NZ Herald Spaces Feature - May 2019

A New Zealand Herald Commercial Publication

Monday, May 6, 2019

warm up for winter

COCOONING in COMFORT Winter design trends

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nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Monday, May 6, 2019

Spaces Contents Cocooning p4

Healthy homes p5

Beating the chill bill p7 Insulation p6

Winter luxe p10

Editor Greg Fleming Advertising enquiries Ben Trethewey ben.trethewey@nzme.co.nz Spaces is a NZME commercial publication

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COVER STORY

nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Monday, May 6, 2019

Photo / Getty Images

COCOONING The desire to hibernate indoors is much stronger in winter, writes Joanna Mathers

G

lobal warming sure packed a punch this summer, with 20C-plus temperatures lasting well into March. Those of us who aren’t of the beach-bum variety were cursing the hydrocarbons; longing for an excuse to stay inside and watch TV. Well, fellow homebodies, winter is nearly with us. And though the temperatures may be milder than when we were kids, it still provides us with an opportunity to “cocoon” in comfort with good books or endless hours of Netflix.

Humans’ predisposition to “cocoon” was identified by futurist and trend forecaster Faith Popcorn (not her real name) in the mid 1980s.

In a consumer survey conducted by a marketing company she ran, it was identified that an ever-growing number of people were choosing to stay at home among exquisite soft furnishings than ever before.

This, she said in the Los Angeles Times, was due to an impulse to try to eke out a semblance of comfort in our strange and often terrifying world.

“Individuals make purchases that provide control, comfort and security

against what they perceive as a harsh outside world. Anything you can make that is easy and secure, warm and available, you can market to their cocoon.”

Fast-forward to 2019 and the instinct to cocoon is even more apparent. Technology has developed apace, alongside environmental degradation and sociopolitical upheaval, and we are using this technology as an excuse to never leave the house.

There’s evidence to prove it. A recent American Time Use Survey conducted by the US Department of Labor Statistics revealed that Millennials spent 70 per cent less time outside of the house than those of the same age 10 years ago. Food delivery, online entertainment, dating apps and online shopping allow us to engage with the world at the touch of a few keys.

The desire to stay put is even stronger in winter. And there are so many luxurious ways to batten down the hatches and amp up the comfort levels.

Beth Redmond from homeware company Nood has some advice for creating a haven indoors away from the midwinter weather.

Technology has developed apace, alongside environmental degradation and sociopolitical upheaval, and we are using this technology as an excuse to never leave the house.

“Try layering cushions, throws and floor coverings in your living areas.

Softly textured fabrics are great for creating cocoons inside the home.

Wooden furnishings are nice as they increase the warm tones.”

She says that it’s good to bring some aspects of the outside world into the home over winter. “I like to

use elements of nature help connect with the outdoors during the winter months when we can’t spend as much time outside.”

Items such as attractive driftwood, pretty shells, or smooth stones can be brought into your living spaces to provide a sense of the exterior spaces that aren’t accessible in wet weather.

Another way in which you can create a “cocoon” is by use of ambient lighting.

“Lighting plays a key role in making the room feel warm and inviting,” says Redmond.

Yellow-toned light bulbs can create a visual warmth in the living spaces that help to take the chill off when you’re nestled under throws.

Some of the key colours this winter include plum, deep greens and blues, soft greys, blush pink tones, and metallics — especially gold and silver.

Geometric art-deco style patterns, and natural textures and patterns are also playing leading roles.

Winter also offers the opportunity to invest in cocoon-worthy bedding.

Duvet fillings range from bamboo and wool, to microfibre and cotton, with weights anything from 175gsm to 600gsm (grams per square metre).

The higher the gsm the warmer the duvet, so for winter-weight duvets it pays to choose something over 400gsm for snuggle factor.

For extra luxe, add a faux-fur throw — these are extremely comforting in the winter months and great to hide behind when watching scary movies on stormy nights.

