to your patch and plant lots of yellow, orange, purple and blue flowers to attract bees. Turn the page for inspiration in the form of a huge, traditional flower garden that’s infused with heart and soul.

Feature garden: a show garden 10 years in the making Page 154 Flower bomb: a florist’s insider tips Page 158 Garden makeover: making an entrance Page 164 Workshop: tool up for garden jobs Page 166 Outdoor diary Page 170

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F E AT U R E G A R D E N

From the heart Ten years of hard work by this green-fingered gardener and her handy husband have transformed an empty Marlborough paddock into an abundant and blooming garden fit for a king – and hordes of garden-loving visitors Text by Carol Bucknell. Photography by Juliet Nicholas.

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I

t’s considered a great honour to have your garden selected for Garden Marlborough, a renowned garden tour that has taken place annually in the Marlborough region for the past 25 years. Last year when this honour was bestowed upon Lauren and Mike Price for the first time, the couple were understandably nervous, despite the fact that Lauren is a very experienced gardener. “It was a big learning curve,” she admits.

While everything went well, with lots of admiring visitors coming to the garden, a comment made by one of them struck a chord with Lauren. “He told Mike he thought ours was ‘a garden of the heart’. And I do believe that’s what gardens should be about,” she says. “I would advise anyone starting a garden not to follow trends – plant what you like and make the garden for yourself, not for other people.”

THE SITE Mike and Lauren live at Tuamarina, 10 minutes north of Blenheim. They bought their halfhectare property in 2009 due to its flatness and the fact it was virtually a blank canvas.

“There was a 1980s house built of Oamaru stone, and really only a couple of fruit trees on the property,” says Lauren. “I saw the potential

FAR LEFT In the sunniest, northwestern end of the garden the beds are filled with flowering plants such as lilies, foxgloves, roses and lupins, with grasses adding structure.

LEFT Mike built the wooden bridge over the ‘dry riverbed’, which drains the pond, as well as many other structures in the garden.

to expand the garden by developing an empty paddock on the west side. We didn’t have to start totally from scratch but it was nice to have an undeveloped area that I could make my own.”

Another big positive was the fact that the area was not as dry as Blenheim, with more rainfall due to it being closer to the hills. “It has a high water table which means we never have to water the lawns. But there can be an issue with drainage and heavy soil,” she explains.

THE LANDSCAPING Lauren had a clear aim for the design of her future garden. “I wanted a romantic garden with white structures that I knew would work well with the pale stone of the house. A garden does need to complement the house.”

Constructing the various structures in the garden was not a problem as Mike is a very capable builder. “I am the gardener and he is the DIY guy,” Lauren jokes. “I tell him what I want and he builds it.”

The first major structure the couple created was a white gazebo. “We positioned it where we can look at it straight out from our diningroom window. Once we decided on its position, everything else fell into place. It set the theme.”

A long pergola was also built on one side of the garden and bedecked with metal

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hearts, wisteria, clematis and roses. On one of the nearby fences Mike also made a white ‘window’ which is actually a mirror. “It was probably the most photographed thing in the garden during the Garden Marlborough tour,” laughs Lauren. “He also made a gate for this area out of a brass bedhead that I found in a garage sale.”

Another major project was the pond, which the hard-working couple dug out along with a ‘dry riverbed’ to take the overflow out to a stormwater ditch. Mike also built a sweet little bridge over this riverbed, as well as Lauren’s shade house and other decorative elements around the garden.

THE PLANTING Lauren loves flowers and has fond memories of her grandmother’s garden with snapdragons and sweet peas. “I try to have flower colour all year round with hellebores and camellias in winter and, of course, the roses, wisteria, foxgloves and lupins in summer.”

Beneath the shade of some tall alders she grows hydrangeas and hostas, the latter mostly in pots as the trees take all the moisture and nutrients. “This part of the garden is my favourite place in hot summers; it’s so green and calm.”

