Yojjkn

NEW IDEAS FOR YOUR HAPPY PLACE

AD MI T ON E

GET WHITE RIGHT

Quick entrance revamps

How to make it work at yours

Nana state THE VERSATILITY OF GRANNY FLATS

ROAST EASY

ON THE TILES

Midwinter feasts

Everything you need to know about tiling

JULY 2022 $9.50 (INCL. GST)

Spanish style in Raglan

One family’s dream Mediterranean home FROM BREAD BIN TO BEDSIDE TABLE WE DIYed IT. SO CAN YOU

AUSTRALIA AUCKLAND KUALA LUMPUR LONDON SINGAPORE SHANGHAI VANCOUVER I kingliving.com

KATO STRIKING IN SIMPLICITY Reimagine everyday luxury with a choice of curved corners, a grand double chaise and seamless modular flexibility.

CONTENTS July

22

66

28 Shopping 12 15

F R E S H F I ND S G R EEK ODYS S EY

Homes 28

Spanish vibes in Raglan.

One family’s determination to build a Mediterraneanstyle home pays off

It’s all Greek to us 16

PL EAS E BE SEATE D

Sofas to settle into 18

W H I TE N OIS E

42

The perennial non-colour’s hot this winter Tortoiseshell appeal WOM EN WE LOVE

Emma Crawley’s tuft art 1 4 6 L AST LO O K

Annabel Langbein’s five must-haves

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52

66 L E AP O F FA ITH

A farmhouse is given a new lease of life for its owners and animals 78

F E AT HE RW E I GHT C H A M P I ON

A New Plymouth house may be on the small side but it packs a punch style-wise

2 0 S H EL L ST YL E 22

CASA D E L S O L

Renovation

H O M E SW E E T H YG G E

This house combines the Scandi sense of style with the Danish concept of warmth and cosiness

BREAKOUT BUILDING

Granny flats have a multitude of uses from housing parents to an office area or retreat 82

TA K E TO T H E T I L E S

Renovations expert Jen Jones gives the lowdown on tiles for walls, floors and everything in between

Makeover 40 WINTER WHITES

How to choose the right shade of pale 88

F LY I N G C O LO U R S

A tired bach gets a colourful makeover 96 BEDSIDE MANNERS

From bread bin to bedside table in one DIY session 1 00 YOU HAD ME AT HELLO

Clever entryway updates.

Hint decluttering is important

132

88

112 Food 11 0 L E M ON DE L IC IO US

The pudding that should be on everyone’s lips 1 1 2 M I DW I N T E R FA R E

Roasts that are the star attraction of a weekend 120 LIVING WELL

Eleanor Ozich’s tray-bakes 1 2 2 A R O U N D T H E TA B L E

Tablescaping to elevate midwinter dining 1 2 6 C U L I N A RY T R AV E L S

Kiwi lodges share their signature recipes

Gardens 1 3 2 M OT H E R O F D R AG O N S

The wonder of snapdragons 1 3 4 T H E C O N STA N T GAR D EN ER

Mary Lovell-Smith checks off what to do this month 1 3 7 P OT LU C K

Planters for your plants to call home

On the cover Monica Grimshaw has built the casa she always wanted to live in, except it’s in Raglan.

The day we visited though, we honestly thought we were in Espania. Even the temperate weather had us fooled.

For more about this house, go to page 28.

Photography Babiche Martens

1 3 8 1 0 FAB U LO U S B LO O M E R S

The best winter flowering plants

131 SOUND BITES

The latest for the kitchen YOU R HO M E AND GARD EN

5

Hello

Fiona Hawtin, Editor

This month I’m…

Visiting the Auckland Museum’s The Ancient Greeks: Warriors, Athletes and Heroes exhibition. With more than 170 objects from the British Museum, this is the next best thing to a trip to the Acropolis itself and a glory to behold. On until November 6, it’s wall-to-wall amphoras. aucklandmuseum.com

Reading Anna: The Biography ($39.99, Atlantic) by Amy Odell. The book of the closed book that is Vogue editor Anna Wintour reveals only a little more information than we already knew about her, but is an interesting read about the workings of Vogue itself. She will, however, remain a bejewelled enigma wrapped in Chanel.

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YOU R HO ME A N D GA R DE N

Rethinking yellow walls. Having previously expressed my distaste for yellow walls, I’m having second thoughts thanks to Pac Studio, this year’s Dulux Colour Awards Grand Prix New Zealand Winner. The bathroom wall is Dulux Cape Kidnappers and is a lovely fresh yellow, guaranteed to brighten your mood every day. dulux.co.nz

PHOTOGRAPHY, HAIR AND MAKE-UP CAROLYN HASLETT. FIONA WEARS ZOE & MORGAN NECKLACE, LONELY CAMISOLE AND HELEN CHERRY JACKET.

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hose who do, do. Those who don’t work on magazines.

That’s my takeout from the ‘bread bin into bedside table’ DIY project on page 96. Inspired by all those Kmart hacks, Instagrams and TikToks, we thought surely we could do that. So we ordered some lookalikes online and they arrived in kitset form. That was the first problem – we had to make them, which took deputy editor Caroline and I quite some time and even then, we needed a third person to hold one side in place. Undaunted, we pressed on and finally managed to build a bedside table we’re proud of, but it took us much longer than it should have. We’re sticking to our day jobs.

Someone who very much can do is Monica Grimshaw, whose house is on the cover of this issue and on page 28. I’m a sucker for a Spanish-look house, as is she, having fallen hard for the casa style when she lived overseas. Undeterred by the small fact she now lives in Raglan, Monica and her husband built a Mediterranean-style home with such attention to detail you’d swear you were in Costa del Sol. Their house, which they’ve affectionately dubbed Casa del Sol, features arched niches in the walls – even though their builder wasn’t keen to install them. Nevertheless, she persisted and it turns out perseverance pays off big time. Well, except for Caroline, who now has to use the bedside table every day.

HOME OF DESIGN

Social club Enjoy swoonworthy linens and gold touches

ART & EDITORIAL Deputy editor Caroline Moratti Art director Nicola Feeney Chief sub-editor Michelle Joe Garden editor Mary Lovell-Smith Senior designers Béla Trussell-Cullen, Tanya Wong Designers Alice Bush, Anna Petursdottir CONTRIBUTORS Gina Fabish, Wendy Fenwick, Melanie Jenkins, Jen Jones, Babiche Martens, Eleanor Ozich, Catherine Steel, Swell Productions, Shelley Tustin

Sarah Espeute’s hand embroidered, antique linen tablecloths are the trompe-l’oeil of any good banquet. A true feast for the eyes.

WE LOVE

EDITOR Fiona Hawtin

ADVERTISING | CORPORATE Sales director Claire Chisholm Commercial sales manager Mae Kelly, mae.kelly@aremedia.co.nz, 0212460276 Senior account manager Chloe Jordan chloe.jordan@aremedia.co.nz Campaign manager Angela Wei angela.wei@aremedia.co.nz Classified sales Kim Chapman classifieds@xtra.co.nz

@sarahespeute

PODCAST OF THE MONTH To say we’re obsessed with Little Taonga’s latest starry-eyed collection is an understatement.

Suzanne Hall and Jessica Bennett break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about interior design.

@littletaonga

EXECUTIVE Chief executive officer Jane Huxley General manager Stuart Dick Editorial director Sarah Henry Distributor Are Direct

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Your Home and Garden is published by Are Media Ltd of Level 1, 317 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021. Printed by Webstar, 114 Swanson Road, Henderson, Auckland 0610. © 2021. All rights reserved.

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 Are Media Auckland. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material. Paint colours may alter in the printing process.

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YO U R H OM E AN D GA R D E N

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Bring your room to life with wallpaper from the Cascading Gardens collection, exclusive to New Zealand’s wallpaper people, The Inside.

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Enter code YHG10 at checkout.

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hi@theinside.co.nz | www.theinside.co.nz | 03 970 6652 16a Paru Paru Road, Nelson

wallpapers - fabrics - home decor

Proudly from Nelson since 2009.

DETAILS, DETAILS Often it’s the little things that bring a room to life and the most difficult to find, such as this blue cushion cover, $6.99; stoneware vase, $30; large stoneware vase; and black candlestick, $19.99 (tall); all from H&M.

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SHOPPING 12

Fresh finds Hot new looks and cool products.

16

We love Lounging about – the story sofa.

22

Women we love Emma Crawley’s a crafty rug maker.

YOU R H OM E AND GA R DEN

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Fresh finds The latest looks and products we love Hang out Make washing a breeze with a laundry basket that’s as pretty as a picture. Made of waterresistant cotton canvas, Gorman’s new range is both practical and stylish. Now that’s what we call a slam dunk. Painted blocks laundry basket, $109, from gormanshop.co.nz

SMOOTH OPERATOR You’ll be melting like butter over these sleek French spreaders. Pass the toast, won’t you? Sabre bistrot butter spreader, from $25, studiobestwishes.com

What a hottie Turn “brrrh” into brilliant and stay cosy with hand-felted pure merino wool. Merino hot water bottle cover, $79, from paperplanestore.com

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YO UR H OM E A ND GAR D EN

S Drink up THESE RITUELLE LATTE MUGS ARE CALLING OUR NAME – AND WE’RE LISTENING. AVAILABLE IN A RANGE OF RAVISHING GLAZES, FROM TURMERIC TO ROUGE, THESE HANDMADE BEAUTIES WILL LEAVE YOU THIRSTY FOR MORE. $19.50, FOLKLORESTORE.CO.NZ

PAPER PUSHER

The Icarus vase is made from waterproof paper (yes, paper!) for all your flower decorating needs. $39, from superette.co.nz

OUT TO DRY Inspired by the mountainous landscapes of Aotearoa, this linen tea towel is almost too gorgeous to use. We’re sure we’ll find a way, though. Altitude linen tea towel, $39, from threaddesign.co.nz

Pitch perfect Let your imagination run wild with a Safari-inspired king single. Your kids will thank you, if they’re not too busy roaring like lions. Hideout Canopy Bed, $1739, from freedomfurniture.co.nz

Look pretty CAST A SPELL WITH THE HEX MIRROR FROM WALMSLEY & COLE. MADE FROM WIND-FELL MACROCARPA, THERE’S NOTHING MORE CHARMING, OR MORE ORANGE. $375, FROM WALMSLEYANDCOLE.CO.NZ

SWEET AS SUGAR Less is more with the Royal Doulton Olio sugar and creamer set, $119, from smithandcaugheys.co.nz YOUR H O ME A ND GAR DE N

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Break time

SPLURGE

SAVE

Add some beauty to your morning brew routine. Save: 6-cup espresso coffee maker, $12, from Kmart. Splurge: Lady Anne Moka 4 Tazze, $239, from Tessuti.

STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER For anyone daydreaming about strawberry season, feast your eyes on these sweet treats.

Set of four vases, $120, from littleandfox.co.nz

Striped success A LIGHT TOUCH This Japanese sumac wax candle will set your heart on fire. Takazawa Nanao Japanese candle N, $35, infinitedefinite.com

Getting out of the shower won’t be such a hardship with the plush, 100 percent cotton Tekla Sailor Stripes bathmat, $96, from simonjames.co.nz

BOTTOMS UP Capturing the movement of water within crystal, these whisky glasses are cool conversation starters. Tutu Dansante glass transparent, $38, from foundstore.co.nz

THING OF BEAUTY

Artists Damen and Amy Joe play with the memorabilia of their childhoods to explore their relationship with their Māori heritage in this moving three-part series.

Tōku Waka print, from $19.90, pauanesia.co.nz 14

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S 2

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3 4 5

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Greek odyssey Think classical beauty and age-old relics 1 Athenian candle, $14.94, from Haly Design Studio. 2 Kylix warrior tea towel, $28, from Auckland Museum Store. 3 DOIY Apollo vase, $129, from Mighty Ape. 4 Venus candle, $55, from Bohzali. 5 Opa! plate, $29, from In the Roundhouse. 6 Vase with handle, $9, from Kmart. 7 Black Blaze column vase, $189, from Superette.

8 Linnea Andersson Urn Terracotta print, $72.75 (A4), from The Poster Club. 9 Amalfi Rhea sculpture, $110.15, from The Market. 10 Kristina Dam Matter magazine keeper, $359, from Ornament. 11 Column pillar candle duo, $45, from Thread Design. 12 Venus geo decor plate, $139, from Smith & Caughey’s.

YOU R HO ME AN D GAR DE N

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1

1

SAVE

P R I C E D AT $ 4 3 9 , THIS AFFORDABLE L O V E S E AT I S A N E Y E - C AT C H E R .

2

SPLURGE

3

THIS MODERN AND C U R V Y S TAT E M E N T S O FA , $ 6 4 9 5, I S MADE IN-HOUSE.

4 WE LOVE

Please be seated Sit yourself down for some sofa satisfaction 5

6

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8 1 Harper 3-seater sofa with chaise, $3799, from Harvey Norman. 2 Evelyn curved loveseat, $439, from iFurniture. 3 Atelier sofa, from $6495, from Coco Republic.

4 Zaza 2-seater sofa, $2990, from King. 5 Eton leather sofa, $2999, from Nood. 6 Lloyd 3-seater sofa in maize, $3999, from Nood.

7 Donna sofa, $3036, from Danske Mobler. 8 Fleur 3-seater chaise, $7981, from King.

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YO UR HO ME A N D GA RD E N

SPLURGE

MARLOE MARLOE T W I G G I E VA S E , $ 5 2 2 , F R O M S LO W STO R E

3

1

2

S T Y L E S TA L K E R

White noise 4

Add elegant accents to your A decor de with this timeless shade 6

BOHO

5

RAINBOW THROW, $115, FROM BOHEMIAN SOUL

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1 French linen duvet cover set, $269 (queen), from Flo & Frankie. 2 Elho Vibes pot, $11 (7cm), from Flourish Foliage. 3 Boucle wooll throw, th $239, $239 ffrom Citta.

Citt 4 Muskhane M kh wool felt mats, from $16.90, from Folklore. 5 Hahei lambswool blanket in oatmeal, $349, from Green with Envy. 6 Zion throw cream, $229, from Flux Boutique. 7 Albie round ottoman, $825, from Madisons. 8 Connie basket two-piece set, $49.99, from Nood. 9 Mr Kelp Charlie vase, $32, from Crave Home.

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YO UR HO M E A N D GA R D EN

Incorporate a nod to mid-century with the Fabian Sofa. Sink into its luxurious velvet feel seats and style it with our collection of antique brass pieces.

Colour

Accent

Auckland | Tauranga | Hamilton | Napier Palmerston North Wellington | Nelson Christchurch | Dunedin | Queenstown

nood.co.nz

Depth

Detail

2

3

1

6

NEXT BIG THING

Shell style

4

Treat your home to this speckled classic 5 7

9 10

8

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1 Ferm Living Moi on George. 2 Tortoise glass plate, $92, from Ornament. 3 Alyssum glasses, from $14.95 each, from Freedom.

Li ing Casca glass, $46 each, from f 4 Elena Renker shino b box, $$199, from Paper Plane. 5 Tortoiseshell tealight holder, $6, from Kmart. 6 Leo glass vase, $199, from Bohzali.

7 Solace cayce tortoiseshell vase, $79.90, from Bed Bath & Beyond. 8 Dowling tissue box, $85, from Inspiry. 9 Global explorer tortoiseshell resin barware set, $46, from Amara. 10 Water buffalo tusk bowl, $130, from Fourth Street. 11 Papier HQ Leopard stapler and pen cup, $39 each, from Flux Boutique.

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Protect the ones you love so they can keep doing what they love If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’re likely to have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and what it could mean for your whānau.

It’s important to know that if your tamariki aren’t yet immunised and they get COVID-19, they’ll need to wait three months before they can get vaccinated.

We’re here to help you get the answers and information you need.

Call 0800 28 29 26 to chat with someone who can help or to make a booking for your whānau.

Covid19.govt.nz/tamariki

Trigger happy

Artist Emma Crawley brings a playful touch to the rug renaissance

Text Caroline Moratti Photography Babiche Martens

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mma Crawley is the fabulous mind behind Tuftee, a custom rug venture.

Having only tried her hand at tufting a mere five months ago, she’s already a natural at the traditional craft – and is just getting started.

Rug tufting has recently exploded into the creative consciousness, thanks to mesmerising TikTok videos that pair the high speed movement of a tufting gun with its colourful yields. Perfect for either walls or flooring, the plush, cosy vibes of each piece is impossible for DIY craft enthusiasts to resist.

Emma has never been averse to trying new things, having recently taken up motorcycling, and says, “Apparently, I’m drawn to hobbies that involve dangerous machinery, as I took up rug tufting too.”

The Aucklander’s work is charmingly cheeky, perhaps best demonstrated by her works featuring an array of derrieres. “I try not to take myself too seriously and love finding the humour that comes with being human,” Emma says. “You’ll often find me regaling others with the many awkward moments I experience in dating and in daily life. I have a reputation for showing up wearing a costume when it’s least expected. Not on dates though, I promise.”

Some of Emma’s other pieces include bananas, fairy bread, the slogan “Better living, everyone” and French fries, to name a few. A rug featuring the soon-to-retire director-general of health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield,

fetched $310 in a Trade Me auction, after attracting an impressive 42 bids.

Now Emma is taking her enterprise to new heights, with the launch of her hotly anticipated website.

What drew you to the rug tufting? In 2021 I found myself overwhelmed, anxious and burnt out after an intense couple of years and ended up stopping work to recover. A few months into that time, I felt drawn to try something creative. Rug tufting is a very physical process that appealed to me – it’s easy for me to get stuck in my head, so I chose an art form that might help me connect with my body. I’ve discovered it’s a very mindful activity too, which helps with anxiety.

How did you learn to tuft? I bought a starter kit online from All Things Effy and watched YouTube videos on how to do various parts of the process. They make it look so easy, but it took a lot of blood, sweat and swear words to create my first pieces. I’m glad I persisted, and that I still have all my fingers.

