Home & Leisure Magazine 2022

home & leisure | ?? 

2022 

Five building 

projects 

sure to 

inspire you 

+ Kitchens 

+ Bathrooms 

+ Interiors 

+ Heating 

+ Gardening 

+ Food 

+ Tiny Homes 

+ Decor

From the editor 

Christine de Felice 

12 

57 

While winter temperatures might be keeping us inside for much of 

the time, at least that gives us the opportunity to enjoy our home 

environment – and ponder ways to give it a refresh, or even a major 

upgrade. Some of you might even be contemplating having a new 

one built. 

Whatever the plans, the following pages offer plenty of inspiration. 

We profile four recently built properties and one renovated home 

and find out how the owners and the building companies worked 

together to achieve exceptional and very satisfying results. 

We talk to design experts about the latest trends in kitchen and 

bathroom design, and a specialist in interior design offers a slew of 

ideas on how to make home décor work best, and in a way 

that’s personal. 

Colour is the base point of any home decorating scheme, and 

Resene has all the colours you could wish for, and plenty of creative 

ideas on how to use them effectively in every room of the home. 

Our feature pages showing new trends in lighting and furniture 

will provide more inspiration, too. And getting back to the weather 

– our home heating section has valuable information on keeping the 

home warm, dry and healthy. Well worth a read! 

It might even be a tiny home – we look at this growing trend, 

as more New Zealanders opt for a different way to downsize and 

reduce their costs while enjoying the benefits of a simpler, more 

sustainable lifestyle. 

Fortunately, here in Christchurch, there are winter days when we 

can get outside and fossick in the garden. And perhaps introduce a 

whole new concept to our outdoor spaces, like Mediterranean, for 

example. Our landscape section describes the multitude of ways 

a Mediterranean-style garden can be brought to life, even in our 

Pacific region. 

Cooking has become an increasingly popular pastime in New 

Zealand over the last couple of years, and we all know why. Our 

recipe offers you the chance to extend your repertoire with a 

delicious Indian dahl – tasty and warming for wintertime family 

meals and packed with nutrition. 

So, take some time out to browse through these pages for 

inspiration and information. We hope you enjoy it. Keep warm! 

PUBLISHER 

Star Media 

EDITOR 


DESIGNER 

Hilary-Rose Macintosh 

ADVERTISING 

Juliet Dickson 

juliet.dickson@starmedia.kiwi 

Lisa Lynch 

lisa.lynch@starmedia.kiwi 

Home & Leisure magazine will be given to all those 

who visit the Star Media Home & Leisure Show (July 1, 

2, & 3, Christchurch Arena) and delivered to selected 

businesses around the city. Packed with high-quality 

editorial showcasing the latest home innovations – inside 

and out – this publication delivers its messages with the 

same flair desired by home owners for their havens. 

A perfect partner for a highly attended annual event. 

Star Media, a division of Allied Press Ltd, is not responsible for any actions taken on the information in these articles. The information and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the opinion of Allied Press Ltd 

or its editorial contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information within this magazine. However, Allied Press Ltd can accept no liability for the accuracy of the information.

home & leisure | 5 

Contents 

12 Creative decor 

24 Bathrooms 

37 Indoor plants 

39 Landscaping 

44 Furniture 

52 Kitchens 

57 Recipe 

58 Taste 

62 Interior design 

66 Lighting 

75 Heating 

80 Tiny Homes 

6 

18 

See inside for 5 building projects 

6 Build Right Homes 

18 Benchmark Homes 

30 Golden Homes 

46 Trident Homes 

68 Genius Homes 

30 46 

68 

Be inspired with thousands 

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home & leisure | ??


retro 

vision 

brought to life 

An owner’s passion for mid-century 

design has seen a bungalow reimagined 

to express his personal style. 

