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+ORC*

Ideas you can use at your place

BATHING

GET WHITE RIGHT Decor tricks for our fave pale shade

Luxe looks for small spaces

5

See more of this incredible ensuite on page 82

INSPIRING HOME MAKEOVERS

BY OWNERS AND RENTERS

HOT HARDWARE Tiles, taps and more for the perfect bathroom reno

SIMPLY DOES IT + Unfussy homeware + Creating a waste-free fridge + Light and easy Japanese recipes RESENE COLOUR HOME AWARDS SEE OUR LAST FINALIST

DESIGNED FOR YOU Beautifully custom crafted curtains and blinds made in New Zealand.

To help create a home you love, our nationwide consultants bring the largest range of fabrics to your home and work with you to find just the right look. Your curtains and blinds are then carefully crafted in our workroom and professionally installed by our experts to guarantee a perfect fit.

Book your free in-home consultation 0800 808 300 russellscurtains.co.nz Featured fabric –James Dunlop Chancellor

Contents MARCH

18

14 18 20 22 26 32 34

Save or splurge: Garden tools for all

Your shopping

26 Shopping: Three dream

Fresh finds New products to love Save or splurge It’s tool time Trending now Chic white utility ware Women we love An artist who’s reviving an ancient cultural practice Bathroom special The hottest new hardware and accessories Style stalker Lamps to lift the mood Next big thing All about the arch

schemes for your bathroom

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52

62

Your homes

Sweet moves Shifting south meant a new home to style – and a lot more space – for a designer and her family Work it out An agreement with their landlord allowed these tenants to transform their tired rental Chasing the sun A bach-turnedforever home is redesigned to maximise sun and wha-nau time

40 Homes: Space and style

in a near-new home

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82

Your renovation

Into the light A dodgy staircase and a damp basement sparked a major revamp of this Auckland bungalow Petite retreats Tips and tricks for renovating small bathrooms – plus, see how interiors guru Vic Bibby created the ensuite of her dreams

yhg | 5

Cover story PAGE 8 2 The first thing many people wonder when they see the beautiful bathroom on our cover is whether it’s from a New Zealand house – the answer is yes! Interior designer Vic Bibby created the luxe ensuite for her Napier home and it’s got us all swooning. Turn to our report on small bathroom renos to find out how she did it.

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102 110 112 114

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Reno: An old home’s journey from dangerous to delightful

Your makeover

White out A dilapidated cottage is updated with a white-on-white palette and a whole lot of love All the white moves Decor tricks for getting white right Simple project Make a sweet rainbow wall hanging Finder’s Fi NZ’s best recycle centres Living well How to turn your fridge into a plastic-free zone

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132 136

138

Garden: A serene scene in the heart of the city

Your garden

Serenity rules Sculptural plants and quiet spaces create a restful vibe in this inner-city garden Hot to pot Dishing the dirt on container gardening Garden makeover Carol’s plan for an outdoor living space takes a bare concrete base from slab to fab Outdoor diary Check out our garden guide for March

Photography by Florence Charvin.

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90 108 146

Your food

Simply delicious Light and easy Japanese recipes to try

Regulars

Subscribe and receive a free set of three YH&G design guides Resene Colour Home Awards Our last finalist is revealed Last look Soft white tableware

Dulux Te Aroha. Styling: Bree Leech.

Photography: Lisa Cohen. Image courtesy of Dulux

Aluminium Venetian Blinds from Luxaflex®

Kaleidoscope, 90560

Simplicity, Sage from James Dunlop

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

The team at your locally owned Guthrie Bowron store are ready to help, so pop in and let’s chat!

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GuthrieBowron

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

FLOORING

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WALLPAPER

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CURTAINS

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BLINDS

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PAINT

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ADVICE

Hello PREDICTING 2020 will be the year of the indoor olive tree.

Pot in terracotta for a truly mediterranean vibe.

WATC H I N G The Morning Show. It got mixed reviews but it’s nice and pacy and the apartment where Jennifer Aniston’s character lives is a must-see.

LOV I N G this corduroy pouf in my fave shade from Alex & Corban. It’d make a cosy m. addition to any living room

ADMIRING the Code wall sconces from Nightworks Studio.

The perfect glam additions to a bedside or bathroom.

W

e don’t put bathrooms on the cover of Your Home and Garden very often – interesting ones are hard to come by and they can also be tricky to shoot. But when we saw designer Vic Bibby’s gorgeous ensuite with its pink basin, blue tiles and luxe brass hardware, w we knew it was a serious cover contender for this, our bathroom issue.

Find out how she created this glorious space, and learn her insider tips for designing small bathrooms, in our special renovation report on page 82.

The other theme we’re exploring in this issue is decorating with white.

T The shade has become so common in our homes that it’s starting to feel a bit safe, so we have a guide on page 102 on how to use it successfully and with impact. I must confess I slapped it all over the walls at our place without much thought when we first moved in, so I’ll be taking cues from this workshop, and the other gorgeous white interiors in this issue, on how to make the most of its transformative power.

Katie Newton Editor f facebook.com/yourhomegarden

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instagram @yourhomeandgarden

yhg@bauermedia.co.nz

pinterest.com/yourhomegarden

Photography by Wendy Fenwick, Getty Images. Katie wears jumpsuit by Maaike and her own jacket and rings. Necklaces by Karen Walker and Zoe & Morgan.

THIS MONTH I’M...

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Social club EDITOR Katie Newton ART & EDITORIAL Art director Fiona Kerr Chief sub editor Stephanie Attwater Designer Alisha Kumar Gardens editor Carol Bucknell

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

TRENDING ON HOMESTOLOVE.CO.NZ

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

10 things every stylish home on Instagram has – and where to buy them

This jetty-inspired pool walkway offers a unique way to connect the home with the outdoors

DIGITAL Digital editor Lakshmi Krishnasamy Digital producers Bea Taylor, Olivia Day CONTRIBUTORS Helen Bankers, Sandra Batley, Florence Charvin, Sally Conor, Nicola Edmonds, Pippa Fay, Wendy Fenwick, Debbie Harrison, Angie Humphreys, Mel Jenkins, Eve Kennedy, Annick Larkin, Vanessa Nouwens, Rachel O’Connell, Eleanor Ozich, Fiona Ralph, Sarah Rowlands, Alex Scott, Catherine Steel, Sharon Stephenson, Bonnie Sumner, Alice Veysey, The Virtue.

PRODUCTION Production co-ordinator Lorne Kay Printer Webstar Distributor Ovato Retail Distribution ADVERTISING | MARKETING | CORPORATE Commercial director Kaylene Hurley Group sales director – directs/Australia Rachel McLean Head of brand – commercial Anna Magasiva Associate commercial brand manager Alexandra Cuadros acuadros@bauermedia.co.nz Advertising coordinator Greer Wilkinson gwilkinson@bauermedia.co.nz Advertising sales (direct) Amy Madden amadden@bauermedia.co.nz Directory advertising Kim Chapman classifieds@xtra.co.nz Brand & communications manager Katie Ward Publisher analyst Johanne Kendall EXECUTIVE Chief executive officer Brendon Hill Managing director Tanya Walshe General manager – publishing Stuart Dick Editorial director Sarah Henry PUBLISHED BY BAUER MEDIA GROUP (NZ) LP

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

PET OF THE MONTH

THINK

AHEAD

@courtneyadamo

@belle_hawk

@moderntimesau

@insearchofglory

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

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

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

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

Readership 237,000 (Nielsen CMI July 2018 to July 2019). Average NZ net circulation 26,7430 (Audit Bureau of Circulation April 2018 to March 2019).

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FOUR-YEAR- OLD PERSIAN BLUEBERRY LIVES WITH HER TWO DOGGIE SIBLINGS, BILLY AND BELLA , IN A HOLIDAY-STYLE HAVEN IN FOXTON BEACH. SEE MORE OF BLUEBERRY’S BEACH HOUSE ON PAGE 62.

E:NEWSLETTER

I N S TA G R A M

Sign up to our newsletter and get a weekly dose of inspiration straight to your inbox. Visit yourhomeandgarden.co.nz/signup.

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

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Meet Brett Christie. With a strong background in engineering, you can be sure the solutions he brings to your project will be innovative, unique and engineered to meet your exacting design challenges.

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ROOM DESIGN MADE SIMPLE Urban Attitudes® combines contemporary design, renowned comfort and the ability to customise.

Mix & match with four unique designs, over 50 leather and fabric options and six different options for leg colour. It is simple to create the perfect room for your home with Urban Attitudes® by La-Z-Boy®.

www.la-z-boy.co.nz

Shopping YOUR

Photography courtesy of Coco Republic.

New products, trends and looks we love

Solid as a rock Simple white homeware takes on a naturalistic vibe with its shape and finish this season. Drawing from the rough textures of shell and sand and the imperfections of stone, these pieces work for both a seasonal table update or to boost your shelfie game.

Fresh finds Page 14 Save or splurge: gardening tools Page 18 Trending now: practical picks Page 20 Women we love Page 22 Bathroom special: taps and tiles Page 26 Style stalker: floor lamps Page 32 Next big thing: arches Page 34

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NEWS

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

LIVING

S O STU MP E D S P R UC E UP YO UR S I T T I N G R O O M W I T H T H I S S E T O F OA K-LO O K TA B L E S , $ 5 5 F O R T WO, F R O M KM A RT.C O.N Z .

BEDDING

SOFT SERVE

The cushy washed fabric and serene aquamarine hue make the Elysian duvet cover set by Linen House an easy addition to the bedroom. Just add the matching euro cushions and get snoozing. Duvet set, from $169, cushions, $39, from Farmers. linenhouse.co.nz 14 | yhg

DINING

SIT TING P RE TT Y T H E PAUS E DI NI N G C H A I R , BY WO U D D E S I G N , I S A N IN STA N T CL ASS I C. $ 6 9 9 F R O M CA P R I C H O.C O. N Z.

S TOP READ

BEDROOM

Frame game The Citta Arc bed, made from oak and oak veneer, is on our wish list for a bedroom makeover. You can also purchase the bed base and bedhead individually.

From $3390 for queen size. cittadesign.com

BOOKSHELF

Interior eye candy Be inspired by Axel Vervoordt’s point of view in the Belgian designer’s latest book, Portraits of Interiors. $130 from paperplanestore.com.

BABY

Baby bloom If you’re hunting for the perfect baby-shower gift or something sweet (and handy) to add to a nursery, this fitted bassinet sheet also doubles as a changing-mat cover.

The Australiana print sheet, in soft cotton jersey, is a new design by Snuggle Hunny Kids. $49 from littlewhimsy.co.nz.

TOP PICK

D I S P L AY

B AT H R O O M

Pattern play Banish boring towels from your bathroom and embrace colour, texture and pattern. These June and Jupiter towels are available in several soft-yetstriking colours and feature a pretty botanical print. $49 each from bedbathandbeyond.co.nz.

C UTTI NG SHA PE S THESE HAND -BLOWN LO U LO U VAS E S, BY M A I S O N BA L Z AC, A R E AVA I L A B L E I N A M B E R , PINK, AZURE AND G R A P H IC B L AC K A N D WHITE. $139 FROM TO N I C R O O M .C O. N Z .

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

TA B L E

B OWLED OVE R FA NS O F UN I Q UE C R O C K E RY WI L L LOV E T H I S C O LO UR F UL H A N D - PA I N T E D B OW L . T H E FA I R LY T R A DE D P I E C E IS M A D E I N V I E T N A M. S P E C K L E D B OW L I N ‘ T E R R A Z ZO ’, $ 24 .9 0, F R O M I KO I KO.C O. N Z .

DECOR

WRITE IT UP

New to George & Willy’s collection of cool letterboards is the made-for-small-spaces Scout Display, available in black and white. Around $334 from georgeandwilly.com.

BEDDING

Bright nights Kip & Co’s new Field of Dreams bedlinen is available in silver and ‘pinky’ colourways and includes pillowcases, sheets and duvet covers.

Priced from $59 to $249 at moiongeorge.nz.

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ART

FLOW ER POW E R A D D A P O P O F P E R S O N A L I T Y TO YO U R H O M E WI T H T H E ‘A P P E L SI N U G U LT A L LTA F ’ P R I N T BY N O R W E G I A N A RT I ST K R I ST I N E H E G R E . A R O UN D $ 8 2 .6 6 F R O M T HE P O ST E R C LU B.C O M.

The Home of Storage Inspiration Come into Blum’s Auckland and Christchurch showrooms to see AVENTOS HK top first-hand. While you’re there, check out Blum’s full range of European hardware for the latest in beautiful design and smart storage.

It’s sure to spark inspiration for your own project. @blumnewzealand

www.blum.com

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

Dish the dirt Get growing with the prettiest and most practical garden tools around Styling by Fiona Kerr. Photography by Wendy Fenwick.

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S AV E W AT E R I N G C A N , $ 2 9.9 9, F R O M KINGS PLANT BARN.

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S AV E INDOOR W AT E R I N G C A N , $38, FROM THE D E S I G N D E P O T.

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S AV E SCRUBBER BRUSH, $ 4 , F R O M K M A R T.

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S SAVE 1 Burgon & Ball hand fork, $29.95, from Gubba, on Fog Linen brass hook, $18, from Father Rabbit. 2 Wooden paper pot maker, $29.99, from Shut The Front Door. 3 Kiwi Garden pot, $8.50, and olive tree, $10, both from The Warehouse. 4 Dibber, $18, from Tony Sly Pottery. 5 Linear pot, $8.50, from Kmart. 6 Stainless-steel trowel, $18.99, from Kings Plant Barn. 7 Hand rake, $19.90, from Father Rabbit. 8 Stainless-steel secateurs, $22.99, from Kings Plant Barn. SPLURGE 1 Seedling potter, $59.90, from Father Rabbit. 2 Capra Designs etch pot, $79, from Surprise Surprise, with ficus, $20, from The Warehouse. 3 Capra Designs etch pot, $79, from Surprise Surprise. 4 Sophie Conran trowel, $59.90, from Good Thing. 5 Sophie Conran hand rake, $79, from Father Rabbit.

6 Ars secateurs, $70, from Garden Objects. 7 Burgon & Ball dibblet, $21, from Good Thing. 8 Sophie Conran fork, $59.90, from Good Thing. Wall painted in Resene Florentine Pink.

SPLURGE

SPLURGE BURGON & BALL W AT E R F A L L W AT E R I N G C A N , $110, FROM ALLIUM.

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SPLURGE BURGON & BALL I N D O O R W AT E R I N G CAN, $70.50, FROM T H E D E S I G N D E P O T.

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6 SPLURGE V E G E TA B L E S C R U B BRUSH, $12, FROM PA P E R P L A N E .

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TRENDING NOW 1 Cloth, $26 for 3, from Paper Plane. 2 Tosca drainer, $125, from Paper Plane.

3 French spatula, $7, from Tony Sly Pottery. 4 Wooden spoon, $2, from Kmart.

5 Dish brush, $9, from Tony Sly Pottery. 6 Living & Co plates, $3 each, from The Warehouse. 7 Home Co toilet roll holder, $29.90, from Bed Bath & Beyond.

8 Child’s broom, $49, from Father Rabbit. 9 Ceramic canister, $5, from The Warehouse. 10 Embossed canister, $4, from Kmart. 11 Leather slippers, $59, from Paper Plane. 12 Pastry brush, $12, from Tony Sly Pottery. 13 Soap dish, $8, from Kmart. 14 Laundry ball, $23 for 4, from Yolk. 15 Ms Brown wool & cashmere wash, $37, from Paper Plane. 16 Ethique laundry soap (top), $10.99, from Shut The Front Door; Glow Lab soap, $3.99, from Countdown. 17 Frank tray by Good Thing, $43, from Yolk. 18 Cloth, $10, from Tony Sly Pottery. 19 Pegs, $1 each, from Tony Sly Pottery. 20 Basket, $14.90, from Bed Bath & Beyond. 21 Wash cloth set, $18, from Paper Plane.

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Practically perfect Bring some utilitarian chic to your place with these chore-some picks Styling by Fiona Kerr. Photography by Wendy Fenwick.

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WOMEN WE LOVE

Cloth of ages Nikau Hindin is learning the art of patience as she single-handedly revives the almost-lost Māori practice of making barkcloth Interview by Sally Conor.

Photography by Florence Charvin.

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N

ikau Hindin (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) is reviving the ancient art of making aute (Māori barkcloth or tapa cloth) – a skill that, up until now, hadn’t been practised here for over a century. She is based in Gisborne, where she gained her masters of creative practice at Toihoukura, the School of Māori Visual Art & Design, following her honours degree in fine arts at the University of Auckland.

What is aute? ‘Aute’ is the name of both the paper mulberry plant and the finished barkcloth. When the aute plant is 18 months old, it’s cut; I make an incision in the bark and peel it off the stalk. This leaves the white, sappy inner bark, which I scrape and beat with shells and wooden beaters. It expands into cloth more than three times its original width, which can then be worn or stored to use later.

When I want to create a piece, I soak it for a few weeks to ret (ferment and soften) the fibres. Then I beat all the little puka (pores) together. Once dried, I soften it and paint on it with natural pigments. It’s time-consuming and took a long time to learn. There are lots of chemical reactions going on in the bark sap so if you aren’t careful it can discolour or go mouldy.

How did you learn a craft that hasn’t been practised here for over a century? It was difficult but I referenced the Māori aute beaters at Auckland Museum when I made my tools. I also consulted Dante Bonica at the University of Auckland, an expert in stone tools and traditional practices.

Eventually I met my kumu [Hawaiian for teacher], Verna Takashima, in 2015 at a museum symposium.

She gave me some fine tools made by her brother, which helped a lot. In 2017 I moved to Hawaii as part of my masters, and in the weekends I learned intensively under Takashima as well as other master kapa makers.

S

“I love how physical it is: I sweat, my muscles ache, my fingers get blisters.

But when you unfold the barkcloth...the transformation is so rewarding.”

What do you love about the process? I love how physical it is: I sweat, my muscles ache, my fingers get blisters from the shells. But when you unfold the barkcloth, it is three times wider and bright white – the transformation is so rewarding.

Working with nature, I’m governed by the timing of the plants and the seasons. I’m here to document the stars, the patterns of the environment, and to learn from these things, not destroy them.