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Planting in the sunnier area around the pond is bright and colourful with lupins, lilies and other flowering plants on display in summer along with waterlilies, horsetail restio (Elegia capensis) and Japanese maples.

Lauren is also a keen vegetable gardener with a tomato garden and two big raised beds where she grows red Désirée potatoes, lettuce, silver and red beets, onions, beans and snow peas. “And lots of berries, every berry you can name. Tuamarina has very good soil, probably the best in Marlborough,” she says.

Nasturtiums are planted in the vege garden to help repel pests and attract bees, while wallflowers under the apple trees deter codling moth. To add extra nutrients and soil organisms she regularly spreads blood and bone plus sheep manure which she and Mike gather from a friend’s farm.

Lauren propagates many of the plants for the garden from cuttings and divisions, and has a a part-time job too. How does she manage it all? “I am probably in the garden every day,” she says. “They say it’s not work if it’s doing what you love.” • Garden Marlborough, 7-10 November 2019, gardenmarlborough.co.nz

THIS PAGE Arches, pergolas and bird baths complement the old fashioned flowers; a brass bedhead has been converted into a pretty gate.

OPPOSITE Nasturtiums brighten up the productive vegetable garden, attracting bees and other pollinators; lilies are a favourite flower.

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“I would advise anyone starting a garden not to follow trends – plant what you like and make the garden for yourself, not for other people�

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F LOW E R BOMB

We see inside florist Mikarla Bauer’s gorgeous studio and discover some of her best insider tips, including the floral look that’s flying out the door Photography by Lynden Foss. Styling by Sarah Ellison.

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Based in Bangalow, New South Wales, Mikarla’s double-garage workshop overflows with flowers and foliage for events and weddings. “I love every aspect of my job,” she says.

“My favourite thing is the flowers: the smell, shape, imperfections and magnificence.”

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“I love putting together new colour combinations and textures, foraging around the garden and experimenting with what I can find�

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Top tips for fresher flowers

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CA R RY O N C U TT IN G Keep cutting back the stems of your flowers to extend their life.

Make the first cut an inch or two from the bottom of the stem.

H A N D L E T H E A NG L E Use sharp scissors to cut stems diagonally and create a larger surface area through which the flower can draw water.

F I ND YO U R P L AC E Place flowers in a cool spot out of direct sunlight to prolong their life, but also somewhere you can gaze at their beauty.

KE E P I T FR E S H Replace vase water about twice a week or when it starts to look discoloured. Adding bleach or sugar won’t make any difference.

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Petal picks

WH AT ’S THE BE ST WAY TO D I S PL AY A SI N G L E ST E M ?

Choose a vessel that complements the flower shape. Those with movement in the stem (eg an orchid or tulip) suit a chunky bud vase. A dainty rose sits beautifully in a cut-crystal vase.

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WH IC H F LOW E R S LO OK B E ST D IS PL AY E D IN BUN C H E S? I’m a sucker for a big armful of hydrangeas that have just been simply dropped in a Champagne bucket, or a fluffy cloud of baby’s breath.

W HI C H T Y P E S O F F LOW E R S W I L L L AST LO NG E ST ?

Flowers with woody stems, such as proteas and banksias, can stay fresh for up to a month.

Phalaenopsis orchids can last for several weeks.

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W H AT ’S YO UR FAVO U RI T E F LOWE R C OM B O AT TH E MO M E N T ?

Terracotta and burnt-orange blooms with dried and sunbleached textural elements.

I recently combined big terracottatoned roses with dried native grasses and palm leaves to create a ‘Byron Bay meets the Mediterranean’ look. •

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MAKEOVER

Making an entrance A new driveway is an opportunity for a planting plan that creates a lush sense of arrival, as well as easy access to the deck Text and perspective drawing by Carol Bucknell. Illustration by Pippa Fay.

Hi Carol We live an hour north of Auckland and each winter we get a few frosts. The driveway has just been redone and an existing rock garden with large hydrangeas on the south-facing side of the house (pictured) was taken away.

