Outdoor options

Al fresco season feels upon us, or almost, which means it may too be time to update your outdoor entertaining areas. Whether that’s a patio, deck or poolside space – here’s Metropol’s pick for items to consider.   Posh perches Outdoor seating is essential if you plan to while away the days […]

Going Global: Global Living

Not being able to go global doesn’t mean you can’t. Global Living owner Kieran Kavanagh tells Metropol how travel restrictions are seeing Kiwis focus more on what is around them – typically their homes.     Furnishing a home with top of the range and custom-made furniture can feel as good as […]

The B word: South Architects

When planning new home projects, conversations about budget and expectations should start early. Don’t wait until the design is underway, suggests Craig South of South Architects. Getting ready to build a new home is so exciting, particularly if it is for the first time. As architects, it is incredibly rewarding to work […]

Growing self-sufficiency

Vegetable patches the country over expanded this year, as a nationwide lockdown and mile-long supermarket queues inspired many households to grow their own. And for some, the enthusiasm hasn’t waned. Here’s Metropol’s tips for planting out your vege patch for spring.   WHAT TO PLANT While it is still too early to […]

Hedging your bets

Luscious additions to any garden, hedges are living walls ideal for creating privacy and shelter, filtering out noise, dividing areas or for creating an elegant garden character. When cared for well, hedges can be immaculate high-impact features. Here’s Metropol’s top tips for cultivating a lush hedge of your own.   Know your […]

Style stencilled in: RESENE

Virtually endless in its versatility, stencilling is unmatched in its ability to produce a big effect with very little effort. In this room, stencilling triangular tiles has achieved a casual look with a bit of Mediterranean feel – not unlike the tiles you might find in a Greek or Italian trattoria. Since […]

Centre Stage: Harcourts Gold – Au Staging

Staging properties for sale has become more common in real estate, and what bigger endorsement for the practice than one of Christchurch’s top real estate business owners starting a home staging business. Harcourts gold’s Lynette McFadden tells Metropol about her new venture, Au Staging.   What is the Au Staging difference? I’ve […]

Hillside sleek: Smylie Builders

In completing this stunning SDMC Architecture-designed home on Cannon Hill, Smylie Builders have provided a fabulous outcome for the owners, who faced tribulations in getting back onto their much-loved site post-earthquakes.   “Topography dictated the design, and we were involved in the whole process from design to completed build,” says Smylie Builders […]

Bright idea for Dark Sky: Sheppard and Rout

In winning the brief to design the award-winning Dark Sky Project, Sheppard and Rout have once again excelled.   Director Jasper Van der Lingen, along with Jonathan Kennedy and Duncan Barron, led this important development which houses the newly restored 125-year-old Brashear Telescope, an astro-tourism facility, an observatory, experience area, a café/bar/restaurant, […]

Is your ride road ready? Leading Edge Automotive

Spring is here at last. The days are getting longer and best of all, the weather is getting warmer. Now is as good a time as any for a road trip in our own backyard. However, making sure your wheels are tip top before you hit the road is paramount.   At […]