Myspace - September 2019 by Sun Media

ISSUE 7, 2019

Craft & Quality Catering for every budget with craft and quality. From bespoke architectural designs to kitset creations.

www.horizonhomes.co.nz ARCHITECTURAL • DESIGN & BUILD • KITSETS

We’re giving away a Showerdome® worth $299!

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Steamed mirrors, condensation on walls and ceilings, slippery floors and mould are year-round annoying home issues caused by shower steam, which can add significant costs to house upkeep. Not to mention that a dry warm house is also a healthy house, as damp bathrooms are the perfect place for fungus and bacteria to grow, causing serious health problems. Showerdome® solves all these problems, controlling steam, reducing condensation and making the house healthier and warmer. A Showerdome® shower top consists of a clear acrylic dome that prevents steam from forming when fitted on top of an existing shower box. With no on-going costs it is the most effective investment one can make for a home or rental property. Showerdome® also makes mirror demisters and extractor fans redundant and could save the average household around $250 in energy costs alone.

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To enter simply email us with ‘SHOWERDOME’ in the subject line to go into the draw to WIN! Hamish

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Phone 07 571 1103 or 027 215 6717 hamish@brookslandscapes.co.nz Design & Plans

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*Entries close 29 Fbruary 2020. Winner will be notified by email and prize despatched to their chosen delivery address. We have 1x DIY Showerdome® kit to give away valued at $299 (installation by a trained local Showerdome® installer is available at standard pricing)

www.showerdome.co.nz

13 Welcome to MySpace, a free magazine to capture, captivate and motivate the energetic and increasingly growing local design, build and renovation market. When searching for ideas for your dream home or how to improve existing property with the latest styles and trends, look no further than MySpace!

16 32

Small details create big impression

Bridgette Tapsell: My Favourite Space

Key things for choosing timber flooring

The right kind of Reno

Making a dramatic difference

Summer landscaping tips

Why wardrobes are worth it

Colour trends forecast

Unusual choices equal exceptional result

Jump right in

Connecting Past & Present

Creating a kitchen on a shoestring

House of The Year award winners

Impressive outdoor spaces

When style meets substance

Pascal Tibbits: My Favourite Space

How to afford a new kitchen or bathroom 71 Professional Services

For all advertising enquiries contact: Kathy Sellars on 07 928 3053 or 027 211 9193 kathy@sunmedia.co.nz

www.myspacemagazine.co.nz myspacemagazine Editorial: Jo-Marie Baker Photography: Bruce Barnard, John Borren, Daniel Hines, supplied Advertising: Sharon Eyres, Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon, Kathy Sellars, Chloe Howard Graphic Design: Kym Johnson, Kathy Sellars

MySpace is a SunMedia Ltd publication ÂŠ All material is copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

myspace Issue 7

Small details create big impression Kitchen sculleries, walk-in wardrobes and ensuite bathrooms are enviable additions to any home – but one Avenues couple has taken these spaces to a whole new level thanks to an eye for detail, design flair and impeccable workmanship. Sue and Doug Eng built a stunning 284m² house with harbour views on 13th Avenue last year after returning home from Melbourne in 2017. They engaged Sean Wood from Creative Kitchens & Interiors to design, manufacture and install the cabinetry in their kitchen, scullery, laundry and bathrooms plus create a walk-in wardrobe that a Hollywood star would be proud of. “We thought: ‘If we’re going to do it, let’s do it right’,” Sue explains. Creative Kitchens & Interiors were voted ‘Most Trusted joinery manufacturer’ in Tauranga last year and the couple asked director Sean Wood to design a kitchen and scullery that had a classic Hamptons feel with a modern twist. All panels, doors and drawers are ‘shaker style’, constructed the traditional way with mortice and tenon joints. The kitchen island’s cabinetry is lacquered in Resene Indian Ink which perfectly complements the Smartstone Calacatta Blanco benchtop. “I wanted something a bit different for the kitchen island,” Sue says. “I had seen navy blue cabinets on Pinterest and showed it to Sean. When our cabinetry came out of his spray booth, he texted me to say: ‘Indian Ink is really out there’. I texted back to say: ‘Out there good or out there bad?’ He replied saying: ‘Out there amazing!’ Sean is so lovely to work with. He makes you feel good about your choices.” Sue wanted brushed brass knobs for her kitchen cupboards to

match her tapware and Sean came up with a novel way of delivering the goods. “He couldn’t actually source the knobs but he didn’t tell me that. Sean’s big on getting you want you want, so he bought shiny ones and sanded them all. They arrived looking exactly how I wanted them to, but he had made it happen.” Glass panels have been inserted into several cupboard doors to create interest and floating shelves – made of American white oak – are a key feature in the scullery. “They were Sean’s idea. He showed me the raw timber and said: ‘That’s for you’.” A double-door fridge, built-in wine rack, large sink with waste disposal and an instant hot-water tap are all tucked away in the scullery where there is ample storage and a mirrored splashback to visually extend the space. myspace Issue 7

“It was a really good process working with Sean. He’s very good at listening to what you want – not telling you what you should have,” Sue says. Two dishwashers are included – a full size version in the scullery, hidden behind white cabinetry, and a single dish drawer underneath the main kitchen island. “It’s very practical. We had 16 people over for dinner recently and I brought all the dishes out to the scullery and put all the glassware through the dishwasher in the main kitchen. The layout makes it very easy to entertain a crowd.” American white oak has also been used to create dividers in the cutlery drawers and as an extra special touch, Sean also fashioned a matching floating mantlepiece in the couple’s living room. “Often what goes on behind the façade of the kitchen is forgotten,” Sean explains. “The right choice of hardware and inserts play a huge part in the finished kitchen. For us, Hafele is our preferred choice. Oak cutlery and utensil inserts are an obvious replacement to the off-the-shelf plastic ones. Again, ours are hand-made to suit the client’s needs.” Aesthetic beauty and attention to detail is also evident in the walkin wardrobe and two bathrooms vanities that Sean has created. In the wardrobe itself, a beautiful island cabinet with a glass top sits in the middle of the space, displaying Doug’s collection of watches alongside ties, necklaces and other trinkets. A series of drawers sit directly underneath and two upholstered seats are positioned either side, allowing Sue and Doug to sit down if they wish to contemplate their sartorial choices or put on shoes. Extensive ‘his’ and ‘her’ cabinetry made from Bestwood Dark Oak Woodgrain surround three walls and feature a mix of drawers, shelves and sophisticated clothing racks from Germany. “We’ve got seven drawers each so it’s really well designed,” Sue says. “Sean picked up on the fact that we needed a lot of functionality as well as wanting it to look good.” The extensive shelving allows plenty of space for shoes, handbags, hats and other accessories to be displayed – items which are normally hidden away at the back of wardrobes and often forgotten about. An elegant chandelier adds to the luxurious feel and a large gilded mirror finishes off this enviable wardrobe which is most definitely a ‘room’ in its own right. Custom-made 1800mm and 1200mm vanities have been installed in the master bedroom’s ensuite and downstairs bathroom respectively. They’re both lacquered in Resene Surrender – a soft grey colour which ties in beautifully with the marble tiled floor. “We couldn’t find any pre-made vanities that we liked so Sean designed these ones from scratch,” Sue explains.

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Beneath each vanity’s cabinets, Sean has fitted a single slatted shelf so rolled-up towels can be displayed – another point of difference that Sue and Doug appreciated. “He’s really good at suggesting ideas to create a bit of interest.” Sue wanted brushed nickel handles for the vanity cupboards (rather than standard chrome) to match her tapware, and she was grateful Sean managed to source them for her. The laundry is often an after-thought when building or renovating – but the Engs worked with Sean to create a large functional space that looks as high-spec as the rest of the house. Beneath the 3.5m-long laundry bench are multiple cupboards and a concealed basket to store dirty washing, which is delivered from the bedroom via a laundry shoot. “I wanted a good laundry,” Sue explains. “I like to be able to fold my washing here and sort through everything. I’ve also got so many shelves that I’ve struggled to find items to fill them!” Looking back, Sue and Doug are thrilled with the choices they’ve made and the level of service they received from Creative Kitchens & Interiors. “A lot of people are pushed around to do what fits the supplier. But at the end of the day it’s your home, so you’ve got to stick to what you want. Sean really stood out because he had great ideas, he listens and he’s open to change.

The quality of our cabinetry is exceptional and we’re thrilled with how everything turned out.” Sean says quality and the client always come first at Creative Kitchens and Interiors. “We don’t live day-to-day in the spaces we create, our clients do. We have to ensure our clients are left happy with their choices and safe in the knowledge our joinery will last them for years to come,” he says. “At the end of the day, we are only as good as our clients. We always invite our clients to view their assembled kitchen in the factory and we knew we had Doug and Sue’s right when they came in. Sue started to cry so we had the tissues ready! “We approach each project individually and guide, not coerce, our clients,” Sean says. “We also endeavour to change the relationship from clients to friends. Our relaxed approach, honesty and quality craftsmanship serves us well. Our ‘friends’ see and understand that. It is very rare the relationship ends after the project is complete; we always stay in touch, go back to the home to adjust and tighten anything the client may feel needs a tweak, and in return, we get a smile and some home baking which is always the best reward.”

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A little something special A well-chosen piece of original furniture can make all the difference to the look and feel of a room. At Paisley House Furniture & Home Interiors, you will always find that unique touch to help your décor stand out from the crowd. Owner Linda Murphy opened her popular Tirau store 18 months ago, and has just launched a second shop in Hamilton. Her beautiful range of handcrafted furniture and home decor is also available online, although many Bay of Plenty customers enjoy the drive ‘over the hill’ to choose pieces for themselves. “People always like to see our furniture in person,” she says. “It’s important for us to source quality pieces and pass those reasonable prices onto the customer as well. Because we are a direct importer, we can offer that.” Paisley House is renowned for stocking an eclectic mix of vintage, rustic, industrial and country charm pieces, along with a touch of boho. “We aim to stock classic pieces that won’t date. We do mix them with modern contemporary wall art in-store so you can actually see how that works with vintage furniture,” Linda explains. Those with discerning tastes will also be pleased to know stock is always limited –

there’s virtually no chance of seeing your item in someone else’s home. “We do vintage furniture pieces which are one-offs – they’re not going to be replicated anywhere. And we only ever order two or three pieces of other items.” Paisley House sources its range from India, as well as New Zealand and Australian wholesalers. Each piece of furniture is either a high quality original, which has been lovingly restored, or has been reproduced with its own unique character using recycled materials or wood from sustainable forests. There’s a continuous flow of new arrivals in both the Tirau and Hamilton stores, and Linda strives to keep up with seasonal and European trends. “Our galvanised garden range is quite popular right now,” she says. “We’ve got lots of gorgeous planters and vintage buckets. It’s mainly for outdoors but they can be used inside as well. The prices are so affordable and the quality is excellent.” The Tirau store is located at 28 Main Road, SH1, Tirau, and is open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm The Hamilton store at 856 Victoria Street (North end of Victoria Street next to The Curtain Studio) is open Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am4pm. Items are also available for viewing and online ordering at: www.paisleyhouse.co.nz

Direct importers of quality handcrafted furniture & unique home decor

furniture & home interiors

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Bridgette Tapsell

When Bridgette Tapsell opens her front door, a swathe of teal-coloured silk suspended from the ceiling behind her catches your eye. The soft u-shaped loop isn’t a hammock, or a sling, or a piece of art. The apparatus is, in fact, Bridgette’s favourite space within her Matua home – a place where she can practise aerial yoga, quietly meditate and feel as though she’s “flying” in the midst of her busy entrepreneurial life. “I know it’s a really whacky thing to have in the entrance of your home but my kids use it all the time too,” explains the writer and PR businesswoman. “It’s just a quiet place where you can get in touch with your breath, move into some complex yoga positions and get all the benefits from inverting your body and stimulating those left/right brain connections.” Beside the yoga loop sits a mustard, retrostyle rocking chair and a bookshelf packed with Maori literature, personal development books and famous novels. The morning sun streams through the window and a framed piece of flax art, made by a relative, hangs on the wall. “I like to sit here with a smoothie or coffee and look at my books,” she says. “I’ve read 70 per cent of them and I always wonder when I’ll find time to read the rest.” People say no-one has time to read anymore because they’re all trying to write the next great 8

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novel and Bridgette is a classic case in point. She began writing her debut novel ‘Hāngī Pants’ four years ago and is now racing to get it finished so filming can begin next February on the associated short film. “There’s now a lot of pressure on to finish the book!” Pressure is something Bridgette is used to. She runs two acclaimed PR agencies – Village and Whare PR, both based at Mount Maunganui – and works with many high-profile clients to communicate their messages on a local, national and international stage. Bridgette says the entrance space in her home is a deliberate ode to the arts, and helps her to relax, re-focus and re-energise while juggling family and business commitments. A pair of golden Adidas soccer boots are perched on the bookshelf also – a special purchase by her soccermad son, Jack, who agreed they were an artwork and too beautiful to cover in mud. Framed pictures of loved ones hang on the wall behind the mustard chair, and a portrait of her great grandmother, Te Kahui, takes centre stage. Bridgette is of Te Arawa decent (Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Pikiao) and works hard to champion Maori culture, Te Reo, innovation and business success through her latest venture, Whare PR. The space is finished off by a curved glass lamp from Freedom Furniture. “This is a really 1970s house so I just tried to keep in with that theme,” she explains. “Everything in this room is fun. “And I believe anything that’s fun, has to be good for you!”