The house is due to be painted grey-blue this summer and we would love to get an idea of how to replant the area and make a nice entranceway up to the deck on the east side and the front door.

The rest of the garden has a lot of native trees and the soil is heavy clay. I wouldn’t mind a selection of plants that flower at different times of the year, possibly even some hydrangeas again. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Janne Radtke, Rodney

PROBLEM

CAROL’S SOLUTION

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SUGGESTED PLANTING PLAN

LEFT BANK Plant bank on western side of driveway with a mix of flowering shrubs and perennials so the approach to the house has abundant interest and colour.

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ON THE WALL To enliven the bare area at the end of the wall plant a small, shade-tolerant tree such as Japanese maple or dogwood (Cornus).

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RISE UP Build a 60cm-high raised bed along length of house to soften and disguise its connection with the driveway and provide a pleasing outlook for visitors as they approach.

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STEP UP Build two shallow steps to connect driveway and deck; align edge with outside of raised bed for a clean look.

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IN THE SHADE Fill raised bed with good-quality garden mix, then plant with shade-loving plants to create an informal hedge. Edge with low perennials.

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OUTSIDE EDGE Plant another informal hedge along eastern side of driveway for a more defined edge.

Use species that will tolerate clay soil but first follow advice in the tip below.

TIP

Photography by Getty Images.

When planting in clay soil in late winter/early spring, only dig holes when soil is not too sodden.

Make hole half depth of root ball and round bottom of hole upwards slightly so roots are clear of wet soil. Use fork to roughen sides of hole for water penetration. Mix soil with quality garden mix, fill hole and mound up around top of root ball, then mulch with compost or other organic matter.

Need help?

Does an area of your garden need a revamp? Garden editor and landscape designer Carol Bucknell will come up with a plan for some lucky readers. All we need are photographs of your problem area, details of where you live, a site description (where north is, the soil type, whether your garden is exposed to wind or heat) and the style of garden you would like. SEND TO Case Study, Your Home and Garden, Bauer Media, Private Bag 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1010, or email yhg@bauermedia.co.nz.

We can’t feature everyone’s garden in the magazine, but if you’d like some personal design advice, you can contact Carol at carolbucknell.co.nz.

Japanese viburnum

Helleborus

Buxus microphylla

Liriope muscari

PLANTING OPTIONS

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HIGH BANK ON DRIVEWAY Shady spots: Hydrangea, Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense), helleborus, Japanese anemone, Alchemilla mollis. Sunny spots: Australian rosemary (Westringia brevifolia), flowering quince (Chaenomeles), carpet roses, smaller red hot poker (Kniphofia) cultivars such as ‘Ember Glow’ or ‘Fire Glow’.

PLANTS FOR RAISED BED Dwarf camellia such as ‘Tom Thumb’ or ‘Sugar Babe’, Japanese or Korean box cultivars (Buxus microphylla), Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica), Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata), Lophomyrtus ‘Red Dragon’ or ‘Pixie’.

RAISED-BED EDGING PLANTS Liriope muscari, Bergenia cordifolia, Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’, dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon ‘Nana’).

INFORMAL HEDGE ALONG DRIVEWAY Keep trimmed to 1m in height. Try red matipo/ māpou (Myrsine australis), Japanese viburnum (Viburnum japonica), Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’ (deciduous), Weigela florida ‘Evita’, Weigela ‘Rosabella’ or other smaller cultivars, tarata (Pittosporum eugenioides ‘Mini Green’).

NOTE These plants are suitable for the conditions of this site which is in a warmer area with occasional winter frosts. Check them out at your local nursery and ask if they’re right for your garden and climate.

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Trowel time WORKSHOP

These essential gardening tools will have you planting, potting pruning and picking in no time (green thumbs not included) Text by Carol Bucknell.

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ardening can be confusing for beginners. From pruning and making compost, to tying up broad beans and deadheading roses, there’s a seemingly endless list of things to do at different times of year. Some newbie gardeners find it hard to know where to begin, but making sure you have the right gardening tools is the obvious first step.