TUFT STUFF The Auckland creative isn’t shy to try new things, recently taking up motorcycle riding.

“Apparently, I’m drawn to hobbies that involve dangerous machinery, as I took up rug tufting too.”

YO U R HOM E AND GARD EN

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“Humans, life and handmade rugs all share the experience of being beautifully imperfect.”

E MM A C RAWLEY

What’s the process behind making each piece?

I create a design, stretch some fabric onto a frame, then draw the design on it. Rug tufting is like painting with wool using a gun, so I fill in the design by threading yarn into a tufting gun and shooting that into the fabric. Once that’s done, I tidy up any stray bits or mistakes, then cover the back of the rug with latex glue to hold the yarn in place and add a backing. Rugs look best when they are sheared to even them out, then carved with scissors to get nice clean lines. The whole process takes quite a while.

A lot of your work plays upon New Zealand culture, whether it’s Ashley Bloomfield, “Better Living, Everyone” or fairy bread. What draws you to Kiwiana iconography? That wasn’t intentional. I found myself creating designs that captured something familiar to us, but wouldn’t expect to see in a rug.

Body positivity is another recurring theme in your work, can you speak about your relationship to that subject matter? Living in a world that puts so much value on how people look, I have disliked and distrusted my body for as long as I can remember.

Over the past few years, I have been exploring the various ways that diet culture has, and continues to, harm my mental and physical health. These messages and beliefs about my body go pretty deep and are reinforced daily in media, so I have been intentional 24

YO U R HOM E A ND GA R DE N

about refocusing where my worth and value does come from and surrounding myself with people and media that reminds me of those truths. All bodies are good bodies.

Feeling positive about my body can be a bit of a stretch sometimes, so I’m working on feeling neutral about it and finding gratitude in what my body allows me to do. For example, hugging my friends, riding my motorbike to beautiful places, eating mint chocolateflavoured ice cream, getting goosebumps when listening to music that moves me, and yes, creating rugs with glorious bums on them.

What role does social media play in your work and how do you navigate it? I created an Instagram account when I started tufting, mainly because my friends were interested in seeing what I made and some of the process. I often feel hesitant to share my

S

creations because I’m learning as I go and there are lots of imperfections. But I have grown to appreciate that as part of the beauty of the pieces, as well as the process of developing new skills. There’s such a temptation to present only the best parts of ourselves and our lives on social media, but humans, life and handmade rugs all share the experience of being beautifully imperfect.

What’s been your favourite creation? Oh, that’s like asking me to choose a favourite child! I enjoyed creating the rug with four bottoms of various shapes and sizes because it felt like a little celebration of bodies we don’t often see portrayed. Ashley Bloomfield was also a fun one to make.

TIME FOR A YARN Emma describes rug tufting as “painting with wool using a gun” – and becoming proficient in the skill took a lot of blood, sweat and swear words. Her playful designs include body-positive bottoms, bananas and clouds.

Your Ashley Bloomfield rug drew a lot of press.

What was your reaction to all the attention the auction gathered? It was quite an unexpected whirlwind. After Trade Me featured the Ashley Bloomfield rug as one of the ‘Cool Listings’, I received a lot of hateful messages, which I hadn’t anticipated.

The more positive part of the experience was seeing lots of people enjoying a cultural moment for New Zealand captured in a tufted rug, a medium that many people hadn’t seen before.

What pieces are you dreaming up for the future?

I have lots of ideas bubbling away in my strange little brain. I’m keen to keep experimenting with portraits of people, as well as a series inspired by my all-time favourite movie, The Castle, and I am getting a bigger frame made to experiment with some larger scale pieces soon.

Where can people view and purchase your gorgeous rugs? I’ve just launched my website tufteerugs.com and I’m on Instagram @tuftee YO U R HO ME AN D GA R DEN

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PHOTOGRAPHY GINA FABISH 26

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HOMES

STILL LIFE WITH LAMP Winter is the time to warm up interiors with mood lighting and table lamps for instant ambience. To see more of this house, turn to page 42.

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Casa del Sol A Raglan family’s Mediterranean magic.

42

Featherweight champion A tiny cottage packs a punch.

52

Home sweet hygge A house by a forest brings the great outdoors inside.

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CASA

DEL The owners of a new build in Raglan, which has cool curves in all the right places, took coastal Mediterranean architecture as their muse

SOL Text Caroline Moratti Photography Babiche Martens

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WHITE AND LIGHT The white Ferm Living Collect Series Opal Sphere pendants are from Slow Store and the glass vase is from A&C Homestore.

NICHE EFFECT (opposite) Homeowner Monica Grimshaw was keen to incorporate wall nooks into the house design.

“I really had to convince the builder how much we needed these in the beginning,” she laughs.

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Meet & greet Monica (co-founder of an eco yoga mat company) and Justin Grimshaw (sales manager) and their two daughters Kalani, six, and Luna, four.

F

or as long as Monica Grimshaw can remember, she’s dreamt of living in a little villa on the Mediterranean coast. In her twenties she moved to London and saved up to spend her summers exploring the dreamy coastline and admiring its sun-soaked stone architecture. However, the idea to build her own Mediterranean home in New Zealand only came to her during the first lockdown in autumn, 2020. “I wanted to create a home that felt authentic, as if I had been transported back to a European villa in the summer,” Monica says.

Seven years ago, Monica and husband Justin fell in love with the surf town of Raglan, often affectionately dubbed the “Byron Bay” of New Zealand. The dream was an idyllic one, a laid-back lifestyle chasing waves and cups of coffee. They spent two years there before buying a section on the Rangitahi peninsula, an up-and-coming community of new builds nestled into the rolling landscape.

“The peninsula is surrounded by water and native flora, the section itself instantly felt special to us,” says Monica.

Framed by expansive views of Mount Karioi and set right near the water’s edge, the site was the perfect setting for a beautiful family home.

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H KITCHEN/DINING The brass tapware is from ABI Interiors and brass cupboard pulls from Lo & Co Interiors.

The kitchen Island tiles are Bejmat Ezra in Clay from Tile Depot. The dining table is from Souk Collective.

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HOLIDAY VIBE “I really wanted to focus on bringing the outside in, with lots of glass and open spaces, so we felt like we were on holiday all year round,” says Monica. The round concrete table is from Coco Republic. This courtyard features hardy San Pedro cacti, which thrive in this coastal climate. The house was designed to have a water view from each window, with Monica saying, “ We wanted to create an outdoor space that utilised the water view while being really sheltered and private.”

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“I had no previous experience in interior design and it was extremely rewarding seeing the spaces come together.”

M O NI CA G R I M S H AW

LIVING The engineered European oak flooring is Quick-step Massimo in Cappuccino Blonde and the walls are painted in Resene Half Bianca.

The Jardin Euro Stripe cushions are from CLO Studios and the Beni M’Rirt handknotted wool rug is from Bohzali. The large barnacle pot is from Boheme Home and coffee table from Souk Collective.

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that saturated the bathrooms, settling on the Bejmat Ezra tile in Clay from Tile Depot. The terracotta curves of the kitchen island bring warmth to the cool whites used in this culinary space, which looks like it could’ve been plucked out of Santorini itself.

Arches are repeated throughout the family home, from the kitchen to the hallway and beyond. In a time of harsh lines, the Grimshaw’s abode is all softness. “We would have reconsidered the choice of curved joinery for this home if we knew a six-week estimate would take nine months to complete,” Monica laughs. “Things have taken a long time, but now it doesn’t matter, it is what it is. It’s just exciting to be able to do something a little bit different.”

Having worked in the insulation industry for more than 10 years, Justin was passionate about the performance aspect of the home, Monica says, while she took on the design side, “We worked great as a team.” Thanks to Justin’s expertise, the insulation is made using fibres from recycled plastic bottles, which helps seal in the warmth.

Treasure trove One of the most playful choices in the home goes to to the wall niches, intricately carved into the space in a variety of sizes and shapes. Conceived from Pinterest dreaming, the result is a treasure trove of surprises, each nook showcasing a different, gorgeous vase.

“Aren’t they a vibe? I really had to convince the builder how much we needed these in the beginning,” Monica laughs. “Looking at traditional Mediterranean architecture,

The couple, who moved into their new home in March, say they feel blessed to wake up at such a magic spot every day. The build took 15 months, with the arched joinery alone taking nine months to complete. The result is a surreal Mediterranean beach house, cheekily named Casa del Sol after the dazzling sun that filters through the curves of the home, coming and going as it pleases.

Materials matter In order to bring Spanish, Greek and Italian coastal architecture into their newbuild, serious consideration had to be given to the materials used in the house. Monica says she chose to “combine elements such as handmade tiles, rendered walls, niches, brass fixtures and arches and curves throughout the home to give it a Mediterranean feel.” Nothing signifies this intention more than the sweeping Venetian plastered walls, in Istinto by Giorgio Graesan, which coat the lounge, hallway and bathrooms.

This splurge brings a brilliant sense of drama and luxury to every brushstroke. The walls of the home feel hundreds of years old, rather than mere months.

The ceramic ’70s-chic tiles in the bathroom were the first thing that the Grimshaws purchased for their house, years before completion. “I knew I wanted an earthy terracotta tile for the bathroom floors to create a Mediterranean villa vibe,” Monica says, and managed to stumble across handmade Mexican Saltillo tiles from Tiles of Ezra that perfectly fit the bill.

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BEDROOM Luna relaxes in her room with its coastal vibe of crisp whites and casual rattan pieces.

H HALLWAY The raffia shade is from Boheme Home and art print from A&C Homestore. The Venetian plastered walls here, as well as the lounge and bathrooms, were a splurge but worth the indulgence.

“We would have reconsidered the choice of curved joinery for this home if we knew a six-week estimate would take nine months.”

MO NI CA GR IMSH AW

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they are prominent throughout the interior design, so I felt they were a simple way to bring about the look I was wanting to create.” The pair are collectors of unique pieces, from the ceramic outdoor lights imported from Rome to the recycled papier-mache pendant lighting in the hallway.

“Don’t feel the pressure to have to furnish your home from the moment you move in, invest in forever pieces and take your time,” she advises. “I just want to buy things when the right thing comes along.”

Views to die for The piece de resistance belongs to the sparkling water views of the Rangitahi peninsula, which are framed by 36

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large sliding windows. “There’s a water view from every window and we all love watching the sunset from here in the evenings,” Monica says. From the kitchen you can step effortlessly onto a deck that wraps the house in a warm embrace, leading to an intimate courtyard at the heart of the family home. “We wanted to create an outdoor space that utilised the water view while being really sheltered and private for the family enjoy,” she notes. The courtyard is thoughtfully adorned with San Pedro cacti, a prickle-less variety that thrive in the sheltered corners of the open-air space. “We can enjoy the sunshine during the day and see the stars above in the evenings,” the couple say dreamily.

“Our perfect weekends at home are spent dining altogether in the courtyard before heading down for an ocean dip in front of our home or a coastal walk around the peninsula.”

The Raglan villa was intended to be the Grimshaw’s forever home, but they acknowledge they may have been bitten by the building bug. “I’d love to one day do it again, but I’m so happy at the moment,” Monica smiles.

It’s been a long wait for their lockdown dream to be realised and there are still finishing touches to be made, with plans for a large pergola running along the front of the house, and a curved rendered wall veggie garden coming to fruition beside the driveway. Monica points out where she’ll place a little breakfast table and chair, which will be beside the herb plantings. “We’re so excited to complete that whole area, then we’ll line the whole thing with olives and lemons and natives,” she promises, envisioning the many more good things to come.

H BATHROOM The Pond mirror is by Ferm Living from A&C Homestore, the tapware from ABI Interiors, the round vanity sink from Concrete Nation and the handmade Mexican Saltillo tiles are from Tiles of Ezra.

MAIN BEDROOM (opposite) The wood canopy bed is from Early Settler. GUEST ROOM The duvet cover and pillowcases are from George Street Linen and the Jardin Euro pillows from CLO Studio.

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SHOP THEIR STYLE Warm whites and lots of natural hues align for beachy Mediterranean bliss 3 1

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1 Arch mirror, $27, from Kmart. 2 Classic Living Fara Planks rug, $499.99, from Briscoes. 3 Home Republic Archie white te marle hand towel, $19.99, from Adairs.

4 Emporium Detour vase, $45.92, from The Market. 5 Raffia wall light, $269 (large), from Boheme Home. 6 Louis vase white, $35, from Bohzali. 7 Mexican saltillo EZMST19522 tiles, $178.50 (sqm), from Tiles of Ezra. 8 Luca Linen limoncello cushion, $139, from Sunday Homestore. 9 Moroccan leather pouf, $249, from Flux Boutique. 10 Santorini Dream, Greece print, from $160, from Alex and Sony. 11 Rattan rainbow wall hook, $69, from Inkah. 12 Olive ribbed pot, $49.95, from The French Villa. 13 ByOn Awa shell bowl, $94, from Ornament. 14 Cacti, $14.99 each, from Kings Plant Barn.

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Tip Opt for rounded pieces to soften an allwhite look and to reflect the gentle curves of nature.

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What areas of the build did you save on? The laundry. This is an area tucked at the back of the house and we kept it very simple.

Where did you splurge? The Venetian plaster walls in the hallway, lounge and bathrooms to create the Mediterranean theme.

What were the best lessons learned? Place orders well in advance and always follow up on orders and tradespeople to ensure timelines are met.

What’s the one thing you would change about your home if you could? The finalised plans include a large pergola running along the front of the home.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had in your home? Seeing the house vision come together near the end of the build was very memorable. It was extremely rewarding seeing the spaces come together and near completion.

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KEY 1 Bedroom 2 Cupboard 3 Playroom 4 Entry 5 Garage 6 Outdoor area 7 Bathroom 8 Office 9 Hall 10 Laundry 11 Living 12 Kitchen/dining 13 Ensuite 14 Main bedroom

Budget $950,000.

Shops A&C Homestore achomestore.co.nz Boheme Home bohemehome.co.nz Bohzali bohzali.co.nz Slow Store slowstore.co.nz

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1 Istinto by Giorgio Graesan Venetian plaster. 2 Quick-step Massimo flooring in Cappuccino Blonde.

3 Bejmat Ezra tile in Clay from Tile Depot. 4 Resene Half Bianca.

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How to choose

WINTER WHITES From ivory to cream, add some light, bright touches indoors

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inter whites are making a comeback this frosty season, even though it’s dark by 5pm, inside you’re just getting started. Consider winter a time to inject some much-needed light into your home through the monochrome magic of white.

Don’t get left out in the cold with this white-hot trend.

What to know The colour white is associated with peace and serenity, so surrounding yourself with it may be useful on your journey to inner harmony at home. Painting your walls will always bring about the biggest transformation but for quick, easy changes invest in ivory-toned linens and soft furnishings. Texture is key for that all-important cosy feeling, so don’t be afraid to layer in different shades of white and thickness. The best thing is the result will look as good in summer as it does in winter. Just swap a faux fur cushion for a linen or cotton cover and away you go.

Which white works for you?

Cool whites have blue, grey or beige undertones and help to make rooms seem bigger and brighter. They’re perfect for spaces where you want to create a

Six popular whites

RESENE Alabaster

clean, crisp feeling, such as kitchens and bathrooms, and help to visually cool down north-facing hot spots.

Warm whites, on the other hand, are backed by pink, peach and yellow undertones to add a cosy, creamy hue to its surroundings. These tones are ideal for rooms that you’ll want to hunker down in, like bedrooms and living spaces, especially when those spaces don’t receive a lot of natural sunlight. It’s the paint equivalent of wrapping yourself up in a big, fluffy blanket.

For the experts, contrast cool and warm whites to create a winter wonderland.

The buttery, rich hues of cream will add comfort to your home while crisper whites will keep the look fresh and modern.

Use this mix and match approach to avoid falling into clinical hospital room decor or 2000s subway-era beige. It’s the best of both worlds, trust us.

Consider layering warm whites on flat surfaces with plush rugs, woollen accessories and chunky bed knits.

Meanwhile, inject cool whites into crowded corners with pots, vases and cushions to elevate the space.

RESENE Black White

RESENE Sea Fog

DULUX Cardrona

Top tips CLUB MED When in doubt, some Mediterranean magic will help inject light and air into your home. The pearly-white bliss of Santorini and Mykonos is timeless for a reason, a beacon of coastal minimalism with soft edges. Even dreaming of these sun-drenched rooftops and traditional white houses will add a touch of sunshine to your life.

NATURE CALLS Think white, think plush. If you’re worried about the lack of colour, textured blankets and cushions are the way to go.

Natural materials such as sheepskin, fur, fleece and white leather will help you to hunker down in style while the natural beauty of woven furniture, such as rattan and cane, will lighten and lift the space.

DULUX Okarito

PPG Cotton Ball

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DINING ROOM A dark and moody wallpaper sets a sophisticated tone for the dining room. The black cabinet is from New Plymouth store Home Love & Mette K. The marble table is from Farmers and the cane light is from Mr Ralph.

“Rattan softens a space and adds something a bit pretty.

Especially when you’re doing a strong black-and-white look, you have to soften it with pretty things,” says Sharne.

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Featherweight CHAMPION Using every small-space trick in the book, this New Plymouth cottage punches well above its weight in style and functionality Text Shelley Tustin Photography Gina Fabish

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Meet & greet Sharne Greig (interior designer) and Ron Brons (welding inspector).

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s an interior designer for one of Taranaki’s largest home building companies, Sharne Greig has a wealth of advice to give her clients – mostly young families tentatively starting out on their decorating journey. But her own home, a beachside ’60s weatherboard cottage, offers a completely different set of lessons, such as decorating boldly with flair and, most of all, on squeezing every valuable inch out of a much smaller home than those she works with professionally.

At only 100sqm, the home Sharne shares with her husband Ron, and where they raised their now-grown boys, is certainly not large, but it has served their family well – maybe even better, she reflects – than a bigger house might have. The trick? Clever design, a little bit of compromise and a clear vision of their priorities.

