Your Home And Garden May 2022

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GATHERING PLACE Due to its central location, Andre’s apartment is a popular place for friends to drop by. On the day we visited, there was a delicious lunch. Andre's sister Shalleen and brother-in-law Geoff, share their recipes (below). Flatmate Paul helps serve lunch (below left). 4 eggs  ½ cup milk 200g feta cheese, cut into small cubes  Salt and pepper, to season  Oil, for frying (see Note) Geoff’s corn fritters 1 Slice kernels from corn cobs Shalleen’s salsa  and place in large bowl. Separate MAKES 30-40 corn kernels.  INGREDIENTS 2 Dice onion and finely chop the INGREDIENTS herbs. Add to the bowl with the 1 yellow capsicum  grated cheese. 2 medium tomatoes  4 corn cobs  3 Add self-raising flour and toss ½ cucumber  1 onion through, coating all the ingredients.  2 nectarines or any firm summer stone Fresh herbs, we used mint and rosemary, 4 In a separate bowl, mix eggs and milk to combine.  fruit, such as peaches  but coriander is nice too  5 Pour the combined egg and milk into 2 cups grated cheddar cheese   the corn mixture. Add the feta cubes DRESSING ½ cup self-raising flour  and season with salt and pepper. 6 Heat 2 tablespoons oil in frying 4 Tbsp tomato relish  pan on medium heat. Fry heaped 1 Tbsp olive oil dessertspoons of fritter batter, about Juice of half a lemon  two minutes per side or when golden. 1 Tbsp sweet chilli sauce  Test for doneness by pressing a finger Salt and pepper, to season  into the fritter, if it bounces back they’re done. Or taste test.  1 Dice the vegetables and stone fruit into small pieces and put in a bowl.  Note: These can also be done on the 2 For the Dressing, put all the ingredients hot plate of a barbecue; you may have into a glass jar and shake.  to add more oil between batches.  3 Pour Dressing over salsa and toss gently. Season to taste before serving.   Serve salsa with Geoff’s corn fritters.  52 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

SHOP THEIR STYLE H A carefree blend of Euro-chic finds with cane, plants and 4 Pacifica patterns is a recipe for a truly global apartment 3 2 1 6 7 5 9 11 8 10 1 Santana plant stand, $79.99 (large), from Adairs. 2 Flower and bird tablecloth, $199.99, from Trade Aid. 3 Chinese ginger jar lamp, $366, from Leopold Hall. 4 David candle, $69, from The Axe. 5 Fermob Montmartre table, $900, from Jardin. 6 Zigzag rug, $269.99, from Trade Aid. 7 Kauri Pacific tablecloth, $89, from Pauanesia. 8 Luca Belize chair, $1299, from Farmers. 9 Resene Dynamite paint, $4.90 (testpot), from ColorShops. 10 Resene Egg Sour paint, $4.90 (testpot), from ColorShops. 11 Pelargonium Dark Delight plant, $17.90, from Kings Plant Barn. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 53

Join the jet set Fly through the vacuuming with the light, stylish and powerful cordless Samsung Bespoke Jet, which practically cleans itself

YH&G + SAMSUNG When it comes to house- of bacterial growth, a must for keeping your cleaning who doesn’t family happy and healthy. want to do the best job possible with the The superior battery capacity means you least amount of effort? can clean for up to two hours with the two supplied batteries lasting up to an hour each World-renowned electronics company and, when you’re done, simply return the Samsung has just released their Bespoke Jet stylish vacuum to the integrated and clever cordless stick vacuum featuring game-changer All-in-one Clean Station. Once connected to technology and end-to-end convenience, the dock, not only will the appliance recharge including self-emptying capability. at the press of a button, it will activate The Samsung Bespoke Jet offers more Samsung’s unique Air Pulse technology to advanced cleaning thanks to 210w of suction rapidly empty the dust bin meaning no dust power and jet cyclone technology. Through its particles will escape in the process and you’ll improved design, the inverter motor is now never have to get your hands dirty again. The 47% lighter yet produces high-energy waste is sucked into a bag that’s housed inside efficiency to enjoy cleaner air throughout your the clean station, which creates a non-contact, home. A multi-layered filtration system traps completely sealed dust removal system. 99.999% of fine dust and The Samsung Bespoke Jet offers allergens while the outstanding cleaning on all floor types and anti-bacterial dust features a special spray spinning sweeper, bag stops 99.9% The cordless which can best be described as Samsung Bespoke upgraded mopping for hard floor areas, while accessories like the long Jet makes cleaning reach, flex or optional pet tool mean hard-to-reach areas, you’ll be able to deal with everything such as high ceilings from dog hair on the sofa to the dust on top of the bookshelf. These and under furniture, additional accessories are all a breeze. included. The hand-held vacuum body weighs just 1.44kg, reducing the strain on wrists so you’ll be able to take on all those tricky jobs around the house with ease. With its sleek design, the Samsung Bespoke Jet will fit right in with the interior design of your home while the exceptional performance and convenience will have you wondering how you’ve ever got by without it.

