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AOTEAROA HOMES + IDEAS + ADVICE

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

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THE TRENDS ISSUE On the leading edge in 2026

THE NEXT SUPERHOME Where high tech means easy living

TELLING STORIES Hand-drawn wallpapers with New Zealand narratives

HOT STUFF The toasty tones and warm finishes we love 105

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Welcome Y

ou get to be of a certain age, and you see trends start to circle back around. Music, fashion, interiors. I once read there was a rule that if you wore a style the first time around – the baggy jeans of the 1990s, for example – you are too old to be wearing it the next time. To that, I say, rubbish. Sadly I don’t seem to be able to carry off the latest barrel-legged jeans even though I love them, but otherwise I’m all in on the colourful trainers and giant blazers. Fashion is supposed to be fun. The same goes for interiors. Who would have thought in the heyday of minimal millennial grey that toasty colours, fine detailing and timber finishes would be back, and isn’t it great? My feeling is that we’re all in need of some TLC. Self-care is important, and in these rather trying times, we want a safe, comfortable, even nostalgic, place to come home to every day. Hand in hand with that is the fact that the architecture and construction industries are constantly coming up with innovations that make our lives better. So embrace the new trends. Or, honestly, don’t. One of the greatest trends today is personalisation, and the freedom to create a home that’s exactly right for you. So if you still love millennial grey, own it. Whatever your perfect home is, our experts will guide the way with all the latest updates on architecture, building, renovating and decorating in our special section, The Leading Edge, from page 29. Enjoy 2026, and some new beginnings.

Cassie Doherty EDITOR cassie@27publishers.co.nz

PUBLISHER

Twenty Seven Publishers Ltd lisa@27publishers.co.nz EDITOR

Cassie Doherty cassie@27publishers.co.nz

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CONTRIBUTORS

Sven Alberding, Robyn Alexander, Rachael Cone, Simon Devitt, Stephen Goodenough, Sam Hartnett, Warren Heath, Andy Kruy, Rachael Kwok, Simon Larkin, Lightforge Photography, Maxwell Productions, Dean McGuigan, Anna McLeod, Nathan Miglani, Tony Milne, Wendy Morgan, Jono Parker, David Straight, Liam Stretch, Jonathan Tillick, John Williams PRINT

Blueprint, Christchurch ISSN 2703-3279 (Print) ISSN 2703-4445 (Online)

@abodemagazineNZ

@abode_magazine

info@hallmarkhomes.co.nz

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abode is published bi-monthly and is a registered trademark. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter contained herein. The reader of this publication assumes all responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Any perceived slight of any person or organisation is completely unintentional. abode asserts copyright on all material published within abode and none of it shall be reproduced, wholly or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. abode reserves the right to edit or abridge all letters or other material, whether solicited or otherwise, prior to publication. For all enquiries, please email hello@27publishers.co.nz

Contents FE ATU RE S 16

O N TH E S C E N E A peek inside some hospo hot spots

B U I LD I N G LE G AC I E S Offering long-term architectural care

I N S I D E S T Y LE An architect at home, and a 70s revival

THE LE ADING EDGE : TRENDS IN 2 026 30 WALLPAPER 32 WOODWORK 34 ROOFING 36 FLOORING 3 8 HOT WATER 39 BUILDING 40 TIMBER 41 STRUCTUR AL ENGINEERING 42 TILES 43 BATHROOMS

HOME S

LI G H T H E A R TE D Sophisticated, but not too serious

A MODERNIST VISION Mid-century style in a new build

TH E S U P E R P H I LO S O P H Y High performance and great design

R I S E A B OV E A beautiful rebuild in a flood zone

TH E H I G H LI F E Stunning design to match the views

S U B U R B A N OA S I S ˉ An ambitious renovation in Otautahi

C A B I N CO O L A crisp update on nautical style

COLU MNS 8

NKBA Down to earth

R O U G H M I LN E M I TC H E LL A moment in time

TOTA L R E A LT Y A better forecast

S Q U I R R E L S O U TH I S L A N D Investing in the CBD

104

G O LD E N H O M E S Progressive ideas

LIFE S T YLE 98

I N TH E K I TC H E N Fish Finger Sammies

REG U L AR S 2

W E LCO M E

TH E H O M E PAG E

S U B S C R I B E TO abode

INSPIRING FINDS

D E S I G N E R S H OWC A S E

S H O P W I N D OW

AOTEAROA HOMES + IDEAS + ADVICE

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

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THE TRENDS ISSUE On the leading edge in 2026

