Oriental influence
Take inspiration from 2024’s Lunar Year mythical creature, the dragon. A traditional Chinese festival, commonly known as “Guo Nian”, the festival heralds the start of spring in China, and the arrival of the new year. Celebratory customs include sticking Spring Festival couplets, buying New Year’s goods, and family dinners. Here are some ideas […]
Come on in
A home’s front door is often the first thing potential owners and visitors see, setting the scene and the expectation for what is inside. These days, it is easy to brighten up your front entrance with a lick of paint, new handles, or a brand new door. Homes, no matter what their style, […]
Science-based skincare
The term ‘skincare’ hit record highs on social media as a trend in 2023, and the popularity encouraged many brands, new and old, to jump on to the bandwagon creating skincare products. Thankfully, science is becoming the number one driver in skincare. Rightfully so, our skin deserves the best possible care, and noticeably […]
Re-assign design fun
As 2024 slowly unravels, numerous design aspirations are being re-ignited giving rise to a renewed determination to decorate anew. Something about entering the vibrancy of a new year begs us to chase the object of our design affections. Often, it’s more than that instinctive and necessary new year spring clear-out. Rather, it is […]
Pounamu: Greenstone Shop
Pounamu has long been held as a Taonga or natural treasure. It’s easy to see why this beautiful stone called pounamu has captured the hearts of New Zealanders and visitors alike. The unique range of colours, and smooth, comforting feel of the stone makes Greenstone highly prized. Now, pounamu is revered worldwide. Based […]
Clothes with character: Zebrano
Life is all about becoming your version of iconic. Expressing your true self and doing it boldly. Naturally, clothing is a valid medium to do so. Expressing edgy is easy at Zebrano, with a curated collection of leading New Zealand, Australian, and international clothing excellence in sizes 14 plus. Zebrano’s Style Gurus, committed […]
Art is a gift: SCAPE
Check out the 2023 season of SCAPE Public Art before it closes on 14 February 2024. This season, SCAPE presents debut public artworks by exciting artists from Aotearoa, responding to the curatorial theme The Gift. “They [the artists] have carefully considered how gifting can be threaded through their work, not necessarily in the […]
Spring time is heart break
In the exhibition Spring Time is Heart-break several artists have considered tangata whenua relationships with the land, water, natural environment, and indigenous species. Megan Brady (Kāi Tahu, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Pākehā) has reconnected with her Ngāi Tūāhuriri whakapapa and the Rakahuri river, creating beautiful handmade carpets with flowing patterns that you can rest on. […]
Flower farming for wellbeing
University-stressed and soul-searching Jaz Rule looked to nature for a spark during lockdowns. Instead, she found everything she’d ever needed to overcome anxiety and the pressures flooding her. Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker finds out why. Lost and confused, deep into a degree in human services and sociology, Jaz pondered her purpose. Online […]
A lot of Lotus
It’s the end of an era for Lotus. The coveted Hethel-based sports car brand founded by the late great Colin Chapman has made the decision to transition towards an all electric future. Ben Selby reports. That said, Lotus’ internal combustion is not going out quietly. Say hello to the Emira, the last petrol […]