Fireplaces are the ultimate winter cocooning accessory but if you don’t have one, electric fireplaces are another great option. These are heaters with theatrical “fire” displays, and although somewhat gauche, even fake flickering flames can warm the heart. Some models even come with a smoke effect (which wouldn’t be pleasant in the lounge if it was real) but adds to the ambience.

With so many accessories available, winter is the perfect excuse for decking out the house in snuggly style. All you need is a computer with a streaming service, Uber Eats as a favourite on your phone, and a comfy couch or bed, and you’re set for a winter of blissful cocooning.

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HEALTHY HOMES

nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Monday, May 6, 2019

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A lack of affordable heating means many Kiwis are living in cold, damp homes; Philippa Howden-Chapman (below).

Photos / File; Supplied

Making our homes healthier O

Diana Clement

ur homes are killing us.

Every year, thousands of Kiwis are admitted to hospital and many die as a direct result of living in cold, damp, unhealthy homes. Even brand-new homes often don’t meet internationally recognised standards for healthy homes.

The issue of healthy homes is a much broader concept than simply increasing insulation, adequate ventilation and heating and reducing injury hazards, says Philippa HowdenChapman, professor of public health at the University of Otago, Wellington.

Howden-Chapman and fellow authors of the 2018: Stocktake of New Zealand’s Housing report found that many factors contributed to the issue.

For example, the lack of secure tenure for tenants means that they are often rushed into choosing a home with insufficient space for occupants to live healthily. Crowding increases the risks of the spread of infectious diseases.

A lack of affordable heating means many Kiwis are living and sleeping in rooms that are not insulated or adequately heated and therefore colder than World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Tenants inhabit homes that are statistically less likely to be healthy and are more likely to use unflued heaters.

One of the big problems, say both Howden-Chapman and housing and urban development minister Phil Twyford, is that there is no independent system of evaluating the health of our homes as there is overseas.

This means the evidence is anecdotal and may not necessarily identify the full scale of the problem.

One of the big problems . . . is that there is no independent system of evaluating the health of our homes as there is overseas.

The consequences of our unhealthy homes can however be documented well through health statistics.

Every winter mortality rates rise compared to the warmer months, with 1600 mostly older New Zealanders dying premature deaths.

Still not insulated Despite previous government-led insulation programmes, only 300,000 New Zealand homes have upgraded to adequate insulation, says Twyford.

“There remains something in the order of 800,000 that are still not insulated.”

In order to move forward and make our housing stock healthier, says Howden-Chapman, a whole host of co-ordinated changes need to happen, such as updating the Residential Tenancies Act and the Building Code, as well as strengthening regulatory action and accountability.

The new government’s first step towards improving the health of our homes was the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act (HHG), which brings in higher standards for rental properties. Twyford says the HHG is the single most important public health reform his government can make.

Landlords will be asked to guarantee that any new tenancy from July 1, 2019 is either properly insulated or contain a heating source able to make the home warm and dry. This is instead of requiring individual landlords to have three-yearly WOF inspections.

Investigations will be “risk based” and run the by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), says Twyford.

The move may not be popular with landlords but Twyford likened it in parliament to the butcher who isn't allowed to sell meat that will make

their customers sick. Yet in New Zealand, he said, a landlord is allowed to rent out a house that damages the health of its occupants.

When the HHG is fully operational, tenants who believe their landlord is breaching the rules will be able to take a case to the Tenancy Tribunal.

Although the details have yet to be nutted out, Twyford says the tribunal could send out an inspector in disputed cases.

The HHG will have minimum standards, but these will be implemented through supplementary regulations that will be developed after public consultation.

Building Code beneath standard New houses often aren’t up to standard in New Zealand. Howden would also like to see changes made to the Building Code to ensure new homes and renovations provide for healthy living and meet a certain standard of thermal efficiency and heating.

According to the New Zealand Green Building Council, the Building Code is the equivalent of a 4 Homestar rating on a scale from 1 to 10. A 6 Homestar rating is about the

equivalent of standard of new homes in other OECD countries.