Blank canvas An artist plus a builder equals a perfect creative partnership to construct this cosmopolitan-meets-rural retreat from scratch Text Shelley Tustin Photography Babiche Martens 56 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

H ROLL WITH IT Rae and Nick Prentis’ house is oriented to capture the morning sun on one deck and afternoon sun on the other. The aluminium table is on castors and can be wheeled outside for the summer months, then moved inside for winter entertaining. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 57

Meet & greet When people wax lyrical about their dream PORTRAIT JODY C PHOTOGRAPHY Rae (artist) and Nick Prentis (builder) home, what they usually mean is a house that ticks all the practical boxes for every and their dogs, Dougal, member of their family. But with no one Huckleberry and Beauregard. to please except themselves, empty nesters Rae and Nick Prentis were able 58 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN to create a home that brought their fantasies to life. Perched on a hill in rural Kaukapakapa, northwest of Auckland, the home is equal parts introvert’s retreat and extrovert’s party palace – there’s privacy and pastoral peace aplenty, but also a wealth of entertaining spaces, which are thoroughly utilised by Rae’s family, who virtually live on their doorstep. “My parents bought nearly 16 hectares and subdivided some of it – our section is part of it and my siblings have other parts,” Rae explains. “We all live here, like some sort of hippie commune. It’s nice to have my folks close, but we are independent as well.” A shack was built to begin with, giving the couple the opportunity to live on the land and cement their vision, so by the time they started building the ‘big house’ four years ago, they knew exactly where and how to take advantage of the magnificent location. Room with a view Architect Mark Butler of MD Design was brought in to put their ideas on paper, nailing the brief with an H-shaped home that combines generous living spaces, sheltered outdoor zones and decadent creature comforts. A wealth of windows was high on the wish list, to take advantage of the bucolic location. “We wanted a lot of glass to make the most of the view and the rural setting. It’s not the kind of house you’d build in town because the whole front of it is glass,” says Rae. The enormous windows also welcome in sunlight to warm the concrete floors, which in conjunction with hydronic heating, keeps the home toasty all year round.

H SITTING ROOM The vintage sofa and chairs were re-covered by an upholsterer friend in green velvet and grouped with a replica Noguchi coffee table and antique bar cabinet. The large black artwork was made by Rae to suit the space. The rug is from irugs.co.nz. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 59

Rae’s design tips or have done. Choose things you love and You can order something that not only you will find that your style will emerge. fits your colour scheme but also the space + Use Pinterest One of the hardest things + Rescue old furniture If you can look you have available. about building and decorating is making past the state of the old upholstery and + Have fun Don’t get stuck with your decisions about what you want. I found imagine what something will look like current furniture and homewares layout. Pinterest useful for this. I created a board restored, you will find a gold mine. We Have fun, move things around, try new for each room, then pinned things I liked. are lucky to have a family friend who’s ways of displaying your knick-knacks and When I looked back there was always a fantastic upholsterer. furniture. You can always move it back a common theme and that helped with + Commission art Lots of New Zealand again if it doesn’t work, but it’s refreshing the decision-making process.  artists are happy to paint on commission. to have a change. + Trust yourself Don’t make decisions based on what’s trendy or what others like 60 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

H “You can order something that not only fits your colour scheme but the space you have available.” RAE PRENTIS HOME GALLERY The black cedar cabinetry and polished granite countertops in the kitchen were a must-have (opposite). The scarab print is from Miss Lolo and is displayed in the hallway. An incurable collector, Rae enjoys scouring Trade Me for interesting objects such as cigarette cards and bird skulls, which she displays under glass cloches. The fireplace in the lounge is more for ambience than heat, with hydronic heating under the concrete floors keeping the entire house cosy.

HEART’S DESIRE (top) Rae’s granddaughter Pia is a frequent Made from scratch visitor and has her own bedroom featuring an Ikea bed, a Chinese cabinet and Vernon Ward retro prints. The Mocka cot awaits The greatest gift going into a new build or renovation is grandchild number two. Two must-haves for Rae was a experience, and with Nick’s decades in the building industry room-sized, walk-in dressing room (above) and an ensuite to draw on, the couple were able to launch into the project bathroom with outdoor bath (opposite). The bedhead in the main with a sense of confidence and calm. Though Rae says they bedroom is upholstered in the same fabric as the living room sofa. had their stresses – no build is totally drama-free – they often had cause to reflect on their good fortune in knowing the 62 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN building process inside out. “It can be so stressful, but we kind of knew what to expect,” says Rae. “We knew a lot of our tradies as well, which made the process so much easier.” Tackling the build themselves (bar a bit of help from friends, family and specialist trades), in between their full-time jobs, meant the project took a full year from beginning to end. “I was dying to move in,” says Rae. “We actually moved in before the kitchen was finished. I couldn’t wait any longer.” Adults only As all their chicks have flown the coop, Nick and Rae were able to design a home just for themselves, ticking off everything on their must-have list. “We wanted something that was quite grown-up and our own thing,” Rae explains. The initial build included well-earned luxuries like Rae’s longed-for, room-sized walk-in wardrobe, and an enviable ensuite bathroom, complete with outdoor bath. Strategic planting gives privacy for a relaxing soak on the deck. “For the first six months, while the plants grew, if someone came up the front, you had to make a quick dash to the bedroom otherwise you’d get caught. Now that the planting has grown, it gives you a bit of camouflage,” says Rae. Next on the to-build list were the outbuildings – a cosy

H “For the first six months, while the plants grew, if someone came up the front, you’d have to make a quick dash to the bedroom.” RAE PRENTIS YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 63