WORDS 


PHOTOS 

Jamie Armstrong Photography


Four years ago, when Steve Bayley was 

looking for a house he could renovate 

and infuse with his unique sense of retro 

style, he knew he had found what he 

wanted in this 1920s’ Bryndwr bungalow. 

A deck was added, where the family 

can relax and enjoy the morning sun. 

“I could see the potential,” he says. 

“The house had solid bones, I 

imagined a new layout, and I also 

liked the size of the section, because 

I like gardening, and the size of 

the garage. The solid brick wall at 

the front was another very 

appealing feature.” 

Steve had some renovating 

experience with a previous home, but 

he wanted to bring professionals on 

board for this more expansive project. 

“I came across Build Right at the 

Home Show. I saw their stand and 

they presented well. Their projects 

also aligned with my ideas, and I was 

impressed with their approach.” 

After being assigned to the job, 

Build Right prepared concept plans, 

and over the next 12 months, Steve 

says, there were regular meetings 

and discussions, as the plans were 

fine-tuned. 

“I wanted to take my time to make 

sure it would be how I envisaged 

it. My goal was to create a home 

environment which expressed my 

individuality and my enthusiasm for 

mid-century design from the 1950s 

and ’60s.” 

Sub-contractors were engaged, work 

got underway, and Steve’s satisfaction 

with the Build Right approach 

was reinforced. 

“The foreman, Carl, was so switched 

on, and when he was on site, he was 

very knowledgeable and very easy to 

work with. He really got invested in 

the project.” 

Steve, his wife, and daughter 

remained in the house during the 

renovation work, and while this 

presented some challenges for the 

contractors, Steve says they were very 

flexible and worked around the family. 

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The house had previously been renovated in the 

1980s, but this major renovation involved more 

extensive changes to both the kitchen/dining area 

and bathrooms. For the kitchen/dining and living 

areas, where before there were three separate rooms 

– kitchen, dining room and adjacent living room – 

walls have been removed to create an airy, openplan 

space, with Inside-Out designing the layout 

and fittings. 

The dining area was moved from one side to the 

other, the former dining room was converted into 

a walk-in scullery and laundry complete with extra 

sink, and the kitchen itself took centre stage, with a 

large bench top, which faces the living area, creating 

a focal point and a place to congregate. 

As Steve says: “I wanted the kitchen to be the 

heart of the home.” 

Appliances include a gas stove top, built-in 

extractor, separate electric wall oven and a doubledoor 

fridge. The home’s electric water heating was 

changed to gas. 

While the kitchen is both stylishly contemporary 

and functional, the soft timber tones of the 

custom-made joinery bring a sense of warmth and 

homeliness along with the mid-century ambience 

Steve was seeking. Working with the designers, he 

chose individual elements such as the brass taps 

over the sinks, and the striking wave-design tiles for 

the splash-backs. 

The addition of new, almost floor-to-ceiling 

windows, as suggested by Carl, not only lets in more 

light, but also provides a refreshing outlook to the 

back garden, which Steve is currently landscaping. 

The other key aspect of the renovations was the 

upgrading of the main bathroom and the addition 

of an en suite in the master bedroom. 

To make better use of space, a separate toilet next 

to the main bathroom was incorporated into the 

bathroom, with space also being taken from part of 

the former dining room and scullery. 

The resulting new bathroom features elegant 

Italian tiles with a marble design, complemented by 

the same wave-design tiles as used in the kitchen. 

There is a double shower, and taking pride of place, 

a stand-alone bath. The timber cabinetry mirrors 

the kitchen joinery, again creating warmth while 

creating a pleasing contrast to the crispness of 

the tiles. 

Top: The kitchen has become the focal point of the living space, 

with the re-located dining area now offering more space for 

famiiy meals. 

Above: The walk-in scullery and laundry also has an extra sink. 

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Above: A stand-alone 

bath takes pride of place 

in the main bathroom. 

Top right: Marble-design 

tiles add an 

elegant touch. 

Bottom right: Timber 

fittings add warmth, and 

contrast to the crispness 

of the tiles. 