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The meth testing industry has gone through a significant shakeup over the last year. While this has had the positive effect of stripping down an overcrowded industry, some of the changes have left property owners shaking their heads. The release of the Gluckman report created a huge amount of uncertainty around whether landlords need to test for methamphetamine contamination in their rental properties. Currently we are in a situation where we have two documents that are referenced in relation to meth contamination - the New Zealand Standard (NZS8510:2017), which has the acceptable contamination level for high use areas set at 1.5ug/100cm2; and the Gluckman report, which has the acceptable level of contamination set at 15ug/100cm2. So which document should you use? It is this uncertainty that has created a situation where landlords are often taking the

risk of not testing properties prior to renting them out. This produces a poor outcome for all involved. On the one hand, landlords are often left not having met their insurance obligations of being able to produce a “pretenancy test” should things go awry. And on the other hand, tenants face the risk of being placed into a rental property that may well contain methamphetamine contamination and as such are exposed to the associated health risks. At the time of writing this, we are all eagerly awaiting the release of the Tenancies Amendment Act 2019, which is due for release on August 27. This will hopefully clarify the Government’s stance on methamphetamine contamination, which will allow all of us to move forward with confidence. Landlords have had a tough time of it lately. They have faced the bright-line test, ring-fencing, insulation requirements, the Healthy Homes Standard, or HHS, and the list goes on! With all of this happening,

it is no surprise that the legislation, which came into effect in April 2018 and relates to asbestos risk management, has completely flown under the radar. Most property management companies are now realising that it is the landlord’s responsibility (and the property manager as a PCBU) to identify Asbestos-Containing Material, or ACM, in their property, prior to having work done on site. The reason for this is that the legislation states it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that an Asbestos Risk Management Plan is created prior to any working being done in a rental property that may disturb any ACM. It is for this reason that we are encouraging landlords to have their rental properties put through a Non-Invasive Visual Inspection for asbestos. This will allow them to identify all the potential ACM in the property, which not only allows them to ensure that they are meeting their legal obligations but assists in ensuring the safety of their tenants and their contractors.

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support@activetestingsolutions.co.nz

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Natural Timber Flooring CONTACT THE SPECIALISTS For complimentar y samples, Timber advice, and inspiration

forteflooring.co.nz | 0508 35 66 77 features 12Image | myspace Issue 7 Bordeaux Oak, Mount Maunganui Residence

Key things to consider when choosing timber flooring Jemima Wiltshire, Forté Flooring

Timber flooring is a wonderful investment to add to your home, its natural beauty can act as the foundation for the look and feel of your interior, while adding character and texture that cannot be achieved with any other floor covering. Look & feel Floors with lots of knots and feature lend themselves to a rustic homely feel, while floors with minimal knots and features can create a modern minimal feel. Lighter coloured floors can open up a space while dark floors can make a space feel smaller. Plank size also plays a part; narrow planks can make a room look cluttered, medium planks suit most spaces and wide planks can be used to add a feeling grandeur and spaciousness.

Practicality The more different tones and textures in your flooring, the more it will hide – and vice versa. The more solid a colour you choose, the more it will show. For ultimate practicality we recommend avoiding very light or very dark colours with little colour variation.

Longevity The lifespan of a timber floor is related to the wear layer (area of real timber above the tongue). The thicker the wear layer, the more times the floor can be sanded back and re-finished and therefore the longer the expected lifespan of the floor. The wear layer also affects the price – if you have a smaller budget you may want to choose a thinner wear layer.

Height requirements With new builds there are often levels set up such as the height of your joinery or kitchen, which can determine the thickness of flooring you need to choose. For renovations, you may be overlaying the flooring on an existing surface and need to minimise thickness. Or if removing and replacing old flooring you may like to match the previous height, so it matches up with your existing joinery.

Price As with most products you usually get what you pay for. Try to buy from a reputable store that is able to provide sound answers to any questions you have about the product. If you are trying to choose between a number of different products, ensure you are comparing like with like. Remember not to judge solely on price, but to compare the quality also! For more timber expert advice visit: forteflooring.co.nz

Durability For ultimate durability and scratch resistance we recommend using a hard timber species such as oak together with a hardwearing finish. Lacquers are usually a great finish option, being very hardwearing, stain resistant and requiring very little maintenance. Alternatively, oil finishes are extremely natural looking but require regular maintenance and can be susceptible to staining.

Construction If you want a timber floor that is going to stay looking great for a long time, engineered flooring is the way to go! An engineered structure helps to resist movement in the floor and keep the boards straight and true. Some of the most common types of engineered flooring are 3-layer and multi-layer – we believe the multi-layer type is the most stable type.

Manor Atelier Malachite, Mt Maunganui. Architect – Brendon Gordon.

Smartfloor Sandstone Oak, Mt Maunganui. Architect – Brendon Gordon.

Smartfloor Antique Oak, Mt Maunganui. Architect – JMAC Architecture. myspace Issue 7

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The right kind of Reno’ Justine Mclachlan – The Independent Design Co

Renovating to ‘Sell or Stay’. Is it really any different? I would say yes and no, as the budget is always the main factor for either project. Knowing where to spend your money to get the biggest bang for your buck is the key when selling, which can differ when renovating your own home – as this will always be more subjective to how you would like to live.

Key areas to highlight When selling, kitchens, bathrooms and master bedrooms are always winners for a buyer. However, for your own home you may be happy with just freshening up the bathroom or kitchen and using the remainder of that budget on an outdoor entertaining area or a pool for the family. When it comes to your own renovation the key has to be keeping it in an investment range that means you aren’t a slave to paying it off! Keeping your renovation neutral if you are looking to sell is still the right decision to make – regardless of what some popular TV renovation shows will tell you.

Neutral colours Colour is fantastic but only when done well and generally under the supervision of a professional colour consultant to make sure you get the ‘Wow’ factor not the ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa’ response. A buyer needs to see

the house as their new home. Keep in mind that colour is emotive and will not suit everyone, therefore doing what you think is great may just turn a potential buyer straight back out the door! Letting light in to your home is the ultimate starting point. Although trees are lovely, if they make your home dark no amount of white paint on the walls will brighten up the space. When you have plenty of light it not only makes the room feel bigger and warmer but also allows you to move in to deeper more moody palettes. However, neutral doesn’t have to be white-on-white or boring, there are beautiful colour palettes just off to the side in stony colours, caramels and greys. Don’t be afraid to add features and layers of textures to these neutral colours but just make sure you aren’t too bold on the items that are expensive to change for a buyer should they not like what you have done.

Like I always say: Don’t be afraid to spend the money on the professional to get the parts of the job right that you don’t feel 100 per cent sure on. Staying or going, this will be the best money you will spend on your renovation for sure. Remember to have fun!

Bang for your buck Painting is the biggest bang for buck and will transform a home instantly. Get stuck in here and do everything, mask up and prep areas to make sure you get the best result possible or if you are not capable or confident, getting in the professionals is worth every penny! Be careful with your spend in the area of kitchen and bathrooms, unless the property is in an area that will return you the money for stone bench tops and top-of-the-line fitouts, the range of products now available will produce an amazing result and allow you to do more elsewhere as well. After

After

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e spoke Last issue MySpac mily and to the Gerrand fa ruction as an Transform Const of this Avenues epic renovation ay. See what home got underw â&#x20AC;Ś it looks like now

We are a team built company that listens to our clients to make their dream a reality. We encourage an open and honest relationship with our clients, because we want to make your building experience as enjoyable and relaxed as we can Braedon Buxton Director/Project Manager

P : 027 469 2357 E : Braedon@transformconstruction.co.nz

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Small details make dramatic difference The absolute highlight of any renovation is the end result and Lee and Mark Gerrand couldn’t be happier the transformation of their 11th Avenue home is now complete. “The best bit is being finished, without a doubt,” Lee laughs. The 1950s home, which sits high on a steep bank overlooking Memorial Park and Tauranga’s glistening harbour, is now a glorious open-plan sun trap where the Gerrand family can spread themselves out and entertain whilst still retaining their privacy. The stunning view was the main reason why the former Hamilton-based family bought the four-bedroom home in July 2018. “We liked the fact no-one could build out our view,” Lee explains. Glass balustrades now enclose the spacious 27m² upper deck so the firstclass view remains unobstructed. The deck itself is made of Garapa, a South American tropical hardwood which is a warm golden-coloured timber. The same wood is used downstairs to enclose the family’s new 6.5m x 2.7m salt-water swimming pool and features some clever design details which Braedon Buxton’s team at Transform Construction enjoyed putting together. Hidden doors and hinges have been installed to discretely store the pool’s cover, pumps and pipework beneath the deck itself. “It was a great idea and means nothing is sitting there taking up space,” Braedon explains. Beside the pool, tucked underneath the shelter of the upstairs deck, is a large spa. The same Garapa wood has been used to create a side wall and overhead feature but each board has been trimmed 20mm to create noticeable gaps. “The decking boards underfoot still line up with the wall but we’ve introduced gaps as an attractive point of difference. As well as catching your continued...

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eye, it also helps with drainage on the deck above. When it rains, you don’t want water pooling up there,” he says. Transform Construction began gutting the entire upper floor of the home just before Christmas. Numerous walls have been moved and the entire space re-lined and re-decorated to create an ultra-modern kitchen (including butler’s pantry), dining room, two separate living rooms, master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, as well as a separate toilet and laundry. “We’ve been doing reno’s a long time and each one is different,” Braedon says. “I’m really stoked with the outcome and the guys are rapt with how it all turned out. There are always surprises along the way with an older house – we found some areas of rot in the roof, and the whole laundry floor was sitting on a single pile. That space has now become the ensuite so we had to rebuild that whole section of floor.”

