CHIT CHAT

Sick of hitting your head on cupboard doors while trying to put away dishes? Ask for Aventos by Blum. Blum’s Aventos lift systems are an inspiring range of hardware for wall cabinetry in your home. By lifting the cabinet doors up instead of out, Aventos gives users easy access to contents and full freedom of movement without impeding their kitchen space. Best of all, the fronts stay exactly where you want, thanks to the variable stop, keeping the cupboard doors within easy reach for closing. Even large and heavy fronts will open with the ultimate ease, with an uninterrupted, smooth design and close softly again thanks to Blumotion. Find more inspirational ideas for a better quality of living at the Blum Showroom in Christchurch. blum.com/aventos

Jonny Niesche (@jonnyhonky) is an artist everyone here at Avenues HQ is currently coveting on Instagram. We are obsessed with his abstract, bold works, shown everywhere from New York to Sydney and even little ol’ Tāmaki Makaurau. Check out his website for a laundry list of up-and-coming and current exhibits. jonnyniesche.com

Frater has boldly taken its place in the fragrance scene with a unique range of luxury scents. From a perfume house in Wellington, the craftspeople behind these unisex fragrances have created olfactory memories of time and place, like the Cherry Pop, reminiscent of fruit cake with a tobacco twist. Its floral heart of sweet acacia, jasmine, and heliotrope is balanced by bourbon vanilla and tonka bean, carrying the gourmand character into the dry down, while the fragrance is anchored by sandalwood. The scents are matured for months in a naturally temperate environment and turned daily, resulting in refined results. frater.com

Vinylrax is a custom-designed system for vinyl lovers, by vinyl lovers. It’s the ultimate solution for showcasing your favourite albums while leaving them easily accessible for playing. Simply slide them out to use, and the brackets can be removed and reused without marking walls or leaving holes. vinylrax.com.au

Upholstered in a flax-hued fabric and resting on deeply-textured legs in a bronze finish, Pottery Barn’s Bodhi Bench is a chic addition to the bedroom or entryway. This versatile piece is ideal as seating or as a perfect spot to stack your current reading list or keep a cosy throw handy. ballantynes.co.nz

The Gorillaz Art Book is here! It’s hard to believe it, but it’s all about celebrating two decades of The Gorillaz, the English virtual band formed in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn (from ’90s indie band Blur) and artist Jamie Hewlett. Contributing artists to the coffee table book include Ruff Mercy, Kim Jung Gi, Robert Smith, Kerbscrawler Ghost, Robert Valley, Craig McCracken, Tim McCourt, and Max Taylor. This latest Z2 partnership sees Jamie Hewlett expand the band’s collaborative vision to fellow visual artists in The Gorillaz Art Book, which rounds out to a stunning visual feast of 306 pages. A conversation starter for the coffee table, for sure. thenile.co.nz

Kowtow’s Mina skirt (pictured in fuchsia) is a mid-length number with a gathered, elastic waist and a front tie made from crisp organic cotton poplin. There are also side seam pockets and a relaxed design that sits high on the waist. Kowtow positions itself as one of our favourite Kiwi brands, with a focus on ethical, fair trade. nz.kowtowclothing.com

Join The Drawing Room in the gorgeous garden setting of the historic Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House for a two-day illustration workshop with renowned international artist and tutor Belinda Biggs. Create a beautiful floral font reminiscent of medieval illuminated manuscripts but with a modern twist. Beginners are welcome, and refreshments and a light lunch are included in the workshop. Belinda Biggs is an award-winning artist and tutor who teaches workshops around the globe. Her works are treasured in private and public collections worldwide. This workshop runs over 9 and 10 November. thedrawingroom.co.nz

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