Tropical Dreaming

Tropical Dreaming

It may have been inspired by some rather wishful thinking on our part, as we engage all our survival tactics to make it through the winter months. But tropical prints are gaining notoriety across interiors, fashion, prints, home decor accessories and art.   At it’s heart, this trend is about incorporating lots of lush, exciting […]

Walk on the dark side

Walk on the Dark Side: Why not eschew the starker for the darker this season?

They say blondes have the most fun and, while we’ve been on the blonde bandwagon when it comes to our timber furnishings for the longest of times, furniture is set to take a walk on the dark side this season. From side tables, consoles and coffee tables to cabinets, dining tables or shelving, furniture in […]

NZ Flower and Garden Show

Gardens for Tomorrow: Win with Metropol

Gardeners are endearing optimists. Frosts herald blue skies and sunny days, and there’s no such thing as a depressing winter garden when, already, jonquils are scenting the air and daphne buds are soon to flower. Gardeners don’t live for today; they’re too busy dreaming of tomorrow, and the tomorrow after that.   One event that […]

Metropol Cover

Colour by numbers: Updating the Home

With colours, fabrics, furnishings and accents all part of the redecorating equation, updating your home is easier said than done. The art of creating a space that makes an impact takes creative courage and a sense of conviction that you know what you want. But as with anything, there’s some clever rules that will make […]

Cushion Crush

Cushion Crush

Cushions have long held a soft spot in our hearts, with their ability to quickly and beautifully update our living spaces. There’s plenty to tickle your decorating fancy this season, as some of our most popular home themes culminate in a rich and diverse range of styles for the taking. Texture is big this season […]

Out of the Bleu

A Stylish Store: Out of the Bleu

Customers often comment on the warm ambience that greets them as they enter Out of the Bleu – the stylish little homeware store tucked behind the Blue Dairy in the centre of Amberley. Refurbished furniture is complemented by beautiful homewares. Gorgeous lamps, colourful, cosy throws for beds, chairs and sofas, along with cushions in vibrant […]

Rallying for Retro

Rallying for Retro

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then consider the retro aesthetic to be positively blushing. Because, from crushed velvet and psychedelic florals, to pretty pastels and paisley prints, we’re seeing a strong rise in the popularity of a 20th century aesthetic that combines the old with the new and it’s not hard to […]

Master Painters

Southern Success: Master Painters

The Master Painters New Zealand Association and its members have been painting the South Island red – both in the literal and metaphorical sense of the expression, with South Island businesses achieving notable success in the recently completed New Zealand Master Painter of the Year Awards in Queenstown. While members from Christchurch, Nelson and Timaru […]

O’Neil Architecture

Creating Exceptional Spaces: O’Neil Architecture

O’Neil Architecture has been admired for its sophisticated enduring designs, spatial fluency, and the ability to make ordinary objects and materials desirable. The company is working on new homes throughout the country, as well as a few exciting projects right here in Christchurch. We recently sat down with Director Darren O’Neil and Senior Designer David […]

Orange Homes

Out of the Ordinary: Orange Homes

Orange Homes does not build ordinary homes. Style, substance and quality are the company’s by-words. That is exactly what potential clients will see when they visit its newest showhomes. Opening 21 July in Prestons Park is a striking home clad with the new White Euro Brick from Midland Brick, featuring cedar detailing. “The house is […]