ARTISTIC PURSUITS Rae’s studio has plenty of space for her art, which pop against the white-painted walls and floors. LAUNDRY This functional area is made fabulous thanks to the dreamy floral wallpaper from Hovis. “Nothing is really static in our house, ‘shed’ for Nick, complete with bar and pool table, and a studio it’s always changing.” for Rae. The latter was a lockdown project, constructed by Nick and fitted out to be a space for Rae to paint, catch up on RAE PRENTIS paperwork, or relax with sleepy dogs and a good book. 64 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN Treasure hunt Neutral tones – white walls throughout the house, with black bathrooms and kitchen – allow Rae’s quirky furnishings and offbeat collectables to pop. “That’s basically all the colour in the house. My style is quite eclectic and I wanted my ‘things’ to do the talking,” says Rae. An incurable collector, Rae adores scouring Trade Me for vintage furniture and discovering eccentric objects – everything from cigarette cards to bird skulls, which she displays under glass cloches. A career as a flight attendant gave her the opportunity to add an extra layer of charm to the home, from stone basins brought home from Bali, to rolls of velvet sourced from the Shanghai fabric markets and used to cover sofas and a bedhead. Art of display Acres of gallery-style white space is de rigueur for an artist’s house – and the one thing the Prentis’ place is lacking. “One thing I didn’t realise with all the glass is that I would lose a bit of wall space,” says Rae. But still, there’s no shortage of fascinating art on display, a combination of retro art prints and, of course, Rae’s own contemporary abstract works, which she sells on Instagram @raeprentis_art. Often inspired by the surrounding landscape or her own flower-filled garden, they combine wild and chaotic shapes with soothing hues, bringing a punch of life and colour to the neutral-toned rooms. Though the home is complete, right down to the charming decor details, Nick and Rae are firm believers in the adage ‘a change is as good as holiday’, and always have a little building project or a garden overhaul on the agenda. Inside the house, rooms are reconfigured from season to season, and frequently on a whim. “One of our favourite things to do is have a couple of glasses of wine, put some music on and move furniture,” says Rae. “Nothing is really static in our house, it’s always changing.” And that’s just the way they like it.

SHOP THEIR STYLE H Rich greens and golds meet earthy prints to Honesty box create an artistic oasis What area did you save on? Our 2 labour was free so we knew we 1 could save money by completing many things ourselves.  3 Where did you splurge? Concreting our very large, 5 semi-steep rural driveway 4 (approximately 650sqm), Best lessons learned? Get to 6 know your tradies and feed 7 them. Never underestimate the goodwill gained from a cup of 8 coffee in the morning and a beer and some pizza in the afternoon.   9 What would you never do again? Paint the interior ourselves. 1 Lara orange and purple distressed rug, $215, from Miss Amara. 2 Gold metal feather mirror, $249, from Interior Painting skirtings, window Warehouse. 3 Earthy natural stone bathroom basin, $550, from StoneBase. 4 French Country large bell food cover, $75, surrounds and window frames is from Ballantynes. 5 Fuji bar stool, $189, from Home Sweet Whare. 6 Callista armchair, around $380, from Artiss. harder than it looks. Get a 7 Seamus cushion, $149, from Shut the Front Door. 8 Painted trees lumbar cushion, $199, from Thread Design. professional for these. 9 Noguchi replica coffee table, $480, from Derlook. Any disasters? No. We had the benefit of Nick’s extensive building experience. We both have a strong work ethic and we really enjoyed the whole process of building our home.  What’s one thing you’d change about your home if you could? The large windows and doors in our house mean we get lots of sun and views. However, I never knew how much damage the sun can do to your furnishings. I am not sure if I would trade the sun and views, though. What was the most memorable experience in the home? Unpacking our purchases prior to moving in. I had been collecting items to decorate the house and it was just so exciting moving them into the space. It was a fantastic moment when my green couch came home from the upholsterers and went inside our home. Budget Roughly $500,000. Finishes Paint Dulux Okarito; Dulux Black in the main bedroom and the studio exterior. Exterior and kitchen island cladding Cedar stained with Resene Wood-X and exterior wood oil in Foundry. Bathroom Wall tiles from Tile Depot, tiledepot.co.nz Laundry wallpaper from Hovia, hovia.com YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 65

NEST MOVE When a couple of empty nesters decided to downsize, it was a chance to design and build exactly what they wanted Photography Swell Productions MEET & GREET 1 THE DESIGN Kim (database After Kim and Neil Ford’s three children left home – administrator) one lives in London and two are flatting, the couple and Neil Ford agreed it was time to downsize. They had a strong (programme vision of what they wanted and engaged architect manager for a Michael Cooper to design a house purpose-built to large engineering their specs on the Hobsonville site they bought. It had company) and to be open plan, have high ceilings, a covered patio cavoodle Otten and underfloor heating to warm up the concrete flooring, as well as an industrial-style staircase in their Ford. 238sqm home, 55sqm of which has rental potential possibly for their elderly parents, children, or as an income source. They also wanted somewhere they could “have their music blaring, doors open, drink lots of wine and have lots of family round”. 2 THE MATERIALS The Fords like industrial materials and wanted to incorporate some of those into the house. “We loved the straight line of Stria Cladding by James Hardie,” says Kim. “It’s basically boxes on top of boxes. It’s also very durable and we could paint it dark. A lot of cladding products don’t allow you to paint it black, but you can with Stria Cladding and it looks really modern.”

YH&G + JAMES HARDIE “A lot of cladding products don’t allow you to paint it black, but you can with Stria Cladding and it looks really modern.” KIM FORD The black exterior works well with the concrete MODERN LOVE The floors, industrial-looking staircase and is a perfect foil Fords love the industrial for the brick work used both inside and out. look and the stripped- back, minimalist style 3 THE INTERIOR was achieved with concrete floors, Stria Having an open-plan living space was important to Cladding painted black, Kim and they were committed to some industrial a concrete and steel elements without going brutalist. “It allows me to cook staircase, and the and chat to our family and friends at the same time.” exposed brick used both inside and out. The Fords splurged on heating under their polished But comfort wasn’t concrete floors, as well as the steel and concrete sacrificed for this staircase, ceiling-to-floor tiled bathrooms and interior design statement. brickwork. “My favourite time of the day is in the “I’m really proud when evening when we have the downlights on the bricks, people say, ‘Wow, it feels which form lots of patterns on the walls, and we have so homely’,” says Kim. candles going and a glass of wine. “I’m really proud when people say, ‘Wow, it feels so homely’.” 4 THE OUTDOORS The bush outlook was part of the initial draw for Kim and Neil, as was having a covered outdoor area. “Our last build didn’t have a covered patio, so we knew this time round we wanted something we could sit under to shelter from the weather and the sun.” They created an outdoor area of two parts – a dining space and a section completely given over to relaxation. “We often put a screen up to make it a bit cosier and provide privacy from the next-door neighbours.” They intend living here for another three years before they decide if they sell and downsize further into an apartment. For now though, they’re happy to stay put.

