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On the cover

Loving this Bonnie and Neil cushion I’m a sucker for a Grecian key pattern and it’s so fresh in green. $185, from bonnieandneil com au

Hello

Thank

heavens for spring I say this not because the magnolias are at their magnificent best right now but because I’m thoroughly sick of my winter induced stupor involving heavy chocolate and Netflix consumption, night after night. With the imminent arrival of daylight saving (25 September, peeps), I’m planning on:

• a massive declutter and clean

• a daily yoga routine

• some frenzied gardening and belated pruning

• painting my bedroom

• sewing some new curtains

• being kinder to strangers

• long, regular walks

• making healthy dinners from scratch almost every night

Such is the promise of longer, more temperate days, a newly cleaned and lightly decorated house and better self

I am going to adopt the breaking decluttering down into the manageable tasks that Liz Bradley from The Tidy Lady talks about in our organisation story on page 94 As she says, pulling everything out of every cupboard is overwhelming. Instead, it’s far better to give the pot drawer a 10 minute going over on a Tuesday night

O ver the course of a month I aim to have my place as spick and span as the home of fashion designer Alice Isles on the cover and also page 26. I’ve driven past her place for years and always admired its exterior, so it’s been a real thrill getting to see inside It certainly lived up to expectations and will be my inspiration as I get rid of stuff slowly, but surely Enjoy your month

Throwing rubbish into my new Special Studio 3D printed bin Not only is it the best looking one I’ve seen in a long time, the Mount Maunganui company ingeniously uses 98 percent recycled waste $149, from paperplanestore.com

Making farinata a lot

The super easy chickpea pancake topped with olive oil, salt and rosemary is a quick dinner with grilled courgettes and baba ganoush

Fiona Hawtin, Editor

H A I R A N D M A K E U P C A R O L Y N H A S L E T T . F I O N A W E A R S Z O E & M O R G A N N E C K L A C E L O N E L Y C A M I S O L E A N D H E L E N C H E R R Y J A C K E T .

Take It Outside

Freedom’s contemporar y range of outdoor fur niture and homewares is ever ything you need to eat, dr ink and enter tain all day and even all night long.

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by DLM Infosoft

S o c i a l c l u b

Crafty vases and embroidery witchcraft

These gorgeous creations are vases hand moulded out of flowers What’s that saying about two birds, one stone? @shannon clegg

P O D C A S T O F T H E M O N T H

EDITOR Fiona Hawtin

ART & EDITORIAL

Deputy editor Caroline Moratti

Art director Nicola Feeney

Chief sub editor Michelle Joe

Garden editor Mary Lovell Smith

Senior designer Béla Trussell Cullen

Designers Alice Bush, Anna Petursdottir

CONTRIBUTORS

Amber Armitage, Helen Bankers, Kate Battersby, Anna Briggs, Holly Jean Brooker, Debbie Harrison, Melanie Jenkins, Jen Jones, Nikki Kettle, Babiche Martens, Leanne Moore, Living Inside Eleanor Ozich, Julie O Reilly, Swell Productions, Shelley Tustin Alice Veysey

ADVERTISING | CORPORATE

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Commercial sales manager Mae Kelly, mae kelly@aremedia co nz, 0212460276

Senior account manager Chloe Jordan chloe jordan@aremedia co nz

Campaign manager Angela Wei angela wei@aremedia co nz

Be still our beating hearts Nelson artist Fleur Woods is changing the embroidery scene, stitch by stitch, with her fabric masterpieces @fleurwoodsart

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

A little bit quirky, cheeky and oh so juicy, “Normal Gossip” delves into the salacious lives of complete strangers.

Classified sales Kim Chapman classifieds@xtra co nz

EXECUTIVE

Chief executive officer Jane Huxley

General manager Stuart Dick Editorial director Sarah Henry

Distributor Are Direct

A cosy cottage punches well above its weight in style and functionality yourhomeandgarden co nz

This Auckland dining room ticked all the right boxes for spring @yourhomeandgarden

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FLYING COLOURS Bornn, the great minds behind the artisanal enamelware boom, have struck gold again with their latest range. The Colorama collection pairs together vibrant colours to add zest to your dining table. Enamel bowls, $32 each, from boltofcloth.com

S H O P P I N G

Trending

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P E R F E C T G I F T T O

inspire

w i n d o w s h o p p i n g

T A K E A P E E K A T T H E L A T E S T F I N D S

T W I S T A N D S H O U T

Add a squeeze of modernity to your everyday living with this 100 percent oak side table Just don’t ask us how it stands up Mikado oak side table, $570, from indiehomecollective com

ROSE TINTED GLASSES

You’ll be wanting to break out the bubbly with glasses from Kip & Co’s debut glassware collection, which are perfect for toasting the best moments in life. Handmade and mouth blown, these darlings will add that perfect pop of colour to any spring celebration. Mix and match, drink up and admire. Glassware (set of two), from $65, from moiongeorge.nz

S C H O O L’ S O U T

Get nostalgic about those high school locker days with a retro looking steel storage unit.

From the creative minds of new Kiwi company Good, the makers also aim to provide products with plastic free packaging from factory to consumer. Edna Contemporary Metal Locker, $499 99, from humbleandgrand co nz

Tickled pink

T E X T U R E T I M E

Kaikōura boutique

Addy & Lou continues to impress, this time with their clock stock It’s rustic, it’s different and it’s a must have. Kerridge Group Jordy wall clock, $79 90, from addyandlou.co.nz

M E LT I N M O M E N T S

G E T S A U C Y

Ripple effect

These bowls are both functional and decorative Style with fruit, eat noodles out of it, whatever you desire White Mode wave bowl, starting from $39, from fatherrabbit com

Dive right in

Channel hot days and long spring nights with this breezy print depicting Bondi’s famous open air swimming pool

This gorgeous number almost feels like it should be hanging on a wall at the Tate Modern, but thankfully it’s perfect for living rooms too Great Lengths framed photograph, $104 97, from freedomfurniture co nz

This luxury, foam filled lounger covered with velvet, contours to the shape of your body for the ultimate in relaxation Just make sure to have snacks nearby, you won’t want to leave. Solo in quilted copper, $999, from millo co nz

How to make organising f un

With winter finally behind us and summer not far away, it’s time to throw open the windows, spring clean your home and organise your life

Spring cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing the grout and cleaning behind the couch It’s also your perfect opportunity to clear out the clutter, so you can head into summer feeling fresh and free

HOW TO DECLUTTER YOUR HOME IN THREE EASY STEPS

1. Jettison the junk

Take a long, hard look at your life and wave goodbye to anything that doesn’ t serve a practical purpose or, yes, we’ll say it, spark joy If it’s chipped, broken or otherwise imperfect, it’s dragging you down and needs to go Ditto anything you haven’ t

used for years Set it free at the local op shop See, you’re feeling lighter already

2. Rationalise the rest

Yes, this is where we trot out that time worn advice to find a place for everything and keep everything in its place It’s an oldie but a goodie. Once you’ve cleared the decks of clutter, find a home for everything that’s left either on display if it evokes happy memories or tucked away in a cupboard if it’s useful but not that attractive.

3. Go on a lab elling spree

Now for the fun part There’s something satisfying about organising your treasures and trinkets, then labelling them so you’ll never lose anything again A handheld label printer makes the job so easy If you don’t already have one head to your local stationery retailer to grab the

Brother P Touch PTH110 Compact

Handheld Label Printer It usually retails for $59 95 but until the end of October you’ll receive $20 cash back.

With its easy type QWERTY keyboard, 16 character graphic LCD display and 20mm/second print speed, it’s perfect for labelling everything from pantry ingredients to arts and craft supplies, filing boxes and garden equipment There’s even a special ‘cable label’ function that makes flag labels for power and charger cords, so you’ll never get them mixed up again

The Brother PTH110 prints labels up to 12mm wide, with a choice of three fonts, 10 character styles, 15 frames and more than 250 symbols, so you can customise your labels It also takes a variety of tape cassettes for different uses choose from durable laminated TZe tapes in a range of designer colours, the TZe FA3 iron on fabric tape for labelling clothes, or non adhesive ribbon tapes that are ideal for crafts or gift wrap

Compact and stylish, the Brother PTH110 comes with a free four metre laminated tape to get you started, plus a four year warranty *

The Brother P Touch PTH110 Compact Handheld Label

Printer usually retails for $59 95 but buy before 31 October 2022 and get $20 cash back * * T&Cs apply

There’s something satisfying ab out having everything in its place and neatly lab elled. A handheld lab el printer makes sor ting out your home easy

Sweet dreams

With a change of seasons comes a change of linen Look no further than these pink and orange offerings from Society of Wanderers, they add a fruity note to your typical striped bedding. Made from 100 percent French flax linen, you’ll be pressing snooze on your alarm clock more than once Society of Wanderers wildberry stripe duvet cover, $425 (queen), from smallacorns co nz

S P R I N G I S I N

The sun’s out and we can’ t get enough of florals. Thankfully, Bonnie and Neil feel the same way and designed a range of sweet cushions that look good enough to attract the bees Beach club pink cushion, $224, from bonnieandneil com au

Bowled over

Made of mino yaki porcelain and handcrafted in Japan, this bowl adds the finishing touch to any table setting Plus, it’s dishwasher and microwave safe, so what’s not to love? Pale grey organic faceted bowl, $59 90, from orient nz com

Sitting pretty

Dine like royalty with statement seats

Save: Roxby dining chair, $219, from Nood Splurge: D’Azura dining chair, $695, from Coco Republic.

S P L U R G E

B R A I D Y O U R S E L F

&klevering stoneware fruit baskets all have irregular woven braids, making them as unique as they are delightful. Stocked in citrus green and lilac tones &K ceramic basket, $89, from rubynz com

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Come dine with me

How to curate your p erfect space with the King Dining Collection

Choosing

the right dining table for your home can be challenging, if not completely overwhelming Thankfully, the King Dining Collection offers quality dining furniture to suit your space, as well as last a lifetime.

Whether you prefer the sleek geometrical profile of the Aspen Dining Table, or the modern refinement of the Q uay Dining Table, there’s something for everyone within the King Collection But before you go rushing off, make sure to take into consideration the following when choosing your dream table.

Choose the right table shape

Your table should complement your room to create a cohesive connection between living and dining, so any selection should account for the size of the room and the number of diners who will be using the table. For small rooms, consider a circular table or something with curved edges, such as the round Issho Dining Table, to save on space Mid backed chairs such as the indoor Q uay Dining Chair will also help to create the illusion of space and provide visual flow through the room

If you like to entertain, a classic rectangular table will offer you the flexibility to eat and socialise, with enough elbow room to spare for family and guests

The Aspen Dining Table is a timeless option that will embellish any table setting or party dish.

Material matters

With a variety of table materials to choose from, make sure to consider your lifestyle when it comes to picking your dream dining suite If your dining room also doubles as your WFH space, opt for a wood finish like the Aspen Dining Table that will provide durability and ease from day to night Pair with a high back fabric chair like the Aspen Dining Chair for comfort without compromise.

For those with young children, ceramic options will be invaluable for easy cleaning

WORK THE ANGLES Aspen Dining Table, from $7200, and Aspen Dining Chairs, from $921 each SLEEK AND REFINED The marble topped Quay Dining Table, from $4490

O r for a sophisticated look, the marble top of the Quay Dining Table has enduring appeal.

Measure up

Your dining chairs should fit comfortably under your table, so make sure to allow a minimum of 20 30cm from seat to tabletop Chairs should ideally be spaced 15cm apart to avoid overcrowding, with at least 1m of space between the table and any walls or pieces of furniture

N EW SE ASON ST Y LE

There

is nothing quite as exciting as making over a space in your home

Major revamps and renovations can be expensive and time consuming, especially when you can still make an impact with a few great value additions Whether it’s adding new furniture to complete a room or introducing an on trend colour through accessories and artwork, small changes can make a big difference and will help inject new life into your house

Keep it simple

Start with your biggest room, your lounge. It’s the area your family will spend the most time in, so why not consider a comfy and chic new couch Go for a simple style, such as the great value Living & Co Tulsa 3 seater corner sofa with chaise for $699 Go for a neutral colour to anchor the room, then layer cushions and throws for extra luxury and elegance at a minimal cost.

Taking sides

Don’t underestimate the power of a side table for creating intimate spaces, as well as being handy to have while reading in the sun or enjoying an evening drink Opting for

a minimal style in a natural material means the piece will suit any design scheme, whether that be a contemporary nod or rustic vibe, it will always be on point

Theme it

A great way to keep your design changes on track is to embrace a theme This will help you select items that work cohesively Natural themes with earthy colours paired with wood are currently having a moment.

Statement storage

Storage can make a big difference to a room and today’s options are not only practical, but can also be a statement feature

Big impact bedrooms

Changing one or two items in a bedroom can have a big impact Consider replacing your duvet cover and bed linen Opting for an all white look will instantly freshen up the room, while colour blocking with two or three new season shades will up the style stakes If you like bold colour schemes, try clashing two prints in complementary shades. Use cushions and throws in a block colour to tie the look together

mall endeer

Small sp ender shopping list

a stylish

home

$12

M E S

GOLDEN ARCH Even more than making a decorating statement, new research shows that adding pot plants to your home can increase productivity and reduce stress.

To see what else the homeowners have done, turn to page 38.

Swatch this space An upbeat and playful terrace home

Full house

A former rental property is home to two families

26 38 50

Flying colours

A fashionable cottage makeover

The Grey Lynn family home of Hej Hej co founder Alice Isles is as upbeat and playful as her fashion brand, but on a grander canvas

Tex t Shelley Tustin P h o t o g ra p hy Helen B ankers

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M E E T & G R E E T

Alice Isles (co owner of clothing brand Hej Hej), Mike Isles (corporate finance advisor), and their twin daughters, Madeleine and Matilda, both six, and Chewy the cat

T H E P R O P E R T Y

Three storey, three bedroom inner city double brick terrace home in Auckland.

S W E E T S E R E N D I P I T Y

Alice had her heart set on a zinc top dining table like the one she remembered from her childhood, finally finding one in a boutique store on K Road After a bit of detective work and much examination of distinguishing marks, she says, “I’m 99 percent sure it’s our old family table that has come back to us ”

K I T C H E N

With help from Kitchenmaker in Henderson, Alice and Mike designed a kitchen that would grow with their family Neutral finishes Quantum Quartz benches in Michelangelo and a mix of white Melteca and timber veneer cabinets are enlivened by the floor tiles (Medley in Pink Pop from Tile Space) and open shelves, which are used to display ceramics and cookbooks

“It felt really different from all the other houses we’d seen in Auckland and I instantly knew it was the right one for us.”

A L I C E I S L E S

From her place at the helm of puckish and personality packed fashion brand

Hej Hej, Alice Isles is used to making a sartorial splash, so the pops of bold colour that punctuate her family home come as no surprise Combine her appreciation for individuality and daring, with a property that was already high in quirk factor, and you’ve got a house that’s a joy to explore, where you never know what you might find around each corner.

Home and away

Alice and husband Mike’s story starts in Sydney, where they had been living for 10 years before the arrival of twins, Madeleine and Matilda, now six, prompted their return migration

Auckland’s Grey Lynn, with its parks and playgrounds, proximity to family and streets of charming villas, would be their chosen turf, but finding a home that fit them was trickier than you might expect After years living in Sydney apartments and terraces, Alice recalls feeling isolated and exposed in a freestanding house. The solution was this terrace home, one of a row that looks like it’s been lifted straight off a street in Sydney’s Surry Hills

D I N I N G / B A R

This is a room with stories to tell The painting of Saint Sebastian by Dennis Watkins travelled from home to home with the family during Alice’s childhood and was gifted to her on her wedding The built in bar area under the stairs (below) features mahogany cabinetry with wine storage and sink

L I V I N G

A pair of mid century armchairs sit alongside the sofa from Montreux Furniture in Christchurch The contemporary rug is by Loom Fabric Design, the pink cushions are from House of Hackney and the black Designers Guild cushion is from Icon Textiles The paintings include works from Gretchen Albrecht (top left), Jamie Ross (bottom left) and Rodney Fumpston (right)

“The minute we stepped in the door, it reminded us of the terraces in Sydney It felt really different from all the other houses we’d seen in Auckland and I instantly knew it was the right one for us ”

Terrace or Tardis?

