Over recent times l have noticed a continuing trend towards using materials in their rawest forms, both residentially and commercially. It was particularly evident from stepping off the plane at the recently renovated Christchurch Airport to arriving at our rustic mountain retreat. Note the massive use of wood, raw concrete, exposed beams and pipes and compare to the much more toned down version within this home – woods that silver naturally (making no attempt to hide the natural knots), rooms clad entirely in plywood, exposed beams and raw concrete. I have to say it would be a dream to have a holiday place like this one. The home's raw material finish is somehow comforting, a very real honesty in its exposed state and this has been developed with a high quality finish. Somehow this just adds to the general ambiance of the home and the general feeling of relaxation we have enjoyed since opening the front door.

Christchurch airport (above)

After a much anticipated holiday to the snow fields in the South Island , we arrived at our holiday home situated in the middle of nowhere (l mean not even a corner shop), in a rather frazzled state with 3 small tired children in tow.  Once we were unpacked I began to relax and feel the beginnings of a little serenity (okay post kids in bed a chardonnay in hand. l enjoyed reading comments from the visitors book and one particularly resonated with me, it simply said ‘this home fills the soul’.  It made me think, ‘can a home really change your state of mind?’. Over the following days as we sat in the window seat staring at the magnificent mountain views or toasted marshmallows over the fire at night with the kids the answer was quite simply – yes it could. 

A belated Happy New Year. After a wonderful (and long) break we are back at work refreshed and in good spirits despite the changeable weather! It has been a while since last blogged, and l had intentions of completing another interview under our 'interview an expert' series.  Whilst l await the final photos to accompany the interview l decided simply just to inspire you on this dark grey day, with some colourful (and in my view) gorgeous and inspirational materials from Urban Lounge.  These collages were photographed and put together by Greta Kenyon.   Each fabric has a specific story (and talented designer) behind them. Which is your favourite? 

This blog post has little to do with inspirational building or materials but it is inspiring nonetheless. A friend (and very talented photographer) of mine Quinn O'Connell took these shots of Tauranga recently for one of his clients ( De Design Ltd - www.dedesign.co.nz), and it reminded me what a phenomenal town this is (and the Bay of Plenty in general).

We have the beach at our doorstep and a lively cafe scene. We can be in 'the city' in ten short minutes over the bridge, out to the vast landscapes in Katikati or Bowentown in less than an hour or tramping up the Papamoa Hills where you view some of the best scenery there is for free.

While there are a lot of subdivisions popping up all over the place and little beach front properties left, there is still so much room for individuality and unique designs. And no matter where you are in the Bay, you really do have it all at your fingertips. All you need to do is breathe in the fresh air our wonderful environment has to offer and dream a little.

Feature chairs make an amazing impact. Whether it's in your lounge, entrance, hallway, office or bedroom, they add interest, colour and create a talking point. They can transform an ordinary or neutral room into one of liveliness.

AnnaD chairs, can be covered in any materials, Urban Lounge. Photos by Greta Kenyon. 

A lot of offices are introducing the wonderful works of Danish designer Verner Panton. Perfect for recreating life and interest into otherwise regular office environments, the Panton chairs look good and look sharp. Panton spent many years thinking about how to produce a plastic chair moulded in one piece. Together with Vitra, he came up with the first prototypes in the 1960s and Panton Chair went into series production as of 1967.

Panton on the left, Kartell on the right.

The transparent polycarbonate Papyrus armchair from Kartell is inspired by the linear, well-defined structure of vintage chairs. Papyrus combines a translucent structure with a very fine vertical ridged pattern, which covers the outer surface of the rounded backrest, with its soft, enveloping design. The seat is comfortable and welcoming, and the entire chair is very light. The range of transparent colours in which it is available heightens the special effects created by the patterned surfaces.

Green Prism chair & Kartell Thayla chair (top right)

Feature chairs are not just welcomed in the office - they can transform an entrance or make the corner of a lounge room or study more interesting and inviting. They can also make an ordinary dining room bright, colourful and stylish.

The Kartell Thayla Chair boasts a surprisingly simple design, with a strong graphic impact that captures attention. It is a transparent or coloured polycarbonate chair made using gas injection molding. This particular manufacturing process allows the surface to be incised with a pattern of irregular vertical and horizontal stripes covering the entire back of the seat and the backrest. The Thayla Chair lines are gentle, with rounded corners, creating an almost feminine form.

The Green Prism chair is a great addition to a home, and adds personality to any room. Available at Urban Lounge.

There is nothing like the warmth of a fire in the midst of winter. After a long, stressful day at work or with the kids, a fire has the power to make all of your troubles go away - even more so when you pour yourself a glass of red to go alongside it!Ok, enough daydreaming - the warmth from a fire is also cost-effective and can heat a home quickly and efficiently.

Gas fireplaces can be alight at the flick of a switch while wood burning fires have that added element of 'naturalness'. 