NEW-BUILD WORKSHEET FINISHES 2 1 3 4 5 6 Upper level 5 7 RESENE STRIA™ CLADDING ELEMENT Made to withstand our unpredictable climate, this 8 ultra-sleek premium cladding is made from premium fibre cement, so it’s low maintenance and can be painted any colour. 5 12 9 13 10 11 6 Ground level 8 HONESTY BOX CONTACTS 17 14 What are the lessons you’ve Builder Sentinel Homes, 16 learned along the way? It always sentinelhomes.co.nz 15 costs more than you think. Concrete floor Concrete Grind & Remember to be patient as good Polish, concretegrindandpolish.co.nz KEY things will come eventually. There’s James Hardie jameshardie.co.nz 1 Main bedroom no point getting stressed when Landscaping Ashdown 2 Walk-in wardrobe things aren’t going to plan. Landscapes, 022 024 2297 3 Ensuite What are a couple of tips you’d Merchant store Thomson’s ITM 4 Void give to anyone planning to build? thomsonsitm.co.nz 5 Bedroom Always do your research, go and Staircase Stairworks, 6 Bathroom look at homes that have been built stairworks.co.nz 7 Office by the builder you’re considering, Trees The Urban Jungle, 8 Deck keep your finger on the pulse, theurbanjungle.co.nz 9 Rental lounge/dining keep them honest and ask your Underfloor heating Gas Serve, 10 Rental kitchen builder heaps of questions. gasserve.co.nz 11 Powder room What’s the one thing you’d 12 Scullery change about your home if you 13 Kitchen could? Maybe, put in an internal 14 Dining fire door. 15 Lounge 16 Laundry BUDGET 17 Garage How much did the build cost? $1,166,000. How did you keep track of costs during the build? Spreadsheets were a great help. How did your budget forecast compare to your actual spend? We went about $60,000 over and our landscaping was $10,000.

LiOnAsDSpOoF Wehave a proDjIeYcts new home online ideas FOR YOUR HOME PARTNERED WITH yourhomeandgarden.co.nz

Hang ups Bold wallpaper is PHOTOGRAPHY ARE MEDIA SYNDICATION having a moment right now. Check out the wallpaper lowdown on page 80. Parakeet Chinoiserie, $369 per roll, from Resene ColorShops. 70 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

RENOVATION 72 Hidden potential An ’80s home didn’t impress at first. 88 Prep talk Jen Jones’ guide to renovating issues. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 71

HIDDEN POTENTIAL When the homeowners first viewed this North Shore property together, one of them loved it – the other not so much Text Holly Jean Brooker Photography Kate Battersby 72 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R We’ve all had one of those awkward first meetings. For Melissa (Mel) O’Shaughnessy, it took a good three or so viewings, and she still wasn’t won over. In 2018, Mel and husband Alex, decided to sell their newly renovated home in central Auckland to move nearer the beach on the North Shore so their family could enjoy more of the water sports and fishing they loved. Connecting with a local agent, Mel was taken through a home to consider. “When he showed me though the house, I honestly thought it was a joke,” she says. “I walked around the house in somewhat of a daze because it was just so ugly.” Alex was away at the time, but on his return he checked it out online and convinced Mel to return for a second look with him. As they walked through the property together, Mel says, “I knew as I walked around with Alex I’d just made biggest mistake of my life. Despite the awful kitchen, outdated interiors and crazy paper doors, Alex had found his dream home.” With its expansive double garage, a view to die for and generous footprint, there was no turning back for the O’Shaughnessy family. “The filleting sink outside was the icing on the cake for Alex. I would like to say that the third time I visited, I was a little more convinced, but I wasn’t. Not even a little,” says Mel. A full house With keys in hand, the family moved into the 1980s brick abode in January 2019. With dated timber accents and bright feature walls, they made a few minor adjustments, painting everything white, to help it feel a little more like them. In August 2021, they were ready to begin the long-awaited renovation. With 22 years of marriage and five renovations behind them, the couple play to their strengths, with Mel admitting, “We’re not YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 73

Meet & greet Alex (film editor) and Melissa O’Shaughnessy (stay-at-home mum), Emma, 17, Jordan, 16, Nathan, 12, Bailey the Labrador retriever and Coco the shih tzu. BEFORE really DIY people. We would much rather leave it BEFORE to the experts.” Nevertheless, with some solid experience up her sleeve, Mel took on the job of design, project management, styling and budgeting. Unfortunately, just one week into their renovation, Auckland went into Level 4 lockdown for five weeks. “It was a nightmare,” admits Mel. “When the builders came back on site (during level 3), we were still under heavy restrictions, so not only were we living in the house while renovating, but everyone was home, all day, every day. At one point, we were living mostly in the garage. We were scattered around the house downstairs, sleeping where we could.” It was an intense seven months, but by February this year, the renovation was complete, with the result being a beautiful six-bedroom home that is now light, bright and open plan. It’s the perfect canvas for Mel to showcase her love of coastal Hamptons style, which can be seen on Instagram @homecreated_ . The main living area upstairs has quickly become the family’s favourite place to be, with incredible views of Stanmore Bay framed by almost every window. Here, the wall between the kitchen and lounge was removed to open up the living space and create more flow. Three of the four beams dominating the living 74 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R ARCH OF TRIUMPH The half arch was inspired by an image Mel saw on Instagram and provided an opportunity to extend the countertop for more bench space, as well as a scullery and room for the fridge. The kitchen cabinetry is by interior fit-out company IPS. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 75