A source of fascination in passers by, the home appears adorably tiny from the street, a single storey worker’s cottage snugly wedged in a row of twee terraces. But by some Narnian trickery actually just by working with the sloping site the home expands beyond the front door to reveal three storeys, including three bedrooms, an attic workspace, downstairs living spaces and a bonus below ground conservatory

Beyond the living areas is an entertainer’s deck and tiny garden, which Alice says is small but exactly right for them “We’ve got more house, whereas other people might have a bigger block,” she says “But we’ve been living in smaller houses and apartments for so long, we wouldn’ t know what to do with a garden It wasn’ t a big thing for us ”

Evolution of a home

With 100 years of history (more or less) behind it, the house has plenty of stories to tell, and Alice and Mike are in a unique position to hear some of them firsthand, with the previous owners of the house living next door

Their neighbours previously owned both this terrace and their own, knocking through to create a spacious home for their large family, then separating the two dwellings again after their kids flew the coop

“We decided to keep it simple and use materials that are hard wearing and would last a long time.”

A L I C E I S L E S

And as for Alice and Mike, they’re making their own mark on the house, but thoughtfully and without any sense of urgency “What I learned from waiting before doing any sort of renovations is you really learn how the house works for you There are definitely things we initially thought we’d change, but have actually learned to love or to work around them,” says Alice

The quirky inclusions the couple have embraced range from a mahogany bar underneath the stairs, to a playroom complete with working wall basin (left over from its previous incarnation as an Italian style terracotta lined conservatory), and the so old it’s new again arch details over the French doors Utterly enamoured of the home, with all its foibles, the couple only made one major change: installing a brand new kitchen for keen home cook Mike, one with storage and space for his culinary tinkering and a breakfast bar for the girls to sit and chat with the chef.

Think pink

Renovating the kitchen was the first opportunity to add some serious colour to the home, and Alice with help from her creative mum took the opportunity to balance her bubbly personality with future proof simplicity

“We initially wanted to pump so much personality into it, but then we decided to keep it simple and use materials that are hard wearing and would last a long time,” says Alice The fun element comes from pink based terrazzo floor tiles, which appealed to Alice as soon as she started looking at finishes. “It was like love at first sight,” says Alice, adding, “Pink is also one of Hej Hej’s brand colours, so I can’ t get away from it ”

M A I N B E D R O O M

A Gavin Chilcott artwork a “long lend” from Alice’s mum sets the style tone in the main bedroom The fireplace is non functioning, but serves as a display space for more art and objects, including a black and white photograph by New Zealand fine art photographer Anne Noble

G U E S T R O O M A N D P L A Y R O O M

With its white shutters and a tivaevae quilt from a friend in Rarotonga, this bedroom is a delightful retreat for guests The paper dress by Anne Wilson is one of several in the house The lower ground level conservatory is now a playroom for Matilda (left) and Madeleine, and is a lovely space for them to play and be creative

Against a gallery backdrop of white walls and polished timber floors, an eclectic selection of art fills the home with lashings of eye catching colour. Alice credits her mother with much of the carefully curated collection

“My mum is a supporter and collector of New Zealand art and has a special interest in New Zealand photography

She has amazing knowledge and a great eye,” says Alice. “We have traded a couple of pieces with each other and often switch pieces around ”

Wearable ar t

While Alice’s mum’s specialty is photography, Alice’s particular contribution is textiles no surprise given her line of work “Some art can feel quite flat, but fabrics are such a passion of mine and I love the textures and colours they bring When you hang fabrics, it brings a real warmth to a room ” Vibrant saris and textured Rarotongan tivaevae quilts dress the beds, vintage kimonos and silk scarves are mounted on walls. What you won’ t find on display just yet are Hej Hej’s own patterns

“I need my home to inspire new ideas and, if I was surrounded by old Hej Hej things, I wouldn’ t be pushing my brain,” Alice explains. And with so many things to look at and touch in this bright and joyful home, one can imagine that inspiration is plentiful

A l i c e ’ s t i p s f o r a h o m e w i t h

e r s o n a l i t y p l u s

+ Don’t be afraid of colour Things like ceramics and books can also add colour and personality to a white space

+ Use fabrics or prints as clever ways to add texture and colour to walls or furniture My mum is a master at this and is a big reason why our house has so much character

+ When purchasing new furniture always look at secondhand places or auction houses first

+ There are no rules to style mix and match different eras, materials and shapes

t

Budget

u t h s

W H A T A R E A S D I D Y O U

S A V E O N ?

Labour My husband decided he would try his hand at DIY during the reno and had some friends help demo the kitchen Also, we had relatively new existing appliances and used those.

W H E R E D I D Y O U

S P L U R G E ?

The kitchen cabinets, benchtop and fittings. We really wanted a kitchen that would last our family through the years It’s a high use area, so we opted for sturdy fixtures.

B E S T L E S S O N S

L E A R N E D ?

Don’t try and do a renovation during the back end of a lockdown and a Gib crisis Also, the kitchen is such a high use area in your house, so money spent on fixtures and fittings is worth it

W H A T W O U L D Y O U N E V E R D O A G A I N ?

I don’t think I could live in a house without a kitchen again at one point we didn’t have a sink downstairs for four to five weeks It makes life very tough with a young family

A N Y D I S A S T E R S ?

The house is a little unusual for New Zealand It is a double brick terrace house, more common overseas There were some tricky elements associated with this, such as brick walls not being straight and the extractor fan having to be drilled through a thick wall to outside While not a disaster, it did add to the cost and time

W H A T W A S T H E M O S T

M E M O R A B L E

E X P E R I E N C E ?

We love entertaining. I have lots of fun memories of sitting on our deck with family and friends for birthdays and barbecues It’s a great house that has so much character, and it’s warm and quiet People are always so surprised when they first come round and that always makes us happy.

W H A T ’ S O N E T H I N G Y O U ’ D C H A N G E A B O U T Y O U R H O M E I F Y O U C O U L D ?

The bathrooms Next project

u l l h o u s e

F O U R O F A K I N D

The Veysey family gave up a dining room in favour of a garage, choosing to eat their meals at the kitchen island The concrete look benchtop is a laminate and the white mid century style grid tiles used on the splashback are favourites with Tori

started out as a bit of a joke between friends, has resulted in something a little more serious a beautiful home for the Veysey family, surrounded by great neighbours and their best mates who live upstairs

When Tori and Brendon Veysey’s good friend Hilly Goodwin, stumbled across a large two storey home on 1400sqm, with a generous floorspace of 170sqm upstairs and the same downstairs, she sent the Trade Me link to Tori They laughed about starting a commune with their two families.

Curiosity piqued, they went to an open home to check it out and understand why

Whatthe price was lower than they expected for such a large home

“The home was being sold as a four bedroom house as the downstairs wasn’t consented But it had eight bedrooms and the property was being rented out as three separate properties in the one house,” says Tori. With the size and the price, the home quickly became less of a joke and more like a property for the four to seriously consider with the option of converting it into two separate homes. Brendon and Tori had almost finished renovating their home in Cambridge and were pretty settled, but they knew they’d be needing more space in the future for their growing family.

But the home wasn’t pretty and needed a lot of work if two families were going to

H

The benchtop is from Benchworks in Hamilton and cabinets from Project Kitchens with a ‘J’ pull for easy opening

h o m e p r o f i l e

M E E T & G R E E T

Brendon Veysey (police officer), Tori Veysey ( graphic designer)

Van, seven, Cruz , four, and Billy, 18 months

T H E P R O P E R T Y

An eight bedroom, two storey home in Cambridge.

“Downstairs felt like a dungeon with no windows on one side of the building. It was filthy.”

T O R I V E Y S E Y

GOOD IDEA

Save on storage space and add some interest to walls by hanging up baskets, hats and musical instruments.

L I V I N G

The white walls and ceiling and concrete floor is softened with playful accents, such as the children’s photographic growth chart (below right), and accessories in neutral colours The open plan kitchen and lounge area flows out to the deck with large bifold doors

live in it “Downstairs felt like a dungeon with no windows on one side of the building It was filthy and the section was completely overgrown and covered in wiggly Dr Seuss style Christmas trees

The whole thing was bizarre,” says Tori

Two’s a crowd

The two couples sat down to seriously consider putting in an offer and discussed how it could work for two families to purchase the home together “With the house being subdividable, it felt like a decision that could work well for all of us,” says Tori

Together, the two couples purchased the huge property with the long term plan to renovate the entire home and later subdivide the section and possibly build

Getting stuck in

The Goodwins would live upstairs and the Veyseys would live downstairs. Upstairs was a little bit retro, but liveable. Downstairs had to be gutted and renovated before anyone could move in The couples agreed on the budget, then the Veyseys were free to do what they wanted, frequently checking in with each other to make sure everyone remained happy with the progress

The Veyseys lived in one half of their house, while they gutted and renovated the other half For almost 12 months they lived as a family of four using a tiny kitchen without a properly functioning oven or even kitchen cupboards, living as simply as possible

“We had one plate and one fork per person as we didn’t have storage space. We had just left our beautifully renovated kitchen in our previous home, but we had to keep it in perspective, we knew it was short term and that some people have much worse kitchens ”

Making a plan

The downstairs renovation was a complicated endeavour, but with Brendon’s building background, the couple felt confident to take it on. Brendon led the build in any spare time outside of his full time shift work for the police As the walls are concrete, there wasn’t a lot of flexibility for moving rooms around, and much of the layout depended on where the current pipes were already placed.

With the help of The Architecture People, they worked out the best way to optimise the space they had and reconfigure the kitchen and bathroom The original layout had the bathroom door right off the kitchen.

“The shower was something you would see at a school camp, a concrete box raised off the ground It really felt like you were climbing into a dungeon I hated that shower That shower has now become part of my ensuite. We tiled it and it’s turned into my favourite room in the house,” says Tori

Because of the positioning of the original pipes, the bedrooms needed to be on the far side of the house, a long length of windowless concrete hard up against a dirt bank To get some much needed light along this side, the dirt outside was dug out with retaining walls put in to get some space for the windows to be put in “We were somewhat limited with our options, so we made the windows as wide as we could (while looking proportionate to the room) to optimise the light. We could only go down in height to a certain point ”

Good neighbours

When it came to designing the kitchen, a compromise needed to be made “We could either have a garage or a dining room Our last house didn’t have a garage and it was our only regret with that property ”

A tough decision was made to forgo a dining room in favour of a large garage to store toys and tools As the kitchen footprint was small, the couple utilised an open plan style with a kitchen bench that fits four stools to be perched on for meals.

The choice of cabinetry and benchtop was pretty easy “We had literally just finished renovating our own home before moving here and I loved what I’d chosen, so I got the same concrete look for the benchtop. It’s a laminate without a repeated pattern so it doesn’t look like a laminate It looks natural,” says Tori

The kitchen merges with the lounge and flows out to the deck with large bifold doors “It was designed so it could open right up We built a deck the length of the lounge, so in summer it’s great to eat out there on the outdoor table.”

But wintery indoor weather doesn’t stop the Veyseys from hosting large dinner parties

“We have dinner with the Goodwins once a week and we alternate at each other’s place. Without a dining room, we can easily fit nine of us

“We have an amazing community here and each week we also have a weekly shared dinner with our extended neighbours. There are four or five families and we alternate hosting We sometimes host 16 20 people inside and it’s no drama In the summer we host barbecues with the wider neighbourhood too, it’s cool to have that neighbourly vibe ”

Cohesive design

As a graphic designer, Tori has an eye for design and creating cohesive spaces that connect visually throughout the home

The mostly white interior and concrete flooring space is softened with ply accents that flow throughout the house in various forms; through timber slats on the ceiling, shelving and negative

B E D R O O M S

Due to the walls being concrete there wasn’t a lot of leeway for moving rooms around, nor was there a lot of light The Veyseys got around the light problem by digging into the dirt bank outside and adding windows they found at Demolition Traders The boys’ bunk bed was made by Tori’s dad, Roland Alonzo.

Tip If considering an alternative home ownership mo del like this, b e resp ectful of each other’s b oundaries, keep communication lines op en and have a legal contract.

L I V I N G W A L L

Planting a vertical garden in the bathroom helped create a decorative focal point and lots of plants, such as philodendrons and spider plants, thrive in this environment .

detailing, a plywood wall in the lounge and boys’ bedroom and headboards

There’s another neighbourhood connection here too “Our neighbour Matt owns Fiasco [a company producing road cases for event touring]. During the pandemic, they switched quickly and made kitset work from home desks, supplying us with high quality plywood for our design features And Hilly works with Matt, too,” says Tori.

The result

With clear communication on how home co ownership would work, a legal contract and respectful boundaries the arrangement is working better than expected “We can actually go weeks without seeing each other, as we

have our own separate entrances and own driveways.”

The couples have also discussed every possible scenario they could see and talked through exit plans for when they are ready to move on to their next endeavours

“It’s been really cool to do something totally out of the box and for it to work so seamlessly Honestly, we couldn’t be happier with this alternative home ownership model We all chip in and help each other out and the kids love hanging out with our neighbours. In fact, our property has gates into two of our other neighbours’ properties, all young families who we have dinner with weekly, it’s really, really cool and it’s been an unexpected blessing,” says Tori.

They’re about to start stage two: renovating the Goodwins’ home upstairs

The Veyseys sought assistance from an architectural firm to help reconfigure this space and the kitchen

The original layout had the bathroom door right off the kitchen, with a concrete shower that was reminiscent of a school camp The new bathroom is light , bright and family friendly and the original concrete shower has been incorporated into the ensuite

S

H o m e t r

B U D G E T

t h s

A N Y S P L U R G E S ?

We splurged on the carpet It’s Malmo Madrid Clare Summerford,

A N Y S A V E S ?

The whole renovation was a process of trying to save money and doing it ourselves We built things ourselves when possible and used secondhand stuff when we could. The windows we put in the bedrooms are from Demolition Traders; we reused interior doors; and our retro couch was an op shop find for $65.

All our wooden drawers are hand me downs from my parents and I repainted or sanded them

L E S S O N S L E A R N E D ?

You have to think about it as a journey Relationships are more important than the building I also didn’t know I like having a media room so much It’s nice to have the TV tucked away and not in the kids’ faces all the time

M E M O R A B L E M O M E N T ?

One rainy day, when we were downstairs, we had so much water coming up through the ground we had a pond inside We spontaneously cut through a concrete interior wall after work one night , taping off the area with polythene, and Brendon disappeared inside a cloud of dust

A N Y C H A N G E S

Y O U ’ D M A K E ?

Based on what we could do with the constraints we had, I wouldn’t change anything Our boys’ bedroom comes off the lounge and you can hear them, which is really nice If we could do anything we wanted I would want to have a dining room

The walls are painted in Resene Soothe, a task which Vaughan and Noel undertook themselves A white cabinet from Ikea and a blue armchair from Freedom add texture A large mug shot painting from the late Dunedin artist and friend Ben Webb takes pride of place in the sunlit lounge

L I G H T & B R I G H T

Compressed

DLM

h o m e p r o f i l e

When the right house comes along, it should grant you creative licence to express all and any artistic desires That wish came true for Vaughan Geeson and partner Noel Schroder, who found a home willing to give as much as they gave “It’s a really quirky house, so it gave us full range to be quite quirky with colours and furnishings,” says Vaughan Originally a 1912 cottage build, the house had been extended and added to over the years, creating a potpourri of shapes and proportions. “It’s quite eclectic I don’ t think it would have suited white walls and beige furniture ”

The original layout was left largely unchanged, but the cottage’s decor has been transformed. The Auckland home was a “perfectly decorated ’90s time capsule”, complete with Spanish yellow walls, wrought iron light fittings, terracotta tiles and calico curtains. When the couple first viewed the house, three years earlier, all they saw was the warm glow of the late day sun streaming into the north facing living area “I don’ t think we noticed the work that would need to be done,” Vaughan admits, but as avid cooks and entertainers, “the light filled dining room sealed the deal” for him and partner Noel

The pair estimates their style falls within the realm of contemporary eclectic, but don’ t particularly ascribe to one design movement or another “I’m a bit of a magpie,” Vaughan says “I find as I get older, I try to keep things a little more cohesive and curated and a little less cluttered I try, any way,” he emphasises

M E E T & G R E E T Vaughan G eeson (fashion designer), Noel Schroder (procurement manager) and Lilly the cat

T H E P R O P E R T Y

A 1912 cottage build in New Lynn, Auckland.

Homeowners Vaughan G eeson (left) and Noel Schroder

K I T C H E N

Blue dining room chairs from Danske Mobler are arranged around a table from Hunter Furniture. The statement light is from Lighting Direct and the “rich but light room” is painted in Resene St Kilda

“I knew as soon as we moved in I wanted a dramatic dining room and landed on the bold blue quite quickly.”