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The biggest challenge for the builders and subcontractors was negotiating the Gerrand’s narrow, steep driveway. “We couldn’t really fit trucks up there so everything had to be pushed or carried uphill. It provided quite a workout!” One of the few original design elements that remain are the rectangular-shaped Michelangelo ceiling tiles in the open-plan kitchen, dining and living room. “They’re common in homes of this era but really hard to find new,” Braedon says. “We carefully pulled some down from the indoor conservatory which we demolished and re-used them.” The home’s carpet was also retained as Lee was more than happy with the sandy colour. “It was pretty much new when we bought the house so there was no need to replace it.” Some sections of carpet were carefully uplifted, rolled and stored offsite by Transform Construction, while a heavy-duty

plastic film was put down elsewhere to protect the floor from work boots, dust and messy materials. Lee says she had a clear vision for the overall ‘look’ of her home, particularly the kitchen, but engaged interior designer Justine Mclachlan from The Independent Design Co. to bounce ideas off and devise the right colour scheme. The crisp and modern aesthetic has been brought to life by painting both the interior and exteriors walls in Dulux Quarter Okarito, with pops of cedar slatting outside. Indoors, an engineered stone benchtop makes a concrete-coloured statement in the kitchen, while the splashback tiles are a beautiful mix of textures and patterns in a dark obsidian colour. “I just saw those tiles and loved them,” Lee admits. “Justine was very clever when it came to choosing the ‘right’ white – one that’s not too yellow or too grey. She’s also very good at picking those little details. I was always sending her photos of things that I saw in shops and liked and she’d say ‘yes grab it’ or ‘no way’.” That style of collaboration ultimately led to Lee purchasing several eye-catching items which now take pride of place in her new home. An iconic David Trubridge light fitting hangs next to the master bed, casting intricate shadows on the walls at night. And in the hallway, two large circular pendant lights hang over the staircase and create a ‘Wow’ factor as soon as you step through the front door. “I found those at Design Depot at the Mount,” Lee recalls. “I thought they were so cool so immediately sent a picture to Justine.” Another firm statement can be found in the master bedroom’s ensuite. The large glass shower panels have been printed with black horizontal and vertical stripes, so it appears you’re looking through separate windowpanes rather than one solid piece of glass. “That was Justine’s idea too and I think it’s really impressive,” Lee says. Inspiration for the rest of the room came from a picture in a magazine and combines large grey polished wall and ceiling tiles with other character features. “I didn’t want normal taps so I myspace Issue 7

choose industrial-looking gun metal grey ones, and I didn’t want a plain white vanity either. I wanted something a bit special and a bit different.” The wooden white-washed vanity Lee chose complements the earthy tones found elsewhere in the house, including a layered plywood look which seals the exposed edges of the laundry and butler’s pantry benchtops, and floating shelves found in the study nook. A stylish barn door has been used to conceal the couple’s walk-in wardrobe, and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors separate the study nook from the main living room. Braedon chose not to put handles on the three sliding door panels so they seamlessly blend into the living room walls. Reconfiguring the entire upstairs level has also had another positive spin-off, Lee says. “It’s a beautiful warm house now. We took the opportunity to insulate all the walls and install double glazing. We rarely turn the heater on and we don’t often close both sets of curtains.” Back outside, the Gerrands worked with Stacey from Modernscape NZ in Papamoa to create a tropical, coastal feel around their pool and front garden.

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“Stacey was amazing to work with. We talked through the look we wanted to achieve and she sourced all the plants for us, which Mark and I then planted ourselves. During Queen’s Birthday weekend we put in 104 plants...our spa hadn’t yet been installed. We could have really used it then!” South African totara trees have been planted across the front of the property and will grow into an attractive hedge in the coming years. The wide concrete steps leading up to the front door are now about all that remains of the original house Lee and Mark bought 14 months ago. Lots of visitors have already come to stay since work finished in July, and have been suitably impressed. Lee and Mark say they are incredibly grateful to Transform Construction for being so approachable and easy to work with. “Nothing was ever a problem including our change in design along the way as the project developed. “Braedon was so supportive and excellent at problem solving and thinking things through to give us the best outcome. This is the first renovation we have ever done. It is incredibly stressful at times but thanks to Braedon’s support he made it easy for us.”

““II lo llove ov ve e Sq Squirrel Squ uiirrrrrrel el be because... bec “They made my home purchase possible.”

Smart money choices made simple

“They helped us get a new roof, insulate our childrens’ rooms and replace the old timber frames with double glazing.”

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When the paving is the pool coping!!

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Summer landscaping tips Hamish Brooks – Brooks Landscapes

With warmer weather, barbecues and poolside parties comes the need for the use of our outdoor areas. This means getting ready and upping your landscape game as we near summer months. It’s about making a ‘tick list’ of what we need to do to prepare our gardens and outdoor spaces. We want to create the perfect outdoor lifestyle experience for the summer. Here are some simple ways that can help you prepare the gardens, lawns and outdoor areas.

First impressions do count Landscaping makes an impact and completes the home. We put so much time and effort into our home maintenance, but we shouldn’t forget the outside – the framing of our houses. This is where a picture can speak a thousand words, so set aside time and put the effort in to your outdoor and garden spaces. They are connected and complement each other.

Mow your lawns regularly Your lawnmower is among the most important landscaping tools you have. Most lawns need mowing once-a-week depending on growth rates. It not only makes the place look great but it’s also critical for proper lawn care. Also, cutting grass on the highest setting and continuing to reduce it as the summer progresses, is the key to preventing the onset of a brown and spotted lawn. Also consider timber mowing strips, which keeps appearances neat and tidy.

Feed and fertilise accordingly It’s important to remember to feed and fertilise your lawns and your gardens so they remain healthy. At the end of the day, fertilising is still one of the best and most important landscaping maintenance choices that needs to be made.

Brighten up the garden areas Take inspiration from the warmer temperatures by maybe adding colour to your garden. Spruce up those areas that maybe need a splash of colour, add flowers to garden beds or pots on the deck. Creative touches such as a climbing flower along a trellis or a fence can be a real feature. Also maybe consider artworks or a water sculpture to create a garden feature.

Watering gardens and lawns When it comes to hydration, the best time to water is in the early morning while temperatures are lower and grass and plants can make better use of the hydration – your roots will thank you. Also consider putting in a water irrigation system. This will make the most of water efficiency and there are many affordable systems out there.

Weed out your enemies Consider weeds enemy number one. Set aside a little time each week to roll up your sleeves and throw on your favourite garden gloves to pluck those pesky guys out of your gardens. Also remember to pick up your garden shears on a regular basis to keep borders

neatly trimmed and to ensure evergreen shrubs appear orderly and uniform.

Planting Be intentional when planting your garden. We know it can be tempting to mix and match lots of different plants but try to resist your urges. Cut back the chaos and achieve a crisp, clean landscape look by sticking to plants with similar textures and planting like flowers in groupings. Also stick to symmetry, as this will create an instant appearance of balance and harmony in your outdoor space.

Enjoy your backyard With all that challenging work and effort you put in, never forget to take a break and relax and enjoy your outdoor living spaces. If you need some extra help with any landscaping service, please contact us. We are honest, affordable and reliable and are experienced in various garden styles including formal gardens, contemporary design outdoor areas, new residential, decks and fencing and so much more. www.brookslandscapes.co.nz

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Why wardrobes are worth it Investing in new wardrobes isn’t usually a renovation priority but Mount Maunganui’s Nicole Emmett wishes she’d done it sooner. These small-yet-vital spaces can make a massive difference to the function and appearance of any home. “Having four kids you need to be super organised,” Nicole says. “Having your wardrobes all laid out and knowing you have a place for everything just makes my life so much easier.” Nicole renovated three bedroom wardrobes in her Waitui Grove home earlier this year, turning the old-fashioned ‘shuttered’ spaces into real ‘Wow’ features.

“The old wardrobes were quite unusable. The shelving was all off to the side and I thought if we opened it all up it would look a lot nicer. I then extended the height as well and put mirrored doors on the front.” Nicole sent the measurements through to NZ Wardrobes and told them exactly what she was after. “They just came back with these incredible designs. They did exactly what I asked for!” A double wardrobe in the master bedroom was extended into a triple; a single wardrobe in another room has now changed into a double; and the space inside the last single wardrobe is now much more usable. Nicole’s children, aged 13, 10, 9 and 8, now all have designated areas where they can easily put their stuff away.

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“The double stacking wardrobes – where you can put tops at the top, and hang pants down the bottom – that’s a bit of a game-changer because you can separate out all your items and actually visualise what you’ve got. That for me has honestly been the best feature. “Then I’ve got some open shelves where I’ve got all my shoes and stuff, then the drawers to just tidy everything away. There’s enough shelving I can actually just put a nice little display feature on there as well.” Feng Shui is a concept dear to Nicole’s heart and having mirrors in the bedroom is a definite no-no. So NZ Wardrobes put a plain panel on the front of each wardrobe so the mirrored panels can slide in behind and effectively ‘disappear’. “NZ Wardrobes drew it all up for me. We switched a few bits and pieces round to work with how it would look when the doors would be open at night to hide the mirrors. They were really helpful.” New carpet and fresh paint completed the bedroom facelifts and Nicole says there’s nothing she would change. “The company was great and easy to work with. They were happy to work around my timeframes for when the carpet and everything else was going in which was great. I just wish I had done it sooner!”

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PUTTING SMILES ON KIWI FACES SINCE 1967

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Phone 027 210 5033 paramountpools.co.nz sapphirespas.nz

Quality stone surfaces

Pacific Stone presents by Archant Florim Stone is the latest in Ultra-compact surfaces. It is a large format, lightweight and versatile surface with an extremely high impact aesthetic. This product is: • Ultra-high heat resistant, meaning no more need for hot mats. • Guaranteed to never fade and UV resistant, making it great for outdoor use. • Superior stain & scratch resistant. • Non porous, making it easy to clean and hygienic. Porcelain stoneware is a mixture of natural materials pressed and subjected to a firing process at over 1200°C. This makes the surface resistant to wear, mechanical stress and thermal stress; even from the hottest pans. The fabrication and cutting of this surface requires highly technical and advanced equipment and experience. Pacific Stone are the only approved Archant Florim Stone Fabricators in Tauranga. This means through our internationally trained fabricators and the latest- high end machinery, you can be assured that you are in safe hands. Call in or see us at our showroom or call our free phone number 0800 100 078 to discuss your ideas. Michael Cooper Architects. Photos: Mark Scowen Photography

51-53 Koromiko St, Judea, Tauranga t: 07 578 5024 | f: 07 578 2706 | t: 0800 100 078 www.pacificstone.co.nz myspace Issue 7

Check out the colour trends forecast

Wall and Floor: Resene Suits Fireplace: Resene Noir 28

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Resene Factory 111 Textured Wallpaper Collection

When you’re planning to decorate your home, looking to the latest colour and decorating trends is an easy way to get new ideas and inspiration. Here’s a few of the new trends to help you get inspired. Embracing the dark

Dark hues are cocooning in bedroom and living spaces, creating spaces to hunker down and relax in, away from busy life. Use a tone on tone palette where the darkest colour leads the design and progressively lighter versions are added to complete the look. Remember to add in texture too. The trend to darker colours is best emphasised by matte finishes, like Resene SpaceCote Flat, which helps emphasise the depth and moodiness of dark hues. Battens up

Dimension and design are being added to dark feature walls using battens. Battens can be arranged in a variety of designs and add sophistication, style and beautiful shadowing to enhance dark feature walls. Battens are increasingly popular in bedrooms for an ultra-luxe look, living areas and bathrooms. Battens can also be combined with lighter colours, such as weathered blues and greys like Resene Dusted Blue and Resene Silver Chalice for a timelessly classic look. Tone on tone

While neutral colours are still popular, there is a trend to using more variations of a colour to avoid a bland colour scheme.

This started as just single variations of one colour, such as full strength Resene Black White for the walls, quarter strength for the ceiling and double strength for the doors. The look is now going deeper and starting with the darkest colour, then adding lighter variations of that hue, such as dark grey walls, lighter trims and lighter floor colours, then adding a few pops of colour in accessories such as cushions, throws and artworks. It’s an easy look to replicate and allows you to use a range of tones to get just the right depth of colour in your room. For the love of timber

Timber has been increasing coming indoors and helps connects us to nature. Rather than painting over it, the latest trends are to clear finish timber, in products such as Resene Aquaclear Natural, to protect the timber and keep a natural sheen. Or use Resene Colorwood stain to rejuvenate or enhance the colour before clear finishing. From feature areas to flooring, timber brings a sense of relaxed, craft vibe into a home. Interiors going out

As nature comes indoors, we also see our interiors start to head outdoors, with outdoor living spaces and rooms that look like they could be inside a home, but are designed to be enjoyed outdoors. If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with an outdoor living space, think about decorating it like you would an interior, with interesting colour choices, pops of colour in accessories such as plant holders and furniture and remember to soften the look with comfy cushions. Classic complements

Colour blocking has evolved from a myriad of blocks of different myspace Issue 7

Walls in Resene Twilight Zone. Floor in Resene Colorwood Mid Greywash

colours into more randomly placed blocks of colour, larger and used in place of art as a feature on their own. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a large square of colour on a wall, a vertical wide stripe or a circular shape, the size and focus on the colour draws attention. Paired with a neutral background, the accent colour is given the freedom to sing. For those yearning for more colour, multiple colour blocks can be used, but the key is to give each colour block some space to breathe rather than filling up the whole wall with blocks or shapes of colours. An easy way to create a multi coloured colour block feature is to use classic complementary colours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as orange and blue. These hues naturally contrast each other well. Or opt for a tone on tone look with variations of the same colour. For small areas use Resene testpots, or opt for Resene SpaceCote for larger blocks of colour. Unleash your inner artist

Who said you had to be an artist to paint all over your walls? The trend in hand-painted wall murals is for a relaxed, anything goes, freehand style including small painted features that meander over your walls to sections of colour, doodled lines and curves that move across spaces from wall to floor, wall to wall or wall to ceiling. Gone are the days where you needed to fill the whole wall for the work to be finished. All you need is a small collection of Resene testpot colours and a little imagination. Wall and floor in Resene Merino with accents in Resene Swiss Caramel, Resene Route 66 and Resene Indian Ink.