Mel’s top tips + Make sure your quotes + Try and tie the house (verbal and written) include together so it feels + Get recommendations GST. This can add up to cohesive. You can do this when choosing tradies. be a huge expense if you through patterns, materials When you have good tradies haven’t factored in GST and other textures. We did they become like family, (and/or things such as this by putting marble tiles which makes the process delivery costs). on the bathroom floors to so much easier. + Design your home around tie in with the kitchen bench. + The planning and what you love and how you We also used the same budgeting stage is the plan to live in it. If you’re not tapware in both bathrooms, most important part of the a fan of current trends go although we used brushed process. Make sure you put with what works for you. This brass in the main bathroom everything in your budget, includes colour, style and the and brushed nickel in the including a contingency overall feel of the house. ensuite, and it really worked. (usually 20 percent of the overall budget). 76 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R WHITE EVERY TIME On moving in, one of the first things the family did was repaint the walls with Resene Alabaster. In complete contrast, the house exterior was painted in a dark Dulux shade. The oak floor boards are from Allied Flooring, the sofas from Contempa, dining table from Citta, and the dining chairs from Ico Traders. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 77

BY EXTENSION The family bathroom was made significantly larger by removing the existing linen cupboard, hallway, separate toilet and bathroom. Vertical join panelling was used on the walls and the marble tiles used on the floor are from The Tile Room. space were also removed, much to the couple’s pleasure. Surprising solutions However, they did have to settle with keeping one beam. “It would have cost an additional $60,000 to remove Naturally, with a large family, the kitchen draws everyone this, and we decided this could be money used elsewhere,” in like a magnet. Mel wanted to create an open-plan area, says Mel. without a scullery, to optimise space. However, a pesky pole that couldn’t be removed caused an issue here. Using The dated kitchen was completely overhauled, creative thinking, she decided to hide it in a wall, which wooden floors installed, carpet and wardrobes put in all led to the addition of a scullery. “I didn’t like the thought the bedrooms, as well as new window joinery, blinds and that it would make the kitchen look smaller,” Mel admits. “I timber shutters. The original deck was also replaced. saw an image on Instagram with a half arch, which allowed the kitchen bench to run right through, and this was a The main bathroom was enlarged significantly by great solution. It also matched the large arch I had already removing the linen cupboard, hallway, toilet and separate put from the lounge to the hallway and bedrooms. Funnily bathroom. This has created a generous bathroom that enough, we didn’t need the pole in the end, but I’m so works really well for the O’Shaughnessy family. Here, glad we did what we did. It’s better than I hoped and just they chose vertical join groove panelling to reduce goes to show that problems can be a blessing in disguise.” costs, paired with a gorgeous tile in the ensuite. It mimics the tongue-and-groove style and helps bring The scullery served another purpose, says Mel. everything together. “I also didn’t want the fridge where it could be seen and integrating it wasn’t in the budget, so hiding it away in With Alex and Mel’s love of minimalism and white, they the scullery was another perfect solution.” have created a calming coastal home that’s free of chaos and clutter. The natural timber tones, marble and textures Having the family at home during the renovation enhances the resort-like vibe. came with another pleasant surprise. “Our 16-year-old son helped out a little and he loved it so much that he left school to join the building company and become one of their apprentices. It’s a great fit for him.” Future plans Now that the full home renovation is complete, the couple are planning to move their efforts outside, by levelling out the outside section, undertaking extensive landscaping, and creating an alfresco area with built-in barbecue. Mel reflects, “Our home is everything we could have hoped for and there’s very little we would change. Apart from hopefully putting in a pool sometime, we won’t be moving for quite some time.” It just goes to show that things can change, and you shouldn’t always make up your mind after an awkward first date. 78 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R “Design your home around what you love and how you want to live in it.” MEL O’SHAUGHNESSY BEDROOMS All the blinds and shutters are from Carpet Court. The palm wallpaper in Nate’s room is by Boho Art and Styling, the Hang Loose light by Electric Confetti, and the Devonport wire chair from Ico Traders. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 79

A wallpaper renaissance is flourishing and there’s no better time to spruce up your space. Whether you’re a playful maximalist or a contemporary connoisseur, get ready to roll Text Caroline Moratti PATTERN PLAY BLUE PRINT The Emma Hayes Textiles Vine design wallpaper, $499 (330cm x 70cm roll), has a pearlescent finish and is printed using non-toxic inks. OPPOSITE No grout needed for this kitchen wallpaper, which looks like Portuguese tiles. 80 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

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To the uninitiated, wallpaper can be intimidating. Where do you start? What are the options and how do you install it? Why choose it over paint? But for space-defining, forward- thinking interiors, there’s nothing better than a patterned wall to distract, relax or intensify your senses. Interior designer Bridget Foley from Bridget Foley Design says wallpaper is one of the easiest, quickest ways to transform a space. “A whole house of paint can get rather dull. Adding wallpapers to a few rooms adds an element of surprise and interest,” she says. Florals help to soften, stripes widen a room and a whimsical mural can enliven our homes. NO LIMITATIONS From lounge to bathroom to dressing room shelves, wallpaper will add texture and interest. AQUAMARINE SCENE (left) 1838 Wall Murals Bellavista 1905-123-01, $841.95, from Resene Colorshops. 10 TOP TRENDS ● Large florals ● Trompe l’oeil ● Scenic landscape murals ● Archival designs ● Botanical greens ● Textured neutrals ● ’70s retro waves ● Victorian maximalism ● Bohemian blushes ● Art deco panels