An ar tist’s palette

“I knew as soon as we moved in I wanted a dramatic dining room and landed on the bold blue quite quickly,” Vaughan says He decided to work room to room, rather than trying to decide on a colour scheme all at once O nce the dining room was painted, the pale pink in the kitchen living areas seemed like the perfect balance Vaughan describes the colour, Resene Soothe, as “ a contemporary way to do a quirky neutral”

The laundry was painted in Resene Moroccan Spice, another bold offering to add yet another dimension to the design palette. “The burnt orange in the laundry felt like the perfect rich colour to balance with the dining room and it looks great with the new wood cabinets; it has a Sahara Desert at sunset vibe.” The pair saved money through painting all the interiors themselves, which was a smart financial decision

Fashion designer Vaughan believes that all design is connected “It’s a view of the world Colour, and how you react to it, is a big connection between design disciplines for me,” he admits

A ro om to rememb er

The soft pink shade used in the living room is a revelation, almost bottling the feeling of sunlight and warmth that first captivated the pair all those years ago A large monochrome mug shot painting by the late Dunedin artist and friend Ben Webb takes pride of place on the wall, along with prints by fellow Kiwi artists including Gillian Pope and Tracey Williams

“I’d say we’re probably not so much art collectors as art lovers,” Vaughan summarises Most of their pieces have been acquired from artist friends, were spontaneous purchases or created by Vaughan Each one holds a significant meaning for the couple and are little slices of life captured in colour and brush stroke.

Among the treasured finds in the lounge, there’s still a strong sense of refinement, each piece playing their role to perfection within the interior landscape. A blue armchair here, a standing lamp there, all adding to a suave vibe that is well maintained throughout the house “I’m definitely conscious of the space and function a piece needs to be used in,” Vaughan says. “Everything has to have a purpose as well as look great and work in with existing pieces Proportion is really important to me the balance between something being a statement and not getting in the way. I have a horror of large, overstuffed furniture ”

The piece de resistance, gold drapery from Harrisons Curtains, adds a heavy, luxurious hand to the garden view. “Gold velvet curtains will give any room a ’70s vibe,” he says Another favourite find is red Perspex shelves by designer Katy Wallace, which are in both the lounge and the bedroom “We’ve had them for years, in multiple houses. They always work and always stand out, no matter the interior or style of house ”

Tiger and monkey cushions from Nood decorate the bed, with striped bedding from H&M Home Living room (opposite): A colourful rug from irug,co,nz makes a statement , with a standing lamp from Lighting Plus and glass table from Hunter Furniture The gold velvet curtains from Harrisons Curtains perfectly frame a garden view and add a touch of luxury to the space

S T R I P E D S U C C E S S

V A U G H A N G E E S O N

Come dine with me

“The house has great natural flow, but it did have different flooring in just about every space,” Vaughan says To create a more open plan connection, the couple relaid all the lower level floors in the same COREtec flooring, saying it was “transformational in terms of visual flow”

Vaughan and Noel’s favourite room is the dining area, which flows on from the kitchen and lounge and offers a plethora of windows to admire the lush garden “It’s such a rich but light room,” Vaughan says The vivid mineral blue of Resene St Kilda is layered and enhanced by the light blue dining chairs from Danske Mobler. It’s a combination that works in harmony with the large wooden table from Hunter Furniture and the eye catching, matte black pendant light from Lighting Direct. “We love entertaining for family and friends We’ve spent many fun evenings and weekend lunches in there ”

The house is Vaughan and Noel’s self declared “dream home” and they have no intention of moving anytime soon For now, they want to enjoy the light a little longer

“The burnt orange in the laundry felt like the perfect rich colour to balance with the dining room.”

P A I N T B Y N U M B E R S

The bedroom is painted in Resene Surrender (left) and the laundry is painted in Resene Moroccan Spice (below) “You can never try too many test pots,” Vaughan advises

LONG TIME COMING

David and Shelley Proctor always had a house with a view on their wish list, it just took them a while to find it Having lived in Hamilton and Waihi Beach previously, they also wanted to be up high “because of the tsunamis”, laughs Shelley

Nor can the site, perched high over Ō mokoroa’s boardwalk looking out over to Mount Maunganui, ever have its vista encroached on by new building so they’ll always be able to watch the godwits fly in to nest and the orcas in the harbour

“We also wanted to have a view from every room and all day sun so this house basically wraps around to get the sun from the morning to the afternoon,” says David whose mantra is to build for the site you have.

As a result, the four bedroom, three bathroom house with pool maximises the views to the extent where the large Vantage picture window measuring 2.3m x 2.4m had to be craned in But sitting in front of it, coffee in hand each morning watching the sun rise is one of Shelley’s favourite things

The home also needed to work for the couple’s lifestyle, which includes two grown up children, three grandchildren, David’s work from home business and a love of entertaining In fact, they once ended up holding a barbecue lunch for one set of friends followed by hosting another set of friends in the evening

Subsequently, the downstairs guest bedrooms have sliding doors, as does the garage, so there’s easy access for equipping the boat for a day on the water It’s also here

A couple finally found the view they always wanted and built a house around it

P h o t o g ra p hy Swell Pro ductions

you’ll find David in his luxurious office just round the corner from a mini bar and self contained kitchen The idea is that it could at some stage be a bed and breakfast.

Upstairs, the open plan kitchen, living and dining space that has sliding doors opening up onto a deck, follows the modern, minimalist black and white theme Shelley was after David, meanwhile, focused on a concept for the stairs in which every second one extended across the entire well becoming impromptu bench seats He also obsessed over every floor to ceiling picture window upstairs lining up exactly with the one downstairs. “It’s the engineer in me,” says David “It’s all about symmetry ”

All that attention to detail has paid off for the couple “We basically have to make an effort to go somewhere because we could just stay here, especially in summer,” says David

Meet & greet

David (consulting engineer) and Shelley Proctor (pharmacist) and Bella and Chloe the schnauzers

LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE Large Metro Series picture windows by Vantage are used extensively throughout the home The Vantage Plasma door in Matt FlaxPod fits the modern black and white theme

S E E M O R E O F T H I S H O M E A T

V A N T A G E C O N Z / L O N G T I M E C O M I N G

EXTEND YOUR HORIZON The age old dilemma of extending or moving house is never clear cut, but Jen Jones has some useful advice on page 72.

E N O V A T I O N

A N O C E A N O F

O P P O R T U N I T Y

C O A S T A L C A L M

An all white interior (including the floors), combined with the imperfect lines of the timber and rustic cabinetry, give Monique Ryan Musacchio’s home its beach charm But she also adds so much personality through the hundreds of beautiful and intriguing bowls, trinkets, vases and artefacts she collects. “I love coming home from the beach with driftwood and cuttlefish to use as decoration,” says Monique

A spontaneous purchase of a weatherboard house provides a melting pot of coastal inspiration

K I T C H E N S T Y L E

Texture is a fundamental element of Monique’s styling process, as shown in the kitchen A variety of surfaces and finishes keeps this white, bright space warm and inviting “ The joinery is all custom made and no cupboard is the same as the other,” she says “ The island benchtop is teak , the back bench is stainless steel ” Overhead, double milled exposed timber beams add interest to the floor to ceiling white colour palette and the shelves are filled with books and ceramics

Somebuy a property sight unseen, trusting on blind faith But not everyone buys a property spontaneously at an auction a place they hadn’ t even known existed until a few minutes before the final clang of the hammer

“I’m not sure if we found this house or if the house found us,” Monique Ryan Musacchio says, fondly recalling that pivotal moment A heavily pregnant Monique and husband Andrea were a week away from starting demolition on a fisherman’s cottage they owned. One day, on a whim, they decided to take a drive to the beach, stumbling upon an auction for a house high up on the plateau “After a 30 second property inspection and a winning bid, it was ours,” Monique says.

A year later, the couple moved in and began work on the post war weatherboard house The original bungalow was extended 20 years ago, so the pair have been renovating it to restore the essence of a beach house “We call this weatherboard ‘cottage in the sky’ La Casa Bianca,” Monique says, paying homage to Andrea’s Italian roots “The house was run down and dirty when we bought it, and being white, the dirt really shows It’s quite old, so a lot of our immediate work was on the aesthetics ”

M E E T & G R E E T

Monique Ryan Musacchio, (African artisan homewares and handmade goods importer), husband Andrea, daughter Mati, five, Jackson the Labrador, and cats, Pip and Nala

T H E P R O P E R T Y

Five bedroom. renovated post war weatherboard bungalow with ocean views.

GOOD IDEA

W A R M U P

The soft , muted colours from neutrals and naturals to shades of the ocean combine beautifully to create a home that oozes a chilled holiday vibe Texture from fluffy throws and fuzzy cushions, as well as natural materials such as cane and rope, complete the laidback look

Clean white walls help to create a modern, beachy look.

P

Z Z A P A T H W A Y

The hallway to the front door

thoroughfare that deals with all the

and goings of the family;

important route from the kitchen

the pizza oven,

pizza balanced

paddles

which

with

The resulting renovation is a meeting of the minds between Monique and Andrea’s cultures, from “the tropics of East Africa and Malawi, where I was born, to the classical country style of English cottages, because I lived in the UK for a while, and the charm of rustic Italian rural homes from my husband’s childhood ” All this heritage now welcomes the pair’s shared beach lifestyle into the mix, providing a laidback approach to life and love

Sailor style

“The style I’m creating is Nantucket coastal casual,” says Monique “Any structural or decorating choice has to pass my test question: “Would you expect this in a holiday beach house?” And there’s an emotional side to it too I want to recreate that magical feeling of childhood holiday memories ”

If there’s one consistent element that runs through the home, it’s the cane furniture that Monique imports from Malawi through her importing business. “I’m biased, I suppose, but I really value the quality and craftsmanship of these handmade pieces ”

K E E P I T N A T U R A L

The house features its original timber flooring throughout , which Monique loves “ Wooden floors allow you to hear life around you ”

The main bedroom boasts a custom made concrete headboard with built in storage

The other theme, she admits, is “white, white and white” Preferring cooler shades, Monique plays with the percentages of black in her whites to manufacture brightness or moodiness, depending on where the sunlight hits in the room “Even with all the white, the house is made entirely from wood, so it naturally feels warmer. In winter, we find any excuse to use our beautiful but understated fireplace To smell the wood smoke when you’re outside and hear the crackles when you’re cosied up under blankets on the sofa is bliss,” Monique says.

Shelving solutions

Storage and display act as a huge part of the home Monica estimates there’s around 54 shelves in the living room, saying, “I always try to fill them well ” The shelves are crammed with hidden gems picked up from lazy days on the shore or treasured finds from local shops “What started as a collection of espresso cups soon grew into an addiction,” admits Monique, noting the evolution of her ceramics collection over the past 10 years “My approach to decorating is that you don’ t have to spend a lot of money Take the time to shop around, research online and don’ t rush into anything shop wisely and build over time ”

O utdo or oasis

Renovating the entry courtyard was high on Monique and Andrea’s list of priorities, and was one of the more major changes they made “We completely transformed it into a Tuscan paradise,” says Monique “Where there used to be an under stair cupboard, I designed and had built a concrete slab to house the traditional wood fired pizza oven and barbecue ” And now it’s an area that gets

Monica makes various decorative pieces with driftwood found from the beach below Right: The colours of the ocean are echoed in the coastal bathroom “ We’re bringing magic to an old beach house,” she says

plenty of use “We have pizza as a family or with friends a couple of times a month ” The pair also put weatherboards on the garage, tying the theme of the house off in one tidy swoop.

Bedro om sanct uary

Monique’s bedroom is a relaxing retreat It opens onto a balcony where she often sits in the morning to watch the sun rise and the local wildlife start their day Vaulted ceilings keep the room bright and airy Along the walls, behind rustic timber doors, is hidden storage “Both sides of the main bedroom are entirely built in ‘secret’ wardrobes, floor to ceiling, front to back,” she says “Unless I point it out, most people never realise they are there ” The little dressing table reminds Monique of an old writing desk, and safari camps in her home continent of Africa.

“I like the romance surrounding them,” Monique says The bed is layered in textural materials she likes

natural linen but looks for reasonably priced brands such as Zara Home

A new way of life

The couple now happily spend summers under the sun in their little slice of paradise, enjoying every moment as it comes On hot afternoons, Monique works with her laptop out in the courtyard as a way to unwind. When winter beckons, she layers on faux fur throws and finds “ any excuse” to light the wood fire

“O ur home is an inspiring space and a place to relax When you walk in, there’s the instant feeling of being on holiday and away from the norms of life,” she says

Her best tip to all other inspiring renovators is to practice restraint “You may have selected a style but step back and start with the colour palette and textures. Then surround yourself with things you love, have collected over time and reflect who you are

“When you walk in, there’s the instant feeling of being on holiday and away from the norms of life.”

M O N I Q U E R Y A N M U S A C C H I O

R I S E A N D S H

Go big or leave home

What to consider when you’ve outgrown your house and can’ t decide to extend or sell

J E N J O N E S Renovations expert

1TIME

There are a number of reasons why you might outgrow your home, for example, you’ve had children, you’re working from home more, or another member of the family has moved in.

Whatever the reason, you have a couple of choices: extend your home or sell it and buy something bigger Which should you choose? The following are some of the things to consider.

How quickly do you need to solve the issue of space? Or rather, how long can you tolerate living in your current space before it gets unbearable? Is the absence of a dedicated office causing a dining table takeover or buried under the clutter that comes with a growing family?

Putting an extension on your home is a massive undertaking that requires a building consent. By the time you get through the design and consenting process, you could easily be a further six or 12 months down the track depending on when your architect can start work on

your project, and whether you need to obtain resource consent prior to your building consent Then, subject to the complexity of the project and size of extension, it’ll be another four to six months for the build, and your builder might not be able to start right away

In the best case scenario, it will take 10 months to finish; for the worst case 18 24 months. If you can’t wait that long, then selling up and buying something more suitable will solve your space issue a lot quicker as long as you can find something you like for the available budget.

2COST

If you can overcome the time it takes, the next consideration is whether or not it’s feasible How much equity do you have in your existing property? To what extent do you need to refinance?

If you’ve owned your home for three to five plus years, then chances are you’ve reaped the benefits of market growth and have the ability to refinance and pull some capital out to finance the project, or to upgrade to something else once sold. However, if you’ve only owned the property for a couple of years, there may not be as much equity in it due to property prices stagnating or potentially dropping this year You’ll have to consider what that does to your budget.

With property prices stabilising and the cost of construction escalating, it’s possible that you might be financially better off to buy something else, but then comes the issue of supply and demand. Can you sell your home for more than you paid for it and can you find something else to buy that meets your criteria?

In either scenario, rising interest rates might impact your serviceability if your mortgage is currently fixed at a lower rate than what you’d get on a new one or re mortgage, so don’ t forget to factor that into your calculations as well

3SUPPLY

If you can’ t bear the thought of parting with your current home, the next consideration when planning an extension is supply. With labour shortages and long lead times for materials, both cost and time will be affected if you decide to extend

Some of your materials might be on a six month delivery time frame, and even then that’s not a given ETAs provided by suppliers at the time of ordering are consistently being pushed out by several more months, thus throwing out construction programmes for builders and their clients every where

That is, of course, if you can find a builder. There was a shortage of people entering the trades prior to the global pandemic, and it’s only become worse with the construction boom The impact of this is construction companies need to pay premium rates to attract and retain staff, with those costs being passed on to homeowners

If you have a builder locked in, but are experiencing material delays, then there’s the decision of paying more, waiting longer or choosing an alternative material that potentially costs more in order to stay on programme Alternatively, do you stay the course and get delayed until your plasterboard and cladding turns up or whatever it is that’s been held up.

Does that make selling your home and buying something else a more attractive solution?

4

SCOPE

The beauty of extending your home is that, subject to budget and consent conditions, you can get what you want. You’re in control of the layout, the finishes, the overall aesthetic You have a blank canvas and you get to make it your own.

That’s not a luxury that comes with buying a house that already ticks the ‘is it big enough?’ box It’s highly likely that no matter what you buy, there will be something that isn’ t to your taste and

therefore you’ll need to invest in some partial renovations

Maybe the kitchen layout isn’ t as functional, the bathroom is dated, the walls are tired and in need of a repaint, and the curtains don’ t block out enough light in the bedrooms. Whatever it is, you need to be prepared for that cost as well as the purchase price Or, does it matter if you don’ t have the budget to do that work right away?