Twyford says the Building Code will be reviewed but says he hasn’t committed to a date. “It is something [that] in time we will do.”

Filling our hospitals Healthy homes aren’t just of concern to the wider housing industry. The Ministry of Health is also very concerned and launched Healthy Homes Initiatives (HHIs) between 2013 and 2015 in 11 District Health Boards (DHBs) that recorded a high incidence of rheumatic fever.

The initiatives began in the Auckland region and more than 9600 families have been referred to HHIs, collectively receiving over 24,000 housing-related interventions to make homes warmer, drier and less crowded.

Interventions given to these families include help them get insulation, curtains, beds, bedding, minor repairs, floor coverings, ventilation, heating sources, Full And Correct Entitlement assessments through Work and Income, support with power bills, and finding alternative

accommodation as needed.

Training the salespeople One of the many issues New Zealand is facing is a lack of training of salespeople who advise how to make our homes healthier, says Vicki Cowan of Beacon Pathway, an incorporated society committed to transforming New Zealand's homes and neighbourhoods. “[It] is quite well recognised there is aggressive marketing of some products to households. “For example a house may have damp issues caused by something such as a broken pipe, but the private companies will attempt to sell products that don’t address the problem, she says.

As a result, Beacon Pathway, Toimata Foundation and Community Energy Network, have launched a Home Performance Advisors initiative to ensure that practitioners giving households advice on how to improve home performance have robust training and an ongoing professional development pathway. So far, 87 practitioners have passed the training.

Good news It’s not all bad news on the healthyhome front. Howden-Chapman sees some improvements. In the case of Housing New Zealand, the government is providing additional funding to ensure that new social housing is healthy and older properties can be retrofitted to an acceptable standard.

The government has also announced $2000 subsidies (details to be announced) for insulating, ventilating and heating homes. It has also announced a $140 monthly winter power payment for all NZ Superannuation recipients and beneficiaries.

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INSULATION

nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Monday, May 6, 2019

Photo / Getty Images

E

Louise Richardson

uropeans have generally always kept their homes warm and dry, cognisant of the need to keep inhabitants healthy, yet here in New Zealand, particularly prior to World War II, very few homes had any kind of insulation installed and coal fires were a common but inefficient, pollution-producing form of heat; releasing green-house gasses and fine particles into the atmosphere. This is something we’re all very aware of now, but it wasn’t widely considered back then.

Of course, being stoic Kiwis, our parents and grandparents simply donned another layer of clothing and got on with things — while around 40 per cent of the heat in their homes escaped through the ceiling. As a result of this, health problems caused by the resultant mould and mildew, which is fuelled by human breath, steam from cooking and bathing in colder temperatures, meets cold air and condenses, causing respiratory illnesses.

Eventually, around the 1940s, it became better-known that many of these issues could be alleviated once insulation was installed but, the fact that suitable materials had to be imported — at considerable cost — from overseas, meant that their use was largely confined to the properties of well-off people.

By the early 1970s, the process of insulating new dwellings in order to keep heat from escaping during winter was not only more widely understood and accepted but was actively promoted by local and central government. Midway through that decade, an interest-free loan programme was implemented to enable homeowners to insulate, thereby making their homes much healthier.

Television advertisements at the time featured a creature called “sneaky heat”, who had a habit of slipping out of the house when nobody was watching, and since there was only one channel at the time, everybody quickly became aware of the pink fibreglass insulation that was being promoted.

Eventually, in 1977, insulation became mandatory in new houses and over the past 40 years, minimum levels have gradually been raised.

These days, under the Building Act 2004, all new-builds must have a certain level of thermal resistance (R-value), which is determined by

Importance of insulation their location. As you might expect, the amount of insulation required in Dunedin or Invercargill is greater than for properties in Auckland or Northland.

In 2015, then-Minister of Building and Construction, Nick Smith, announced that by July 1, 2019, all rental properties must be fitted with under-floor and ceiling insulation and that landlords will be ordered to specify what level they have provided.