Call of the ocean The top priority for this sea-loving family was location.

Ron is a surfer and when their eldest son started surfing too, the siren song of the ocean called. “We desperately wanted to be by the beach, but everything was expensive and we didn’t want a huge mortgage, so we traded in the big house for a little house in a better suburb,” says Sharne.

When it came to choosing the house that would become their home for the next 16 or so odd years, there was a distinct lack of romantic fanfare. This is no tale of love at first sight with angels singing from on high at the house inspection. “If I was looking for its one redeeming feature, it had a set of French doors at the front and I love French doors,” says Sharne. “And it had a lot of potential 44

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H LOUNGE A long rust-toned sofa from Clegg’s Furniture Court steals the show in the living room. “Don’t be scared to put big things in small spaces,” says Sharne. “I’ve come to the realisation that one big gutsy sofa and a couple of chairs, which you can pull in and out of the room, works better.” Sharne’s design philosophy is to avoid waste – “If you can reuse it, rehash it, re-cover it, that’s what you should do.” A number of pieces have been reupholstered, including the green armchairs, boucle ottoman, and another ottoman upholstered in a well-loved cowhide rug. The artwork above the ottoman is a Colin McCahon print from New Zealand Fine Prints. The black-and-white print is from Freedom, over an Asian-style table from Mecasso.

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“If you take your time with rooms in smaller houses they eventually evolve.”

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KITCHEN Opening up a doorway and swapping the old U-shaped kitchen for a galley style sacrificed working surfaces but gave the space a much better flow. Sharne designed the space in her signature mix of dark tones (in paint, tiles and benchtops) and timber-look cabinetry. HALLWAY The portrait in this area is a delightful mystery.

It was bought from photographer Gina Fabish’s online vintage store and is by an unknown New Plymouth artist.

for us to put our mark on it, which is what we both like to do.” Sharne particularly loved how shabby the original kitchen and bathroom was, meaning she could rip them out, free of guilt. But most importantly, it had the proximity to the beach they craved – and everything else could be overlooked.

Making it work Sharne and Ron made the move from a much bigger house to this petite cottage when their boys were eight and 12, on the cusp of their teenage years, which is when most families find themselves craving more space, not less. The couple might have been bucking the trend, downsizing with a growing family, but it was a decision that made sense to them. “We moved to the bigger house, which was three times the size of our first house, and both of us absolutely hated it. Ron worked away from home a lot and it felt quite isolating, with just me and two young boys,” Sharne recalls. By contrast, this smaller house felt friendlier and safer.

Cute and cosy, though it may be, the house required a few adjustments to make it work for a family of four.

Building a new garage at the front of the home meant the driveway space along the side could be devoted to outdoor living. The existing garage already had a wall in the middle, sectioning off a space for a playroom

– and with no need for the garage side, they could remove the wall to create a generous sleepout. Inside the house, the original ’60s bathroom with separate toilet didn’t cut the mustard for a busy family. “We needed an extra toilet, so we incorporated one into the laundry, then we combined the existing toilet and bathroom into one bigger bathroom,” Sharne says, adding, “When you’re operating small, you’ve got to think outside the square. What exactly does the house need to deliver for you to live in it, what do you use the most, and what are your priorities?”

Taking it slow Apart from those early changes, Sharne and Ron haven’t undertaken any enormous renovations – but that doesn’t mean they’ve been resting on their laurels. “For me, decorating and renovating is quite an organic process,” says Sharne. They made bite-sized changes every year – enlarging doorways, extending the deck and redoing the kitchen, among other things – with the aim not to transform, but to help shape the house into the home they need as their lives progress. “If you take your time with rooms in smaller homes they eventually evolve. And it’s a nice process, not a stressful one,” she says.

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MAIN BEDROOM A bank of wardrobes, designed and installed by Elite Kitchens, hides all the practical bits, eliminates the need for dressing tables and the like and makes the main bedroom feel much bigger. Black accents, including a filigree pendant from Bianca Lorenne and throw from Kim Soo in Bali, echo the dark feature wall.

GUEST BEDROOM There’s a wealth of texture in this guest room, including a rattan headboard and filigree pendant – both from Bianca Lorenne – and V-groove panelling on walls and ceiling. Brought in to quickly solve the problem of an uneven ceiling, V-groove lining boards have become a signature feature of the house, adding to ceilings and as feature walls. “Because the house was so square – a ’60s home with no redeeming features – we’ve had to add character to it,” says Sharne.

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H BATHROOM A Chinese cabinet, converted into a vanity with an above-counter basin, brings warmth and unique character to the bathroom. LAUNDRY Adding a toilet to the laundry was a clever way to make a one-bathroom home work for a busy family, but Sharne says, “I didn’t want it to look like a laundry with a toilet in it. I wanted it to be a bit prettier.” Adding timber-look joinery, an arch-shaped mirror and above-counter basin did the trick.

furniture and tweaking the styling, she says. “I love layering. A lot of people get to a shop and buy a chair and cushion, and that’s it. I love starting with something like that, and then moving a vase, adding some books. It’s those sorts of things that make spaces more cosy and interesting.”

Small, dark and handsome While some shy away from using dark colours in a smaller space, this home’s monochrome colour palette, with its bold use of moody hues, is the secret to its success. Sharne explains that consistency of colour is the key to tying together her eclectic style, which is a mix of vintage (but not so vintage that it’s old looking), Asian and Moroccan statement pieces, luxe-look wallpaper and textiles, and a splash of timber and rattan for warmth and informality. “I tie everything together through colour and texture. In a small space you need that sense of flow, so you don’t walk into one room and it’s completely different to another room,” she says.

One of Sharne’s great loves is wallpaper. Tactile paintable wallpaper, either charcoal or white, does double duty by adding texture and disguising all manner of sins – “It’s been amazing for an older home, tidying up walls without having to hire gib stoppers,” she says. Sharne also uses patterned wallpaper as a luxurious statement finish, changing it regularly to create a different mood; for example, the dining room previously had a summer palm print, but is now wearing an opulent Catherine Martin by Mokum outfit for winter. “I’ve got wallpapering down pat, as long as you don’t look too closely. It’s an easy job and can completely change the space.”

Just the two of us Once the ideal family home, this chameleon cottage is now the ultimate easy-care home for a pair of empty nesters. The sleepout – once a playroom, then a teen retreat and sometimes bedroom – now has a new incarnation as the ‘party room’, where Sharne and Ron entertain. “It’s got much more seating for everyone out there – and you can make a bit of a mess and leave it until the next day,” says Sharne. The original sunroom, which once served as a third bedroom, is now part of the main bedroom – knocking through a wall allowed the couple to create a generous main bedroom suite with room for an office setup and enviable light all day long.

Most valuable of all, the house is imprinted with memories, both bitter and sweet. Life hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but the house has always been a haven for the family to retreat to. “It’s our refuge,” says Sharne. “It’s got a really healing quality to it that’s lovely and peaceful.”

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SHOP THEIR STYLE A monochrome palette and wallpaper is a suitable background for this cottage’s statement pieces to shine 3

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H Honesty box What areas did you save on? We saved on our new ceilings by using MDF V-groove panelling – no gib stopping required and saved on the cost of an additional contractor.

We do like to do a lot of the work ourselves, if we can.

Where did you splurge? Our new roof.

Once it was done, we decided the existing guttering and sleepout roof, which we weren’t intending to replace, looked old by comparison, so it needed an upgrade too.

Best lessons learned? When you’re doing DIY, take your time, think about what you are doing and how you are going to tackle things. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

What would you never do again?

Macrocarpa sleepers for our garden edging – eventually they rot.

Any disasters? No, we’ve managed to get through unscathed – touch wood.

What’s one thing you’d change about your home if you could? A bigger bathroom to have an inside bath for the winter.

Most memorable experience in the home? Our sons’ parties when they lived at home. We love having friends and family over, so any time they are here is a good time.

Sharne’s design tips + Redefine neutrals Don’t think of neutrals as just white, beige or grey – black, charcoal, green and navy all look stunning as an alternative and work well with most other colours. + Mix old and new Mixing vintage with new and modern pieces keeps spaces interesting, warm and relevant and also functional. Revitalise older items you may have by reupholstering or dying plain fabrics a new colour. + Switch it up Swap art and cushions between rooms, smaller furniture items like stools and side tables can be used in a variety of ways in between different spaces. + Deck the walls Art is important to fill dull wall spaces. Buy what you love and connect different themes using frames of the same colour. Mix poster prints with originals for an eclectic look. Mirrors are fantastic in a smaller home or darker space to reflect light. + Think outside the square If you don’t want to opt for a standard look, improvise. In our bathroom we used a vintage Chinese unit for our

Tip Sharne recommends mixing vintage items with new and modern pieces to keep spaces interesting. vanity and put a basin on top for a modern twist.

Budget $80,000-$100,000.

Finishes Wallpaper Imperial Pheasant by Catherine Martin for Mokum in the dining room; Holden Ateles wallpaper in the bar nook and Anaglypta Citrine paintable wallpaper, theinside.co.nz Paint Resene Armadillo on the sleepout walls; Resene Half Bokara Grey (dark) and Dulux Cardrona (white) on the house walls.

Kitchen cabinets and main bedroom wardrobe Bestwood Southern Oak melamine.

Kitchen bench Laminex AR Touch in black.

Contacts & suppliers Builder Paul Edwards, Koda Construction, kodaconstruction.co.nz Kitchen Elite Kitchens, elitekitchens.net Kitchen tiles Company of Tiles, companyoftilesltd.co.nz Bathroom tiles Tile Depot, tiledepot.co.nz Upholsterer Suite Comfort, suitecomfort.co.nz

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HOME SWEET HYGGE

A nature-loving family are the embodiment of Scandi style, embracing comfort inside while still connected to the outside 52

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how to hygge +

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Hygge is a feeling of safety, positivity and mindfulness.

It is more a state of mind than creating a cosy environment.

That said, a Scandi interior helps. +

Layer gentle neutral colours with natural woods. +

Foster warmth with cosy blankets, candles and an open fire, if possible.

INTO THE FOREST Owning their own house has been at the top of Elisabeth and Markku’s wish list since childhood. OPPOSITE Elisabeth sits in her favourite peacock chair in front of the towering stone wall.

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“Spaciousness, lots of daylight and harmony were what we were looking for.”

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LIVING One of the walls is completely made of glass. For the floors, Elisabeth chose an off-white vinyl plank flooring that has worked well with the underfloor heating. The sofa is by Swedish brand Fogia and is complemented by a rustic wooden coffee table and animal hide floor rug. Elisabeth found the wood and rattan replica Pierre armchairs at a local home store and the side table is by Danish design company &Tradition.

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Meet & greet Elisabeth Ritola (works in the health care sector), Markku Hirvonen (aviation sector professional) and Lucas, eight.

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lisabeth Ritola and Markku Hirnoven’s house, Villa Lume, was built on a plot of land by a forest. The spacious home is divided into two levels and decorated in soft shades to create an inviting and serene atmosphere, which is enhanced by a beautiful green view that looks like a wall-sized painting in the main living space.

“We dreamed of a house of our own but didn’t know anything about building,” admits Elisabeth.

“We knew from the start that we would outsource practically everything. We wanted a plot of land by the forest and found this one, which is also very near to my parents’ home.

The neighbourhood was familiar and, because they have a child, it was practical to have help and company nearby. After finding the plot, the couple hired an architect for the project and the house’s frame was built using concrete blocks. The name of the house, Villa Lume, comes from the first names of the family members: the first letters of Lucas, Markku and Elisabeth put together.

“Stone block houses are familiar to us as Elisabeth used to live in one,” says Markku. “We wanted to have high ceilings, big windows and an open living room, dining room and kitchen space. Spaciousness, lots of daylight and harmony were what we were looking for.”

The floor design required some careful planning.

The couple wanted to have the bedrooms upstairs to have more quietness and privacy. The entry hall, kitchen, dining space, living room and media room are situated downstairs, as well as the sauna and the utility room. It was important for the family to have a separate media room so the television wouldn’t have a central role in the main living space. Above all, the family wanted to have a big rooftop terrace.

The colour scheme of the home was created to complement nature. The couple wanted to make the window views of the surrounding nature the focal point and chose soft and natural paint colours for the interior, Elisabeth explains.

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“We wanted to have high ceilings, big windows and an open living room, dining room and kitchen space.”

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KITCHEN AND DINING The countertops are by Cosentino and all the appliances are hidden behind cabinets. The decorative wall in the dining area is six metres high in stones that repeat the colours used in the house.

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H SHADES OF GREY Organic minimalism and wabi-sabi was a design inspiration and soft shades of grey, beige and greige are repeated in the surface materials as well as the furniture.

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Tip Soften industrial looking grey walls and floors with accessories in wood, cane and rattan.

The couple chose different shades of grey, beige and greige that are repeated in the surface materials as well as the furniture. The colours in nature vary with the seasons and change the atmosphere of the home. The objective was to create a peaceful and simple home that would be like a calm haven. Organic minimalism and wabi-sabi were a source of inspiration.

“Patterns don’t attract us; we prefer plain monochrome materials instead,” says Elisabeth. “Nature functions as an artwork in our home and the interior consists of simple and clear solutions.”

Elisabeth and Markku built a stone house with lots of glass surfaces. Black metal is repeated in a few pieces of furniture, but the couple especially love natural materials such as wood and rattan in their furniture. One of the first purchases for the future home was in fact a wooden coffee table and is characteristic of the style that inspires them.

“We have very similar tastes, so choosing the materials was easy enough. We had skilful professionals working for us and didn’t need to make any big compromises,” Markku says.

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built-in models to keep the overall look calm. Unlike the other spaces, slightly stronger contrasts were chosen for the kitchen and therefore the white cabinets are combined with dark brown wall paint.

“Our home has big, continuous open spaces and the same floor material continues from one space to another,” Markku observes. “The vinyl plank flooring is almost white.

It was a great choice, it’s easy to keep clean and works well with the underfloor heating.”

The stone wall in the main living space plays an important role in the interior. The couple wanted to finish the six-metre-tall feature with something other than paint and discovered mixing two types of stone a perfect fit.

“Our dream was to feel close to nature and we have achieved that. The big windows and the forest views are the highlight of our home. In the summer, nature is like a green jungle behind the window, then we have brilliant autumn colours and finally a winter wonderland,” says Elisabeth.

The building project was a huge undertaking and the couple now feel blessed to spend time in a peaceful haven that counterbalances their busy lives. Everything the family wanted is right here. That’s not to say their dream house is completely finished, but there’s no hurry to do more as they feel that it’s perfect for them right now.

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SAUNA AND BATHROOMS (opposite) Aspen panelling and beige tiles were used in the sauna and the grey and white colour scheme continues in the bathrooms.

The tapware is by Tapwell and showerhead by Oras.

A WHOLE NEW LEVEL There are several terraces for different uses around the house. A fireplace brings warmth to the ground floor terrace and the first-floor terrace is perfect for sunbathing. Light floods into the entry hall from several directions. Elisabeth and Markku chose a glass railing for the stairs to keep light passing from one space to another.

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TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY LIVING INSIDE

MAIN BEDROOM The textiles are from H&M Home.

LUCAS’ ROOM The play tent and the rug are from the Nordic Nest store, and the chair is from BoConcept.

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1 Paper Collective Balance 01 print, $125, from Home Love & Mette K. 2 Knot cushion, $49.95, from Mocka. 3 Faux fur reindeer hide, $499, from Freedom. 4 Aquatica Prestigo shower centre, $627, from Mitre 10. 5 Madam Stoltz wooden serving dish, $75, from Home Love & Mette K. 6 Living & Co faux Mongolian fur cushion, $25, from The Warehouse. 7 Brita Flander Kolo sauna bucket and ladle, $130.50, from Finnish Design Shop. 8 Noir vase, $54.95, from Freedom. 9 Replica Hans Wegner wishbone chair, $325, from Cintesi. 10 Dyer lantern, $54.95, from Freedom. 11 Arno dining table, $1399, from Danske Mobler.

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SLIDE AND HIDE In all, there are 10 Vantage sliding windows or doors in Duratec Matt Black powdercoat finish to maximise the view and create flow. The huge, recessed stacking door, which opens the kitchen, dining and living area to the deck, is a main feature of the house.

SEA CHANGE A family exchanges cramped apartment life in Southeast Asia for a large, cedar-clad coastal home in Raglan

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oing from living in a small apartment in Singapore to a 400sqm home on a lifestyle block in Raglan is extreme. But, for one couple and their daughters that’s exactly what they did.

“They were after a lifestyle change and they enjoy water sports. I think that was part of the appeal of living in Raglan, which obviously has some pretty nice surf,” explains Brian White of Edwards White Architects.

Designing a large house in such a strong, powerful landscape, the intention was to have it recede comfortably into the landscape rather than having a big statement on the hill. “When you’re down in Raglan township and looking back up at the house, it’s actually quite hard to find. I’m often a little disappointed, thinking where is it?” he jokes.

Once the four-bedroom home, complete with a swimming pool surrounded by a moat, an indoor sauna and outdoor hot tub is in view, the cedar-clad house is deliberately quite stark and

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punchy – a response to the family’s appreciation of modern, clean forms.

Inside, the house welcomes and opens out into private and public spaces in a pinwheel plan in which you enter from the centre. “The other spaces radiate out from that, so you’re not walking miles up and down the house,” says Edwards White architect Harry Croucher.

The house was always intended to be a hospitable space in which the family of four could live in easily, whether they’re just hanging out by the pool or having a barbecue in the recessed covered space with views overlooking the Rangitahi Peninsula.

But because they enjoy hosting people, the space can be transformed for large gatherings of 50 or so people without it feeling cramped by opening the 11-metre floor-to-ceiling stacking APL Architectural Series sliding door, which slides away into a cavity creating a completely open wall.

“They allow us to dissolve the threshold on the main living space,” says Brian. The result is seamless, leaving absolutely nothing separating the house from its grand west coast environment.