5

STRESS

After balancing out the time, cost, supply and scope parts of the decision, if you’ve landed on adding an extension to your home, the final consideration before locking in your answer should be stress Can you handle it?

Renovations, especially large ones that involve an extension, take a long time, require a massive financial investment, need strict management and quick decision making to avoid timeline overruns and budget blowouts. They will test most marriages and take up to two years

If you’re already starting a new job, having a baby or undergoing any other kind of significant life event, then maybe now isn’ t a good time to embark

on a large project Renovations are stressful, even if it’s possible to live in the house while it happens

Projects come with collateral damage and builders won’ t have a chance to fix things up easily It’ll feel like it’s taking forever because you’re only seeing the daily progress and not the noticeable difference you’d see on a fortnightly site visit Noisy construction works start as early as 7 30am, six days per week; they’re dusty and the whole process adds a layer of stress you probably don’ t need on top of your regular commitments

Moving out, of course, adds four to six months of rental cost on top of your mortgage but your sanity is probably worth it

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you think you’re tough enough to take an extension project on, the only other thing you might be worried about is overcapitalising

Know that the rule of thumb is that if you’re staying there for 8 10 plus years, you’re likely to see a return on your investment Plus, if you’re going to live in the house for that long, you don’ t want to regret not doing something for that whole time So don’ t cut corners

Given the state of the market at the moment, I recommend chatting to a trusted local realtor before you do anything else They’ll be able to give you an indication of value in today’s market pre and post renovation and extension as well as giving you some pointers on what future buyers might be looking for in a completed home so you can factor that into your project scope. Couple that feedback with a look at what larger properties are fetching at the moment, and you’ll be able to get a sense of whether there’s more value in staying put or moving In most cases, the former is more feasible if you’re going to be there for more than five years

TIDY DESK, TIDY MIND

Decluttering is on our mind this month. O ur guide to getting rid of stuff is practical and will set you up for success. To find out more, turn to page 94.

M A K E O V E R

Easy living

Slowing down at an idyllic holiday home in Denmark

Enter if you dare Create a spooky scene for Halloween

o m e p r o f i l e

M E E T & G R E E T

Rikke Moldrup Rasmussen

(Slow fashion and home textile company owner), Flemming Moldrup (writer and TV presenter), his daughter Yoko, 14, and her son Gilbert , 25, and daughter Molly, 18

T H E P R O P E R T Y

Three bedroom ’50s holiday cottage, Ellinge Lyng, Denmark

Japanese reed curtains are used throughout the house The teak table is from a flea market , the white chairs are a classic Danish design, the lamp was made by Rikke’s son’s girlfriend, and the flatweave area rug is by Hay

I N D O O R D I N I N G

Easy liv ing

L ight a nd bal a nce wo rk w ith natu re a nd a s l ow l i fe styl e at th i s i dyl l i c hol i d ay hou s e i n D e n ma rk

C O M E D I N E W I T H M E Rikke and her family enjoy dining and entertaining outdoors when the weather allows, often using the fireplace to cook their meals The table is homemade, the chairs are secondhand and the lamps are from Copenhagen design team Rabens Saloner

It’s

all about simplicity in Ellinge Lyng, 100km west of Copenhagen. “Meet my little woodhouse in my childhood area, in one of the most beautiful bays in Denmark,” says Rikke Moldrup Rasmussen, founder of the slow living brand Moshi Moshi Mind. It’s a classic cottage style summerhouse common to Denmark that’s painted black, with a host of white windows looking off to surrounding pine trees

Her beloved holiday house is situated in a region blessed with 35km of beaches and is positioned to catch the sunset every summer evening It’s a picturesque landscape rich in plantings of heather, pine and reeds.

Rikke, who has been in the 55sqm house since 2019, says the property was built in the early ’50s, renovated in the ’60s, and features two bedrooms and a bathroom and a 2100sqm garden. The former tool shed was transformed into a kitchen in 2007, as well as the addition of an outdoor bedroom and a shelter

It’s a cosy, intimate place “There is a wood burning stove indoors, a fireplace under the half roof on the terrace and a fireplace in the shelter at the bottom of the garden,” says Rikke

B Y E X T E N S I O N

The former tool shed was turned into a kitchen more than a decade ago Below left: In the living area, the canvas, ash and leather safari chair by Kaare Klint can be folded for portability Kitchen: The full moon wall hanger is a Slow Works design

Compressed

The weather in Denmark can be cool in summer, with dew forming early in the evening, and the reason why a covered, sheltered terrace is essential The outdoor fireplace helps to keep everyone cosy and has become invaluable

T L O O

“I own a slow living brand where we inspire women to live less complicated, through self care and comfort It’s a sustainable way to live for humans and nature,” she says. “Here is where I recharge and get inspiration. I combine my work in Copenhagen with this simple life close to nature I use it for weekends and holidays I paddle, swim, make bonfires and observe nature enjoying the simplicity and slowing down.”

It’s a lifestyle that infuses the house with a humble, resilient and poetic soul, where everything is necessary and nothing is too much “Everything is here to be used and lived in. I treasure my things, but if something breaks there are no tears,” says the designer Rikke has put all her skills into making this home a very special place: “The design and interior of the house reflect my Nordic roots and passion for items with a history,” she says “I collect and often buy vintage ceramics and interior decor

R I K K E M O L D R U P R A S M U S S E N

Being surrounded by designs in her daily life, Rikke’s homes often stay the same with a few simple things “It’s very ‘Rikke decorated’,” she jokes “People who know me, know my styling and use of simple, natural materials and colours ”

Her judicious use of colours in the house reflect the outdoors “I have painted and decorated the house by myself, with the colours matching the surrounding nature,” she tells “I have been inspired by the landscape, the blue sky, the green lane, pines and a traditional black and white exterior ”

It’s a house that’s filled with personal items as well as treasures found at flea markets “I love the bed in place of a sofa in the living room, there’s room for all of us and, on a cold or rainy day, we can sleep in front of the fire. There are windows all over, so you are able to feel outside when inside,” she says “I love our bedroom, especially in the morning The first

L I V I N G

C O L O U R

Simplicity is key to Rikke’s holiday home and she has chosen colours in her house that reflect the outdoors In the kitchen, the cabinetry is painted in a warm, muted plum shade that is earthy, cosy and soothing “I have been inspired by the landscape, the blue sea, the green lane, pines and a traditional black and white exterior,” she says

“Everything is here to be used and lived in. I treasure my things, but if something breaks there are no tears.”

F A M I L Y Z O N E

One of Rikke’s favourite pieces of furniture is the bed in place of a sofa in this room, she says “ The fact there’s room for all of us and on a cold or rainy day, we can sleep in front of the fire ”

one to wake up makes coffee, then serves it in bed. We sit and look out into the garden to watch the wildlife I got the big window put in after we bought the house just so we could look out and enjoy watching what’s happening in the garden. I also love that the room is painted blue.”

It’s here Rikke enjoys the simple life with her husband Flemming, in fact, the cottage is where he wrote his book on bonfire making, Bogen om Bal (Book of Fire) It’s also a very popular place with their kids and friends.

“This is our getaway from the city,” she concludes “It’s a safe harbour ”

“The first one to wake up makes the coffee, then serves it in bed.”

R I K K E M O L D R U P R A S M U S S E N

Painted blue, the main bedroom has a huge window to watch wildlife in the morning Outdoor annex: Painted mint green, this room connects to the house by the wood terrace

Perfect for relaxing, this spot is at the bottom of the garden

T A K E A R E S T

Mural magic

A white laundry wall is transformed with playful motifs from nature P h o t o g ra p hy Kate B attersby

D R A W N T O I T

Awhite

wall in Andrea Kurth’s laundry had always bugged her, calling the space “ so plain”.

The Taupiri local wanted to do something that could be painted on top of the existing coat of Resene Black White, rather than repainting the wall entirely A few murals on Pinterest aligned with her vision, so she bought a swag of Resene testpots

“I spent about an hour looking backwards and forwards between the Pinterest murals, a photo of the rug in the laundry and the swatches,” Andrea admits, before finally settling on the colours of Resene Rock Spray,

Resene Gondwana, Resene Paper Doll, Resene Fuel Yellow and Resene Half Escape.

Andrea drew a rough outline and painted her dream mural a swirling colourscape of pattern and details from nature.

“The space now has some personality with the pop of colour amongst the mixture of white painted plasterboard and black stained ply,” says Andrea, noting that it perfectly matches her existing rug and laundry hamper cabinet “If I’m going to be stuck cleaning and doing laundry, then I’m glad it’s here,” she says

The Resene Small Room Awards 2022 winner will be revealed in our January 2023 issue, and receive $1000 cash

HOW TO ENTER

Email photos and a 200 word description of your space to yhg@aremedia co nz with your last name and ‘Resene Small Room’ in the subject line Please include your name, address, email address, daytime phone number, the names of the Resene colours used, and details of when your space was painted and/or wallpapered Please credit anyone who assisted you in choosing your colours The five finalists will each appear in Your Home and Garden Every finalist will receive a $250 Resene ColorShop voucher and a feature in the magazine, with the winner taking out the Resene Small Room Awards and $1000 cash, plus a story on the winning home will feature in the January 2023 issue

TERMS

CONDITIONS

how to enter are part of the conditions of entry

competition is open to New Zealand residents, except employees of Are Media, Resene and their immediate families and agencies The five finalists and overall winner will be notified by telephone and/or email All entries are eligible for consideration for the Resene website Any non finalists selected for the Resene website will receive a free gift from Resene

M o r e R e s e n e c o l o u r s t o t r y :

RESENE Havoc RESENE Buttercup

Andrea Kurth’s Resene Black White wall is now adorned with painted designs using Resene testpots

RESENE Blue Chill

Compressed with

Compressor by DLM Infosoft

Enter if you dare

Set a sp o oky scene for trick or treaters this Halloween with these bats and pillar candle holders

Anna Briggs

N I K K I K E T T L E

expert

You will need

45cm thick dowel rods

Tape measure

Hand saw, skill saw or drop saw to cut dowel rods

Drill

Drill bits 3mm to start holes and a large one to

the candle size

Hot glue gun

Hot glue sticks

paint for candle holders and bats

Scraps of plywood

Paper and pencil for stencil

Jigsaw to cut plywood

make the candle holders

Take the dowel rod, measure and mark out your desired lengths Cut, using a drop saw, or hand saw if you don’ t have one The bottoms need to be as flat as possible.

Measure and drill a small pilot hole in the centre of the top of your dowel with the 3mm drill bit Then use your big drill bit to drill a hole big enough for a candle to fit into (the candles I used are 25mm).

Using a hot glue gun, start dripping the glue down the sides from the top Do this in small sections and tap it on the ground to get the glue to run more than it typically would.

O

the glue is dry, spray paint in your desired colour When dry, insert candles into the top I used short butts

make the bats

To make the bats, create a

internet and cutting the image

sizes to be found. I used two sizes.

around the template using a pencil onto

plywood

Using a jigsaw (or hand saw if you don’t have one), cut the bats out.

Spray paint the bats When dry, affix them to the door

Candle holders step by step

Bats step by step

R E S E N E

Pretty wild

P ro j e c t Amb er Armitage P h o t o g ra p hy Melanie Jenkins

Zebra patterned wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Sauvignon and Resene Sakura Floor painted in Resene Walk on flooring paint in Resene French Grey. Neo rack, $49.95, from Mocka painted in Resene Lustacryl semi gloss in Resene G olden Tainoi Pot painted in Resene Del Rio Backpack, $64 99, from Crywolf London boots, $99 99, from Pretty Brave Ila Y Ela bird, $104 50, Muskhane hanging nest bowl, $45, Numero 74 caravan suitcase, $198 50, Miss Hazel soft toy, $55, Liewood play camera, $64, film camera, $79 50, Scrunch collapsible bucket, $25, and Sticky Lemon bucket hat, $47.50, all from Little Whimsy.

Freestanding activity zone (below) Floor painted in Resene Walk on flooring paint in Resene French Grey Created from make up table, $199 95, from Mocka Arnold Circus stool, $250, from Father Rabbit Crate, $209 (double) from Meluka Muskhane cloud pinboard, $55 (on desk ), How to Draw fairy tales, $25, G o Fish: A 3 in 1 card deck by Oliver Jeffers, $24, all from Little Whimsy.

Take your child on a safari adventure by painting an animal print on the wall of their bedroom, then add a freestanding desk to encourage good study habits early on

Zebra wall

Paint two coats of Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Sauvignon Wait to dry, then freehand draw a zebra pattern or make a cardboard stencil if you want some consistency If you decide to draw a pattern freehand, step back often to make sure the shapes are working together Once you are happy with the pencil outline, run painter’s tape over the pencil lines. You should see the pencil through the tape use a light coloured painter’s tape Then, carefully trace over the pencil with a craft knife to cut through the tape Peel off the tape from the inside of all the shapes you want in the darker colour Roll on the secondary colour inside each taped area We used Resene Sakura When the paint is touch dry, remove the tape You may need to tidy up some of the edges if the paint has bled slightly or rub out any pencil marks you can still see. You should have a sharp line from this method of taping

Plaster effect wall

Paint a coat of Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Sakura Wait for it to dry, then using loose brush strokes, apply Resene FX Paint Effects mixed with Resene Sauvignon over the top. You can also use a muslin cloth to rub some of the colour back for a smoother plaster effect

Tip If you’re nervous about trying these patterned walls, choose soft Resene colours that are just a few shades lighter or darker than each other. Limit yourself to two colours for the whole room.

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

More Resene colours to try:

RESENE Divine

RESENE Vanilla Ice

Quarter Thorndon Cream

Clean slate

The definitive guide to decluttering how to clear space and bring order to your home

Tex t Debbie Harrison

Clutter is the ultimate creeper.

It can build up without you even being aware it’s occurring, then suddenly, you realise you’re a rubbish skip away from being a fully fledged hoarder

If you’re at the stage where you have corners in your home that are piled up with who knows what, drawers keep jamming because they’re so packed, and you fear the day someone opens your linen cupboard and is buried beneath a pile of pillowcases and old blankets, it might be time for a declutter.

Many of us put this task off because it’s time consuming and daunting But the benefits of a clutter free home are worth the effort Do you ever feel like you can’ t think straight because your house is a mess? It’s true that a cluttered house can lead to a cluttered mind Too much stuff means more to look after, more to store, more time searching for what you need and often more guilt about the things you’ve bought but don’ t use O n a hygiene level, it also equates to more dust.

Having everything in its place will help you feel in control of your life and surroundings, bring you an awareness of what you own (fact: no one needs three can openers), and give you the peace of mind that everything you have in your home has a purpose How nice will it be to pull open your bathroom drawer and not be faced with four half used moisturisers and the bits of a broken eyeshadow that get everywhere?

DECLUTTERING DREAM

Bedside tables, especially top drawers are gathering places for junk Remember to keep things simple, think more about what to let go rather than what you need to get

“Instead of tackling everything at once, star t with one manageable space, like a shelf.”

Getting star ted

Kiwi declutter coach and tidiness expert Liz Bradley from The Tidy Lady, who helps people declutter and downsize on a weekly basis, says the best way to approach the task is to do it bit by bit “Break the decluttering down into small chunks of time, space or things,” she suggests “Instead of tackling everything at once, choose a manageable space like one shelf, or one drawer. Also, get a pair of trustworthy hands to help you ”

Liz says there are a couple of golden rules when deciding whether to keep or discard an item. “If you haven’t used it in the past six months, except for seasonal and special occasion items, you probably don’t need it If you have more than one, you probably only need the best one. Even if you spent a lot of money on it, if you’re not using it, it’s a waste ”

Decluttering can be hard because it’s a process of emotional decisions “Sentiment can trip you up,” Liz says “Decluttering is a choice You can choose to keep every single box of your grandma’s china collection or you can think about the quality of your life There’ll be some pieces that you love more than others Keep these, but think logically about the rest ”

Don’t pull everything out of every cupboard or drawer or you’ll find yourself overwhelmed, with an even more disorganised mess Start small and work at it bit by bit Make a plan and spread it out over days or weeks or even months, and stay motivated by ticking off your list as you go.