The minimum will be the 1978 standard for already-insulated dwellings, while properties that haven’t had any insulation up until now must meet current standards for new builds.

With the valuable role of insulation now widely acknowledged and understood, many New Zealand home owners are retrofitting their older properties with ceiling and underfloor insulation. Unfortunately, it’s very tricky to retro-fit insulation into wall cavities although it is possible if you’re prepared to replace wall linings.

Luckily, there are other ways of improving the insulation quality in an existing property, such as doubleglazing, which will reduce heat loss through windows. It can be retrofitted reasonably easily — at a price — but it will change the appearance of your windows and they will become heavier, which means hinges

might need to be replaced.

Thermal films, which are stuck on to the glass have some effect but they’re nowhere near as effective as double-glazing.

Heavy thermalbacked curtains are another important form of insulation and can play a significant part in keeping thermal radiation from the day inside and minimising heat loss as long as you remember to pull them closed at dusk in winter.

While the value of insulation cannot be overstated, it can be expensive, and EECA Energywise offers support to members of the community who live in homes built before 2008, and have special needs in terms of age or physical health.

Options

If you’re considering putting insulation into an existing house or a new one, there are many different types available.

Fibreglass: Made from recycled glass, this works well at containing heat and is a reasonably priced option. It’s clean, sustainable and easy to install. You are advised to avoid inhaling any dust while putting it in place and excessive contact with skin is also inadvisable.

Wool: This Kiwi product operates in two ways: retaining heat in winter, and keeping things cool in summer. It usually needs added preservatives, such as polyester or resin to achieve optimum effectiveness and its “R” value is lower than that of fibreglass.

Polystyrene: A man-made material formulated using a liquid petrochemical, polystyrene provides good insulation but because it comes in blocks, it’s essential to cut it accurately in order to fit into ceiling, wall or underfloor spaces. If the cut isn’t perfect, energy escape can occur and it must have fire retardant added because it’s flammable.

Rock Wool: Its name is intriguing and the method used to produce it is fascinating. Natural rocks and minerals are heated to 1600C in a furnace, then spun in a way that imitates the making of candyfloss.

The finished product has excellent thermal and acoustic properties.

Reflective foil: This is mostsuited for under-floor insulation that’s being installed retrospectively. With the risk of electrocution it can be dangerous and must be cut perfectly to size.

EECA isn’t a fan of this material because of this.

Polyester: Made as a by-product of the petrochemical industry, it’s made from plastic bags and bottles in a process wherein it’s bound by means of very high heat. Effective at keeping a dwelling warm and dry, it resists moisture, fire, mould and vermin.

Paper-based insulation: Cellulosic insulation is made from paper and the resultant mix needs to be blown into place. When it’s being manufactured, fire and pest retardants are included in the mix and in terms of sustainability it gets good marks, as long as New Zealand wood and paper materials are used.

SAVING POWER

nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Monday, May 6, 2019

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Photo / Supplied

Beating the chill bill

T

Raewyn Court

he first power bill of winter can come as a shock, but with a bit of forward planning, strategies to reduce heating costs can be put in place before the chill of winter really bites.

Freya Wall, Technical Expert at EECA Energywise, recommends checking ceiling and underfloor insulation if these areas can be accessed safely.

“Insulation makes your home healthier and easier to heat,” she says, “but if you don’t have insulation or it’s old, there are Government grants covering at least two-thirds of the cost of insulation for eligible homeowners.

In some areas, such as South Auckland, funding from community organisations means there is no or minimal cost to the homeowner.”

You can find out if you’re eligible for a Warmer Kiwi Homes grant by visiting energywise.govt.nz or free calling 0800 749 782. Grants for heating appliances will be available from July. Wall also recommends doing a quick check using the Green Building Council’s HomeFit tool (homefit.org.nz) to make sure your home is warm and dry.

Wall has a few good tips for saving money while keeping warm this winter. “If you use a heat pump, make sure you regularly clean the filters. It’s an easy job you can do yourself and clean filters mean your heat pump can run more efficiently. Filters clogged with dust don’t run well.”