There are many different tools to choose from and deciding what’s best for you will depend on your garden’s size and the time and ability you have to work in it. To get you started we’ve compiled our list of the essential tools every gardener should have in their shed. When you buy, try not to skimp on quality – well-made tools always pay for themselves in the long run.

HAND TOOLS + Trowel Essentially a mini-spade, a trowel is for weeding, light planting or transplanting small seedlings, and repotting container plants. Make sure the handle is robust and fits nicely in your hand. Trowels can be broad and spade-like or narrow, depending on what you use them for.

Most gardeners need at least two. + Hand weeder Although you can use a trowel for weeding, there are many hand weeders on the market that do the job better, some with forked metal prongs, others with a narrow, more solid shape for weeds with tough roots. You can also buy curved weeders for crevices and Japanese weeders that serve as a cutting tool. + Hand fork ideal for loosening soil or weeding in heavily planted beds. Some hand weeders can do these jobs too.

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Photography by Bauer Syndication.

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1 Paving weeder, $26, From Father Rabbit. 2 Kent & Stowe transplanting trowel, $15.98, from Mitre 10. 3 Stainless three-tine hand fork, $29.95, from Gubba.

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BIGGER JOBS + Spade The most useful tool you can have in the garden, whether it’s for digging a hole to plant a new shrub, cutting edges or turning over the soil in the vege patch. Don’t choose a cheap spade as the handle won’t last long and the blade might bend in hard ground. Make sure it’s the right height for you and there’s a solid connection between blade and handle. + Shovel Like a spade but with a round end, a shovel is a must for moving stuff such as mulch, compost and soil. + Rake There are many different types of rake but you’re bound to need one if you have lots of leaves in the garden (lightweight), or want to spread gravel, soil, compost and mulches (a more heavy-duty metal). + Fork Essential for turning and moving compost, harvesting root vegetables, breaking up soil, moving mulch and lifting out plants. + Hoe Hoes are great for cultivating soil and removing small weeds from vege patches or other large areas without having to get down on your knees.

There are several different types of blade according to use.

1 Stanley Fatmax garden fork, $59.99, from Mitre 10. 2 Stainless-steel digging spade, $69.99, from Gubba.

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PRUNING & CUTTING + Secateurs These strong, sharp scissors are great for pruning, deadheading, snipping off thin, dead branches and cutting back perennials. There are many different types including left- and right-hand models, those with stronger blades for woody stems, and ergonomic designs with ratchets and gears.

1 Secateurs, $25.99, from Mitre 10. 2 Small topiary and trimming shears, $89, from Gubba.

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+ Loppers These chopping tools are for cutting thicker, woody stems and branches. There are many different types to choose from, including those with short, long or telescopic handles.

Talk to a garden tool specialist if you are unsure what’s best for your garden as good loppers aren’t cheap. + Pruning saw These are for even bigger branches (3cm-plus in diameter) and will often make a cleaner cut than loppers. If you have lots of trees in the garden, you need a pruning saw.

There are folding models and those with fine (for thin branches) or coarse teeth. + Pruning knife A knife is always handy in the garden for cutting string, opening bags of potting mix and so forth. If you buy a nice sharp pruning knife you can also use it for removing small branches and taking woody cuttings. + Niwashi If you have flax in the garden, this is the tool for you, making it easy to remove old leaves. It can also be used for cutting back many perennials.

OTHER USEFUL STUFF + Garden gloves + A weed bag or bucket + A dibber (or chopstick/pencil) for making holes for seeds + A tool belt so you can carry secateurs/trowel/knife with you + A gauze face mask for handling potting mix safely. •

TIP Clean garden tools after use to prolong their life and improve their performance. Use any kitchen oil to clean the wooden handles, and coat metal parts with recycled engine oil using an old paint brush.

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1 Tin of twine, $19, from Garden Objects. 2 Seed-planting dibblet, $19.95, from Gubba. 3 Galvanised trug, $59, from Father Rabbit.

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OUTDOOR DIARY

September’s checklist Text by Carol Bucknell. Illustrations by Pippa Fay.