PREP FOR SUCCESS

STAY OR GO If you haven’t used an item in the past six months it might be time to find it a new home “Sentiment can trip you up, decluttering is a choice,” says Liz

Five steps to get you on track to a successful declutter

1Determine your plan of attack Start with a few of the easier spaces, so you can get some quick wins, rather than hitting the hardest section first and feeling overwhelmed by the scale of what needs to be done. Decluttering is easier once you hit a flow Write down the rooms and areas, for those bigger rooms in order of priority For example, a bedroom might contain an overloaded wardrobe, bursting jewellery box, stuffed drawers and an ensuite swimming in excess cosmetics, so have them as separate tasks rather than under a generic bedroom heading Break them down into manageable areas to work on

2Make sure you have sufficient time for your chosen task before you get started Do not start a wardrobe overhaul on a Sunday night or you’re likely to end up with a big mess to haunt you through the following week A linen

cupboard, for example, might be an ideal one hour job for a Sunday afternoon and a quick pot drawer declutter might only take you 10 minutes on a Tuesday night after dinner That scary cupboard in the garage, however, might be a weekend task Be realistic about how long each job might take you so you can complete it

you’re dealing with before everything goes back. It also pays to keep a pen and paper on hand to write down what to buy to organise the space better for example, note down the height, depth and width of your bathroom vanity drawers to see if you can find a storage container that fits your make up in, rather than having it roll around

3

Checklists are gold. Find one online to help keep you in check or make your own They’re brilliant for keeping you motivated and on task

4Get the right gear Being organised will make you so much more efficient Make sure you have: three cardboard boxes (use a Vivid on each of them to write Sell, Donate, Gift), a bin liner for rubbish or broken bits you need to chuck, your checklist, and a vacuum cleaner and bucket of cleaning products so you can wipe down the shelf/drawer

5

Sort out a playlist and a support person There can be times, when you’re knee deep in things you haven’t seen in 10 years, and you look around the room at the mess and wonder what you’re doing That’s when you need a good playlist play your favourite tunes loud to make it more like a choice than a chore And see if you can wrangle in a kind friend or family member to help They can kindly remind you that you don’t need six pairs of jeans that don’t fit or 20 bath towels for a household of four

pri n g

into action

With spring well and truly upon us, it’s time to put away the heav y weight duvets and jewel toned throws and lighten the mood of your home Bed Bath & Beyond has an extensive range of bedding, bathware, furniture and homewares to help you transform your place quickly and easily for the new season with some of the latest looks

New neutrals

With the changing light, gentle neutrals look new and interesting The easiest way to introduce a lighter palette is with accessories such as cushions Pay attention to the visual appearance and ensure there’s fringing or a tactile texture to each one A new pottery vase or two can also add style and interest to a room, especially if it’s used as a container for your new pot plant you’ll also get bonus marks for tapping into the huge greenery interiors trend at the same time And, for a luxurious touch in your living space, the light coloured wood and woven detailing used in the Design Republique Asta sideboard works in perfectly with this trend

Fresh and floral

Flowers and spring are a classic combo and this season is no exception Switch to a pretty floral duvet and matching pillowcases such as the Fieldcrest Jaime duvet cover set in white blush it’s the essence of spring A small posy on the bedside table completes the scene If you don’ t want to be so obvious with the floral theme, some framed artwork featuring flowers is a modern way to introduce the idea

Make scents

Don’ t neglect adding fragrance to your home It’s a fast track way to change the vibe in a room and elevate your mood Choose from one of Bed Bath & Beyond’s many botanically scented candles, diffusers or room sprays to complete your spring refresh

Bring a sense of lightness to your home with fresh accents

Cho ose what stays

Isn’ t it amazing that after not using something for three years, it’s a really tough choice when faced with discarding it? It’s all very well to say “if you don’ t love it, biff it” but it’s a much harder call to make when you’re forced to Plus, no one loves their toilet brush but we need it, so it’s not always that simple. Nostalgia, how much you paid for something, that it was given to you by someone special, that you might need it/fit it/love it again one day these are all valid reasons to be hesitant about parting with something, but you do need to ask some slightly hard questions if you want that clutter free retreat you dream of

So how do you decide if something stays or goes? These questions might help

Ask yourself

+ If I lost or broke this, would I buy it again?

+ How often do I use this? Sure, it can be used

rarely if it’s seasonal like Christmas ornaments but if you’re scratching your head about the last time it was used, it’s time to go

+ Am I keeping this because of the associated memories? Ask if you can keep those memories alive in another way, such as a photo or in a special box with only the most important items

+ Am I holding on to this because it was expensive? Pass it on to someone else who might get use from it

+ If I was given this item now, would I be stoked or faking a “ thank you, I love it?” If it’s the latter, get rid of it .

+ Am I keeping this in case I need it one day? Again, ask yourself when you last needed it If you do need that item one day, maybe you can lend one from a friend or family member instead.

+ Do I really need more than one of these?

A good question, especially for clothing (hello, striped tees and black pants), cleaning products, moisturisers and cosmetics, and kitchen paraphernalia

WHERE DO YOU START?

our checklist of common clutter collectors:

Bookshelves

Office desk drawers

Filing cabinets

junk drawer

Pantry and fridge

gadget drawer

and plastic containers

the kitchen sink

The third or fourth drawer down in

kitchen

wardrobes

collections

drawers

the

tables, especially the

vanities

and make

toys

wardrobes

bedroom wardrobe

garage

“You do need to ask some slightly hard questions if you want that clutter free retreat you dream of.”

L I Z B R A D L E Y , T H E T I D Y L A D Y

EN TRIES ARE OPEN

yo u u s e d R e s e n e p a i n t a t yo u r p l a c e?

u c o

l d w i n

HOW TO ENTER

Email photos and a 200 word or more description of your space to yhg@aremedia co nz with your last name and ‘Resene Colour Home’ in the subject line Please include your name, home address, email address, daytime phone number, the names of the Resene colours used, and details of when your space was painted Please credit anyone who assisted you in choosing your colours

The six finalists will each appear in Your Home and Garden, starting in our November issue Every finalist will receive a $250 Resene voucher and a feature in the magazine, with the winner taking out the Resene Colour Home Awards and $5000 cash An extended story on the winning home will feature in the May 2023 issue

Media

except

What to do with your offcasts

There are four clear actions you can take with things that “ no longer serve you”: chuck, sell, donate or gift. Anything that’s broken or past its best, pop it straight into a bin

With everything else, decide whether you think it’s worth selling (Trade Me, Marketplace, vintage stores, or antique shops), passing on to a friend or family member who has been eyeing it up, or donating to a cause that will appreciate it, whether that’s a nearby op shop, clothing bin, clothing swap, or a charity that helps others, such as Women’s Refuge

Local community group pages are a great way to gift it forward, especially with items of furniture one person’s rubbish is another person’s treasure

Make sure the items or clothing is clean and in good condition before you pass it on

“O nce you’ve decided and put it in the appropriate box, move your decluttered things out of your house as soon as possible

Otherwise it’s still just clutter, but in a box,” says Liz

How to keep it that way

To avoid ending up in the same position, year after year, try to heed the “ one in, one out” rule only bring something into the house if something is leaving, whether that’s in a bin, a box for the op shop, or as a gift Finish your shampoo before you buy a new one, pass on the winter coat that doesn’ t quite fit right before you buy a new one, and chuck out that broken can opener before you replace it with one that actually does the job.

And change how you view material things, suggests Liz (thetidylady co nz)

“Think differently about your stuff Instead of thinking about everything you can buy and keep, think about how much you can let go Let the flow of things go out, or your home, not in Think before you buy: will this become clutter?”

S T E A M & S A N I T I S E

Linen care expert Tefal and IXEO Power provide an all in one garment care solution in the Tefal IXEO Power handheld steamer and sanitiser, which combines iron, steamer and ironing board into one clever device The three position Smart Board offers ergonomic upright design, high pressure steaming and lightweight ironing The steam also kills up to 99 99% of viruses, bacteria and germs Tefal Power IXEO All in One Solution, $859.95.

T H E R E L E A S E

T h e l a t e s t a n d g re a t e s t

T H E P O W E R O F T H R E E

Discover the exceptional flexibility of three cordless vacuums in one with the new Miele Triflex HX2 Pro Miele’s patented 3in1 design allows you to switch ef for tlessly between three modes, from the crumbs under the couch, to re aching high corners You’ll be able to cle an ever y par t of your home with e ase thanks to Miele’s unmatched flexibility The new Digital Ef ficiency Motor produces 60% more suction power compared to the HX1 and, with the additional batter y which the Pro of fers, you’ll enjoy run times of up to 120 minutes That ’s more power for longer

P R O F E S S I O N A L C L E A N

The Oral B iO™ is a game changing, completely reimagined and redesigned rechargeable toothbrush It is now possible to have a professional clean feeling every day from the comfort of your own home The Oral B iO strikes the right balance between ef fectiveness and experience and reconceptualises how a brush performs, cleans and feels With improved technology and an all new and quiet motor, this rechargeable toothbrush brings you a quiet , smooth experience and world leading oral care

With more than 42 recipes available at the touch of a button, the new fully automatic De’Longhi Eletta Explore transforms fresh coffee beans into the most pleasurable at home cof fee experience Focused on the world of milk, Eletta Explore is the first cof fee machine on the market with two dedicated milk texturising technologies: LatteCrema Hot , for creamy hot milk foam, and the LatteCrema Cool, a groundbreaking new milk frothing system able to deliver a velvety milk foam at the ideal temperature for cold drinks and recipes This new technology embodies our “sweetness formula”, and perfectly enhances the sweet notes of milk.

H O T O R C O L D ? I T ’ S T H E C R E M A

D E L A C R E M E

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS

Acclaimed for putting on a spring display with its pretty foral sprays, vigorous climber wisteria seemingly blooms on bare wood, then once done, follows up with attractive lime green foliage until autumn. But don’ t be tempted to decorate your cake with the blossoms, all parts of the plant are toxic, especially the pods and seeds.

G A R D E N S

104 Constant gardener Mary Lovell Smith’s tips for October.

Vegging out Growing your own edibles in a limited space.

The const ant gardener

Set up a seedling exchange, what to plant this month for a go o d harvest, shade loving edibles and co ol water tanks

Sow and swap

M A R Y L O V E L L S M I T H Garden editor

t o b e r

October means one thing to New Zealand’s edible gardeners

tomatoes Their seeds may be sown under cover now For variety, and to extend production, why not get together with like minded friends, each sowing a different variety of tomato, or particular crop, and exchanging them as seedlings? So often one packet has the potential for far more plants than most gardeners want, and seed viability is usually reduced no matter how carefully the seed is saved for the next season The same can be done with flowers O r rather than exchanging the seedlings, pot them up prettily and give them as Christmas presents

If you’re not into seeds, then buying tomato plants early and

nursing them indoors at home in a sunny, sheltered spot, such as a glasshouse, window sill or veranda, until the soil and air temperatures rise enough, can give you a head start

Those in warmer, frost free climes may plant out their tomato seedlings towards the end of the month but for most of the country, holding off until November is best advised as cold snaps will set back the growth

The same goes for cucurbits, peppers, eggplant, corn and basil Just remember cold, wet soil is the enemy of many spring plantings. As is drought, so keep plants well watered. Staggering planting out also increases your odds of successful growth and extends the harvest season.

It’s best not to plant dahlias and gladioli before the end of the month. Plant about 6cm deep, 50cm apart in a sunny spot in rich, well drained soil.

Antique Amphora rainwater tank 600L in terracotta $1180, from Designer Tanks

L A N D S C A P I N G 1 0 1

We’ve had a wet winter and who knows what the summer will bring If there’s a drought , you can ward off its worst effects on your garden with a rain barrel or rainwater tank to collect and store any rain landing on your roof or that of your garage, shed and even glasshouse The size of the tank is over to you, and every litre of saved water is one less litre from our stretched supplies In regions where residents are charged for excess water, it’s also your money saved The size of your garden will affect your decision and whether you have space for it luckily, streamlined ones are available, which are great for slipping in somewhere tight Different councils have different rules regarding the installation of tanks, but generally consents are not needed It would pay to check if you are planning on a large tank and/or mounting it on a stand to aid gravity flow Water is heavy Overflow also needs to be considered Usually, it is fed back into the same stormwater system from which it has been diverted

Practicalities over, when it comes to aesthetics there is not a huge range of tanks in New Zealand, and most are plastic Several slimline brands are on the market , some designed to look like and function, if need be, as fences Designer Tanks’ are made from recycled food grade polyethylene plastic and come shaped as amphoras, wooden barrels and sleek modern urns in appropriate colours and finishes. Very cool. Some even have planters built into the top Auckland company Tanksalot makes corrugated steel ones in several shapes, including that iconic Kiwi round water tank

Pro tips

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn

As you can see, my gardenias are not doing too well. As well as leaves yellowing and falling off, it looks like something is eating the leaves. I have been fertilising and have used Conqueror oil. There are buds on the plants, but one has been there for months and not flowering.

Gardenias can be a bit fickle, especially at this time of the year when they are trying to produce flower buds Feed regularly throughout the year with Kings Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Food. Apply a dose of Sequestron to keep the leaves from yellowing Make sure the soil is moist and keep an eye out for scale insect on the branches and stems.

Can you please tell me what is wrong with this aloe vera plant, and can you let me know how I can make it nice and green again?

I suggest repotting your plant into a larger pot, as it has outgrown this one Plant it into Kings Potting Mix in a pot that is about 20cm in diameter. As you are repotting, cut away all the dried up leaves Although aloes are a succulent, they do best when the soil is kept just moist, but not allowed to sit in any water. Position your plant so that it gets full sun Start feeding monthly in spring, summer, and autumn with Kings Liquid Fast Food.

Most vegetables prefer sunny well drained soils, but those that will cope with some shade include lettuce, silver beet, spinach, rocket, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, beetroot and radish. Shady herbs include coriander, mint and parsley.

Barrica rainwater barrel 420L , $720, from Designer Tanks

Gladioli

Mint

C O N S I D E R T H I S

Strong, extremely light , durable and with a history dating back more than 500 years, trugs have long been a gardener ’s friend, constant companion even We love them also for their simple, pared back beauty and usefulness, carrying anything from tools to plants, produce, picnics and more A variety of these wooden baskets is available in hardware, garden and gift stores, but we prefer the sturdy ones handmade in Oamaru and G olden Bay Made from coppiced wood by craftspeople using traditional methods, the wood has been grown locally, sustainably and specifically The frame and handles are made of hazel or willow with the bark intact , and the slats from poplar, with the untreated wood developing a fabulous patina over time Treat them right and they’ll last you a lifetime, and then some Check out Coppice Crafts, Oamaru, phone 03 4 39 5781, or trugmaker co nz

Steal this lo ok

H O W T O : C U T F L O W E R S F O R T H E V A S E

When selecting flowers in the garden to cut for the vase, choose ones that are on the verge of opening, rather than fully opened They will last longer in the vase, for once inside the warmth will encourage them to open. They are still beautiful in bud stage. As well, it is fascinating being able to watch the buds swell and the petals unfold close up Dutch irises, for example, can be picked as soon as a centimetre of bud colour is showing. More and more colour will be revealed over the next few days the speed very much depends on the indoor temperature until the bloom has reached glorious peak perfection. Once a particular bloom has faded, cut it off and watch less developed ones on the stem shine

Three water tanks, fashioned in weathered steel designed to turn a rich rusty brown, are set in an apparent wilderness in this design by top British landscaper James Alexander Sinclair. Their strong lines and colour contrast superbly with the carelessly carefree appearance of the plantings. The plants chosen are all light, a little messy even, and tumble happily into one another. Consider geum, lady’s mantle, linum (flax), monarda, saxifrage, quaking grass or tiny, creeping ferns. Think plants that are unfussy as to site, don’ t grow too big or too dominant and have small flowers. Green and airiness is the key. Big, bold flowers will not be welcome. O nce established, this look is not difficult to maintain as the density of planting will tend to crowd out weeds. And those unwanted visitors that persevere can be easily removed. Plain grey square pavers allow access and reinforce the straight lines of the tanks. While still water has a beautiful calming effect, a small pump to recycle the water through the tap at the end will bring that incomparable sound of running water into the garden.

Dahlias

Trug, $75, from The Trug Maker.

N Z ’s m o s t s u s t a i n a b l e g a r d e n c e n t r e

Our new concept store is

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of garden centres with a number of g

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of our store with locally made fixtures that use sustainable timber, solar panels which provide the entiret y of the store’s day time energ y, irrigation systems that incorporate water reuse and new plastic recycling initiatives. With a c a re f u l l y c u ra t e d ra n g e of seasonal plants, inspirational display zones, a potting up area and plant exper ts on hand to help you e ve r y s t e p o f t h e way , Kings Plant Barn Stonefields is ever y thing you love about Kings, plus s o m u c h m o re .

