INSPIRING FINDS 91 FOR YOUR HOME & DIRECTORY 14

THE STARS ALIGN

M.M LINEN, THE BOUTIQUE BED LINEN, TEXTILES AND HOMEWARES BRAND, HAS OPENED A RETAIL STORE IN ELMWOOD, CHRISTCHURCH. abode TAKES A LOOK INSIDE. M.M Linen’s second store follows the opening of its flagship store at Westfield Newmarket in Auckland two years ago. The brand remains first and foremost a wholesaler – supplying gorgeous collections to transform rooms into serene or striking sanctuaries, whatever the taste.

Being at the coalface with the customer is very important for any retailer. But for M.M Linen, it’s also a story of coming home and coming full circle. Founder, creative director and Cantabrian Kerry Jackson set up M.M Linen in 2012 after working as a homeware’s buyer for some 20 years. She quickly joined forces with an overseas industry contact, and M.M. Linen started serving global markets from day one.

For close to a decade, M.M Linen’s elegantly designed, and beautifully crafted products have been selling worldwide. From America to UAE and South Africa, the brand is loved by countless retailers. It features in over 250 Australasian stores, and the UK’s John Lewis boasts M.M Linen as one of their topselling linen brands.

But being a passionate Christchurch resident, Kerry wanted to return to her roots. She set about finding premises for a retail store, showroom and head office close to home.

The iconic and renovated ‘Hands’ building at 5 Normans Road in Elmwood fits the bill perfectly.

“This location is fantastic for us, and the store has 12 car parks,” says Kerry. “I love this concept of local village shopping, where you can pull up outside the store and easily find a car park. It’s a low-stress form of shopping.”

Seen very much as a boutique destination store, the newly fitted premises has beautiful natural oak interiors with black elements as a contrast, making the products on display really pop.

“The highlight for me are the greens, as the botanical feel is significant to our brand,” says Kerry. “It’s also important for me to look at how the stock is displayed, and it’s a fantastic coming-together for our team, too.”

Every M.M Linen range is designed from scratch. “It’s a year’s process from me briefing the designers to the product landing on our shelves. Typically, botanical and floral prints are hand-painted by our artists and digitally printed onto our fabrics,” says Kerry. “And with our designers based all over the world (two in the UK, one in Israel, one in Australia and two in New Zealand), it’s a fantastic place for us to share ideas.”

This boutique store combines with the head office and showroom for wholesalers at the back of the building, as well as open planned creative spaces for developing future ranges. “There’s a fantastic feel to these Elmwood shops, and with so many cafés close by, I don’t have far to go for lunch!”

The store stocks the full range of M.M Linen products from linen to silk, bedding, cushions, gifts and kitchenware. The M.M Linen team is excited to be housed in this fabulous space, offering their full range of homewares to equally passionate homemakers.

This is one constellation well worth a visit.

What is in a view

TONY MILNE FROM ROUGH MILNE MITCHELL VIEWS THE LANDSCAPE FROM THE CLOUDS AS HE PONDERS THE EPHEMERAL HIGHLIGHTS AND TEMPORAL NATURE OF OUR SEASONS.

The plane I am in has just successfully managed to dip through the inversion layer that shrouds, envelops, and hangs heavy in the valleys of Central Otago. The plane I was supposed to be in did not take off as successful penetration of the layer of dense strata cloud was not an expected outcome. Prudent.

A cloud inversion tends to happen when you have a cold layer of air trapped at ground level, overlain by warm air. Below the cloud, the day is damp, dreary, and colder than a mother-in-law’s love. Or so some, and certainly not my partner, would say. Not a day for a heliophile.

Above simply majestic. Imagine clear and long views over a sea of cloud, with the jagged profile of the Southern Alps punching the sky. Aoraki standing tallest, Mt Aspiring

TONY MILNE Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects

elegant and alluring. At a lower elevation, the snow-covered top of the Pisa Range sits island-like just above this downward extension of cloud. Imagine a well iced, but creased, long sticky Swiss bun.

On its broad crest, the tell-tale signs of the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds for automotive testing show through the snow. From above, the pattern of figure of eights, circles, and ovals created in the snow and ice appear sculptural to the eye. Not too dissimilar to the doughnuts we once carved in the damp paddocks of our youth behind the wheel of the Falcon Wagon. Artists we were.

Our ever-changing landscape presents us with plenty of opportunity to appreciate its beauty. We may stare, observe, glance, gaze or catch a glimpse for varying reasons. Bondi Beach in summer appeals, without a doubt, while for the more discerning, the first blossom of spring catches one’s attention.

I have spent the last month or so in resource management hearings giving evidence relating to views, changes in views resulting from changes in the landscape, visual effects and how these are perceived. Of course, we see things differently and appreciate elements within the landscape for a variety of reasons. Knowledge, experience and expectation lead us to react and respond to the things we see the way we do.

Last summer, along with my sister, brother and father, we hiked up and down Mt Arthur. A second attempt for some, foiled by lousy weather the first time around. Clear skies this time, and from the top, along with a much-needed rest, we took the time to savour the view.