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Talking points

Wallpaper features are continuing to be popular with a fresh line-up of designs to choose from. Styles range from faux finishes

Wall and floor in Resene Alabaster with colour blocks in Resene Silver Chalice, Resene Peace and Resene Helix

Resene Portobello Wallpaper Collection

Wall in Resene Grey Seal with painted ribbons in Resene Mystery and Resene Remember Me, floor in Resene White Pointer

through to quirky conversational pieces that bring a sense of energy and life. Collections like the Resene Portobello Wallpaper Collection use fun designs in sophisticated colourways to work well in a wide range of homes and add a little levity to otherwise serious spaces. Interesting wallpapers are an instant conversation starter and the perfect way to express your personality on your walls. When it comes to trends, don’t just choose a colour or wallpaper because it is trendy. Make sure you love it too. Always pick and choose the ones that suit your own tastes and lifestyle. You don’t need to completely redo everything – like you would bring in a new jacket or scarf to freshen up your wardrobe, so too can you accent your home with new trends colours and wallpapers to give your home a fresh new look. For more inspiration on fresh trends, see the latest looks on the Resene website, www.resene.co.nz/latestlooks and visit your Resene ColorShop.

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Unusual choices create an exceptional result Minimal maintenance and maximum views were the two goals Bureta couple Pete and Amanda Farrell wanted to achieve when building their new home. The challenge was fitting everything they wanted onto their 345m² site and working around difficult driveway access. But a willingness to think outside the box and choose products that aren’t commonly used in New Zealand has produced a residence they’re thrilled to call home. “Because it is a small site and it’s two-storey, any future maintenance is going to need scaffolding,” Amanda explains. “So the products we’ve chosen for the exterior are products that don’t need anything doing to them.” Bricks cut from basalt stone have been used alongside palliside weatherboard cladding and lightweight textured panels that are normally used on commercial buildings. The Designer Series™ pre-finished cement bonded fibrous wood particle panels create an ultra-modern aesthetic and require no additional painting or sealing. “It’s basically like a lot of little tiles, stacked one on top of the other,” Amanda says. “It looks terrific.” The couple are originally from the UK and opted to use UPVC joinery – another product which is rarely seen in New Zealand. It has a wide profile and high thermal rating. The Farrells also chose to have argon gas pumped between the double-glazed panels to help reduce noise. UPVC is made in Germany and was imported by Warmer Windows in Auckland, which then inserted the glass. “The other thing about these windows is they open and close in a different way. You can open them completely inwards but you also have the ability to tilt them to let in ventilation rather than open it. They have really high security locking systems on them as well.” The Farrells hired Jeremy Damerell from Buildam Construction for their eight-month project and Pete was impressed by his positive attitude and the quality of his workmanship. 32

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“Jeremy was recommended to us. Right from the beginning he was a really good bloke. He was very open to working with those different materials and he was quite excited about doing something that wasn’t your bulk standard home,” Pete says. The installation of a driveway turntable was another new experience for Jeremy. Tight access meant a turntable was required so cars don’t have to reverse down the 60m-long driveway. Council regulations for driveway gradients provided an extra challenge. “We were down to millimetres to make it work so the water flowed away and didn’t actually sit on the driveway,” Jeremy explains. “I probably shaped that driveway about five times.” The extra effort was worth it – the engineer who arrived to install the turntable said the groundwork preparation and foundations were the best he’d seen. “Jeremy and his team have very good attention to detail,” Amanda says. “He was very confident when we first met him about being able to deliver. Jeremy was very positive, very open to different things. And he suggested ideas to us as well, so it was a two-way process.” One key suggestion Jeremy made was replacing a grassed area beside the turntable with a grid mat covered in shingle to provide additional parking. He also went into bat for the couple when they were initially told their dining room window had to be split in two, which would have obstructed the view. “The supplier told us they couldn’t make a piece of glass that big,” Pete recalls. “Jeremy phoned them up and said: ‘I want one piece of glass and I’m not having anything else’. And that was it. We’ve now got a beautiful picture window with a wonderful view of the Mount.” Everyone involved is particularly proud of the solid American white oak stairs. Amanda says they wanted to create a ‘Wow’ factor when people walked in the front door and the iron balustrade was manufactured locally, based on a picture she found online. The high-quality kitchen and the covered louvretec deck are other highlights, and central gas heating and a surround sound/Bluetooth system have also been installed. Jeremy says his biggest achievement was helping take the stress off his clients and delivering the result they were after. “There’s a lot going on in that site. The logistics and management side were reasonably involved but we made it work.”

With an experienced team featuring diverse skills, we can help you make your dream house a reality • New Builds • Interior and Exterior Renovations and alterations • Additions • Weatherproofing & Remedial Construction

www.buildamconstruction.co.nz | 027 441 1118 | info@buildamconstruction.co.nz myspace Issue 7

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Maximise your outdoor living As outdoor living specialists, Zones aim to enhance the things you love to do outside. Whether it’s cooking or dining outside with friends and family, playing backyard cricket with the kids, reading a book in the sun, or pottering around the garden, we can design and build a landscape to suit.

• Decks • Paving • Pools • Planting and much more...

Talk to us today about how we can transform your outdoor living area. Call Nichola Vague at Zones Landscaping.

0800 301 020 | www.zones.co.nz

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Jump right in

Nothing says ‘family time’ like a swimming pool in your own backyard. And with three kids under five, Welcome Bay couple Danielle and Rodney knew installing a pool would be an investment they’ll enjoy for years to come. “From my own experience as a child, I knew that swimming pools are awesome and a great space for families to enjoy and spend time together,” Danielle explains. The couple engaged Tauranga swimming pool experts Del Tutto to construct an 8m x 4m mineral water pool in their backyard, and hired Zones Landscaping to reshape their surrounding 730m² section. The result is a stunning outdoor entertainment area that any family would be proud of. NZ Master Pool Builders Del Tutto specialise in spray-concrete pools that form a solid structure without any joins. “We really wanted to go with a concrete pool versus a drop in one because we could choose the exact size and depth, and could decide on all the spec’s to make it fit our space,” Danielle explains. Of the three different plaster finishes available, the family chose hydrazzo – a crushed marble that’s polished to create a super smooth surface. Isaac Giacon from Del Tutto says a wide range of colour choices are available and the family opted for light grey so the resulting water colour would complement the nearby estuary and blend into the natural environment.

Spray concrete is “by far the best method for building swimming pools,” Isaac explains, as it allows complete flexibility so a pool can work on any property. Danielle and Rodney wanted a mineral water pool because it’s gentle on the skin. “There are many more options available to clients these days for keeping the water in top condition,” Isaac says. “Most automated chlorination systems maintain chlorine at a set limit. With an automated system, it’s much better for your skin because you don’t get big fluctuations in chlorine levels you do with manual dosing. Rodney and Danielle chose a mineral system that uses a magnesiumenriched blend of pool salt, so it’s really nice water to swim in.” Danielle says Del Tutto helped design the interior layout of the pool, suggesting a wide entry step to allow plenty of room for their children to play before the depth increased. “We just love the high quality pool finish that we’ve got and everyone who comes around just thinks it’s amazing,” Danielle says. “Isaac made some really helpful suggestions along the way especially with our interior pool tiles and the equipment we’ve chosen to put in our pump shed.” The surrounding garapa decking and outdoor living area was designed by Nichola Vague from Zones Landscaping. Employing a landscape architect such as Nichola is one of Rodney’s top tips for homeowners who wish to embark on a similar project. myspace Issue 7

“If it’s going to be a pool project as well as a lot of hardscaping, then a landscape architect is really important. It’s not just where your plants are going to go, it’s all the civil stuff that’s involved. You need someone who knows what they’re doing, and who can help you develop an overall plan,” Rodney says. “Nichola did an awesome job. She was amazing and very professional. We now have really good outdoor living and flow,” he says. With more than 25 years’ experience as a landscape architect in New Zealand and the Middle East, Nichola embraced the challenge of developing and building a contemporary family garden with a subtropical vibe that respected the extensive estuary views. She worked with Danielle and Rodney to develop an overall materials palette and landscape style and oversaw the installation of macrocarpa fencing, 800 x 800 concrete pavers, extensive decking, and feature plants such as Pitt Island Nikau palms and beautiful bromeliads (Alacantera imperialis rubra). “I feel the timber works have made the biggest impact on the property and in particular the pool deck with the raised platform that conceals the pool cover. I am also proud of the raised planter with built-in seating and planting that over time will improve as a backdrop to the main outdoor living space.” To finish everything off, Danielle says glass fencing has been installed around all four sides of the pool to enhance the visual impact from the house and maintain the uninterrupted estuary view. “We just love the space that we’ve created and how we can use it together as a family and make memories. I know how many hours we are going to spend here. It’s like having a playground at your house.” 36

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“I have loved working with Angela over the last couple of months. She has helped with colours, accessories and furniture and I just love her style and flair. She has fantastic ideas and a true gift for design. Angela’s personality has made this entire process so enjoyable; she is honest in her approach and is a great communicator. I would highly recommend Angela to anyone in need of an Interior Designer.” [Project: Mackay Residence, Contour Place, Pyes Pa, Tauranga]

Interior Designer Angela Gray showcases one of her recent projects here in the Bay. Angela brought this gorgeous high-end home to life by adding furniture, prints, rugs, wallpaper, mirrors and lighting. The original kitchen cabinetry colours were dark oak tones, accompanied

by dark glass splashbacks and dominated the large living space. Lightening the cabinetry and replacing glass subway tiles has brought this kitchen from gloomy to having a crisp fresh feel. My clients home had all the elements of a beautiful space and just needed a touch of

dramatic flair. The addition of the star mirror on the moody blue walls sets the focal point within the sophisticated living area. ‘I enjoy moving through a space and allowing myself to think on my feet’. The space has come to life simply by adding bold pops of colour,

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Spring is here, call me today to revitalize your spaces.

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Interior designer Angela Gray

Past & Present It’s hard to let go of a home you love, so when Jimmy and Charlie Dow decided to start again on their beachside section, they found a special way to hold onto the past. The couple had spent seven years living in a small, drafty, 1920s railway home on Papamoa Beach Rd. “Our family and friends used to joke it was a day trip to get here,” Charlie says. “No-one could see the potential but us. But it’s right by the beach with the most amazing view. We felt like we’d won the lottery.” As the owners of Coast NZ Construction, they originally planned to renovate their home. “It had so much character and was quirky,” Jimmy recalls. “We loved it. But in reality, it faced the wrong way and the old timber weatherboards were a constant battle. Everything was starting to break down. It was 90m² and we’ve got three little kids. It was basically just way too small.” Instead, they decided to sell the original house for removal and build from scratch. Before it left site, the old roof was removed so it could fit underneath powerlines and a huge quantity of beautiful rimu timber was suddenly at Jimmy and Charlie’s disposal.