The second part is more harmonious; beating aute is very meditative. I have to have a clear mood.

In a world fuelled by instant gratification, it requires patience. I love painting too – the textures and smells and the simplicity of the natural pigments.

How did you set about building an art practice around aute? I started in 2013. It took about five years before I was happy enough with the quality of the cloth to start painting on it. Building an art practice around plants requires lots of planning and

patience. It means that I harvest in the summer and paint in the winter. Until my little aute plants are big enough I’ll go back to Hawaii or other Pacific islands to harvest plants.

I document a lot of my process and pieces on Instagram. Instagram is a powerful tool for artists and I communicate with barkcloth makers from all over the world. People who want to purchase my works can see them and message me directly. My community keeps me accountable and motivated to keep on making.

OPPOSITE Artist Nikau holds a large barkcloth made from an old ‘grandmother’ aute tree.

“I’ll use it for a baby blanket one day,” she says.

Tell us about the patterns you paint on the aute.

The lineage of my patterns comes from the tukutuku and tāniko weaving designs. I do a lot of research and calculations for every star map I create. I did a series that documented what time the stars rise and set during rākaunui (full moon), over six moon cycles.

This helped me to understand the seasonal changes of the stars and visually see it as a pattern.

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I like the idea that my compositions are predetermined by the declination of the stars and the times they rise and set. This is knowledge our ancestors would have known like the back of their hands and used to navigate to Aotearoa.

If we wanted to realign ourselves with the timing of the environment, and the natural timing of our own internal environment we could observe the maramataka, Māori moon calendar. I’m on a journey to understand how it all works. No doubt it will take me a lifetime, but I use my paintings to help me memorise this knowledge. It takes such a long time to make the cloth, I think it should take equal time and care to make the marks on it.

What are the biggest challenges of being an artist in Aotearoa? I’m grateful for the wāhine artists who have laid the path in front of me like Robyn Kahukiwa, Rosanna Raymond and Lisa Reihana. It was hard at first to commit to becoming an artist because I didn’t

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see myself or my value system anywhere in the New Zealand art world. But this is changing; I’ve had such a positive response to my work and I think people are starting to care about how an artist makes their work and its potential for cultural transformation.

Acknowledging indigenous peoples is becoming more important as we face more climate disasters.

Indigenous cultural practices are based on thousands of years of observing the natural world and are in line with protecting the environment. I’m being lifted up in this new wave of awareness.

What does Māori art mean to you? For me, art isn’t just about the things we hang on our walls. It is how we move through our world and what we create; whether our art eventually becomes landfill or returns to the earth to regenerate it. To appreciate Māori art merely for its appearance is a superficial exercise. The key is to understand the Māori concepts entrenched in the artwork and this land.

What advice do you have for people who want to learn more, or start collecting, indigenous art?

The main thing to understand is there is no separation between art, tool, religion and nature.

Everything is connected. Cultural practices come with their own protocols and rely on relationships with knowledge holders that have been nurtured over time. The materials we use are sometimes rare (plants, pigments, whale teeth, bone, special hardwoods) and the strategies for obtaining them have most likely taken years of development.

If you are investing in a piece of artwork grounded in traditional knowledge by an indigenous artist, realise that the treasure you are acquiring contains knowledge passed through many generations. This same knowledge has faced the threat of extermination but has miraculously survived and now lives on through our traditional practices. • @nikaugabrielle

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B AT H R O O M S P E C I A L

TAP LESSONS From dark and moody to bright and playful, this season’s best bathroom looks are a decorator’s delight Styling by Alisha Kumar and Fiona Kerr.

Photography by Wendy Fenwick.

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S OPPOSITE Artisan moss green tile, $99.50 per sqm, from Tile Space. Adria stone basin, $379.90, Elysian brushed brass mixer, $319.90, from ABI Interiors.

Mirror, $35, from Kmart. Hand towel, $24.90, Momentum tealight holder, $14.90, from Paper Plane. Liquid soap, $44.90, Ora soap dish, $19.90, from Citta. Gold hairclips, $12.50 for 3, bracelet, $45, necklace, $39.90, from Allium. Oslo planter, $32.99, faux plant, $79.99, from Shut The Front Door. THIS PAGE (clockwise from top left) Cordoba black tile, $49.90 per sqm, from Tile Depot. Milani brass mixer, $264.90, from ABI Interiors. Harmony jade gloss tile, $120 per sqm, from Tile Warehouse.

Sphaera soap, $26, from Everyday Needs. Mondella toilet roll holder, $41.30, from Bunnings. Capra Designs tray, $98, from Surprise Surprise. Stromboli viridian green tile, $126.50 per sqm, from Tile Warehouse. Yubi peacock gloss mosaic, $19.50 per sheet, from Tile Space. Artisan moss green tile, as before. Soap dish, $26, from Paper Plane.

Living & Co dispenser, $7, from The Warehouse.

Scallop deep green mosaic, $35 per sheet, from Tile Warehouse. Ora brass sink, $689.90, from ABI Interiors. Tray, $8, from Kmart. Elysian brass spout and mixer, $296.90, from ABI Interiors. Magma grey tile, $99.50 per sqm, from Tile Space. Background in Resene Permanent Green.

STYLE TIP KEEP DARK COLOUR SCHEMES FROM LOOKING DULL BY INCLUDING R E F L E CT I V E S U R FAC E S TO BOUNCE LIGHT AROUND THE ROOM. THINK GLOSSY TILES, S H I N Y B R A S S TA P W A R E A N D OVERSIZED MIRRORS.

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STYLE TIP T R Y A N E W TA K E O N T H E C L A S S I C C O M B I N AT I O N O F WHITE AND WOOD WITH ACCENTS OF BLUSH PINK AND T I L E S W I T H A N I M P E R F E C T, N AT U R A L I S T I C F E E L . B R A S S HARDWARE ADDS THE GLAM.

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OPPOSITE Brera mosaic, $99.50 per sheet, from Tile Space.

Mondella vessel basin, $129, from Bunnings. Elysian Minimal mixer and spout, $296.90, from ABI Interiors. Brass wall lights, $129.90 each, from Lighting Direct. Arch mirror, $399, from Flux Boutique. Tumbler, $3, from Kmart. Cotton cloth, $26 for 3, from Paper Plane. Modern butter dish, $20, nail brush, $25, bud vase, $40, massage brush, $39, beechwood soap dish, $22, from Tony Sly Pottery. Glow Lab soap, $3, Do Gooder eco toothbrush, $5, from Countdown. Dispenser, $7, from The Warehouse. Wall in Resene Alabaster. THIS PAGE (clockwise from top left) Brera mosaic, as before. Soapstone tray, $34, from Paper Plane.

Harmony blush gloss tile, $120 per sqm, from Tile Warehouse.

Arc basin in mango, $899, from Plumbline. Shell white tile, $45 per sqm, from Tile Space. Blush pink tile, $118 per sqm, from Tile Warehouse. Bamboo tray, $8, from Kmart. Basket terracotta mosaic, $65 per sheet, from Tile Space. Milani brass mixer set, $373.90, from ABI Interiors.

Blush pink tile, as above.

Context amber tile, $125 per sqm, from Tile Space. Soap dish, $19.90, from Citta. Sphaera soap, $26, from Everyday Needs. Vic Cristal matt tile, $89.50 per sqm, from Tile Space. Stromboli rose breeze tile, $126.50 per sqm, from Tile Warehouse. Artisan ochre gloss tile, $99.50 per sqm, from Tile Space. Meir taps and spout, $679, from The Kitchen Hub. Background in Resene Shabby Chic.

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STYLE TIP EMBRACE BOLD COLOUR AND GRAPHIC SHAPES IN THE B AT H R O O M F O R A P L AY F U L E F F E C T. T H E F E E L- G O O D F A C T O R W O R K S P A R T I C U L A R LY W E L L I N B AT H R O O M S D E S I G N E D FOR KIDS OR GUESTS.

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S OPPOSITE Ecostone Copenhagen tile, $185 per sqm, from Tile Space. Concrete Nation basin, $899, from Plumbline. Meir spout and mixers, $399, from Kitchen Hub. Wooden hook, $18, from Flux Boutique. Made of Tomorrow metal hook, $25, terrazzo tray, $48, soap bar, $18, from Surprise Surprise.

Hand towel, $39, soap cube, $26, toothbrush, $15.50, from Everyday Needs. Mirror, $299, Stockholm planter, $35, from Shut The Front Door. J.Hannah nail polish, $36, hand cream (in tumbler), $11, from Paper Plane. Dispenser, $32.90, Avalon tumbler, $14.90, from Bed Bath & Beyond. Extra Pur hand cream, $33.90, from Citta. Nail brush, $12, from Tony Sly Pottery.

Wall in Resene Sunglo. THIS PAGE (clockwise from top left) Through Body blush mosaic (scattered throughout), $130 per sqm, from Tile Warehouse. Blue gloss tile, $85 per sqm, from Midas Tiles. Soap, $18, from Surprise Surprise. Soap dish, $34.99, from Trade Aid. Ecostone Copenhagen tile, $185 per sqm, from Tile Space. Mondella black basin, $179, from Bunnings. Ecostone Oslo polish tile, $185, per sqm from Tile Space. Aquamarina gloss tile, $85 per sqm, from Midas Tiles. Mondella black mixer, $129, from Bunnings. Bonita hexagon white matte mosaic, $10.50 per sheet, Berillo blue gloss tile, $108.50 per sqm, Harmony sky gloss tile (in centre), $120 per sqm, from Tile Warehouse. Beton still rosy blush hexagon mosaic, $39.90 per sheet, from Tile Depot.

Milani black mixer set, $236.90, from ABI Interiors. Background in Resene Chi. •

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S T Y L E S TA L K E R

High lights Get your glow on with the latest floor lamps in graceful shapes and tasteful finishes

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1 Gilberto floor lamp, $219, from Freedom. 2 Thor floor lamp, $154, from The Market. 3 Finsbury Floor Lamp, $179, from Freedom. 4 Scandinavian style adjustable floor lamp, $107, from The Market. 5 Abeila floor lamp, $279, from Shut The Front Door. 6 Mayuko floor lamp, $139, from Freedom. 7 Moon floor lamp, $540, from Citta. 8 Rattan floor lamp, $55, from Kmart. 9 Victoria floor lamp, $295, from Flux Boutique. 10 Switch floor lamp, $1860, from Tim Webber Design.

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Compiled by Vanessa Nouwens.

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NEXT BIG THING

Curve alert Stray off the straight and narrow with decor that celebrates the soothing symmetry of the arch

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1 Bathroom shelf, €59, from Ferm Living. 2 Woven Mirage cushion, $124, from Amara. 3 Bow candleholder, $228, from Amara. 4 Halo chair, AU$649, from SBW Australia.

5 Hearth Collective Small Spaces sculpture, AU$120, from Modern Times. 6 ‘Reflection’ A4 print, $39, from Maiko Nagao. 7 Arch chair, $3960, from Douglas & Bec. 8 Kristina Dam Studio curved pouf, AU$1035, from Designstuff. 9 Silver arched mirror, $299, from Flux Boutique.

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Compiled by Vanessa Nouwens.

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TREND SPOTLIGHT

Down to earth Warm terracotta tones lend a grounded feel to the bedroom 36 | yhg

STYLE TIP T H E C O M B I N AT I O N O F C R I S P W H I T E AND SOFT GREEN ADDS A FRESH C O N T R A S T T O T H I S W A R M -T O N E D LOOK. ECHO THESE COLOURS IN D E C O R AT I V E E L E M E N T S A R O U N D T H E R O O M TO T I E I T A L L TO G E T H E R .

Get the look

Colour palette

Layer it up. Mixing fabrics and textures is all part of this look. The combination of plush velvet and crisp cotton looks luxurious, or tassles, tufting and embroidery add a bohemian feel.

Experiment with colour. New bed linen is a good way to try out different shades and unexpected colour combinations because it is easily changed. Welcoming earthy tones of rust, terracotta and clay pink are particularly hot this season, so dive on in!

Take the look further. Don’t just stop at the bed. Load up your room with ceramics, potted cacti, woven baskets – and plenty of books for inspiration.

Your Home and Garden Scarlett Aztec duvet set, from $179.99. Textured velvet cushions, $49.99 each. Quilted velvet Euro cushions, $49.99 each. Desert embroidered tufted Euro cushions, $49.99 each.

Available exclusively from Farmers.

S H O P T H E N E W C O L L E C T I O N I N S T O R E A N D AT FA R M E R S . C O . N Z yhg | 37

Winner of the 2019 COLORSTEEL® Building of the Year Award Designed by Red Architecture

Simple, Bespoke, Innovative The Wainui Construction team draw inspiration from the land and our surroundings, with a commitment to a deeper connection with, and respect for, the landscapes we work upon; and a careful consideration for the environment.

Our Raglan based team brings together construction, engineering and architectural services. Bound by a common ethos of ‘integrating with the land’ to bring your project to life.

For more information please see our website www.wainuiconstruction.co.nz

Homes YOUR

Creative and inspiring homes with heart

Photography by Sarah Rowlands.

Clean and green Creating an outdoor shower and bath zone proved to be money well spent for the Rolleston family. Katy, an interior decorator, found the claw-foot bath on Trade Me, and installed kwila screens for privacy. The kids use the space every day, cooling off – or warming up – after bouncing on the trampoline. See more over the page.

Sweet moves: cool and contemporary in Christchurch Page 40 Work it out: a creative rental renovation Page 52 Chasing the sun: from former bach to beach-side bliss Page 62

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EXTERIOR The Rollestons’ two-storey, 335-square-metre home packs in four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas and a study. They designed the outdoor area to be usable in any weather.

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Sweet moves For this family, a shift south meant a near-new home with plenty of space and scope to make it their own Text by Sharon Stephenson. Photography by Sarah Rowlands.

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his is a tale of two cities, two houses and the call of home. At least, it was for James Rolleston, who’d always wanted to move from Auckland back to his native Christchurch. And so in early 2018, James, his wife, Katy, and their sons, Freddy and Wilbur, sold the Mt Eden villa they’d spent five years renovating, filled a truck with furniture and headed south.

Wanting a change, they bought a one-yearold home in leafy Merivale. As with anyone transitioning from a 100-year-old villa to a contemporary home, there were adjustments to be made, mostly positive. “Thanks to the double glazing, this house is definitely warmer than our Auckland villa,” says Katy. “It’s also low-maintenance and easy to keep clean.”

The only downside was the proportions of their new home, which were much larger than the villa’s. Some of their existing furniture was too small for the space, meaning various pieces, such as the dining table and occasional chairs in the living room, had to be upsized.

MAKING IT HOME The four-bedroom, 335-square-metre house had plenty going for it but Katy and James wanted to maximise its potential. Plus, as an interior decorator, Katy had lots of ideas up her sleeve.

“Our style is fresh, white and open, so we did things like painting out the beige walls downstairs with crisp white paint and swapping brown kitchen cabinets for bright white ones, simply by changing the front panels,” she says.

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MEET + GREET Katy Rolleston, 38 (interior decorator at Katy Rolleston Design), James Rolleston, 37 (CEO of Spaceships Rentals), Freddy, 8, and Wilbur, 5, plus four-month-old puppy Goldie.

The biggest change they made was ripping up the grey carpet and replacing it with engineered floorboards in natural oak which makes the entire ground floor feel lighter.

Upstairs, Katy chose to keep the beige walls and grey carpet installed by the previous owner. “I’m a great believer in adding warmth to bedrooms by layering with different textures and colours.” Fortunately, she didn’t have to do anything to the three bathrooms, which feature sleek grey tiles and, in the upstairs master ensuite, a double shower and bath.

COLOURING IN One thing the new-build lacked was personality. “It also felt a bit masculine and I wanted to soften it a bit,” Katy says.

One way to do that was to add a whack of colour in the form of some striking wallpaper – two different takes on a botanical print in pink and green, one in the guest bathroom, the other along a single wall of the open-plan living room. Katy sourced both wallpapers locally, and although James was initially a bit sceptical, he came around to the idea when he realised how much the colour could enhance both spaces.

Upstairs, Freddy and Wilbur each chose the decals that add interest to a wall in their respective bedrooms; one went with dots and the other picked crosses.

DINING, KITCHEN, LIVING A bigger house meant upsizing some of the furniture, including a new dining table from Nood. The chairs and bar stools are from Williams Road. The walk-in pantry has ample storage and hides a multitude of sins when the couple entertain. In the living area, the occasional chairs came from St Clements and the moon photograph was taken by James.

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FAMILY ROOM This space provides a calm retreat from the open-plan living area and is home to a range of new and collected vessels. “I believe in only having things you love out on display,” says Katy. “So it’s fair to say I love each and every one.”

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FRESH TAKE Katy loves to have flowers and other flora on display. Elsewhere in the home, large plants add their freshness and texture to most rooms. A custom painting by James’ sister Phoebe hangs above the sofa from Soren Liv. The daybed is from Nood.

FINISHING TOUCHES Katy says she’s addicted to baskets, sheepskin throws and pots, and can never resist the opportunity to add different styles and sizes of each throughout the two-storey house.

Wherever possible, she likes to shop locally or visit her favourite haunts in Auckland when she’s there for work. “We’re lucky this house has ample storage but baskets can be useful not just as decorative items but to corral things such as toys and books.”

She’s also a fan of mixing old and new pieces, like the large, green former school lockers in the playroom, which she found at Vitrine in Auckland, and the wooden trunk (a family heirloom of unknown age which has travelled with her through many residences) that now lives at the foot of Freddy’s bed.

With two young sons and a new puppy in the household, it was essential to have durable, easy-to-clean furniture and fittings. The white sofa in the living room has removable slip covers, while the blush kitchen chairs are easily wiped down.

And when it came to sourcing artwork, Katy didn’t have to look too far: her Melbourne-based sister-in-law, artist Phoebe Rolleston, painted the large colourful canvas in the family room specifically for the space. James is also a keen photographer whose work has been enlarged and displayed throughout the house. The antlers he’s bagged on various hunting trips over the years are also on show.

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H THIS PAGE The spacious master ensuite is made for two with a double vanity and shower, plus a bath.