“For all the renovations, and especially 

the bathroom, I wanted to balance practical 

design with the aesthetics – timeless and 

classic. I didn’t want cutting-edge design in 

the bathroom as that would be outdated in a 

few years,” Steve says. 

In addition to the main bathroom, an en 

suite in the master bedroom was a ‘must have’. 

To accommodate this, a narrow wardrobe 

space was extended, plus some space was 

cribbed from the old bathroom. Like the 

main bathroom, the en suite, with a 

double shower and toilet, is fully tiled – a 

stylish ablutions space for the master 

bedroom’s occupants. 

At the back of the house, outdoor living 

is catered for with a spacious new deck that 

captures the morning sun, while a second 

deck is planned for the side of the house to 

catch the afternoon rays. 

In a home that completely reflects the 

owner’s vision, new carpet, a fresh colour 

scheme and re-upholstered mid-century 

furniture in the living space, add to the effect 

of comfort and individual style. 

However, overall, it was “the great 

craftmanship and attention to detail” as 

described by Steve, that are the key reason he 

and his family are “absolutely delighted” with 

their renovated mid-century-style home. 

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challenges create 

opportunities for 

creative decor 

The ripple effect created 

by recent challenges has 

been hugely disruptive for 

decorating and design trends. 

On the plus side, this has opened up more opportunities for 

creativity. Home decorators are creating clever and colourful 

solutions that are unique to their personal wants and needs, 

rather than being dominated by trends. 

Resene has rounded up on-trend paint and decorating ideas 

to help provide inspiration for everything from quick room 

refreshes to new builds.


A timber headboard finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash adds 

another layer of visual texture to this space. Wall in Resene Triple 

Pearl Lusta, floor and pendant lamp in Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta, 

artwork in Resene Half Black White, vases in Resene Triple Bison Hide 

and Resene Half Bison Hide, bowl in Resene Grey Olive and chair in 

Resene Brown Bramble. Linen from Foxtrot Home, cushion and pink 

vase from Città, throw, candle holder and mug from Blackbird Goods. 

Lighter than air 

Recent events have reminded us of the need 

to tune into what’s really important: our own 

wellbeing and that of those we care about. This is 

materialising into a change of lifestyles and values, 

and looking at how we bring this into our homes. 

A renewed love of natural materials have made 

linen, wood, cane, clay and stone incredibly 

desirable for home décor – along with Resene 

paint, timber stain colour pairings and low-sheen, 

natural-look clear finishes. 

Simple, pared-down silhouettes and 

Scandinavian influences like whitewashed timbers 

in Resene Colorwood Whitewash and minimalist 

furnishings that focus on quality and sustainability 

are hugely popular. 

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Back wall in Resene Zumthor with shelf 

wall in Resene Blue Bark and floor stained 

in Resene Colorwood Dark Ebony. Linen 

and robe from Penney & Bennett, artwork 

by Sofia Lind from Slow Store, bedside 

table from Danske Móbler, carafe set 

from Sunday Homestore, ottoman from 

Republic Home. 

The new neutrals 

After two decades of cool, flat greys and whites reigning as the 

preferred neutrals, there has been a shift towards warmer and 

more complex options. Character neutrals, which feature more 

depth in their subtle undertones, are all the rage. Stone greys, 

biscuit beiges, blush suedes, steeped whites, olive taupe, slate 

greys and complex pewters like Resene Cobblestone, Resene 

Anglaise, Resene Calico, Resene Tea, Resene Cargo, Resene 

Silver Chalice and Resene Blue Bark represent the new 

neutrals that are trending today. 

Immensely flexible thanks to their rich and intricate 

undertones, each one of these hues makes a solid base for those 

who like to regularly change up their accent décor. Simply 

layer them with warmer-toned accessories like Resene Fire 

and Resene Americano in the cooler months and crisper tones 

like Resene Quarter Frozen and Resene Zumthor when the 

mercury rises to regulate the ‘visual temperature’ of your home. 