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“We decided to mill all our old roof framing and make it into our new floor,” Jimmy explains. “We chose three different widths of timber and laid it in a random pattern from the roof framing.” Charlie helped cut the ends off each piece of timber before it was re-laid and recalls how wonderful the smell was. “It smelt just like our old house. It instantly felt like home.”

Recycling rewarding Around 80m² of floor in the family’s new upstairs kitchen, living and dining room is now made from the recycled rimu, along with a central ceiling beam, floating staircase, two bathroom vanities and shelves inside a storage closet. The timber has also been carefully crafted to provide corner edges on the impressive 3m-long island bench that takes centre stage in the kitchen. “Recycling material from our old house has been the most rewarding thing,” Jimmy says. “It’s helped us retain the character of our old home, which is what makes this new home so special. I think it’s important to always remember where you started.” The five-bedroom, 286m² two-storied home is now a dream place to raise their family. It’s clad in cedar and painted brick, and the layout makes the most of the epic coastal view. “For a builder, to build your own home is a dream come true,” Jimmy says. “We designed the house at 11pm on a random Tuesday night and we have stuck to that floor plan.”

Tranquil views The Dow’s location means their tranquil view will never be built out. “There’s a lot of nature on display here,” Charlie says. “The kids will often spot a hawk and everyone will run to the window to see. It’s hard to keep them at the dinner table sometimes!” A large outdoor deck made of mahogany faces north towards the ocean and Resene Alabaster has been used on all interior and exterior walls. The kitchen is definitely the heart of this home, and a stunning rectangular rimu frame hangs suspended in mid-air above the Brazilian super white granite benchtop. Gorgeous pendant lights and an array of plants drape from the frame, creating an eye-catching centrepiece in the open-plan space. “I knew I wanted something to bring the ceiling down,” Charlie explains. “It’s five metres high in here and it felt a bit like a chapel. I wanted the kitchen to have its own cosy, snug feel and I saw something similar to this frame in a café and thought it could really work in our space.” Bright teal-coloured subway tiles have been laid vertically along the front of the breakfast bar, and also feature in the new kitchen’s scullery. The ample storage and bench space is a far cry from their old house, where a fish filleting bench and an old desk flipped on its side were the core components. “We had one cupboard to store all our food, and we cut a hole in the desk to fit a dishwasher,” Charlie recalls, shaking her head. myspace Issue 7

A pink sink inlaid into the scullery bench is a nod to the family’s feminine side, along with a soft pink concrete sink in the upstairs toilet which Charlie bought in Australia. Light fittings also make a bold statement throughout this home. A prominent trio of lights in the stairwell feature large white wooden beads and add to the coastal vibe, while others have more of an industrial feel. Charlie shopped at a variety of lighting and homeware stores and squirreled many purchases away while the house was being built. “Someone said to me ‘If you see something, just get it’. So that’s exactly what I did. I used to occasionally unwrap my light fittings just to admire them during the build, then put them away again.”

Mix of old and new Now that the home is complete, the couple say they’re enjoying the mix of old and new. “It’s a huge change for us,” Charlie says. “We’d lived here for a while so we knew where the sun was, what direction to orientate everything, and how we wanted to live as a family. We have future

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proofed by creating the downstairs area for the kids, and upstairs living for us. We have tiled their central playroom so when they’re older, they can come in from the beach with sandy feet and hang out there with their mates.”

Dream backyard And with a backyard most Kiwi kids can only dream of, there will be no shortage of visitors as the family grows older. Jimmy has installed a mini concrete skate park, a small rugby pitch, complete with goal posts at either end, and a quaint playhouse café. The beach is a mere 100m away and there are endless sand dunes to explore and outdoor toys to play with. “The whole point of this place is so we never have to grow up,” Jimmy chuckles. Floor to ceiling windows in both the entranceway and main living area helps to draw the magic location indoors. Motiti and Plate Island sit just offshore and White Island can be seen puffing away on the horizon. The couple admit the joinery took up a huge chunk of their budget but capturing the all-day sun and ocean views was essential. A clever shutter system has been strategically installed to capture the cross breeze and cool the place down in summer. “It’s the cheapest form of air conditioning ever,” Jimmy says. “Plus they can’t fully open so there’s no risk of the kids climbing or falling out.” The new home was built between March-October 2018 by Jimmy and his crew from Coast NZ Construction. Jimmy’s been a builder for more than 20 years and launched his own company five years ago. The award-winning firm now specialises in renovations and also completes several new builds each year throughout the Bay. They’re renowned for running a transparent open book system, so clients know exactly where every cent is going, as well as their level of dedication and craftsmanship. Coast NZ is a member of the Registered Master Builders Association and won a silver medal in their House of the Year competition in 2017.

Labour of love Jimmy admits it was a big challenge to balance the house build with family time and running Coast NZ Construction. “It was intense. But at the end of the day, look at the outcome we’ve achieved. This house is next level for us. It turned out even better than we hoped. Sometimes you just have to roll up your sleeves and get on with it.” The couple are particularly grateful for all the hard work their subcontractors put into the project – much of it at cost – to help them bring their new home to life. The entire building process was a labour of love but Jimmy and Charlie couldn’t be happier with the end result. “This house will still blow us away in 20 years’ time,” Jimmy predicts. “You can’t ask for more than that.”

new homes

renovations outdoor living

Jimmy and the Coast NZ Team work closely with you personally from the concept design to overseeing and finalising your project - make contact with Coast NZ today.

P 021 877 989

www. c o a st n z . co . n z

@ c oa st nz myspace Issue 7

N OBLI O GAT IO MEA SURE N & QUO TE

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homes

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THE ART LOUNGE NZ FINE ART GALLERY

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Invest in art and your interiors

Art is more valuable than gold these days. A beautiful piece of art can add a splash of colour and some character in your interiors. Here are three easy steps that might inspire you to invest in art:

Art investment Art is often a vehicle for social change and therefore truly unique. People from different cultures and different times can communicate with each other through images, music or stories. Art increases in value even when the market crashes and that is a fact. Investing in art is a true investment.

Beautiful interiors Art certainly adds vibrancy and a character to our interiors as well as bringing joy into our lives. Gallery staff have both the knowledge on selling and the experience of displaying collectable art. They can often advise you on which artworks would be most suitable for your interiors, how to balance or create a perfect space in your room for your chosen art piece and also how to start your own art collection.

Benefits of art The greatest benefit of art is the emotion that it evokes, so buy the art you love. Another benefit of owning original art is its aesthetic quality. Art tells a story and plays and important role in our lives. Art expresses individuality, creativity and feelings along with having great wellness benefits. Art â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;speaksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; when words have no colour or shape and can be healing for us. By Mira Corbova, Gallery Curator and Owner of The Art Lounge NZ Fine Art Gallery. theartloungenz.com

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Creating a kitchen on a shoestring

Mark Bruce, CKD, Dip KD, Designmarked Kitchens

Very few kitchen projects don’t have a budget; it’s the size of the budget that varies widely. Kitchens in New Zealand can range from $5000 to $100,000 and beyond. The trick is getting value for your money. A big budget doesn’t necessarily guarantee good design or value for money, so there are a few things you can do to make sure your kitchen is going to be all it can given the amount you want to spend. Seek the help from a professional kitchen designer. If your budget is under $20,000 you may want to use an in-house designer from the company you intend buying the kitchen from. The alternative is an independent designer who will charge you for their services.

If you use an in-house designer then technically they own the design and you will need their permission or pay a design fee to take it away for alternative quotes. If you are on a tight budget a good idea is to select your kitchen company based on reputation and referrals and then commission them to design your kitchen. Part of the ‘client brief ’ will be setting a budget and it is then you can dictate the maximum you wish to spend. This ensures a reputable company will be undertaking the project at a price you can afford. Approaching a National Kitchen & Bath Association member is a good start, as these companies have already been vetted and will provide a professional quality service. I often hear comments about certain companies being too expensive; these are the companies you should actually target as they obviously have high standards and use quality hardware. If you provide them with your budget then you’ll know that

your kitchen will be of good quality and affordable. Creating a good-looking kitchen on a shoestring budget is always going to be difficult. Magazines and showhomes that we use for inspiration are full of beautiful kitchens but most have been designed with reasonable budgets. So what is an acceptable budget for a new kitchen? This can depend on where you live, how big the kitchen is and, of course, material and design choice. Two of these factors are almost out of your control but the material and design is where you do have some control. There is a theory the kitchen, including appliances, should be eight-10 per cent of the value of the house, excluding land. But a budget kitchen is probably around the five per cent mark. Listed below are some cost saving ideas that you may want to consider when designing your budget kitchen. At this stage I must point out that like a lot of things “you get what you pay for”. Economising on material and design may save you some money upfront but you need to consider the longer term. More often than not, it can turn out to be a false economy.

Benchtops Benches are your most expensive element, only specify them where they will be effectively used. High Pressure Laminate, or HPL, is still the most economical but some engineered stones are becoming very comparable. Don’t specify coved upstands, apart from looking old fashion they add extra cost to the top and can cause difficulty when installing. Square clashed edges are more economical. Either make them very thin or 48

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pump them up in thickness. The thickness change will have very little effect on the HPL cost but will provide a distinct design element. Waterfall ends have done their dash. Don’t be tempted to include one as it will add cost and place your kitchen in the early-2000s bracket. Minimise joins and corners. Straight galley kitchens are the best designs to achieve this. Don’t design anything that has a curve in it. Top mount your bowls, undermounting, although far more practical, adds cost to the bowl installation.

Cabinetry Specify more cupboards than drawers. Drawers are certainly a better storage option but they contain more hardware and labour to produce. Don’t be afraid to void out corners, corners are costly to make cabinetry for and unless you spend a lot on hardware they will always be a difficult area to access. Choose a Low Pressure Laminate, or LPL, that doesn’t have a directional grain. This allows for better optimisation of the board when cutting. Having said that, some of the timber grained LPLs on the market would be easily mistaken for very expensive veneers. Any pull-out accessories will increase the price. Carefully evaluate the need for them. Tall cupboards don’t need to be 600mm deep. Reduce the depth to 400mm as a design feature and take a financial saving. Corner pantries do not offer value for money. Apart from being ugly they are expensive, inefficient and difficult to use. Wall cupboards or over cupboards are making a come back, not only in modern design but also they are very practical and economical to make. A white LPL for your doors etc will take your eye off the cabinetry and focus it towards the darker colours on splashbacks or the handles. Prioritise your appliances; don’t spend thousands on an oven you may only use twice a month.

Colour Use colour, or the lack of, as your design feature. We are fortunate that there is a minimalist trend happening within kitchens, so if you are on a budget it’s easy to design a modern kitchen without too much compromise. A good designer should always be your first step, no matter what your budget. Some of the most economical cabinets on the DIY market can offer an exceptional kitchen if designed and installed professionally. Just because a company sells kitchens doesn’t mean to say they know how to design kitchens, so check their qualifications.

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Registered Master Builders House of the Year is New Zealand’s premium and most recognised awards programmes. These awards epitomise building excellence and have been setting the standard in residential construction for over a quarter of a century. The competition is divided into two parts. The first is a series of regional competitions, where the winning homes for each region are announced. The top 100 are then selected, and go on to compete in the national competition in November. It is here that all national Supreme winners and national Category winners are announced. This year there were more than 330 new home builds and renovations en-

tered, which were all assessed by a panel of experienced judges. These homes compete against each other in a range of categories. These are aimed at capturing the current and emerging trends of New Zealand residential construction. This includes everything from luxury new homes and renovations to cost effective builds to volume group housing. A range of lifestyle awards are also given to showcase incredible skill and innovation in specialty areas, including bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor living and sustainability. “The competition reaffirms our member’s position as the custodians of quality and innovation in New Zealand residential construction,” says Registered Master

Builders Chief Executive David Kelly. “The building and construction sector plays a vital role in New Zealand society. Its success benefits not just our members, but also contributes to the wellbeing and future of all New Zealanders.” On the following pages we showcase some of the stunning Bay of Plenty entries in this prestigious competition.