I imagine my father and sister, both schoolteachers, looking down, checking the apple trees had their legs crossed on the mat of productive plains and hillocks. After checking out his own shoes, my brother searching for love, gazed longingly at the same trees seeking Eve. And myself, I couldn’t help looking for the spatial patterns of occupation and use and how the landscape dictates that.

Or we simply looked out and enjoyed the view while wondering whose sandwich tasted the best.

nathancookbuilders.co.nz

ULTRA MODERN CITY DEVELOPMENTS.

ARCHITECTURAL HOMES | NEW BUILDS | INVESTMENT BUILDS | RENOVATIONS FARM BUILDINGS | LIGHT COMMERCIAL | OUTDOOR LIVING: DECKS, FENCES & LANDSCAPING

The team at Nathan Cook Builders’ expertise ranges from building extraordinary new homes and renovations through to creating outstanding outdoor spaces to enhance your home. Whether it is a new architectural build or an alteration, they tackle all types of projects. Your trusted local builders, servicing our community with exceptional workmanship since 2002.

IT’S A MATCH!

TO SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATE YOUR WALL COLOURS WITH YOUR FLOORING, BREMWORTH HAS TEAMED UP WITH INTERIOR STYLIST MEGAN MORTON, TO GIVE YOU A COLOUR MATCHING GUIDE.

Colour matching is the process of selecting colours that work together to create a cohesive look for your home. It’s what interior designers use to create that perfect feeling of ‘home’. Typically, the first step when colour matching is to decide what overall look you are going for. Do you want a warm and inviting space, or a cool and calming retreat?

And this is where Bremworth comes in. New Zealand’s premium rug and carpet company has teamed up with one of Australia’s most renowned stylists, Megan Morton, to create a colour matching guide designed to take the stress out of making these choices. The team has curated four collections to take the guesswork out of your interiors.

“In a world full of over information and choices, I am pleased to have played a part in taking out the guesswork of that wall, soft and hard flooring trifecta,” says Megan.

Often when building a new home or renovating, people choose their carpets and hard flooring and then get stuck on what wall colour will go with it. This colour matching guide gives people the peace of mind that the colours will work together.

Bremworth firmly believes in partnering with values-driven New Zealand brands that share its passion for quality, so Resene and VidaSpace were the perfect choice.

For each of the four collections, ten luxurious Bremworth carpets are each paired with two Resene paint options and a VidaSpace hardwood flooring option that all complement each other.

For example, the Verdant collection focuses on spaces that perhaps lack outside access and so would benefit from matched combinations that breathe much-needed colour into a space.

Bremworth Ripples Wool Carpet in colour Tekapo

Alternatively, the Coast collection is a mix of both dramatic and subdued colours, aligning with the rugged coastlines of Aotearoa. They are classic matches and offer a fresh and calm ambience to any room.

The Metropole collection is perfect for city homes, as it provides a combination of monochromes and unpredictable colours that give a pop of surprise to a space.

While the Renew collection is all about connecting with the home and all the comfort, care and restorative powers it can offer.

To start your colour matching experience, visit the Bremworth website. Voted New Zealand’s most trusted carpet brand nine consecutive times, you know you’re getting a wide range of luxurious New Zealand-made wool carpets and rugs, perfect for today’s homes.

WARM UP TO NATURAL

Playing with scale is always a great way to keep things interesting in design. I love playing with more exaggerated proportions in everything from statementmaking lighting to sculptural vases and artwork – all of which create a sense of intrigue and invite you to take a closer look.

Even proportions in hard finishes like tile and hardware can feel exaggerated and draw the eye to every detail, giving any interior a custom and thoughtful feeling.

Choosing one large-scale item creates drama within a room and plays interesting tricks on the eye. We’ve curated our top tips for working with large-scale items – this one is for the rule breakers out there or those who simply want to experiment with something new on their own!

PICK ONE ITEM When breaking the rules and creating a statement in your room, pick one feature item that you want to scale up. It’s critical when going beyond normal dimensions to understand that the item you scale up will become the central feature of the room. An oversized feature light or a piece of artwork could be used, or even blowing up the scale in a pattern on a chair or sofa will bring life and break the monotony of the expected. THE BIGGER THE SPACE, THE BIGGER THE SCALE If your space is large, make sure you go large with your accessories and especially that feature item. If it is tricky finding items in the scale you need, grouping smaller items together to create a large, overall effect can be a great way to create impact.

REPEAT PATTERNS AND SHAPES It is important when playing with scale to ensure that there is still a relationship between the item and the rest of the room – we do not want the feature piece to look awkward or misplaced. Repeating patterns or shapes across the space can help the overall scheme feel cohesive but still interesting.

With a change in season right around the corner, it’s a great time to think about what areas in your home are in need of a refresh. Sometimes all it takes to completely transform a space is a little bravery and ‘rule-breaking’ – we love being bold, brave (and having fun!), so if you’re looking for a little guidance on how to transform your space, our styling team is here to help. KATY HUSBAND of Feather & Oak Interiors

Playing with proportions

KATY HUSBAND FROM FEATHER AND OAK SHOWS US HOW TO CREATE A STATEMENT INTERIOR BY MAXIMISING THE SCALE OF FEATURE FURNISHINGS TO BRING A SENSE OF DRAMA AND INTRIGUE.