She also suggests that if you’re using a wood burner, use dry firewood because it burns efficiently and reduces air pollution.

She notes that DIY window insulation kits can cut heat loss through windows by half and are a fraction of the cost of double-glazing.

“These kits are really easy to use.

Also, ensure heated rooms are protected from draughts by closing doors and using draught-stopping tape around windows.”

A simple way to keep the day’s heat in is to draw curtains at dusk.

The best curtains have a separate lining and are fitted close to the window, wide enough to generously overlap the window frames at the sides and long enough to touch the floor.

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house. An obvious solution is to turn lights off when you're not using them, but replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient LEDs can save $100 or more a year.

Beat Heating Costs ● Use a heater or heat pump only in the room you want to heat, keep the door closed (unless you have central heating), and turn it off when you don’t need it. ● Set your heater thermostat at 18C to 20C. ● A heated towel rail left on 24/7 can cost $170 per year to run. You can buy timers for towel rails that come on automatically at certain times of the day.

Cut Down on Water Heating ● Use an efficient showerhead — it still gives you a great shower, but uses much less water. ● Reducing shower time can make a big difference — a 15-minute shower costs around $1, a 5-minute shower around 33c. A family of four could save around $900 a year just by taking shorter showers. ● Use cold washes — unless you have an especially dirty load. Modern washing machines and detergents

clean well using cold water. A hotwater wash can use 10 times more electricity than a cold wash.

Get Rid of Humidity and Dampness The average New Zealand family produces up to eight litres of moisture in the home each day from activities like cooking and showering. Humidity affects home energy savings by requiring heating and cooling systems to work longer to overcome the negative contribution that moisture brings to the interior of a home.

Ways to manage humidity and dampness: ● Fix any broken or leaking pipes, and clear blocked gutters to reduce dampness and mould. ● Lay down a plastic sheet on the dirt under your house, keeping dampness in the ground. ● Check the outside of the house to make sure underfloor vents are clear of plants or other blockages. This helps to move damp air out from under your house. ● Get rid of moisture inside the house with externally vented extraction fans. If you don't have these, open windows during cooking, showering and washing dishes.

● Dry clothes outside or in a clothes dryer (costs about $1 per load) that is vented to outside. Try not to use indoor airing racks or clothes dryers that vent into your house. ● Open windows and doors several times a day to let moisture escape. ● Sleep with your bedroom window open a crack to let out moisture that builds up overnight. ● Air duvets and pillows outside when it’s sunny. ● Avoid unflued gas heaters, which release toxic fumes and moisture.

Cheap portable electric heaters are safer and cost less to run.

Turn off Appliances Appliances left on standby can cost more than $100 a year. Major culprits are home entertainment appliances such as TVs, stereos, game consoles and computer equipment. Plug them into multi-plug boards so they can all be turned off at the same time. Turn off whiteware at the wall.

If you have a second fridge to chill drinks, it could cost you $200 a year to run if it’s an old, inefficient model.

Consider turning it off or getting rid of it. Check your fridge door seals — if the door doesn't seal properly, your fridge will use more energy.

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LIGHTING

nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Monday, May 6, 2019

Photo / Getty Images

Louise Richardson

W

ith daylight saving now just a memory and cold, dull, winter days lying ahead, this is a good time to look at the lighting in your home and ask yourself whether you’re getting maximum effect, in terms of illumination and ambiance.

In lighting as in so many other parts of life today, technology is bringing huge changes. While he didn’t actually invent electric light, Thomas Edison certainly did come up with the first viable, relatively long-lasting lightbulbs and today’s innovators continue to improve upon his discoveries.

Jake Henderson is an Auckland lighting designer at Firefly Light and Design in Devonport. He says that while some clients want all the smart features, such as the ability to turn lights on and close blinds via a smartphone app on the way home from work, others require a more simple strategy.

“There are so many options now — you just say what you need and we can make it happen.”