R OFF THE WALL Don’t let the name mislead you. In the past, wallpaper was also used to line cupboards and other small spaces. Take a few pointers from history; if you’ve got a leftover roll from your wallpaper hanging project, consider adding some flair to your furnishings. Attack drawers – inside and out – decorate panels, shelves or whatever else strikes your fancy. If you’re unsure about a pattern or colour, there’s no better way to test-run it in your space than through a good old-fashioned arts and crafts day. BUSY LIFE, BUSY WALLS White painted walls will show smears, stains, cracks and chips whereas wallpaper might seem more forgiving and the perfect alternative for busy family life. But any style-savvy decorator should consider practicality alongside fashion before taking the plunge. Bridget recommends thinking about how a room is used. “Is it a high traffic area with children and pets running through and possibly knocking into walls, a den-like space that can handle darker colours, or a restful bedroom?” Asking yourself these questions can help whittle down seemingly overwhelming choices such as colour, size and texture when it comes to your walls. For busy areas where people tend to congregate, such as kitchens, hallways and living rooms, try a paper in heavy-duty vinyl or glass-fibre, which can withstand everyday knocks and bumps. Opting for patterns in these spaces can distract the eye from day-to-day imperfections amongst the clutter. For darker spaces, invest in light-reflecting paper-backed silks to widen and lighten your space. “The scale of a pattern can affect the feel of a room with large scale patterns making a room feel more intimate and smaller patterns giving the illusion of more space and light,” says interior designer Kirsten Ford from Kirsten Ford Design. She notes that a large-scale pattern will also have more impact for big walls that aren’t broken up by windows or doors. “Don’t be afraid to use wallpaper in small spaces – particularly the powder room, to provide friends a stylish and unexpected surprise when they visit. This space doesn’t have to compete with other furnishings, so be bold and make it a showstopper.” YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 83

EASY UPDATE If you’re looking to change the look of a room without the permanence of paint, try removable vinyl wall decal stickers such as this birch trees and birds design. DOUBLE ACT If you’re yearning for industrial-chic exposed brick, or a floor-to-ceiling grand bookshelf, look no further. With wallpaper, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The ancient Romans did it best, using painted frescos to add doors and windows to give that all-important sense of depth and drama to a room. Create space through forced perspective, whether that’s a cityscape mural or a leafy jungle in a children’s bedroom. Add patterns such as simulated concrete or wood in living rooms for interest and intrigue. Wallpaper can go beyond the natural limitations of buildings and spaces, so have fun. The world is your oyster, or your oyster-themed wallpaper. TEXTURE IS TRENDING Our spaces stimulate our feelings – not only emotionally but physically too. In an increasingly digital world, there’s nothing better than a sheepskin rug underfoot or a dazzling sequinned cushion. Walls are no different. “I recently used a black beaded wallpaper in a powder room, and it made a very plain room look incredible,” says Bridget. From fish scales to cork to grass weaves, texture is making waves across our humble abodes. But if you only want to dip a toe in the water, Bridget recommends a light seagrass weave, which adds a sophisticated look to a room without the busyness of pattern. ART DECO INSPIRED 1838 Wallcoverings Elodie Wallpaper Collection Astoria features towering leaves in a symmetrical pattern 1907-139-01, $585.95 (per roll), from Resene ColorShops. 84 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R A RENTAL- SOLUTION Making modifications in a rental space can be a costly task, especially if you’re in the habit of moving around a lot. Thankfully, peel-and-stick wallpaper has emerged in recent years to provide an easy and affordable alternative to traditional methods. There’s no messy primer or paste, simply wipe the walls down with a damp sponge a day prior, then you’re good to go. Working much like a huge sticker, peel-and-stick has the added benefit of being reusable, so renters can continue to have familiar walls, no matter where they live. CHINOISERIE CHIC Heron’s Landing vinyl wallpaper in mint, $279 (108cm width), from Miss Lolo in Auckland, is sold by the lineal metre and is matched with black tapware and a metal-framed shower screen. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 85