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ISSUE 80

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THE NEXT SUPERHOME Where high tech means easy living

TELLING STORIES Hand-drawn wallpapers with New Zealand narratives

HOT STUFF The toasty tones and warm finishes we love

8/12/25 3:29 PM

ON THE COVER Fresh wallpaper design by Kahurere that’s a unique take on the stories of Aotearoa.

The Home Page Social comments, musings, questions and requests from our readers C WONDERFUL WĀN AKA Our last issue was full of people making connections: with their homes, each other, the land and their whakapapa. From replacing beloved old baches to achieving a dream lifestyle, there was plenty of inspiration. This idyllic family getaway by Archi Build and Threefold Architecture in action-packed Wānaka is a perfect example. Missed it? Never fear, our feature home articles can always be found at abodemagazine.co.nz.

B M U S H RO O M CROWD There’s so much to see in every issue of abode. Our Inspiring Finds section is your go-to for new looks, design ideas and finishing touches for your home. Make sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss a thing. Head to abodemagazine.co.nz/subscribe or turn to page 13 and be in with a chance to win a very cool cast glass Shark Fin sculpture from Luke Jacomb Studio.

E HOT TO PI CS As ever, abode is full of solid insights from the experts in building and renovating. Last time, Rachael Kwok of National Kitchen & Bathroom Association NZ filled us in on the talented designers bringing the world to New Zealand. This issue, our columnists cover everything from colour trends to property investing. Settle in for a good read.

D WA R M F E E L I N GS “Beautiful!” and “Stunning!” were the comments on the socials for last issue’s cover home by Petrie Construction and Figure & Ground: an elegant Fendalton build filled with natural light. You’ll find all of abode’s feature stories on Facebook @abodemagazineNZ or Instagram @abode_magazine, so make sure you’re following. Then turn to page 45 for this edition’s collection of amazing feature homes.

B HA PPY NEW YEAR Readers loved the Christmas-themed home of Abbey and John Lang of Curated Botanics in our last edition: with their range of faux garlands and trees, it’s an inspirational wonderland. And now it’s 2026, so head to our special feature from page 29 outlining what’s new when it comes to building and renovating.

Find us

abodemagazine.co.nz

@abodemagazineNZ

@abode_magazine

Botanic Event Space, The Terrace, Christchurch

engineered stone / marble / granite kitchens / vanities / hearths / maintenance 021 240 0124 info@shaneboydgranite.co.nz

21 Disraeli Street Sydenham, Christchurch

Rainforest Retreat by Natalie Du Bois of Du Bois Design. Photography © John Williams

R ACH A E L K WO K Executive Officer of National Kitchen & Bathroom Association NZ

Down to earth Kiwi kitchen and bathroom designers are predicting warm colours and organic finishes, reports Rachael Kwok of NKBA.

ust like fashion, kitchen and bathroom trend predictions are popular for the new year. As one of the leading membership organisations for kitchen and bathroom designers, at NKBA we take the opportunity to survey our members to discover what is in and what is out for design in the year ahead. This year we have seen a shake-up in the colours and styles in favour, with creams, greens and timber coming out on top. You will also hear the word ‘earthy’ a lot in 2026, as designers continue to draw inspiration from our natural world. In bathroom design, we can expect to see a continued investment in beautiful bathroom spaces. This is reflected in our survey, where most designers report that homeowners want relaxing spaces that mimic the high-end feel of luxury hotels. LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS: •

NKBA designers predict that 2026 will be the year of timber cabinetry, featuring walnut and oak alongside the warmer tones of cream and sand, with 58 per cent of designers anticipating that walnut will be the most in fashion.

