Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2025 i Your Home and Garden

There’s nothing I look forward to more after work at this time of year than climbing into bed for an evening of Netflix – the earlier the better. I’m even over the embarrassment of someone Facetiming me at 7.30pm and all they can see is my head against a plumped-up arrangement of pillows and the cat off to the side. I’m in loungewear and have the warm glow of a couple of table lamps to complete the scene. Until now I thought it was laziness. It turns out though, it’s a thing. It’s called cosymaxxing and it’s becoming something of an art. If you turn to page 72 you can find out how to finesse your version of it but it’s about putting yourself first. Eating comforting soups (page 120)…

your home and garden EDITOR Fiona Hawtin ART & EDITORIAL Content producer Bryony Ammonds-Smith Art director Nicola Feeney Chief sub-editor Michelle Joe Garden editor Mary Lovell-Smith Senior designers Hayley Pearce, Béla Trussell-Cullen Designers Anna Pétursdóttir, Debby Wei CONTRIBUTORS Are Media Syndication, Helen Bankers, Bureaux, Florence Charvin, Rachel Clare, Eleanor Cripps, Debbie Harrison, Living Inside, Babiche Martens, Sarah Rowlands, Catherine Steel, Swell Productions, Shelley Tustin, Alice Veysey ADVERTISING | CORPORATE Sales director Claire Chisholm Senior commercial brand manager Angela Wei, angela.wei@aremedia.co.nz Senior account managers Chloe Jordan, chloe.jordan@aremedia.co.nz; Amy Madden amy.madden@aremedia.co.nz Account manager Sara Grace Aldis saragrace.aldis@aremedia.co.nz Classified sales Kim Chapman, classifieds@xtra.co.nz Head of digital Melissa Walsh Commercial editor Sarah Templeton Senior digital content producer Katie Delany E-Commerce/shopping editor Hemma Vara EXECUTIVE Chief executive officer Jane Huxley General manager Stuart Dick Editorial…

STAGE RIGHT Homeowner Tate has decorated the lounge with a buffet and Nordic sofas by Danske Mobler. The artwork above the buffet is by Clare Dubina, the Ethnicraft coffee table is from Cuchi and the rug is by Warwick. LIGHT AND DARK White subway tiles and cabinetry, gleaming stainless steel appliances and a skylight bring brightness to the kitchen. David Moreland Pendant 45 lighting, the Alessi Plisse kettle and the Quin bar stools by Danske Mobler provide design flair. Five Max Gimblett Remembrance brass quatrefoils adorn a kitchen wall and the large artwork in the lounge by Ash Holmes was bought to remind her of her late grandmother. “This is the best and most favourite piece I own,” says Tate. home profile MEET & GREET Tate Winter (upholstery manager at…

When it’s bitterly cold outside, and you’ve gone to work and come home in the dark, there’s nothing better than snuggling up in your PJs, maybe lighting a candle and burrowing under a fluffy blanket. These little self-soothing rituals now have a name: cosymaxxing, or cosy maximalism. It’s similar to the Danish concept of hygge, but while hygge is all about connection – creating a comforting and convivial atmosphere for spending time with loved ones – cosymaxxing experiences are more self-focused, designed as an antidote to stress, fatigue and the general malaise of winter. It’s about finding the activities that make you feel cosy and relaxed, like reading in bed, a cup of tea in a patch of sunshine, treating yourself to a solo dinner by candlelight, or watching movies…

When in doubt, add a rug. It has the power to transform a space through interesting colours, patterns or textures. It’s an excuse to have a blank canvas, whether that’s covering flooring that isn’t your favourite, or wanting to try out a new colour scheme without going all out. “Rugs add texture and colour, unifying various furniture elements into a cohesive look,” says Baya head designer Hannah Middleton. Plus, the perfect rug, if well maintained over the years, can last a lifetime. There’s a reason why people seek vintage or pre-loved designer rugs; not only are they usually made from natural, long-lasting fibres, but they’re also a stylish and sustainable choice. THE ENTRANCE First impressions are everything. A coir doormat is essential before you step into the house. The natural…

Slow-cooker birria beef tacos SERVES 4-6 INGREDIENTS 230g jar chipotle in adobo sauce 6 cloves garlic, crushed 1⁄3 cup white wine vinegar 4 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped coarsely 1 cinnamon stick 4 bay leaves 2 tsp dried oregano 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp fine sea salt 1 medium onion, chopped finely 1.5kg gravy beef (boneless beef shin), untrimmed 12cm x 15cm corn tortillas 240g coarsely grated cheddar (optional) Pickled red onion (see Idea) and coriander leaves, to serve 1 Place chipotle in adobo sauce, garlic, vinegar, tomato, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, the salt, onion and ½ cup water in a 4.5-litre slow cooker; stir to combine. Add the beef and turn to coat. Cook, covered, on low for 6 hours or high for 4½ hours, or until the…