+ Grey skies and rainy days may be far from over at this time of year but don’t let that stop you celebrating spring in the garden. Make yourself a list of spring tasks that need doing outside and gradually ease into garden mode by choosing the easiest ones first. Spreading mulch for instance.

Not too difficult or dirty but very beneficial to plants as it will help keep soil warm (thereby encouraging more growth) and reduce weeds meaning less work for you.

+ If you invest in a good-quality shredder/mulcher you can make your own mulch from garden waste such as the woody branches from trees and shrubs, hedge clippings and so forth. Mix it with some homemade compost or some well-washed seaweed, spread around the base of plants and your garden will be all set for super spring growth.

+ Now is a good time to take hardwood cuttings of frangipani.

Cut pieces of stem about 50cm long and leave them somewhere dry outside for about a week.

Once the cut end forms a callus pop it into a mix of sand and potting compost and place in a warm, sheltered spot until roots have formed. + Watch out for aphids on new shoots in spring.

If you want to use a pesticide spray check the label as some are not recommended for soft young growth or young seedlings. Organic methods for aphid control include squashing with fingers (a bit icky but effective), hosing off, or dusting plants with flour which constipates the pests. Wiping or spraying leaves of infested plants with a mild solution of water and a few drops of detergent often works well, too.

+ Who doesn’t love a sweep of bold, colourful irises in the garden? To help bearded irises produce plenty of flowers in late spring or early summer feed with a low-nitrogen general granular fertiliser. Avoid animal manure for these perennials as it can rot their rhizomes. Watch out for rhizome rot in spring, too. It can start at the bottom of the stem and travel down into the rhizome, turning the plant soft and brown. If you spot it, immediately cut away affected parts and dust rhizome with fungicidal powder.

+ Delphiniums and other herbaceous perennials can be split now if they have become too large.

Divide clumps into as many sections as you can, each with a good amount of roots and new shoots, discarding the older centre. This will rejuvenate plants and ensure better flowering.

It also gives you new plants to spread around your garden or give to friends.

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Flower

+ Beardless irises that die back in winter such as Iris sibirica, Iris pseudacorus, Iris ensata and Iris versicolor should also be fed in early spring with a handful of general garden fertiliser around plants as shoots start to emerge.

Rose It’s the flower of lovers, poets and playwrights and probably the most well-known of all ornamental blooms.

It’s also one of the longest in cultivation, meaning there are thousands of hybrids and cultivars from all around the world available, in a huge range of colours, shapes, scents and forms (bush, floribunda, patio, standard, rambling, climbing, miniature etc). Feeding roses is vital for plentiful flowers; start in late August or early September as leaves start to appear and repeat again in mid December. Other essentials for great roses are water, especially during dry months, and lots of air movement (ie plenty of space) around plants to reduce fungal disease.

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HARVEST

TIP

> If you’re lucky enough to have an avocado tree in your garden you’ll most likely be picking its fruit by now. Remember you can leave them on the tree for several months after they mature and their taste will become creamier the longer you leave them. Hass avocados turn black as they ripen but other varieties stay green. > When harvesting lemons and other citrus take the time to do some careful pruning at the same time, removing crossing or diseased branches and keeping the tree to the desired size. Don’t prune in late spring or summer as this is when the borer moths are more likely to be on the wing. They love to lay their eggs on fresh pruning cuts, damaged areas or cracks in the bark. Borer not only attacks citrus, it will also damage or kill many other fruiting trees.

CAROL BUCKNELL Garden editor

To make it easier to sow fine seeds, such as carrot, mix with larger seeds such as radish. Radishes mature more quickly, leaving space for carrots to develop their roots. Another option is to mix carrot and leek seed together. Leeks deter carrot fly and can be harvested after the carrots.