•

Although creams are still fashionable, some NKBA designers have noticed forest greens gaining attention lately. For the finish of cabinetry colours, New Zealand can expect to see matt continue its dominance with 51 per cent of designers preferring matt as their finish of choice, followed by textured. In benchtop trends, NKBA designers say deep, earthy tones, alongside warm and natural shades, will take over. For benchtop materials, 79 per cent of respondents said porcelain is preferred. There is a larger range of porcelain options coming into the New Zealand market, and this means porcelain will be offered at a more cost-effective rate in a range of colours and patterns. Not only that, but porcelain is also durable and stain- and scratch-resistant. According to 72 per cent of survey respondents, the trend of extending the benchtop material up the wall for splashbacks is expected to continue. We think that trend is here to stay! In the kitchen space we’re sure to see innovative smart technology, integrated appliances and plenty of storage in 2026.

•

And the cost? NKBA designers say the average kitchen is currently costing $30,000 to $50,000, excluding appliances and trades. In terms of time, it can take three to four months from design to install. Must-haves for the bathroom include creative lighting, organic materials and floating vanities. According to many NKBA designers, most clients want their bathrooms to feel luxurious, and a floating vanity helps achieve this look. In terms of cost, some designers said bathrooms could cost under $10,000, while the average bathroom was between $50,000 and $60,000. In terms of timing, the average bathroom is taking two to three months from design to install.

While we love a trend, most NKBA designers are dedicated to creating custom, one-off spaces that capture the desires and style of their clients and the architecture of the home. Speak to a designer of NKBA to design your kitchen or bathroom. nkba.org.nz

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TO N Y M I L N E Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects

A moment in time Design trends are responses to our current beliefs and behaviours. So which ones have merit, asks Tony Milne of Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects.

n a nod to a column last year in which I detailed my commute, I am pleased to say how happy I am that our mayor’s pothole gang managed to fill the little delamination on my daily cycle route. This had been eluding them for some three years, just in time for our most recent local body elections. Timing is everything. On that note, a general direction in which something is developing or changing, we commonly refer to as a trend. I cast my mind back to the number of Robinia ‘Moptops’, swathes of Trachelospermum jasminoides, the odd Gleditsia ‘Skyline’ and more than a few stone-filled gabions that either retain, or stand sentinel like, in the landscapes we have designed for our clients. Oh, and of course the ubiquitous Cornus ‘Eddie’s White Wonder’. Maybe I am more influenced by trends than I think, although I have not been swayed by cottage cheese ice cream or smashed green onion potato bombs. Mind you, the latter does sound tasty. I was in a meeting yesterday, and we were asked

about current trends in urban space and streetscape design. Were these spaces getting ‘greener’? Unkempt, we said, which ironically often takes a lot of curating to get right. Urban fauna, too, birds, butterflies and bees. Using the landscape through rain gardens, swales and the like to manage stormwater. Shared streets where pedestrians, vehicles, cyclists and commerce co-exist. Integral to all of this, we continued, is a meaningful understanding of the people, culture and relationship with land. This is when landscapes become real. Have the courage not to be token, to make a place different to others, we espoused. Now, I can’t claim these are super-new, revolutionary, or, in fact, trendy. The Dutch term for a shared street or living street is woonerf – people-friendly, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists over cars – has been around for some time. So too rain gardens and swales. We also discussed the greyness that has descended on several of our city and

town centres that have recently undergone a makeover. Whether it is a trend or not, it seems a shame how a predilection for a type can be to the detriment of regionality and sense of place. I recall once seeing a Canterbury riverstone-filled gabion on the Christchurch Port Hills, almost as sacrilegious as another imported stonemakeup strip. So, while 500 x 500mm concrete pavers laid with a 10mm grout joint were as popular as Geri Halliwell in the 1990s, they’re not so much in our designs today. If I’m opining about a trend, bearing in mind we do have Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies’ and Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ in our garden, I’d pitch for timelessness and authenticity. A landscape response that speaks of the whenua and its interconnections will be an enduring one. That is a trend worth following. Time to slip on the Birkenstocks and head to reformer Pilates. Maybe a bright IPA to follow. rmmla.co.nz