OPPOSITE Layers of soft textiles create a cosy, inviting feel in the bedrooms. The master bedroom’s headboard is from Citta and the side table from Soren Liv. The boys’ rooms are designed to suit their personalities. Wilbur’s houses a cube bookcase which he selects from every night. A luxuriant, jungly wallpaper is a fun touch in the guest bathroom.

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OUTER SPACE “The louvre roof from Louvre Solutions completely transformed our outdoor living,” says Katy.

The family can often be found cooking on, or gathered around, the woodburner. Wilbur and Freddy make great use of the outdoor bath and playhouse.

AL FRESCO LIFE The family like to spend as much time outdoors as possible so the original lacklustre garden and outdoor area was never going to cut it. They quickly added a black pergola with louvres, allowing all-weather enjoyment.

The pizza oven/outdoor fire they trucked down from Auckland anchors one corner, while casual dining and lounging options are scattered around. Another must was the outdoor shower and restored claw-foot bath Katy found on Trade Me, with kwila screens for privacy. “The kids use this space every day, going straight from the trampoline to the bath.”

The couple also landscaped the section, clawing back more lawn from a flower garden.

They planted rows of Griselinia, hydrangeas and feijoa trees and an edible garden of herbs and citrus fruit.

THE END Two years on, Katy says they’re happy they made the move. “We’ve finally finished putting our stamp on the house and we absolutely love it.” •

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HONESTY BOX

SHOP THEIR STYLE Potted plants, woven baskets and earthy materials like wood, stone and brass add personality to a modern space

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+ Best lesson learned?

Katy: Do it once, do it right. + What would you never do again? Try to sow a lawn in May. + One thing you would change about your home if you could?

If you had asked a couple of years ago, there would have been a few things. But we have considered and worked on our home to get it just right for us. We’re happy to sit back now and enjoy it. + Most memorable experience you’ve had in your home? It was exciting sleeping in our house on that first night, all ready for the boys to start their new schools in a place we now call home.

BUDGET

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+ How much have you spent on improving your home? We have spent around $80,000 on flooring, kitchen, paint, louvres, planting and the outdoor bath.

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SHOPPING TIPS

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+ Mix luxury items with inexpensive pieces. + Buy from a variety of places so your home isn’t confined to one particular look or style. + Think about what you’re buying and how much you’re prepared to spend. Is it a long-term piece that you are willing to spend more on, or an ontrend item you might want to change in the future? + When buying furniture consider whether it can be used in several spaces within your home because you might want to move it to a different spot later on. Ask yourself if the piece will blend in with the rest of your home. + Make sure you first measure where new furniture is going. Use a sheet or towel and place it on the ground so you can see what it’s going to look like in that space.

CONTACTS & SHOPS

1 ‘Tropical Bloom’ wallpaper, $395 a roll, from Artisan Collective. 2 ‘All is Pretty’ print, $369, from The Market. 3. Matte black glass vase, $4, from Kmart. 4 Black Harley lamp, $169.99, from A&C Homestore. 5 Living & Co linen-rich Sunset cushion, $15, from The Warehouse. 6 Hammered drum side table, $399, from Freedom. 7 Oscar swing chair, $1049.99, from A&C Homestore. 8 Rogue fiddle leaf tree, $99, from Freedom. 9 Compound sideboard, $3490, from Citta. 10 Rattan striped basket, $69, from Tea Pea.

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Styling Katy Rolleston Design, katyrollestondesign.com.

Kitchen Kitchen Express, Christchurch, 03 343 4005.

Soft furnishings Furtex textiles made into curtains etc by The Makers Atelier, Christchurch, 021 242 0103.

Furniture Citta, Corcovado, Nood, Soren Liv, Vitrine.

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FINISHES

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Dulux Okarito, statuario matte tile, Mokum ‘La Palma’ wallpaper in coral from James Dunlop Textiles, Eijffinger Vivid ‘Jungle Palm’ wallpaper from Hubbers.

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All it took to transform this tired rental property was a creative eye, plenty of hard work and an unusual agreement with the landlord Text by Annick Larkin. Photography by Alice Veysey.

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H DINING Open shelves in the Stokes’ home display the finds Tash has thrifted – it’s her favourite way to buy homeware. The tablecloth is from EziBuy and the highchair is from Farmers.

MEET + GREET Tash Stokes, 26, Arie Stokes, 31 (photographers and co-owners of Black Robin Photography), Ruby, 3, and George, 1, plus Bobby the family pooch.

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our years ago, Tash and Arie Stokes made the decision to start a family and grow their photography business instead of buying a house and taking on a mortgage.

But when their landlord announced he’d be selling the property they were happily renting, they found themselves in the stressful position of having to find another home – and fast. Tash was pregnant with their second child, George (now 1), and they were underwhelmed by the rentals available.

“We visited this house and loved its bones, but that was about the only thing it had going for it,” recalls Tash. The interior was characterised by shabby, old-fashioned wallpaper and interior paint colours straight out of the 1980s. The curtains and blinds were old and the house was tired and in dire need of an overall update.

After the viewing, the couple wrote the property off. “I couldn’t imagine living in a house that was so colourful,’’ says Tash.

A CHEEKY PROPOSITION However, a few days after the viewing, Arie and Tash were contacted by the landlord. “He was a lovely family man who was really impressed by us,” explains Tash. “He offered us the property on the spot.” But before accepting, the couple discussed at length how they could make this house work for them as a family.

Putting aesthetics aside, the home did have some redeeming qualities. It had decent-sized rooms, was dog friendly, had a large, functional home office and was centrally located in Fairfield, Hamilton.

After nutting out the pros and cons, the couple put forward a cheeky proposition to the landlord. If they accepted the property, could they make improvements? And would these be reimbursed? “For the landlord it was a win-win,” explains Tash. “He would have a house-proud family move into his rental property, who would update his house for the simple cost of materials. We also saw it as a positive for us, as we would get to make this house our own.”

There were a few conversations back and forth, working through the finer details, but in the end, both parties were very happy with the arrangement.

LIVING, KITCHEN Old wallpaper and dated paint colours have been replaced with fresh white walls throughout the house. A new vinyl splashback, updated lighting and a lick of paint were the only changes needed in the kitchen.

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SHELVING Arie created a series of bespoke shelves to display family photographs and other treasures, including a collection of vintage cameras. A craft nook has been installed for the children in an otherwise unused space.

THE RENO RACE Six weeks before George was due, Tash, Arie and Ruby moved into their new home and the makeover began immediately. With George’s arrival imminent, the couple couldn’t waste any time and threw themselves into the project, starting with the worst rooms.

“As soon as we had been handed the keys, I got to work removing all the wallpaper from the master bedroom,” says Tash. “Unfortunately, it was hiding a multitude of sins, so there was a lot of patching up of uneven surfaces to be done before we could begin painting.”

Each room required layers of old wallpaper to be removed by hand before priming and painting could begin. They painted all the rooms in neutral, easy-to-live-with white and grey (Resene Triple Sea Fog for the bedrooms and bathroom; Resene Half Merino in the kitchen and

living room), updated the window coverings, installed lightshades and personalised spaces with shelving, photography and artworks.

In just four weeks, the couple had made over the master bedroom, nursery and bathroom. The rest of the home was tackled over a period of months after George was born.

MAKING IT PERSONAL Even though they don’t own the house, Arie and Tash have created a wonderful family home that oozes their own style. Arie – a dab hand at carpentry – made the coffee table, the bedside tables in the master bedroom and the shelves throughout the house.

These pieces each display cherished trinkets and mementos the couple have collected over the years. “Shelves are a fabulous way to personalise a room and

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HOME OFFICE Tash and Arie run their wedding and portrait photography business, Black Robin Photography, from an office connected to the garage. A bright, white space, it works for both photo shoots and client meetings.

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“Shelves are a fabulous way to personalise a room and I often shuffle the contents around… Our favourite artworks are the family photos.”

I often shuffle the contents around,” says Tash.

“The art is carefully considered, but this is also something we change often. Our favourite artworks are the family photos.”

CREATIVE SPACES The couple’s business, Black Robin Photography, is run from their bright and spacious home office/studio. “We wanted the space to be multipurpose,” says Tash. “The white walls and floor mean we can use it to shoot in, but it also gives the space a light, airy feel for when we meet our clients here.”

While Tash and Arie have their own workspace, they’ve created a gorgeous craft nook for their children to play and create in.

“It used to be a totally underutilised space,” says Tash. Initially, they considered putting additional shelving there, but instead decided to make it a special spot just for the kids with a built-in desk and adorable little chairs found in the Hamilton store Needle in the Hay.

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BEDROOMS The children’s rooms are fun and playful, while the master is minimalist.

Tash made the bunting in George’s nursery, the chair was found on the side of the road and restored, and the book basket is vintage. Ruby’s room has a reading nook with cushions from The Warehouse, a canopy from Numero 74 and a revamped bookshelf. The bed is from Ikea with bedding from H&M or made by Tash.

KIDS’ ROOMS A house feels like a home when it expresses the character of the people who live there, and Tash has styled her children’s bedrooms with this in mind. “Sure, it would be nice to have their rooms styled minimally but that doesn’t reflect them as people. They are young for such a short period of time, so I fully embrace that.”

Tash found the drawers in Ruby’s room in an op shop and painted them in the blue shade that Ruby picked out herself. The reading nook in her room is a space where she can snuggle up with a book and have some quiet time with her teddies.

The nursery has evolved as George has grown and the couple learn more about him and what he likes. He loves animals, cars and bright colours so they have tried to incorporate these into his bedroom design.

“The toys on his shelf were mostly all vintage finds that I collected while I was pregnant with him. Same goes for the book basket and bedside cabinet,” explains Tash.

“I painted the cabinet the brightest yellow I could find as he loves opening and closing it and hiding things inside.”

THE HAPPY ENDING This unique situation has allowed Arie and Tash to focus on growing their family and their photography business, rather than paying off a mortgage. “Thanks to our landlord, we still get to live in a home that feels very much ‘ours’ but without the financial pressure,” says Tash. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement that might just inspire a few others. • @blackrobinphoto

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SHOP THEIR STYLE Vintage finds picked up for a song and old furniture revamped with paint give this family home a cool, arty style

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HONESTY BOX + Where have you saved money?

Tash: Not doing anything structural to the property. + Where have you splurged?

Not many areas! + What was your best buy?

The Karen Walker Blanched Pink paint on the office feature wall.

It has such a beautiful tone. + Best memory in your home?

Bringing our new baby home and starting life as a family of four. + What would you never do again? After removing wallpaper in every room of the house, I will never put wallpaper up, ever! + Best lesson learned? Take your time with prep work; it always shows in the end result.

BUDGET Kitchen Paint: $300 Vinyl for splashback: $200 Lighting: $100 Styling: $150 Living room Paint: $250 Shelving and desk: $150 Carpet restretch: $250 Styling: $150 Bathrooms Paint: $150 Bedrooms Paint: $450 Styling: $450 Home office Paint: $300 Landscaping $500 Total $3400

TOP TIPS

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1 Rogue olive branch, $89, from Freedom. 2 Vitra toolbox, $79.90, from Sunday Homestore. 3 Rainbow pillow, $124.95, from Little Whimsy. 4 Dane ceramic vase, $79.90, from Country Road. 5 Waffle hand towel, $25, from Green With Envy. 6 Bell basket pendant, $159, from Freedom. 7 Sari ladder, $119, from Citta. 8 Sayulita natural hand-braided jute rug, $269, from Miss Amara. 9 Johnny wire chair, $199, from Cintesi. 10 Alps dining table, $999, from Freedom.

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+ Shop secondhand; there are some great op-shops in Hamilton. + Refurbish old furniture. + Start collecting. You never know where you’ll come across something that will fit in with your home. Sometimes it’s an op-shop, sometimes it’s a big chain store, so always keep an eye out. + Change things around. Don’t live with things looking the same for too long; keep it fresh. Shop in your own home! Ask yourself what you could move to make the space look new.

CONTACTS & SHOPS Furniture and decor Citta, EziBuy, Father Rabbit, Ikea, and Little Whimsy for the kids.

H FLOOR PLAN

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RESENE Triple Sea Fog

RESENE Half Merino

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RESENE Karen Walker Blanched Pink

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Chasing the sun Turning their bach into their permanent home means the holiday vibes don't stop for this family Text by Debbie Harrison. Photography by Nicola Edmonds.

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MEET + GREET Reuben Nicklin, 38 (videographer and photographer at Reuben James), Amy Nicklin, 36 (photographer and owner of Vanish Ink), Luca, 9, Daisy, 6, and Louie, 1, plus Blueberry the cat, Bella the Chihuahua, and Billy the Pekingese-bichon frise.

KITCHEN The Nicklins designed their home to chase the sun and warmth.

The white, open kitchen was designed and installed

by Mastercraft Palmerston North. “We’re trying to be more minimalist. The only appliance that’s visible is the oven,” says Amy.

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DINING Amy found the beaded chandelier at Williams Road at a fraction of the price of other comparable ones. The home’s flooring, including the oak-style planks, is from Midway Flooring Xtra in Palmerston North.

LIVING The choice of woodburner (from Mitre 10 Mega) was inspired by a friend across the road who has one. “I love how contemporary it is,” Amy says.

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t’s not uncommon to be on holiday and remark, “If only I could live like this every day.” Reuben and Amy Nicklin said the same thing about being at their Foxton Beach bach – and then they made it a reality.

They bought the bach – which was just a half-hour drive from their then-home in Palmerston North – in 2016. The search for the perfect getaway spot had taken years, but when they finally found it they realised the possibilities were huge.

“We saw this place but thought it would be way out of our price range,” Amy says. “It was advertised as five bedrooms, two bathrooms, but we checked it out anyway. It turned out that it was two separate dwellings: a three-bedroom and a two-bedroom which was tenanted with an income. We couldn’t believe it.”

The couple drove out every Sunday to every open home to check on interest and eye up the competition. They ended up being the only

people at the auction. “It was just before the market took off; it was the best timing in the world,” Amy says.

For months afterwards, the family would pack their bags and head off to the bach for the weekend, driving home on Sunday night or Monday morning. “It eventually got to the point where we wondered why we didn’t just move out here full time,” says Reuben. “We both work from home so we didn’t have that holding us back.”

THE BUILD Initially they planned to renovate the threebedroom bach but the builders and architect advised against it. “They said it was a big job and we’d be going so far back to come forward,” Reuben says.

“They recommended we just demolish it and start with a clean slate. So we kept the original foundation and added on a few little pockets for extra space.”

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“With the moody green wall and forest like ensuite, it feels like a hotel room�

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“We’d already lived with the layout for a year so we knew where the sun was and how each room worked and the eco footprint and how to utilise the rooms correctly,” Amy adds.

Having lived in cold, draughty houses before, the couple were determined to create a home that was toasty year-round.

“We basically designed the home to chase the sun and warmth.”

STATEMENT BATHROOMS Two areas the couple earmarked for a bold statement look were the bathrooms. “We wanted to create two totally different spaces and I’m stoked with the result,” says Reuben.

The main bathroom has a more feminine vibe with light grey tiles, a blond oak vanity and white mermaid tiles in a long niche running all the way above the bath and into the shower.

The couple chose brushed gold tapware and edging to add a touch of class to the room.

Despite being reluctant at first to have an ensuite (“We don’t use it at all!”), Reuben and Amy were excited about designing it because they knew they could take some risks and do something a bit different.

“We fell in love with Alex and Corban’s room makeover [on The Block NZ] where they used dark greens and mustard, and decided to use that as our inspiration,” Reuben explains. “We knew it was the right thing to do because we got butterflies when we thought about it.

“Now it’s like stepping into a forest, with its dark grey tiles from floor to ceiling and black geometric tiles in the niche. We used matte black tapware to get even moodier and had a Michel Cesar Moode vanity custom-painted in Resene Seaweed to complete the look. We then pulled that dark green through into the master, with our feature wall.”

MASTER BEDROOM Amy says their master bedroom is their sanctuary. The dark green creates a relaxing, cosy vibe, making it an easy place to curl up and chill out. “It’s a lovely natural colour, the colour of leaves,” says Amy. “It was a bit of a risky choice but an easy one because we could always repaint if we didn’t like it. Thankfully, we love it – with the moody green wall and forest-like ensuite, it feels like a hotel room.”

MASTER BEDROOM “The master bedroom gets the evening sun so I love to hunker down in here to feed Louie and watch the sunset,” says Amy. BATHROOMS The couple wanted to go bold with the bathrooms. The mirrors were custom-made by a friend, which saved money, with a half arch lending softness to the main bathroom (top and far right). The ensuite vanity (right) was custom-painted in Resene Seaweed, and the colour then repeated on the wall in the master bedroom.

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H OFFICE Reuben’s favourite room is his ‘butler’s office’, where he runs runs his business reubenjames.co.nz, because it allows him to be close to the family while he works. He made the ‘Tino Rangatiratanga’ (‘absolute sovereignty’) artwork which hangs there. “I love the way it makes me feel. Makes me think that I can focus on my own destiny and maybe I can inspire others who see me living my dreams.”

BEDROOMS Amy had the surfboard (in son Luca’s room) made for Reuben for their fifth wedding anniversary. Reuben built daughter Daisy’s bed-frame-with-side-table for her second birthday.

OUTSIDE Landscaping is next up. Plans include grasses, tropical plants, boardwalk-style decking and a skate ramp.

OFFICE SPACE Videographer Reuben had one must-have for the build: a ‘butler’s office’, set off the kitchen.

“In our previous house – with four bedrooms and a big office – I’d still gravitate to the lounge and dining table to do my editing every night,” he says. “Being out here with the family makes sense.” To keep the office clutter at a minimum, they made the entire back wall a storage space.

“All my gear, our camera gear, papers – it’s your usual messy workspace but it’s all behind closed doors. That space works perfectly.”

BANG FOR BUCK Amy, who was pregnant with their third child, Louie, during the build, spent a lot of late nights looking online for the best deals possible. She snagged their statement wooden chandelier from online shop Williams Road for a fraction of what the designer version cost. She scored the white tap for the kitchen from AliExpress for

$100, but the brushed gold tapware for the main bathroom was the biggest score. “I found an Aussie supplier and managed to get it all from them – even with Customs, it ended up being a quarter of the price,” she says.

