My Space - Design Tips

• Anti-allergenic, bacteria resistant and moisture absorbing (always a pleasant, fresh, cool feeling when touched or slept on).

• Light massaging effect because of the microscopic breaks throughout the fabric.

• It is a breathable fabric – makes you warm in the winter and keeps cool in the summer.

• Distinct, distinguished texture and delightful softness (becoming even softer and shinier with each washing).

• Anti-static and can even help soften and preserve the skin due to its natural pH balance. Repels dirt.

• Twice as durable and can last the decades (an investment).

• It is environmentally friendly, is a renewable resource and it needs no irrigation. It is also fully biodegradable.

The bedroom is where we spend a third of our lives, why not enjoy it?

By Yvonne Perry, Neptunes Linen Chest & Gifts Ltd myspace October 2016

|

9

You can develop a garden that provides interest throughout the year by using plants with interesting and different foliage textures, colours and forms.

Foliage is key. Try to plant contrasting textures, forms and colours side by side. Group plant for best effect and layer the plantings with differing heights.

If everything is the same height it is boring.

Include grass like textures like lomandra, carex, astelia, flaxes, palms, variegated agapanthus and libbertia goldfingers.

Combine these with shrubs like coprosma scarlet o’hara, nandina gulf stream, pittosporum golf ball or the ever-popular loropetalum plum delight. They

only need the occasional trim to keep them neat and the red foliage is very attractive.

Leucodenedrons and grevilleas also give long-term colour and are very easy care.

Cover the ground with low slung and creeping plants, which will help to keep the weeds down.

Backbone plant with greens and reds. If you want to highlight an area, plant something with yellow foliage.

Keep it simple and repeat plant for best effect.

To learn more, see: www.decorgardenworld.co.nz or: www.facebook.com/decorgardenworld

myspace October 2016

|

29

beautiful bathroom Things to consider at the beginning of your project and factor in early on in the planning process.

basin and other details and to create the illusion of a larger space in smaller bathrooms.

• Allow delivery time for products and installation schedules.

•L ighting, whether aesthetic or functional, the type and location will need to be determined early on.

• Some works may require a permit, allow for application and approval time.

•A s part of the layout and construction process, storage options and design are an important feature.

• The service supply of water pipes and drainage will be a determinant of the bathroom layout.

• Installation of proper moisture extraction and efficient ventilation.

• Niches, they seem a small detail but play an important role in the function of a modern shower and bathroom, keeping bottles from cluttering the shower base or a convenient foot rest shaving shelf.

They are part of the early planning stages.

• Heat source: like the installation of an underfloor heating system or heated towel rails, which require timber fixing points and electrical supply.

• I f tiling, it’s worth spending the extra to have walls properly prepared by straightening timbers to remove lumps, giving an even and lasting finish.

• When installing a rain shower or certain shower hoses, bear in mind the size and capacity of the hot water cylinder to supply a higher volume of water.

• The project must be managed efficiently ensuring all trades are scheduled to minimise the time and inconvenience of being without the use of your bathroom.

By Maxine Young, Manro

• Mirrors should be considered early on as part of an overall harmonious composition with the vanity,

myspace October 2016

|

35

Fabric types, colours, plain or print, pleats, gathers, folds, ready-made or custom-made? So many curtain decisions. And what about pleats? French, Dutch, inverted, single, double or triple pinch, pencil – the list goes on.

Curtains can make or break a room, and there are many things to consider in getting it right. Your best friend will be a consultant, or Google.

Fabric should be your first decision, because the material will determine how well your curtains hold up over time, how functional they’ll be, and could also narrow down your pleat options – you can’t convincingly triple-pleat lace.

Other considerations are: • Linings – do you want heavy or light, white or coloured, regular or blackout?

• Length – how high above the window do you want the curtains to begin?

How far below the sill or above the floor do you want them to hang?

• Colours and designs – try a sample piece at least two metres wide in the room to see how it will look.

• Off-the-shelf or custom-made – custom-made will usually give a better fit, but at greater expense.

myspace October 2016

|

39

Bring instant sophistication to your home with black and white accessories.

These two ‘colours’ are always in style and don’t tend to date like those shades on the colourwheel.

Matt black is ultra modern and works well with marble for a simple and pared back look.

Feel that black could be a bit harsh? Cork softens the look, along with the addition of some greenery and a lamp which when turned on at night, casts a soft glow.

Another tip for softening the look is placing your favourite black and white objects on a timber surface. It’s not jarring like stone or concrete and gives a natural warmth to any setting.

Furnish, www.furnish.co.nz

42

|

myspace October 2016

landscapes If you are needing a few ideas for freshening up your garden this spring, look no further than these top tips for creating modern, functional landscapes.

Sharp contrasts Contrasts in colour, form and texture can really modernise a garden. Why not try black garden mulch around striking green flax or next to crisp white garden pavers? Coloured mulch not only helps to prevent weeds and keep soils cool, it will give your garden a designer edge.