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Veget able gardening in small spaces

As the price of getting your five plus a day sky ro ckets, it pays to know size isn’ t everything when it comes to growing your own incredible edibles

On

balconies, storeys off the ground, in pocket sized townhouse courtyards, in narrow strips along suburban drives or slender window ledges, vegetables are being grown This is a pastime and way of life that can be easy, healthy, fun and so rewarding and one that proves size isn’ t everything.

The number one point to remember is that plants want to grow They will try to survive even if the odds aren’ t good And it’s up to you in this mutually beneficial relationship to help them as much as you can Whether they’re in containers or in the ground, vegetables require four primary requisites to grow soil, water, sun and warmth

Soil

Most garden soil is adequate for your first crops of easy to grow, unfussy vegetables Just pull out all the weeds, roots and all, and break up big clumps of dirt before sowing or planting seedlings.

While proprietal potting mix is the easiest for pots, incorporating dirt from the garden, or hummus (decomposed leaves and other detritus found under trees) will aid naturally the mix’s water retaining capacity Layers of stone at the bottom of containers will stop the soil becoming waterlogged, which most plants hate, should you or the skies be heavy handed with Tmoisture ex t Mary Lovell Smith

W O R K S H O P

Water

Most vegetables do not like drought or floods, with regular deep watering of the soil preferable to more frequent sprinkling of leaves Check soil moisture by poking your finger in a couple of centimetres Generally, the smaller the plant the shallower its roots. As water evaporates from the soil surface, these plants will need more regular watering A lack of water will cause many vegetables to bolt they think they are about to die so quickly put out a flower head for seeds to ensure the lineage will continue Lettuce, coriander and basil are especially prone to bolting.

Sun

Vegetables that cope with more shade in summer include lettuce, spinach and silver beet Most others like sun for at least six hours a day Conversely, the summer shade lovers are best grown in a sunnier spot in winter.

Warmth

The golden rule is don’ t sow too early, especially outside, else the seeds might fail to germinate Plant too early and the seedlings will fail to thrive, often never

GROWING PAINS All plants need water to survive, the rule is watering deeply once or twice a week is better than a light sprinkle each day

catching up with even those planted weeks later. Depending on your location, don’ t plant tomatoes, courgettes and corn till the end of October through to middle of November when just about all likelihood of frosts is gone. Shelter plants from cold or strong winds

Space

Asking how much space is needed to grow vegetables is akin to asking how long a piece of string is You plant according to the space That said, one silver beet plant will usually require about 25cm square; lettuce a little less, and tomatoes are best about 50cm apart

SEEDS

In the ground or containers, even when space is not an issue, avoid sowing or planting too much at once Avoid glut and famine scenarios with successive sowings and plantings, two to three weeks apart That said, excess seedlings can easily be thinned and either eaten, given away or swapped with like minded friends or neighbours.

Sowing in containers

O ne advantage of this is getting a head start on the season by starting off seedlings indoors on a sunny window ledge or veranda, but you have to monitor soil moisture closely as trays tend to dry out quickly, and especially so indoors. Another plus is that a greater variety of seeds are available than seedlings When seeds are about 2cm tall transplant into the garden or a larger pot If sown into the pot in which they are to grow, thin out (see below).

Sowing direct into the garden

Not all vegetables cope well with transplanting, notably root crops Others germinate so readily it hardly warrants starting them off in seed trays and transplanting, these include lettuce and silver beet Most seeds like to be covered with a depth of soil equalling their size, which means the finer the seed, the less soil on top After covering press down firmly and water well with a fine spray Generally, seeds are best sown in straight lines so when the seedlings emerge it is easy to distinguish them from weeds. Try as you might it’s often difficult to sow thinly enough to avoid overcrowding Such seedlings will be spindly as they compete with one another for space, light and nutrients Thin regularly through their first few weeks when they are a couple of centimetres high Thinnings may be transplanted or eaten

“Excess seedlings can easily b e thinned and either eaten, given away or swapp ed with like minded friends or neighb ours.”

M A R Y L O V E L L S M I T H

GO FOR GREEN

Choose wisely when selecting what to grow Summer salad favourites, such as buttercrunch or rocket , are expensive to buy and taste so much better when picked fresh from the garden

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Tip Cherry tomatoes, chillies, strawberries, salad greens and herbs can be grown in hanging baskets when space is at a premium

SEEDLINGS

Buying seedlings avoids any fluffing around with sowing and caring for seeds. It also avoids ending up with way more seedlings than you can possibly use a common outcome when growing space is limited. To transplant the seedlings, gently extract them from the container they come in, make a hole in the soil they are to grow in, big enough to hold the roots, place the seedlings roots in the hole, gently back fill with soil, and press down firmly Water the seedlings well This is best not done in the full heat of the day

Growing vegetables in containers

Most vegetables can be grown successfully in containers outside, which have the advantage of being moved to the sunniest, most sheltered spots As well, the soil is easier to get right especially if proprietal potting mix is used A 10 litre container the size of an average bucket is about the smallest container suitable A container this size would generally support one tomato plant or four lettuces or two silver beets, one courgette or 25 carrots or radishes Try attaching pots to fences or other vertical surfaces to greatly increase your production area

EASY VEGETABLES TO GROW

• CORN Plant in blocks rather than rows so they support each other

• COURGETTES Smaller varieties are available of these large spreading plants, which are good for containers

• LETTUCE AND CORIANDER Grow these somewhere sheltered from the heat of the midday summer sun

• RADISH AND CARROTS Roots crops do best in light , sandy and friable soil They can grow malformed in heavy soils Ball shaped varieties are best in heavy soil

• SILVER BEET AND CAVOLO NERO

These will grow pretty much all year round in most of New Zealand

• TOMATOES Plant deeply, burying some of the stem to give them greater stability Place stakes when planting Nip out small stems growing in the elbow between the stalk and branches to encourage one main trunk and side fruit bearing branches

Pork larb

SERVES 4

I N G R E D I E N T S

1 Tbsp peanut oil

2 Tbsp fresh lemon grass, finely chopped

1 fresh small red chilli, finely chopped, plus extra, sliced, to serve

2 cloves garlic, crushed

40g piece fresh ginger, finely grated

1.4kg lean pork mince

2 Tbsp fish sauce

2⁄3 cup lime juice

5 fresh makrut leaves, finely shredded

1⁄3 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed

½ cup fresh coriander leaves, loosely packed

4 spring onions, thinly sliced

4 shallots, thinly sliced

8 iceberg lettuce leaves, trimmed (see Tips)

1 medium carrot, cut into long, thin strips (see Tips)

1 Lebanese cucumber, cut into long, thin strips (see Tips)

2 Tbsp coarsely chopped unsalted peanuts and lime halves, to serve

1 Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat; cook lemon grass, chopped chilli, garlic and ginger, stirring, for 2 minutes or until fragrant Increase heat to high; add pork and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes or until pork is browned. Add fish sauce and half the juice; cook, stirring, for 5 minutes Remove wok from heat; stir in makrut leaves, mint, coriander, spring onion, shallots and remaining juice.

2 Spoon larb mixture evenly into lettuce leaves; top with carrot, cucumber, extra chilli and peanuts scattered over the top Serve with lime halves.

Tips

You will need about 10 limes for this recipe. Use a julienne peeler to cut the carrot and cucumber into long thin strips Julienne peelers are available from Asian food stores and kitchenware stores

O O D

Air fryer special Must try recipes for that must have appliance

Modern classics What’s cooking with Nicola Galloway

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What’s new on the cuisine and drink scene.

Vegetable meatzza

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SFRYER PECIAL

Fr ying high

Attention comfor t fo o d lovers there’s more to air frying than making things golden and crispy

Roast veg deluxe

White bean shakshuka

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White b ean shakshuka

SERVES 2 I N G R E D I E N T S

2 Tbsp coriander stalks, chopped finely

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

2 spring onions, chopped finely

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp smoked paprika

400g jar arrabbiata pasta sauce

400g can cannellini beans, drained, rinsed

1 char grilled capsicum, sliced

3 eggs, at room temperature

1 medium avocado, diced

Purple salad leaves and char grilled split pitta bread, to serve

1 Oil a 3 cup 20cm ovenproof dish; ensure that it will fit into a 5 3 litre air fryer (You can also use two large ramekins and increase the eggs to four)

2 Place chopped coriander stalks, oil, spring onion and spices in the dish. Pull out the air fryer pan and basket Place dish in the basket

Slide pan and basket back into appliance Set temperature to 180°C and set timer for 3 minutes; cook until fragrant.

3 Taking care, pull out the pan and basket; stir in pasta sauce, beans and capsicum to dish until combined Cover top of dish with foil Set timer for 10 minutes; cook until mixture is hot.

4 Make three indents in the bean mixture and break an egg into each; season Set timer for 8 minutes; cook until eggs are just set or cooked to your liking.

5 Serve shakshuka topped with avocado and salad leaves, and with the char grilled pitta bread

Vegetable meatzza

SERVES 2

I N G R E D I E N T S

500g beef mince

½ cup grated parmesan

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

½ tsp fennel seeds, crushed

¼ tsp dried thyme

1 egg, beaten lighlly

1 clove garlic, crushed

1⁄3 cup arrabbiata pasta sauce

75g mozzarella, sliced thinly

½ medium courgette, sliced into rounds

½ bunch asparagus, halved lengthways and crossways

100g Swiss brown mushrooms, sliced thinly

75g cured chorizo, sliced thinly

¼ cup basil leaves

1 Preheat a 5 3 litre air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.

2 Combine beef, parmesan, breadcrumbs, fennel, thyme, egg and garlic in a bowl; season

3 Cut out a 22cm round from a piece of baking paper. Press mince mixture over the baking paper round to form an 18cm round

4 Taking care, pull out the air fryer pan and basket; lower meatzza base, on the paper, into the basket. Slide pan and basket back into appliance Keep temperature set at 200°C and set timer for 8 minutes; cook until base is cooked through

5 Carefully lift cooked meatzza base, on the paper from the basket; drain off liquid

6 Spread meatzza base with pasta sauce; top with mozzarella, courgette, asparagus, mushroom and chorizo Lower meatzza, on the paper, back into the basket Keep temperature set at 200°C and set timer for 10 minutes; cook until vegetables and chorizo are cooked through

7 Serve meatzza immediately, topped with basil

Roast veg deluxe

SERVES 4

I N G R E D I E N T S

1.2kg baby potatoes

1 bunch baby orange carrots (250g)

1 bunch baby purple carrots (250g)

1 bunch baby white carrots (525g)

1 whole bulb garlic

1 Tbsp fennel seeds

2 tsp smoked paprika

6 bay leaves

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 Preheat a 5 3 litre air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.

2 Halve potatoes Trim and scrub unpeeled carrots; cut any larger carrots in half lengthways

Separate unpeeled garlic into cloves Place potatoes, carrots and garlic in a large bowl with remaining ingredients; season and toss to combine

3 Taking care, pull out the air fryer pan and basket; place vegetables in basket. Slide the pan and basket back into appliance Keep temperature set at 200°C and set timer for 20 minutes; cook, turning halfway through cooking time, or until vegetables are golden and tender.

4

N G R E D I E N T S

medium tofu

broccolini, trimmed, thick

lengthways

gai Ian, trimmed, cut into

lengths

whites

rice flour

sesame seeds

ground white pepper

freshly ground black pepper

salt

oil cooking spray

spring onions, sliced red chilli,

sesame seeds and

cheeks,

PA L M S U G A R D R E S S I N G

Tbsp finely grated ginger

extra virgin olive oil

Tbsp lime juice

mirin

Tbsp

soy sauce

grated palm sugar

small red chilli, chopped finely

Cut tofu horizontally into four slices Cut each slice in half to make eight pieces in total. Line a board with paper towel. Place tofu slices on paper towel; lay more paper towel on top of tofu, then top with a heav y tray (or small chopping board) to weigh the tofu down. Leave for 10 minutes to drain.

Preheat a 5 3 litre air fryer to 180°C for

minutes

Rinse broccolini and gai lan Taking care, pull out the air fryer pan and basket; place damp vegetables in basket Slide the pan and basket back into appliance Keep

temperature set at 180°C and set timer for 5 minutes; cook until vegetables are just tender Transfer vegetables to a platter; cover to keep warm.

4 Meanwhile, for the Palm Sugar D ressing, place ingredients in a screw top jar; shake well to combine

5 Beat egg whites in a shallow bowl. Combine rice flour, sesame seeds, peppers and salt in a second shallow bowl Dip tofu slices in egg white, then coat in rice flour mixture; spray generously with oil.

6 Place half the coated tofu in the basket

Keep temperature set at 180°C and set timer for 15 minutes; cook, turning halfway through cooking time, or until tofu is crisp and golden Transfer tofu to a wire rack Repeat cooking with remaining coated tofu

7 Top vegetables with crisp tofu, sliced spring onion, sliced chilli and extra sesame seeds; drizzle with dressing Serve with lime cheeks

Courgette fries

SERVES 4

I N G R E D I E N T S

3 large courgettes, halved lengthways

½ cup ground almonds or panko breadcrumbs

½ cup finely grated parmesan

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp fresh rosemary or oregano, chopped Pinch ground chilli

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 Cut courgettes into 1cm thick ‘fries’

2 Combine ground almonds or panko breadcrumbs with parmesan, smoked paprika, rosemary or oregano, and the ground chilli in a bowl

3 Preheat a 5 3 litre air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes

4 Toss courgette fries with olive oil, then coat in almond mixture.

5 Place half the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer

Keep temperature the same and set timer for 10 minutes; cook, turning halfway through cooking time, until fries are golden Transfer to a plate; cover to keep warm Repeat with remaining fries. Season to taste Serve with Greek yoghurt dipping sauce

Greek feta & oregano fries

SERVES 4

I N G R E D I E N T S

700g frozen fries

8 unpeeled garlic cloves

Cooking oil

100g Greek feta

1 tsp sea salt flakes

1 tsp dried oregano

1 Preheat a 5 3 litre air fryer

to 200°C for 3 minutes Place frozen fries in the air fryer basket with garlic cloves; spray with cooking oil

Keep temperature the same and set timer for 10 minutes; cook, turning halfway through cooking time, or until fries are golden.

2 Tip fries into a large bowl Crumble over feta and sprinkle with salt flakes and dried oregano; toss to combine.

Haloumi fries

SERVES 4

I N G R E D I E N T S

2 x 225g blocks of haloumi

½ cup plain flour

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

½ tsp smoked paprika

1 Cut haloumi horizontally into three slices each Cut each slice into three ‘fries’; you will have 18 in total

2 Combine flour, cumin, coriander and smoked paprika in a bowl.

3 Preheat a 5 3 litre air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes Spray the

air fryer basket with oil. Spray haloumi fries with oil, then coat in flour mixture Place haloumi fries in the basket in a single layer. Keep temperature the same and set timer for 5 minutes; cook until fries are golden Serve with Greek yoghurt dipping sauce.

Greek yoghur t dipping sauce

MAKES 1¼ cups

I N G R E D I E N T S

1¼ cups Greek yoghurt

1 tsp finely grated lemon rind

1 garlic clove, smashed

2 Tbsp dill, finely chopped

2 Tbsp mint, finely chopped

1 Combine yoghurt, lemon rind, garlic, dill and mint; season taste

2 Remove the garlic clove when ready to serve.

Tip

Greek yoghurt dipping sauce

Use just one herb in the sauce, if desired

Greek feta & oregano fries

Haloumi fries

Courgette fries

Swap it

To make red curry fish cakes, use the equivalent weight of kūmara instead of potatoes and stir 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste into the mash; use coriander instead of dill.

3 medium floury potatoes (like Agria or Red Rascal), chopped coarsely

2 Tbsp olive oil

Olive oil cooking spray

400g skinless, boneless salmon fillets

2 spring onions, sliced thinly

tsp finely grated lemon rind

Tbsp dill or parsley, finely chopped

1 egg, beaten lightly

1½ cups panko breadcrumbs Lime wedges, to serve

1 Preheat a 5.3 Iitre air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes

2 Boil potatoes until tender; drain Mash potatoes with olive oil until smooth

3 Meanwhile, taking care, pull out the air fryer pan and basket; spray the basket with oil, then place salmon in the basket

Slide the pan and basket back into appliance. Keep temperature set at 150°C and set timer for 6 minutes; cook until salmon is cooked through Pull out the

pan and basket; cool salmon in the basket.