FUTURE PLANS “This will probably be our forever home,” says Amy. “Both sets of parents are in Palmerston North so it’s easy to get a babysitter when we go to shoot weddings. The most important factor for us is to be with family; having our children near their grandparents is number one.”

They may not be selling but change is afoot.

The couple have just finished renovating the two-bedroom flat next door, turning it into a cool little coffee shop and gallery called L'arte, displaying some of Reuben's work. “Being creatives, I guess it’s in both of us to conceive and create beautiful things,” he says. “So this won’t be the last place we dream up.” •

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HONESTY BOX

SHOP THEIR STYLE A crisp white backdrop is livened up with gold tapware, plenty of house plants and carefully curated beachy accents

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+ Lessons learned? Unless you have an unlimited budget, there’s going to come a time when you have to make a compromise – but it’s those decisions that might leave you pleasantly surprised. We learned that sometimes things happen for a reason and that a positive attitude and willingness to compromise can sometimes achieve a better outcome. + Best memory in your home?

The night before the YH&G photographer came around, the kids were playing in the garden and we’d finished tidying and were sitting on the deck and everything felt amazing. It was the first time we’d really enjoyed our deck as it was intended to be used. We put on the outdoor speakers and outdoor lights and had a few beers and watched this epic sunset. We felt really lucky. + What was one of your best decisions regarding the build?

Choosing the builder – he was a blessing. We were stoked with his meticulous workmanship. He was old-school and could do everything. + Anything you wish you’d done differently? It being our first build, you’d expect us to have lots of regrets, but we don’t. Living in it beforehand and getting a feel for the site just made our decisions faster and more solid, so we were pretty certain of what we wanted by the time we got it onto paper.

Eventually we’d love to put in solar power, but that’s phase two, along with bifold windows, a wraparound deck and a bar leaner. + Any advice? Shop around.

Take time to do your research and question every purchase decision to see whether you can get something of similar quality at a better price. And do as much of the work yourself as you can – it’ll save you some serious coin.

BUDGET + How much did the build cost?

Around $360K.

COLOUR PALETTE 1 Mini pot with stand, $6, from Kmart. 2 Vasquez cowboy hat, $139.99, from A&C Homestore. 3 Gisele wall basin mixer, $549, from Elite Bathroomware. 4 Wicker mirror, $119.95, from Mocka. 5 Hand-knit acrylic throw, $59, from EziBuy. 6 Bjorn arch mirror, $425, from Shut The Front Door. 7 Lanie wall light, $89.90, from Lighting Direct. 8 Living & Co Alyssa side table, $39, from The Warehouse. 9 Docklands MKIII sofa, $899, from Freedom. 10 Living & Co banana leaf print cushion, $10, from The Warehouse.

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DULUX Appliance White

RESENE Seaweed

FLOOR PLAN

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YOUR WORLD OF INSPIRATION

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KEY 1 Ensuite 2 Master bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bathroom 5 Laundry

6 Living 7 Dining 8 Office 9 Kitchen 10 Entry 11 Garage

CONTACTS Builder Ben Hales, Enhance Builders, Palmerston North, 027 556 6043. “We were really blessed to find such a passionate, meticulous and hardworking builder. His passion for his craft was unbelievable, and of all the things about our build, we’re most grateful for finding him.”

Electrician Jason Vasta, Vortex Electrical, vortexelectrical.co.nz.

“We highly recommend him.”

Flooring Midway Flooring Xtra in Palmerston North, flooringxtra.co.nz. “They did all our flooring – tiles, carpet, vinyl planks and our luxurious rug – and were very helpful.”

Kitchen Mastercraft Palmerston North, mastercraft.co.nz. “Josh Cooper at Mastercraft made our kitchen dreams come true and was really helpful.”

Plants Floral Collaborative, floralcollaborative.co.nz.

N E W AR RIVAL S

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Renovation YOUR

Expert advice on home alterations, extensions and updates

Changing rooms

Photography by Helen Bankers.

It’s always fun knocking down walls, especially when you’re left with a bright, open, family-friendly living space, as was the case in this Auckland home.

With large bifold doors opening onto the deck and a glass panel inset into the adjacent stairwell wall, the once poky kitchen has become a luxurious gathering place. See more of this impressive renovation on page 74.

Into the light: an Auckland home goes from damp and dangerous to bright and beautiful Page 74 Petite retreats: top tips for tiny bathrooms plus a peek into our luxe cover ensuite Page 82

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OLD GOLD The home’s original decorative details have been retained, such as the living room’s leadlight door, which only needed a fresh coat of paint.

KITCHEN A new open-plan layout has naturally led to the family spending more time together. The kitchen by AM Joinery includes Fisher & Paykel appliances and bar stools from IMO.

Into the light Replacing a dangerous staircase sparked a major rebuild – and ended with this transformed home that’s full of light and warmth Text by Catherine Steel. Styling by Rachel O’Connell. Photography by Helen Bankers.

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BEFORE

MEET + GREET Emily White, 44 (sales manager at Les Mills), David McKellar, 48 (general manager, corporate travel), and Molly, 9, plus cats Colin and Malcolm.

PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS

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damp basement and a dangerous staircase aren’t music to a homeowner’s ears. And Emily White and husband David McKellar were mightily glad to say goodbye to both when they renovated their house in Belmont, Auckland. “The reason we decided to renovate was to replace the spiral staircase with a normal one, as we had all taken a tumble down it,” Emily says. “We got a bit carried away with the rest!”

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BACKGROUND

Their bungalow, built in 1925, was moved onto the site from the outskirts of Auckland in the 1960s. Emily and David bought it in 2012 and almost immediately noticed water dripping through the ceiling. However, a new roof and a fresh coat of exterior paint wasn’t the end of their problems – a retaining wall collapsed and there was the ongoing issue of the awkward

spiral staircase in the middle of the house.

“It was a death-trap,” Emily says.

In 2016, Emily’s father, Ron, who’s keen on restoring houses, came to stay from the UK. “When he saw our house, he got stuck into it,” Emily says. He drew up plans, detailing how they could make their home better suit their needs. The couple then sent the drawing to an architect to refine.

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A CASE FOR CHANGE

The first major change the pair’s builder, Guy Davis, made was to remove the dodgy staircase and install a pine one. “The original was cast iron so it was tricky to get out,” Guy says. “We maximised the width of the new one and ensured there was a larger landing at the bottom.”

To improve the sense of flow throughout the home, several internal walls dividing the upstairs living areas were removed. “We wanted open-plan living and didn’t have it before the renovation,” Emily says.

Dangerous spiral staircase > Removed staircase and installed a timber replacement with a larger landing space at the bottom.

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Downstairs was cold, dark, damp and little used > The space was reinsulated and reconfigured, with new windows installed to promote natural light.

3 Poorly arranged upstairs living spaces > Took down internal walls to create a light, open-plan living area with a modern kitchen and indoor-outdoor flow.

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FROM DARK TO LIGHT

Prior to the renovation, the cold, dark and damp downstairs area was barely used, so builder Guy reinsulated the space and put down a damp-proofing membrane. To maximise natural light, floorto-ceiling windows and external doors were installed in two of the rooms and the other windows were extended. To get light into the new stairwell, a window was relocated from the kitchen to the top of the stairs.

On the upper level, 4.5-metre bifold doors were installed in the kitchen (opening to the deck), and a glass panel inset into the stairwell wall, allowing a sightline from the kitchen through to the study nook, so daughter Molly, 9, can be seen when she’s at the computer.

These steps have all helped to transform the once-gloomy downstairs space. “It’s borrowed light essentially,” says Guy. “It means you don’t rely on artificial lighting in that area, and it makes the rooms feel bigger.”

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AN INSIDE JOB

The couple used a company to smooth the consent process, and kept within the original footprint, which helped keep costs down. There were plenty of internal changes, though. The downstairs originally comprised a laundry, lounge, storage space, bedroom and bathroom. It now contains a reworked laundry, lounge, Molly’s bedroom with ensuite, and a master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe.

The upstairs had two bedrooms, separate lounge, dining and kitchen spaces, and a small main bathroom. It now has two new bedrooms with wardrobes and a two-way bathroom in between, guest toilet, study nook and open-plan kitchen, dining and living.

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R LIVING Now light and inviting, the roomy lounge is furnished with chairs from Freedom and a sofa and coffee table from Soren Liv. DINING The new table from Citta and chairs from St Clements have seen plenty of use. “We never used the old dining room, apart from at Christmas, as it was so cut off from the kitchen,� says Emily.

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THIS PAGE The upstairs guest bedroom – one of two, joined by a Jack and Jill bathroom – shows off its beautiful original features in crisp white. OPPOSITE Molly’s room has a fold-out armchair, perfect for reading and sleepovers. The study space at the top of the stairs is ideal for homework. The master bedroom features a spacious double ensuite. The adorable dog wallpaper in the guest toilet was an Etsy find.

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THE DETAILS

Although the living area has been completely transformed, Emily’s favourite new space –at the moment – is the upstairs toilet with its dog-themed wallpaper.

“It’s just a bit of fun and easy to change if need be,” she says.

The heritage features, such as the battened ceilings and leadlight windows, have all been preserved. “This wasn’t always easy,” says Guy. “The biggest struggle in the renovation was fixing the existing ceiling as it had sagged a lot in places. It took a lot of jumping up into the roof and figuring out where to support temporary walls while existing walls were removed and new beams went in.”

In the stairwell, electrician James Smith installed an automatic device that lights up the stairs as you approach and stays on temporarily.

He used bright lights that have no shadowing in areas such as the kitchen, lounge and bathroom, but softer lights in the bedrooms.

Emily’s typical style is less glitz and glamour, more simplicity, with colourful accents that can be changed easily. She sought the guidance of interior designer Rachel O’Connell for the decor.

“Rachel made the process so much easier,” Emily says. “She just homed in on what we like, made all the decisions easy and came up with fabulous ideas that we loved.”

On Rachel’s recommendation, Dulux Manorburn was used on the walls upstairs with

Dulux Manorburn Half downstairs. The trims were painted in Resene Black White.

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STAYING POWER

It was a major renovation, but one that was well worth it, creating a freeflowing home the family of three enjoy every day. “By reconfiguring the layout, we now use every part of the house,” Emily says.

Keeping hold of many of the bungalow’s original features has enabled them to preserve its character and charm while adding all the modern features and comforts they require.

With the landscaping now under way, along with plans for a pool, it won’t be long before the outside looks as beautiful as the inside.•

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R EN OVATI O N WO RKS HEET FINISHES

HONESTY BOX

Guest toilet Andrea Lauren wallpaper from Spoonflower on Etsy

Flooring Wood flooring from Forté

Splashback White-veined marble from Tile Space

Study nook ‘Martinique’ wallpaper from Etsy

Kitchen island Melteca base from AM Joinery (also used for vanities)

FLOOR PLAN

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KEY 1 Ensuite 2 Bedroom 3 WC 4 Laundry 5 Walk-in wardrobe 6 Lounge 7 Entry 8 Master bedroom 9 Subfloor 10 Carport 11 Study nook 12 Dinette 13 Kitchen 14 Pantry 15 Shared bathroom 16 Entry 17 Living 18 Dining

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CONTACTS Interior designer Rachel O’Connell, Style My Abode, 021 414 315.

Builders Guy and Wayne Davis, Super City Homes, 021 506 800.

Electrician James Smith, James Smith Electrical, 021 254 9737.

SUPPLIERS Level two

TIMELINE

JA NUA RY 201 2 Purchased house

+ What areas of your renovation did you save on? Splurge on? Emily: We splurged on the wooden flooring – it wasn’t even in the budget. We were hoping to use the original floors but when we took the carpet up in the living room it seemed an extension had been built many years ago and the woods weren’t matched. + Best lessons learned? Go with your gut feeling and get an interior designer, if only to confirm what you are thinking. If you don’t understand something or can’t visualise it, speak to your tradespeople until you do. Ask them to explain, no matter how trivial it is, as it will bother you once it’s completed. + What would you never do again? I would do it all over again. However, David doesn’t feel the same. It does consume all your time and doesn’t end once you have moved back in, as there are all the finishing touches. We are still working on a few rooms. + Any disasters? Our original painter let us down and moved to the Waikato halfway through painting the exterior but quite happily took our money. He told us that he couldn’t paint the rest of the house as it was winter. Resene came to the rescue and found us a new painter who was great. + What’s one thing you would change about your home if you could? We would make the external door in Molly’s bedroom bigger to let even more light in. + Most memorable experience you’ve had in your home so far? Enjoying the whole house and being warm!

Started renovation

JAN UA RY 2 0 1 8 Renovation finished

Flooring Forté Flooring, 0508 35 66 77, forteflooring.co.nz.

Joinery AM Joinery, 09 478 8503, amjoinery.co.nz.

Lighting Mr Ralph, mrralph.co.nz.

Furnishings Citta, cittadesign.com; IMO, imo.co.nz; Mr & Mrs Ward, mrandmrsward.nz; Soren Liv, sorenliv.com; St Clements, stclements.co.nz.

Wooden shutters Brightshine, brightshine.co.nz.

Tapware Reece, reece.co.nz.

Tiles Tile Space, tiles.co.nz.

Furniture. Simply.

STUDYboy 2 Crate

Alfresco Soller Chair

EXPERT Q&A: RACHEL O’CONNELL, INTERIOR DESIGNER, STYLE MY ABODE + What was the style brief and how long were you involved in the renovation?

Emily and David were feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions that needed to be made, so the brief was to help them pull together a cohesive and fresh family home. I was involved for about five months. + What colour palette did you settle on, and why? We kept it simple with a light grey and white scheme, with dark wooden features and brass accents. This enabled us to choose bolder patterns and colours in the soft furnishings and rugs.

The grey Dulux Manorburn on the walls looks slightly lilac, which adds a really lovely, romantic feel to the home. As it’s a cooler colour, I suggested using a warm-toned wooden floor to help cosy up the space and make it feel more homely. + How did you bring visual interest into the home? The home retained the beautiful leadlight windows in the living areas and

the ceiling roses, which really are special.

I specified the bold palm-leaf ‘Martinique’ wallpaper on the study wall, which is visible from the living and dining areas, to add interest and impact, and white wooden shutters throughout the entire upstairs area to help keep a cohesive, polished look.

Wallpaper was added in the upstairs toilet and feature tiles in the bathrooms. Brass accents were used throughout the home, including handles, lighting and custom-made bar stools. The kitchen island was changed to one made of dark wood-effect Melteca to lend depth. We also brought in some bolder colours in the bedrooms with throws and cushions. + What were the main challenges you faced?

We had a delay on one of the custom bathroom vanities, which we had to change at the last minute, but it worked out fine in the end. + What aspect of the interior design are you most proud of? I love that the home is both cohesive and elegant while keeping to the character and charm of the original bungalow.

It’s had an amazing transformation and is now such a gorgeous family home.

BOOKboy 2 Bay 5 High

T H R EE KI N G S N ORT H SH ORE A L BAN Y B OTAN Y D OWN S H AMI LTON TAU R AN G A TAU P O H AST I N GS PAL M ER STON N TH LO W ER HU TT

meluka.co.nz

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D ESIGNED A ND M AD E IN NZ

Petite retreats Design the perfect pint-sized bathroom without skimping on style or practicality Text by Bonnie Sumner.

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Photography by Florence Charvin, Bauer Syndication.

WORKSHOP

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small space is no reason to go without when creating the bathroom of your dreams. Whether you’re adding on a new ensuite, modernising a pocket-sized powder room or simply wanting to maximise the potential of a petite family bathroom, there are some clear dos and don’ts that will help along the way.

We asked the experts for their space-saving tips and tricks for everything from plumbing and ventilation, to tiling and vanities, so you can make the most of every centimetre.

Note: For this feature we’ve defined a small bathroom as measuring 1.5-2.5 sqm.

1 Stein Light Select handleless vanity, $435, from Bunnings. 2 Adesso Urban column shower in brushed nickel, $899, from Mico. 3 Hampton Opaco wall vanity, $2199, from Plumbline.

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SH OW ERS S LUCY SARGENT OF POCKETSPACE INTERIORS SHARES HER SMALLBATHROOM TIPS, FROM VANITIES AND BUDGETS TO THE LOWDOWN ON LOOS

VA N ITI E S When designing a small bathroom you want the vanity to be wall-mounted and 900mm wide or less. An off-floor vanity gives the illusion of more space, is easy to clean underneath and will still provide plenty of storage.

It pays to spend a little more on your vanity so you can have internal drawers. Depending on your budget, you can get a vanity custom made to use whatever space you have, such as an alcove or niche area.

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People are moving away from the bath as a must-have. If you have a two-bathroom home and you’re inn a school zone then it’s worth having one, but when space is tight, many people would much raather have a luxury bathroom w with a walk-in shower than a bath.

When designing a shower, go foor tiling only – say no to acrylic showers! Tiles are durable, nonporous and easy to keep clean, particularly if you use a largefoormat option. For those doing a DIY tile reno, draw up a plan and D buy your tiles before you start the reenovation. When you go to a tile or plumbing store, they will want too know the shape and style of your shower.

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STO RAG E

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Mirror cabinets are a great way to combine storage with light reflection to make the space feel larger. Buy them standard or get them custom made to make use of all the available space. Open shelving is best avoided as clutter tends to build up and makes things feel cramped.

If you have the budget, recessed cupboards can be a great way to store items without taking up too much room. Depending on the gap under the off-floor vanity, you could store things in baskets underneath, such as toilet paper and face cloths.

STYLE TIP C O N S I D E R YO U R M I R R O R C H O I C E C A R E F U L LY. I F YO U ’ R E S H O RT O N S PAC E I T CA N A D D A D E C O R AT I V E E L E M E N T A S W E L L A S H A N DY STO R AG E – AND EVEN LIGHTING.

YO UR B UD G ET $ 5-8 K THE COSMETIC UPGRADE Doing most of the work yourself can save quite a bit, especially if it’s just a cosmetic upgrade. Updating the vanity, toilet, mirror cabinet and taps is a simple way to transform your bathroom. With tapware especially, invest a little more to get better quality – longevity is reflected in the price point.

$ 8- 30K THE PROFESSIONAL RENOVATION

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1 Dylan mirror 900mm, $269, from Freedom.