Savour the scenery

A feast for the senses, this picture-perfect home north of Tauranga is just what the owners ordered. Designed to take full advantage of the picturesque scenery from every room, the modest 184m2 design succeeds admirably. Superb views are served up in both the formal dining area and the open-air portico where meals can also be enjoyed alfresco. A wide set of steps unfolds onto the established grounds, which flow to the sea. Well prepared for guests, the home boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The spacious kitchen is an entertainers dream with heavy duty appliances and a walk-in pantry. The central island offers a lovely workspace where the cook can prepare meals while socialising with those in the living area. Wood-look floors sit comfortably alongside the large deck facing the water. Fixtures, fittings and furnishings, such as sliding barn doors and a nautical-inspired pendant lamp in the dining area, are in keeping with the theme of this cute cottage-style country home. 50

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Call Simon for a chat on 0275884848 simon@navigationhomes.co.nz New show home opening shortly at 21 Pakanga Grove , The Lakes, Pyes Pa. www.navigationhomes.co.nz

Charmed, I’m sure

Brad Jones and his team at Jones Builders always like to be ahead of the curve – but actually building curves is easier said than done. Curved lintels above the windows are a prominent design feature of this French Provincial-inspired cottage on Miles Lane in Tauriko. Achieving the look required patience and precise expertise, and ultimately won Jones Builders a bronze medal in this year’s Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition. Their entry into the Bay of Plenty/Central Plateau New Home up to $450,000 category was praised for being “painstakingly crafted to the highest level of workmanship”. The building is, in fact, a second dwelling

and sits beside a much larger homestead of a similar design. The new ‘cottage’ serves as a workspace for the owners and extra accommodation for family and friends when they come to stay. The compact 80m² design smartly incorporates a spacious open-concept livingkitchen-reception area, one stylish bathroom and two comfortable bedrooms. Brad says the most challenging aspect was building the raking curved ceiling in the living area, which was 6m off the floor. A mobile and electric scissor lift was used inside to do all the interior truss work, and there are plans to build a staircase in future to connect a mezzanine floor to the downstairs area. The curved windows are reminiscent of the sun on the horizon and draw in additional natural light to create a cosy, warm living environment.

Jones Builders took four months to complete the project, and Brad says the team was thrilled to walk away with a bronze medal. The company has been operating for eight years and this was the first time they had entered the awards. “We’re a family-owned business and do mainly bespoke design and build homes and large renovations,” he says. “We can organise everything from the architect through to all subcontractors and will take care of the entire building process.”

027 3197979 www.jonesbuilders.co.nz myspace Issue 7

Waterway to live Leading Tauranga building company Kuriger Builders are setting the standard yet again, with an award-winning entry in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;New Home $750,000 - $1 millionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; category at the 2019 Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition for a stunning Coromandel home.

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The brief was to build a home with a cottage look, wide verandahs and colonial style balustrades that take in the waterways and expansive views. This home also incorporates a modern mono-pitch appeal from the street so the overall experience remains hidden until you enter the home. Once inside the large gallery style hall, you can see the waterways and three tall windows looking into the covered outdoor living space. Expansive raking tongue and groove ceilings plus electrically-operated clerestory windows bring all day sun into the living area. Large glass cavity slider doors open into the intimate lounge complete with a wood fire, tile clad chimney and relaxing window seat. Entertainer’s kitchen

This kitchen fits seamlessly between outdoor living spaces, with sliding windows providing easy access for food and beverages. The large island with its quartz stone top is central to the kitchen’s design and function. All other benches are rotary polished stainless steel for supreme serviceability and timeless appeal. The large stainless steel cooker complements this kitchen and the lacquered joinery ties seamlessly

with the large 900 x 900 floor tiles and mosaic wall tiles. Mirrored toe kicks allow the tile floor to flow under the island, creating a floating illusion. The pantry cupboard houses appliances and a sink, making this a very workable space, and natural light comes in from clerestory windows above. This entertainer’s kitchen allows you to socialise with guests both inside and out while enjoying the expansive outlook. Outdoor lifestyle

This home offers multiple choices for outdoor living – relax under the verandahs and enjoy the view, have a coffee on the deck outside the bedrooms, or gather under the louvre covered area for all-weather entertaining. Kwilla decking wraps around three sides of this home to provide a continuous transition between spaces. The verandahs feature tongue and groove sloping soffits and colonial style balustrading, leading down to additional outdoor living by the water. Chunky timber pergolas link the covered areas while the louvre roof over the main outdoor entertaining area controls light, sun and rain for all weather options. An outdoor shower adds to the versatility of this home.

P: 07 571 3321 M: 027 272 7156 E: conrad@kurigerbuilders.co.nz

www.kurigerbuilders.co.nz

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Layers of luxury

What does it take to create an award-winning renovation? Step inside this Te Puna home to see how Kuriger Builders has transformed the five-level residence that was entered in the ‘Renovation $500,000 - $1 million’ category at this year’s 2019 Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition. This five-level home on a sloping site with incredible garden and estuary views needed refreshing to enhance these features. An extension of the existing lounge incorporated the kitchen, dining, lounge and library into a large, open plan area, opening up views through large landscape windows. The large cathedral ceiling and wood fire created ambience while the French doors provided access to an outdoor covered living area. Existing rusticated weatherboard and colour steel roofing were retained for new works and accent areas of cedar vertical board were added. Double-glazed joinery was installed and a new colour scheme modernised the exterior. Relocating access stairs to the living space from the new entry foyer improved flow and appeal when entering the home. Other staircases were enhanced with glass balustrades creating a lighter open feel. A new master bedroom with well-appointed wardrobe and ensuite was also built featuring a cathedral ceiling to mirror the living area. This home has been fully refurbished and a bedroom was converted into a family room on the lowest level. Heart of the home

The new kitchen is an amazing work environment with expansive views to enjoy while cooking or entertaining. It provides easy access

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This five-level home on a sloping site with incredible garden and estuary views needed refreshing to enhance these features.

to all indoor and outdoor living spaces. The Corian bench tops and lacquered joinery is enhanced by the tile floors and recessed strip lighting. The raised breakfast bar separates the kitchen from the living spaces and the lower bench with its own feature light provides a great breakfast or lunch area. New Fisher and Paykel appliance complete this transformation. Bathroom lifestyle

The location and design of this ensuite provides a great outlook to the gardens and beyond. The shape was determined by access restrictions and the ability to hide poles from the building structure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the octagonal tiled shower is testament to this. Access was created by integrating a 45Â° angle in an external corner of the home. A high level internal glass panel draws light into the adjacent guest powder room. Under tile heating adds to the ambience and mirror cabinets provide storage. Even though it is a small area, the shape means this ensuite has a spacious feel and the views add to the illusion. Outdoor living

The expansive views and gardens allow the owners to enjoy many options for outdoor living. The covered tongue and groove cathedral roof area with a glazed gable end truss provides a pleasant north-facing deck. This links seamlessly indoors through two pairs of French doors plus sliding doors and windows for easy access to the kitchen and barbecue. All decking is Permadek composite, 140mm wide, in grey tones to complement the overall house colour. The decking continues down several smaller flights of stairs to accommodate the steep site and provides access to lower bedrooms and storage. Existing timber decks have been extended using salvaged decking to enhance the lower bedroom deck and clothes line area and provide access to existing gardens, outdoor spaces and walking tracks. Small retaining walls have also improved the contours.

P: 07 571 3321 M: 027 272 7156 E: conrad@kurigerbuilders.co.nz

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Cool and confident A stunning entranceway light and 400-year-old European timber helped inspire Tauranga builder Mike Gadsby to design his new home. With almost 50 years’ experience under his tool belt, the owner of M&M Builders has built several homes for himself over the years. But this one was something special. His bold design choices and raw timber interior feature wall caught the judges’ eyes at this year’s Registered Master Builders House of the Year awards. The Lakes home won a silver medal in the ‘Builders Own Home’ category for the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau. “This is the first time I’ve entered the awards,” Mike says. “Our class is a bit different to all the other categories – it doesn’t have a limit on it so we’re up against $3m houses. So to get a silver is quite an achievement.” Mike is always on the lookout for new ideas and searched Pinterest for inspiration before plans were drawn up. “I actually found an entrance light that

I liked so I designed the house around that. We wanted a homely, free-flowing house with plenty of outdoor living.” Maree Gadsby, Mike’s wife, was responsible for choosing the overall colour scheme and regularly provides interior design advice to M&M Builders’ clients. Judges praised the home for its grand spaces and feature lighting throughout. Expansive glazing and the use of a double-sided gas fireplace to separate the main living area from the lounge are also stand-out features. A glossy black kitchen island with granite top sits beneath a 4.1m high ceiling and will soon be on display to the general public. Mike intends to use his property as a show home for M&M builders, holding regular open homes and viewings by appointment. “We pride ourselves on great workmanship and building a great rapport with our customers. “Our aim is to build a house that our client really wants. I like to establish a one-on-one relationship – our clients deal with me from the very beginning right through until we hand over the keys.”

Ph: Mike 027 778 9596 E: mandmbuilders@outlook.co.nz 56

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BUILDING UP TO HOUSE OF THE YEAR Registered Master Builders House of the Year is back, and competition veteran Ross Faulkner shares his stories of success.

that’s not available, it stuffs our job up. But they’ve been good at having it all.”

Ross Faulkner is a stalwart of the building industry. Starting out in the late 70’s as a driven apprentice, his goal was always to run his own business. Ross started Faulkner Construction almost 40 years ago, initially taking on small contracts before moving into renovations, new builds, then joining the Registered Master Builders Association and entering his first House of the Year competition in 1999.

Ross likes a bit of a yarn and has a few stories about Bunnings.

Celebrate the craft Like many in the industry, Ross views the House of the Year competition as a mark of distinction. He’s had finalists in the competition for a few years running now and continues to enter because the team enjoy it, it builds good relations and builds his brand. “House of the Year is great marketing because when customers see our results, they have confidence in us even before we’ve met.” But Ross says it’s down to staff experience too, his team love craftmanship and the competition is a reflection of their work. They value being involved and enjoy the reward of having their work recognised – there’s even a bit of banter around who’s going to win.

A winning team The Gold Award won by Faulkner Construction last year was in the ‘Builders Own Home’ category. The major reno stood out for architectural detail and intricate design; it took skill to achieve what they did, and the judges marked accordingly. In addition to top-notch architects and builders, Ross credits his success to solid building partners. He uses Bunnings Trade, who contribute towards the build not only with the supply of materials, but also with the support provided by their team. Having Account Managers on site means they see where the job is at, what’s going on and know in advance what’s required. “I chose Bunnings because they’re honest – I value that. My Account Managers notice things and act on it accordingly, in time, to make sure there are no delays. If we wait for something

BNTR01028_My Space Publication Ad_185x265mm.indd 1

Backing the business “I don’t know how often I tell this story to other builders. Basically, Bunnings stepped in and helped us on several occasions. One time our concrete didn’t have the right amount of cement in it. It could have cost me eighty-odd thousand dollars. We had to rip all the concrete out and do it again. But Bunnings sorted it. They made sure I wasn’t out of pocket.” “They stand behind us, back us 100% and make sure we’re not disadvantaged. The loyalty Bunnings Trade showed me when there were problems is what’s telling. They’re prompt and upfront with any issues and make sure the business doesn’t fork out for something that’s out of my control.” At the end of the day, Ross says to succeed in any industry you need people that stand beside you and support you when times are tough. You have to have relationships as well as a good pricing structure and consistency.

Supporting new builds & builders Due to timings, Faulkner Construction won’t have a house in the competition this year – but hope to have three entries next year. Still, Ross is excited about the upcoming event, supporting the entrants and seeing the results. “New materials and products are out, so it’ll be interesting to see new designs, what catches the eye and what architects are picking up on this year. There are sharp architects out there doing a great job, and everyone follows them. This competition’s always great, specifically seeing the new guys who haven’t entered before, seeing them come through is brilliant.” Once again, the industry’s enjoying the build-up to the competition and we’re all holding our breath as to who will take out the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards. To find out more about how Bunnings Trade can help you build or to get in touch with your local Bunnings Trade Account Manager, contact (09) 978 2200.

