WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AUTUMN

The kitchen really is the hub of my home, with the island bench the most utilised part of it by some stretch. Way beyond simple food prep, it’s used as a snack bar, stand-up desk and servery when my family entertains. We spent a lot of time planning it – mapping out the optimum size with newspaper on the floor, and working out what would go where, including power points. Actually, we could have done with a couple more of those, but otherwise it’s pretty well perfect for us and the way we use our kitchen. We found that it’s so worth spending time on research – planning and seeking inspiration before you hit go on a project. Our kitchen stories this issue, a wonderful makeover and a story full of tips, will hopefully set you on your way to your own dream space.

How to plan a great kitchen, page 27

Enjoy the issue!

Does a person’s home decor influence how you see them? We might not want to admit it, but research by Superfresco Easy suggests quite a few of us – 54 per cent! – judge a book by its (wall) cover. That said, a pretty wallpaper is a speedy fix to revive a lacklustre TIP space. Here TEST YOUR are a few chic SELECTION WITH options for WALLPAPER time-poor SAMPLES BEFORE decorators. BUYING IN BULK

Printed by Ovato Print Ltd. Paper fibre is from sustainably-managed forests and controlled sources.

As the temperatures drop, make sure you have a stock of seasoned (dry) firewood ready to use in your woodburner or fire pit. Cutting logs yourself can be cost-efficient and, when used properly, a chainsaw can do the job quickly. Echo shares these tips: n Always read the owner’s manual for instructions and safety information. n Put on gloves, eye/ear protection and suitable footwear before using the saw. n While cutting, always have the saw running at maximum RPM and use both

Echo 300mm 12" 30.5cc chainsaw, $479, I/N: 0091167

hands to hold it with a firm grip. n Keep the chain sharp to enable the saw to cut straight through logs without being forced (see manufacturer’s instructions for sharpening).

1 Superfresco Easy ‘Isabelle’ 52cm wallpaper in Teal, $72.90/10m, I/N: 0235720. 2 Superfresco Easy ‘Scandi’ wallpaper in Green, $72.90/10m, I/N: 0171027†. 3 Sublime ‘Japan’ 52cm wallpaper in Black, $72.90/10m, I/N: 0235717. 4 Graham & Brown ‘Venetian Damask’ 52cm wallpaper in Blue, $72.90/10m, I/N: 0322739. 5 Superfresco Easy ‘Country Tartan’ 52cm wallpaper in Silver, $72.90/10m, I/N: 0106455†. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Suspend pretty painted eggs from a sturdy branch for cute Easter appeal

n Hard-boiled eggs n Egg carton n Acrylic paints n Large and fine craft paintbrushes n 18mm painter’s tape

1 Arrange eggs in egg carton, laying lengthways horizontally. Using a large paintbrush, paint one thin coat, allow to dry, then repeat with at least two coats to make sure egg is well covered. When dry, turn the eggs over and repeat the process on the other side. 2 Experiment using the fine paintbrush to create tiny dots. Tip: Only dip the very tip of the brush in the paint. Use painter’s tape to help create stripes. Note: This project is for decoration only, not consumption!

ABOVE Painted eggs made using Monarch 25mm sample pot synthetic paintbrushes, $5.29/pack of 2, I/N: 0254378; Jasart synthetic round craft paintbrush in size 6, $9.13, I/N: 0291300; Porter’s Paints ‘Eggshell Finish’ broadwall washable acrylic paints, $11.95/100ml each, in Explorer Blue, I/N: 0162898, Popcorn, I/N: 0162889, Gunmetal Grey, I/N: 0162901, Baby Doll, I/N: 0162918, and Sundance, I/N: 0162895. Ribbon, Kmart. All other products, stylist’s own.

As well as our handy in-store services, there are also a number of in-home assembly and installation options. Considering a kitchen upgrade? We can help you design your dream kitchen and arrange full installation! Or, with winter approaching, check out our outdoor patio heater and fire pit assembly service. Visit bunnings.co.nz/services for more info, or ask a team member at your local store.