2 Mirror cabinet 600mm, $249, from Trade Depot.

3 Arch mirror, $45, from Kmart. 4 Klif white matte tile, $109.50 per sqm, from Tile Space. 5 Extension Carrara polished tile, $79.90 per sqm, from Tile Depot. 6 Concreto medium matte tile, $119.50 per sqm, from Tile Space.

$ 30K+ THE LUXURY TRANSFORMATION A high-end budget means you can create a whole new bathroom with a layout most suited to your needs. You can easily spend $60K on a bathroom. The difference between doing it yourself and working with an interior designer, builder or architect can make a huge impact on your budget.

Photography by Bauer Syndication.

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Seventy percent of the cost of a new bathroom goes on the trades. If you can project-manage it yourself, you can save on fees.

Professional tiling is one thing you don’t want to skimp on however.

A small mosaic behind a vanity is probably fine to DIY, but you don’t want to get waterproofing wrong.

Tiles can cost anywhere from $25 to $180 per sqm so save money by choosing a budget-friendly option.

Costs grow as soon as you start moving fixtures.

R V ISUA L TR I CKS Some people think a large-format tile won’t work in a small space, but that’s the biggest trick of the trade. Anything over the standard 600mm x 600mm will work – the fewer grout lines, the bigger the space will feel. For a continuous-feel floor, use 1-metre-square tiles in a single colour with grout in the same shade.

Mosaic tiling on the walls is an exception as once it’s laid and grouted, it also provides a continuous texture and is great for adding interest – just don’t use it on every wall.

Mirrors can also add a sense of volume to a room. I like to take a mirror as close as possible to the ceiling, effectively doubling the size of the room. They’re also important for reflecting light, especially if you’ve only got a very small window.

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TO ILETS Wall-hung toilets might seem like space-savers, but beware – the gap between the floor and the bottom of the toilet becomes a dust collection point. If you’re going for a floor-mounted style, choose one with a base that has clean lines, so you’re not cleaning around awkward crannies.

A recessed cistern can be an option for small bathrooms, but it’s dependent on your plan. If it’s in a tiled wall and you have a leak, it can be really hard to access. In a long, narrow space, an in-wall cistern can be good for gaining an extra 100mm or so. There are many different options, so definitely talk to a consultant.

PLUMBING ADVICE HAYDEN TROW, BAYWIDE PLUMBING + Before you buy your tapware, ask your plumber if it’s suitable for your water pressure. + Swapping to instantaneous gas hot water can free up space by removing the need for a hot-water cylinder. + Stick with reputable brands; if you want customer support, using specialist suppliers is important. + The more you move things around, the more it costs. Keeping the toilet in the same spot is a good way to keep costs down. + For ventilation, you can now install a small all-in-one fan and halogen light. Some fans can even go directly above the shower. Also, the further away the fan is from the inlet (grille), the quieter it will be, which is great for small spaces – eg, some products allow the fan to be moved further along the ducting. + If you want to keep a bath, put the shower over it to save space. + In-wall toilet cisterns can save up to 150mm. Get one with a service panel for easy access. + Check consent requirements before you start the job.

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DEEP DIVE The gorgeous deep-blue-sea mosaic tiles in the shower were a “leaping-off point” for Vic’s design, with a pastel pink basin, aged-gold tapware and a glorious wallpaper all coming together to create a mini masterpiece.

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nterior designer Vic Bibby, her husband, Mark, and their three teenage daughters have always loved living in their modest three-bedroom bungalow on Napier’s Hospital Hill, with its views over the Botanical Gardens to the sea and proximity to work, school and friends. But there was one downside to the house – they had to share one bathroom between the five of them.

But rather than moving, they added an extension to the front of their home, with a new master bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and a small but luxuriously appointed ensuite. There’s now a new problem: the beautiful little mosaic-tiled sanctuary is proving difficult to leave.

L IG H T AN D DA R K

CA S E S T U DY

Into the blue This dreamy new ensuite proves even a small space can be designed to feel like a luxe sanctuary Text by Bonnie Sumner. Photography by Florence Charvin.

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Before the project kicked off, the designer sat down with Architecture HDT to plan the layout. She wanted a walk-in shower, a simple layout and a privacy wall for the toilet. They divided the room into three parts, tucking the toilet away to one side and keeping the custom vanity front and centre, with a tiled shower taking up the other side.

Vic had a clear idea of the key elements she wanted to include, particularly the blue mosaic tiles. “I knew I wanted to use the tiles in the shower because they were a favourite of mine and a leaping-off point for the rest of the design, but because they’re dark, I balanced them by using a lot of light elsewhere.”

One tried-and-true light-enhancing technique was to install a large mirror above the vanity. “A big mirror in a small room will bounce the light around and lend a sense of space,” says Vic. She had hers custom made in an arch shape. “I went to a glass shop and they cut it to size; they can also do the installation.”

Another light source, which wasn’t on the original plans, was a skylight. “I’d seen one in a shower and it was amazing. It brings in all this beautiful light and is perfect for bathrooms because you don’t have to worry about privacy.

I recommend them to everyone.”

R “Skylights bring in beautiful light and you don’t have to worry about privacy”

SAVI NG S PAC E Vic designed a white off-floor vanity with internal drawers. “I wanted it to be floating because having all that air underneath helps with the illusion of space. When you’re working in a small area, that can make all the difference.”

Another space-saving necessity was a cavity sliding door. “For a small bathroom, you don’t want a door that swings in, taking up valuable space and compromising what you can do inside.”

Because they were building from scratch, Vic was also able to request a recessed-cistern toilet. “I wanted everything to be as simple as possible so we have the cistern hidden behind the wall. All you see is the flush plate.”

One issue they had was where to put the towel rail. It ended up on the non-shower side of the bathroom, with hooks placed on the back of the shower wall to compensate.

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F I NI SH IN G TO UC HE S On the floor is a simple, neutral 600mm x 600mm tile with grout in the same colour to give it a seamless feel. Vic contrasted this with exciting colour, texture and fittings, such as the patterned wallpaper in the toilet area.

“My business partner, Dale Brady, and I love using wallpaper, especially in bathrooms,” she says. “You’re not in them for hours on end like you would be in a bedroom or living room, so you can go crazy and have a little bit of fun.”

Bibby spent around $30,000 on her luxurious ensuite, which includes tiles, underfloor heating, all fixtures, a custom vanity, mirror, lights, a skylight, wallpaper, painting, materials and trades. “It’s made such a huge difference to our lifestyle.” •

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1 Concave blend blue hexagonal mosaic, $19.50 per sheet, from Tile Space. 2 ‘Majorelle’ wallpaper in teal by Catherine Martin, $320 per roll, from Bibby + Brady. 3 Carrara fishscale mosaic, $29.50 per sheet, from Tile Space.

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VIC SHARES HER ENSUITE EXPERTISE + Get all your fixtures and fittings as early as you can; the plumber will have to fit pipes specific to the taps you choose. + Run everything past your builder and plumber at the planning stage to troubleshoot any potential problems. + Underfloor heating is not as expensive as you think and it makes such a difference. It’s luxurious in winter and the heat helps keep the room warm and dry, which saves you from getting mould and mildew. + Choose grouting that’s a similar colour to the floor tiles to make the space feel bigger. + Install a skylight if possible – it brings in light but still ensures privacy. + You can use wallpaper in a bathroom as long as it’s not too close to any direct water source and you have good ventilation. + Keep the layout simple in a small space. + Use recessed lighting or wall-mounted lights, which take up less space than pendants.

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BLACK WALL MOUNTED BATH SPOUT $75

BLACK SHOWER MIXER $149

RUMBA 1700MM FREESTANDING BATH $1,199

At Mondella, we make creating your new bathroom easier.

Plan your project with the help of our online tips, choose your look from our helpful design collections and ďŹ nd out how affordable it can be to transform your bathroom. Visit our website to get started.

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Makeover YOUR

Design, colour and styling advice for simple and affordable transformations

Hello sunshine

Photography by Sarah Rowlands.

Our last Resene Colour Home Awards finalist, interior designer Becky Lee, did not shy away from colour when she decorated her 1950s home. “My brain is hard-wired for colour so using colours that I love in our home brings me a lot of pleasure,” the Christchurch homeowner says. Her bedroom incorporates a feature wall in Resene Apache – a sure-fire way to wake up happy. See more of Becky’s colour-infused pad on page 108.

Then & now: a budget-friendly Taupō transformation Page 94 Workshop: three ways with white Page 102 Resene Colour Home Awards Page 108 Simple project: wall hanging Page 110 Finder’s Fi Page 112 Living well Page 114

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White out

In just two months, this dark, smoke-stained cottage was transformed into a sweet and soulful character home on a super-tight budget Interview by Fiona Ralph.

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Photography by Selena McWilliam.

THEN & NOW

M VISION IN WHITE Bargain buys kept costs down, including EziBuy linen curtains, a marble dining table from Farmers, dining chairs from The Warehouse (painted white by Selena), and a rug and bar stools from Kmart.

The outdoor table came with the cottage. “It suited the space and kept the history alive so we decided to keep it,� she says.

MEET + GREET Selena McWilliam, 33 (business owner and interior designer), Michael, 44 (builder), and Jordyn, 10.

BEFORE

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JUST THE PLACE The lightshade above the dining table was a birthday present Selena purchased for herself four years ago. “It had been waiting for the perfect spot!” The couple were lucky with the floors, which were in pretty good condition and came up even better with a thorough clean.

BEFORE

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Why did you purchase the house? Selena: I fell in love with it; it was absolutely an emotional buy.

I had always wanted to live in a home that had character in spades and this little cottage was absolutely perfect.

What did you love about it? Everything! It is in an amazing location with vacant land stretching out in front of it, leading your eye out to the lake view. It’s tucked away in a quiet street that we didn’t even know existed until I saw the cottage advertised. The original features were what we really fell in love with: the gorgeous original doors and locks, wooden floors, high ceilings and panelling.

What era is the house? It was built in 1930.

From what we understand, the cottage was originally situated on a lakefront section and was moved to where it is now, overlooking the lake, in the 1990s.

Tell us about the buying process. Houses with this sort of character are rare in Taupo- so there was a lot of interest in the property. It had sat empty for quite some time prior to being sold and was sold ‘as is, where is’ due to its neglected state. We managed to secure it at auction, I don’t think I have ever been so nervous in my life! Luckily, Michael can handle an auction like a pro.

Did you plan to live here? This cottage was purchased with the intention of us moving into it a few years down the track after we had finished another project. It was going to be boutique Airbnb accommodation until then.

When did you start the project? We started in September last year and completed it in November. The cottage was sold in December.

This wasn’t part of our plan, but after being approached to sell it numerous times we decided to test the waters. The sale of our beautiful cottage has freed us up to finish another project that we have been working on.

Talk us through the process. The reno was to have taken place in two stages. The first was to get it ready for Airbnb. The second stage was to be the final reno of the bathroom and kitchen for ourselves, but it was sold before we got to that stage.

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CLEVER CANE A room divider which acts as a headboard, and a basket turned into a lightshade, are two repurposed Kmart finds in one of the bedrooms.

The original window seat (above) was updated with new squabs by the couple.

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What changes did you make? We pulled out the existing wardrobes, carpet, curtains and the kitchen bench and all the broken door handles.

All the windows and stays needed repairing or adjusting as well. There were parts of the cottage that had never been finished, like the bathroom and hallway which were missing finishing trims.

There were also weatherboards that needed replacing and the double garage that desperately needed a reclad.

We had all the exterior walls insulated with Insulmax, a blown insulation. We then had the painters sand the interiors right back. Owing to all the smoke stains and neglect from the previous owners, this was a bigger job than we’d anticipated. But the transformation was

incredible once it was painted white. The exterior of the house had to be sanded and chemical-washed in places, too, due to the condition of the paint.

We ripped out the almost non-existent kitchen and installed a temporary one for Airbnb guests, including appliances, and put new carpet in the front bedroom as the flooring didn’t match the rest of the house. We replaced all the original locks with brand-new rim locks – one of my favourite features. We then installed guttering and soak pits so that we could get building consent.

Were you daunted at all by the prospect of such a big project? Not at all. I was completely in love with the cottage and didn’t care how much

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work it needed. We knew exactly what we wanted to achieve.

To help with the project, I put together a 3D concept on the software programme SketchUp. This allowed us to keep our vision on track and cost it accurately. It also enabled me to place the furniture I wanted to purchase and ensured that everything worked together. Michael and I make a great team and our skill sets complement each other, which is a bonus.

Were there any issues in the house you wanted to fix? Well, it didn’t have a proper kitchen, so that was high on our list. Houses of this age tend to have good bones, although this one was severely neglected so it needed a lot of attention. It also didn’t have building consent

when we purchased it so drainage had to be installed and council plans updated before we could get consent.

Did you do most of the work yourselves?

Michael is a builder so he took care of all the building work. We also have a great team of tradies that we work with regularly. Because we needed a quick turnaround with this project, we brought in professional painters, which was a total luxury for us.

What inspired you to go all white? The interior was very dark – it was mostly painted a dark green when we purchased it – so we really wanted to lighten it up. White highlighted the beautiful old features in the house such as the

tongue-and-groove walls, wide architraves and gorgeous wooden windows. It transformed the small space, making it feel light and liveable – such a long way from the smoke-stained, forgotten cottage we’d started with. It also made the perfect contrast to the wooden fireplace, which was installed in the 1990s.

And if I’m honest, I love white on white. It has become my signature style.

What are the challenges and bonuses of working with an older home? The main challenge is never knowing what you are going to find, but the bonus is that you have so much history and character to work with. It becomes about uncovering what it once was – enhancing what was originally there and modernising it.

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Any disasters? A badly injured ankle on the first day meant I spent the first part of the project on crutches and the rest of it limping. I really struggled with not being as hands-on as I would have liked and it meant an increased workload for Michael, which was tough.

What was your budget and did you manage to stick to it? The final cost was roughly $60K. We always keep to the budgets we set. We spend hours planning and costing everything before starting any project, ensuring that we always know what a project will cost us. Any overspends are pulled back in other areas.

It can be hard with an older home like this where you often don’t know what you will find until you start, but having a contingency fund and being prepared to be flexible with your wish list means that you can stay on track financially.

Where did you save money, and what did you splurge on? As Michael did all the building work, we saved a lot. For me, this project was a lesson in styling on a very tight budget; I

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actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

There is something very satisfying about pulling together a beautiful home in such an affordable way. Our big splurge was getting painters to paint the interior and exterior – normally that’s our job. We also had all the external walls insulated to make the cottage cosy for Taupo-’s freezing winters.

BEFORE

Best moment during the process? Being able to work together. I treasure those moments where the three of us work together, especially during the less stressful parts of the project.

Our daughter, Jordyn, has wonderful ideas and is fantastic with colours. It’s nice to be able to build on those skills with her; her renovation knowledge is amazing.

What’s your favourite feature of the new space?

I can’t pick just one. This cottage isn’t just about how it looks; it’s the feeling it gives you.

It has all the modern conveniences you need but with such a rich history everywhere you look. It feels like a place that has many stories and a place to make amazing memories. •

WHITE ON WHITE Selena used her “signature” colours to achieve the home’s new look, with walls in Resene Alabaster, the exterior in Resene Quarter Joanna, and the trim inside and out in Dulux Vivid White.

YH&G + MICO

PART FOUR: INSPIRATION

Phoenix Nara tapware at Mico.

Japanese Scandi style

Scandinavian style meets Japanese simplicity in this forward-looking bathroom look

CS25383 12/19 ADVT2019

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f you’re refreshing or renovating your bathroom and are after a beautifully simple, stylish space, the Japanese Scandi look could provide the perfect inspiration. Combining the ever-popular pared-back Scandinavian aesthetic with the Japanese knack for blending clean white, matte black and touches of nature, this trend efficiently masters both function and form to create a tasteful, timeless sanctuary.

The Japanese Scandi look is easy to assemble and produces striking results. Here, Mico breaks it down into its key elements and shares some practical advice to make the renovation process as smooth and water-tight as possible.

S H OWE R H E ADS AN D TAPWAR E

BATHTU B S AN D S U R RO U N DS

CAB I N ETRY

A free-standing clean white bath lends itself well to this style, but a drop-in bath could also be accommodated. Consult your local Mico branch to help you make your selection. Any adjacent tiles or walls should be concrete, panelled or have a natural look and finish.

Choose a vanity made of wooden materials in a clean, minimal shape and go for an unfussy finish with integrated handles. Visit mico.co.nz and download the Mico Bathroom Book for fresh inspiration and ideas.

F LO O R S Pale or bleached varieties of flooring, in keeping with Scandi tradition, work well with this look.

In smaller bathrooms keep as much of the floor visible as possible; floating vanities help to simplify and enlarge the appearance of an area.

Stainless steel, black and gunmetal are all complementary to the Japanese Scandi trend.

With Mico it’s possible to channel the latest looks without spending a fortune. Louise Cook, Mico’s resident style guru and national category manager, explains: “Our private-label brands have pieces that are affordable but offer the same look and style as more expensive brands. Our team can also work with you to help you invest in a statement piece that becomes the focal point – but keep it more simple elsewhere to balance that cost.”

Get the full picture To better visualise how all these elements come together, check out Mico’s 3D Design Planner. Simply visit mico.co.nz, bring up a floorplan, which you can adjust to your room’s shape and dimensions, and select and position your favourite Mico products.

You can then review a high-resolution 3D image of how your new bathroom will look.

Our team can work with you to help you invest in a statement piece that becomes the focal point.

F I N I S H I N G TO U C H E S Accessories help you to personalise your bathroom and create a relaxing retreat. Prevent the space from feeling cold and clinical by using details such as soft towels – in a limited palette – plants and appropriate furniture, such as a simple wooden stool for a Japanese vibe.

BOOK A CON SULTATION AT YOUR LOCAL MICO SHOWROOM AND LET THE E XPERTS HELP YOU PL AN YOUR PERFECT BATHROOM

S H O P O N L I N E AT MICO.CO.NZ

WORKSHOP

Rethink basic blanc with our guide to making it work three ways, from all-out alabaster to pops of pearl Text by Fiona Ralph.

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Photography by Bauer Syndication.

All the white moves

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he obsession with white interiors continues. Not only does white provide the ultimate backdrop to showcase personal style, it always manages to look fresh and modern and will add a simple, spacious feeling to any room. Pearly whites go with almost everything, they’re hard to tire of, and a

pale paint job can be a cheap and easy way to make over a room – or an entire house.

