Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2024 i Your Home and Garden

What a difference a holiday makes. I’ve come home with fresh eyes on what needs to be done around my home. A lot. And when I see the amazing spaces Sandi Henderson has created in her New Plymouth villa (on the cover and also page 34), it steels me for action. Her home is a sympathetic update of a beautiful old villa. Then there’s Xenia Marcroft’s Auckland reno on page 56, a tired old house that has been transformed into an airy space with incredible indoor-outdoor flow. I am also in awe of the Mediterranean place on page 92. I take inspiration from everywhere and while I don’t have the hills of Mallorca in the distance, it’s still relevant to take away the idea for clever paving. Cue some crazy…

LEAN BACK, RELAX WHETHER ENJOYING A WINE IN THE SUN, A GOOD BOOK OR SOME FRIENDLY GOSSIP, DON’T SPEND THIS SUMMER WITHOUT THE CLICK LOUNGE CHAIR AND FOOTREST, $1098. FUN LINE-UP RENTERS, REJOICE. THIS TOTALLY GORGEOUS WALLPAPER COMES AS A REMOVABLE AND REUSABLE OPTION. STRIPED PAJAMAS PEEL + STICK, $264 (2.5M DROP). CLAM UP For those always on the run, this shell dish, $26.99, is the perfect place to keep all those loose odds and ends. THE GLORY OF NATURE What better way to commemorate this vibrant, colourful time of year than with a print that captures exactly that? Here’s a fresh, floral number for your walls. Equinox art print, $174 (unframed). TOTALLY UNIQUE Upgrade your garden drinks, ASAP. Red ruby tumbler, $70. UP TO THE PLATE A new year…

DREAM PROPERTY Homeowner Xenia Marcroft had dreamed of owning this property for a decade, liking the north-facing section with pool and the close proximity to the sea. DINING The oak Keiji Ashizawa dining table and three of the chairs are from Good Form; the Wilson rope seat dining chairs at the end are from A&C Homestore. The triptych behind dining table is by Athena Passione, one of Xenia’s sisters. For 10 years, Xenia Marcroft walked past a big weatherboard house a stone’s throw from Point Chevalier Beach in Auckland’s inner west. She liked the size of the two-storey home, the full north-facing section with pool and the property’s proximity to the sea. She thought she’d like to own it one day. Then, in 2020, the 340sqm house came up for…

Have you always thought you don’t have enough space for a pool? Think again – here are some inspiring ideas for smaller swimming pools that are both inviting and small-garden appropriate. 1 Lap time Inspired by the work of Japanese architect Tadao Ando, this house is all about clean, minimalist lines – as is its boldly utilitarian, walled outdoor lap-pool area. Ideally suited to daily exercise, this pared-back outdoor space also has a generous retractable awning, which when deployed helps transform it into part of an indoor-outdoor living area that is connected to the main lounge area inside the house via glass folding doors. 2 Take the plunge This raised plunge pool is only part of paved courtyard living. It’s useful to think of a plunge pool as a water…

TIP If your bench is in full sun and you’re planning to use a dark colour, choose the Resene CoolColour version to help keep it cooler. You will need • 42mm x 42mm timber for legs and supports (I used balustrade timber) • 75mm x 20mm timber for slats • 1800mm x 450mm x 20mm timber for benchtop • Outdoor grade timber screws, 65mm and 40mm (for slats) • Screws/finishing nails and hammer • Handsaw or drop saw • Measuring tape • Pencil • Resene Waterborne Woodsman wood stain in Resene Limed Oak for benchtop • Resene Waterborne Woodsman wood stain in Resene Charred Black for slats • Resene Quick Dry undercoat • Resene Sonyx 101 semi-gloss in Resene Double Foundry • Paint brushes A sturdy barbecue bench/drinks bar is…

Gardeners are constantly exhorted to improve their soil, to add lime, well-rotted compost and manure, to water in the evening, to do this, do that… all to give their plants their best life. That’s all very well in the good times but how are these pampered plants going to cope in the bad? When the rains fail to come? Or when they do come and come and come and the soil becomes water-logged. Not only do such pampered plants lack resilience, but when you pamper your plants, you will also be pampering your weeds. Welcome to the poor-soil garden where plants have to struggle to survive. Where they will be shorter and sturdier than their coddled cousins, and more drought and deluge proof. This type of cultivation has been around…

