Life/Style Oct 2022

SHELLEY FERGUSON had visions of writing her first book in an idyllic creative retreat. Instead, the Auckland interior designer and host of The Block wrote her new Live Luxe while in lockdown, contending with home schooling and feeding her two boys.

Designs for life

Butthat experience made it a better book Ferguson explains. Because like many others, during the pan demic inspired confinement, her home environment came under increased scrutiny.

“Knowing everything about the home has actually been a really helpful way for me to write,” she considers. “My family actually bought a leaky home, which we need to renovate and we can’t. Which is quite liberat ing, because I’ve basi cally used paint, window treatments, cushions, fabrics, and styling, and florals and greenery, and it has transformed it quite a bit.”

This is a topic that is well covered in Live Luxewhere the quick wins and easily added value gains can be made. But along with that the book, subtitled ‘insider secrets to fabulous home reno vations’, offers a wealth of other advice, from the simple to the more advanced aspects of interior design.

The book was conceived as a practical guide that could be used by a range of readers, from DIY renovators, confused homeowners, first time flippers, and those looking to use a professional designer and wanting to know more about the process.

Given Ferguson’s lengthy former career as an editorial director of magazines includ ing Your Home and Garden, it’s no surprise that Live Luxe is beautifully presented,

and easy to digest. It’s well divided into four sections: The Basics, The Process, The Rooms, and The Homes.

The latter is a selection of case studies, while Rooms offers expert advice on how to tackle each space in your home.

Perhaps the most useful for many readers will be The Process, which is an excel lent walk-through of the various stages of the design process.

Ferguson has devised her own SCOPE acro nym for this: Search, Create, Organise, Procure, and Execute.

It’s certainly a use ful device for those struggling to wrap their head around what is required to make their home more liveable.

‘‘Hopefully people get quite a bit out of it,’’ the author says.

‘‘When you’re in your home it gets quite overwhelming, and there’s so much choice out there. So I go through this process of creating your style and creat ing a mood-board, and almost creating a blueprint so that when you’re out shopping and having to make a decision, you come back to it every time. Hopefully it just helps people focus a little more on their decisions.’’

Although some people have an instinctive understanding of colour and style, Fer guson believes that it can also be learned. Having talked to many owners about their

I think creating a look that you love really makes you feel uplifted every day, just like your favourite clothes when you put them on.

Interior designer Shelley Ferguson has written Live Luxe (Photo: Olivia Kirkpatrick)

homes as a journalist, she already had a great understanding of interiors. But having launched her own business in recent years, that knowledge base has been greatly expanded.

All of that expertise gained from both careers has been poured into Live Luxe

‘‘I wrote this almost for what I would have wanted when I went into interior design,’’ Ferguson says.

‘‘There’s a process, and it makes it a lot easier. So I talk about the exact process I use when I go to a client’s home. And taking the brief and looking around their home, choosing the colour palette, shopping tips, all of that.’’

Through social media, magazines, and TV shows including The Block, many people have become more interested in interior design over the last decade. As a consequence, homes are no longer a static environment, but seen as a blank canvas that can frequently be changed to keep things fresh.

‘‘It’s a statement of who you are,’’ Ferguson says.

‘‘And it’s a really enjoyable thing, because home is quite emotional. It’s the one place where you can truly be yourself, and have people over, and do the things you love. I think creating a look that you love really makes you feel uplifted every day, just like your favourite clothes when you put them on.’’

Having left an award-winning journalism career to become a fulltime interior designer, she admits that there were some misgivings. But for those who have a love of interiors and are considering pursuing it, Ferguson is encouraging.

‘‘It really is quite a viable career,’’ she notes. ‘‘So I do think if you have a love for it and a bit of a gift for it, you have to start trusting your instincts to begin with. You have to decide on your aesthetic and your brand, because people are going to come to you for the type of design that you do.’’

* Live Luxe by Shelley Ferguson is published by Allen & Unwin. NZ RRP $45.

The Ezy Kitchens way

Ezy Kitchens is unlike any other kitchen manufacturer.

Although their designs are often European inspired, they are proud to produce quality cabinetry right here in the South Island. This not only means they’re providing local jobs, but that the quality control, innovation, and attention to detail is second to none.

At Ezy Kitchens, they’re all about you, the customer. They often refer to the old saying that a kitchen is the heart of a home, and when they work with a client, the aim is to create the perfect space for you. From classic areas, to contemporary kitchens deserving of a top chef, they really do have a kitchen for everyone.