When Brian and Harry returned to the house as guests, the owners were just “so stoked with the place”. “They were just raving about it,” says Brian of the large house, which caters for an active lifestyle but also manages to maintain an intimate family feel.

ATTENTION TO DETAILS Rather than using a lot of applied finishes, timbers are coated in oil and the concrete floor has dark oxide in it, reminiscent of the dark sands you find on west coast beaches.

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RENOVATION

TILE FILES The versatility of tiles on floors and walls, in kitchens, bathrooms and more cannot be underestimated. For the lowdown turn to page 82.

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Leap of faith Winning after a missed opportunity.

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Breakout building Adding a handydandy granny flat.

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MODERN COUNTRY Luke bought Nikki the equestrian photograph for her 30th birthday. Prioritising necessity over aesthetic, the aubergine coloured walls were painted with Dulux Natural White and Vivid White for the trim.

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LEAP OF FAITH It wasn’t their first choice, but a brick house with valley views proved to be the perfect fit for this enterprising couple

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The entrance to the house is fresh and light; palomino Rosé had space to roam and graze; friendly Australian shepherd Aya poses in the dining room; Nikki and Luke tamed the overgrown yard and garden. LOUNGE (opposite) A stone fireplace dominates the well-lit lounge room.

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ometimes, when one door closes, another opens, as was the case for Luke and Nikki Hobbs. Six years ago, the pair had their hearts set on a colonial weatherboard cottage, just down the road from where they now live, but they narrowly missed out on purchasing it.

They’d hoped to live in the historic cottage due to its pretty location tucked against a mountain range and a well-known creek, but instead turned their attention to a brick, 1990s-era house on two hectares, which had been on the market for more than a year.

In a bold move, the couple made an offer, sight unseen.

“We settled on this very overgrown two hectares,” Nikki recalls. “But Luke had a vision for the property when he saw it; this section of the creek is quite secluded and the valley is stunning.”

Keen surfers, Nikki and Luke had considered either a beach or country change from their busy city life. Luke had always longed to move to the country and own some cows.

The location appealed due to its proximity to a popular coastal tourism hot-spot as well as the city, an hour away.

Nikki’s stepfather Dave, a retired paramedic, had been posted to the area for a time, so the Hobbses were familiar with the village in the foothills of a nearby national park.

“We fell in love with this area – it’s the rural aspect, and all the wineries and produce are right on our doorstep,” says Nikki.

As owners of a building and interiors company, Luke and Nikki had the confidence to consider the location first, then transform or start over with the brick house. They initially considered tearing it down, but moved in just before Christmas in 2015. “It was horrible, but we’re used to purchasing run-down properties,” Nikki adds, who with Luke had “bought and flipped” many homes in the city.

They weren’t daunted by the prospect of another project, despite some challenges. “Because the grass was so overgrown, there was a lot of undesirable wildlife when we cleared it,” Nikki recalls.

Renovation won out over a new build and the couple spent the first few years on earthworks in preparation for their wedding at the property. The previous owners had created terraces for hydroponic tomato and strawberry production above the creek bank, and Luke and Nikki painstakingly stripped back the grass and smothering lantana that had run rampant.

In October 2017, the couple said their wedding vows on a cantilevered ceremony deck overlooking the creek, surrounded by family and friends.

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house, first gutting the interior and removing the carpet. “We prioritised necessity over aesthetic to start with and focused on electrical and flooring, then the kitchen cabinetry and paint,” Nikki says.

The former aubergine walls, skirting and cornice with maroon skirting was transformed with Dulux Natural White on the walls, and Vivid White for the trim. Aluminium windows were soon replaced with timber, and a pair of barn doors transformed the shed. The couple opted for a modern country style and applied many of their trade tips to create character in the home. They used wider, 138mm colonial skirtings throughout and laid down vinyl timber flooring.

Nikki advises that key items to spend money on include door profiles, glazing and investing in French linen bedsheets, while she suggests you can save with tile selections, using Ikea robe inserts, and landscaping with seedlings and tube stock, rather than established plants.

Since moving to the country and establishing their building and interiors company Nikki has reignited her

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love of styling. “My nan, Berice, had beautiful interiors and I always wanted to be an interior designer,” she says.

Marketing and project management skills gained in a former corporate career are now integral in the business as Nikki and Luke help others create their dream spaces.

“We specialise in eco-friendly, off-grid projects and this area is perfect for this type of construction,” Nikki says.

Moving to the country has opened up other opportunities: Nikki has created a homewares line that includes upholstered lounge chairs, ottomans, stone bathtubs and hand basins.

Meanwhile, Luke has realised his dream to own stock, with two cows gifted from friends, and Nikki’s childhood pony Rosé, a 38-year-old palomino spent her golden years by the creek, lovingly cared for by both Nikki and her mother Lisa, a veterinarian.

“This rural transition has been a blessing in both our personal and professional lives,” Nikki says. “We have an amazing sense of community and are so grateful to live here.”

R Meet & greet Nikki and Luke Hobbs (building and interiors company directors), Australian shepherd Aya, terrier Chelsea and palomino pony Rosé.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Luke tends to the bees; Nikki and Luke provide style and building advice to other homeowners; once the foundations were finalised, the couple chose their Falcon cooker long before they renovated their kitchen.

MAIN BEDROOM Infused with light, the couple’s room features furnishing and decor in natural tones, textures and finishes.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The prints of pony Rosé, who passed away after the photo shoot, were taken by a friend of Nikki’s, a fellow creative; the guest bedroom features tactile fabrics in soft grey and gold; vinyl timber floors were installed; Nikki and Luke were married on the deck, which overlooks the creek. OPPOSITE Outdoor dining with a view. Exterior paints used include Dulux Grey, Surfmist, Male Quarter and Monument.

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“We fell in love with this area – it’s the rural aspect, and all the wineries and produce are right at our doorstep.”

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Breakout building Granny flats have come into their own in as versatile dwellings with multiple uses. Here’s what you need to know

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Text Catherine Steel

s the world has reviewed what ‘normal life’ means over past few years, many of us have re-evaluated our living situations thanks to spending more time at home. We’re looking at our surroundings with new eyes, not just at decorating with wellbeing in mind, but with a more open-minded approach.

Being at home more for work and play means we’re using spaces differently and embracing more diverse households.

Whether you need a home office or somewhere to house a family member who wants some independence, separate dwellings or granny flats built on your existing property provide privacy while staying close by.

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What are separate dwellings?

This type of dwelling is generally defined as secondary to the principal residence on a site, with kitchen and plumbing facilities. Its purpose is to provide accommodation but is limited in size.

What rules should I follow?

The Building Act 2004 is the primary legislation regulating separate dwellings. Each local authority sets its own rules, so it’s essential to contact your council to be clear on the guidelines and fees when building a separate dwelling.

R Tip Employ a trained, licensed builder.

A professional can give a guarantee for quality building work.

Dave Gittings, manager of building performance and engineering at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, advises people to take note of the Resource Management Act (RMA) too, as this has additional requirements: “Regardless of whether a building consent is needed, all building work must comply with the Building Code and other relevant legislation such as the RMA.” You may hope to rent out your dwelling; if so, it must follow requirements under the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act 2017 and Residential Tenancies Act 1986, including the Healthy Home Standards.

How big can I build?

Sizes of separate dwellings vary between councils, so it is best to get in touch with your local one for clarity. In Auckland, minor dwelling floor areas should not exceed 65sqm, excluding decks and garaging (other standards apply too).

SMALL INSPIRATION Tiny homes seldom exceed 46sqm when built on a foundation and require some re-adjustment to live in due to the reduced living space.

DO I NEED A CONSENT TO BUILD? All new building work must follow the Building Code and the Building Act sets out the rules regarding building consents. From here, each local authority generally determines its consent process (meeting the Building Act and the Building Regulations requirements).

Your local council can inform you of consents for your area.

For instance, under the Auckland Unitary Plan, a building consent is required, and a resource consent may be necessary, depending on the zone you live in. Some companies can take care of the design, consent and construction process for you, saving any potential headaches. They also understand the council regulations you’ll need to follow.

If you’re wondering how far you can build from the edge of your property, there is no single minimum or maximum distance a building can be from a boundary, Dave says, “This will depend on requirements in the district plan as well as Building Code requirements for things like protection from fire and natural light amongst others.”

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“The Building Code requires a smoke alarm, fresh air ventilation, natural lighting, adequate room height and thermal insulation.”

DAVE GIT T ING S

Types of separate dwellings BUILD YOUR OWN If you’re constructing a separate dwelling, treat it as the same process as a standard house. Ask a builder for a quote, have plans drawn by an architect or draughtsman, then send them to contractors to price up. By doing it yourself, you can create a bespoke design that ties in with your home’s aesthetic. Cost: Around $3500/sqm.

SLEEPOUT STUDIO Some areas of building are exempt from the consent process; this may include a sleepout or ‘accessory building’. As described by Auckland Council, it does not include a kitchen or food preparation space but may feature sanitary facilities or a drinking water supply.

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Such a building must adhere to the Auckland Unitary Plan and might need a resource and/or building consent depending on the structure.

A separate dwelling (exempt from the consent process) can have one or more bedrooms, but it must comply with the Building Code and meet the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards. “It must also be part of a bigger property with associated facilities,” says Dave. “It can’t be rented as an independent dwelling as it will not have bathroom or kitchen facilities.”

“With a separate dwelling being a habitable space, the Building Code requires a smoke alarm, fresh air ventilation, natural lighting, adequate room height and thermal insulation.

It must also have ready access to

an existing dwelling for sanitation.”

Homeowners should seek support from a building professional, such as a chartered professional engineer or a licensed building practitioner, for more information.

PREFAB DWELLING A prefabricated home is manufactured off-site in advance, then transported and assembled to your property. Some range from 16sqm for around $25,000 to passive contemporary homes with unique heating and cooling qualities. One example being Coolhouse’s Mini Home, which was derived from a client who wanted to extend their home without touching it. The Mini Home covers a 28sqm floor area and up to 30sqm of deck. Cost: Around $6500/sqm.

R Tip Plants create ambience. Keep them on shelves and windowsills rather than the floor to save space.

Kitset dwelling

PHOTOGRAPHY ARE MEDIA SYNDICATION, GETTY IMAGES

If you’d like to have a hand in the building, consider a kitset home. How it works is a company provides the design, consent and materials while you take care of the build. Kit Homes create kitsets from 62sqm, starting around $74,000. Delivery to areas with high wind and coastal locations may require additional costs. “You go through the concept design with us,” says Matt Lonsdale, co-director of Kit Homes. “We do the working drawings, preparing them for council sign-off, while the client organises builders and sub-contractors. We have a range of standard kitset designs clients can choose from, so it’s a quick and easy process. A kitset home means people can have some control; some people are quite practical and want to be involved with the build but need people with experience to assist with the process.”

Once your groundwork is done, you can enjoy the fun part – making it look stylish. Finishing touches such as landscaping will create a cohesive, attractive look. Plantings and paint can go a long way in making it look appealing, providing a practical asset and a beautiful one too. Check out the helpful online resource Can I Build It – canibuildit.govt.nz

COOL CONSTRUCTION A separate dwelling can be designed for every purpose, from a space to work from home or independent but nearby accommodation for that teenager or parent needing their own space. Customise and decorate the building to suit its surroundings.

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Take to the tiles Get ready to make some hard decisions for your walls and floors

W JEN JONES Renovations expert

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ith so many tiles available it may feel a bit overwhelming choosing just one.

Fortunately, not all tiles are created equal, which makes narrowing down the choice much easier.

Bear in mind when looking at tiles that they are priced in dollars per square metre, which is illustrated as either an actual $/sqm price, or an indication of price point such as $, $$ or $$$ etc. When calculating the quantity of tiles needed, always add 10-15 percent for breaks, cuts and faults.

Tiles are usually delivered in boxes of about 1sqm each – however many tiles that may be, depending on their size.

The majority of tiles available in New Zealand hail from either China or Europe – the latter are generally more expensive.

Material Most of the tiles you come across will be either ceramic or porcelain, although they might be finished in such a way as to look like natural stone.

Why? Because natural stone tiles are heavy and expensive, which means their ceramic copycats are much more lightweight and affordable to install.

Ceramic and porcelain Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay, sand and water, then baked to remove most of the moisture. Porcelain tiles are often referred to as ceramic but they’re slightly different, in that they’re made from a denser clay and baked at a higher temperature until almost all of the moisture evaporates. The long drying process makes porcelain tiles more expensive than ceramic, but it also makes them a lot harder. While this does increase durability, it unfortunately makes installation difficult, so aren’t recommended anywhere requiring tricky cuts such as a centred floor waste in a tiled shower floor. In terms of colour, ceramic tiles usually display warmer

R undertones that are hidden during the glazing process, whereas porcelain is at the white and grey end of the spectrum and often left unglazed.

Cement Also known as Moroccan tiles, cement tiles are made from pressed cement and are not fired in a kiln. They have a more natural look, which fades as they age.

Terracotta Natural and unglazed clay-fired tiles, these are usually an orangey-brown colour but are rarely consistent from one tile to the next. While their porous nature makes the texture nice underfoot, it also means they can stain easily as they absorb water and other liquids that are spilled on them.

Much like porcelain, they can be frustrating to install due to their hardness, but the installation costs are easily offset by their relatively affordable price.

Natural stone This is an all-encompassing term used to describe tiles made from granite, slate, marble, limestone such as travertine, or sandstone such as quartz.

They’re quarried by cutting off large pieces, which are then sliced into slabs and polished. Slabs of natural stone can be used for kitchen and vanity benchtops or cut into tiles such as 60cm x 60cm squares.

Usually stone tiles are supplied with a honed finish, which means they will need to be sealed after being installed in your home and before use, especially if you’re using them in your bathroom. It goes without saying that natural stone tiles are the most expensive.

Terrazzo Growing in popularity, terrazzo is a precast composite material that consists of pieces of stone-like marble, quartz,

“Usually stone tiles are supplied with a honed finish, which means they will need to be sealed.”

granite, glass and other such materials within a binding agent, which may have a colour pigment added. They’re then polished smooth to show the blended contents, similar to the way you expose the aggregate in a polished concrete floor.

Terrazzo is an expensive choice.

SIZE AND SHAPE A lot of tiles will have a nominal size – the size that manufacturing is targeting when producing tiles. Sizes can vary between batches however, so the tile size from that batch will usually be printed on the label too, normally in millimetres – 600mm x 600mm would be a 60cm x 60cm tile. Rectified tiles have been cut after glazing to ensure consistent sizing.

Mosaics Usually about 1.5cm square and available in a broad range of colours, glazes and other finishes.

Finger tiles Also called pencil or kit-kat tiles, they are long and skinny (around 2cm) – even though purchased on sheets, they can be installed in a different laying pattern.

Penny rounds Small round tiles, no bigger than a coin.

Fish scale Available either in one consistent finish like

marble or multi- coloured so that three to five different colours are laid on the sheet in a specific pattern.

Chevron/herringbone Bought in sheets if they’re very small, or individually for larger format tiles. Their size is measured as if they were a rectangle and not the asymmetrical shape they are – imagine if you cut a triangle off one end to make it square and added it to the other end.

Finish Tiles are mostly glazed after firing. The glaze (gloss, polished or matte) is non-porous and provides a harder wearing layer to the top surface. A porcelain or ceramic tile left unglazed can also have a matte finish, and a porcelain or ceramic tile that’s unglazed and polished about 1mm off the surface can be labelled polished or semi-polished. Natural stone tiles are most often supplied with a honed finish and can also be described as structured in finish.

Honed Also known as satin, this is a semipolished finish that is smooth to the touch – usually found in natural stone tiles.

Structured A more textured finish to the tile, with ridges and dips in the surface, mostly used outside due to their non-slip characteristics.

Grade or use The grade of a tile refers to its abrasion resistance, such as how much foot traffic it is suited to. There are five grades of tile and most suppliers will work to a similar framework when grading their tiles: Grade one: For use on walls only.

Grade two: Residential use, such as the bathroom floor.

Grade three: Light to moderate foot traffic, such as in your kitchen or hallway at home.

Grade four: Commercial use, such as a retail store. office kitchen or bathroom.

Grade five: Heavy foot traffic, such as a shopping mall or airport.

Batch The batch is the specific production run that the tile comes from, and colours/sizes can vary slightly between them. For that reason, buying 84

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The finished rectangle would be the measurements used when sizing these tiles.

3D tiles Tiles with a sculpted surface. They’re a bit harder to clean so not ideal for splashbacks or in the shower.

You might find the tile thickness mentioned next to its surface dimensions, such as 5mm. This is an important detail when considering the transition of different floor finishes.

“Installing or laying tiles is a specialist task and is best left to a professional.” all your tiles for one area from the same batch is a good idea – and definitely an extra 10-15 percent because if you run out, you might struggle to match them. Installing or laying tiles is a specialist task and is best left to a professional.

as needed. If the bathroom floor is lower than the adjacent finished floor level, the screed can be used to feather or lightly ramp the floor up or down to the room’s entrance to ensure a flush transition between floor finishes when tiled.

Levelling compound – screed

Underfloor heating

It would be unusual to find a perfectly level floor no matter when it was constructed, which is why levelling compound is often used as a starting point to any tiling exercise.

If the pits and troughs in a floor are only minor, they might be dealt with sand and cement screed, otherwise a levelling compound is used. This is made from a polymer-modified cement that has a high flow characteristic, meaning when poured on the floor it will flow and set level almost completely by itself, which is why it’s called self-levelling compound. It’s quite expensive to use though, so encourage your tiler to use regular screed unless there’s a huge difference in height across your floor.

Sand and cement screed A more affordable alternative to levelling compound is sand and cement screed.

Screed is thicker so it requires a bit more effort to install, however its thicker nature makes it easier to use for feathering the floor

If you intend to install underfloor heating then a levelling compound screed will usually be required, even if it’s just a few millimetres to ensure the floor is a consistent level, and the elements will be installed on top of that. Underfloor heating systems are powerful enough to be felt through waterproofing, mortar and tiles.