In terms of new advances, Henderson says that LED lighting is among the most exciting. “What can be achieved is honestly only limited by your imagination,” he says. “There’s even LED illuminated wallpaper, which I think is pretty amazing.”

LED (light-emitting diode) has been developed as an efficient, energysaving alternative to traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. LED bulbs last for over 50,000 hours, using around 85 per cent less electricity, which is quite a staggering difference.

LED lighting is now playing a big part in homes, integrated with other modern technology, including heating and security as well as stateof-the-art sound systems.

What’s more, operating these systems is no longer a case of flicking a switch.

These days, wireless lighting

SHINE A LITTLE LIGHT In the bathroom, there are lots of new options to consider and the days of a bare bulb hanging on a wire, from the ceiling, are well and truly over.

Again, allowing for task lighting is your key to design success.

Shaving, cleaning your teeth and applying makeup and even putting contact lenses in, then taking them out, are all activities that require good lighting. Sconces either side of the mirror are one option, or lighting fixed to the wall above it can work well.

You don’t want directly overhead lighting in this situation because it will probably be too harsh. LED strip lighting can be very effective in bathrooms too and an emerging trend is to set up-lights into the floor around the bath to illuminate it.

Always make sure that the lights in your bathroom can be dimmed

keypads are a style statement in themselves, coming in a range of colours and finishes, including matte and gloss.

The kitchen generally has the most comprehensive needs in terms of lighting and it goes without saying that task lighting is an integral element of your plan. You’ll probably find yourself using a combination of light sources, perhaps with a spectacular pendant as the main focal point, track lighting over the bench and island then soft, under-cabinet lighting to create atmosphere.

If you have cabinets with clear glass doors, or even open shelving for displaying attractive items such as glassware or crockery, consider installing lights above to illuminate your treasures. LED strip lighting is ideal for this purpose.

according to the occasion.

Bedrooms also need multiple light sources — especially mood lighting, and a mix of central light bedside lamps and even floor lamps can be used in varied ways for different times of the day or even the year. A popular alternative to stand-alone bedside lamps at present, is to have a pendant light hanging above each bedside table.

Because we expect such versatility from our living areas these days there are many possible combinations when it comes to lighting and it very much depends on the style of home you live in, the amount of space you have to light up and even the age and stage of your family. In new homes, simple downlights can be sufficient for basic lighting while standing lights, wall sconces and even lights to high-

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TIPS ●

Lighting should be an early consideration when building or renovating, to allow space and access for the fittings you choose.

●

Gather ideas from other homes, shops and cafes, which often have innovative lighting schemes.

●

LED strip lighting on the floor between the bedroom and ensuite can make toilet trips safer at night.

●

Don’t forget garden lighting in winter because even bare trees have their own special beauty when they’re illuminated.

●

There are strict rules around bathroom lighting, in regard to safety, so always employ an electrician familiar with them.

●

Use ambient light rather than harsh overhead light in TV rooms and home offices to offset glare.

●

Use colourful lampshades to add pizazz to a dull corner.

●

Nothing looks better than a strong, statement light source above your dining table.

light artwork, all combine to bring about a pleasant atmosphere.

In terms of materials trends in the lighting market, Jake Henderson says that while an industrial vibe is still popular with home owners, the edges have softened somewhat.

“We’re seeing a lot of organic materials such as leather, cane and even crocheted shades, which are all textures of nature. Raw metals like brass and copper are also coming through.”

Henderson says that the range of lighting that’s available these days is so extensive people can feel a bit overwhelmed. “That’s why lighting designers help them make the right choices and work closely with clients, finding out exactly what they need for their own home in terms of task lighting and overall effect.”

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HEAT PUMPS

nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Monday, May 6, 2019

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Feeling the heat D

Louise Richardson

aylight saving and summer skies are just a distant memory now and winter’s stealing in with its icy blasts and cool damp conditions so this is a good time to make sure that your home is comfortable and cosy, if you haven’t already done so.

Most of us know by now that unflued gas heaters cause condensation and pose health and fire risks.