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A better forecast Rachael Cone of Total Realty on real estate trends New Zealanders can look forward to in 2026.

ood news for Kiwi buyers, sellers, and investors: this year is shaping up to be a brighter year for the property market. After a slower patch in 2025, confidence is on the rise again, and the outlook is much more positive across the country. One of the biggest boosts is coming from easing mortgage rates. With the Reserve Bank having recently made more cuts, borrowing is becoming more affordable. This is excellent news for first-home buyers who’ve been waiting for the right moment, and it’s likely to encourage more investors back into the market too. Most forecasts are pointing to steady growth of around 5 per cent in house prices – a healthy lift without the overheated feel of past booms. More balance is returning to the market as well. At Total Realty we are already seeing a wider range of homes become available, giving buyers more choice, while building activity is starting to settle into a nice rhythm. Even though migration has cooled

slightly, demand remains strong as more people look for the right place to call home. At the top end of the market, things could get even more interesting. Recent rule changes may allow high-value foreign buyers back in, which could add extra energy to the luxury segment. This will certainly be a space to watch, as these changes could potentially add a niche layer of upward pressure in our premium property sector. While a few risks remain, like regional oversupply or slower economic growth, the overall mood is very optimistic. This is looking like a year where confidence returns, and the market finds its stride again. For those planning their next move, it’s shaping up to be a great year to take action. Check out our available properties or phone our friendly team, available throughout the South Island, to take advantage of our free, informative market appraisals. totalrealty.co.nz

R ACH A E L CO N E Managing Director of Total Realty

Subscribe to win! Treat yourself or a friend to a year of abode (six issues) for only $57 and you’ll never miss a detail. Every bi-monthly issue of abode features inspirational architecture and interior design, plus building and renovation advice from experts around Aotearoa. Subscribe before the end of February 2026 and you could be the lucky winner of this cast glass Shark Fin sculpture by Luke Jacomb Studio. Originally designed in 2015 these fins are back again in small, medium and large sizes, in 10 curated colours. A fun talking point, these striking pieces look fantastic on their own or as a grouping. This large sculpture is in the limited-edition colour Celadon, a soft green with a beautiful milky quality. It measures 21 x 21cm. Proudly made in Aotearoa, New Zealand, all of the Luke Jacomb Studio glassworks are handcrafted from start to finish in two private Auckland studio spaces. See lukejacombstudio.com. Only one chance to win, so go to abodemagazine.co.nz/ subscribe or scan this QR code.

One lucky abode subscriber will win a cast glass Shark Fin valued at $500!

TERMS & CONDITIONS This subscription offer is valid for subscriptions delivered within New Zealand. For international subscription rates visit abodemagazine.co.nz/ subscribe or email subscribe@abodemagazine.co.nz. Please allow up to eight weeks for delivery of your first magazine. Visit abodemagazine.co.nz/subscribe for further information.

SURVEY AND SUBDIVISION EXPERTS

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N AT H A N M I G L A N I Managing Adviser, Squirrel South Island

Investing in the CBD Why Nathan Miglani of Squirrel South Island says Christchurch’s central property market is a first-rate opportunity.

hen most people think about investment properties in Christchurch, the conversation almost always circles back to schools. It’s practically an obsession here. “What school did you go to?” is the first question you get when meeting someone new. Sure, suburbs like Burnside, Avonhead, Somerfield, Merivale and Ilam have strong appeal. Standalone homes dominate these areas, and first-home buyers, upsizers and investors are all competing for the same properties. But here’s the thing: despite all the buzz around our great city, the central city remains an underrepresented gem in the property investment space. And that, in my view, is an incredible opportunity for investors who want to think ahead and get in early. Big players like Williams Corporation and Wolfbrook are already investing millions into CBD developments. Peebles Group