Yet white doesn’t have to be boring or safe.

Not only are there hundreds of shades, you can use texture, shape and layers to create different looks. There are a number of ways to work with it, from freshening up with a few cushions, to painting an entire room, floor and all. Here we show you how to get white right, whether you want to go full-immersion or just dip your toes in.

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1 G O I N G A L L-W H I T E If you’re planning to create a cohesive allwhite look, from floor to ceiling to furniture, you’ll need to add texture and shape to keep things from feeling too clinical. Use a mix of different materials and layer them to create depth. Natural textures such as linen, cotton and wool have their own unique shades and weights which can complement each other.

Sheepskins or shaggy rugs and cushions can be used on flooring or seating to add texture. Using white paint on unexpected surfaces, such as brick, tongue and groove, textured wallpaper, pressed-tin panels or floorboards, can have a similar effect. A variety of shapes will also keep things interesting, so add a curved piece of furniture or an organically shaped rug.

Don’t settle for just one shade or finish, combine different whites, and matte or gloss finishes, to get a three-dimensional look.

Find one element to tie the shades together, such as a cushion or artwork that combines two or more whites, and aim for a number of repetitions of each shade so it doesn’t appear accidental. If you’re using a variety of whites in a room, it’s best to make sure they are all either warm or cool tones.

You can also use lighting and shadow to create a sense of life and movement.

The beauty of a white interior is that it highlights the interplay of light in a room as well as the building’s natural features.

Light-filtering blinds or room dividers are an inexpensive way to play with shadows.

TIP RESENE ’S KAREN WARMAN SUGGESTS USING A HALF OR Q UA RT E R ST R E N GT H O F YO U R WHITE WALL COLOUR ON THE C E I L I N G TO E N S U R E T H E T W O A R E W E L L BA L A N C E D.

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1 Zanna cushion, $12, from Kmart. 2 ‘Country Vase’ framed print, $499.99, from A&C Homestore. 3 Palm Springs chair, $699, from Freedom.

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COOL

DULUX Okarito

U SING IT AS A BASE SH ADE If all-white is not your style, you can still make the most of the shade’s minimal feel by using white as a base. This allows colourful artworks and statement furniture to pop. Before you paint your walls or floorboards white, though, you’ll need to decide which shade will work for your room. This depends on the feel you are going for, the furnishings and flooring you will be using, the size of the room and the amount of natural and artificial light.

According to Dulux colour specialist Davina Harper, cool whites, such as Dulux Mt Aspiring and Dulux Okarito, make a space appear larger. They work well in rooms with lots of natural light, and suit contemporary, minimal furnishings and colours with similar cool undertones.

Warmer whites, such as Dulux Sandfly Point and Dulux Cardrona, make a room feel smaller, sunnier and cosier. These have brown, yellow or red undertones which pair well with golden or red-toned floorboards and cream or sandy carpet.

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DULUX Mt Aspiring

WA R M

RESENE Spanish White

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3 1 Rhino Seattle carpet in Millcreek, $74 per sqm, from Carpet Court. 2 Braided River carpet in Ashburton, $70-$84 per sqm, from Flooring Xtra. 3 Tufted rug, $22, from Kmart.

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TIP MIX SHAPES, TEXTURES AND SHADES OF WHITE AND BLACK T O C R E AT E V I S U A L I N T E R E S T AGAINST A DARK WALL .

W HI TE AS A N AC CE NT Perhaps you’re renting and are unable to add a fresh coat of paint right now – or you have a darker colour palette which you want to brighten with white additions.

White and off-white accessories and furnishings will add a light, spacious feeling to a dark space. Try anchoring your room with a white rug, adding a pale linen sofa, or whitewashing an antique table or bookcase.

Something as simple as creating a gallery wall using white frames, adding a neutral pendant light, hanging gauzy white curtains, or incorporating some pale, textured cushions into your bedroom or living room will help, too. Another way to add a pearly pop is by making over a feature such as a brick fireplace, or bringing in ivory hues with natural surfaces such as marble tiles or a stone table. White trims paired with a darker wallpaper can also be effective. •

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WIN

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1 Lionel vases, $32 each, from Flux Boutique. 2 Abode Nolan table lamp, $49.90, from Lighting Direct.

3 Living & Co warped vase, $22, from The Warehouse. 4 Marvel statuario tile, $249.50 per sqm, from Tile Space. 5 Icone blanc matte tile, $95 per sqm, from Tile Space. 6 Bardwell sheer S-fold curtain, $109, from Freedom.

7 Living & Co Metro curtains, $79, from The Warehouse. 8 Malt Scandustrial pendant, $169.22, from The Market. 9 Edge frame, $49.90, from Citta.

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COLOUR HOME AWARDS FINALIST NO 5

FULL SWING Inviting colour ripples through the home, from the turquoise lounge in Resene Gulf Stream to the rich ochre guest bedroom in Resene Swiss Caramel (opposite). The tiled wall in the conservatory (below) is actually a mural hand-stencilled onto brick.

Fab & Fifties The fun-loving style of the 1950s was the starting point for this Christchurch home’s colourful makeover Text by Fiona Ralph.

Photography by Sarah Rowlands.

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nterior designer Becky Lee has transformed the former blank canvas of her 1950s Christchurch home. When she purchased the house – which she shares with partner Phil Tumataroa, a writer, and sons Nico and Beau – it was painted in variations of Resene Black White. Fast forward five and a half years and it’s a kaleidoscope of colour, with each room featuring its own dramatic look.

“I grew up in a colourful home, so being surrounded by colour is the norm for me,” says Becky. The adventurous combination of colours was initially inspired by a wallpaper Becky chose for the kitchen. From there, the home’s age began to play a role. “I started to think about the era of the house, 1950s style and design, and how I could put my spin on that.”

The resulting warm and vibrant palette includes an ochre feature wall in the main

bedroom (Resene Apache), a coral pink bathroom (Resene Sakura) and a turquoise lounge (Resene Gulf Stream).

Becky hasn’t stopped at the walls, though – a hot pink dining table is painted in Resene Smitten, Nico and Beau’s metal beds have been transformed with the bold orange of Resene Energise, while the guest room in the sleepout is painted in Resene Swiss Caramel, with a side table in Resene Soulful and trunk in Resene Sakura.

The finishing touch is a hand-stencilled mural, which looks like tiles, in the glass conservatory. This area was brought to life in collaboration with artist Samantha Elise, who designed and executed the mural, with Becky choosing colours inspired by the home as well as an inherited vintage caravan: Resene Ragamuffin, Resene St Kilda, Resene Siesta, Resene Blanched Pink and Resene Mai Tai.

EN T R I E S A RE C LO SE D Find out who our winner is in next month’s issue of Your Home and Garden.

$5000 UP FOR GRABS

Our five finalists have now each appeared in Your Home and Garden and received a $250 Resene paint voucher.

Stay tuned for our next issue when we reveal which one has taken out the coveted Resene Colour Home Award title and the cash prize of $5000 in a special extended story on the winning home (with lots more pictures!).

M O R E C O LO U R S TO T RY F R O M T H E R E S E N E FA S H I O N FA N D E C K

Resene Away We Go

Resene Twisted Sister

Resene Pink Ribbon

Resene Unwind

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SIMPLE PROJECT

Bright stripes This rainbow wall hanging makes a cute addition to a child’s bedroom – just pick your favourite colours Created by Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by Mel Jenkins.

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YOU WILL NEED + 3.15m rope or thick cord (about 1cm in diameter) + Scissors + 12 skeins embroidery thread in 6 colours (2 of each colour) + Darning needle + Cotton

INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1 Cut a 15cm length of rope and set aside – this will be the hanger. Divide the remaining rope into 6 x 50cm lengths.

STEP 2 On a flat surface, make a rainbow shape by stacking the 6 pieces one above the other.

Trim so ends are level with each other.

STEP 3 Decide the order of your colours from the outer to the inner rope of the rainbow.

STEP 4 Starting 5cm in from the end of 1 piece of rope, tie on the embroidery thread in your chosen colour with a knot. Then wind it along the length of the rope, stopping 5cm before the end. Finish with a knot. You may need to tie off and start with a new skein in the same colour if you run out.

STEP 5 Repeat step 4, using a different colour for each of the 5 remaining ropes of the rainbow.

Fray the exposed ends of each piece by gently loosening the fibres with your fingers or a needle.

Anak kids’ chair, $129, Stella star cushion in white, $15.95, from Freedom. Burrow & Be star cushion in tawny brown, $29.95, Wonder & Rah ‘Sunshine’ children’s print, $59.95, wooden poster hanger, $24.50, canvas embroidered floral wall hanging, $19.95, Burrow & Be bunny doll Willow, $59, from Little Whimsy.

Wall painted in Resene Wafer.

All other items stylist’s own.

STEP 6 Take the 15cm piece of rope and wrap thread around it in one of the 6 colours. You do not need to leave any space at the ends.

STEP 7 Lay out your finished coloured ropes in the rainbow shape. Thread a darning needle with cotton and sew the pieces together. A tacking stitch is suitable for this as you will display the finished rainbow with the stitched side against the wall.

STEP 8 Take the 15cm piece of rope and stitch it to the back of the rainbow in a loop then hang your handiwork on the wall.

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-SHOP S

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3 OF 3 :

OP

~ Secondhand shopping guide ~

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Finder’s Fi In the final part of our series, Fi and her fellow magpies share some of the recycling centres turning trash into treasure at landfills around the country Text by Fiona Ralph. Illustration by Eve Kennedy.

AUCKLAND

NELSON & MOTUEKA Stop at the Motueka and Nelson recycle centres for bargains on furniture, ceramics and bric-a-brac. If you’re prepared to sort through the clutter, you’ll be rewarded with amazing finds. I’ve bought couches, a sewing machine, ornaments and more at these spots.

– Finder’s Fi, @fiona_ralph + Motueka Recycle Depot, 97 Robinson Road, Mariri, Lower Moutere + Nelson Reuse & Recycle Centre, 6 Vivian Place, Tahunanui, Nelson

ALEXANDRA & WANAKA Simply the best op-shopping experience I have had! The shops are within junkyards and there are containers dedicated to each category, eg men’s clothes, furniture, sporting

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goods, kitchenware. The saying ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ doesn't apply here – they have sinks and anything else people throw out that could be reused. At Wastebusters, they work towards zero waste through reduction, reuse and recycling, so shopping there doesn’t just mean you can discover treasures for your home, you’re also supporting a great initiative and helping the planet.

– Alice Pearson, @pearsonandprojects + Wastebusters, Ballantyne Road, Wanaka, and Boundary Road, Alexandra

INVERCARGILL Just a few metres from the Invercargill dump, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore is an amazing place to find a bargain. It’s the only place a friend and I were able to locate cassette tapes after a long hunt around op-shops. They have a massive selection of furniture and, since it’s such a big store, it’s the perfect spot to hunt for outdoor treasures like kids’ trikes. Because people can drop items here for free, instead of paying to

dispose of them at the neighbouring dump, there is an amazing selection for sale.

– Jenna-lee Shave, @snapsbyshave + Habitat for Humanity Invercargill ReStore, 33 Glengarry Crescent, Invercargill

NATIONWIDE In selecting my favourite secondhand stores, I wanted to honour the incredible mahi that goes into sorting, cleaning, educating and inspiring communities at recycle centres around Aotearoa.

Often tucked away, never on main streets, these are real treasure troves of recovered resources and are well worth scoping out to find gems and support their awesome zero-waste kaupapa.

– Sarah Lancaster, @sewlovenz + Waiuku Zero Waste, 5 Hosking Place, Waiuku + The Seagull Centre, 102 Burke Street, Thames + Xtreme Zero Waste Recycling Centre, Kāhu’s Nest, 186 Te Hutewai Road, Raglan + Innovative Waste Kaikoura, 82 Scarborough Street, Kaikoura + Wastebusters, Ballantyne Road, Wanaka, and Boundary Road, Alexandra

Photography by Florence Charvin.

When I first moved back to Auckland after living in the South Island, I was shocked to find that there weren’t more recycling centres in the region – places I had come to love and support in cities such as Dunedin and Nelson.

Thankfully, I eventually discovered a few gems, and the number of ‘dump shops’ (as they are affectionately known) has been growing ever since as more landfills are converted into recycling centres by Auckland Council. With another set to open in Onehunga next year, and plans to have 12 community recycling centres across Auckland by 2024, reusing and repurposing in the region is only getting better.

Some of these shops are also making use of technology – Devonport Community Recycling Centre and The Tipping Point at Waita-kere Refuse & Recycling Centre both post items for sale on their Facebook pages.

– Finder’s Fi, @fiona_ralph + The Tipping Point, Gate 5, Waitākere Refuse & Recycling Centre, 50 The Concourse, Henderson + Devonport Community Recycling Centre, 27 Lake Road, Devonport

INSPIRING OUTDOOR LIVING • Decking • Pergolas

• Irrigation • Fencing

• Retaining • Outdoor Heating

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• Paving • Aggregates

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ELEANOR OZICH Home wellness expert

LIVING WELL

Less waste, more chill Buying and storing food can generate a lot of unnecessary waste. Here’s how to minimise it and keep your fridge looking good Text by Eleanor Ozich.

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GO FOR GLASS

Use sealable glass containers and jars.

Glass is a safer storage option for your food than plastic, lasts much longer (with luck, for a lifetime) and looks so much prettier, too. Once I’ve done my shop, I’ll often pre-chop and prepare fresh produce and store it separately in glass containers to make life easier during the week. NB: It’s best to wash your produce before you use it, not before you store it, as the extra moisture can lead to fruit and veges spoiling earlier than usual.

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GET IT COVERED

Linen bowl covers (available on Etsy and at various eco stores) are a great investment. These washable covers with elasticated edges last for ages and are fantastic for placing over a bowl or jar instead of using plastic wrap. I also love beeswax food wraps for their versatility. Simply use the warmth of your hands to mould the beeswax around the top of a bowl, dish or jar. I find they’re ideal for wrapping something that needs to be airtight like a block of cheese, or odd shapes like half an avocado.

3

OFF TO MARKET

Be mindful of where you shop. One of the simplest ways to go waste-free when it comes to fresh ingredients is to look for locally grown seasonal produce. We usually head to a local farmers’ market or order an organic vegetable box online to reduce the amount of plastic-wrapped produce coming into the house. Individual cotton produce bags can also be an earth-friendly companion when you head to the grocery store, and then can be easily transferred to the crisper compartment in your fridge.

4 5

TAKE IT AWAY

Try taking your glass containers along to your local butcher, fishmonger or takeaway shop.

You’ll find that most places are happy to put the food you buy into your own container.

We even do this for sushi.

FREEZE WITH EASE

Become friends with your freezer.

Instead of tossing out food that’s almost past its prime, consider whether it could be frozen in ice-cube trays and then popped out into a larger container to have on hand for quick use. A few leftover ingredients I like to freeze are tomato purée, stock, grated fresh ginger or turmeric, finely chopped herbs (freeze these in butter and use for adding to dishes such as risotto) and even coconut cream and yoghurt. You can also freeze whole wedges of peeled citrus, fruit and chopped greens, which come in handy for throwing into smoothies.

eleanorozich.com @eleanorozich

Photography by Getty Images.

ot so long ago, creating a wastefree fridge might have seemed a daunting task. But more recently eco-friendly living and beautiful design trends have collided, giving us all kinds of lovely options for storing food sustainably.

Over the past few years, I’ve gradually switched out plastic storage options for goodquality alternatives, and, as it turns out, many of them actually keep food fresher for longer and inspire a healthier way of eating. Here are a few tips on how to buy and store food in a sustainable way:

real homes. interior inspo. diy tips.

Simply Light enough for summer evenings yet packed with flavour, these easy recipes are a perfect intro to Japanese cuisine

YA K I T O R I W I T H J A PA N E S E SPICES, PG 122

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Recipes and photography by Bauer Syndication.

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C H I L L E D G R E E N -T E A SOBA WITH DIPPING SAUCE, PG 122

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BARLEY & SEAWEED SALAD WITH CUCUMBER & SESAME SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 80g pearl barley 30g dried wakame (see tips) 1 telegraph cucumber, roughly peeled, thinly sliced on a mandoline 1/2 tsp salt Handful mizuna leaves (see tips)

GINGER-SOY DRESSING

100ml light soy sauce 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil 3 tsp rice vinegar 1 tsp finely grated ginger 1 Cook barley in a large saucepan of boiling, salted water until tender (35-40 minutes). Drain well, cool on a tray, then transfer to a large bowl.

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2 Meanwhile, pour boiling water over wakame in a bowl and stand until softened (4-5 minutes). Drain, squeeze out excess water and cool.

3 Toss cucumber with the salt in a bowl. Stand to draw out liquid (8-10 minutes), then drain and squeeze out excess liquid. Add to barley along with wakame and refrigerate to chill (30-40 minutes).

4 For dressing, whisk ingredients in a bowl and season to taste. Add to salad along with mizuna, toss to combine and serve.

TIPS Dried wakame is available from Asian food stores. • If you can't find mizuna leaves, use any soft, frilled salad leaf.

F BROWN-RICE CHIRASHI SUSHI SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 2 cups (400g) short-grain brown rice, rinsed ⅓ cup (80ml) rice vinegar 1½ tsp rice malt syrup 2 tsp finely grated ginger 400g skinless fresh fish (eg tuna, trevally, kingfish, snapper), sliced 2 radishes, julienned 1 plum, cut into thin wedges 1 spring onion, thinly sliced ¼ cup (50g) trout or salmon roe Few drops sesame oil 3 tsp sesame seeds, toasted

TIPS Brown rice cooking times vary greatly depending on the rice; check the packet for a guide. If you prefer, use sushi rice instead, which is the more typical choice for this dish, and adjust the cooking time to suit. • Shiso, a herb similar to mint, is available from some Asian food stores.

1 Cook rice in a saucepan of boiling, salted water until tender (25-35 minutes; see tips), then drain well and transfer to a bowl. Add vinegar, rice malt syrup and ginger and stir rice gently until thoroughly mixed.

Set rice aside, stirring occasionally, until cool (15-20 minutes).