Tactile textures are back in a big way. From luxurious velvets to the warm qualities of plant-based fibres, check out these pieces to help embrace the trend

Lucé Bella jute woven batten fix light shade, $35.98, I/N: 0154524

Lotus 34cm x 28cm large rattan woven basket in Light Brown, $39, I/N: 0238925 4 3 Mercator ‘Atticus’ table lamp in Chestnut/Natural, $119, I/N: 0126625 Home Bazar ‘Hamptons’ 200cm x 70cm jute runner in Black Stripes, $34, I/N: 024424156

Verve Design rattan drum lampshade, $78, I/N: 0021463 2 7

Dulux Design Copper Effect paint, $169/1L, I/N: 8906892

Home Bazar ‘Marrekesh’ 120cm round jute rug in White/ Natural, $34, I/N: 0240469

8 9Lotus 43cm x 34cm ribbed large Brilliant ‘Sonnet’ 20cm luxe velvet indoor pot with stand, with brass DIY install batten fixture $59, I/N: 0200335 light, $41.90, I/N: 0177707

Excel VIVO™ can be customised to suit your personal taste and interiors. Choose from

Keep it simple with traditional rocker switches and white coverplates, or add a designer’s edge with coloured plates to transform your home from boring to breathtaking.

the range of colours to suit your style.

VIVO comes in a selection of already assembled switches and sockets

OR CUSTOMISE YOUR OWN We sell all the components to make your own customised switch

BASICS

White

Black METALLICS

Silver

Graphite

Copper NEUTRALS

Light Grey

Khaki

Dark Grey POP

Bright Red

Pop Blue

Pop Pink REFLECTIONS

Rose Gold

Chrome

Aerate lawns that are prone to waterlogging in winter. This not only improves 1 drainage, it increases oxygen movement to grass roots for better lawn health.

Feed and condition lawns for autumn growth and winter protection. An all-in-one spray, like Kiwicare LawnPro Turfclean & Green Rapid+, will feed and weed at the same time.

2

The trumpet-like blooms are the first spring bulbs to appear. Available in classic yellow, but can also be white or pastel pink. Autumn is a good time to establish a new hedge. 3 Pick shrubs with small, tightly packed leaves. Some flowering plants, like Camellia ‘Setsugekka’, are ideal.

Cover grapes, pears and apples with birdsafe netting if birds are

One of the world’s most loved bulbs, with a beautiful palette of colours and flower forms.

After applying fertiliser around edible plants, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before cooking and eating. If using products to deal with pests, diseases or weeds, always read the label, follow the instructions carefully and wear suitable protective equipment. Store all garden chemicals out of reach of children and pets. a nuisance. For tall trees, throw netting over, then use a pole to pull it down and peg to the ground.

Put tulip bulbs

in a paper 5 bag and place in the fridge (keep well apart from food) for 8-12 weeks before planting mid to late May. In warmer areas, tulips need a period of chilling or they won’t bloom. 6

Replace summerflowering annuals with autumn bloomers, like snapdragons, salvias and stock.

1 Trojan all steel spiked aerator, $32.98, I/N: 0131548. 2 Kiwicare Lawnpro ‘Turfclean & Green’ Rapid+’ lawn weed killer and fertiliser hose pack, $29.45/2L, I/N: 0228903.

plant. 4 Diamond 4m x 4m anti bird econetting in White, $11.90, I/N: 3041126. 5 Fiesta Flower Bulbs ‘Purple Passion’ mixed tulip bulbs, $12/pack of 10, I/N: 0310319. 6 Salvia Sallyfun plant. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

An incredibly fragrant bloom with clusters of small tubular flowers in purple, blue, pink, burgundy or white.

Bright, cheery flowers that look wonderful planted en masse in garden beds or pots. Plant with the claws facing down.