is reshaping Manchester Street with the new Downtown precinct. Anchor projects like Te Kaha One New Zealand Stadium, Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre, and the stunning new Court Theatre are either complete or nearing completion. The city is transforming before our eyes. At our office, demand for investment property is up 30 per cent. Interest rates are trending down, and there’s a renewed sense of excitement about what property investment can deliver. Properties in central Christchurch can start from around $490,000 – a no-brainer, especially near the stadium. Modern build technologies also mean superior insulation, energy efficiency and minimal noise transfer, so even if your tenants are not attending the next big game or concert, they’ll enjoy peace and quiet. Plus, new builds typically come with lower maintenance costs and compliance with healthy homes standards, reducing

headaches for landlords and increasing tenant satisfaction. And let’s not forget owner-occupiers. If you’re a young couple with careers potentially taking you overseas in the next decade, a central townhouse makes perfect sense: enjoy the convenience now, then turn it into a rental later. The possibilities are endless. Here at Squirrel, we have all the solutions you need to make it happen. Whether you’re buying your first investment property, expanding your portfolio, exploring Airbnb options, or planning for long-term gains, our specialist team will help you navigate every scenario and secure the best interest rates for your situation. Ready to invest in Christchurch’s future? Get in touch with the team today. squirrel.co.nz/south

A perfect and durable finish is a must in a busy hospitality setting, so the painting and decorating was entrusted to Peter Murphy Painters.

ON THE SCENE We take a look at the interiors of new Christchurch hot spots Hugo and Botanic, each a masterclass in refined design, natural materials and thoughtful craftsmanship. WORDS LIAM STRETCH PHOTOGRAPHY ANNA MCLEOD

here are two new additions to The Terrace, ˉ the vibrant precinct in the heart of Otautahi Christchurch. Hugo, a French-influenced restaurant, and Botanic, a purpose-designed event space, are the latest venues from hospitality company The Warring Group. Both share the signature Warring Group aesthetic: clean marble bar tops, plush furnishings, a mirrored ceiling reflecting the Avon River, and soft, ambient lighting. “We wanted both spaces to feel contemporary yet warm – a balance of form, light and natural finishes,” says Jen Warring, who co-directs the creative elements across the group with her husband David. “We love working with natural marble and granite. They’re not only durable and practical for commercial use, but they also bring depth and character. The Patagonia Quartzite connects the two venues visually – you can see its beautiful tones even from outside. It’s warm, colourful, and has this wonderful depth. Shane Boyd Granite Benchtops fabricated and installed these stunning standout features.” Renowned for its dramatic veining and variation, the Patagonia Quartzite sourced from Brazil fuses white quartz, feldspar and rich earthy tones – deep chocolate, gold, black, cream and beige – into a mesmerising natural pattern.

The striking Patagonia Quartzite bar makes a statement. The stone was sourced from Brazil and expertly fabricated by Shane Boyd Granite Benchtops.

Structural Integrity made here in Christchurch

montreux.co.nz 18

Each slab was hand-selected and imported to meet the Warrings’ design expectations. The translucent qualities of the stone lend themselves beautifully to backlighting, creating a dynamic, atmospheric feature behind the bar that shifts subtly as the light changes throughout the day. This project continues a successful partnership between Shane Boyd Granite and The Warring Group, who have previously collaborated on other acclaimed venues, such as ROCA and King of Snake. These restaurants also showcase a curated selection of natural stones – from Rosso Lepanto Marble from Turkey and Nero Marquina from Spain to Italy’s iconic Carrara Marble – materials chosen as much for their durability as their artistry. Drawing inspiration from European travels, Jen and David worked with Maelstrom Design to create bespoke pieces

that echo Hugo’s French sensibility. The restaurant’s red leather dining chairs, inspired by the logo, are instantly distinctive. “We wanted something really unique to bring in a sense of French charm,” says Jen. “It’s wonderful seeing people notice and comment on the details.” Montreux Furniture manufactured the velvet dining chairs that complement the dining space at Hugo, as well as the elegantly simple dining chairs for Botanic. For Jen, hospitality design is about the total experience. “When you’re designing these kinds of spaces, it has to be the whole package,” she says. “At Hugo, people are staying longer, relaxing more. The design invites people to slow down and remain within the space.” hugorestaurant.co.nz botanic.nz

High-quality seating produced by Montreux Furniture includes these velvet chairs, designed to be comfortable and durable - vital for busy hospitality spaces.