From the moment a customer steps into the showroom, Ezy Kitchens create a fun, friendly atmosphere. Selecting a kitchen should never

be stressful or a daunting experience, and their goal is to help you enjoy the process. Your kitchen, your way, every time.

When you’re designing a new kitchen, it’s also the perfect time to review your appliances to ensure they suit both your new kitchen and your lifestyle.

Ezy Kitchens have a large range of appliance brands, and their kitchen specialists can help to ensure you have got the appliance that best suits your kitchen and style.

If you’re looking for a designer kitchen they would love to help; and here’s the kicker, if you buy in October you will receive a $1000 grocery voucher to help fill up your new kitchen!

Come on in and discuss your requirements: Ezy Kitchens & Appliances Dunedin, 27 Cumberland Street.

A simple dado rail adds character detail.

(Extracted from Live Luxe by Shelley Ferguson. Photography by Helen Bankers)

Art can

palette for the whole room. (Extracted from Live Luxe by Shelley Ferguson. Photography by Helen Bankers)

Summer breeze

Dreams

Dreams

‘‘I can just feel that soft summer

sang Gladys

about

subtly indicating

arrival. It’s time to usher

these

with a new

and a new

that will keep you

the

Summer breeze

Christopher Motion Ridge shirt, 100% cotton with pleated side and relaxed sleeves, available from Guild in Dunedin.

Self Destruct Studio organic cotton FunGuy tee, available from Guild in Dunedin.

Self Destruct Studio organic cotton Reverse Blob tee, available from Guild in Dunedin.

Self Destruct Studio Open Me Up tee with hand embroidered detail, available from Guild in Dunedin.

Aunty polyester/ viscose bird print top, available from Guild in Dunedin.

Aunty linen mix overshirt, available from Guild in Dunedin.

Jackie Ryder Fresh Mint linen dress, available from Guild in Dunedin.

Twenty Seven Names dress, available from Inside Out in Dunedin.

Gregory check dress, available from Inside Out in Dunedin.

Superdry Vintage Merch store t-shirt, available form Void in Dunedin.

Eyelet t-shirt, available from K&K Fashions in Dunedin and Invercargill

Aunty polyester/ viscose bird print top, available from Guild in Dunedin.

Withover 80 years’ experience in construction, they are renowned for their quality, attention to detail, and innovative and forward thinking.

They were recently awarded a Gold and a Silver Award in the Registered Master Builders ‘House of the Year’ competition, the residential building industry’s most prestigious competition. And they have also been named in the 2022 Top 100 - a huge achievement that they are very proud of!

The brand new Breenhomes Show Home has just opened in the popular new subdivision Dunstan Park, in Alexandra.

The home boasts sophisticated design, a clever use of space, quality appliances, and efficiency features, making it an ideal family home. It will be open seven days, from 12pm until 3pm, or by appointment, so be sure to come and check it out at 38 Henderson Drive, Dunstan Park, Alexandra.

Breenhomes is established throughout Otago, with offices in Alexandra, Cromwell, Wanaka, Twizel, Oamaru, and Dunedin. They can design your build or build your design, so contact them today, and let them build your dream home!

As luck would have it a couple of blokes in Auckland were looking to expand their fledgling e-bike business. Michael Tritt, who founded electrify.nz, is a Dunedin lad who grew up and studied here. So what better place for their first owner operated licensee than Dunedin? Since then electrify. nz has expanded to 10 stores nationwide and so they are truly New Zealand’s e-bike specialists.

Having been a technician in the Airforce and a keen cyclist all his life, owning an e-bike shop seemed a perfect fit for Mike. Fast forward five years and e-bikes have exploded onto the scene.

There have been a few challenges over the last couple of years due to supply constraints, but Electrify’s long awaited shipment of KTM bikes has landed and there are still some available that haven’t been pre-sold.

Another category of bike gaining momentum overseas is the mid-power lightweight eMTB. Nox is a boutique German company producing really nice Enduro bikes running the Fazua Ride 50 trail drive system, and a fully removable motor and battery. Electrify NZ have one in the country now doing a road show, and hopefully we will see the first shipment in January 2023. Keep a look out for when the demo bike is in Dunedin.