Landscape Elements have been designing, manufacturing and installing unique custom built fireplaces since 2002 and are fast becoming one of New Zealand's leading suppliers of outdoor wood burners and indoor and outdoor custom gas fireplaces. Jamie from Landscape Elements is always up for a challenge of creating a designer masterpiece.

Landscape Elements has a passion for designing innovative quality products as is demonstrated with their impressive custom made gas fireplaces.  The design of your room, if not your home, can be incorporated around one of these magnificent features.  Either a classic design or the sleek lines of a contemporary look can be achieved and can feature coals, logs, volcanic rock, vermiculite or pebbles and stones.The pictures of the indoor fireplaces are bespoke fireplaces that Landscape Elements have manufactured and installed in homes built by The Thorne Group. 
                                                                                                               
The spectacular double sided flame effect fireplace featured above divides two rooms with the one long flame running the length of the 2m fireplace and is enclosed with glass.  This perfect flame is set amongst white pebbles to create an unrivalled focal point.  
                                                                                                                                                                  

The above fireplace is open on one side and closed to the elements on the other side. 

If you prefer something more traditional this wood burner uses reclaimed bricks.  

Landscape Elements also design and build outdoor wood burning fireplaces through to complete outdoor entertaining areas incorporating features and fittings like sinks, pizza ovens, wood storage, seating, tables and boundary walls, talk to us about an obligation free on-site consultation. Fires are not just necessities in winter, an outdoor fire in the slightly warmer months can make outdoor entertaining all the more comfortable and enjoyable.

Sink & BBQ incorporated next to fire. 



Whatever your purpose for a fire, the end result is still the same - style, warmth and purposeful. 

                     

The time will come when your ‘baby girl’ decides she has grown out of the little kid space she once loved and is ready for more grown up living quarters. Allowing her to be involved in her bedroom makeover will give her a chance to both express herself and also learn responsibility.

Sit down and discuss the room with your ‘big girl’ and listen to her ideas. Share your thoughts, ideas, desires and even concerns, and let her express hers.

Determine the things she would like to have in her new room – perhaps she needs extra seating or sleeping space for her friends. Maybe she just needs a wall decal to refresh and revive her space, whatever the requirements, plan these out before you get started to save time and stress.

Talk about money with her – maybe it’s not within budget to get a whole new bedroom set, but it is affordable to scrape back the wood and slap a modern white-wash affect over her drawers. The more she knows, the more she will understand when you say yes or no.

As girls creep towards their teenage years it becomes more about functionality and a LOT more about aesthetics. They start to take an interest in ‘what’s hot and what’s not’ and will have a more defined style when it comes to colours and themes.

 Let her explore different themes. If your big girl is organised, structured and likes clean, simple lines wallpaper from the Esprit Book at Guthrie Bowron has a modern, crisp twist to it that we’re sure she’d love. We’d suggest pairing it with crisp white, contemporary drawers and a simple duvet. Modern lights from Tauranga Lighthouse complete the look.

Maybe your big girl is a little bit of a dreamer. She likes art, music and anything creative. She has quotes song lyrics and constantly has her head in a book. Sayings and expressive symbols from the Vinyl Room would suit her to a tee.

The Vinyl Room also has a great antique selection of wall décor and decorations. We’re sure she will be in bedroom heaven while she decides!

Trying to decorate my little princesses room was such a huge headache.   The first time around was when she was a wee baby and could not imagine her getting any bigger (let alone big enough to inflict serious damage on our walls with a ride on toy and crayon!).  The choices that l made were, well lets just say those cute bunny rabbits did start to get on my nerves after a very short period of time!  If there is any advise l can give when decorating your children's bedroom, is question if they (and more to the point will you) still want to live with your 'theme' in a few years time.                   

Greta made an interesting observation to me when she took these shots of this new wallpaper (just in at Guthrey Bowron, Mt Maunganui) in that interior design often follows fashion.   I definitely see the connection here with this watercolour floral wallpaper.     You can either do it is as a feature wall or with the wallpaper on the right even just use one strip as a feature on your plain painted wall. 

I have to say l am such a fan when stone makes an appearance in a home.  Maybe one day l will have that stone feature wall with up-lighting....a granite island unit with bevelled edges in my kitchen.....  Okay will have to keep dreaming.  The reality of my cold, draughty, and (as yet) very un-renovated home has pulled be back.  Anyway, enjoy these photos Greta took of some more inspiring materials. 

PS I know in last weeks blog l promised you some more exciting photos of kitchen storage, however my 3 year old has posted the CD with the photos on them to Santa.  Will upload as soon as located.



The above granite is from Granmarbello Mount Maunganui and strip stone cladding is from Island Stone, Mount Maunganui.

Black & white always makes a stylish appearance.
                                                               

Mix and match this stunning Pennine fabric for cushions, available at Guthrey Bowron, MtM.