SOW

PLANT

> September is a good time to ramp up your seed sowing either directly into the garden or in seed trays. Check directions on seed packets carefully so you’ll have plenty of seedlings to start off your spring and summer crops as soon as the weather warms up a little more. > Broccoli seed can be sown from late winter to mid summer (depending on the region), ideally in trays or punnets. Keep in a sheltered, light area until seedlings have a few leaves, then plant out in the garden. Alternatively keep seedlings in pots (it’s called ‘growing on’) for a few more weeks until they’re good strong plants about 10-15cm high, that can cope better with the cold as well as slugs and snails. For continual cropping keep sowing a few seeds (or planting seedlings) every 3 weeks. > Sow beetroot seed in containers if soil is still wet and cold. Remember to keep thinning plants to get reasonable-sized roots. > Chervil is a great herb for the winter garden, fast-growing and tolerant of cold temperatures, with a light aniseed flavour. Seed can be sown into pots or the garden as long as it’s not a very hot position. > In cooler areas sow Brussels sprout seed in trays in greenhouses, cold frames or in small pots on the window sill for planting out in spring.

> Yams are a staple food of the Andean peoples and an easily digestible carbohydrate containing calcium and iron. If you’re a fan, give them a go as they are easier to grow than potatoes. Give your yams a head start by sprouting tubers inside (as you would spuds). Place on a tray or egg carton in a dry place for a few weeks before planting outside in a sunny spot once frosts are over. Yams are happy in most soil types as long as it’s not boggy. Tubers normally take around 6-8 months to form. > Keep those vitamin C levels up by planting cabbage, kohlrabi, kale, purple sprouting broccoli and other brassica seedlings. > Onions like cooler temperatures when plants are young so now is a good time to plant seedlings.

Growing onions from seedlings (as opposed to seed) shortens the rather lengthy cropping period from around 9 months to only 5, freeing up valuable space in the garden. Even earlymaturing types need about 12 hours of daylight so it pays to wait a bit longer if you live in the south. Plant at spacings of 3-10cm, remembering that the wider the spacing the greater the bulb size. > Plant hyssop, an ancient herb also used as a cough remedy, as a deterrent to white butterfly attacking your brassicas.

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In store This month’s must-haves for your home

GENTLE HANDS BEAUTIFUL BEDROOMS FOR LITTLE DREAMERS Let your imagination run wild with freedom’s new kids’ range. With six different looks, freedom make is easy to pull together a stylish and playful kids’ bedroom, for any imagination, that your little ones will love now and in years to come. In-store and online at freedomfurniture.co.nz.

Worried about how to wash your delicates? Ecostore Wool & Delicates is perfect for washing delicate fabrics gently, yet thoroughly, including lace, merino and silk as well as black garments and baby clothes. It rinses away easily in warm or cold water, so fabrics dry without residue. Can be used in a washing machine or for hand washing. RRP $6.

ENTERTAINING TONIGHT? New Huntley & Palmers Lavosh Crisps are the perfect cracker to impress your guests. Available in three delicious flavours – Salted, Burnt Fig and Sweet Chilli Jam. RRP $4.99.

NEW-WAVE WALLS Your local Guthrie Bowron store has thousands of wallpaper patterns to choose from to truly transform your space – including the new Hanami collection. Pop in to one of our 44 stores nationwide and have a chat to the team, or have a browse online at guthriebowron.co.nz.

TROPICAL SPRING ADORN YOUR SPACE Artist Ema Frost is a creator of beautiful art objects and specialises in limited-edition prints, resin, ceramics, jewellery and more. Featured here is one of Ema’s classic prints, ‘Little Warrior Girl’ (RRP $525 framed) accompanied by her quirky ceramic pieces. emafrost.co.nz

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Introducing Nood’s spring collection.

With a fresh palette of pinks and greens paired with natural rattan and jute rugs, there’s new products you won’t want to miss. We’re loving the Aoraki sofa range. This range is made in New Zealand and available in a variety of fabrics to complement your home. nood.co.nz

ADVERTISING PROMOTION

SUPER CHILL The sleek, multi-purpose Fisher & Paykel 519-litre French Door Fridge Freezer boasts French doors and is built with a smarttouch control panel for easy and convenient operation. Enhanced by ActiveSmart technology, it analyses and responds to daily use, meaning it only consumes the energy needed to keep your food fresh. RRP $3296 exclusively from noelleeming.co.nz.