Electric bar and fan heaters often use large amounts of electricity to heat a relatively small space and open fireplaces are now banned or discouraged in most regions.

More homeowners are tending towards installing heat pumps for the simple reason that they’ve been firmly proven to be very effective and energy-efficient.

Interestingly, the idea of heat pumps has been around for nearly 200 years as a scientific concept — based upon the fact that heat energy naturally transfers from warm to cold places, but it wasn’t until the midtwentieth century that serious production began.

Essentially, heat pumps work by reversing that natural process of thermal energy movement. They take air from outside the property, then push it back in. In engineering terms it’s a bit like a fridge — but in reverse, and two coils — one internal and one at the exterior of your home, draw warmth from outside and transfer it to the space you’re heating.

It’s important to take the size of the

area to be heated into account when choosing a heat pump because you need to install the correct-size unit for best results. ECCA and Consumer both offer expert independent advice, making it easy to do your homework, before approaching a salesperson, whose suggestions might not be impartial. EECA’s star rating system is another helpful tool at your disposal.

You’ll need to ensure that the size and capacity of the heat pump is appropriate for the local climate too.

What’s adequate in Auckland may not work nearly as well in Invercargill.

The trick to making the most of your heat pump lies in learning how to use it properly and use all of its features — including the timer to regulate the heating or cooling functions easily, rather than leaving it going all day when you’re not there.

Before you have a heat pump installed it’s wise to check that you have sufficient levels of insulation in the ceiling above and the floor below it. The heat that’s generated will leave a room quickly if there are ways for it to escape, thus diminishing the heat pump’s effectiveness. This in turn means more energy will be used and therefore running costs will rise.

According to ECCA, single split systems are the most common heat pumps in New Zealand, with one unit inside and another outside. As a rule this is sufficient for a single room, but if you choose a multi-split system with more than one indoor unit connected to a single unit outside, you’ll

It’s important to take the size of the area to be heated into account when choosing a heat pump because you need to install the correct-size unit for best results. be able to heat more than one room.

If you want your heat pump to provide warmth throughout all of your home a ducted system might be what you need. There’s still the one outdoor unit but there are also ducting tubes, which distribute the heat to multiple rooms.

In terms of cost, heat pumps can

appear to be rather pricey, especially once you get into ducted systems but it’s important to weigh up the benefits you’ll be getting and the overall savings you’ll make, in the form of significantly lower power bills.

A wall-mounted single system to heat one small room should start around the $2000 mark, including installation, going up to around $2500 for a larger space. If you have an open-plan home with a combined kitchen, dining and living area you’ll need a more powerful unit and could be looking at somewhere between $3000 and $4500.

Depending on the size of your house and the number of rooms you want to heat, the price of a ducted heat pump system could be around $10,000, but as with everything, it makes sense to shop around and get

several quotes to compare.

One of the best things about modern heat pumps, apart from the fact they’re no longer noisy, is that they are built to last and the technology that’s used is relatively simple so there’s not much that can go wrong.

Most come with a five-year guarantee but you can reasonably expect them to last many years longer.

While early versions of the interior unit were a bit large and clunky, these days modern units are perfectly streamlined, sleek and stylish and blend effortlessly into your decor.

And don’t forget that a heat pump can also be used to keep it cool in summer.

One last thing to remember is that it’s vital to keep your heat pump’s filters clean for optimum performance all through the year.

D10

INTERIORS

nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Monday, May 6, 2019

Warm luxe for winter

Photos / Getty Images; Supplied

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Raewyn Court

s the temperature drops, thoughts turn from evening swims to evenings by the fire, and from beach towels to throw rugs — cashmere ones if you’re after the latest in luxurious blankets to cuddle under.

Interior designer Yvette Jay says now’s the time to put away the cotton cushions and linen throws of summer. “It’s easy to transform your light, beachy decor by bringing out accessories like a beautiful cashmere throw, a set of luxe candlesticks, a pair of opulent velvet cushions or a handsome hall runner. Use these lovely pieces over the winter months for cosiness, then put them away and bring out your lighter summer accessories again.”