Intuition guides Naomi Azoulay’s creative pursuits. She is a master of collage, as well as a DJ and figurative painter. When she’s not teaching creative freedom through her workshops, she’s practising it. Tell us about how you found your way into collage. I’ve been an art lover for as long as I can remember. I started collecting art books at a young age – something that only intensified during my art history studies at university. When I was living in the Coromandel, I attended a one-day collage workshop in Colville that sparked something in me. I went home inspired and began collaging straight away, first on cardboard, and then on wood panels. I had this collection of art books, many secondhand or damaged, and I started cutting them up to…

Homeward bound Auckland homewares store Ornament has opened a second retail space in the suburb of Birkenhead – and it’s stunning. The curation of treasures pairs perfectly with the building’s beautiful heritage details. 100 Hinemoa Street, ornament.co.nz COMFORT WRAP Cosying up under a Maison Deux candy wrap New Zealand wool blanket this winter is a need, not just a want. $398.90, from teapea.co.nz SWEET DREAMS Warning: Visions of summer on the Amalfi Coast likely when resting on this Slip silk pillowcase, $129, from superette.co.nz PRETTY IN PINK THIS KIP & CO PINK STRIPE WATER JUG IS THE RIGHT BLEND OF RUSTIC AND FUNCTIONALITY, $79.95, FROM LOUISANDMAX.CO.NZ FULL OF BEANS A bean bag is always a good idea. This Sage x Clare Margot, for instance, is ideal for cosy weekends at…

1 Design Republique Nova soap dispenser, $49.90, from Bed Bath & Beyond. 2 Sandberg Hedda mural wallpaper, $115 (sqm), from The Inside. 3 Alto bath, $1449, from Early Settler. 4 Artisan Deco tiles, $69.90 (sqm), from Tile Depot. 5 Arc wall light, $490, from Murano Plus. 6 Smeg toaster, $289, from Kitchen Things. 7 Calabash vase, $79.98, from Nood. 8 Cabin wool blanket, $390, from Citta. 9 Alessa Luna sofa, $2499, from Early Settler. 10 Amanita cushion, $89.99, from Adairs. 11 Agnia coffee table, $859, from Early Settler. 12 Barry bar stool, $218.99, from Cintesi.…

home profile MEET & GREET Kim McKay (business strategist) and her husband Karl Wissler (entertainment executive). THE PROPERTY Country retreat decorated with comfortable, luxurious home decor. What appealed to you about your home? I was captivated by the property’s inherent potential. The location was just what we were seeking, but the interior was an unflattering interpretation of a 1980s aesthetic. The layout was a rare find that spoke to incredible possibilities and wouldn’t need much structural change. It gave us the perfect mix of large open entertaining spaces and the ability to create a suite of rooms away from the living areas. The original architect had oriented this home perfectly for the weather and we were also happy to find that, always important, feng shui considerations could be met. How…

PICK A POSY The ‘Little Gem’ magnolia and buxus add interest and texture to this garden, as well as being useful as greenery for floral arrangements. Madeleine grows many different types of dahlias in a variety of colourful shades. Madeleine Lambert is just the kind of friend you wish you had. If she’s not giving away bunches of beautiful homegrown flowers, she’s inviting you into her garden, handing you a pair of secateurs and saying, “Go for it.” And lucky you, because for six months of the year, her garden is full to the brim with dahlias, zinnias, hydrangeas, strawflowers, scabiosa and whatever else has taken this keen gardener’s fancy. Flowers bring her joy and she’s keen to spread it. Haven for birds Surprisingly, until five years ago Madeleine was…

Burnt toast and mushroom soup SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oll, for brushing 6 slices sourdough 50g unsalted butter, chopped 1 leek, white part only, thinly sliced 500g mixed mushrooms, thinly sliced (reserving 4 whole, to serve) 10g dried porcini mushrooms, soaked in 250ml boiling water for 10 minutes 2 cups milk 3 cups vegetable stock 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, plus extra to spread 150g Swiss-style cheese, grated Micro greens, to serve 1 Preheat a chargrill pan over high heat. Brush bread with oil and grill until well charred (2-3 minutes). Roughly chop 2 slices of bread. 2 Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leek and mixed mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden (10 minutes). Remove whole mushrooms: set aside. Add chopped bread…