4 Flake salmon into the mashed potato; mash until salmon breaks into smaller pieces Add spring onion, lemon rind, dill, egg and half the breadcrumbs; season and stir to combine With damp hands, shape mixture into eight patties Place on a tray; freeze for 10 minutes to firm

5 Coat patties in remaining breadcrumbs; spray generously with oil Place patties in the basket Keep temperature set at 180°C and set timer for 8 minutes; cook, turning halfway through cooking time, or until patties are golden and heated through

6 Serve fish cakes with lime wedges

Gluten free chicken nuggets

SERVES 4

I N G R E D I E N T S

2 x 300g chicken breast fillets

2 cups cornflakes

2⁄3 cup gluten free plain flour

2 tsp ground paprika

1 tsp onion salt

¼ cup finely grated parmesan

2 eggs

Olive oil cooking spray

2⁄3 cup aioli

2 tsp sriracha chilli sauce

Lemon wedges, to serve

1 Preheat a 5.3 litre air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes

2 Cut chicken into nugget sized pieces

Crush the cornflakes by hand in a medium bowl until coarsely crushed. Add ½ cup of the flour, the paprika, onion salt and parmesan to bowl; season with salt and freshly ground black pepper Lightly beat eggs in another medium bowl. Place remaining flour in a third bowl D ust a few of the chicken pieces at a time in flour, shaking off excess, dip into egg, then coat

in the spiced cornflake mixture Spray nuggets generously with oil

3 Taking care, pull out the air fryer pan and basket; place half the nuggets in the basket Slide the pan and basket back into appliance Keep temperature set at 180°C and set timer for 8 minutes; cook, turning halfway through cooking time, or until nuggets are golden and cooked through Transfer cooked nuggets to a platter; cover to keep warm Repeat cooking with remaining nuggets.

4 Serve chicken nuggets with aioli swirled with sriracha, and the lemon wedges

Not so Frenchy toast

SERVES 4

I N G R E D I E N T S

medium oranges

cup maple syrup

cherries, pitted, halved, plus

whole cherries, extra

eggs

¼ cup milk

½ tsp ground cinnamon

tsp vanilla bean paste

2cm thick slices sourdough bread

Cooking oil spray

1⁄3 cup Greek yoghurt

¼ cup flaked natural almonds, toasted

Extra maple syrup and ground cinnamon, to serve

1 Peel a thin strip of rind from 1 orange and finely grate 1 teaspoon rind Squeeze juice from both oranges; you will need ½ cup juice.

2 Combine orange strip, orange juice and maple syrup in a small heatproof bowl with halved and extra whole cherries Pull out the pan and basket of a 5.3 litre air fryer Place bowl in the basket Slide the pan and basket back into appliance Set temperature to 180°C and set timer for 4 minutes, to preheat air fryer and warm the cherry mixture

3 Whisk grated orange rind, eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla in a shallow dish until combined. Dip half the bread slices, one at a time, into egg mixture, turning until soaked; drain away excess

4 Taking care, pull out the air fryer pan and basket; remove bowl with cherry mixture and cover to keep warm Spray the basket with oil. Place the soaked bread slices in basket Keep temperature set at 180°C and set timer for 10 minutes; cook, turning halfway through cooking time, or until bread is browned and cooked through

5 Transfer French toasts to a plate; cover to keep warm Repeat dipping remaining bread slices in egg mixture, then repeat cooking with more oil spray

6 Serve French toasts topped with yoghurt, flaked almonds, and warm cherry mixture, drizzled with extra maple syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon

Monster healthy carrot cake muf fins

MAKES 6

I N G R E D I E N T S

18 x ¾ cup muffin wraps

2 cups ground almond

2 Tbsp chia seeds

1 tsp gluten free baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 Tbsp ground ginger

3 eggs

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

¾ cup coconut sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 large courgette

1 large carrot

1 large apple

½ cup smooth ricotta

¼ cup natural almonds, chopped

1 Preheat a 5.3 litre air fryer to 160°C for 3 minutes Stack three muffin wraps together to create six triple layered muffin wraps

2 Combine ground almonds, chia seeds, baking powder, baking soda and spices in a large bowl Whisk eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl; add to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined

3 Coarsely grate courgette, carrot and apple into a medium bowl Using your hands, pick up handfuls of the courgette mixture and squeeze very firmly to remove excess liquid Fold courgette mixture into the almond mixture until just combined. Spoon the muffin mixture into stacked muffin wraps

4 Taking care, pull out the air fryer pan and basket; place filled muffin wraps in the basket Slide the pan and basket back into appliance Keep temperature set at 160°C and set timer for 5 minutes; leave to cook.

5 Cover top of muffins with a piece of foil Set timer for 25 minutes; leave to cook

6 Top each muffin with a spoonful of ricotta and scatter with chopped almonds Set timer for 5 minutes; cook until a skewer inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean and ricotta is browned Transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool

ingredient celebration cake

SERVES 12

I N G R E D I E N T S

8 eggs, at room temperature

440g Nutella

½ cup self raising flour

110g Nutella, extra for drizzling

1 cup cream, whipped

125g raspberries

Cocoa powder, to serve Tip

Undecorated cake will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days

1 Grease a 19cm round non stick springform cake pan; line base only with baking paper

2 Beat 4 eggs with an electric mixer on high speed for 10 minutes or until tripled in volume

3 Place 220g Nutella and 2 tablespoons boiling water in a microwave safe bowl Microwave on high (100%) for 20 seconds. Whisk until smooth

4 Preheat a 5 3 litre air fryer to 160°C for 3 minutes

5 Whisk a quarter of the beaten egg into melted Nutella until combined, then fold in ¼ cup self raising flour Gently fold in remaining beaten egg in two batches Pour mixture into pan. Cover pan with a piece of greased foil, then pierce the foil

6 Taking care, pull out the air fryer pan and basket; place the cake pan in the basket

Slide pan and basket back into appliance

Keep temperature set at 160°C and set timer for 30 minutes; cook until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean

7 Remove cake pan from basket Remove foil and reserve for the second cake

Leave cake in pan for 15 minutes before turning out onto a baking paper covered wire rack to cool completely Peel away the lining paper

8 Repeat steps 1 7 to make a second cake.

9 Place extra Nutella in a small bowl; stir in 1½ tablespoons boiling water to loosen

Spread half the thinned Nutella over top of one cake; top with the second cake. Spread top of cake with cream and scatter with raspberries; drizzle with remaining thinned Nutella D ust with cocoa powder

How ’s the air in there?

An air fryer is put through its paces

E D I T O R ' S P I C K

You can only resist the air fryer phenomenon for so long It’s at the stage where some people haven’ t turned their conventional oven on for months at a time because of the versatility and convenience of the air fryer

If, like me, you thought they were just for chips, think again Take a look at the recipes preceding this right down to French toast and a special celebration cake remarkable not just for being baked in an air fryer but for using only five ingredients

We took the plunge and went all in with Breville The Smart O ven Air Fryer with its stainless steel benchtop oven good looks, rather than dipping our toes in the water with a smaller, more conventional one that looks like an overblown kettle But wait, this isn’ t just an air fryer, it’s also a slow cooker and toaster, and has bake, roast, warm, pizza and reheat functions.

You may be wondering if this isn’ t just a small version of your regular convection oven, but because the oven is smaller, hot dry air can circulate

more efficiently thereby making it quicker to heat and cook

It comes with pictures of crispy skinned roast chicken, a pav Dame Alison Holst would be proud of and a pizza that could just have stepped out of a Sicilian pizzeria No pictures of chips, though.

So, the first thing we did was test some oven chips And it did them just like a regular oven, except the heating time was much shorter and it did shave a good 10 minutes off the wall oven What I liked about the Breville’s size was that we managed to get enough for four chip butties in the one wire basket. I’ve heard the smaller ones can only cater for one person at a time

Time to step it up, so I took the panko breadcrumbs out of the back of the cupboard and seasoned them like the courgette fries recipe says on page 121 They come out looking just like the photo, except what you don’ t see is all the crumbs on the bottom on the oven That was my fault as I was too impatient to read the instruction book or I would have seen the

“IMPORTAN T When cooking fatty foods (e g bacon) it is recommended to use the roasting pan to catch excess drippings of oil and fat”. I should have deduced that panko crumbs would be just as misbehaved

The haloumi fries on the same page were a hit and came out crisp and golden using a minimal amount of oil it really it could be part of the Mediterranean diet, it’s so healthy

I wanted to try something more unconventional, so next up was the Not so Frenchy toast on page 124 I love that you can heat the cherry and maple dressing as you warm the oven ready for the French toast, put the bread in and leave for 10 minutes without having to stand over a frying pan liberating.

I haven’ t had an occasion to make the 5 ingredient celebration cake on page 126, but can barely contain myself as one of the main ingredients is Nutella.

So far, I’ve just tried the air fryer function, but I've always wanted a slow cooker and can’t wait for next winter to roll round to give that function a whirl.

Breville The Smart Oven Air Fryer, $799 95

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Spring greens & feta filo pie (or parcels)

Chilled cucumber & avocado soup

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Boiled mandarin cakes with cho colate olive oil ganache

MAKES 9 MINI CAKES

Thank goodness for citrus season When the early spring days are short, these little pops of orange and yellow bring a welcome freshness to the kitchen. The mandarin tree gifted by my father for my daughter’s fifth birthday is now earning its keep, with the branches heav y with fruit in early spring. A fruit tree really is a gift that keeps on giving

I N G R E D I E N T S

3 4 medium mandarins

3 free range eggs

3 Tbsp honey or ¼ cup sugar

¾ cup plain white flour wheat, spelt, or gluten free flour mix

½ cup LSA (see right) or ground almonds

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

C H O C O L AT E O L I V E O I L G A N A C H E

80g dark chocolate, broken into pieces

2 tsp olive oil

1 First, place the mandarins in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and cook for 30 minutes Top up with extra boiling water as needed to keep the mandarins covered After this time, drain and leave to cool completely.

2 Preheat the oven to 180°C Generously grease a medium sized muffin tray (9 holes will be used), or line with cupcake cases

3 Halve the mandarins, removing any pips, and place in a food processor along with the eggs and honey or sugar Blend until

Homemade LSA or Seed Mix

LSA is a ground nut and seed mixture consisting of equal quantities of linseed (flaxseed), sunflower seeds and almonds I prepare a ground seed mix for use in baking that has equal quantities of golden flaxseeds (linseed), sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds I use a spice (coffee) grinder to grind the seeds in batches, then tip everything into a large jar and shake to combine Store in the fridge, as the seeds’ volatile essential fatty acids begin to degrade once they are ground

smooth. Add the flour, LSA or ground almonds, baking powder and baking soda Pulse 6 8 times until just incorporated don’ t over mix, or the cakes will be tough 4 Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tray to fill 9 holes Bake for 18 20 minutes, until an inserted skewer comes

out clean. Cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer the cakes to a cooling rack

5 For the Chocolate Olive Oil Ganache, place the chocolate and olive oil in a heatproof bowl and set over a saucepan of gently simmering water, making sure that the bowl doesn’ t touch the water Once the chocolate has melted, remove from the heat, stir and cool for 5 minutes.

6 Sit the rack of cakes over a plate or tray and slowly pour a tablespoon of ganache over each cake Leave to set, then use a small knife to loosen the chocolate drips and place these on top of the cakes to decorate

7 Store in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.

Spring greens & feta filo pie (or parcels)

SERVES 4

A simple spanakopita inspired pie (or filo parcels) to use all those spring greens, with a heav y dose of fresh herbs and complemented with salty feta. I generally use silver beet as the main green component in this pie because it grows abundantly in the garden and goes much further than spinach when cooked.

I N G R E D I E N T S

4 Tbsp olive oil

1 leek, washed and finely sliced 500g leafy greens silver beet, beetroot greens, spinach

Pinch of salt

Handful of fresh herbs oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, dill chopped 200g feta, crumbled 1 free range egg, beaten

Generous twist of cracked pepper 60g butter

12 sheets filo pastry

1 Preheat the oven to 190°C.

2 Heat a large frying pan over a moderate heat Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the leek and saute for 5 minutes to soften

3 Wash and roughly chop the greens, stalks included Add to the pan with the salt Cover, and cook for 5 6 minutes until the greens have wilted the water remaining on the leaves from washing will be enough to steam the greens Remove the lid and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until any excess cooking liquid has evaporated (turn up the heat if needed). Tip onto a plate to cool a little 4 In a bowl combine the chopped herbs,

feta, egg and cracked pepper. Fold through the warm greens mixture

5 In a small saucepan, melt together the butter and remaining 3 tablespoons oil

Use a pastry brush to grease a shallow roasting dish with the butter mixture

Unroll the filo pastry and arrange 2 sheets in the dish, brush with the butter mixture, then repeat this layer twice more with 6 sheets of filo used

6 Spread the greens mixture evenly over the filo, leaving a 4cm border Arrange another 2 sheets of filo on top, brushing with the melted butter mixture, and repeat this filo layer twice more A total of 12 sheets of filo have now been used Fold over the edges to encase the mixture and drizzle any remaining butter mixture over the pie

7 Bake for 30 35 minutes until the pastry is golden Cut into wedges and serve hot or cold

Filo parcels

The filling above can be used to make filo parcels as follows

1 Lay 2 sheets of filo on the bench, with a short side closest to you. Brush generously with the butter mixture

2 Spoon a heaped tablespoon of the greens mixture onto the bottom left corner of the pastry. Fold over the long edge in half from right to left to cover the mixture Brush the pastry again with butter

3 Fold the bottom left corner over at an angle to meet the folded edge, making a triangle shape Continue to fold left to right in this triangle shape until the pastry is all used up

4 Place onto a baking tray, brush again, and scatter with sesame seeds Repeat with the remaining filo sheets and filling Bake for 20 25 minutes until golden

Leftover filo pastry

This recipe uses about half a packet of filo pastry Unused filo pastry can be returned to the packet, well sealed and stored in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for a month

Chilled cucumb er & avo cado soup

SERVES 4

This soup is inspired by a chilled cucumber soup my nana Ngaire used to make She was the soup making queen, but it was her cucumber soup that was my all time favourite The original recipe didn’ t contain

avocado but my nana, being quite radical for her time (back in the ’80s), would sometimes add a scoop of avocado to give the soup an extra creamy texture I have been known to take the chilled soup in a thermos to the beach as a cooling snack

I N G R E D I E N T S

1 perfectly ripe avocado (see Note)

2 Lebanese cucumbers or 1 telegraph cucumber (about 300g)

½ cup unsweetened natural yoghurt

1 2 garlic cloves, peeled

Large handful of fresh mint, plus a few leaves to garnish Juice of ½ lemon or 1 lime (1 2 Tbsp)

6 ice cubes or 1⁄ 3 cup chilled water

Generous pinch of salt Cracked pepper, to taste Olive oil, to garnish

1 Scoop the flesh from the avocado into a blender or food processor

2 Add the remaining ingredients (except the oil) and blitz, scraping down the sides as needed, until smooth Check the taste, adding extra lemon juice, salt and/or cracked pepper to find the perfect balance of flavours

3 Add a splash of chilled water or 1 2 more ice cubes if the mix is too thick it should be pourable like a smoothie.

4 Serve the soup icy cold in small bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and mint leaves to garnish Or pour into a thermos to take to the beach.