16/08/19 9:42 AM

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Impressive outdoor spaces

With a huge section, a swimming pool and a neighbouring tennis court, Kim and Brendan Wilson’s home in Te Puke was always meant to entertain a crowd. But established gardens and retaining walls designed for privacy were getting in the way of how this couple and their four young children wanted to live and play. “The main issue was we couldn’t see the pool from our deck or living areas,” Kim explains. “When the house was built 20 years ago, the original owners and their neighbour wanted to share the swimming pool and tennis court and allow either family to use it without disrupting anyone. So you could sit on our deck and never even know a pool was there. But for us, that was a problem when we were trying to supervise little kids.” In addition to the lack of functional space, the Wilson’s deck was also cramped and the pergola wasn’t covered so wind or rain would keep everyone indoors. Both homes have changed hands in the past eight years and fortunately the neighbourly arrangement of sharing the pool and tennis court still stands. But the Wilsons have spent almost four months transforming their side of the fence into an epic outdoor entertaining space with the help of Logan McLaughlin from Truestyle Pools and Landscaping BOP. The existing gardens and retaining wall were removed along with a whopping 80m³ of fill. Logan then built a new 1.2m high retaining wall with glass fence panels across the top, which brought the pool into full view of the house. An impressive pool room has also been built to house the pump and filter equipment as well as provide a changing room and bar area. Cedar shutters have been installed on the front and a small kwila deck has been set into the surrounding concrete to accommodate bar stools. 58

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“The original owners always intended to build a pool house but never got around to it. And when we first moved in, we planned to do the same thing. It’s great to have finally ticked that off the list,” Kim says.

Entertaining flare An outdoor fire and sunken seating area was also high on the couple’s wish list. “We wanted an outside fire area where we could accommodate a fair few people but that was also intimate enough that it didn’t feel like you’re sitting in a paddock.” A 3m tall Flare fireplace – which was made locally in Te Puke – now provides a central focal point for family and friends to gather outdoors. The Wilsons chose a ‘Boston’ style Flare fire, which features clean straight lines, and two large storage trolleys sit either side and can be easily repositioned thanks to Logan’s clever idea of building them on caster wheels. “When we have people over, we can pull the trolleys into the middle and use them as a table to serve dinner,” Kim explains. “There’s never just six people living here, we always have extras. And our best mates all have big families too so it doesn’t take long for us to fill this space.”

Bigger and better While the original brief was fulfilled, the Wilsons decided they weren’t done yet – a large outdoor kitchen has also been constructed and features a gas barbecue and sink with running water, both of which are set into a stylish concrete benchtop. Cupboards are underneath and a covered roof hangs overhead, while a glass splashback doubles as part of the pool fence. “Lots of things got bigger, better and flasher as we went along,” Kim admits. “Our six-week job turned into 15 weeks but we’re so happy with the result!” Logan worked as a landscaper and pool installer in the Waikato for 12 years before relocating to Tauranga and setting up a local True Style branch in May last year. Even he is impressed with the finished result in Te Puke and is now considering building an outdoor kitchen for himself. “I’ll probably do one just like it at my place to be honest. I’m really pleased with the way the whole project turned out.” The Wilsons had previously drawn up plans with another landscaper who was unable to continue with the project. So it was a great relief to meet Logan last year and tap into his enthusiasm. Kim has previously worked for a relocatable house company and has done plenty of small renovation jobs in the past. To help keep costs down, she decided to pitch in and help Logan wherever possible. “I told Logan I was happy to do any jobs I was capable of – being the gopher, picking up supplies, painting and the like. He was really cool at keeping me ‘employed’. He managed my control freak tendencies and coped with me changing the plans as we’ve gone along.”

We offer a comprehensive pool installation & landscaping service. Creating an impressive backyard to accompany your pool.

The old and the new One of the biggest decisions was whether to create a modern outdoor area with an up-to-date colour scheme, or try and tie the new in with the old. “We decided the house was too big to change the overall look so we made the choice to just be cohesive. That’s one of the trickiest things of working with an existing house.” The pergola, fascia boards, new outdoor roof structures and pool fence have all been painted karaka green to match the home’s existing joinery and roof colour. The result is a truly impressive outdoor space that will last for decades to come. “We’re very happy with it. We wouldn’t change a thing.”

Superior fibreglass pools in a range of sizes & colours.

For your free no obligation quote contact Logan today!

m. 027 427 6476 e. pools@truestylebop.co.nz

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Enjoy your outdoor area with ...

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0800 460 960 36F MacDonald Street, Mount Maunganui 60

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New natural-look tile

Phomi tiles can be applied over existing tiles as this bathroom shows. Love the look of natural stone but don’t have the budget? Now get the look of travertine, sandstone, granite and other sophisticated stones at prices you can afford. . An exciting new product has been launched onto the New Zealand market, which is set to revolutionise interior and exterior design. Hamilton-based VersaTiles New Zealand Ltd has secured the exclusive rights to sell Phomi Tiles, which are created using Modified Clay Material, or MCM, technology. The tiles can be used on almost any surface, from exterior or interior walls to ceilings and floors, and even fences, providing a cost-effective option for renovating an existing space or adding a design feature to a new build. Made from a combination of clay, sand, stone powder, ash and acrylic, Phomi Tiles mimic a range of materials, including stone, brick, wood, metal and leather. The different shades are created using natural clay colours and, being much lighter than traditional materials, they have a greatly reduced carbon footprint. They are also crack resistant, fire retardant, stain-resistant, breathable and able to withstand extreme temperatures, as well as being sound-absorbent and gentle on the environment when recycled. Already popular in overseas markets, they have a wide range of residential and commercial applications, both indoors and out. “I’m extremely excited about bringing this product to New Zealand,” says director Jane Eyre.

“Phomi Tiles have a good international track record and I think Kiwis will take to them well.” “One of their beauties is their application to existing tiles. This makes a bathroom refresh much more cost efficient. Their use is limited only by people’s imagination,” says Jane. “They can dress something up quite quickly. For instance, they are perfect for updating concrete block, or creating an interior feature wall. The red brick makes a very effective New York warehouse look,” she says. “They are cheaper and less messy to install than the real thing. Either use a professional tiler or DIY it.” Make an appointment to view the range by calling Jane on 0274 526339 or order samples through the website: www.versatiles.co.nz. For further information, email: info@versatiles.co.nz

Phone 0274 526 339 www.versatiles.co.nz info@versatiles.co.nz

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Options at your fingertips As the name suggests, you’re always spoilt for choice when you step foot inside an ‘Options’ gift and homeware store. A soothing fragrance will greet you at Options Gifts and Homewares in Bethlehem, or at Options at the Mount (formerly Zohar Gallery). Both stores are renowned for their handpicked selection of beautiful items that include a wide range of scented candles and diffusers, which are popular all year-round. Owners Pauline and Craig Carter have created a relaxed, stress-free atmosphere in both Options stores – each of which has its own distinct personality. “Our Bethlehem store has a French country feel to it,” Pauline explains. “While the Mount has a beachy vibe and is full of local art, souvenirs with a touch of French Country also.” The Carters are passionate about shopping local, and eye-catching works by Bay artists Emma Prill, Timo and Mandy Williams are always on display at the Mount store. Options pride themselves on stocking local and imported items that you won’t find anywhere else. Signature brands include French Country, CC Interiors, Maxwell & Williams, MOR, Glasshouse Fragrances, Living Light and many more. Pauline says soft throws are big sellers throughout winter and artificial plants and flowers are always popular. “We have a very large range and artificial greenery has come a long way in recent times. They’re extremely life-like now and they will always look good!” A new range of Russian dolls, handmade in the same village for more than 100 years, will soon be back on shelves, and Pauline is excited to introduce David Trubridge’s iconic range of designer light

shades to the Bethlehem store this September. “Our Mount store has always stocked them but we feel with all the new home builds and renovations happening in the Bay we wanted to bring them to Bethlehem too. They’ll be snapped up by people wanting to add his signature style to their home.” Options also offer an appro service for customers, which is especially valuable when choosing a piece of art or a special item for a particular room. Aside from browsing in-store, customers are welcome to place a phone order if they spot something they want on Options’ Facebook or Instagram pages. Options Gifts & Homewares at 19 Bethlehem Rd is open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sundays, while Options At The Mount (104 Maunganui Rd) is open 10am-4pm seven days a week. Follow www.facebook.com/optionsgiftsandhomewares/ Or #optionsgiftsandhomewares

Your local agents for David Trubridge lighting FLORAL

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Options @ The Mount 104 Maunganui Rd Mt Maunganui 07 574 7428 Options Gifts & Homewares 19 Bethlehem Rd Tauranga 07 07 579 3618 optionsgiftsandhomewares

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Summer in style

Entertaining outdoors is fun, easy and a quintessential part of Kiwi life. A little effort now will mean that when your friends and family arrive to enjoy the Christmas spirit in your garden this summer, all the hard work has been done.

Go potty Pot up instant colour and flowering plants now. For vivid festive blasts of colour, aim to get all your pots and baskets planted soon, super charge the potting mix with a fastacting fertiliser or drench plants with liquid fertiliser. The list of what to plant is long – perennial petunias, salvias, nemesia, lobelia, geraniums and cosmos will all work a treat and look fabulous through the entire summer. For that little something extra plant something fragrant like gardenia, stocks or star jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides. There isn’t enough time for seeds to germinate and flower before the holidays now, so go for gold in the garden centre and choose plants that are already grown. Don’t be stingy, one can never have too many blooms.

Support systems: Irrigation and staking Soil is the backbone of any garden and water is the lifeline. To maximise water usage and to save yourself time, install an irrigation system. No frills options can easily be put together at home and are readily available in the shops. Simple timers are widely available too. Stake and support climbers, sweet peas and vegetable crops. Wind causes mayhem and seriously inhibits plant growth. Secure the stems to stakes or trellis with plant ties or soft fabric. Stockings, plastic bags and cabbage tree leaves are all good and can all be used as ties.

Feed them and reap Give garden beds and pots a boost by liquid feeding plants. It’s easy to do and some fertilisers come in a ready-to-use bottle that snaps onto the hose, others can be added to the 64

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watering can. Soluble fertilisers are quicker acting than dry fertiliser, hence give a quicker result.

Barbecue bug busters Plant a few bug deterrent herbs around cooking and eating areas. One of the best is pennyroyal – Mentha pulegium. This hardy ground-covering herb, forms a dense mat, and when walked on or when the foliage is bruised it releases an aromatic oil that deters ants and mosquitoes. The same goes for tansy, when the leaves are bruised it repels flies, but be careful, neither of these herbs are good to eat.

Share the love If you have a little time up your sleeve why not help someone else in the garden? A voucher for a few hours of ‘green fingered’ help may be just the gift for someone that has everything.

Outdoor christmas tree Decorate an outdoor tree or shrub with solar fairy lights and decorations this party season. Not only does it create a focal point, but it also doubles as a deterrent to moths coming inside. Enjoy the journey and the time you spend outdoors over the holiday period by doing a few chores now.

One of the easiest ways to create a great outdoor living space is to add garden décor and art. Your garden is another great area for you to bring in a bit of personality and colour, especially through the amazing assortment of ceramic pots that are available today. They come in all shapes and sizes and colours, so choose something that will enhance your homes style and extend it outside. Don’t be afraid of playing with scale and going large to create a real feature. Big is better when it comes to pots. Plants need plenty of root room to put on a flurry of flowers, when choosing pots, go for a size up, not down.

We’ve got summer sorted

Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga

1066 Cameron Road Gate Pa, Tauranga Ph: 07 571 4700

www.mitre10.co.nz myspace Issue 7

Jonathon McAlpine’s winning ‘Pure Forms’.

Striking Mount Maunganui homes, designed by incredible local talent, received multiple gongs at the recent Bay of Plenty ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards.

Jonathon McAlpine’s winning ‘Pure Forms’.