Mike and Dexter are available Monday thru to Saturday to discuss your e-bike needs. Come in and have a look at the options available.

in 2017, Mike was looking for a new direction upon leaving the

Bring out the best in your home with the latest new looks and colours

Stormy blues and charcoals create classy comfort that invites you to come and relax. Wall and floor painted in Resene Ocean Waves with painted headboard in Resene Night Magic, table and bench in Resene Half Nocturnal, vase in Resene Baring Head and book and small vase in Resene Eau De Nil. Lamp from Cane Collection, rug from Bed Bath & Beyond, bedding from Città, shoes from Miss Wilson. (Project: Melle Van Sambeek, photo: Bryce Carleton)

Stripes are a simple but effective way to make a statement. Wall in Resene Alabaster with masked stripe in Resene Frozen and hand-painted stripe in Resene Quarter Frozen, floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, dresser in Resene Biscay with stripes in Resene Spindle, Resene Alabaster and Resene Kashmir Blue and bowl and vase in Resene Biscay. Duvet cover from Foxtrot Home, throw from H&M Home, striped pillowcases from Ezibuy.

(Project: Vanessa Nouwens, photo: Bryce Carleton)

Earthy greens really sing against wood tones and textures. Walls in Resene Wilderness, lamp base in Resene Woodland and painted accessories in Resene Half Scotch Mist. Bedside table and chair from Good Form, bedding from Foxtrot Home, rug and cushions from Mulberi.

(Project by Amber Armitage, image by Flash Studios).

Muted sunset and ocean tones invoke calm and relaxation. Wall painted in Resene Sakura, jug vase in Resene Fountain Blue and painted books in Resene Fountain Blue and Resene Hot Toddy. Chair from Cintesi, bedlinen from Foxtrot Home, artwork by Carmel Van Der Hoeven.

Ifyou’ve decided your white walls are boring, that things are starting to feel stale or your design no longer meets you and your family’s needs or priorities, it’s time for a new look. But what if you’re not sure where to start?

Whether you’re building new, moving or simply looking to redecorate your home to better suit your personality and lifestyle, we’ve rounded up some of the latest paint and decorating ideas to help inspire your next project. Adapt the ideas and colour combinations to suit your own quick weekend refresh, a new feature to indulge your favourite Resene colours or a total home makeover.

Slow spaces

In an increasingly challenging and uncertain world, spaces where you can wind down, take a load off and minimise stress are more popular than ever. This shift towards making our homes into havens where we can shelter from the chaotic energy of everyday life has also influenced colour trends as we seek out comforting hues that are known for their calming qualities.

Dusted blues, sea greens, creamy whites, petal pinks, mushroom mauves, cloudy greys and washed timber tones like Resene Inside Back, Resene Green Meets Blue, Resene Blanc, Resene Sakura, Resene In The Mauve, Resene Surrender, and Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy are perfect for setting the tone in spaces where rest and recuperation are needed, which has increased demand for these gentle colours as more of us look to leverage their magic in our home sanctuaries.

Natural healing

For most of human history, our connection to nature was a given as our daily lives were intimately tied to the cycles of the sun, the seasons and the natural world around us. It’s only in more recent times that we have started to earn a living, go shopping, enjoy endless entertainment and even socialise without ever leaving home. While convenient, this separation from nature may be taking a toll on our health. Although no indoor environment can replace the experience of the natural world, research is showing that incorporating nature into the built environment – whether in the form of sunlight and fresh ventilation, decorating with

Invoke a sense of adventure or an exotic hotel retreat with jungle themed Resene Wallpaper Collection 91102. Glamourous fixtures and fittings, with plenty of natural greenery will help you go for a full immersion experience that will be one to remember for your guests.

plants and organic materials or painting your space in earth-inspired hues – can improve comfort, reduce stress and potentially contribute to improved health indicators. This principle is known as biophilic design.

As more of us have begun to understand the benefits of biophilic design, natural colours like Resene Bone, Resene Copyrite, Resene Castle Rock, and Resene Stonewashed have become increasingly popular. But today, there is no earthy hue more desirable to decorate with than green. From olive and army like Resene Olive Green, Resene Waiouru and Resene Siam, deep forest greens like Resene Black Forest, Resene Jurassic, and Resene Raptor to grey greens like Resene Paddock and Resene Finch, the choices for on-trend greens are as broad as the ways you can use them in your home.

Fortune favours the bold Though plain, pared back, all-white spaces may have once been thought of as the epitome of contemporary design, it turns out living in an environment that’s too sterile and devoid of colour doesn’t do your mental wellbeing any favours. As a remedy to boring walls (and something fun to do to pass the time), spaces with bold and graphic painted elements surfaced as a significant trend during lockdowns. But even as restrictions have loosened, decorators are continuing to uniquely express themselves through creative and customised decorating. Whether you’re dreaming of a statement wall in an eyecatching colour and design, want to build up a richly layered pattern-on-pattern look or feel like even just a little more character would go a long way, putting your personality on display has never been more in vogue.

