Matte Black Rules
It’s pretty much a given that the top spot in the neutral colour system has always being held by black. Lily Langtry, Victorian actress and muse of Oscar Wilde, knew that. When her brother died, she donned black, as was customary, but realising it made her look even more beautiful, Lily refused to stop wearing […]
Lights Up!
Much like fashion, lighting trends often reflect on bygone eras. Here are some styles currently lighting up 2019. Mid-century Modern reigned from the 1920s to 1970s. The atom-influenced Sputnik chandelier is a fine example of this style. Much in vogue from the 1950s onwards, it’s been updated through the decades, with finishes such […]
Tonal Triumphs
If your current downtime reading finds you poring over paint brochures trying to find that elusive complementary colour scheme that will match and not clash, then make it easy on yourself, and on the eye, by thinking tonal hues. Going tonal not only makes rooms appear larger and more defined, but keeping it in the […]
Home Hygge
Do you remember that scene from The Sound of Music when Maria calms the von Trapp children on a stormy night by singing those immortal words ‘Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens’…? The sentiments behind ‘My Favourite Things’ may well be universal, but the Danish, […]
Raising the bar
The word is out and you’d better believe it – bar carts are back! From bespoke French cabinetry models through to art-deco Hollywood-glam and retro stainless-steel models, the bar cart is your mobile, multi-tasking must-have – something your grandmother could have told you years ago! So, wheel on in the star of the […]
The Poetry of Graffiti
It was a packed room in Tūranga, Christchurch Central Library, when renowned Canterbury poet, Bernadette Hall, launched Contents Under Pressure, the debut poetry collection by poet, editor and writer Gail Ingram. Gail describes her book as a novella told in poetry. “It’s set post-quakes, and is about a mother under pressure who sneaks […]
Adam Rennie in the Spotlight: Q&A
Metropol catches up with actor Adam Rennie as he prepares for his first production with The Court Theatre from May 11 to June 1 – Hedwig and the Angry Inch. When did the acting bug first bite you, Adam? When I was 6 or 7, I was in a production of Oliver […]
Business Stars of the Future
It was very much a red carpeted affair on Tuesday 11 March when a crowd of bright young things gathered to hear who would be announced winner of the Big Break Award for 2018-19 from the Dream Believe Succeed Foundation. The evening began with last year’s winner, Oliver Hunt, speaking of how the award had […]
Wild child with a Violin
Fiona Pears was five when her mother took her to see renowned violinist Carl Pini in concert. “I just fell in love with the violin. There was something about this crazy sounding instrument. I must have nagged mum and dad because eventually I found this tiny violin in my Christmas stocking.” At 12 […]
Jumping for Cancer
At the age of 31, Lisa Tennekoon was diagnosed with breast cancer and her happy life suddenly morphed into an endurance test of harrowing chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions. Lisa’s mother Bev Morrissey was diagnosed with breast cancer at 62 and died from it aged 64, then six years ago, Lisa’s father John died […]