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Down to earth 

The decade-long obsession with motifs, colours, materials and silhouettes 

popular in the ’80s has waned and made way for 1970s’ influences. This is 

playing out through colours, but also with textures through earthy, handmade 

artisanal elements like pottery, macrame and dried floral arrangements. 

When it comes to colours, look to browns from suede to espresso like 

Resene Dusty Road and Resene Felix, rich adobe terracotta like Resene 

Sante Fe and Resene Tuscany, avocado greens like Resene Avocado and 

Resene Lichen and biscuit beiges like Resene Double Biscotti and Resene 

Half Akaroa to bring today’s tones to your walls, flooring and furniture. 

The word terracotta is borrowed from Italian and translates to ‘baked earth’, 

so it doesn’t get much toastier or earthier than these clay-coloured hues. It’s 

the oxidisation of the iron-rich soils used to create the porous pottery that 

shares the moniker, that you can thank for the colour, which is undeniably 

warming when used in quantities both large and small. 

Tap into a Tuscan vibe with walls and ceilings in popular varieties like 

Resene Wild West, Resene Crail, Resene Korma or Resene Sante Fe paired 

with warm off-white flooring in Resene Blank Canvas. 

Or invert the palette with walls in Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta and 

painted ‘terracotta tile’ flooring in Resene Tuscany with painted ‘grout’ in 

Resene Raven. 

Channel the warmth of the Mediterranean with a 

subtly mottled paint effect in earthy hues. Wall 

and large vase in Resene Wild West with Resene 

FX Paint Effects medium coloured with Resene 

Sante Fe, floor in Resene Blank Canvas, table and 

daybed base in Resene Korma, arch in Resene 

Wild West, plant pot in Resene Sand, pendant 

lamp in Resene Alabaster, artwork in Resene 

Nero. Rug, cushions and glass from Città, bag 

from Blackbird Goods. 

2022 

Home Builders


Brown comes back around 

Not since the 1990s – and, before that, the 1970s – has 

brown been as big a deal as it is right now. Hues like 

Resene Leather, Resene Dusty Road, Resene Brown Sugar 

and Resene Brown Pod are skyrocketing in popularity, 

likely for their ability to simultaneously ground and warm 

the spaces that they’re used in – both highly desirable 

qualities to bring into a busy, contemporary home. 

But unlike the one-dimensional browns of the ’90s, 

these variations are richer and more complex with spirited 

undertones that love to be layered with one another or 

blended with greys, beiges and taupe, such as Resene 

Mondo, Resene Half Akaroa and Resene Half Nomad. 

Back wall in Resene Quarter Linen, right wall in 

Resene Leather, skirting board in Resene Coral and 

floor stained in Resene Colorwood Dark Ebony. Stool 

and white vases from Domo, artwork from Mood 

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home & leisure | ??


fairway to 

happiness 

With views over a golf course, 

this couple’s home layout was 

personalised to meet their desires. 

WORDS 

Jane Thompson 

PHOTOS 

Mick Stephenson


When Scottish couple Sam and Audrey Watts 

decided to move down to Canterbury from Mapua, 

Nelson, they were in the market for a new build, and 

location-wise, they liked the look of Pegasus Town. 

However, to make sure it was the right 

place for them, for a year they rented a 

home there. Over that time, they visited 

several show homes and builders before 

finally deciding to go with Benchmark. 

They had built previously, so knew what 

they wanted in a building company. 

Sam explains: “We were looking for 

builders who were competent. How 

they present themselves is important. 

Benchmark has welcoming offices and 

premises, and the show homes are 

well presented. 

“But it wasn’t just about competence,” 

he says. “When we started to speak 

to Benchmark it was the people that 

impressed us – they are a really energetic 

bunch of people. We liked their 

whole vibe.” 