2 Divide rice among bowls, top with sliced raw fish, radish, plum, spring onion, roe, sesame oil (to taste) and sesame seeds. Finish with toasted nori, shiso (if using) and pickled ginger, and serve with wasabi and soy sauce.

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CHARRED MISO EGGPLANT WITH NORI & SESAME

1 For miso glaze, combine ingredients in a bowl.

SERVES 6

2 Preheat oven grill to high heat and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Brush eggplants with oil, season with salt and place on tray cut-side up. Grill until golden and just tender (8-10 minutes). Brush flesh liberally with glaze, then grill until charred and sticky (2-3 minutes). Or set up a barbecue for indirect grilling and grill flesh-side down over high heat.

INGREDIENTS 3 eggplants (about 400g each), halved lengthways, flesh scored in a criss-cross pattern Rice bran oil, for brushing Spring onion, julienned Toasted nori, toasted sesame seeds and tatsoi cress (optional; see tip), to serve

MISO GLAZE

3 Combine dressing ingredients.

Âź cup (75g) white miso paste 2 Tbsp mirin 1 Tbsp light soy sauce or shoyu soy sauce 1 tsp sesame oil

4 Drizzle eggplants with dressing, top with spring onion, crumbled nori, sesame seeds and tatsoi cress (if using) and serve.

THREE-FLAVOUR DRESSING 2 tsp light soy sauce or shoyu soy sauce 1½ tsp brown rice vinegar 1 tsp sesame oil

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TIP Tatsoi cress is available from some Asian food stores.

F SILKEN TOFU IN DASHI BROTH WITH MUSHROOMS & BROCCOLINI SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 35g bonito flakes (see tips) 2 cups water 2 cups chicken stock 15g finely grated ginger, juice squeezed out and reserved, solids discarded 1 Tbsp light soy sauce, or to taste 1 Tbsp sake, or to taste 1 small bunch broccolini, quartered 150g mixed Asian mushrooms (eg shiitake, enoki, shimeji and oyster), torn or sliced if large (see tips) 300g round silken tofu, thickly sliced, at room temperature Sesame oil, to taste 1 spring onion, thinly sliced (optional)

1 To make dashi (fish stock), bring bonito flakes and the water to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and stand (5-6 minutes). Strain, pressing all the liquid out of the flakes, then return liquid to pan with chicken stock.

2 Bring to a simmer over mediumhigh heat. Season to taste with ginger juice, soy sauce and sake.

Add broccolini, simmer for 2 minutes, then add mushrooms and simmer for 1 minute until broccolini and mushrooms are tender.

Dashi is a key ingredient in Japanese cooking and makes a wonderful base for soups. Here it’s combined with chicken stock for flavour, but you can use it on its own or with vegetable stock.

3 Place tofu in serving bowls with a few drops of sesame oil. Ladle soup and vegetables on top. Scatter with spring onion (if desired) and serve.

TIPS Bonito flakes are available from Asian food stores. If unavailable, use instant dashi powder dissolved in 500ml boiling water. • Many supermarkets sell mixed mushroom packs, which are ideal for this recipe.

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YAKITORI WITH JAPANESE SPICES

CHILLED GREEN-TEA SOBA WITH DIPPING SAUCE

SERVES 4

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

600g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-size pieces Grapeseed oil, for brushing Lemon wedges, to serve

200g dried green-tea soba noodles (see tips) ½ tsp grapeseed oil ½ tsp sesame oil Shiso leaves (optional), finely grated daikon and thinly sliced spring onion, to serve (see tips)

TARE ½ cup (125ml) light soy sauce or shoyu soy sauce 3 Tbsp honey 1/4 cup (60ml) sake 1 Tbsp mirin

SPICE MIXTURE 1 sheet nori 1 Tbsp sea salt flakes 1 tsp ground chilli Finely grated zest ½ orange 1 Preheat a barbecue (preferably charcoal-fired) to high heat. Collect your skewers; if using bamboo ones, soak in water for at least 30 minutes.

2 To make tare (sauce), combine ingredients in a small saucepan over high heat, stirring to dissolve honey, and simmer until reduced by half (8-10 minutes). Set aside.

3 For spice mixture, toast nori over the charcoal or a flame until crisp (1 minute). Set aside to cool, then crumble into a blender or spice grinder. Add remaining ingredients and blend to finely grind.

4 Thread chicken onto skewers, then brush with oil and grill on the barbecue, turning occasionally and brushing lightly with tare as they cook, until charred and cooked through (5-7 minutes). Serve with spice mixture for sprinkling and lemon wedges for squeezing.

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DIPPING SAUCE 25g bonito flakes (see tips) 300ml water 2 Tbsp light soy sauce or shoyu soy sauce 2 Tbsp mirin 1/2 tsp finely grated ginger 1 For soba dipping sauce, bring bonito flakes and the water to a simmer, then remove from heat and stand to infuse for 5-6 minutes.

Strain, pressing all the liquid out of the flakes, then add soy, mirin and ginger. Refrigerate to chill.

2 Cook soba in a saucepan of boiling water, arresting the boiling water twice during cooking by adding ½ cup cold water, until noodles are tender (3-4 minutes). Drain, refresh in iced water, then drain well. Toss with oils to coat and serve cold with shiso (if using), daikon, spring onion and chilled dipping sauce.

TIPS If you can’t find green-tea soba, use regular soba, preferably made from 100 percent buckwheat. • Shiso leaves, daikon and bonito flakes are available from Asian food stores. If bonito flakes are unavailable, dissolve dashi powder in 300ml boiling water. •

YHG + CHUX®

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IT’S A TEAM E FFORT

CS25281 03/20 ADVT2020

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Little changes families make move us one step closer to a clean, green lifestyle.

Chux® suggests some simple ways families can protect the planet

ittle by little many of us are making changes to our daily habits and consumer practices which collectively, over time, will help to make a significant difference to our planet.

It’s fantastic that we’re becoming more future-focused, and the great news is our kids are cut from the same cloth.Although, day to day, they may not seem to notice the mess they’re making, on a broader level they’re more than capable of absorbing the concept of clean living – and have more than enough energy to help us put it into practice.

We all want a great environment for future generations to enjoy so it makes perfect sense to include your kids in conversations and decisions as you make simple changes to help protect our planet.

O PT FO R LO N G E R LASTI N G PRO DUCTS Your plastic bags have been replaced by fabric bags – and you may even remember to bring

them when you shop – but how are you going with your takeaway coffees? Go the extra mile by bringing your own travel mug.

bamboo fibres – 100 percent natural and renewable resources – they’re also machine washable for reuse.

I NVE ST YOU R TI M E AN D E N E RGY

CO M PLETE TH E CYC LE

It’s not all about the products you buy, it’s also about what you do with your time.

Why not spend some family time upcycling furniture or taking part in a beach clean-up?

These projects not only teach your kids to value their belongings and surroundings but also help them to take ownership of the environmental purpose behind these activities.

You may well be buying recyclable products, and disposing of these items correctly, but are you choosing items made from recyclable materials in the fi rst place?

Chux® Non-Scratch Scourer Sponges are highly effective and are made from recycled PET bottle fibres.

KE E P C LEAN I N G C LEAN Cleaning products can be natural and long-lasting too. The Chux® Environmental product range still delivers the high quality Chux® product performance promise, with Chux® Biodegradable Absorbent Cloths absorbing up to 12 times their own weight in liquid! Made from viscose cellulose and

Make a change today.

Visit your local supermarket to find the Chux ® Environmental range.

betterliving.co.nz/chux

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

EXPERT ADVICE POOLS, DECKS PATHS AND FENCES LANDSCAPE DESIGN BRING YOUR AL FRESCO DREAMS TO LIFE

OUTDOOR STYLING | INSPIRING SMALL SPACES | SEASONAL GROWING GUIDE

O N SA L E N OW

Garden YOUR

Gardening, landscaping and outdoor living

Photography by Helen Bankers.

Bobble heads It took some time to get the placement of these ‘Dr Seuss’ style blue to-tara trees right, says Donna Stanish of Seed Landscapes.

The cloud-pruned trees needed to be evenly spaced for the full whimsical effect. The pruning method originates in Japan, where it is known as ‘Niwaki’, which translates to garden tree. See the rest of this striking garden over the page.

Feature garden: a subtropical sanctuary with serene vibes Page 126 Workshop: container gardening guide Page 132 Garden makeover Page 136 Outdoor diary: your March checklist Page 138

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

Serenity rules Once lacking life and vibrancy, this inner-city Auckland garden has been turned into a subtropical sanctuary with a subtle Asian sensibility Text by Carol Bucknell. Photography by Helen Bankers.

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COLOUR FIELD The weeping maple Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’ puts on a show with foliage that changes colour through the seasons.

The raised lawn is bordered

by Corten steel. The view of neighbouring palm trees creates an enclosed, subtropical feel.

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A

mong the many beautiful architecturally designed homes and gardens that line the streets around Auckland’s inner-city, there’s a special set of trees that grab the attention of passers-by. The graceful trunks and cloudpruned foliage of the blue to-tara trees lining the driveway of this delightful property have earned the admiration of many. “People stop and comment on them all the time,” says designer Donna Stanish of Seed Landscapes. “The children from the primary school up the road love them. They call them ‘Dr Seuss trees’.”

THE SITE A fusion of Asian and contemporary landscape ideas features throughout the garden, which covers a steep, narrow site. The modern house, designed by Leuschke Kahn Architects, is comprised of two double-storey pavilions linked by a glass rectangle, with three courtyard gardens and two narrow side areas around it. Five years ago, not long after buying the property, the owners, Khoo and Eve, approached Donna to come up with a landscape plan for the outside spaces, which were uninspiring to say the least.

“The house was built by a developer for resale,” the designer explains. “He had planted tractor seat plants (Ligularia) everywhere and they were not doing well. The garden did not measure up to the quality of the home and was devoid of personality. It was bare and uninviting. The driveway, lap pool, decks and paving were all there, but the central courtyard was like a carpark with cracked ready lawn and bare gravel. The top courtyard had an uneven surface and just wasn’t welcoming.”

THE BRIEF “My clients wanted a garden that reflected their cultural heritage along with a love of art and beautiful materials,” continues Donna.

“But the more we talked, the more the brief expanded as we discussed how they liked to live. Eve liked all the suggestions I made. The house was built pretty much as a spec home and was devoid of personality. They needed to be able to put their stamp on it.

“It was about creating an inviting and attractive entrance and lush subtropical planting in the courtyards, with an Asian sensibility – beautiful spaces that would be well used for lounging and entertaining.”

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SCREEN TIME With its bamboo design, this cut-out screen adds incredible texture to the central courtyard. “I selected Corten steel to warm the space up, because it’s surrounded by white walls and glass,” says Donna. It also mitigates the sun shining into the pavilion.

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“It was about creating an inviting and attractive entrance and lush subtropical planting...beautiful spaces that would be well used.�

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Chamaedorea costaricana cluster palms lead to the main entrance; installing and spacing the cloud-pruned tōtara trees proved a puzzle for the garden designer but the results never fail to capture the attention of passers-by, especially children, who call them “Dr Seuss trees”; scented plants, including gardenias, give off a lovely fragrance that wafts into the house throughout summer; the choice of materials has created a rich and varied sanctuary.

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G THE PROCESS Implemented by Craftsman Gardener Services, the top of the site was retained and levelled and a herb garden added, making a more usable private space for the bedrooms that open onto it. In the central courtyard, a huge amount of material had to be removed and the badly compacted soil considerably improved before any planting could take place. “It was a mission,” says Donna, who project-managed the whole thing.

A paved terrace with a louvred pergola has replaced the deck off the living area. A raised artificial lawn softens the hard surfaces, its edges made of Corten steel. The same material has been used for two laser-cut decorative panels on either side of the courtyard, one above the pool and two larger ones on either side of the doors to the glass hallway pavilion.

“I put the screen over the big windows because that pavilion was so hot; it was like a big box of glass that didn’t connect to the garden. The idea is to have some pattern and shadows inside and out, but to be able to see through the screen,” Donna explains.

PLANTING Most of the existing Ligularia and several palms were removed but the existing Syzygium hedge was saved, although it was in serious decline.

“We had to run some emergency irrigation and mulching. Then we organised a company called New Leaf to come in and spray it with an organic seaweed-based foliar fertiliser which revitalised the plants as well as helping to reduce pests. It’s a lifesaver for sick hedges.”

Donna also kept the existing cluster palms (Chamaedorea costaricana) in the side areas leading to the main entrance, underplanting them with Liriope ‘Evergreen Giant’. “This plant is a good height, 600mm x 600mm, and great for disguising the bare ankles of trees and shrubs. I have used it in most areas to bring a sense of cohesiveness to the garden. It’s good in sun and shade as long as you lay snail bait in September/October.”

Maples are star plants of the garden. In the central pool courtyard is an elegantly trained grafted Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) and up higher, in the top rear courtyard, is a row of coral bark maples (Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’) which have brilliant autumn leaves and flame-red stems in winter.

Donna sourced them from specialist nursery Tamata Holdings.

Placement of the cloud-pruned blue totara (Podocarpus totara ‘Matapouri Blue’) in the entrance garden was quite a feat, she recalls.

“I had to make sure the trees were not blocking each other and that they were evenly spaced.

The arrangement of the balls could not overlap, nor should there be large gaps. It took me quite a while to get it right – drove everyone mad!”

THE RESULT Eve and Khoo now have two small children and the garden works well for the family, both during the day when lounging by the pool in the sheltered courtyard, and at night when the Jenny Pullar-designed lighting comes into its own.

“The garden looks amazing when lit,” says Donna. “We also added many perfumed plants and the scent drifts into the house through the louvre windows, bringing the garden indoors.”

“The lawn areas are the best spaces for our young kids,” says Eve. “We bought a beach tent to put on the back lawn and we pretend we are camping, surrounded by all the fragrant plants.

“Through the whole process, Donna taught us how to look after the garden and how the blend of plants can be used to enhance our Asian culture. She actually gave me quite a few mini lectures about plants and the New Zealand climate,” she laughs. • seedlandscapes.co.nz craftsmangardener.co.nz

SPACE TO RELAX Equipped for swimming or sitting back, and with space for the kids to pitch a beach tent on the lawn, the garden is a stylish family retreat. Above the pool, a screen with a cherry blossom motif conceals feature lighting that switches things up at night.

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WORKSHOP

Hot to pot Discover the amazing versatility of pots and planters and see how they can enhance any outdoor area – big or small

Photography by The Virtue and Bauer Syndication.

Text by Sandra Batley.

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T

he average size of a section has shrunk by about a third over the past 30 years, signalling the end of the Kiwi quarter-acre dream.

But having only a small patch, balcony or terrace is no barrier to growing and enjoying an array of beautiful plants. Eye-catching containers will transform the smallest space when filled with colourful flowers, sun-loving succulents and grasses, or delicious herbs and edibles.

PLANT BY PLACE Hot, sunny, windy spots: New Zealand flax, Poor Knights lily, Cycas revoluta, New Zealand and Australian grasses, succulents and sedums, pelargoniums, daisies, petunias, cordylines, bougainvillea, agaves, bromeliads and herbs such as chive, basil, mint and oregano.

Shady, sheltered locations: Opt for Japanese maples, daphne, ferns, Rhapis palms, azaleas, clivia, hostas and New Guinea impatiens.

POPULAR PLANTS FOR POTS Almost any type of plant can be grown in a pot, and there are so many different effects you can achieve. Select plants based on the environment they’ll be in – are they intended for a hot, sunny courtyard, a shady patio, or a windy roof garden or balcony? Check out our guide (above right) for a few suggestions.

Plants in pots require attention, too. They can dry out quickly and leach nutrients. So before you pot up your plants, here are some tips for keeping them in tip-top shape.

CONTAINER CARE Plants in containers can’t search for their own food and water so they require more care than in-ground gardens. But with regular attention, they will flourish.

DRAINAGE First, make sure your pot has holes in the base for drainage. This will prevent the roots from sitting in water. Place broken crockery, pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the pot to help water drain freely and stop the holes getting blocked up. In winter use pot feet for additional drainage, and in summer place a saucer under the pot to help retain water.

SOIL Use a quality commercial container mix instead of garden soil to fill your pot. In a contained space, the right soil is essential. Plants require a balanced blend of minerals, nutrients and slowrelease fertilisers to help keep them healthy and happy. Leave a gap of 3-5cm between the top of the soil and the rim to prevent dirt spilling over when you water.

WATERING Once your plant is in its pot, water it gently using a soft-spray nozzle on your hose.

Continue until water starts to trickle out of the bottom of the pot. Plants dry out a lot quicker in pots, so check them regularly and add a layer of mulch on top to help retain moisture in the soil. Even in winter, pots and tubs may need watering once a week, depending on their requirements. Irrigation can be installed and automated to avoid the worry of watering if you go away on holiday.

FEEDING An essential part of keeping your plants healthy is to feed them regularly, especially during

the growing season. Give them a top dressing of dry, slow-release fertiliser or apply a liquid blood-and-bone or fish/seaweed tonic, which you mix with water.

GROOMING Keep your plants looking good. Trim and remove tired-looking or broken leaves. Deadhead spent flowers promptly. Keep an eye out for signs of pests and diseases as these are easier to control if caught early.

Plant roots eventually fill containers and this often limits growth. If this happens, the plant may need to be moved to a bigger container.

However, many palms, shrubs and trees can stay in a pot for years, especially if well looked after.

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POT PLACEMENT There are no hard and fast rules about how to arrange your pots. However, using the right container in the right place can instantly freshen up any outdoor area.

1 Use a pot on its own if it has enough wow factor, or fill it with plants to create a showy focal point – eg a big, dramatic frangipani with small succulents around its base, or a colourful patio bougainvillea for a splash of colour.

2 Soften a blank wall or an awkward corner with something stylish and eye-catching – a beautiful weeping Japanese maple underplanted with dwarf green mondo grass, for instance, or a clumping golden cane palm for a tropical look.

3 Use pots to create formality and symmetry in the garden. For example, place pots on either side of your front door or in rows to line a path or patio area. Stick to one shape and style for consistency.

4 A relaxed, informal feel can be created by grouping various sizes and shapes of pot together. Use an odd number for balance. Choose plants with contrasting colours and textures for year-round interest.