INSPIRED BY NATURE Relax and unwind with the nature-inspired aromas of Natio’s new Scented Candles and Reed Diffusers. Refined with essential oils, the new range is available in three moodboosting scents; Scented Candles for candlelit ambience, and Reed Diffusers for long-lasting home fragrance. RRP $33.99. natio.com.au

PACIFIC PAPER With ‘staycations’ on the rise, transform your home into a lush island paradise. The tropical trend adds visual impact with banana leaf and palm prints, and Aspiring Walls has carefully selected the best designs in this style from leading wall covering manufacturers and compiled them into one comprehensive collection – ‘Tropic Exotic’ – to make for easier selection. aspiringwalls.co.nz

LIVE LIFE TO THE MAX King Living is proud to introduce the new Max Sofa, bringing with it an unparalleled experience of comfort, flexibility and longlasting performance. The Max Sofa boasts feather-topped seat cushions, adjustabledepth back cushions and a generous, expansive base made for unwinding. Now available in the King Living showroom in Parnell, Auckland. kingliving.com

GET READY FOR SUMMER With an array of bold designs and weather and UV-resistant material, Harvey Furnishings’ Vista fabrics are suitable for upholstery and can be used indoors or out. Spruce up your alfresco spaces in time for summer. Call us on 0800 00 88 80 or view the range in-store or online at harveyfurnishings.co.nz.

HIP TO BE SQUARE Striking. Precise. Rectangular. Yet soft and flowing. DuraSquare bathroom ceramics effortlessly bring together apparent contradictions while also looking incredibly good. Clarity, precision and minimalism run through the entire programme, which is not only modern and timeless but also durable and sustainable.

Visit Metrix Showroom, 155 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland, to see DuraSquare by Duravit. metrix.co.nz

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INSPIRING CREATORS SHOWCASE ICO + TRADERS

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www.homeinteriors.co.nz Online design 24/7 store.

Fabrics/wallpapers/decor.

Elitis, Warwick, Scion, Romo, Jane Churchill, Designers Guild, Frank Green, Cote Noire, Osborne & Little, Eva Solo, Memobottles, Snurk, Citta, etc…

www.icotraders.co.nz miranda@icotraders.co.nz Ico Traders' handcrafted wire furniture is designed to be multifunctional so you can buy less, use it more.

SCALED DOWN + ARCHITECTURAL MODELS www.scaleddown.co.nz Ph: 027 3755 766 | richardpg@hotmail.co.nz

+LOVELEE SOLES

www.loveleesoles.co.nz FB: @loveleesoles | IG: @loveleesolesnz For beautifully handcrafted Spanish leather Avarcas, stunning boots and gorgeous accessories.

+EIDERDOWNS BY ANITA Quality, handcrafted models made to the scale you require of your house or building. All details carefully replicated to provide you with a building just as you know it! Visit our gallery of projects online.

Ph: 027 457 9021 | www.eiderdowns.co.nz New Zealand-made feather/down filled cot duvets, eiderdowns and duvets.

IG: @turuagallery | FB: @turuagallery 10A Turua Street, St Heliers, Auckland We are a relaxed space where you’ll find beautiful contemporary New Zealand art showcasing established and emerging artists with group and solo exhibitions.

We also offer a range of unframed limited-edition prints for you to peruse.

Follow us on Instagram.

+SELENA KITCHEN | ARTIST

www.selenakitchenart.com | Ph: 021 409 996 selenakitchen@gmail.com | IG: @selenakitchen To view Selena's latest collection of original works follow her on Instagram. All artworks are for sale and commissions welcomed.