VICTORIAN REVIVAL Hand-painted artisanal papers are increasingly winning over consumers with their nostalgic charm. Chinoiserie, a unique mural-like pattern that never repeats itself is heating up in the interior world, finding its roots in East Asian artistic motifs. These dreamy, world- building prints provide a contrast to minimalist and modern furnishings for the contemporary client. “Lots of wallpaper houses are employing young artists to work on archived designs with different scales and colours to update them,” Bridget says, pointing to Sanderson’s William Morris collection as an example of the up-and-coming trend. This 18th-century maximalism has even coined a new term among its devotees: grandmillennial. It’s the elegant, bold-patterned push of your grandparents meeting the selective modern flair of youth. “After years of a more minimalist, mid-century feel, the millennial’s antidote is a “more is more, look,” says Kirsten, and is achieved by combining florals and fringe detailing with contemporary furniture. 86 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R IN WITH THE NEW While wallpaper can bring walls alive, sometimes outdated trends can do exactly the opposite. If you’re stuck with a pattern that no longer appeals, there’s only one question on your mind: can you wallpaper over existing wallpaper? The short answer, according to Resene’s Northern Region retail manager Ingel Janssen, is no. “Back in the day, it was common practice to paper over old wallpaper. However, once vinyl became the standard top surface for wallpaper, wallpaper wouldn’t stick to that vinyl surface.” Old textures and patterns also have a bad habit of showing through the new layer of paper, which is far from ideal. Previously applied wallpaper should come off reasonably easily, but if not, a couple of coats of wallpaper stripper and a broad knife should do the trick. TOOLS OF THE TRADE Tip It’s important to STICK WITH IT always read the label on Much like bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner the wallpaper roll and Take time to prep your walls by filling any party, a die-hard DIY-er should always be cracks or holes to ensure a smooth, flat prepared. Gather all the essential equipment follow any specific finish. Next, prime your walls with wallpaper needed for your wallpapering project to cut down instructions. size to seal the walls and aid movement of on those time-consuming return trips to your your wallpaper when hanging. local hardware store. “Size and wallpaper paste go hand in You don’t need a lot, but you will need some hand,” Ingel explains. “If size isn’t used, you necessities. A plumb bob or spirit level will run the risk of edges and seams curling ensure the paper is hung straight, while a sharp during and after the wallpaper has dried.” snap blade utility knife will guarantee a clean cut. “Always use a sharp blade to avoid jagged edges,” With wallpaper paste, it’s available in says Ingel. Don’t forget a straight edge to trim premixed, powder or flake versions, although scotia and skirtings. take care with ratios when mixing. For pre-pasted paper, use a water trough When you’re ready to hang, your left-to- to place the paper into to react with the water. right instincts may not always be correct. If you’re pasting by yourself, a table or large “You may have chosen a large bold pattern, flat surface will come in handy for the task at which may look great centred on the wall. hand, as will a ladder and a drop cloth. Start in the middle of the wall and work outwards – this will create good pattern Finally, remember a bucket of clean water balance,” Ingel says. and a sponge to remove excess paste from the front of the paper, making sure to refresh the Wall sealer is also essential. “Nearly all water regularly. internal walls in New Zealand are made of paper-faced plasterboard,” says Ingel, which PHOTOGRAPHY ARE MEDIA SYNDICATION, EMMA HAYES DESIGN, ISLAND LIFE An original can create a “patchwork effect” visible under MISS LOLO, ALLIUM INTERIORS, RESENE fabric design of a tapa wallpaper, as well as bleed-through sunburn cloth pattern, this is stains. To mitigate this, Ingel’s go-to is printed over three rolls Resene’s Sureseal pigmented sealer to ensure for maximising the an even coloured surface. pattern repetition. MInd the Gap Samoa, $499, When in doubt, check the instructions as from Allium Interiors. they can vary from product to product. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 87

Reno prep talk How to beat product shortages, unstable pricing and Isupply chain problems in your 2022 home remodelling f you’re thinking about renovating your All floor finishes come in different thicknesses, home, you may be wondering how you’re so if they’re sitting adjacent to one another, such going to navigate the long lead times and as from a carpeted bedroom to a tiled ensuite, constant price increases you keep reading you’ll need to make allowances for floor levelling, about. Ultimately, it all comes down to planning or accept the step.  – which is the 101 of any home renovation, Allowances could mean levelling compound to global pandemic or not. Some of the choices you bring it up, or it could mean cutting down the make in relation to materials and design can sub-floor. Both of these strategies cost money, and have a flow-on effect to construction, never mind the former requires pre-planning for construction. JEN JONES the supply chain problems we’re already navigating. Have you ever tried to open a door and have it Renovations expert Here are 10 important decisions to think about if drag on the carpet? By knowing your floor finishes you’re planning to renovate this year. upfront, your door frames can be installed at the 1. Flooring right height to avoid this, otherwise you’ll need to skim the door later. Floor finishes can have an impact on your project 2. Lighting layouts in several ways. Depending on how specialised they are and where they’re coming from, the lead Although the exact fittings and locations don’t time for your finishes can be longer than your need to be confirmed early (subject to lead times), construction period. Ordering early helps to their approximate locations should be. This ensure they arrive on time. 88 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

R enables the electrician to run cabling in the walls and ceiling cavity to the general location, with a bit of extra slack in case the location shifts more than a few centimetres. Given how in demand all subcontractors are right now, the last thing you want is to mess your sparky around and have them move onto another project. Try have a plan ready for them to work off when they come to the site. 3. Power outlets Much like the lighting layout, you need to have an idea of where and how many power outlets you’ll require early on, to enable cabling through the wall framing before plasterboard linings are installed. You’ll never wish you had fewer power points, so don’t hold back when completing your layout. 4. Windows You’ll need to include the size and location of new windows in your documentation, especially if the project requires a building consent. The supplier will also need to be notified of the programme so they can book you into their manufacturing schedule. Otherwise, if you wait until you’re ready for site measures to let them know, they may not be delivered on time. All manufacturers, especially local ones, are under immense pressure to keep up with the building boom, so if you don’t order early, you risk holding up construction on-site, or needing a workaround. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 89

5. Plumbing fittings Different fittings have different requirements. The location of your shower or bath drain, whether your toilet is plumbed through the wall or floor, and the position of your basin water supply and waste are all determined by their specific fittings. The bonus of making these decisions early is that you might be able to secure a package deal if purchasing everything from one supplier. Be mindful of anything that triggers building consent, such as adding a second toilet, as this will add a few months to your project timeline, not to mention additional cost. Tip It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast array of tile samples. Pick hardy, long-wearing and timeless tiles in porcelain, glass, natural stone or concrete for bathrooms. 90 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