BUILDING LEGACIES The Construction Company safeguards the long-term value and beauty of every architectural build.

hen it comes to building New Zealand’s high-end architectural homes, the true strength of The Construction Company isn’t just in its impressive portfolio: it’s in the philosophy that drives everything it does. Those values come from chief executive William Denysschen. Under his leadership, The Construction Company is more than a building firm; it’s a company built on craftsmanship, integrity and long-term commitment to clients. It’s that focus on lasting quality that speaks to homeowners who see their house as a legacy. William leads The Construction Company with a hands-on approach, treating every design as a chance to create something meaningful. He brings together architectural ambition and true

The Construction Company offers a full-circle service to clients all around New Zealand. Opposite: In its latest project, The Construction Company oversaw the challenging engineering of this showstopping staircase.

craftsmanship, with a deep understanding of materials, design and construction processes that combines high-level management with a personal touch. These high standards are especially clear in projects that require bold solutions. One example is a just-completed coastal home featuring an eight-metre, uncut steel staircase. To deliver on the client’s vision, William personally oversaw the engineering of this extraordinary piece, which had to be craned into the house before the exterior was finished. The final powder coating was applied on-site. This feat showcases The Construction Company’s ability to turn major technical challenges into standout design features. William’s commitment to quality is evident in all his builds. The coastal

home reflects his core belief in building for longevity. Its mix of dark cladding and warm timber not only looks striking, but it’s also designed for durability. Every detail is a response to the site conditions and is executed with care. But for William, the true distinction of a luxury home lies not just in its immaculate construction, but in the builder’s lifelong commitment to its preservation. Beautiful homes can deteriorate post-handover, and this personal frustration became the driver for the company’s comprehensive full-service model. The principle is Build, Manage, Maintain: a commitment that transforms the client relationship from a temporary contract into a lifelong partnership far beyond the final coat of paint. It covers exceptional craftsmanship,

smooth project management and a preventative maintenance service that protects each home’s value and appearance for generations. This commitment is anchored by William’s strong connection to the South Island, where he lives, infusing the company with an ethos of resilience. This full-circle service offers clients across New Zealand the ultimate peace of mind: the confidence that their builder’s commitment will last a lifetime, and that their home will remain a piece of enduring architecture. theconstructionco.co.nz

Inside Style

Colour advice from New Zealand’s best designers and architects

No place like home Named for the white-faced herons that nest here, Matuku Moana is a special project for Jeremy Brick of Studio Brick Architects in Pāpāmoa.

WHAT IS MATUKU MOANA?

HOW HAVE YOU USED COLOUR?

It’s our own home, which gave us the privilege of a really open and flexible brief. We are a young family and are a creative couple who wanted a house that vibes with us and our lifestyle. My residential designs always have crisp, clean detailing and showcase my love for timber. In our own home, my wife Anna and I also had a whole lot of fun incorporating our quirky style in a refined way. When I’m not working I like fishing and hunting, and we love op-shopping and second-hand and found objects. These were all influences in our design.

We enjoyed the contrast of the bold and beautiful yet meticulously detailed exterior with a more surprising, warm and playful interior. The downstairs level is light and bright and inviting, while upstairs it is dark, warm and moody (and private). Some of our favourite materials include the rainbow onyx splashback in the kitchen and the burgundy carpet in the bedrooms, which is so cosy and calming. There are no white finishes in the house – the plasterboard walls downstairs are a beige called Resene Half Bone. We wanted a colour that worked well

Project colours

Resene Half Bone

Resene Romantic

with the pink and chocolate undertones in our spotted-gum timber flooring, and this was the perfect warmth without being too brown. We also have accents and highlights of Resene Romantic, including the full-height kitchen cabinets, the cabinet fronts in the powder room, the stair balustrade capping, and the ceiling in our shower room. It’s a subtle and cheerful pop of colour, and makes us feel great. And it has such a fantastic name!

