Character study: RESENE

Let rebooted neutrals bring a multidimensional minimalism to your bedroom. What are ‘character neutrals’ when they’re at home? You’re looking at a few of them. The Resene Tea paint used on this wall is one such colour, as is the floor in Resene Blanc. The former is a complex river-boulder beige that’s perfect when pure […]

Stunning statements

While holding beautiful blooms is the core purpose, a vase can make a statement on its own.   Impactful colour, interesting shapes and different textures can make a vase an artful addition to your living spaces and add a surprising new dimension to more neutrally decorated rooms. As they take up little space and are […]

More NKBA winners

Canterbury designer Angelique Armstrong of Armstrong Interiors won two NKBA 2021 awards.     The first was the Spatial Innovation Design – Commercial award for an inspiring showroom with a difference, the ‘Neff Market Kitchen’. Judges noted the space had a wonderful rustic vibe while also balancing a warm and inviting refinement. “The incredible corner […]

Design excellence

  Christchurch kitchen designer Davinia Sutton made history at the recent National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) Excellence in Design Awards, with her business taking home a record-breaking 13 awards.       Her awards, for seven unique kitchen and bathroom designs, included the prestigious Supreme Kitchen Design Award, the Supreme Bathroom Design Award and […]

Spanish revival: RESENE

  Take inspiration from Californian Spanish-style homes to create a conversation pit that’s a conversation piece in itself.     Modern California Spanish style champions simple yet elegant design as it’s known for symmetrical decorating and reframing interior spaces with archways. Warm woods are a staple in this style too, which makes relaxing desert tones […]

Bring some French romance to your bedroom

  French décor is one of the world’s most enduring styles, and head of the list is the bedroom or boudoir.     One of the most embraced and romantic is the country bedroom. From casual to chic, this style is often about soft feminine neutrals and pastels or the complete opposite, more masculine yet […]

Perfectly pretty paisley

  Paisley, once only popular as a bandana print, is tipped to be a top trend this summer.     The teardrop-shaped pattern has been a regular on fashion catwalks for decades, and now major textile producers and furniture manufacturers are also embracing paisley. You too can join the paisley parade whether it be reflected […]

Rug up for winter

  Our bodies aren’t the only things we need to rug up this winter… our living spaces could also do with an injection of rugs, too. These floor coverings anchor a room and work hard to define and differentiate spaces in a home.     Rugs can be used to frame an area, such as […]

Working with murals

  Wall murals are an easy way to turn a plain wall into an artistic expression and also an art form that dates back to around 30,000BC.       Well-known ancient murals include paintings in the Chauvet cave in France, found in Egyptian tombs in 3150BC, Pompeii in 100BC-AD79 and Minoan places around 1700-1600BC. […]

Visions expertly brought to life: McDonald & Hartshorne Quality Furniture

  Personal service, expertly crafted customised furniture and upholstery, and attention to detail make McDonald & Hartshorne Quality Furniture Specialists the people to call on for a fresh new look.     Company co-director Keith Hartshorne personally deals with clients in one-on-one consultations, enabling him to determine clients’ needs. In-home visits assist with fabric selection […]