Waterproofing If you’re tiling a wet area, you’ll require waterproofing as well. The most common systems use either a blue-coloured membrane with either a polyurethane base or an acrylic or polymer base that is applied to the walls and floors as needed, including at least 15cm up adjoining walls that don’t require full waterproofing. Waterproofing is recommended in any areas with a regular ‘splash’ such as: an enclosed and tiled shower; an unenclosed and tiled shower; bath with a shower overhead; a bath; above the vanity benchtop and underneath the vanity on the floor if floor mounted.

GROUTING Grout is the finishing touch – a thick mixture of water, cement and sand used to fill gaps between your floor tiles, for example, and available in a large range of colours so you can colour-match or contrast against the tile colour. There are two types of grout: regular cement-based grout and epoxy. Epoxy grout is a resin-based grout that is more durable and stain-proof than regular grout. While it is more expensive to use, I recommend opting for epoxy grout in your bathroom and for your kitchen or laundry splashback to make for easier cleaning.

Be aware not all tiles are compatible with epoxy grout, so make sure you check with the tiler first.

Mortar This adhesive is used to hold the tile to the substrate (your original floor or the waterproofing membrane). There are two main types of mortar, thinset mortar or medium-bed mortar. Thinset mortar (made from sand) is most commonly used in wet areas such as a tiled shower floor, or with heavier tiles such as those made from natural stone. Medium-bed mortar is more coarse sand and other aggregate and is applied in a thicker layer. Your tiler will know which is best for the application.

Sealing More porous varieties of tile, such as natural stone, will require a sealant to be applied to reduce staining from spills. Tiles requiring sealing should be done so before grouting, otherwise they’ll absorb the moisture and colour from the grout. Sealants aren’t needed for glazed tiles. jen@nineyardsconsulting.co.nz @renovatewithjenjones YO UR HO ME AN D GA R DE N

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OPEN DOOR POLICY First impressions count for a lot, which is why a welcoming entrance is important as a prelude for what is to come.

For the lowdown on how to do your house proud, turn to page 100.

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MAKEOVER

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Flying colours Stylist Amber Armitage’s blushing beauty.

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Flying colours A love affair with colour has transformed this coastal home into a blushing beauty Text Caroline Moratti Photography Wendy Fenwick

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raving open space in the midst of lockdown, Amber Armitage purchased a small bach in beachy Mangawhai.

Her “let it be” approach to paint has paid off by the bucketload, letting the small rooms remain dark and moody

while the light-filled spaces are treated to colours that dazzle in the sun.

“Let the space be the best version of what it is,” Amber says. The result is a home with an array of chocolate-box delights, from a perfect pink kitchen to a Mediterranean bathroom sanctuary.

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Meet & greet Amber (freelance art director and interiors stylist) and Stevie the miniature schnauzer.

TICKLED PINK The kitchen is painted in Resene Brandy Rose, which Amber describes as “something fun but still a sophisticated colour”. Pride of place belongs to her Samsung Bespoke French Door fridge in pink, while a large Tairua round rug from Baya completes the space. OPPOSITE The statement dining room light fitting is from Citta, with chairs from Cintesi that fill the sunny space.

Talk us through your home makeover – how long did it take? Because of the border restrictions during lockdown, I wasn’t able to visit the property until settlement so I had the exterior painted in Resene Bokara Grey by some local painters. The week before I moved in, I painted the entire interior with the help of my parents in Resene Half Sea Fog. I wanted a clean slate to start with. I started with painting my bedroom in Resene Tuft Bush and the spare bedroom in Resene Envy – both of these projects I did in about three days.

The rest of the glow-up project I have done in the past two months, I’m not really one to muck around – once I want to do something, I just do it. Basically, adding colour, changing all the light fittings, sanding back benches and layering soft furnishings.

How would you describe your interior style? When I am figuring out what to put in a space, first it is function. I try to put only the items I need in this space and, most importantly, edit out what does not need to

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be there. Then, I decorate accordingly. I wanted the overall feel of this place to be a bit of a retreat and a space you would feel instantly relaxed in; it needed to not be cluttered with too much stuff, have colours that were calming but still made a statement, and be decorated with the things that felt welcoming and relaxed. Books lying around, places to curl up and read, with throws and cushions to relax. If I had to pin down an interior style, I would say it is relaxed with a layer of sophistication, full of colour but used with restraint.

What was your colour palette inspiration? One of my jobs is to reinterpret colour forecasting trends created overseas into Resene colour palettes and create interior shoots in the studio that represent these.

I had thought it would be great to play with one of the colour palettes I love, which is called Home, at my house. Each palette has eight colours, and from this I decided to break it down into mini-palettes, which I could use for each space. As all the rooms are off the

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“It needed to not be cluttered with too much stuff, and have colours that were calming but still made a statement.”

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Tip Do the makeover for yourself, something that reflects your personality – not for the next potential buyer.

central living space, I kept the main living area neutral in Resene Half Sea Fog, and then played with the palette in each room off this space. All the spaces also had elements of the other colours within the palette, and in the lounge I used art and my favourite rug to tie the whole palette back together. I wanted the lounge to give hints of the colours that you would have when you went into each space, and I love being able to look through from the lounge and see the colour in the other rooms.

What’s your process behind decorating and colour? Are your colour choices based around possessions, or your possessions based around colour choices? A mix of both, pulling colour palettes together for this home has basically been about working out which colours are going in which spaces and then putting together my existing possessions into that space, working out what works together and editing out the things that don’t. The final step is finding a few key pieces that pull it together. I think the key to making things work is to trying things in 92

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different places and not being afraid to get it wrong.

Sometimes one wrong thing in a space can really throw off the harmony so I always keep editing and trying out different combos of items together.

Going bold in the kitchen is a brilliant choice.

Can you tell us about your decision process? The kitchen was pretty basic – it had black wrapped vinyl stickers over the cupboards and an orange/red stained bench, which I hated. I wanted a fun but still sophisticated colour, but I didn’t make the final decision until the benchtop was done as I wasn’t sure what colour it would turn out. As it got lighter it looked great with the dirty pink of Resene Brady Rose so I went for it. I am not decorating for resale (the worst type of decorating in my opinion), I am decorating for what I love, how I want it to feel and be a space I want to be in. So, I trust my gut and let it be whatever it ends up being. I don’t have huge expectations when I start a project, I just start and make decisions as I go – deciphering when to do more and when to pull back.

COLOUR PLAY The couch is from Kiwi Homestore, and throw from Foxtrot Home. An armchair sits opposite, a lucky find from a Salvation Army thrift store that was covered in Fabio in Ivory from Warwick Fabrics.

“I wanted the lounge to give hints of the colours you would see when you went into each space,” says Amber.

M COMING TOGETHER In the living room, Amber used artworks and a favourite rug to tie the whole colour palette together. The large print is The Togo by Hanna Peters from Slow Store, and the smaller blue artwork is an original artwork by Claire Stapleton. The marble-effect rug is the Uluru rug in Sandstone from Baya.

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BATHROOM/LAUNDRY Painted in Resene Inside Back, the striking print is from Kinfolk and the luxe towels are by Baina. The woman wall sculpture is a gift from Amber’s mum and reminds Amber of Turkish and Moroccan hammams, which she’s accentuated with dark tiles, oversized urns and stone accessories. MAIN BEDROOM (opposite) The walls are painted in Resene Tuft Bush. The rug is from Spotlight, side table from Citta and standing mirror from Freedom.

How did you go about creating tranquillity in your bedroom spaces? Edit, edit, edit – keep a tight palette, take out all the things that you don’t need and don’t use.

Creating a tranquil space is just as much about what is not in the space, as what is. Have plenty of storage, you don’t need all your stuff on display – let the beautiful things you do have sing. It’s a fine balance between what functions and what looks beautiful.

Talk us through your sultry bathroom, what was your vision there? I think the bathroom was my bravest move.

It is quite a big space as it doubles as the laundry and when it was painted white it always felt quite clinical – no matter how many plants I threw at it. I had been pondering painting it dark, then my mum gifted me the bathing woman wall sculpture and it reminded me of the bathhouses I had been to in Turkey and Morocco – they were all dark and moody spaces with dark tiles and plaster effects. I tried to carry this look through with oversized urns, stone accessories and plush towels.

Which finished result are you most pleased with? The kitchen, by far. The kauri benchtop because it was such a long and painful process, filling cracks, stripping and sanding it back. It came together so much better than 94

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“Have plenty of storage, you don’t need all your stuff on display.”

A MBER AR MI TAGE

I thought it would. Also, the colour blocking, I decided on the day I finished painting the cabinets to continue the pink colour up the wall, I took a bit of a risk but it paid off. After the amount of time and work I put into the kitchen, the final touch was completing the space with the Samsung Bespoke French Door fridge in pink, what could be more perfect? It felt like such a reward to me for my hard work.

Any tips for contemplating a makeover on a budget? Paint, paint, paint (and take a risk with some colour). It is the easiest and most affordable way to make

a big impact on your space. It is also something you can do yourself without paying someone else and you can be brave with. Get test pots and order paint drawdowns (A4 swatches) and try out the colours in the space. The lighting will have a big impact on how the colour reads in the space so don’t choose your colours based on something you have seen on Pinterest, try out samples in the space. Lastly, do the makeover for yourself, something that reflects your personality, not for the next potential buyer. A new coat of white may look fresh but adding a colour can change how the entire space feels.

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Photography Babiche Martens

This bread bin hack is the best thing since sliced bread

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CAROLINE M O R AT T I DIY novice

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very so often a life hack will go viral, taking social media by storm thanks to its DIY brilliance. The Kmart bread bin bedside table is no exception. With a stunning vintage-inspired facade mixed with Scandinavian sensibilities, the innovative storage solution is so popular that the discount retailer sold out of bread bins before we could get our hands on them for our project.

Thankfully, they’re back in stock online for craft lovers, but in the meantime, we made do with a pair from Mighty Ape. Unfortunately, they arrived in flat-pack form, so the hardest part of this mission was putting together the bins themselves.

Compared to that agonising hour of flat-pack assembly, constructing the bedside table wasas easy as pie (or breadmaking, as the case may be).

This was my first-ever foray into the DIY world; until this project, I’d never touched a paintbrush, let alone a drill. Rest assured, if I could manage this project, you’ll be able to do it too.

While I don’t think I’ll be quitting my day job anytime soon, I can now say I’m the proud owner of a rather nifty, rather gorgeous bedside table. You can be too.

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You will need • A wooden pole, roughly 1m long • Saw • Sandpaper • Screws • Drill bit • Drill

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• Wood glue/super glue • Paint • Paint primer (optional) • Ruler • Pencil • Paintbrush

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Measure your wooden pole (we used a broom handle) into four legs. Use a saw to cut, making sure the pole is secure and held in place. Sand down any uneven edges, if necessary.

Gather your bread bins and apply a generous measure of wood glue/super glue lines around the bottom. Have tissues on hand to mop up any side spillage.

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3 Tip For a sleek, polished look, make sure to use a screw with a flat head.

Carefully place the two bases together, taking your time to ensure flat, level corners, and hold together until dry. Once secure, measure two marks on either end near the opening of the bread bin, keeping an even distance from both ends. Predrill a smaller pilot hole into both marked spaces to prevent the wood from splitting. You’ll want the holes the same depth as the length of your screws, keeping the drill perpendicular to the wood. Use the drill to insert the screws into the pilot holes.

By now your creation should be starting to take shape. On the bottom of your new side table, measure and mark where your legs are going to go, making sure they’re spaced evenly on either side and kept clear of the moving door parts.

Using the same technique as earlier, predrill holes into each of the four legs. Attach your screws into the base marks, and when you start to see the head of the screw crowning through the wood, screw in each table leg.

Check that your new table is balanced and functional. Do the doors close? Do the legs wiggle and are they level? Correct any mistakes now, before painting.

Lightly sand the table with sandpaper prior to painting.

Apply a paint primer, if desired. Paint the table, waiting for the first coat to dry before applying the second. A heat gun will help speed up this process, but beware of blowing too close to the paint, otherwise bubbles will ruin all your hard work.

Enjoy your gorgeous new bedside table and style to your satisfaction. If you’re tight on floor space, consider ditching the legs or attach to the wall as an enviable medicine cabinet or kitchen cupboard.

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CALL TO

(BUT BIG IN IMPACT)

2022

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ave you done something bold or interesting with paint or wallpaper in a small room in your house?

It could be an office, nursery, laundry or powder room – the only criteria is it’s small in space but big in impact. We’d love to see your efforts. Send us some images of your chosen room and be in to win $1000 in our inaugural Small Room Awards.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR: • Fearless use of colour and/or pattern • Exciting use of wallpaper • Imaginative decoration and finishing.

Get your entry in

by July 15, 2022 and you could be one of our first finalists.

HOW TO ENTER Email photos and a 200-word description of your space to yhg@aremedia.co.nz with your last name and ‘Resene Small Room’ 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 and/or wallpapered. Please credit anyone who assisted you in choosing your colours.

The five finalists will each appear in Your Home and Garden. Every finalist will receive a $250 Resene ColorShop voucher and a feature in the magazine, with the winner taking out the Resene Small Room Awards and $1000 cash, plus a story on the winning home will feature in the January 2023 issue.

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 Are Media, 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. Any non-finalists selected for the Resene website will receive a free gift from Resene.

ENTER

SMALL ROOM AWARDS

You had me at

HELLO Come and go as you please with these entryway solutions Text Caroline Moratti

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ntryways provide the important first impression of your home, a glimpse into the world you’ve created. A welcoming entry should greet people, enveloping them warmly into the household. They’re also practical spaces, a place for rushed comings and goings, and where keys and shoes and bags are often kept.

Victoria Bibby from Napier interior

design firm Bibby + Brady says decluttering is the first step to a stylish yet functional space. “Arriving home to clutter and mess won’t put you in a good frame of mind, so start by tidying and finding solutions for everyday items that end up in your entrance.” She recommends clearing a space in the hall cupboard or laundry for shoes, bags and other items that often end up lurking near the front door.

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Tip Opt for bench seating with a padded top, as well as built-in storage sections to make the drop zone flow seamlessly.

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TAKE A SEAT Everyone would rather be seated when putting on shoes, it’s a small time-out in one’s daily routine and a good bench seat can be a fine thing. The right piece of furniture can soften the stark lines of a hallway and those with built-in storage provide a practical solution for stray bits and pieces. Opt for bench seating with a padded top, as well as built-in storage sections to make the drop zone flow seamlessly. Church pews and old benches are often conversation points and can sometimes be found at thrift stores.

Short on space? An ottoman will provide the same creature comforts while fitting neatly under a side table. Bonus points if it comes with a hidden compartment.

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1 Benmore metal bench seat, $799, from The Inside.

2 Woodwall Storage bench seat, $279, from Target.

3 Oak look storage bench, $55, from Kmart.

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OPEN DOOR Style doesn’t have to be expensive. This entryway upcycles a wooden crate for shoe storage and ceramic planter for an umbrella stand. The coat rack is a great place to display some favourite sun hats.

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SMOKE AND MIRRORS Mirrors combine aesthetics and functionality in the homeware world. Perfect for small, dark spaces such as hallways, a well-placed mirror will reflect light and instantly widen any room, especially when positioned opposite a sunny room.

Whether gold and ornate, retro and wavy, or modern and sleek, a mirror expresses the personality of your home, but at half the price of art. For an expert hack, consider a medicine cabinet mirror in your hallway.

Traditionally hung in bathrooms, their hidden storage makes them an asset when it comes to on-the-go living.

Plus, you’ll be grateful for that final check before you dash out the door with breakfast on your chin.

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DO A RUNNER If coming home is the best part of your day, a rug is a must-have to welcome your return and to lessen the wear and tear from foyer foot traffic. Most hallways are too small to accommodate a conventional rug, so a runner is the perfect solution for space and money. “A hall runner adds warmth and interest without taking up any space and will also help direct your guests through your home,” says Victoria.

If you’re positive that a runner isn’t right for your floor space, then simply hang a rug as a wall tapestry instead. Your guests will receive the cosy, welcoming vibe regardless, we promise.

HOOK IT Stop letting clutter pile up around the front entrance. Hooks will utilise otherwise empty wall space and elevate all the odds and ends, such as coats, umbrellas and handbags. Streamline the flow between house and work as you walk in and out the door.

Be generous, don’t limit yourself to just a couple of hooks – use as many as it’ll take to simplify your morning routine.

Alternatively, use those hangers to show off all your best accessories. Whether it’s a display of hats or several colourful scarfs, flaunt your favourite accessories to show visitors what you’re really about. You know the saying: three hats are better than one.

No wall space? No problem. A wellplaced coat rack will do the same trick without the hassle of screwing and hanging. Even bedroom garment racks work surprisingly well in formal spaces, adding a touch of industrial chic with storage to spare. They’re often half the price of entryway storage, so they’re definitely worth consideration.

1 Halcion floor rug, $699, from Freedom.

2 Millie wall hooks, $28, from C S Studios.

3 Renee hallway mirror, $399, from Nood.

4 Bamboo wardrobe with door, $119, from Kmart.

5 Living & Co Madrid seagrass square basket natural, $18, from The Warehouse.

6 Living & Co seagrass belly basket zig zag multicoloured, $22, from The Warehouse.

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COLOUR ME HAPPY

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Think of this area as a room in its own right and not an area for simply passing through.

Lighter colours give the appearance of more space while darker shades result in a cosy, more intimate feeling.

Don’t shy away from colour at your front entrance. A bold update using paint or wallpaper can refresh a space without overwhelming it like it can in larger rooms.

Consider it a sharp, short burst of personality that will help usher your guests into the living area. Don’t forget to trick the eye by painting your end wall a light, cool shade to help your hallway seem more spacious.

If nothing else, simply paint your door for that love-at-first-sight feeling. “A splash of colour on your door will make you smile,” Victoria promises. Maximum impact for minimum effort, now that’s what we like to hear.