Note: Use a perfectly ripe, creamy avocado for best results A balance of salty, sour and pungent is the key to this flavoursome soup, which I hope will also become a family favourite for you I am looking forward to the day when our backyard avocado trees are fruiting prolifically to use in this soup

Recipes extracted from The Homemade Table: Seasonal Recipes, Preserves and Sourdough by Nicola Galloway (Potton & Burton, $59 99) Photography by Nicola Galloway

The Grazing Club is an Auckland based catering company that produces all manner of platters for everything from a baby shower to birthday parties But if you’d rather DIY your own platter, the Graze kit features an acacia board, gold platter utensils and Claybird Ceramics dip bowls. $169, from thegrazingclub.com

s o u n d b i t e s

All the ingredients for kitchen and enter taining success

Kitchen smells

EXTRA, EXTRA

Everyone’s favourite cookbook writer Yotam Ottolenghi has teamed

up with Noor Murad for his latest instalment Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Extra Good Things ($55, Ebury Press). Flavour central, this is all about using homemade ingredients to add oomph to everything you eat, such as slathering harissa butter on a roasted mushroom, steamed veggies or stuffed into a baked potato Versatile or what

IRON CHEFS

Buy a Lodge Cast Iron skillet or other pre seasoned cookware and you’ll also get a copy of a cookbook from local cooks using Lodge pans We appreciate Sam Mannering of Homestead’s Adobo Prawns with Blue Corn Tacos, which involves frying the ingredients on the stove, then whipping the skillet in the oven to finish it off, saving time swapping over and avoiding an extra dish to clean The offer is available until the end of October lodgecastiron co nz

S TA C K S U P

Ibride’s Faux Semblants

Ming Rouge set of melamine stacking bowls and salad bowls is the culinary equivalent of the Dance of the Seven Veils. The bowls and cups unstack from the Ming vase inspired shape into a series of bowls. Inside each bowl are beautiful photographs of 20th century Asia $285, from biancalorenne.co.nz

G R A Z E F O R D AY S

I C ’ S P E A N U T B U T T E R C O M E S I N S M O O T H O R C R U N C H Y U N T I L N O W S M U N C H Y I S A C O M B I N A T I O N O F S M O O T H A N D C R U N C H Y I T ’ S T H E B R A I N C H I L D O F 1 0 Y E A R O L D M A G G I E M E L L O R S , W I T H 5 0 C E N T S F R O M E V E R Y J A R S O L D G O I N G T O K I D S C A N . $ 6 . 9 9 , F R O M P I C S P E A N U T B U T T E R C O M

S M U N C H Y I T ’ S A T H I N G

WHEN IN WELLINGTON Get along to Vessel, a lovely shop with New Zealand made ceramics and wool products, plus homewares from around the world. For other must visit spots in the capital city, turn to page 136.

I V I N G

Read the room Books make the best presents Downtime

Relax, rest and get more you time

Small wonders Eleanor Ozich gets creative with clay

Read the room

d o w n t i m e

N S P I R I N G

STOCK UP AT THE RHODODENDRON DAY PLANT SALE

Spring is when rhododendron buds start to swell, so you won’t want to miss Dunedin’s Rhododendron Day plant sale, where you can have a blooming good time and grab a few garden bargains Be sure to book a tour of the Rhododendron Dell if you’re seeking inspiration for your own little slice of paradise

BYO bags or boxes

16 October,

A Y S

, R E

H A R G E A N D G E T M O R E Y O U

B E W O W E D AT W O R L D O F W E A R A B L E A R T

M

The internationally regarded event is back and not a moment too soon. Relish in the creme de la creme of creativity and the theatrical spectacle of fashion on show. You’ll want front row tickets for this. 29 September to 16 October, TSB Arena, Wellington

W A T C H

Check out Repair Cafe

Held at Une Deux Cafe, a small French Mediterranean bistro tucked away on Auckland’s iconic K Road, the Repair Cafe is hosted on the second Saturday of every month to encourage you to repair renew reuse Bring broken or damaged items and get them fixed for free by a team of volunteer locals ( just make sure it’s small enough to carry in your arms).

Sustainability has never looked so cool or local 11 October, 11am 2pm, 545 Karangahape Rd

a D

The White Lotus Hot off the back of their award winning debut season, The White Lotus returns with new characters and storyline Starring Aubrey Plaza, Theo James and Jennifer Coolidge, the cast navigates the murky waters of wealth and privilege at a luxury resort in Sicily. Filmed at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, we’re swooning over the 14th century convent with its cloistered courtyards and sweeping views of Mount Etna Screening on SoHo and streaming on Neon

We l l i n g t o n

Discover for yourself why Te Whanganui a Tara is often dubb ed the “the co olest little capital in the world”. Set against stunning harb our views, this city serves up ar ts and culture on a plate. You’ll b e blown away by the delights on offer and the wind, of course

B I R D ’ S E Y E V I E W

Don’t miss the cable car for a new perspective on the city If the weather ’s fine, disembark at the Botanic Garden and wander down to the Beehive to see why the locals say, “You can’t beat Welly on a good day ”

Crump et

1 0 9 M A N N E R S S T

Crumpet is the cosy cocktail bar of your dreams, with its black and white tiled floor, old fashioned tablecloths, jazzy music and darling gallery wall hung with eclectic images Concoct your dream cocktail from their legendary flavour wheel or indulge in a homemade crumpet with prosciutto and lashings of honey. When you’re well lubricated, it’s almost too easy to pop next door to The Opera House and catch the latest show

G O L D I E

2 7 R I M U S T

Get out of the hustle and bustle to explore the windswept coastline of Eastbourne, where you’re sure to stumble upon Goldie, a home and lifestyle store for design lovers Owner Fran D rager traded in her decade long marketing job for her seaside store, never looking back, and we’re grateful she took the leap The store is a lesson in how to live a beautiful life, with a thoughtfully stocked range of wares, children’s goods, and cleaning products

Breathe in the salt air, relax and browse to your heart’s content

A U N T Y D A N A

S O P S H O P

Tucked away in Newtown, Aunty Dana’s Op Shop is one of the last stores standing against gentrification of all things vintage in Pōneke With affordable pricing and a great selection of garments, you’ll be sure to find a bargain Run by Gender Minorities Aotearoa, the store is named after their “patron saint, Dana de Milo”, one of the first trans women in New Zealand to receive gender affirming hormone treatments She famously told the store, when donating many of her amazing outfits, to “get those young queens wearing my dresses”

Kaukau

3 0 G H U Z N E E S T

Kaukau is a concept store that ties together design and contemporary art to create items for the whare. Founders Nadya France White and Prak Sritharan see the store as a “visual narrative”, which offers a home to an evolving group of local makers and artists. That narrative ebbs and flows, “imbued by moments of interest and a kaupapa that has always informed us.” Whether it’s ojami floor cushions or hand blown vases, there’s a little something for everyone in this space.

A L S O V I S I

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O O R E W I L S O N ’ S

9 3 T O R Y S T

A Wellington institution, Moore Wilson’s is the Disneyland of supermarkets. Marvel at wheels of cheese as big as your head, or treat yourself to their glossy array of pastries selected from bakeries all over the city From hot sauces, craft beer, local roastery beans and more, you’ll be giddy with options (the freshly squeezed orange juice machine adds to the sugar high). Make sure not to miss their upstairs kitchen and homewares section, carefully curated with everything from crockery to cookbooks

Grab the best mortadella sandwich of your life at deli and bar Romeo’s Deli & Bar, then whip into Iko Iko and Tea Pea Home for all your colourful homeware needs Stay at Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington, a great heritage building in the beating heart of Cuba Street Finish with a mandatory visit to Te Papa to get a good dose of art and history.

Starr

night

Calorme says she got the idea for her business from

scrolling social media to find cute cushions for her kids’ rooms “Although I couldn’t see it myself in the past , I’ve always been creative.”

If

you’ve been on Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen one of Jen Calorme’s creations peeking through a cradle or nestled in a rocking chair She’s the founder of online home decor store Lune & Co, which specialises in designing and making cushions and other beautiful wares for the nursery and bedroom

From dreamy sky garlands, boucle dummy holders and decorative cloud cushions, there’s a whimsical essence behind Jen’s work that feels almost ethereal, like a nursery tale come to life. Her feeding pillows Milky Moon and Mama Moon, which come in two different sizes, are examples of the products that combine practicality and aesthetic for young mothers Her products are soft, always, and come in a range of neutral colours to add warmth and texture to any nursery

O riginally from France, Jen moved to New Zealand 10 years ago, settling in rural Tauranga with her partner She’s a mother to three beautiful children, Jackson, Brody and Zola, and creates content for brands alongside her full time job running Lune & Co “I really enjoy my coffees and I love catching up with friends in cute cafes This would be my hobby for now, as this is the only time I can spare for myself,” says Jen

A year on from its inception, Lune & Co is looking to scale up as it continues to grow and succeed, both domestically and overseas Jen says, “The vision has always been to bring some extra love, joy and cuteness into a baby’s nursery or a toddler/kid’s room. Knowing my products are so loved by parents and their children is truly the best rewarding feeling ”

How did Lune & Co get started? Lune & Co started just over a year ago when I was randomly scrolling social media looking for cute cushions to add to my kids’ rooms but I couldn’ t find any and saw this big opportunity We decided to sell them on social media and launched out of the blue, giving our followers (mainly friends) 24 hours’ notice. Little did I know what would happen next and that I would have to turn all it into a real business within 48 hours

What does the process of handmaking your beautiful boucle cushions look like? Being handmade, the process is quite involved First, we hand pick all our fabrics, we then lay it all out and stencil each of our patterns, then begin cutting Next step is to sew them together most patterns

have two halves, some have more. We stuff them and with a final hand stitch, close them up, then they are ready to send out There are a few more steps in between, such as adding extra details to certain cushions, some of them require more detailed sewing/stitching on some of the custom orders we provide

What is the ethos of your brand? We are always trying our best to bring as much joy and love as possible into someone’s home. O ur unique pieces make people smile upon delivery, they are excited to add them to their home and excited to give them to their kids That’s what keeps us going and wanting to always create more And, if I can inspire more people, more women, more mums

I N S P I R E D T H I N K I N G Lune & Co founder Jen

H A N D M A D E W I T H L O V E

“Everything is unique about our products. The fact they are all handmade and no two are the same.”

J E N C A L O R M E

through our social media to keep going and chase their dreams, then that’s truly a bonus

What’s the most rewarding part about running your own business? And what’s the hardest? The most rewarding part would be that I get to spend time with my kids when they really need me. I don’ t have to work to a schedule, so I love the flexibility The hardest is definitely being a social media led business, which means even if the physical work stops, everything else never does

Has becoming a mother changed your approach to living and decorating?

The first few years of motherhood have changed me for the better It has helped me slow down and really reassess my life and what I wanted to do with it I had a lot more time to think and to be inspired by others And, although I couldn’ t see it myself in the past, I’ve always been creative So, over the years of motherhood, my creative mind and styling skills online and at home have developed with content creation and the opportunity to style nurseries, bedrooms and living spaces

What’s unique about your products? Everything is unique about our products The fact that they are all handmade and no two are the same Each one of our patterns/stencils are handmade by us, which means they have their own specific shapes And they are made with a whole lot of love, passion and hard work

How has Lune & Co evolved since you started? We have grown so much bigger than I could have ever dreamed of. We started with two shapes, four sizes and one colour only Fast forward a year and we stock more than 10 different shapes, ranging from various different sizes, and with approximately 20 plus colours We are now doing collaborations with other small businesses and expanding our product range, which is very exciting

What’s your top tips for styling a nursery? Start with a neutral base and add some warmth to it, whatever style you want to go for. Begin with white or white and natural wood such as rattan, which styles really well, especially for items such as cots and drawers Add some warmth to the walls with art pieces or accessories on a shelf, a throw in an armchair, a rug etc Small details make

a huge difference But mostly, take your time Good things take time

It’s amazing to see a young Kiwi business being stocked overseas, as far as Canada and the Middle East How was that process? It is incredible. I feel very, very lucky to see my products sold overseas, especially in brick and mortars Social media has definitely been my magic wand when it comes to marketing and being seen online and overseas I always wonder how people find me in little Tauranga, but never underestimate yourself (or the power of social media).

What’s next for you? Any exciting projects coming up? Yes, lots The next big thing for us is to hire an extra set of hands to help scaling up the business and growing it overseas But for now, I am concentrating on maintaining our growth and finding a better family/ work life balance luneandco com

S O F T T O U C H

Jen’s top tip for styling a nursery is to start with a neutral base and to add warmth from there “Small details make a huge difference,” she promises

N A P I N C H

o beyond bowls and get creative with the modelling clay Think small planter pots for cacti, embossed gift tags, Christmas tree decorations, candlestick holders, herb garden markers or incense holders

P H O T O G R A P H Y E L E A N O R O Z I C H

H o w t o m a k e

c l a y p i n c h p o t s

1First, start by laying some baking or regular paper on your work surface to protect it from mess

2Start with a small piece of clay and roll into a smooth ball using your hands

3Next, gently press your thumb into the centre of the ball to create an opening, allowing at least 0.5cm at the bottom to create the base of the bowl

L I V I N G W E L L

Small wonders

E L E A N O R O Z I C H Home wellness expert

Thesesweet, little rustic pinch bowls are easy to make and come in handy for holding all kinds of things I love their forgiving, imperfect form and the many possibilities for creativity I also find the making process to be calming and therapeutic Let your mind focus on the organic process of creating something handmade It’s the perfect project to put the busyness of life aside, even just for a little while

Made with air drying clay, these bowls

are an excellent introduction to making pottery at home as the clay cures naturally on its own without having to be baked in the oven or in a kiln It also comes in various colours and is relatively simple to handle I used the Jovi brand, which is available from most stationery, craft and hardware stores, including The Warehouse and Spotlight Not only do they make lovely gifts, there’s a plethora of other beautiful things you can create using this inexpensive medium eleanorozich com

4

Using careful pinching motions, slowly shape into bowl form while working in a circle to keep the bowl somewhat even all the way around Ensure the bowl still has a relative thickness (at least 0 5cm) to stop it from cracking when it dries You’ll find out the best thickness through trial and error this is the fun part

5Once you’re happy with your creation, place the bowl in an undisturbed location to harden Most of the manufacturers’ instructions will say for up to 24 hours, but I find it takes a little longer to set completely.

A f e w i d e a s f o r

g e t t i n g c r e a t i v e w i t h y o u r b o w l s

+ Emboss the creation with lace or by pressing certain items onto the surface of the clay while it is still soft You can also carve out lines, dots or grooves using a toothpick or other household items

+ Consider what household items can be used to shape the clay into different designs. For example, a patterned glass bowl or small egg cup might create a lovely interior pattern for your clay when shaped around the outside of the vessel Just be sure to keep your clay at least 0.5cm thick to prevent it from cracking when you gently remove it afterward

+ Once the clay is dry, you can experiment with different paints. I used nail polish to create a soft pink hue inside my bowls; however, acrylic craft paint also works well Something to note is that unless the pots have been glazed with varnish, they cannot be used for food or liquids

Bowl everyone over with your creativity and keep things tidy with these hand crafted containers

A brief histor y of...

The Acapulco chair

This mid century design classic lo oks as go o d to day as it did when it first app eared in Acapulco, the playground of the rich and famous in the ’50s

Tex t Leanne Mo ore/Cave Bureau

Who designed the Acapulco chair? No one knows While its origin is shrouded in mystery, the fact that it first emerged in Acapulco in the 1950s isn’t disputed Is anything else known about its beginnings? Rumour has it that a French tourist was lounging on a rooftop on a hot afternoon Finding the sweltering heat too much, he came up with the idea of making the most of the coastal breeze by creating a chair using the stringed construction of traditional Mayan hammocks From this, it is said, the iconic Acapulco chair was born. Why is it called the Acapulco chair? Nobody knows for sure, but Mexican designer Cecilia Leon de la Barra claims that she gave the Acapulco chair its name. What is Acapulco famous for, besides having a chair named after it?

Hollywood stars flocked to the fashionable spot on Mexico’s Pacific coast to soak up the sun and party in the ’50s Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley are rumoured to have enjoyed some R&R there, not necessarily at the same time. In its prime, John Wayne owned a hotel in Acapulco, Liz Taylor married her third husband there in 1957,

and it was the honeymoon destination for Jackie and John F Kennedy Is the chair comfortable? Surprisingly so for a chair made of plastic strips wrapped around a metal frame. When did its popularity spread around the world? By the end of the 20th century the chair had faded into obscurity, then in 2008, the Cajas en Transito, which travelled through Europe via Madrid, Paris, London and Copenhagen, put Mexican design on the map The chair was part of that exhibition and sparked a resurgence in its popularity

So, the Acapulco chairs from the ’50s are the originals? Legally speaking, there can be no original Acapulco chair. As its designer is unknown, no official manufacturing licence is required Does that make it easy to manufacture the chair? Yes, retailers around the world are making and selling various versions Is there a standard shape and size? They vary slightly, but all Acapulco chairs have three legs and the seat has an egg shaped circumference The height of the armchair is between 80cm and 1m

Are there any originals still around? Yes, but they are rare and priced accordingly As well as being expensive, many of the steel frames have rusted after being exposed to Acapulco’s coastal conditions.

Will the modern versions rust?

Nowadays, the frames are made from commercial grade aluminium, usually powder coated to prevent rusting. Where can I get hold of one? Bunnings sells them

Marquee Black Acapulco chair, $48 90, from Bunnings Warehouse