Pots come in many shapes and sizes, in materials such as ceramic, terracotta, aluminium, fibreglass, stone, concrete and plastic. Plants can be planted into any number of containers – you are only limited by your imagination and the space you have to work with. The portability of your pots will determine how easy it is to rearrange and redesign your container garden throughout the year.

Before buying pots, consider the architecture of your home and the style of garden you have, and use this as a guide. For a contemporary look, you could choose a planter with a simple geometric shape in Corten steel, fibreglass or concrete. Select a plant with interesting foliage such as a Japanese sago palm for a striking display or a golden cane palm for a modern vibe.

For a classic, formal style, try terracotta pots with clipped mounds of Buxus sempervirens or a standard bay tree. New Zealand natives such as astelias and flax will work well in concrete or ceramic pots for a relaxed, easycare vibe.

Repurposing containers such as wooden wine barrels or vintage watering cans will also add a quirky touch. Just fill them with colourful annuals or fragrant herbs. •

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Photography by Alice Veysey and Bauer Syndication.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLANTER

1 Begonia rex, $14, from The Warehouse. 2 Fibreclay pot, $20, from The Warehouse.

3 Dracaena marginata, $49.99, from Kings Plant Barn. 4 Kacper planter, $74.95, from Freedom.

5 Cordyline stricta ‘Showoff’, $18.96, from Bunnings.

6 Home Republic stark grey pot, $38.49, from Adairs.

3

5 1

6 2 4

Planters look best when you combine plants with different growing habits: THRILLERS are taller plants with a strong upright form. They are the visual centrepiece – something bold such as phormiums, hibiscus, cordylines or dracaena. FILLERS create the middle level – plants such as grasses, petunias and begonias. SPILLERS are smaller, cascading plants that soften the pot edge, such as Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, bacopa or lobelia.

MAKEOVER

Concrete plans A bare concrete base becomes an inviting outdoor entertaining area Text and perspective drawing by Carol Bucknell. Illustration by Pippa Fay.

2

6 1

3 READER LETTER 4

5

Dear Carol, I would really love some ideas to improve our outdoor area. We need to do something to the space to make it look tidy and attractive – not just a slab of concrete.

The area gets the prevailing westerly winds so we need some sort of wall along the western side.

Should we put up a pergola with a roof over it or leave it open? I’m worried that a roof might make it too dark. We had thought of putting in an outdoor fire somewhere, too.

We have good-draining soil and the backyard gets sun from about 10am onwards. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sophie Stewart, Maungaturoto

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02

03

OVERHEADS

TRAIN TRACK

WIND BREAK

Build a pergola over the west and south sides of the concrete terrace to provide shelter for both areas and cover for the double doors off the living room. This will effectively create a much larger indoor-outdoor living area. Use a white or cream polycarbonate for the roof to keep things light.

Train a flowering climber (eg roses, Japanese wisteria, star jasmine) up the pergola support posts and along the beams to soften the built forms and connect them to the rest of the garden.

Along the windy western side grow a medium-height hedge to create a sense of enclosure – a scented hedge would be a nice touch. Keep this trimmed on all sides and on top to allow plenty of light into the area and avoid foliage intruding into the space.

Plant groundcover/edging plants at the base for colour and interest.

04

FIRE UP To prolong use of the outdoor living spaces beyond the warmer months, build an outdoor fireplace along the western side of the terrace.

This will also help to protect the area from the wind.

05

PLANT IT Build a raised planter box and stain it to match other garden structures. Plant with herbs, vegetables or flowering shrubs.

Shrubs can also be planted along the base of the house to soften its hard edges. Build a seat in the centre of the planter box or add wide capping along its inside edge to sit on.

06

TREE LINE Plant some attractive trees along the western and southern boundaries to add further wind protection, provide shady areas to sit, and add interest to the view.

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Suggested planting plan PORT WINE MAGNOLIA

NEW ZEALAND IRIS

CHINESE FRINGE FLOWER

KARO

(Michelia figo)

(Libertia peregrinans)

(Loropetalum chinense)

(Pittosporum crassifolium)

HEDGE FOR TERRACE For scent, try orange jessamine (Murraya paniculata) or port wine magnolia (Michelia figo).

Other Michelia cultivars such as ‘Bubbles’ or ‘Fairy Blush’ are also delicately fragranced.

For evergreen foliage, go for Ficus ‘Tuffy’, Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ or Olearia paniculata.

EDGING PLANTS BELOW HEDGE Try Liriope muscari, rain lilies (Zephyranthes candida), black mondo grass, dwarf flaxes, Libertia cultivars or Dianella ‘Little Jess’.

LOW FLOWERING SHRUBS Try dwarf Australian frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum ‘Gold Nugget’), dwarf bottlebrush (Callistemon ‘Little John’), carpet rose, Teucrium fruticans, Loropetalum ‘China Pink’ or lavender eg, ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Munstead’.

SPECIMEN TREES Try tītoki (Alectryon excelsus), Paulownia, puka (Meryta sinclairii), bottlebrush, smaller pōhutukawa hybrids such as Metrosideros ‘Mistral’ or ‘Springfire’, olives, Olearia species or karo (Pittosporum crassifolium).

Note: These plants are suitable for this site, which is in a warm region, exposed to westerly winds. Check them out at your local nursery and ask if they’re right for your garden.

Photography by Getty Images.

TIP With our variable climate, covered overhead structures are useful in gardens for protection from the elements, in particular sun and rain. Fixed roof cladding is one option or you could consider the flexibility of electronically operated overhead louvres, retractable awnings or even a shade sail.

Need help with your garden?

Does an area of your garden need a revamp? Garden editor and landscape designer Carol Bucknell will come up with a plan for some lucky readers. All we need are photographs of your problem area, details of where you live, a site description (where north is, the soil type, whether your garden is exposed to wind or heat) and the

style of garden you would like. SEND TO Case Study, Your Home and Garden, Bauer Media, Private Bag 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1010, or email yhg@ bauermedia.co.nz. We can’t feature everyone’s garden in the magazine, but if you’d like some personal design advice, you can contact Carol at carolbucknell.co.nz.

yhg | 137

OUTDOOR DIARY

March checklist Text by Carol Bucknell. Illustrations by Pippa Fay.

FLOWER OF THE MONTH

Sedum

Try these top tips for the month

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GROW THIS Once the weather cools and there’s some moisture in the ground, autumn is a great time to perk up a tatty lawn by removing dead grass and moss with a rake, digging out perennial weeds and sowing grass seed mixed with planting compost into bare patches. Fork ground first to loosen soil if needed. Sprinkle with lawn food or liquid feed with a seaweed or other nitrogen-based product, then water regularly for a good month.

AUTUMN PREP To keep your garden looking fab through to spring an autumn feed is essential.

Spread compost, sheep pellets and other manure on all beds. Even lowmaintenance daylilies and dietes will flower more with a good feed.

COLOUR UP If you love the autumn golds and reds of Japanese maples, dogwoods or smoke bush, check out garden centres now for exciting new cultivars.

Autumn is a good time to plant all new shrubs and trees – just wait until there’s some moisture in the ground.

BEE FRIENDLY If you have space, keep pollinators fed through winter by planting plants such as camellia, aloes, alyssum, banksia, helleborus, grevillea, hibiscus, liriope, leptospermum, magnolia, marigold, poinsettia, primula, polyanthus and viburnum.

ACID DROPS Camellias, rhododendron, daphne, magnolia and azaleas will flower much better if there is some acidity in the soil. Feed them with a food specially formulated for them such as Daltons Premium Acid Fertiliser. Mulch well so roots stay nice and cool.

Photography by Bauer Syndication.

Sedums are a large group of almost 600 succulent species, but it’s Sedum spectabile, with its eye-catching large flowerheads and tolerance of clay soils, which stands out from the crowd. Umbrellashaped flowers come in white, pink, lilac and various shades of red, depending on the variety. Reaching about 40cm in height, the fleshy, grey green leaves of Sedum spectabile die back in winter so you need to put them where other plants can ideally fill the gap during that period. They look superb in perennial beds or in pots which can be moved out of sight while the plant is dormant. Full sun is best.

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Harvest 01

02

03

04

GREENS

PASSIONFRUIT

ARTICHOKES

KŪMARA

Picking beans every 3-5 days ensures plants will keep producing more flowers and therefore more pods. Cook the same day for the best taste.

If you want to freeze them, traditionally beans are blanched for 3 minutes first, but some gardeners bag them up and just throw them straight in the freezer. This also works for silverbeet, spinach, even tomatoes for using later in soups and casseroles.

Best harvested just before or after the fruit falls, passionfruit will rot quickly or wither in the sun if left on the ground. It’s not always easy to spot the ripe ones in a very leafy vine so give it a gentle shake to make sure you don’t miss any.

Keep vines well watered and fed for best fruiting. After harvesting cut out dying wood and brown tendrils as passionfruit hoppers often lay their eggs on those parts of the vine.

Dipping the ends of freshly picked globe artichoke leaves in lemon and butter and eating them is one of life’s sublime treats.

Artichokes should be picked just before the young flower buds start to open, ideally when they are around 5-10cm in diameter. Cut stem about 8-10cm below the base of buds to keep them fresh for longer. Other buds will often form on the stalk so don’t chop them back too quickly after harvesting.

Kūmara are ready to harvest when their leaves turn yellow and die.

To store them, you first need to remove the soil and leave the tubers to dry out in a shady spot for a week. Tubers should then last for 4-6 months if kept in a dry place at a cool temperature (13-16°C). If frosts are likely in your area dig them up sooner.

TIP Liven up salads by adding edible flowers (or petals) from spray-free borage, nasturtium, daylily, heartsease pansy, cornflower and calendula. Use petals in ice cubes for dainty drinks, too. Easy to grow, you can plant these in the vege bed to pretty it up as well as attracting bees and other pollinators.

Sow

Plant

Broad beans can be sown directly into the garden as the weather cools, spaced 20cm apart and 5cm deep.

Soil should be fertile, well drained and well dug. Garden beds should be sunny with plenty of air movement.

Support will be needed for seedlings as they get taller.

Spinach is an ideal winter crop, highly nutritious and easy to grow. Sow seed (1cm deep) into beds that have had plenty of compost and other organic matter added beforehand. Thin out seedlings so plants are 5cm apart. Choose frost-hardy varieties in colder areas and protect young seedlings from frost. Regular watering is essential. In warmer areas silverbeet might be a better bet until the cooler weather arrives.

Onion seed can be sown in trays or into the ground now and throughout autumn in areas with only mild frosts. In colder areas wait until early spring.

Germination takes around 14 days with harvesting in a minimum of 5 months, longer if weather is very cold. If you don’t have a lot of room, it is often better (and of course quicker) to grow onions from seedlings, though the range of varieties on offer will be more limited.

Broccoli seedlings can be planted out now into wellcomposted soil. Feed and water regularly for best crops.

Space 45cm apart and plant reasonably deep as new roots will develop from the stem to support plants better as they mature. Keep sowing more seed until the end of autumn in warmer areas to ensure you have plenty of seedlings for a continuous crop through winter.

Red cabbages are more attractive in the garden than plain green ones, and they’re a great way to add colour and nutrition to salads and stir-fries. Even if you’re not a fan, try growing them for their decorative value and as companion plants, luring white butterflies away from other veges. Soil needs to be fertile and not too light for all cabbages, red or green.

Autumn is a good time to plant fruit trees provided there’s plenty of moisture in the ground. Subtropical fruit trees like avocado should only be planted in warmer areas at this time of year. Choose a grafted variety for faster fruiting and give your avocado tree plenty of space, well-drained, fertile soil and a good depth of mulch. Stake all fruit trees if planted in windy positions.

CAROL BUCKNELL GA R D E N E D I TO R

TIP GROW BEE AT T R A C TA N T S S U C H A S A LY S S U M O R BORAGE NEAR BROAD BEANS FOR BEST P O L L I N AT I O N .

yhg | 139

In store This month’s must-haves for your home

VERSATILE WITH A SMILE

IN WITH THE NEW

Set on a stunning 500-acre property with expansive coastal views, Kauri Bay Boomrock is a purpose-built venue offering unrivalled versatility and a strong focus on outstanding New Zealand cuisine, wine and service. It is the ideal venue for entertaining up to 250 guests for everything from corporate gatherings, events and product launches to weddings, private functions and more.

For further details visit kauribayboomrock.co.nz.

freedom’s AW20 collection is arriving thick and fast! Our pick? Crowd favourite Kruger chair with buckles that allow the leather to be tightened as it naturally stretches over time.

Now available in black. freedomfurniture.co.nz

PANTRY PERFECTION

SUNNY DAYS SORTED

REFINED BY DESIGN

The popular Blum Space Tower now comes with dark grey cabinet interiors for an ultrasophisticated look. See @blumnewzealand or blum.com for more. Drawer dividers available at Auckland and Christchurch showrooms.

Natio’s suncare essentials include three SPF50+ options enriched with replenishing aloe vera and antioxidant-rich vitamin E to keep skin soft and hydrated. Suitable for all skin types. RRP $15.99-$27.99; natio.com.au.

The brand-new NX Iko gives you a shower like no other with HydroSense® – groundbreaking technology that accelerates water flow tenfold from the design team at Phoenix.

Visit phoenixtapware.co.nz for details.

ADVERTISING PROMOTION

TOUCH OF THE WILD

GOING HANDLE-FREE

STRIPE FOR THE PICKING

Your local Guthrie Bowron store has thousands of wallpaper patterns, colours and textures to choose from, including the new Helium collection (pictured). Pop into one of our 43 stores nationwide or browse at guthriebowron.co.nz.

Perfect the handle-less look in your kitchen with Kaboodle’s new g-pull door profile. The integrated aluminium edge pull with a smooth, metallic finish combines ease of use with streamlined style. See kaboodle.co.nz for details.

Enjoy the versatility of the luxe-feel Caesar duvet set by Linen House. This stylish stripe in a bold palette of charcoal, mustard and white reverses to a charcoal and silver pinstripe that would be ideal for winter. Available at Farmers.

FRESH-AIR QUEEN The new Zaza Outdoor sofa features the same contemporary design and modular flexibility as its indoor sister. Originally designed by the awardwinning Charles Wilson, Zaza Outdoor keeps its enticing deep seats, elegant, slender legs and adjustable arms and back, making it the most decadent outdoor lounging option under the sun. Find it at kingliving.co.nz.

SLOPING BEAUTY

A GREENER CLEAN

Our Raymor Carlton vanities feature a soft, sloping ceramic basin from Europe and a sleek handleless drawer design. The cabinetry is proudly made in New Zealand and is available in colour and size variations to suit your home. Chat to our friendly Mico team in store about the best option for you, or shop our range online at mico.co.nz.

Chux® Biodegradable Superwipes® are 100% biodegradable^ and naturally break down in compostable conditions to help reduce the impact on the environment.

Strong enough to be machinewashed and reused. With Chux®, going green doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or performance! ^Independently tested by CSIRO Report no: 10-0711

D

The

Manufacturers and restorers of hand-carved rocking horses.

Rocking Horse Place

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TO BOOK ADS CONTACT Kim Chapman ph 07 578 3646 or 021 673 133 classifieds@xtra.co.nz

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Nielsen CMI (Apr18-Mar19) / ABC Circ (Apr18-Mar19)

homeware & interiors www.kgdesign.co.nz

Summer Special: Save $75 on your first hour.* For more information and to book visit dulux.co.nz or call 0800 800 424

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*Average consultation is two hours. May incur travel charges. Residential rates only, Colour Designers are not available in all regions. Conditions apply. Dulux Colours of New Zealand is a registered trade mark of DuluxGroup(Australia) Pty Ltd.

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Perkins Brothers Builders Ltd

Book a qualified Interior Designer to help you select the right colours for your home for as little as $125 per hour.

Vintage and industrial-inspired lighting, tables and table legs for commercial and residential spaces.

To advertise here contact Kim Chapman. Phone: (07) 578 3646 or 021 673 133. Email: classifieds@xtra.co.nz

Dulux Colour Design Service

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EXTRAORDINARY JEWELLERY FOR UNCOMMON PEOPLE

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WWW.DEBRAFALLOWFIELD.COM @ debrafallowfieldjeweller

HIGHVIEW APARTMENTS

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66-70 Thompson Street, Queenstown reservations@highviewapartments.co.nz PH (03) 450 2142 · HIGHVIEWAPARTMENTS.CO.NZ

OFFERING UNINTERRUPTED VIEWS OF LAKE WAKATIPU, QUEENSTOWN BAY AND REMARKABLES ACROSS TO WALTER & CECIL PEAKS. Stay in the comfort of a selfcontained lake-view apartment and watch the Earnslaw steam past while preparing a meal of local produce. Venture out on a short walk to the CBD and enjoy the varied cafés, bars, restaurants and activities.

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We offer free off-street parking with Wi-Fi, fitness room, guest laundry, outdoor spa pool, BBQ and sports locker for skis/ boards, golf clubs or bikes.

Our team is happy to help you book any adventures to make your stay in Queenstown memorable whatever the season.

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Glass/Plastic Bottles, Jars & Closures

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'At the Baths' Limited edition print

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To advertise here contact Kim Chapman. Phone: (07) 578 3646 or 021 673 133. Email: classifieds@xtra.co.nz

The Vines Village

NEXT MONTH THE TREND ISSUE

+ 2020 COLOUR GUIDE + EXPERT STYLE TIPS + GARDEN TRENDS

10 interior looks for the new decade PLUS the very latest in home tech

ON SALE 9 MARCH

LAST LOOK

Softly, softly Set the table with simple shapes and chalky tones for calm dinnertime vibes Styling by Alisha Kumar. Photography by Angie Humphreys.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Vienna panelled dipping bowl, $15, from Father Rabbit. Linen hemmed runner, $55, from Smith & Caughey’s. Bauble napkin, $75 for 4, from Smith & Caughey’s. Cafe mug, $29.90, from Citta. Living & Co Belly jug, $7, from The Warehouse.

Dine linen napkin, $12.90, from Citta. Melamine Reactive side plate, $7 for 4, from Kmart. Marble serving board, $69.90, from Citta. Irregular large bowl, $3, Kmart. Living & Co sugar spoon, $5 (comes with a sugar pot), from The Warehouse. White bowl, $1, from Kmart.

146 | yhg