PHOTOGRAPHY ARE MEDIA SYNDICATION 6. Finishing lines R Although standard profiles of skirting and “If your home has a mismatch of trims, scotia are easy to source, custom profiles you’ll need to decide upfront if you’re going aren’t. If your home has a mismatch of trims, you’ll need to decide upfront if you’re to replace any to match.” going to replace any to match. Depending on the decision, your builder may need to 10. Window coverings measure up off the plans and place an order before walls are built, particularly if you’re Be it blinds, sheers, shutters or curtains, choosing your finish, fabric and trying to match existing heritage finishing style early is a necessity. Much like floor finishes and windows, the lead lines that can’t be sourced off-the-shelf. times for the material, as well as booking the manufacturing, could delay your project so it pays to book ahead of time. Be prepared for the risk of 7. Utilities needing to change your fabric selection too, in case of a sourcing issue arising. Have a second choice ready to go. For those building new or renovating [email protected] a house before living in it, you may need to submit applications for water and power YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 91 accounts so your tradies have services to connect to during construction. In a subdivision scenario where a new water meter and pillar-box for power is required, the lead time can be literally months, and ideally both will be connected when the build commences so don’t forget. Similarly, getting your Optical Network Terminal installed so your internet service provider can connect your wifi can be a painfully long process. Book it early – it’s better to need to reschedule than move in without internet. Imagine! 8. Custom anything The benefit of off-the-shelf is just that; it’s off the shelf. Bespoke items such as custom joinery for the bathroom or kitchen however, can take time to be designed, have materials sourced and made – often by hand. The flipside of this, in this current climate, is that if the off-the-shelf item is out of stock, it may well be quicker to have something bespoke fabricated locally to expedite your schedule. 9. Made-to-measure As with custom products, anything that requires a site measure (structural steel, kitchen joinery, bifold doors) will need to have the site measure booked in advance to secure the spot, even if the timing is indicative only. If you’re working with a builder, then it’s likely their responsibility to arrange this, but a good DIY project manager would check that they have.

SLEEP TIGHT Bedrooms are an escape from communal areas of the house, so it’s always a good idea to make them somewhere you want to relax in. It could well be time for a makeover – our bedroom update has the lowdown on how to do that on page 104. 92 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

MAKEOVER PHOTOGRAPHYARE MEDIA SYNDICATION 94 Pretty in pink Life looks rosy at this city pad. 104 Pattern play Roll out the good times with wallpaper. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 93

COOL COMBO Taking a few pointers from Miami- inspired interiors, pink and green should always be seen as far as homeowners Chantal Assinck and Tom Klomberg are concerned. Pink is said to create nurturing feelings while green is said to be restorative and peaceful.

M PRETTY IN Life is looking rosy for an apartment- dwelling couple who have an eye for colour and design PINK

Chantal Assinck and her partner Tom Klomberg Meet & greet live on the third floor of an apartment building Chantal Assinck (location located in the heart of busy city situated near a picturesque, storied river. agency owner) and After a nine-month period of travelling around Tom Klomberg (HR the world, the couple moved from the metropolis consultancy owner). to a different region because of the cheaper house prices, more living space and tranquility. Known for its parks and museums, the new location also has a nice city vibe. Tipped off by a local real estate friend, from the outside the 58sqm apartment didn’t spark their enthusiasm at first, but after viewing they began to see the potential. Built in 1955, in a functionalist style, the building had been devastated by a fire in the ’90s, destroying all its original details. But from the ashes, it also created an opportunity to rebuild and modernise the apartment to the couple’s taste. The apartment layout was redesigned and adapted to their needs. The most important change was the removal of the wall between the kitchen and living room to create one big space, bringing in daylight from both sides. The lowered ceilings were removed and central heating installed. A bathroom was created in a part of the original hall – and they wanted a bedroom with just enough space for their bed. All the structural renovations were done by a contractor, but a lot of the finishing was done by Chantal and Tom. The talented pair created bespoke cabinets, furniture – and their pride and joy – the kitchen. For this they used the most budget-friendly wall tiles from a DIY store, plus the frame of an Ikea kitchen. The fronts of the doors were redone by an interior builder and have been made thicker. Once the builder left, the couple focused on the finishing details, such as paint. Pink is the dominant colour, even the doors and the ceiling were painted in a rosy palette. This bold statement indicates how the residents live: audaciously – with an eclectic sense of style and love for modern art. 96 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

M KITCHEN/DINING Tom and Chantal tiled the kitchen island and counter themselves using an Ikea kitchen form as the base. The grey Lyon Beton concrete chair is from the Hauteville collection, the vintage Tulip table is by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, and the pink chair by Sebastian Herkner for Linteloo. Painting door frames, window sills and skirting boards in the same colour effectively makes them ‘disappear’, drawing more attention to furniture and artworks. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 97



M LIVING The still life photograph on the window sill is Stripe by Mirella Sahetapy, the vintage Bachelor chairs are by Verner Panton for Fritz Hansen and the Cord lamp by Design House Stockholm. The Jasper Morrison stool for Moooi is made of agglomerated cork and the graphic lollipop-shaped Paper Lamp is by Rene Barba for Ligne Roset. The large vintage Berber Beni Ourain wool rug helps to soften the area. YOUR HOME AND GARDEN 99

A bathroom was created in a part of the original hall – and they wanted a bedroom with just enough space for their bed. ON THE TILES After the building contractor left, the couple did the tiling in the bathroom and kitchen, themselves. The concrete Lyon Beton bar stools are part of the Hauteville collection and the Wiggle side chair is by Frank Gehry for Vitra. On the sideboard is a miniature Gerrit Rietveld chair, an heirloom Oriental vase, a vintage abstract white vase and Lotek lamp by Benno Premsela.. 100 YOUR HOME AND GARDEN