A Pegasus section with a perfect 

view of the golf course was the chosen 

location, and once the decision was 

made, the goal was to have the home 

completed in six months, so Sam and 

Audrey could be in by Christmas. It was 

a tight deadline, but Benchmark was 

able to meet it, with the couple happily 

celebrating the completion, and the 

festive season, surrounded by 

cardboard boxes. 

Large windows in the living areas 

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“From the get-go the enthusiasm and the speed that 

Richard Evans, [Benchmark Homes director] and his 

team turned around drawings and ideas was unsurpassed. I 

haven’t experienced that with any of the other builders we 

have built with,” Audrey says. 

In fact, the process had started after the couple had looked 

through a Benchmark show home in Lincoln and liked 

what they saw. 

“Richard personalised the layout for us from that. Our 

criteria was for two distinctly separate areas for entertaining 

with a central kitchen ‘hub’ and that the bedrooms and the 

master suite had to be away from the noisier living areas. 

All the main rooms also had to face the view.” 

One of the things they had learned from previous houses 

was that having large, north-west-facing windows wasn’t 

always ideal. 

“We found we had to close the curtains and blinds all the 

time during the day,” Audrey says, “so with the two living 

areas with this house, we have got glimpses everywhere so 

you can still see everything that is going on, and it works 

really well for the sun.” 

Being part of the process was also important to the couple, 

with Audrey enjoying visiting kitchen and bathroom design 

studios to see what the trends were and what she liked. 

“A good builder will give you a selection. Benchmark 

was really approachable and accessible and they answered 

our queries in good time. The time I had with an interior 

designer from McKenzie & Willis was useful too.” 

For Sam, the technical side of the building work also met 

his high standards. 

“The electrics was another thing that we were particularly 

pleased with, as well as the painting work. This is the first 

house we have had where it used full LED lighting. It is 

really quite difficult to judge what you need, but nothing 

was too much trouble, and the electricians specifically 

designed a lighting system for the rooms. 

“We also have a central hub for the audio/visual system 

and internet, together with an automated projection screen 

and a ducted heating system. These all work absolutely 

perfectly. You need that expertise.” 

Top: Audrey visited bathroom studios to see 

what she would like for the bathroom designs. 

Middle: Audrey worked with the designers at 

McKenzie & Willis to create the beautiful interiors. 

Bottom: Facing on to the golf course, the master 

bedroom offers stunning views. 

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Above: The deck 

provides plenty of 

space for outdoor 

entertaining. 

Top right: Water 

creates a boundary 

between the house 

and the course. 

Bottom right: The 

dining area forms part 

of the home's hub. 

Audrey and Sam were overseas during a part 

of the build but were able to follow progress on 

Benchmark’s online Buildertrend programme, 

which included regularly uploaded photos. 

‘We really liked the Buildertrend programme. 

It allowed us to monitor all aspects of the project 

while we were away and it was a big factor in us 

deciding on Benchmark,” Audrey says. 

“We could check on our selections, see 

where everything was and track our payments 

through it all. It was an amazing piece of 

software that I hadn’t seen before. It clearly 

shows you the timeline of everything that is 

happening, and you can go back and look at 

things and chart the progress. It was a big 

advantage of using Benchmark in my mind.” 

Reflecting on their new home, Audrey and 

Sam say there is nothing they would change. 

“It suits us down to the ground,” Audrey says. 

“We have a large group of friends here, there 

is always a lot going on. With lots of facilities 

within walking distance, it’s like being on 

holiday all the time.” 

IT’S TIME TO 

REJUVENATE 

+PROTECT 

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The couple also enjoy entertaining, whatever 

the season. 

“In the summer we open the doors to the 

deck right out and we also have the covered 

veranda area outside if shade is needed.” 

