Fully Functional
If there are current trends, they’re about ease, streamlining, quality and recess-enabled concealment. We want visual quiet. We’re rejecting clutter. Function is key, designers remind us. Here are some current ideas for these hard-working rooms: Give kitchens and bathrooms optimal space. Consider their natural connection to greenery and the outdoors. […]
Say Hello to Yellow
It’s the divisive hue of the colour wheel; in nature, when paired with black, yellow means danger; in Japan it represents courage; in Russia, a psychiatric hospital is known as a ‘yellow house’; it is also the colour of sunshine, happiness and sunflowers. Yet it seems this happy hue has […]
Architectural Mystery: Murray Hewitt Joinery
There are few architectural details that can give a home a sense of mystery and wonder like a secret door leading to a hidden room. If you’ve ever wanted a private hideaway, extra secure storage for valuables, or an almost magical escape to another world, a hidden room is sure […]
New look kitchens: Dream Doors Christchurch
Dream Doors Christchurch can transform the hub of your home, providing a new look without the new kitchen price. Owner Adrian Kay leads a dedicated team of four skilled tradesmen, specialising in kitchen renovation/remodelling. “Our kitchen facelifts are what sets us apart,” he says. “We retain the bones of the […]
Lighting Strikes
Eclectic, colourful, one-of-a-kind; they’re all great descriptors for the light of your life. We’re not talking about your Romeo or Juliet here, but rather the literal light of your life. A fundamental part of our everyday living, the benefits of modern lighting have evolved well beyond their core functionality and […]
Unique aquatic playground: Lake Hood
A stunning man-made lake, recreational facility and residential community the size of North Hagley Park is the largest man made recreational lake in New Zealand. Imagine your own waterfront property with a private jetty at the bottom of your garden. Lake Hood is in excess of 90 hectares in area […]
Embracing our accessible city
Architect Craig South takes a look at how Christchurch’s growing cycle and pedestrian infrastructure is poised to transform the city’s future. Part of the vision for the Christchurch rebuild was to create a city that would be safer, cleaner and easier to access. Most Cantabrians agree with that in principle, […]
Stopped in their Tracks: National Kitchen and Bathroom Associations
Canterbury’s own Ingrid Geldof has made the province proud again by bringing home nine awards from the National Kitchen and Bathroom Associations (NKBA) awards presentation. Ever modest about her achievements, Ingrid quietly admits it is the highest number of awards ever won by a designer in a year. You can […]
Retaining Character: G.I. Builders
Transforming character homes into homes suitable for 21st century lifestyles takes both building expertise and empathy for the features of the original house. “It actually takes what I call a building brain,” says Grant Irving of G.I. Builders Ltd. “That’s something you develop over years of experience in doing a […]
The height of sophistication: Louvre Solutions
Indulge in the height of sophistication, the freedom of outdoor entertaining and relaxing in style to your own schedule. Spring is upon us and with the promise of long summer evenings on the horizon, now is the perfect time to plan on creating an exterior space that will enhance your […]