Glamour and darks Don’t be afraid of the dark. Used with some thought, dark colours can create spaces that are inviting, sumptuous and luxe without being overbearing or stuffy. The key is balance. Try bold, dark, colour-saturated shades like smoky Resene Nocturnal, charcoal Resene Invincible and sumptuous blue Resene Ocean Waves paired with contrasting metallics like Resene Silver Aluminium for extra opulence, or with milky neutrals like Resene Friar Greystone, Resene Stepping Stone, or Resene Courtyard for freshness and light that ensures the space stays modern and elegant.

A swathe of dark wall, whether it’s in the stylish navy of Resene Coast, charcoal Resene Cod Grey or dark maroon Resene Rustic Red, is lent an extra note of sophistication when it includes texture. Try painting over Resene Anaglypta Wallpaper or, for a more natural texture use Resene Colorwood Pitch Black or Resene Colorwood Dark Ebony stain over plywood to showcase the grain. It has a similar effect to using luxury fabrics like velvet or suede. Emphasise the tactile finish with contrasting shinier surfaces and lighter highlight colours.

Chit chat

For design elements that are immediate, eyecatching conversation starters, it’s hard to go past Resene wallpaper. Whether you want to go for bold drama in a whole room or a simple statement wall, the latest wallpaper designs are a good place to start.

A few drops of the right Resene wallpaper design can instantly change a room but to really get people talking, think about designs that are unique, unexpected or even outrageous. Playful and colourful options will let you experiment with complementary Resene paint colours in other parts of the room. Try out on-trend neutrals and textures or embrace the trend for flamboyant jungle and botanical designs. That’s a great feature of wallpapers - their versatility. You can experiment with different design and colour trends at once, whether it’s tonal neutrals, bold nature designs, glamorous geometrics or simple stripes.

We’re throwing off the shackles of conformity. The ‘rules’ haven’t just been rewritten; they have been erased. Embrace ‘free to be me’ and throw colour caution to the wind. Don’t choose a trend or a colour just because it is trendy. Choose it because it sings to you. Choose it because it brightens your day and lifts your mood. Choose it because you truly love it.

See your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Resene Colour Expert free anytime, www.resene.co.nz/colourexpert, for all the inspiration and advice you need for your decorating projects.

Happy decorating!

Over the past few years, we’ve been spending much more time at home – and it’s become clearer than ever what an effect our decorating can have on our mood and psyche.

centre

With their range of houseplants, sustainable gardening inputs, hydroponic equipment, quality hand tools, and a huge range of fertilisers and plant food, Vogel St Garden Centre’s experts are the solution to struggling gardens. The garden centre has been open since May and has enjoyed a rapidly growing customer base. Garden centre manager Hamish Archer has been blown away with the response from customers. ‘‘I’m surprised by the products that draw the most attention: the mushroom grow kits by Mycologic are incredibly popular, a lot of people stop in to browse and end up buying a kit as a gift. We have a growing collection of heritage seeds, and our medicinal herb kits by Derived From Nature are something I don’t think anyone else has in Dunedin.’’

Vogel St Garden Centre also stocks the full range of Seacliff Organics’ soil amendments and substrates, the perfect addition for seasoned gardeners, and the best way to grow speciality plants in Dunedin’s climate. Located across the road from Restore nestled between Cumberland and Vogel St, the garden centre has plenty of parking and will help take your garden to the next level.

Since 1994, Timber Direct Otago has established a reputation for providing a range of quality products and timber processing services, backed by dedicated customer service.

It is their mission to honour the South Island macrocarpa resource and unlock its beauty and strength by transforming it into valuable products that will last.

Southern Post and Rail is a popular fencing choice that is suitable for both town and country, with fences in a range of styles. Made from locally grown Macrocarpa, the post and rail fences can be stained in a range of finishes or left to silver naturally. These fences are cost efficient for larger properties. Southern Post and Rail fences are made from premium grade timber using a computercontrolled system for routering the mortises for a precision fit.

They are easy to install, and perfect for urban or lifestyle properties and come in many configurations.

Their custom milling services mean they can work directly with you to achieve your specific goals. No job is too big or too small.