Bold colours Colour is the easiest way to create a theme in your garden. Using different flowers and plants with similar hues will bring a natural cohesion to your yard. Sticking to a colour palette not only brings unity to your outdoor spaces, it saves on decision-making time when out shopping for plants.

Focal point Creating a focal point in your garden will draw the eye towards the part of your garden you want to highlight, while also helping distract wandering eyes from the ‘still to be finished’ areas. Objects or plants can be the focus. Try a rusty old bike on a bed of red mulch with Tumbling Tom tomatoes falling from it’s basket.

From Marion Kleinsmith, Goodwood NZ myspace October 2016

|

47

You’ve found a beautiful new table lamp to add to your home but have you really given much thought to the perfect shade?

The right lampshade can make all the difference in transforming your base into something fabulous, whereas an ill-fitting shade can make a lamp look out of proportion or seem inappropriate for its location.

So how do you choose the perfect lampshade? Rule of thumb, anything goes but be careful of proportion – the diameter of the bottom of the shade should not be greater than the height of the lamp base.

Think about the style of the lamp when selecting a shade… if you have a busy lamp base, generally you would choose a plainer shade and vice versa.

Also consider the texture you’d like for your lampshade.

There are such a wide variety of custom options to choose from in any number of fabrics and even wallpapers, enabling you to create something exquisite.

Choose similar colour tones for your base and shade unless you are going for a striking standout piece, in which case, anything goes!

Florence & Co, Home Furnishings and Design

myspace October 2016

|

49

If retro style appeals to you, choose a lounge suite style that gives a subtle nod to the 70’s without being too overt. The tan leather, splayed legs and clean lines of this Stockholm suite ensure that the looks stays modern while still giving a subtle retro flavour.

This look is echoed with the use of the coffee table which features the same splayed legs.

This understated retro look is easy to achieve

with accessories too. We started with a couple of retro shaped vessels and have added other modern elements to achieve a simple and cohesive look.

A quick and easy way to add texture and warmth is with the addition of a throw. We’ve used a cosy knitted one here with metallic spots, which co-ordinates perfectly with the other metallic finds.

Furnish, www.furnish.co.nz

myspace October 2016

|

57

Less is more Regardless of whether the budget is generous or limited – less is more. Choose a few exceptional pieces and don’t clutter a space.

Spend time collating your ideas and vision.

Create a scrapbook of interior design images that appeal to you, so your designer has an idea of the style you like. If not using a professional, this process will ensure consistent style throughout your home.

Plan your indoor and outdoor flow Make sure you plan at concept stage. Create a cohesion between your indoor and outdoor areas, whether it be materials, tone or texture.

Separate your space Separate your areas for adult and child activities, as this is essential for happy cohesive living.

Create effective lighting A good lighting plan is integral to performing tasks and creating good ambience. Make sure your working areas are well lit, and use ambient lighting in other living areas. Don’t dismiss the idea of working with an expert – they’re worth it.

The Design Depot www.thedesigndepot.co.nz

myspace October 2016

|

61

When renovating a kitchen or bathroom, tiles add a splash of colour and provide a durable surface to last many years.

Consider these tips before choosing tiles: • Tiles can make small rooms seem cluttered and too busy, and can get lost in large rooms.

• Planks tile are growing in popularity, as they achieve a timber look without the wear and tear or maintenance requirements of a real timber floor.

• Basalt, marble, and granite create an elegant look that never dates.

• You get what you pay for – cheap tiles are cheap for a reason.

• You need a good substrate – if the wall has a bow in it, the tiles will also bow.

• Use a tile system – stick to one brand of grout, silicone and waterproofing products. Products from different manufacturers may not be compatible.

• Hire a good tiler – ask around for recommendations.

• Greys and neutrals are the safest options for grout colours – creative colours don’t work, and are harder to clean.

• Keep tiles clean with warm soapy water on a regular basis.

Palazzo Ltd • www.palazzoltd.co.nz

myspace October 2016

|

63

bathrooms Creating the perfect bathroom for your home requires time and planning – you need to factor in spacial layout and design aesthetics but ultimately function is the main part of the formula.

Here some layout hints that should get you thinking: • F irst impressions are important so keep the toilet out of direct line of sight of the doorway • Small

spaces require different solutions – think wall-hung and in-wall cisterns when it comes to vanities and toilets • W eigh up whether you need to move your fixtures – this adds additional expense when perhaps the fittings just need refreshing

• Showers and heated towel rails are like cheerio’s and tomato sauce, they just belong together • Create practical storage with a recessed mirror cabinet and declutter your vanity • For maximum ventilation and extraction extractor fans need to be near your shower • Think about a general floor waste - a great allpurpose safety measure for overflowing water Plumbing World www.plumbingworld.co.nz

myspace October 2016

|

67