PENDANT FOR YOUR THOUGHTS A hanging pendant is a bold statement for those lucky enough to possess lofty ceilings, but if your ceiling is low, Victoria says to think about wall lights instead. “Up-lighting is brilliant for illuminating the ceiling and making a narrow hallway feel larger, and a ceiling light that is multi-directional will also work well,” she says.

But if the pendant idea is calling

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your name, consider ordering the same light fitting for your kitchen to carry on the theme and to provide some continuity among the bits and pieces of home life.

TABLE TALK Never lose your keys again. Place a bowl on your side table for all those “where did I put that?” items. Choose something with tall sides so it won’t distract the eye line. Picking a table with drawers is the

key for all those less than desirable items, such as bike padlocks or doggy waste bags. Out of sight, out of mind. If your sideboard is cute but lacking the storage solutions you’d prefer, grab a couple of woven baskets to slide underneath for that old-school charm.

For a low cost hack, simply hang a shelf at the height where a sideboard would be. It’ll offer the same surface space as a console, without the price tag of table legs.

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RESENE

Kid’s corner Freshen up a child’s bedroom by painting a wall in checks – the hottest pattern around right now Project Amber Armitage Photography Melanie Jenkins

Painting tip Use Resene FX Paint Effects to create a transparent layer and a muslin cloth to rub into the freshly painted stripes to create a watercolour effect.

Checked wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Half Secrets, Resene Green Spring and Resene Paddock. Right hand wall in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Paddock with floor in Resene Walk-on in Resene Half Secrets. Patagonia rug, $405 (160cm x 230cm), from Baya. Sage Check ’N’ art, $149 (A1 unframed), from Memphis Poster Club. Ally Box 3-drawer side table, $119, from Meluka. Jiggle & Giggle picnic check duvet set, $220 (king single), and Lola and Fox round cushion, $79, both from Allium. Wooden blue puppy $69, and weave throw, $395, both from Allium Interiors. Shockwave wall hook, $59, from Dandie Store. Mushkane mushrooms, from $11; Meri Meri Baboo toy monkey, $144; Bashful bunny, $46.95; Numero 74 apron, $79; books (from top): The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, $40; Little People, Big Dreams, $22.99; and Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, $35; all from Little Whimsy. Agnes wooden side table, $119.95, from Mocka.

YH&G + RESENE

Painting tip Prime the wall hooks first to make sure the paint adheres properly.

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hecks are the height of fashion right now for soft furnishings so why not expand the theme and paint them on the walls? Then, go crazy with wall hooks for a spruced up take on a child’s room that will see them through many years.

DIY checked wall Paint two coats of Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Half Secrets and leave to dry. Instead of using painter’s tape, a more organic edge was created using the roller freehand. As a guide, string up lines hanging from the top of your grid equal distance apart. We did ours every 40cm, which is the width of two 20cm rollers. To create a watercolour effect, mix Resene FX Paint Effects (60%) with Resene Paddock (40%), which will give you a semi-translucent finish. Paint the vertical stripes, then the horizontal stripes to give the basic checked pattern. Wait for this to dry.

Mix your base colour Resene Half Secrets with the remainder of the Resene FX Effects and go back over the vertical lighter lines for one coat, this will give you the variation where the checks intersect for a more 3D look. You can also rub into this layer with a muslin cloth to play on the watercolour look.

Hook ’em up Wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Paddock and floor in Resene Walk-on in Resene Half Secrets.

Wall hooks, $34.50, from Freedom. Painted (from left) in Resene Norway, Resene Polo Blue, Resene Pukeko, Resene Golden Tainoi and Resene Indian Ink. Jesse drawers, $269.95, from Mocka with frame painted in Resene Lustacryl in Resene Polo Blue. Rug as before. London boots, $99.99 (khaki), from Pretty Brave. Rain boots, $59.99, and Magic jacket, $99.99, both from Cry Wolf. Teddy bear backpack, $94.99; Oliver the bear, $133; Longhorn Olive toy car, $74.50; and Hydro Flask drink bottle, $44; all from Little Whimsy. Books as before.

More Resene colours to try:

RESENE Charlotte

Prime wall hooks in Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer to make sure the paint adheres properly. We used 12 wall hooks in various sizes to create this look. Paint two hooks in each colour (from left) in Resene Norway, Resene Polo Blue, Resene Pukeko, Resene Golden Tainoi and Resene Indian Ink. When deciding on placement start from the bottom left side hanging one hook at a time and alternating colours and sizes so it feels balanced. Ensure the bottom hooks are low enough for your child to reach and hang their bags and jackets. The higher hooks could be used for pieces of art or sculpture to hang, but the colourful hooks are an artwork by themselves, so make sure to leave some empty.

RESENE Foam

RESENE Island Spice

For more kid’s room decorating ideas, pick up a free copy of habitat plus – kids’ spaces from your local Resene ColorShop or reseller – or view it online at www.resene.com/habitatplus. It’s packed full of ideas for how you can bring out the best in your child’s play and sleep spaces.

Lemon delicious pudding SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS

80g butter, softened 3 tsp finely grated lemon rind ½ cup caster sugar 3 eggs, separated ¼ cup self-raising flour 1½ cups milk ½ cup lemon juice 2 tsp icing sugar 1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a

1.5-litre ovenproof baking dish; place on an oven tray.

2 Beat butter, rind and sugar in a small bowl with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition, until thick and creamy. Whisk in flour, milk and juice until well combined.

3 Beat egg whites in a small bowl with an electric mixer until firm peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into lemon mixture, in two batches, until combined. Pour mixture into dish.

4 Bake pudding for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and just firm to the touch. Serve immediately, dusted with sifted icing sugar. Drizzle with a little pouring cream, if you like.

Tip This pudding needs to be served straight from the oven or the pudding will sink and absorb most of the sauce. You can make this pudding in six 1-cup ovenproof baking dishes, but you will need to reduce the baking time.

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RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY ARE MEDIA SYNDICATION

Midwinter fare Make the most of roasts this winter.

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Get set to dine Add wow factor to your table.

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Culinary travels Signature dishes from luxe retreats.

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FOOD

Midwinter fare

Pink pepper beef fillet with horseradish cream

A roast comes into its own in winter so set the table and enjoy for long lunches indoors with friends and family

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Butterflied coriander chickens & pan stuffing

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lined oven tray. Roll beef in pepper mixture until coated all over.

4 Roast beef for 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer reaches 60°C for rare.

Cover loosely with foil; rest for 15 minutes.

5 Make Horseradish Cream. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl; season.

6 Place rocket and remaining oil in a medium bowl; toss to combine. Season.

7 Thickly slice beef; sprinkle with reserved pepper mixture. Serve with Horseradish Cream and rocket.

DO-AHEAD

Beef fillet can be prepared to the end of step 4, several hours ahead. Stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before continuing with recipe.

Fennelcheese pan stuffing

Pink pepper beef fillet with horseradish cream SERVES 8 INGREDIENTS

2kg beef fillet ¼ cup olive oil 2 tsp sea salt flakes 2 Tbsp dried pink peppercorns 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped 250g rocket, trimmed HORSERADISH CREAM

½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream 2 Tbsp horseradish cream 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Preheat oven to 200°C. 2 Heat a large grill plate (or barbecue) over

medium-high heat. Trim any sinew and silver skin from beef. Fold thin end of fillet under; tie beef with kitchen string at 5cm intervals. Coat beef with 2 tablespoons of the oil and the salt. Cook beef on grill plate for 3 minutes each side until well browned.

3 Meanwhile, pound peppercorns with a mortar and pestle until coarsely crushed Alternatively place in a resealable bag and crush using the base of a heavy saucepan.

Stir in rosemary; reserve 1 tablespoon of pepper mixture. Sprinkle remaining pepper mixture onto a large baking-paper11 4

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250g heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved 1 clove garlic, peeled 3 fresh long red chillies, coarsely chopped 1½ Tbsp fish sauce 3 tsp lime rind, finely grated ¼ cup lime juice 2 Tbsp finely grated palm sugar 2 Tbsp olive oil 18 French-trimmed lamb cutlets 2 cups fresh mint leaves ¼ cup roasted salted peanuts, chopped 1 Tbsp fried shallots (optional) Lime wedges, to serve LIME CARAMEL

SERVES 10

1 cup caster sugar ¼ cup malt vinegar ¼ cup fish sauce 2 Tbsp tamarind puree 5 makrut lime leaves, ribs removed 4 cloves garlic, peeled 1 tsp grated fresh ginger 1 fresh long red chilli, chopped coarsely

INGREDIENTS

1 Halve papaya; remove seeds. Cut flesh

2 red onions, cut into thick slices crossways 1 baby fennel, sliced thinly 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 day-old small sourdough loaf, torn into chunks 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves 2 Tbsp currants 2 Tbsp pine nuts 1⁄3 cup finely grated parmesan ½ cup vegetable stock 1 egg, lightly beaten

into long thin match sticks with a V-slicer, julienne peeler or mandoline. Place papaya and tomatoes in a large stainless steel or glass bowl.

2 Pulse garlic, chilli, fish sauce, rind, juice and sugar in a small food processor until well combined. Add to papaya and tomato mixture; toss gently to coat.

3 Make Lime Caramel. Combine sugar and ¼ cup (60ml) water in a small heavy-based pan over medium-high heat.

Cook, stirring, without boiling, until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil; boil, without stirring, for 12 minutes or until a deep golden colour. Swirl pan gently to colour evenly towards the end of cooking time. Meanwhile, process vinegar, sauce, tamarind, lime leaves, garlic, ginger and chilli in a small food processor until smooth. As soon as the caramel is a deep golden, carefully add paste to pan – the mixture will bubble fiercely. Increase the heat to high; stir sauce until the toffee pieces are melted.

4 Heat oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Cook cutlets, in two batches, for 1 minute on each side or until browned. Add the Lime Caramel, increase heat to high; cook for a further 4 minutes, turning cutlets, until caramel is thick, sticky and glazes cutlets.

5 Add the mint, peanuts and shallots to salad; toss to combine.

6 Serve cutlets with caramel sauce, papaya mint salad and lime wedges.

Fennel-cheese pan stuffing

1 Preheat oven to 200°C. 2 Place red onion slices in a single layer in

a roasting pan. Top with baby fennel slices.

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Cover with foil; roast for 30 minutes.

3 Meanwhile, toss the bread chunks in a bowl with the thyme leaves, currants, pine nuts, parmesan, vegetable stock and beaten egg until combined. Spread over the onion mixture in pan; toss to combine. Roast for 30 minutes or until browned. Serve with pork, chicken, turkey, beef or lamb.

Lamb cutlets with papaya mint salad SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS

1.5kg green papaya

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Lamb cutlets with papaya mint salad

Tip You could use green mango instead of green papaya. Caramel can burn very quickly; it is helpful to have all the remaining ingredients ready to go, so that once the caramel is ready, you can finish the recipe.

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Chimichurri butterflied lamb

Tip You can brown the lamb on a grill plate over high heat for 5 minutes on each side, then transfer to a preheated 200°C oven to roast as above.

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Chimichurri butterflied lamb SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS

1.6kg butterflied leg of lamb 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3 medium lemons, halved 275g baby roma truss tomatoes CHIMICHURRI

½ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar 2 cloves garlic, crushed ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped ¼ cup fresh oregano, finely chopped 1 tsp dried chilli flakes 1 tsp sea salt flakes 1 Preheat a covered barbecue with

all burners on high and hood closed until temperature reaches 200°C or follow the manufacturer’s directions (see tips).

2 Meanwhile, make Chimichurri.

Combine ingredients in a medium bowl; season to taste. Cover surface with plastic wrap. This can be made a day ahead; cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent discolouring.

3 Open out lamb. Combine ¼ cup of the chimichurri with oil; rub over lamb. Season well. Place lamb on heated barbecue grill. Turn burners off underneath lamb, leaving other burners on medium. Cook with the hood closed for 40 minutes for medium, depending on thickness, or until done as desired. Adjust the heat to maintain the temperature. lf lamb is not browned enough after cooking, cook over high heat on barbecue, grilling briefly on both sides to brown. Transfer lamb to a platter; cover loosely with foil; stand for 10 minutes.

4 While lamb is resting, cook lemon and tomatoes on barbecue until lemons are charred and tomatoes are just softened. Season tomatoes.

5 Serve lamb with tomatoes, lemon halves and Chimichurri, scattered with extra herbs, if you like.

Jamaican jerk pork with caramelised pineapple You will need to start this recipe a day ahead.

SERVES 8 INGREDIENTS

½ large pineapple, cut into 1cm slices 1.8kg skinless pork scotch fillet (see Note) ½ cup fresh coriander leaves Lime cheeks, to serve MARINADE

2 medium limes ¼ cup white wine vinegar 2 Tbsp dark soy sauce 1 small red onion, quartered 6 cloves garlic, halved 2 Tbsp brown sugar 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, finely chopped 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves 2 Tbsp olive oil 1½ Tbsp ground allspice 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper 1 fresh long green chilli, coarsely chopped

and juice with remaining ingredients until smooth.

2 Place pineapple and ½ cup of the marinade in a medium bowl; toss to coat. Cover; refrigerate overnight.

3 Place pork in a medium shallow dish with remaining marinade; turn to coat.

Cover; refrigerate overnight also.

4 Preheat oven to 160°C. Line a roasting pan that’s just large enough to hold the pork with baking paper; place pork with marinade in pan; cover with a second piece of baking paper, then foil; roast for 1¾ hours or until pork is tender.

5 Remove pork from oven; discard paper and foil covering. Turn pork in cooking juices. Increase oven to 220°C. Cook for a further 10 minutes or until outside is caramelised. Remove pork from oven; rest, covered loosely with foil, for 10 minutes.

6 Meanwhile, cook pineapple slices on a preheated oiled chargrill pan until golden brown and heated through. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.

7 Serve sliced pork with grilled pineapple, coriander leaves and lime cheeks.

1 Make Marinade. Finely grate rind from

1 lime. Squeeze juice from both limes; you will need 2 tablespoons juice. Process rind

Note Select a pork scotch fillet with a good amount of fat to prevent it from drying out.

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Turkey breast with cranberry & pistachio stuffing

Barbecue skirt steak with anchovy vinaigrette

Barbecue skirt steak with anchovy vinaigrette SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS

1.2kg skirt steak (see Notes) 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp brown sugar 1½ tsp sea salt flakes 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2S0g cherry truss tomatoes ANCHOVY VINAIGRETTE

1⁄3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 shallot, finely chopped 8 anchovy fillets, finely chopped 2 fresh long red chillies, seeded, finely chopped 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped 2 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped 2 tsp fresh oregano, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled 11 8

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2 tsp finely grated lemon rind 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar 1 Make Anchovy Vinaigrette. Heat the

oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook shallot for 3 minutes or until softened. Add anchovy and chilli; cook for 1 minute or until anchovy is soft.

Transfer to a heatproof bowl; stir in herbs.

Grate garlic into hot anchovy mixture using a fine grater or microplane. Cool. Stir in rind, juice and vinegar. Season to taste.

2 Pat steak dry with paper towel.

Combine oil, garlic powder, sugar, salt and pepper in a large stainless steel or glass bowl. Add steak to bowl; rub oil mixture all over steak until coated evenly. Stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.

3 Preheat a barbecue (or grill plate) on high. Cook steak for 4 minutes each side

for medium or until grill marks appear and steak is cooked to your liking (see Notes).

Transfer to a tray, cover loosely with foil; rest for at least 10 minutes. Barbecue whole tomatoes for 2 minutes or until softened slightly. Season.

4 Slice steak; drizzle with Anchovy Vinaigrette. Serve with barbecued tomatoes.

Notes Skirt, sometimes called flank, is a less expensive steak cut with great flavour, though a little chewy. Bring it to room temperature before cooking, then rest it well before serving for best results.

The thickness of skirt steak can differ, so cooking times will vary. You will need to cook for 4 minutes each side for 2cm thick steak and about 10 minutes each side for 5cm thick steak. You can also use rump, sirloin, scotch fillet, rib eye or eye fillet steak, if preferred.

F Turkey breast with cranberry & pistachio stuffing SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS

125g baby spinach 1⁄3 cup dried cranberries, chopped coarsely 1⁄3 cup pistachios, chopped coarsely 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs 1kg frozen ready-to-roast turkey breast, thawed 2 Tbsp olive oil 6 fresh thyme sprigs 1 cup salt-reduced chicken stock 2 Tbsp brandy

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHY ARE MEDIA SYNDICATION

1 Preheat oven to 180°C. 2 Place spinach in a heatproof bowl;

pour over boiling water, stand for 1 minute.

Drain; cool under running water. Squeeze small handfuls of spinach to remove excess liquid; chop and place in a medium bowl. Stir in cranberries, pistachios and breadcrumbs; season.

3 Place turkey breast on a sheet of baking paper large enough to enclose turkey. Slice breast in half lengthways, without cutting all the way through; open out flat.

4 Spoon stuffing over one cut-side of the breast, then fold the other side over stuffing to enclose. Brush turkey with oil, season; top with thyme.

5 Wrap baking paper around turkey; secure with kitchen string. Place turkey on a large oven tray; roast for 40 minutes.

6 Remove string; peel back the paper.

Brush surface of turkey with some of the cooking juices. Roast, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until golden. Rest turkey, loosely covered, for 10 minutes.

7 To make a sauce, combine stock and brandy in a small saucepan. Boil until reduced by half.

8 Serve sliced turkey with the sauce.

1 small day-old sourdough loaf, torn into chunks ¼ cup fresh sage leaves 80g butter, melted ½ cup chicken stock 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 Preheat oven to 200°C. 2 Toss onion wedges, bacon, Brussels

sprouts, celery and apple wedges with olive oil in a shallow roasting pan. Season.

Roast for 30 minutes. Add bread chunks and sage leaves, toss well.