Your dream home isn’t out of reach — we’re here to help you get there.

JOIN US FOR A STYLING DATE

INTERIOR STYLING INTERIOR DESIGN HOMEWARES HOME FURNISHINGS

The personal touch

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH TO YOUR HOME WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK, WORKING WITH RECYCLED BUILDING MATERIALS IS A FANTASTIC OPTION. WE FIND OUT MORE WITH MUSGROVES.

The construction industry has a big impact on the planet. Anything we can do as consumers to reduce our carbon emissions within this industry has got to be a good thing. Added to this, recycled materials are often less expensive than new ones, and they also add character and charm to your DIY project.

Take Linda and Phil, for example. The couple was building their Kirwee home and were wanting to use recycled rimu flooring on the project. After visiting Musgroves at Wigram, they found just what they were looking for: a large stack of tongue and groove floorboards recycled from a local church. As the floorboards were being laid, Linda’s parents got curious and asked which church they had come out of. After a bit of investigation and a couple of phone calls, it turned out to be the exact same church in which Linda’s parents married.

“Yes, it’s a romantic coincidence, but you’ll be surprised at how often things like that happen,” says Sue, General Manager at Musgroves. “Another of our customers, Marcus Allen, recently began renovating his North Canterbury home, and he wondered how old it was. He started pulling off the sarking and discovered the home was originally built by his namesake Alfred Allen! After a bit of research, he discovered they were related! Marcus came to Musgroves to find a replacement front door that matched the era of the original home.”

If you are considering using recycled materials for your next DIY project, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, do your research and know what materials are available. Musgroves has a huge range of products in various sheds at their site in Wigram, all amazingly well organised by a team that provides exceptional service.

Secondly, be prepared to put in a little extra work to clean and prepare the materials before you use them. And finally, don’t be afraid to get creative! With a little imagination, you can turn recycled materials into something truly special. The Musgrove’s website has a ‘Wall of Fame’ page showcasing the work of some of its customers. It’s a great place to get ideas and shows the sense of pride that this customer community takes in being able to reuse the products that Musgroves has sold them.

For many, Musgroves is an iconic household name in Canterbury and well known throughout the South Island as a pioneer in the trading of quality recycled building materials and joinery. The yard at Wigram is a treasure trove of building materials. Customers can also buy online, with an easy-to-navigate online shop, including suggestions on who can help with freight, if you’re based outside Christchurch. If you’re looking to bring some character into your next renovation project, there is great range of environmentally friendly recycled materials available at Musgroves.

03 322 7922| musgroves.co.nz

your natural choice for unique design

RACHAEL CONE Managing Director of Total Realty

INCREASE YOUR STREET APPEAL

OUTDOOR SPACES ARE A BIG DRAW CARD FOR HOME BUYERS, SO IT’S NOT SURPRISING THAT HOMEOWNERS FREQUENTLY ASK RACHAEL CONE AT TOTAL REALTY HOW TO ENHANCE THEIR OUTDOOR SPACES.

With spring here, many of us will start turning our attention to our outdoor areas. Having a comfortable and usable outdoor space makes all the difference in the warmer seasons.

Here are some of my favourite tips for success in that make-or-break first impression outdoors. LOVE YOUR LAWN If you are time-poor, consider hiring someone to keep your lawn mowed and groomed during your marketing campaign. Your lawn is one of the first things buyers see, so think ‘green and pristine’.

REPLACE Rusting letterbox numbers, shabby doormats and flowerpots that have seen better days all need to go. Anything that leaves a less than desirable impression needs replacing. Use this time to scatter cushions, lanterns and outdoor rugs. Anything that brings life to your outdoors is a win.

LANDSCAPE Weed out those flowerbeds and prune anything that is overgrown. Consider adding some colour to your garden or place some more flowerpots out for a pop of colour. Remove any cobwebs on fencing, pots and decks. The aim is to make the garden as inviting as possible.

BIG IS BEAUTIFUL When it comes to pot plants, and especially if you have space, you can create a dramatic and inspiring first impression by having large pots with luscious plants. You can also be strategic about where you place them to create more privacy. Always pay extra attention to your front door and entranceway – this is where buyers pause and ask themselves if this could be their new home. Beautiful large pots are perfect for enhancing the front entrance.

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING Gathering outdoors with friends and family is a priority for many Kiwis. So, when it comes to preparing your home for sale, keep in mind that buyers are looking for spaces to achieve this. Size doesn’t necessarily matter. You can still highlight a small space as an excellent spot for people to gather and enjoy themselves. We have seen homeowners enhance small outdoor spaces by adding simple things like an outdoor swing chair with brightly coloured cushions and a blanket or a cosy two-person table and chairs with an umbrella.

If you want more help with preparing your home for sale or knowing its value in this current market, please get in touch with us at Total Realty.