This year, five regional awards and two commended awards were given to four designers at the Bay of Plenty regional round. The award winners were Adam Taylor of Adam Taylor ARCHITECTURE, Jonathan McAlpine of TGA Ltd, Will Tatton of Will Tatton Architecture Ltd and Jason MacDonald of JMAC Ltd. Jonathan McAlpine was a big winner, taking away two regional awards and one commended award. He won a Residential New Home between 150m2 and 300m2 Architectural Design Award for a home titled ‘Pure Forms’, a Residential Interiors

Architectural Design Award for a project called ‘Textural Connections’ and was recognised with a Commended award for another design called ‘Timeless Tradition’. One of his designs, ‘Pure Forms’, is a stunning family home nestled in the heart of Mount Maunganui. The brief given to McAlpine was threefold. The clients wanted to create a home that functioned well for their young family’s needs, but that also had the feel of a traditional beach bach. It also had to utilise its unconventional site to its full potential, allowing for a boat park. The brief also needed to be delivered under a strict construction budget. Jonathan McAlpine went for a simple design that used pure forms and a traditional aesthetic with strong rooflines. To accommodate the brief, they extended the footprint into the roof space. This maximised the floor area and limited construction costs. In keeping with the traditional architecture and Mount Maunganui bach theme, stained

Jonathon McAlpine’s winning ‘Textural Connections’.

Jonathon McAlpine’s winning ‘Textural Connections’. 66

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Jason MacDonald’s winning ‘Tuhua Lookout’.

cedar plywood and batten was selected. ADNZ Judges said the substantial home carries its size well. “The plan and the form have been carefully crafted to create a sequence of spaces, a combination of calm, dramatic, expansive, and intimate, all as a backdrop for family life.” Adam Taylor of Adam Taylor ARCHITECTURE won the Residential Compact New Home up to 150m2 Architectural Design Award for his design ‘Tui’s Nest’. Created for a client looking to add a compact dwelling at the rear of their site to rent out, the design needed to be intimate enough for a couple and practical for multiple families. It also had to be removable, cost-effective, durable and not feel small. Judges said that the angular forms and a splaying soffit created drama and a strong presence for a home wedged confidently into a tight and challenging site. Will Tatton of Will Tatton Architecture received the Residential Alterations and Additions Architectural Design Award and the Resene Colour in Design Award for a Mount Maunganui home titled ‘Shimmering Skin’. ADNZ Judges said the clever renovation of a two-storey home saw the façade of the house present an abstract textural face to the city while the interior felt like summer with white surfaces, clean detailing and natural light. Jason MacDonald received a Commended award for ‘Tuhua Lookout’, a Waihi beachfront family home with spectacular views of Tuhua. Architectural Designers New Zealand CEO, Gregory Watts, called the Bay of Plenty designers masters of the beachside aesthetic. “Whether contemporary or traditional, these beachside homes sit comfortably within their environment, embracing the views and the natural beauty of the region. Well done to all the award-winning designers.” Held annually, the ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards celebrate the creative talent of architectural designers and architects from around New Zealand. Awarding designs in multiple categories, projects include residential, commercial, alterations, interiors and multi-use designs. All designers must be members of Architectural Designers New Zealand to be eligible – a leading professional body for architects and architectural designers in New Zealand. The award-winning Bay of Plenty designers will now be waiting with bated breath until the national award winners are announced at a ceremony on Friday, October 18, 2019, in Queenstown.

Adam Taylor’s winning ‘Tui’s Nest’.

Will Tatton’s winning ‘Shimmering Skin’.

From Architectural Designers New Zealand www.adnz.org.nz Will Tatton’s winning ‘Shimmering Skin’.

Jason MacDonald’s winning ‘Tuhua Lookout’.

Will Tatton’s winning ‘Shimmering Skin’. myspace Issue 7

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Pascal Tibbits Pascal Tibbits has designed landscapes for many of New Zealand’s rich and famous – but the centrepiece of his own favourite space is a humble truck wheel. He found the rusty “piece of junk” lying around his Te Puna property when he relocated from Auckland several years ago, and has used it as a cosy firepit ever since. “This space is all about me and my boys,” he explains. “Many a summer evening we’re out here toasting marshmallows or making damper. To me this space is about family, togetherness and having fun.” The treasured firepit sits on a small strip of lawn outside the family home, overlooking a picturesque gully with rolling farmland and a pond surrounded by poplar trees and toitoi. The Te Puna inlet is in the distance where the train crosses the causeway and there are ducks, geese and pukeko coming and going. Tui sing during the day and morepork can be heard at night. The view is magnificent, yet very simple. There are no ornate plantings or impressive structures – just a space that’s calm and reflective. For Pascal, evoking that feeling for his

clients around New Zealand and the world is what keeps him going. During his 26-year career Pascal has created many sublime landscapes but on a much larger scale than his own. He started out as an architectural designer before moving sideways into landscapes, working for several America’s Cup sailors including Russell Coutts, the Huka Lodge Resort Group and a Chinese billionaire just to name a few. “I’ve worked on high-end properties around the world including Hawaii, Fiji and South Africa, cliff-top properties in Auckland, and lifestyle and holiday mansions in the Bay of Islands, Hawke’s Bay and Queenstown. It’s awesome to have the budget to do amazing things on such a grand scale.” Pascal moved to the Bay of Plenty to be closer to family and loves his new rural outlook. He is design director of Tibbits & Co which offers house design, landscape and interior design services, and he continues to work on large projects nationwide. Pascal is heavily involved in Summer Shakespeare Tauranga at the Historic Village as a producer, director and actor. “I’ve been in theatre since I was young and there’s a strong connection to my work. “Through landscape you can create drama, mood and feelings. It’s all part of my creative leanings.” myspace Issue 7

Time for an upgrade?

Unlock the equity in your home. The Squirrel Homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Loan is the easiest way to improve your home without talking to the bank. MySpace-half-homeowners.indd 1

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Smart money choices made simple

0800 21 22 30 /homeowners 29/07/19 4:55 PM

How to afford a new kitchen or bathroom It’s common knowledge that kitchens and bathrooms are amongst the fastest ways to add value to your home. But, let’s get real. Doing home improvements is about lifestyle and creating enjoyment in the spaces that you spend so much time in. First up, the kitchen which is arguably the most important room in your house. It’s the heart and soul of your home and the place where family and friends inevitably end up gathering. In my home we eat most of our meals around the kitchen island and it’s the only time we all listen to each other! When it comes to bathrooms, for most of us that’s about a little bit of luxury. Picture a rain dump shower head or a bath tub to soak away the day. So here’s some tips to help you fast-track and afford your kitchen or bathroom project (and score some socialising brownie-points).

A Homeowner’s Loan makes home improvements easy. And best of all, there’s no cost to renegotiate or refinance your mortgage. Their service as a mortgage broker is free. If you don’t want to put the loan on your mortgage, it’ll convert to a principal and interest loan over a term of five years at the end of the first 12 months (or you can choose a term of up to seven years) and pay it off at a rate that suits you. To find out more about the Homeowner’s Loan or Squirrel’s mortgage brokering services, call Squirrel 0800 21 22 30 or visit www.squirrel.co.nz

The smart way to finance it A small renovation doesn’t need to hit you in the back pocket – in fact, in a lot of cases we can do it without it changing your monthly repayments at all. If you haven’t looked at your mortgage for a while, then chances are with some tough negotiating we might be able to cover the cost of your kitchen or bathroom renovation. You see, getting 0.20 per cent shaved off your mortgage rate will free up $1000 a year of cash flow on a $500,000 home loan. That’s enough to borrow $15,000 without any change in your monthly mortgage repayments, and the extra lending paying itself off over 25 years. It’s not exactly free, but what if you could fund a new kitchen or bathroom with no change in your monthly mortgage payments? Borrowing money off your bank can be hard at the best of the times, and the best deal might mean needing to refinance. That’s why Squirrel have developed a personal loan designed especially for Homeowners.

Introducing the Homeowner’s Personal Loan With a Squirrel Homeowner’s Loan you can easily borrow up to $20,000 unsecured (or up to $70,000 with security). It’s the only peer-to-peer personal loan product in New Zealand with no fees. No establishment fees, no monthly fees and no exit fees. It’s at a rate of 7.95 per cent, interest-only for the first 12-months. So borrowing $15,000 will only cost $100 per month for the first year. What does this all mean? It allows you to get your renovation underway with minimal effort. Squirrel can then help you to consolidate the loan back into your mortgage, hopefully on a better deal, and at a time that suits you. myspace Issue 7

... what home buyers should know For most Kiwis, your home is probably the single biggest purchase you’ll ever make. It’s a stressful process and it makes sense that you’d want to secure insurance to protect yourselves and your new home from natural disaster, fire or any other accidental event. Real Estate Authority chief executive Kevin Lampen-Smith says: “Adding ‘insurance’ near the top of your checklist when hunting for a house is now very important as the insurance market is changing”. “A bank or lender will want proof that you have arranged property insurance before settlement, even if you have conditional preapproval with your finances.”

Obtain quotes To work out if a property can be insured, contact different insurance companies to get a quote. It can also be a good idea to talk to an insurance broker. They are independent insurance experts, who work for you and are not attached to an insurance company. They will give you advice on what might be best for your situation – identifying risks and recommending cost-effective solutions. “If you already have contents insurance, get in touch with your insurer first to see if they’ll offer you property insurance,” says Kevin. Insurers often ask lots of questions about your personal insurance history and whether you (or anyone who will be living at the property) have any criminal convictions. “This is because they want to be sure that you are a ‘good risk’, especially since this will be your first home. Having an existing relationship with an insurer means that you have already been assessed in this way,” Kevin says. An insurer will want to know as much as possible about the property you want to buy – its address, age, condition, size and the materials it is made from. If the house is being sold by a licensed real estate agent, they should be able to help you out with this information. “You can ask the agent if the property is currently insured and whether there have been any issues with the property that could affect its chances of being reinsured in the future,” Kevin says. “If you are aware of other risks to the property that an insurer is unlikely to know about, such as landslip issues – even if there has not been any damage to the home yet – you need to tell the insurer when applying for a quote or for cover. For example, if the house is in an area that has been flooded before, an insurer may limit or exclude any cover for flood damage. If this is the case, it’s better to know as early as possible,” Kevin says. “You can contact the Earthquake Commission directly to see what information they might have on record regarding potential damage to the property from natural disasters.” “I also suggest seeking legal advice before signing a sale and purchase agreement as you may need to make confirmation of insurance an important condition of your offer,” says Kevin.

Different types of insurance There are a few different types of insurance – ‘sum insured’ is the most common in New Zealand. The Insurance Council of New Zealand has a great guide to house and contents insurance, which 72

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runs through the options. Insurance companies are reassessing how they cover coastal or clifftop properties or properties in low lying areas that may suffer from seawater inundation due to the increasing risk of environmental damage or rising sea levels. This means that the cost of premiums may increase, exclusions may be added, or insurance cover may be withdrawn for some properties as the risk changes. EQC doesn’t cover damage to land from coastal erosion (although it does cover storm and flood damage to land) or damage to residential structures or contents from storms, floods or coastal erosion. “While earthquake damage is covered by EQC, you must have private home insurance first to qualify for it,” Kevin says. The premium you pay is broken down into the cover that goes to the company and a levy that goes to EQC and Fire and Emergency NZ. From July 1, 2019, EQC no longer covers contents – affecting policy holders on the anniversary date of their existing policy, which is generally the annual renewal date, or if you take out a new policy. “If an insurer agrees to cover a property you wish to buy, let your lender know immediately. You will need the insurance to start on settlement day, when the property officially becomes yours, even if you aren’t moving in that day. In most cases you can set the insurance up around six-to-eight weeks before you settle – arranging it early means one less thing to do close to your settlement day.” “If you can’t find an insurer willing to insure the house you are keen to buy, it may be safer to walk away. If you do find an insurer for the property, make sure you read and understand the policy. And, don’t leave any insurance matters to the last minute or fail to read the fine details in documents the insurer sends you once cover has been arranged,” says Kevin. For independent guidance and information on buying or selling, check out: settled.govt.nz

Amie Paston, Real Estate Authority

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ISSUE 7, 2019

Craft & Quality Catering for every budget with craft and quality. From bespoke architectural designs to kitset creations.

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