3 Combine melted butter and chicken stock with the beaten egg; drizzle over mixture in pan, toss to combine. Roast for 30 minutes or until browned. Serve with roast pork, chicken or turkey.

Butterflied coriander chickens & pan stuffing SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS

2 x 1.2kg whole chickens 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 140g cured chorizo sausages, coarsely chopped 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped 4 cups wholemeal sourdough bread, coarsely torn into small chunks 1 medium carrot, grated coarsely ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 1 Tbsp currants 1 egg, beaten lightly 1 cup chicken stock 400g baby carrots, trimmed CORIANDER SAUCE

Sprout & bacon pan stuffing

2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, firmly packed 1 bunch fresh coriander, stems and leaves coarsely chopped 2 spring onions, coarsely chopped 3 cloves garlic, crushed 50g butter, chopped 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup pickled jalapenos, sliced thinly ¼ cup jalapenos pickling liquid

SERVES 10

1 Preheat oven to 220°C. Lightly oil

INGREDIENTS

2 medium onions, cut in wedges 250g bacon rashers, coarsely chopped 500g small Brussels sprouts, halved 2 celery stalks, sliced 2 Pink Lady apples, cut into wedges 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Sprout & bacon pan stuffing

a 20cm square ovenproof dish.

2 Make Coriander Sauce. Process all the ingredients until a bright-green paste forms; season to taste. Reserve 2 tablespoons to use for stuffing and ½ cup for serving; refrigerate until required.

3 Pat chickens dry with paper towel. Place chickens, breast side down, on a chopping

Tip Roast baby potatoes instead of carrots, if preferred.

Reserve the coriander roots for another recipe, if you like.

board. Using poultry shears or sharp kitchen scissors, cut down either side of the backbone; discard. Open chickens to lie flat.

Turn, breast-side up; push down to flatten.

Tuck wings under breast. Place chickens in a large roasting pan; rub remaining Coriander Sauce over chickens. Season.

4 Roast chickens for 10 minutes.

5 Meanwhile, heat oil in a heavy-based frying pan over high heat. Cook chorizo and onion for 5 minutes or until softened.

Transfer to a bowl; stir in bread, carrot, parsley, currants, egg, stock and reserved 2 tablespoons of Coriander Sauce. Spread mixture in ovenproof dish; smooth surface.

6 Add stuffing to lower oven shelf; roast with chickens for 10 minutes, then add carrots to pan with chickens. Roast for a further 25 minutes or until chickens, stuffing and carrots are browned and cooked through.

Cover chickens loosely with foil; stand for 10 minutes. (The stuffing can cook a little longer while the chicken is standing.)

7 Serve chickens with pan stuffing, carrots and remaining Coriander Sauce. Sprinkle with extra coriander leaves, if you like.

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Slow roasted pork belly with fennel & leek.

LIVING WELL

Mastering the art of tray-bake dinners ELEANOR OZICH Home wellness expert

Are you tired of making and eating the same evening meals? Transform your family’s menu in four easy steps

T

ray-bakes have revolutionised the way I cook during the week. I love the fact there’s almost zero clean-up, and in most cases, this cooking method takes less than 10 minutes of hands-on time in the kitchen. If I have extra time up my sleeve, I’ll often prepare my tray-bakes in the morning, and then simply pop it in the oven just before we are ready to eat.

Now that’s what I call clever cooking.

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All you need is one tray and your favourite seasonal ingredients to make a fantastic, quick and healthy dinner. And if you’re feeding a crowd, serve the dish with a simple salad or some extra rice, mash or pasta, and you’ll have an incredibly satisfying dinner that takes no time at all.

Not sure where to start? Not to worry, as I’m sharing a fun method you can use to whip up new and unique tray-bake dinners.

F STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Start by choosing a protein base ingredient such as meat or seafood: • Beef roast • Butter beans • Leg of lamb • Meatballs • Pork belly • Salmon • White fish • Chicken drumsticks or thighs • Chickpeas, lentils or butter beans.

Combine the protein with seasonal vegetables. A few winter options include: • Broccoli or cauliflower • Carrot, parsnip or beetroot • Cavolo nero, spinach or kale • Celery, fennel and leek • Potatoes or kūmara • Red onion, shallots and garlic.

Add your choice of flavour bombs to add plenty of extra oomph to your dish: • Dijon mustard • Fennel or cumin seeds • Chilli flakes or sliced chilli • Feta, haloumi or ricotta • Slices of orange or lemon • Olives, capers or preserved artichokes • Preserved lemons or sundried tomatoes.

STEP 4 Choose your herbs: • Basil • Chives • Coriander • Dill • Fennel • Mint • Oregano • Parsley • Rosemary • Sage • Thyme.

To finish, consider which liquid you'd like to add to your dish to create an instant sauce: • Red wine for red meat • White wine for fish, pork or chicken • 1-2 cans of crushed tomatoes • 1-2 cups chicken, beef or vegetable stock Note: See the handy tips and tricks on why adding liquid is crucial.

Slow roasted pork belly with fennel & leek

Baked chickpeas with haloumi, onion & thyme

SERVES 4

SERVES 2-3

Preheat the oven to 150°C. Place the pork belly in a large roasting dish, surround with roughly sliced leek, carrot, and apple, then pour over 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock. Sprinkle fennel seeds on top, season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper, then drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. Top with a sprig or two of fresh rosemary, and roast for about three hours.

If the crackling isn’t as crispy as you wish, grill the pork skin until done to your liking.

Preheat the oven to 150°C. In a baking tray lined with baking paper, place 3 cups cooked chickpeas, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp chilli flakes, a finely sliced red onion, a whole bulb of garlic sliced in half lengthwise, and 200g haloumi sliced into 1cm thick pieces.

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with sea salt and cracked pepper. Toss until well coated. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Serve with yoghurt and fresh herbs.

Baked salmon with basil, tomato & lemon

PHOTOGRAPHY ELEANOR OZICH

SERVES 4 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Finely slice 3-4 large kūmara into thin rounds and layer in a roasting dish. Place salmon steaks and cherry tomatoes on top (canned also works well), a few wedges of lemon, then scatter fresh basil on top. Pour 1 cup vegetable stock around the edges, and then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Season with sea salt and pepper, then roast in the oven until the salmon is cooked through, About 30 minutes.

Baked salmon with basil, tomato & lemon.

Handy tips and tricks • I cook most tray-bakes at 180°C. If you are using a larger cut of meat and it needs to be slow-cooked, such as beef roast, a leg of lamb or pork belly, you will need to have more time up your sleeve.

At least 2-4 hours in the oven.

• If in doubt, search for similar recipes online and look at the typically used cooking times and temperatures. If adding potatoes, legumes or vegetables to accompany the meat, keep in mind these will become well-cooked by the end of the process. I love this as all the accompanying ingredients tend to melt together into a delicious sauce.

• To avoid burning or drying out the other ingredients, I always add at least 1-2 cups of stock to most tray bakes. This adds extra moisture and ensures you have a beautiful result with an instant sauce to serve alongside. You could also combine the stock with a splash of white wine for fish or chicken or red wine for beef or lamb.

• Always drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with sea salt and cracked pepper before cooking.

• If using lots of different vegetables in your dish, cut them into similar size pieces so that they cook evenly. Always consider vegetables that take longer to cook, such as beetroot or potato. Cut these smaller to cook faster.

• Salmon, white fish, most types of seafood, and haloumi usually cook in around 15-25 minutes. Ensure you choose complementary ingredients that are quick to cook, such as leek, onion, tomatoes, courgettes, eggplant or spinach. Don’t fret too much about not knowing the exact cooking times. This cooking style can be forgiving, and experimentation is the best way to become intuitive about what will work well.

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ROMANTIC GESTURE Delicate pinks and pretty peach tones set the scene for a meal everyone will love.

Pick wild flowers from your garden and artlessly arrange in a vase. As it’s deepest winter, you can happily add some hardy leaves and dried flowers.

Pretty plates, teacups and soft-coloured glasses add to the atmosphere.

Make the only source of light the soft glow from the candles.

A ROUND T H E TA B L E Give G ive a sense of occasion to a midwinter dinner with with a setting that shows off your styling skills and welcomes guests to dinner Sunnylife Cheers glasses, $28.90 (for two), from Allium.

Salt&Pepper Eclectic side plate, $15.99, from Farmers.

Maya cutlery set, $29 (16-piece), from The Warehouse.

Ned Harmie vase, $39, from Flux Boutique.

Candle,, $$2.90, 2.90,, from Iko Iko.

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F Cluster candelabra, $165, from French Country.

Wedgwood Renaissance plate, $119, from Smith & Caughey’s.

David by Michelangelo candle, $69, from The Axe.

Everyday napkin, $24, from French Country.

CLASSIC TOUCH Nothing suggests timeless style like a table adorned with crystal glasses, candlesticks and fine china.

A whimsical candle masquerading as a bust is a playful extra, even with a classic setting.

Dinner is, after all, about enjoyment.

CAPTION HEADING Doloribero Make like the Queen is quossuntus dolorepel mil illaboris coming to dinner and ut restis aliquuntiat velesti oreius doloreium minvenis polishenis those heirloom quaectatis accus sametum simus candlesticks you plaut eum vel illicia speribu inherited – it’s now scidele cae volestrum eatemor quisAtem rest atem sit,will never. nem A candelabra velent venditatque quaerro cus also create height, eribeatias molo beatur, totatur?

which is key to a successful tablescape.

Setting the table with glassware for every course is an elegant touch.

This is an occasion to get your best china out. A charger plate under soup bowls adds a formal element to proceedings.

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A table runner will anchor a table full of contrasts.

Don’t be tempted to match everything, such as plates.

Make sure everyone has a different one. Plain white isn’t welcome here.

The key to this look is to mix and contrast colours and patterns.

Nothing is too much – stripes with animal print, or botanicals with graphic illustrations.

BRIGHT SPARK Whet the appetite with a riot of cheery colours and bring some sunshine to your winter table.

Marimekko Lokki Pergola Rose paper napkins, $11.95, from Bolt of Cloth.

In the Roundhouse plate, $49, from Superette.

Marimekko Kaksi raita paper napkins, $11.95, from Bolt of Cloth.

Nature is Waiting table runner, $54.95, from Adairs.

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F

ORGANIC INGREDIENTSS Embrace the allure of earthy tones and intriguingly shaped rn, tableware for a modern, relaxed gathering.

Dahlia mugs, $69.99 (for Da four), from Nood.

Legna plate, $21.95, from Freedom.

Avanti Emperor cast iron teapot, $55, from Smith & Caughey’s.

To encourage the informality of this look, set platters of food in the middle of the table and let people serve themselves.

No need for a table runner or tablecloth, let the beauty of a natural wooden table shine through.

Rustic elements such as wooden serving boards and textured hand-made pottery are statement pieces themselves so very little table dressing is needed.

The dark tones of the tablescape ensures the food takes a starring role.

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v a e r l t s y r a n

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A TR

Larb pla ceviche, Thai style

Chefs from some of the New Zealand’s finest retreats share their signature dishes

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F Larb pla ceviche, Thai-style “Thai ceviche is a celebration of raw, marinated fish with spices and herbs chosen to balance the flavours, and lime juice to enhance the sour taste of the fish,” says chef Anne Pen Lee, from Split Apple Retreat, Kaiteriteri, Nelson.

SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS

300g white fish or snapper fillet (see note) 80ml lime juice 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp chilli flakes 2 red shallots, thinly sliced crossways 1 Tbsp soy sauce Juice of 1 lemon 1 spring onion, thinly sliced 1 lemongrass stalk, white part only, very thinly sliced ¼ cup coriander leaves, chopped, plus extra to serve

Split Apple Retreat’s prawns with tamarind sauce

TOASTED RICE POWDER

70g uncooked glutinous rice 2 makrut lime leaves 1 lemongrass stalk, white part only, thinly sliced 1 Cut fish into 1.5cm cubes and place

in a bowl. Drizzle over lime juice and sprinkle with salt. Mix well, then cover and refrigerate for flavours to permeate (a maximum of 30 minutes).

2 For Toasted Rice Powder, place rice, makrut lime leaves and lemongrass in a dry frying pan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the rice begins to brown and lime leaves and lemongrass are dry and crisp (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside to cool. Place rice mixture in an electric spice grinder or coffee blender and grind to a gritty powder (like coffee grounds).

Transfer to an airtight jar and store until required, or for up to 1 month.

3 Meanwhile, for the chilli sauce mixture, place chilli flakes, shallots, soy sauce, lemon juice, spring onion and lemongrass in a bowl, and gently mix well.

4 When the fish is ready, remove from the fridge and drain the liquid. Add fish to the chilli sauce mixture, with toasted rice powder and coriander leaves. Mix well and taste – it should be spicy and sour.

5 Divide ceviche among bowls and scatter with coriander leaves.

Note: You can also use sashimi-grade salmon or tuna for this recipe.

Prawns with tamarind sauce SERVES 4 (as a starter or part of a banquet) INGREDIENTS

12 large green prawns Rice bran oil, for deep-frying 50g rice flour ½ tsp baking powder 60ml coconut cream 80g shredded coconut Mixed salad greens dressed with lime juice, to serve Crisp shallots (optional), thinly sliced Sliced spring onion and coriander sprigs, to serve TAMARIND SAUCE

1½ Tbsp olive oil 1 red onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 125ml tamarind purée 1½ Tbsp soy sauce or tamari, or to taste 40g coconut sugar, or to taste 1 tsp cornflour, mixed with 60ml water Chilli flakes, to taste 1 For the Tamarind Sauce, heat olive

oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and beginning to turn golden (3-4 minutes). Add tamarind purée, soy

sauce and coconut sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture boils. Add cornflour slurry slowly, stirring until the sauce boils and thickens (1-2 minutes).

Stir in chilli flakes to taste and set aside.

2 Peel prawns, leaving tails intact, then make a cut down the back of each prawn from the head to the tail end, taking care not to cut all the way through. Remove and discard the vein.

3 Heat oil in a wok over medium heat until 170°C. 4 Meanwhile, sift rice flour, baking powder and a pinch each of salt and pepper into a bowl. Add coconut cream and 1-2 tablespoons water to form a thick, creamy batter. Holding each prawn by the tail, coat one at a time in the batter, avoiding the tail. Shake gently to remove excess batter, then coat in shredded coconut and place on a tray lined with baking paper.

5 Add prawns to the wok and, in batches, deep-fry until coconut is golden and prawns are just cooked through (2-3 minutes), then drain on paper towel.

6 To serve, divide mixed greens and Tamarind Sauce among plates and top with prawns. Sprinkle with crisp shallots, if using, spring onion and coriander.

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Lemon olive oil rosemary cake

Lemon olive oil rosemary cake “This fragrant cake embodies garden-totable food that lies at the very heart of Te Arai Lodge,” says chef and lodge manager Nicola Moores, Te Arai, Mangawhai. “The seasonal offering of our organic garden is the inspiration for the cake’s unique flavour profile that beautifully marries zingy citrus with rosemary, extravirgin olive oil and floral mānuka honey.

It’s deliciously moist with lingering notes of lemon-pine and a lovely textural bite from the sweet toasted almonds.”

4 eggs, lightly beaten 150ml extra-virgin olive oil 125ml lemon juice Buffalo milk yoghurt, blackberries, lemon zest and rosemary sprig, to serve LEMON HONEY ROSEMARY SYRUP

SERVES 10

50g mānuka honey 2 rosemary sprigs 125ml water 160ml lemon juice

INGREDIENTS

1 For the cake, grease and line the base and

100g natural almonds, roasted 1 piece gluten-free bread, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped 2 Tbsp rosemary, coarsely chopped 100g coconut sugar 2 tsp baking powder, sifted Zest of 1 lemon

sides of a 20cm round springform cake tin with baking paper. Place almonds, bread and rosemary in a food processor, and process until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Transfer to a bowl, add sugar, baking powder and lemon zest, and mix together. Add eggs, oil and lemon juice,

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and whisk to combine.

Transfer to the tin, place cake inside a cold oven and set the oven to 180°C. Bake until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean (25-30 minutes). Place cake on a wire rack, then set aside to cool in the tin.

2 Meanwhile, for Lemon Honey Rosemary Syrup, place ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to the boil and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until reduced and thickened slightly (10 minutes). Using a wooden skewer, pierce the top of the cake in several places and drizzle over the hot syrup.

3 Cut the cake into 10 even slices and serve with buffalo milk yoghurt, blackberries and a sprinkling of lemon zest and rosemary sprig.

Note: If you are not on a gluten-free diet any style of bread can be used.

F Quince and hazelnut frangipane tart “This dessert is one of autumn’s most welcome delights,” says executive chef Jimmy McIntyre, Otahuna Lodge, Tai Tapu, Christchurch.

SERVES 12 INGREDIENTS

3 large quinces Juice of 1 lemon, squeezed into 600ml water 600g caster sugar 900ml water 1 lemon, quartered Icing sugar, for dusting Vanilla bean ice-cream or whipped cream, to serve SWEET TART PASTRY

300g plain flour 75g icing sugar, sieved 125g cold unsalted butter, chopped 1 egg 1-2 tsp ice-cold water HAZELNUT FRANGIPANE

140g unsalted butter, softened 150g caster sugar 1 Tbsp plain flour 2 eggs, beaten with ½ tsp vanilla extract 150g ground hazelnuts

1 For the quince filling, which needs to be

made a day ahead, preheat oven to 130°C. Peel the quinces and remove and discard the cores, then cut them into quarters.

Add them to the water that has been acidulated with lemon juice (this helps to stop discolouration). Place sugar, water and lemon quarters in an ovenproof pan or flameproof casserole over low heat and cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. When the syrup boils, add the drained quinces, then return to the boil. Cover the surface with a cartouche and cover with a tightfitting lid. Transfer to the oven. Cook until tender and the fruit is a deep crimson colour and soft (6 hours). Remove from the oven and cool the quince in the syrup.

2 For Sweet Tart Pastry, place flour, icing sugar and a pinch of salt in a food processor and pulse. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add egg and water and pulse until mixture just comes together as a ball. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and pat into a disc.