One way of keeping costs down, says Jay, is to buy one beautiful winter accessory each year that will stand the test of time. “Avoid current trends and fashion colours, because they will date.”

She says winter is all about warm luxe, so include luxe fabrics and finishes in a variety of hues and tones that complement your interiors.

“Think plums, dusky pinks, rich jewel tones, sophisticated greys and new neutrals. Accessories that are dark and moody and metallic highlights

add a touch of subtle luxury. A variety of textures helps to add depth and contrast, creating a multidimensional room.”

Jay says design style is all about how you mix and layer finishes and textures. This autumn and winter, opulent upholstery materials such as velvet juxtaposed with cosier wools and cashmeres can be enhanced with a mixture of accents from brass, iron and gold-plated metals.

“For those who prefer neutrals to colour, go for high-contrast neutrals. Pair dark and light neutrals together in multiple textures for a dramatic edge within a room.”

Wallpaper is still very much in vogue and current design patterns are influenced by African and Oriental art, landscapes, botanical images, antique fabrics and 70s pop culture, all of which look great in winter. “More often than not, each design will be available in a range of colours and neutrals, so there will be something to suit everybody’s colour preference and style,” says Jay. In cooler weather, it’s all about cocooning, layers and tactility when it comes to bed linen and dressing the bed. Jay says the physical components of valances, bedheads, sheeting,

bed coverings, blankets, throws, pillows and the occasional cushion all need to be considered in the composition of the perfect bedroom decor. “Textures are key to bedding as well. Think soft, rumpled linens or high thread-count cottons, embroideries, chunky weaves, deep piles, quilting and the occasional hint of shagginess or fringing. This

piping, fringes, beading and the occasional tassel for texture, glamour and a sense of luxury. “Look for cushions that complement the size and shape of your furniture in a mix of shapes and sizes to add interest.

Large square cushions, smaller rectangular cushions and round cushions are all popular.

When choosing colours, stick to your existing scheme and enhance

Avoid current trends and fashion colours, because they will date.

,,

Yvette Jay (pictured)

season’s bedding is available in an array of plains, stripes, geometric and botanical patterns. Colours are warm and earthy with a rise in terracotta tones, beige, tans and saffron contrasting with tones of cream, caramels, tones of grey, soft taupey pinks, khaki, blues and chalky hues.”

For a welcoming winter look, Jay suggests adding cushions with

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what you have with richer, deeper tones of your accent colours.”

If you’re looking for just one item to add warmth and luxury, Jay says cashmere throws are divine and add a sense of understated glamour.

“Choose a perfect neutral to last you a lifetime, or a wonderful colour that makes your heart sing. If your look is more understated minimalism, then a heavily textured

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throw will be visually inviting.”

Large, luxe floor rugs are a must for creating a sense of intimacy and warmth on timber flooring at this time of year, says Jay. “Beautiful, hand-knotted wools are soft and sumptuous underfoot, and the gleam of silk or viscose in a rug adds a whole new level of sophistication and refinement to a room.”

To achieve an understated and elegant architectural look to heating a home, it’s hard to go past fixed radiators and their responsive and flexible heating, advises Jay. “They look great in both contemporary and traditional homes due to the variety of designs, sizes and finishes available. They are quiet, unlike air conditioning units, and heat up and cool down quickly. There are options available in both pressed steel and the traditional cast iron.

Their systems are fully programmable and thermostatically controlled.”

And when it comes to wintertime lighting, ambient lighting is key to creating cosiness in a room.

“Create pools of light around seating areas with floor and table lamps, wall lights and groups of candles. Low pendants over tables create a wonderful sense of intimacy and are so much more flattering than harsh, overhead lighting.”

nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Monday, May 6, 2019

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D11

Before After

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE THIS WINTER

SEE WHAT A LITTLE MORE NATURAL LIGHT COULD DO FOR YOU. Contact your local daylighting expert today.