A convenient IT’S feature of TIME the large property TO 

is that it can be condensed into smaller, 

frequently REJUVENATE 

used living areas on one side of the 

house. The windows feature reflective glass, 

+PROTECT 


offering privacy from golfers on the 18th hole, 

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Sam had also • Recolouring figured out that being beside 

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“Now we have been in it through summer 

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is cool in the summer. It fits the brief of 

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Site Board 

Builder: 

Benchmark Homes 

Land size: 

2502sqm 


Working drawings and consent 

process 4 months, build 7 months 


Kitchen 


301sqm 


Whether to have access to the master 

bedroom off the hallway or living room 


Underfloor heating, but not too 

bothered about it

Bathroom 

bliss 

What’s new that will bring another 

level of style and function to that most 

personal of spaces in our home – the 

bathroom? Georgia Langridge of Modi 

Design talks us through the latest trends.

What are the current trends in bathroom design 

and how have they changed over the last one to 

two years? 

We are seeing slightly more complex colour or tonal 

pairings and well-considered layouts. Tile layouts 

are also about using more than one tile, mixing sizes 

and scale. There is also a shift to luxurious and larger 

showers and, in some cases, removing baths to allow 

for this. 

Are tiles still prominent? 

Yes. Tiles are serviceable and the variance in price 

means they can cater to all budgets. The variance also 

in size, proportion and shapes means they are a great 

go-to for bathrooms. 

Raised basins have been a feature over recent years, 

so are these still popular? 

Raised basins will always be a timeless option. 

On trend, currently, is a more organic and slightly 

irregular shape for a natural, artisan/handcrafted feel. 

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What about his and hers basins? 

A lot of homes are being designed with his 

and hers basins; that being said, I don’t think 

it should come at the sacrifice of practical 

benchtop storage. Weigh up if both basins 

will be utilised at the same time, and how 

often, and how many, products you use on 

your vanity. 

In an en suite you may like his and hers 

basins, whereas in a main bathroom used by 

the rest of the family you may find one basin 

with maximum benchtop space is preferable. 

Are there any new developments 

in showers? 

Technological developments/advancements 

in showers would be water coming through 

the ceiling without a RainCan. 

What about colour trends? 

A naturalist palette is what we are 

increasingly seeing (and loving), tonal 

progressions of warm timbers and beige/ 

caramel-based stone and tiles. 

EST 

2011 

Eco Wastewater 

and Rainwater 

Harvesting Systems 

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Bathroom flooring – any new trends there? 

For practicality, large format tiles in a lappato or matt (not 

glossy) finish are being used. 

In large, luxurious bathrooms, we are seeing two flooring 

options – the shower floor is the same as the walls and different 

from the rest of the floor, for example, mosaic tiles used on the 

shower walls and floor. 

How much does the bathroom design need to tie in with other 

aspects of a home's decor and style? 

The whole home needs consistency, whether it is a tonal 

progression subtly shifting throughout the house or a common 

thread that is used, i.e. the same timber. 

YOUR HOME 

RENOVATION 

SPECIALISTS 

we can help with 

- Concept Design 

- 3D Visualisations 

- Budget Estimates 

- Build Quotes 

- Consent Drawings 

& Applications 

www.pzazz.co.nz 

0800 792 992


Can an existing bathroom and/or en suite be modernised 

without costing too much, and if so how can that be done? 

Bathrooms are tricky. All fixtures are relatively permanent, 

so it's not like replacing a few cushions or pieces of furniture, 

as trades are involved. If the layout is good, you could update 

the vanity/ basin and mirror. If you are replacing tiles, you 

are looking at a full bathroom renovation. 

Apart from the obvious, is there one thing that every 

bathroom should have? 

A well-considered shower niche within easy reach. If it is a 

shelf that protrudes, ensure it can’t injure the shower user. 

Have a good focal point – typically the vanity, and place 

the toilet out of view. 

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knows best! 

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Have you 

considered 

subdividing? 

New regulations coming soon! 

If you couldn’t subdivide your section 

before, you might be able to do it now. 