HOT TICKET We’re calling it: the V&A’s Diva is set to be the exhibition of the year. It has more than 50 looks worn by divas including this iconic dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot (1959), Elton John’s Louis XIV-inspired look worn for his 50th and Bob Mackie costumes for Tina Turner, Pink and Cher. Get along to Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, 28 June to 19 October. aucklandmuseum.com 130 Mid-winter Christmas Get friends and family together for a celebration that makes more sense now than our festive summer. Mulled wine anyone? 138 Women we love Mixed-media artist Naomi Azoulay celebrates womanhood in her work.…

There was a moment last week when I looked around my house, baby attached to my hip like a barnacle, the older kids asking for snacks (for the umpteenth time), emails pinging, mess somehow multiplying in dark corners, and I thought: I need something just for me. Not something productive, but something that lifts me out of the everyday and reminds me I’m a human being with passions, not just a task-ticking mother with very tired eyes. So, I went for a surf. The baby had just been fed to sleep (yes, again), and I tiptoed out the door with my wetsuit in hand, barely letting myself think. Just go. The ocean was cold, wild, honest. And somewhere between paddling out and the first wave that sent me tumbling, I…

WE LOVE Colour rules in this delightfully bright space. @thiscolourfulnest Imagine working from this cosy home office. @alicegrace_england PODCAST OF THE MONTH A podcast for the dedicated cookbook collector in your life. CONNECT WITH US We love seeing images from our #yourhomeandgarden community. @yourhomeandgarden TOP INSTAGRAM POST Pink kitchens are having a moment. @yourhomeandgarden TRENDING ONLINE Readers loved this ’70s home reno. yourhomeandgarden.co.nz…

LIVING The Reverse 19 commissioned photograph of a traditional Belorussian costume by Pawel Bownik dominates one of the walls. The Japanese paper and resin Moon light is by Davide Groppi and the wood farm benches are from a gallery in Mazury. LOCAL INSPIRATION The Dune sofas are by Poliform and covered in an off-white linen, Dora Kuc (pictured) made the ceramic bowls and bio-morphic vessels on the mantel and the coffee table is made from old reclaimed doors. Dora values local craftsmanship and sourced a lot of the interior decor from village markets and antique shops. Drawing inspiration from its natural surroundings, a residence in the Lake District of the Mazury region in northern Poland has been designed by Warsaw-based architect Dora Kuc and design studio PW-Architekci. Dora envisioned a…

If you’re big on wellness, chances are that you have indulged in the luxury of a sauna. The restorative activity has been around for centuries but has experienced a new rush of popularity in recent years. It’s the perfect way to indulge during the harsh winter months, when everyone seems a little stressed and busy. While there are several dedicated community saunas, there’s been an uptick in people seeking relaxation within their own home. Rick Hill and Nikki Adcock are the owners of custom sauna business Made by Hideaway and believe that the convenience and privacy of a home sauna is tempting homeowners to invest in the wellness product. “Not everyone likes to communally sauna bathe, so this way you can have complete control over your own experience.” HOT IN…

JULY Chores Cooler weather makes staying indoors appealing, especially when the rains come. However, there is always plenty to do outside on finer days, and a host of small tasks that can get away from the incautious gardener. A daily walk around the garden keeps one in touch with what is going on, such as when the trees need to be sprayed, the fruit picked and the vines pruned. CUT IT OUT Prune apple, pear, peach and plum trees to encourage fruit production and make harvesting easier. Grapes and kiwifruit also need a prune asap as once temperatures rise, their sap begins to flow and bleeding will occur. SPRAY IT Fruit trees with leaf curl and bladder plum disease should be sprayed with copper at bud movement, which is when…

Quick banana & coconut chutney MAKES 2 x 250ml jars INGREDIENTS 3 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tsp salt, plus extra to taste 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger ½ tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp chilli flakes Pinch of cayenne pepper 2 cups roughly chopped overripe banana ½ cup apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar ½ cup desiccated coconut 1 Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and salt and saute for 4–5 minutes, until the onion is soft and sweet. Add the grated ginger, turmeric, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, chilli flakes and cayenne pepper. 2 Saute until fragrant, then add the banana, vinegar and sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 5–8 minutes,…

The only thing better than celebrating Christmas each year is celebrating it twice a year. Let’s face it, the festive season in December requires a lot of effort, from decorating the entire house, and the Christmas tree, to buying gifts and making traditional food that is typically too hot for our summer weather. There’s also the small matter of organising the summer holidays hot on its heels. That’s why we’re down for the simple joy of a mid-winter Christmas, which can be stripped back to a friends and family get-together over a leisurely roast meal in the appropriate season, while the weather outside is frightful. Apart from the food, the only other exertion is dressing the table and finding the perfect mulled wine recipe (flick forward a few pages). Enjoy…