Wrap in baking paper and chill for 1 hour.

3 Remove pastry from fridge 10 minutes before rolling out. Grease a 26cm fluted tart tin with removable base. Roll out pastry between two sheets of baking paper until

5mm thick and use it to line prepared tin, leaving a 2cm overhang. Refrigerate to rest (30 minutes).

4 Meanwhile, for Hazelnut Frangipane, place butter and sugar in a food processor and process until pale and creamy. Add the flour. With the motor running, slowly add egg mixture. Add ground hazelnuts and process until combined.

5 Preheat oven to 190°C. Blind-bake tart until edges are golden (15 minutes), then remove baking weights and paper. Return to the oven, reduce temperature to 180°C and bake until pale golden and dry (10-12 minutes). Set aside to cool or until required.

6 To finish tart, preheat oven to 180°C. Remove quince from cooking syrup and drain on paper towel. Arrange quince quarters (or wedges) to cover the base of the tart shell. Pour over hazelnut frangipane and smooth over quince with an offset spatula. Bake the tart until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean and dry (45 minutes). Cover the top of the tart with foil if it is overbrowning.

7 Stand tart for 10 minutes before unmoulding. Dust with icing sugar and cut into 12. Serve with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream.

Recipes extracted from New Zealand: Inspired Escapes + Culinary Journeys (Gourmet Traveller, $64.99).

Quince and hazelnut frangipane tart.

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MAKE A MINT

FOCUS ON COLD BREW

Wyld Focus Coffee with Adaptogens is an interesting blend of cold-brew Fair Trade coffee and functional lion’s mane mushrooms (for mental clarity and focus), also known as adaptogens that help the body adapt to stress and support the immune system. Fortunately, the coffee doesn’t taste like mushrooms, but fully appreciate the fact it has no sugar or dairy. $4.99 per can, drinkwyld.com

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

Sound bites

All the ingredients for kitchen and entertaining success

GOOD READS

Around the Kitchen Table by Sophie Hansen and Annie Herron (Allen & Unwin, $45) A collab with food writer Sophie and her art-teacher mum Annie, this combines their passions for food and art making “good things to cook, create and do – the whole year through”. It may sound a bit mismatched but there are fun recipes such as Herb Jam or Strawberry and Pecan Streusel Cake and art projects like how to execute a beach watercolour or a monochromatic collage.

Mint and dark chocolate is a winning combination so it’s great Kiwi chocolatiers Donovans After Dinner Mint Squares are available now. The soft mint fondant centre encased in 60 percent dark chocolate is a lovely after-dinner or after-lunch treat. $5.99, donovanschocolates.co.nz

Postal Bakes by Lucy Barton (Allen & Unwin, $36.99) Lucy Barton has been baking treats and posting them for a while now. The baking she’s included in this book is robust enough to withstand a bit of rough-handling from the postie. Along with advice about how to package the baking up there are some delicious recipes including Fig, Ginger and Black Cherry Christmas Cake, Lemon and Rose Battenbergs and a killerlooking Kids’ Party Brownie, with lolly inserts.

Around and around Haier’s oven with Rotisserie is a brilliant way to do a Sunday roast. The rotisserie accessory means the meat rotates slowly, helping to keep it moist. Then, use the meat probe to check the temperature so you know when it’s cooked to perfection. The oven also has 10 functions, including the Pastry Plus option to get your pastry perfectly brown, both top and bottom. $1649, haier.co.nz

COOL FRIDGE CHIC

Fancy a fridge in a different colour – or even multiple colours? With Samsung’s Bespoke French Door Refrigerator, you can. With interchangeable panels in a Glam Gloss finishing including white, pink and navy and a Cotta Metal finish in charcoal and white, you can make the fridge the star of your kitchen – or match your colour scheme perfectly to your fridge.

Who’d have thought keeping your milk cold could be so stylish? $6899, samsung.com

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MOTHER OF DRAGONS Little children throughout the ages like snapdragons because the flowers look like the jaws and snout of a dragon and can be pinched to open and snap shut. When starting the seeds indoors in winter, barely cover with moist seed raising mix. Grow by a sunny window until they are big enough to transplant outside. Plant in free-draining soil in a sunny patch – or get your little beastie to do it.

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GARDENS 134 Constant gardener Mary LovellSmith’s tips for winter.

138 Bloom town Mary’s top 10 winter flowers.

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The constant gardener Take some cold comfort this month by doing a little ground work

Garden work

TOP DRESSING Feed fruit trees (but not citrus) with a proprietal fertiliser or with a mulch of compost or well-rotted manure, being careful not to let it rest against the trunks, which can encourage rotting or infection.

MARY LOV E L L- S M I T H Garden editor

July

P R U N E A W AY Plant roses, except in the coldest districts, when August is a better month. Roses may also be pruned now, except for banksias, climbing, species and old-type, non-repeat flowering roses, which are best done just after flowering. Remove weak, spindly, diseased, criss-crossing and dead branches. Then cut remaining stems to just above where the previous season’s growth began, and to an outward facing bud.

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If the ground is not too wet and the soil free draining, early snap and sugar peas, both cool-weather crops, may be sown in all but frost-prone zones, in which case sowing should be delayed until spring. An arrangement of twigs over the row will prevent birds from scratching them up and eating new shoots and also provide support. Peas have shallow roots, which dry out easily, so cover with straw or compost to help soil moisture retention.

W H AT T O P L A N T Garlic and broad beans may also go in now – and sweet peas, again as long as the soil is not sodden.

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Landscape 101 Being a quiet time workwise in the garden, and with the memory of last season’s successes and failures still relatively fresh, these long evenings are perfect for reflecting on what one might want to do differently this coming season – and to start initiating change. It’s time to look at what grew well, and what struggled, and why.

Sometimes it may be a matter of sowing or planting earlier, or shifting plants to somewhere with more or less sun or wind, or a place not in competition with other plants. Other times the reason for failure to thrive in a given spot may be as simple as needing more feed, or water.

Other considerations may be aesthetic – did

the flower colours clash? Did they flower at different times, ruining what was intended to have been a magnificent display. Did one plant dominate or get too big? Should you have planted more of another? Should they be spaced further apart, or further back or forward in the border?

If you had trouble accessing parts of the beds or gardens without trampling plants, it may be a good time to put in stepping stones.

If a hedge borders a garden, consider creating a path, or clear space along its length to ease clipping. It need not be very wide but it will make a world of difference.

Maybe the hedge or rose bed you inherited when you moved in really isn’t your cup of tea.

You’ll know after a year or so whether you want it out. Now’s the time to think about what you might replace it with.

Maybe the children have grown up and no longer use the lawn, why not turn it into garden – ornamental or edible, or combine the two? Or maybe you just feel like change for change’s sake.

Gardening’s many joys are not just to be found in the final product. Rather the dreaming, the planning, the doing, and the anticipation also offer deep satisfaction.

STEAL THIS LOOK In cutting down dead and dying flowers and lopping off seedheads, gardeners are often depriving themselves and other creatures of much joy and sustenance.

The pale low winter sun shining through bedraggled seedheads and highlighting their silhouettes can be exquisite. As is frost or heavy dew shimmering on a finely wrought spider’s web. Leaving seedheads on often also has the practical benefit of providing food for birds (and encouraging them into your garden) and a habitat for a richness of insects. While not all of which may be welcome by fastidious gardeners, it pays to remember that diversity – of plants, creatures, insects, microbes – is the key to a healthy garden.

Some of the more picturesque and productive heads that can be left on include allium, eryngium, echinacea, helenium, opium poppy, phlomis (pictured), rudbeckia, sedum, teasel and, of course, ornamental grasses.

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Get out the knives, pruning time is upon us. Those plants that should be cut back in winter (rather than during the other three seasons) include shrubs that flower on the current season’s wood; deciduous trees and shrubs; bleeders (such as grapevines, figs, acers and beeches); soft fruit including blueberries, black and red currants, gooseberries and autumn-fruiting raspberries; and wisteria, which should be given a second prune in summer. A light dressing of blood and bone stirred gently into flower beds will encourage stronger roots and foliage.

How to… grow rhubarb Rhubarb is known as a gross feeder, which means it loves rich soil. A popular technique is to dig a big hole, preferably somewhere sunny, and filling it threequarters full with compost and manure (horse, cow, sheep, pig or chicken), and topping up the remainder with soil, a handful of blood and bone and some wood ash thrown in for good measure.

Plant crowns 3cm to 4cm deep any time from autumn to spring, which is also when plants are best divided. Water in well and continue to water regularly. If you are determined to maximise the plumpness of your stalks, then feed them a liquid fertiliser once or twice a month. It is best to leave the plant a year or two before harvesting to give it time to establish. A plant’s vitality can also be drained by seed production so cut flowerheads off early.

CONSIDER THIS: RHUBARB FORCER Okay, we have to admit it is almost the elegant sculptural curves of a terracotta forcer as much as how deliciously tender it renders the flavour of rhubarb that make us desire one for our garden. In early spring, when fresh fruit (though technically it is a vegetable) is scarce, a welcome addition to the menu are the soft, sweet pale pink rhubarb stalks. This premature production is triggered by the lack of light reaching the crowns, a process that also tempers their acidity. Superbly simple to use, it is just a matter of filling the forcer with straw and popping it over the emerging rhubarb.

Rotate around plants every year so as not to weaken them.

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S AV E O R S P L U R G E

Pot luck Create a container garden, the decorative possibilities are almost endless Nouveau Bee dairy pail glazed ceramic pot, from $49.99, from Mitre 10.

SPLURGE

Hygge pot, from $149, from Republic Home.

Michael concrete planter, from $109, from Dawson & Co.

Morris & James Mahanga Florin pot, from $148, from Kings Plant Barn.

Clay fibre bullet bowl , from $59.99, from Mitre 10.

Vaas Jack Black pot, from $69.99, from Kings Plant Barn.

How to choose pots

SAVE

Kiwi Garden glazed pot, from $39, from The Warehouse.

+ Ensure there’s a hole in the bottom for better drainage so plants aren’t wet for too long, which can lead to rot or fungus. No hole? Add a layer of gravel at the bottom and/ or put the plant in a plastic pot inside the container. + Always use potting mix, even if your plant is outside.

Regular garden soil can transfer disease. + Frame your entrance with two large pots on either side of the door or on the approach, so they have a purpose.

Or group them in threes in various sizes with the largest at the back. Colour and size variations are good but make sure the pot is the right size or 2.5cm larger than your plant for symmetry.

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10 fabulous

WINTER BLOOMERS Not too many plants flower in winter, so it makes the cheer and hope they offer on bleak days all the more special. We’ve chosen 10 of the best, to suit a host of conditions and aesthetics Text Mary Lovell-Smith

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1

Light my fire

Aloe aborescens hails from south-east Africa, where it grows from the coast to the mountains. With its tell-tale succulent symmetry, the mildly spiky leaves form rosettes that with time form sizeable clumps. Because new growth hides the old, the clump always looks fresh and neat. From each rosette emerges a fiery orange raceme, which gives the candelabra aloe its popular name. This aloe is easy to propagate – break off a rosette and plant it in the sun in free-draining soil. The gel in its leaves is said to have higher concentrations of the medicinal qualities than its cousin, aloe vera, from anti-itch to anti-arthritis to anti-bacterial, you name it, this aloe has heaps of it.

2

Close to home

We know it best as mānuka, the pretty whiteflowered tree that grows throughout most of the North and South Islands as a nursery species in disturbed forests. But Leptospermum scoparium also comes in a weeping, prostrate and dwarf forms, with single and double flowers in white and all manner of pinks, from pale to red. All of them are beloved by bees, flies, moths, beetles and geckos. Once established, it is tolerant of drought, waterlogging, frost, strong winds and a range of other climatic conditions, but it really does best in an open, airy site.

3

Hark and herald

Hakea laurina, known as kodjet by Australia’s Noongar people, is a small and sprawling Western Australian tree prized for its unusual, stunning, spiky, red and cream, globe-shaped flowers. About 5cm in diameter, these appear in late autumn and early winter and are popular with nectar-feeding birds, such as tūī, tauhou (waxeye and silvereye) and korimako (bellbird). Put them somewhere sunny, in free-draining soil, and protect from frost for the first couple of years, and they’re away.

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4

Asian elegance

Also known as japonica or flowering quince, chaenomeles from China and Japan contains several species. Hybrids and cultivars have created an even bigger range, with blossom, either single or double blossoms coming in white through the corals and apricots to scarlet. While the shrub form ranges from semi-prostrate to tall, all have glossy, tangled, twisty, spiny stems studded, often sparingly, in winter with tight, bright buds. Small, hard, golden, fragrant fruit may follow. Larger varieties make impenetrable and attractive hedges, while the more prostrate forms exude an ikebana elegance.

They like full sun or light shade – and anything in between – but the more sun, the more blooms.

6

A rose by any other name

Hellebores’ common name of winter rose is clue enough to both the perennial’s beauty and its inclination to flower in the coldest time of the year. However, it doesn’t give much indication of the range of hellebores available today and their myriad colours, habits and cultivars. Not does it hint at the spread of their native lands, which traverses hefty portions of the northern hemisphere from Asia to Western Europe. All of those most readily available in New Zealand flower from late winter – and in the shade, making them a most useful and attractive low-growing plant, especially under trees or in shrubberies.

5

Dear Daphne

Sweet, spicy with citrus undertones?

Crisply divine? Having one of the most fragrant flowers earns this compact shrub, Daphne odora, a place in the every-gardendeserves-one category. The pretty little clusters of waxy pink and white flowers pick well, and are best grown where they can be readily appreciated, such as by a path, entrance or sitting area. Morning sun or light shade suits them best, somewhere out of the hot sun; and with perfect drainage. As it hates root disturbance, take care when transplanting from its pot into the garden.

Other types of daphne are available in New Zealand, but none smells as sweet as this variety.

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7

Sails in the shade

All cyclamens have the distinctive butterfly-like bloom held above the leaves but there are several species. Cyclamen coum is not the one commonly sold as potted houseplant. That is usually C. persicum, which can be planted outside in similar conditions to C. coum, but it does not flower in winter.

Annoyingly, the plants are often sold in hardware and garden centres simply labelled cyclamen, so unless you buy from a specialist nursery it may be a matter of time seeing if what you have is C. coum. Native to the forests of Crimea across to Iran, like most cyclamen, it likes poor, well-drained soils in the shade, such as under deciduous trees – and hates heavy soils that can get waterlogged.

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8

Cheery cherry

Although details of its parents and its creation are lost in time, it is known that this Japanese cherry, Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ was bred specifically to flower in winter.

And what joy its clusters of pale-pink, fragrant blossom brings. When winter seems it will never end, this small tree reminds us what we can look forward to. In some regions it will flower intermittently from early winter through to early spring, and in all regions it is tree for all seasons, with its deeply serrated leaves colouring up beautifully in autumn. Being an ornamental cherry, it has no fruit.

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9

Sweet as

Wintersweet or Chimonanthus praecox is a small sparse tree from China but its small waxy, almost translucent, lemon and maroon blooms emit a very big fragrance, even on the coldest of days when most other scents fail to launch. These flowers also appear just as the last of the leaves has fallen, giving the plant an unusual elegant beauty. A stem picked and brought inside will fill the room with what has variously been described as lemony, rose or hyacinth-like. However, it ignites your olfactory sensory neurons, you may agree with those who consider it the most beautiful fragrance ever. Plant one now – for they can take up to five years to flower.

10

Frozen beauty

Galanthus nivalis, aka the common snowdrop, doesn’t get much chance in New Zealand to show its special ability courtesy of a cap over the bud to push up through frozen ground and snow. One theory has it evolving to flower in winter when there is more light on the deciduous forest floors of its homeland, which comprises just about all of Europe from Russia to Spain. Also, at that time of year it can flourish without the competition of summer grasses. Tough and pretty much rabbit and deer-resistant, the snowdrop is popular with country gardeners with room to plant magnificent swathes of them. But they look just as good in smaller gardens, but don’t over nurture them – they don’t like rich soils, or drying out in summer.

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01 De’Longhi PrimaDonna Soul coffee machine. I crave little rituals in my day that keep me grounded and create a sense of rhythm to my life.

I like to start with a coffee from my fully automatic De’Longhi coffee machine. It’s such a delicious coffee that always feels like a treat, that I can enjoy from the comfort of home.

02 Environ Rad sunscreen.

In fact, the whole Environ skincare regime. It seems to suit my skin and I’ve noticed a definite difference in the texture and glow of my skin since I started using these products.

04

F I N A L S AY

Can’t live without Five things celebrity cook Annabel Langbein totally rates

A

s one of the country’s best-known cookbook writers, Annabel Langbein’s reputation was cemented for us with her genius three-ingredient Christmas cake (dried fruit, milk, self-raising flour). We can’t do without that but here’s what she would be lost without.

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Woollen socks. I spend a lot of time in the garden and hiking and I love the fact that my Icebreaker woollen socks come with a lifetime guarantee. So many things these days just don’t last and it is great to see this commitment to quality from a Kiwi brand.

05 My microplane. I travel everywhere with this handy little tool as I tend to put a little finely zested lemon rind in almost everything I cook. It gives a lovely fresh brightness to any kind of dish, and is also a very useful tool for grating parmesan, garlic and ginger too.

PORTRAIT FIONA TOMLINSON

03

French bed linen. I once found some handembroidered linen sheets from a trousseau that had never been used. I try to collect vintage linen whenever I’m in France.

Sleeping under these is so luxurious – I always have the best dreams. (These are Baksana, a great local find.)

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ISSUE NO.6

Signature Style magazine is full of real stories from New Zealanders who have built their own Signature Home, plus design inspiration and ideas for yours. Featuring twelve stunning homes across New Zealand, plus an insight into all you need to know about building a new home – from construction finance and building guarantees right down to the step-by-step building process, Signature Style is a must-read if you’re considering a new build.

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