We can guide you through a subdivision 

or a full design & build. Book a time to talk 

to a town planner. 

Email: dave@nzlivinghomes.co.nz 

Design-led master builders 

nzlivinghomes.co.nz 

P 03-548-7888 E support@zenteq.co.nz 

W www.zenteq.co.nz

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See us at the Home Show stands 30-31 

We come to you with our mobile service. 

Meet the teaM 

Find out why we have such happy custoMers 

Sherryn 

Sherryn has been in the window 

furnishing industry most of 

her working life, specialising 

in commercial applications; 

small or large. There isn’t much 

Sherryn doesn’t know about 

our industry. She really enjoys 

helping her clients to find the 

right products, at the right price. 

Phoebe 

Phoebe is currently completing 

her Degree in Interior Design 

and loves working with the wide 

variety of products Venluree 

offer. Phoebe gets a buzz in 

helping her clients achieve the 

right colour combinations. She 

is definitely the person to talk 

to about the latest trends and 

colours. 

Jimmy 

Jimmy specialises in blinds, 

awnings and insect screens. 

With his background in the 

building industry, he also 

assists our installation team 

when required. If you have a 

problem area which is out of 

the ordinary, Jimmy will work 

overtime to find a solution. 

Ana 

Ana is our Manager and started 

in the industry in the sewing 

room making curtains and has 

worked as a consultant in the 

window furnishings industry for 

many years around New Zealand. 

Customers rave about her wealth 

of knowledge and her outstanding 

service and this is why she has so 

many 5-star ratings. So come and 

find out why. 

Jamie 

Jamie is the Managing 

Director and loves the fact 

that we are big enough to 

provide professional and 

efficient service but still 

small enough to deal with 

you on a personal level to 

ensure you get what you 

want and how you want it. 

Over 55 years manufacturing quality blinds, 

curtains, shutters and much more. 

We enjoy meeting our clients in the comfort of their own homes with our 

mobile service or in our Showroom, to help visualise and find the right products 

for the right areas. So find out for yourself why the Venluree Canterbury team 

have so many 5-star Google ratings by giving us a call. 

Find out why we have such happy custoMers 

Unit 2 / 99 Sawyers Arms Rd 

03 365 4666 or 0800 836 587 

www.venluree.co.nz

home & leisure | ??


a very happy 

homecoming 

A smaller home, but one that still had 

space to enjoy. That was the wish, and 

it was easily granted with a stylish 

property in Halswell. 

WORDS 


PHOTOS 

Karen Casey


For this homeowner and her family, 

Halswell had been home for 30 years, so 

when the time came for her to sell her 

property and downsize, her preference 

was to stay in the area, and to move into 

a brand-new home. 

The splashback tiles behind the stovetop 

add a point of interest to the crisp 

black-and-white colour scheme. 

“I looked at a few plans with different 

building companies, but a lot of them 

were too small, because, while I was 

wanting to downsize, I still wanted 

space,” she explains. 

“I came from four bedrooms and 

large living and I didn’t want to go 

into a box. I wanted space, but I was 

definitely downsizing.” 

After considering various options, the 

decision was made to go with Golden 

Homes. In addition to their designs, 

she says, a key reason was structural. 

“I liked that they use steel framing 

rather than timber – it’s safer. I did 

look at other companies, but I kept 

coming back to Golden Homes 

because of the steel structure.” 

After talking to the company’s 

design consultant Michelle Anderson, 

the owner initially signed up for a 

house and land package, but then her 

lawyer advised against it. 

“He said it could be up to 12 months 

or even two years before I could move 

in, so I got out of the contract. Then 

Michelle contacted me again and said 

she had just the house for me and 

wanted to show me. 

“I will never forget the day, 

October 1st, 2021. Michelle texted me 

to wear some old boots because 

it was still a building site in 

progress without any landscaping. It 

had been raining and it was muddy. I 

loved it from the first moment, 

and I could see myself living 

there with all my own furniture. 