Room Copenhagen Lego drinking bottle, $38.30, from Finnish Design Shop. Bink day bottle, $69.95, from Little Whimsy. 24 bottles clima bottle, $67, from The Scullery. Metal smoothie cup, $24, form Typo. GEN-Z LOVES THIS BRIGHT AND BOLD SMOOTHIE CUP GOES DOWN SMOOTHER THAN, WELL, A SMOOTHIE. Happy day Lisa Congdon bottle, $49.90, from Chunky. A5 memobottle, $59, from Flux. FLAT IS BACK SUPER SLIMLINE, THIS BOTTLE IS PERFECT FOR FITTING IN A HANDBAG. Marimekko steel bottle, $50, from Stirling Sports. Drink bottle, $45, from July. Wide-mouth insulated drink bottle, $79.99, from Hydro Flask.…

home profile MEET & GREET Sandra (Sandi) Henderson (photographer), Russ Henderson (insurance assessor and qualified carpenter), daughter Luka, 12, rescue mastiff-staffy cross dog Duke and rescue cats Poppy and Monty. THE PROPERTY Renovated and restored 1912 New Plymouth homestead with sea views and a history that includes farmhouse, flats and family home. An old house was not what Sandi and Russ Henderson were looking for. After several renovations, including two villas, the couple wanted something more straightforward. “There’s a lot of work with a villa,” says Sandi. “Everything needs a lot of love, a lot more detail.” But after viewing a landmark character home in the seaside suburb of Strandon in New Plymouth one morning, they snapped it up in the afternoon. “We fell in love with its quirks and…

PART ONE OF A THREE-PART SPECIAL SERIES If you find the word “sustainable” overwhelming, associate it with fringe living or think eco warriors are going to come after you for doing it wrong, then rest assured because making even one change is worth doing. This is not an all-or-nothing situation – start small with something that feels achievable and build on it. Remember, the cumulative effect of incremental change is massive. LET’S START WITH THE BASICS What does sustainability really mean? When we think about what it means to be sustainable, the default position often can be “is this bad for the environment?” But environmental protection is only one of the three pillars of sustainability, the others are economic viability and social equity. Environmental protection This pillar is all about…

Whether it’s bold, sumptuous hues or complex neutrals, a fresh coat of paint on your home’s exterior transforms your house from plain to wow. Choose a colour that catches the eye of your neighbours. Since the uncertainty of lockdown over recent years, many homeowners are treating their homes more like sanctuaries than before, painting them in feel-good hues; there are soothing dark colours that evoke drama and warmth but still a place for soulful and luminous pale tones, with a welcoming optimism about them. Which types of home exteriors need regular painting? Most homeowners give their homes a fresh coat of paint about every 10 years, by which time you may notice the colour fading, but this timeframe can vary depending on your substrate (the surface you’re painting on). “Homes…

TIP Replace chicken stock powder with vegetable stock powder for a vegetarian-friendly version. TIP Black garlic is aged in specific temperature conditions over a period of time where it transforms into a black colour. Sweet and mild in flavour, it is available from specialty stores. TIP If sugarloaf cabbage is unavailable, substitute with savoy, green, wombok or red cabbage, or even cos or iceberg lettuce. The lettuce will require a shorter cooking time.…

Big bang theory Come midnight on Sunday, 31 December, sparks will fly around the country to see in the new year. There’s the light show and fireworks from the Sky Tower in Auckland, fireworks in Christchurch’s North Hagley Park, Whairepo Lagoon in Wellington and plenty more to boot. Get along and watch the sky come alive. 134 Downtime Rest, relax and get more you time. 136 People we love Behind the camera with Alex Hall and Sony Nuth, of Alex and Sony fame. 140 Spiral up Eleanor tells how to get through life’s challenges.…

PICTURE PERFECT Sony Nuth and her husband Alex Hall (opposite) are big fans of travelling and have amassed a huge archive of photographs from their many trips overseas and around Aotearoa. Every picture tells a story, and Auckland-based Alex Hall and Sony Nuth’s fine art photography embodies tales of sunkissed summers and spirited adventures. Their vibrant prints eloquently capture scenes around the globe, from the glistening beauty of Lake Whakatipu to ethereal swimming spots in Milos, Greece. “We’ve lived a pretty vivid life through our travels and these landscapes are a beautiful reminder of that,” says Alex. “It inspires us to do more of what we love – roaming, exploring and creating.” Alex and Sony’s prints are so captivating, you’d be forgiven for thinking you could step into one of…

1 What historic interiors trend do you hate the most? ❏ A Carpet in bathrooms ❏ B Live Laugh Love artwork ❏ C Beaded curtains ❏ D Mirrored ceilings 2 You’re renovating an old house. Which character feature are you most hoping to uncover? ❏ A An elegant fireplace ❏ B Ornate ceiling roses ❏ C Herringbone floors ❏ D Stained glass detailing 3 In your opinion, what decade had the best interiors? ❏ A 1970s ❏ B 1950s ❏ C 1920s ❏ D 1990s 4 If you moved to a country cottage, would you... ❏ A Embrace your new life. You’ll learn to pickle and preserve the produce from your thriving veggie garden, keep a flock of chickens and knit long scarfs ❏ B Have a cup of tea,…