More faves

WHAT DOES COLOUR MEAN TO YOU?

It can totally change the mood of a house and is definitely something worth considering. The subtle and playful use of colour in our home was hugely successful and really elevated our house to meet our aesthetics. My use of colour has changed over the last few years. While I still love Resene Black White, I’m now not afraid to also suggest a minty green house or a pale pink kitchen. It brings joy, and that’s something everyone needs. Resene Forest Green is often a go-to for me, and Resene Rose Bud is a new favourite. I’m currently working on a concept for some good friends of mine, and I’ve been gently pushing for timber weatherboard soffits painted in this fun flamingo pink.

Resene Forest Green

studiobrick.nz

resene.co.nz

Resene Black White

Resene Rose Bud

Anything but white Jen Howell of Orange Door Interior Design brings earthy 1970s vibes to an extensive renovation. TELL US ABOUT THIS PROJECT.

This was a major renovation of a late 1970s townhouse, maximising and opening up the living space while modernising it, yet keeping a nod to 70s colours and design elements by layering lots of texture with colour. WHAT WAS YOUR APPROACH?

My client’s brief was, “Anything but white, with a lot of texture and interest,” so we settled on two shades of green for the living/ dining/kitchen pavilion, with a lovely, rich gold seagrass wallpaper feature wall, and soft beige for the pitched ceiling to mirror

the whitewashed cork flooring. The mostly glazed entry area features more of the seagrass wallpaper on the only wall, and the ceiling is painted a deep liquorice green to mimic the slate flooring, tying in with the living area. We pulled terracotta tones from the granite benchtop to tile the asymmetrical chimney breast, and the client repurposed original mahogany cabinetry from a 60s kitchen she found on TradeMe to bring in the warmth of wood grain. The bedrooms each have their own flavour, with wall colour being pulled from beautiful patterned fabrics and wallpapers to create a story.

Warm neutrals

Resene Athena

Resene Creme De La Creme

Resene Foundation

WHY IS COLOUR AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF DESIGN?

Walls and ceilings are some of the largest visual surfaces in a space, so it’s a great opportunity to choose a colour that will set the tone of the space and how we feel when we are in it. Wall colour can help us tie together other aspects of the room, such as flooring, cabinetry or furnishings, to create continuity and balance. It’s also a way to inject some fun personality into a space, or to highlight architectural features or define certain areas.

Pink neutrals

Resene Contented

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR USING COLOUR?

To be brave and use it! Vary wall colours throughout your home to give some rooms individuality and purpose, even if it’s just moving slightly away from shades of white and warming it up to a beige. Every project and client is different, so I like to start with a clean slate and work with what they like and what works with their environment. There are always so many colours and tones to choose from in the Resene ranges. DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITES?

I’m loving how people are embracing warmer neutrals, such as Resene Athena, Resene Creme De La Creme and Resene Foundation, as well as the pinky tones like Resene Contented and Resene Soul Searcher. And for a bolder look, washing rooms in deeper, darker hues like Resene Unite and Resene Off the Grid. orangedoorid.com

Resene Soul Searcher

Bold hues

Resene Unite

Resene Off The Grid

resene.co.nz

Inspiring Finds New looks, design ideas and finishing touches

F300 Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Gubi cultdesign.co.nz

Drift Tray in Rust superette.co.nz

Visoni A Rug by CC Tapis goodform.co.nz

IN FINE FORM From bold monoliths to sweeping curves, beautifully designed everyday items become sculptural objet d’art.

Lena Dining Table woodwrights.co.nz

Rami Bookend by Guillaume Delvigne ligne.nz

Pheadra Bowl by Eichholtz trenzseater.com Pirout Vase by Louise Roe slowstore.co.nz

Big George Double Seater by Moooi ecc.co.nz

Archie Ceramic Jug in Olive greenwithenvy.co.nz

Hoop Mill Grinder in Natural by Oyoy paperplanestore.com

Diva Floor Lamp accentlighting.co.nz Still Table by Minotti ecc.co.nz

BCN Barstool by Kristalia matisse.co.nz 27