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www.oliviabezettartist.com Ph: 022 341 1326 | FB: oliviabezettart OliviaBezettart@gmail.com Art prints of whimsical coloured pencil drawings

by Olivia Bezett, available to order online.

www.snortyandshorty.com FB: Snorty & Shorty | IG: @snortyandshorty Auckland, New Zealand Stylish handmade pet bow collars, harnesses and accessories.

All sizes available.

Use discount code: WESAVE30

+INSCRIBE DESIGN

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+TURUA GALLERY

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homeware & interiors

To advertise here contact Kim Chapman. Phone: (07) 578 3646 or 021 673 133. Email: classifieds@xtra.co.nz

www.kgdesign.co.nz

Pressed Tin Panels

di Rosa Cabinetry & Furniture feature walls ⌘ ceiling panels ⌘ splashbacks ⌘ cornice & borders ⌘

Ph 07 888 9900 ⌘ dirosa.co.nz

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lighting, furniture & home décor

Hand-woven NATURAL FABRICS Simply timeless

We up-cycle advertising billboards to make visually stunning, long-lasting, one-of-a-kind barbecue covers.

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cottonstore.co.nz

(03) 548 4945 www.storeycollection.co.nz

The

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G R AC E + W I LD

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A TREASURE TROVE OF HIGH-QUALITY USED AND RECLAIMED BUILDING MATERIALS INCLUDING TIMBER Ideal for all your home renovation and DIY projects

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BEFORE

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SOEUR CLIMBING MEN Climbing men made of wire and resin come in large and small, facing forward or looking down. Find our order form on the Soeur Climbing Men Facebook page.

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HOME CRAFT

Four ways with… velvet Created by Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by Wendy Fenwick.

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Performance velvet in navy, $24 a metre, Galena velvet in aquamarine, $13.80 a metre, from Spotlight. Wall and floor painted in Resene ‘Buttery White’. 1 Scandi desk, $42, from Kmart. Winter Bloom spiral notebook, $3, paper clips, $4, pen, $4 for 4, from The Warehouse.

2 Birch heading tape (for handles), $3.75 a metre, from Spotlight. Concertina wall hooks, $10, from Kmart. 3 Oak-look storage bench, $55, raised plant pot, $8.50, from Kmart. ‘Beach Swell’ print, $49, from Simply Creative. 4 Pool print, $19, from Kmart. Home Republic Otways quilt cover set in pond, $179.99 king, Home Republic Malmo cushion in mint, $69.99, from Adairs. Other items stylist’s own.

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NOTEBOOK Give a notebook a luxe makeover by adding a velvet cover. Open up the notebook and measure the total width and length then add an extra 8cm to both measurements. Cut your velvet to this size and lay right side down. Place the open notebook on top, fold fabric over edges of notebook and glue to inside cover with clear craft glue.

At the corners, cut fabric on an angle to get a flat finish. Trim velvet at either end of spine.

SHOPPER BAG Take an 88cm x 54cm piece of velvet and sew a 4cm hem along the top (long edge). Fold in half, right sides together, making a bag 44cm x 50cm. Sew along bottom and side.

Cut 2 x 80cm lengths of canvas heading tape (38mm wide). Sew ends of 1 strip onto outside of bag, at the top, to make a handle. Turn bag over and repeat with other strip. Turn bag right way out.

BENCH SEAT Measure seat and add 30cm to both length and width. Cut velvet to this size and lay on floor, right side down. Place seat on top, upside down. Starting on a short side, pull up fabric and secure to seat base with a staple gun; repeat on all sides. At the corners, fold fabric on an angle for a neat finish (there are tutorials on YouTube if you need help).

Turn seat the right way up and pop it back on the bench.

PILLOWCASE Save yourself some money and whip up a sumptuous velvet pillowcase or two. To make a standard-size pillowcase you will need a 54cm x 172cm piece of velvet. Sew a 3cm hem along both short ends. Fold fabric in half, right sides together, but with one short side extending 20cm beyond the other. Fold this 20cm back on itself (this will form the inside sleeve). Pin the sides and sew together. Turn right way out and pop in a pillow.

the future begins at home + safer for you and our world