LICENCE TO KILN This year is all about ceramics, just you wait. Quick to bring out the clay goodness is Kip & Co, teaming up with talented Australian ceramist Kaz Morton to create a trio of colourful, textural limitededition lamps, topped with hand-moulded papier-mache shades. From striped to plaid delights, make sure you’re among the first in line to shine a light on this trend. Tart it up lamp, from $595, from kipandco.com.au. WATER CAN-DO With clear, blue sky days, remember to keep one eye on the garden. Those leafy greens may need a helping hand and what better way to water than in red-hot style? The Bartley Burbler watering can, $39, from theflowercrate.co.nz. Print paradise Shelter from the sun, wind and whatever else the weather throws at you in…

AMALFI COAST Think sunny days and the clear waters of Southern Italy POOLSIDE Sunnylife beach umbrella, $179; Tishy waffle bath sheet, $119; Rylie round cushion, $89.99; Nicci key ring, $32.99; Flemington acrylic jug, $59.99; and Pavilion acrylic tumbler, $14.99; all from Shut the Front Door; Tasselled cushion cover, $34.99, and jacquard blanket, $99.99 (in basket), both from H&M. Lorna Murray Tuscany Capri hat, $182, from Ornament. French market basket, $69, and Oranges weekly diary, $55, both from Father Rabbit. Mecca Max Screensaver sunscreen, $28, from Mecca. DECK (opposite) Rylie round cushion, $89.99; pink suede cushion, $129; and Biggs cotton cushion, $129; all from Shut the Front Door. M&Co Belmont corduroy cushion, $79.99, from Farmers. Jacquard blanket, $99.99, from H&M. Fermob Luxembourg bench with back, $1360, from Jardin. THE HAMPTONS If…

KITCHEN The wood used on Jassher and Tiffany’s hanging shelf in the kitchen came from a church building bought by Jassher’s father and his friend. home profile MEET & GREET Jassher (content creator and drum tutor) and Tiffany Clayton (full-time mum and owner of Arowm), their daughter Odelia, 19 months, and Kazuki the dog. THE PROPERTY A 1920s three-bedroom character home with studio/shed in the seaside community of Napier. style lessons + The Claytons adore wooden floors. Not only are they practical with a dog and toddler in the house, but the warm tone contributes to the interior design aesthetic. + Mix new artwork with old. Tiffany’s art sit alongside thrifted prints, such as Monet and Matisse prints. + Get creative with paint. Tiffany painted the drawers in the office…

DRINK IN THE VIEW The property boasts two outdoor dining areas, with the area at the front of the house enjoying views out to sea. The wooden outdoor table, cast-iron chairs, hanging lights, glassware and wooden bowl were made by local artisans. “You can see the beautiful original stone wall above the structure.” MORE VOLUME “I love the volumes, and the fact that the house remains as a discreet one-storey development,” says architect Manuel Villanueva. In the open-plan main living and dining space, the previously low ceilings were removed and a new fireplace was designed to be the focal point of the room. The daybed and couch are both by Moredesign and made locally, and the wood and leather Fredericia Furniture Spanish chairs are by the late Danish designer Borge…

Garden diary JANUARY Just as we are in peak salad season with the lettuces bursting forth, the cucumber dangling tantalisingly from their vines and the tomatoes ripening in the delicious sunshine, it is bit of a downer to be thinking of winter, let alone winter vegetables, but now is the time to be sowing them, especially in cooler regions. Winter’s calling Sow cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kale in seed trays for planting out in autumn. Seedlings will need protection from the hot sun. Tomato source It is taxing producing all that fruit, so give tomatoes a welcome boost with regular applications of a liquid fertiliser, such as worm tea. Apply to the soil around the plant rather than the plant itself. The same goes with watering. Avoid wetting…

NOTES If freshly grated coconut is unavailable, rehydrate 80g desiccated coconut with 1 Tbsp warm water; stand for 5 minutes. Jaggery is a caramel-tasting unrefined sugar, typically made from sugar cane sap or date palm sap. NOTES Substitute 1 grated carrot if banana blossom is hard to find. If you can’t source betel leaves use spinach leaves instead. NOTES If fresh lotus root is unavailable, use sliced frozen lotus root, available from Asian grocers. Baby rocket leaves can be used instead of nasturtium.…

I’m sure you have experienced those days where life sings with positive momentum. You know the kind – where everything seems to align effortlessly. In contrast, there are times where nothing seems to go right, leaving us feeling stuck and unmotivated. Moving out of this space can often feel incredibly difficult. You need to be able to reroute and build positive momentum in spite of challenges with some practical steps. 1 Start small Small incremental steps are the best way to encourage positive momentum. As humans we are creatures of habit and change often feels uncomfortable and insurmountable. This is what keeps us stuck. However, by actioning small daily rituals, we can gradually break free from our comfort zones and realise feeling better can be easier than we first anticipated.…