It was perfect!” 

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Located on a corner site in the Country Downs 

sub-division, the house she fell in love with has 

three double bedrooms, an en suite and a main 

bathroom – both featuring stylish black tap fittings, 

black heated towel rails, and extensive tiled areas, 

open-plan kitchen/dining/living area, and a separate 

lounge – all the space she wanted, in a home from 

the Bespoke Range by Golden Homes, designed by 

Dean McGuigan. 

Having two living areas and a dedicated dining 

space is something this new owner especially enjoys, 

with the feature wall slats in a timber veneer, which 

create an attractive divide between the dining space 

and lounge, being one of her favourite 

design points. 

The kitchen offers plenty of workspace and has 

a separate butler’s pantry, a striking light fitting 

above the bench, while behind the stove-top, the 

splashback tiles in Porcelanosa Lexington Cognac 

complement the wall slats. 

A cathedral ceiling in the living area adds 

height and character to the room, and in the main 

bedroom a raised, recessed ceiling, or trayed ceiling, 

again gives a sense of extra height. 

In terms of the décor, designed by Golden 

Homes, the home also perfectly matches the 

owner’s style – crisp, sophisticated black and 

white. So, all her furniture and accessories from 

her previous home fitted right in, enabling her to 

create an environment in her new abode that’s both 

contemporary and elegant. 

The all-important indoor-outdoor flow is well 

catered for with doors opening onto three decks 

– outside the living area, the lounge and the main 

bedroom. One of the decks will house the barbecue, 

while a selection of pots adds an interesting 

focal point. 

The spacious double garage, with internal access, 

accommodates the laundry, as well as having a 

convenient corner for a home office. 

Top: Wallpaper and shelving create an eye-catching feature 

leading into the open-plan area. 

Above: The main bathroom includes a bath and shower. 

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Above: The well designed 

open-plan layout includes 

a dining area facing 

the kitchen. 

Top right: Black tapware 

adds to the stylish look of 

the bathrooms. 

Bottom right: The timber 

veneer wall slats create an 

attractive divide between 

the dining and one of the 

living areas. 

While the landscaping had been completed 

when the owner moved in, she decided to 

replace the lawn with artificial grass, so no 

lawns to mow. 

“Best thing I ever did!” 

Plantings along the fence line will 

eventually grow up to give more privacy. 

The orientation of the brick and cedar-clad 

house ensures all-day sun, a definite bonus, 

plus the owner also enjoys living on a corner, 

where she can see people coming and going. 

The team at Golden Homes made the 

process of getting into her new home 

straightforward and stress-free, she says. 

“Michelle was so efficient. She took me 

through everything and always got back to 

me. She went out of her way to make it all 

work for me. She was an absolute treat. 

“The construction manager, Simon Osikai 

was very good to work with too, very efficient. 

He was there the day I moved in and sorted 

out the last few details.” 

Even though it wasn’t yet completed, from 

the moment she first walked in the front 

door, this very happy owner knew this was 

the house for her, and she loves living there. 

“It was just the feel of the house – it ticked 

every box for me.” 

Come to the Nutrimetics 

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Left: With its black-andwhite 

decor, the main 

bedroom is a picture 

of elegance. 

Below left: The cathedral 

ceiling adds height and 

character to the living area 

adjacent to the kitchen. 

Site Board 

Builder: 

Golden Homes 

Land size: 

451sqm 


180.2sqm 


Six months 


Kitchen 


Finding the right home – this was it. 


Nothing 

The lifestyle you deserve. 

At Burlington, style, class and fun are guaranteed. 

The village offers independent houses, intermediate care options, 

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Find out more at www.burlingtonvillage.co.nz, or call us on 03 383 0333. 

171 Prestons Road, Redwood. 

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breathe life 

into your home 

Not only do houseplants make us feel relaxed 

and happier, but they also naturally clean the air 

of toxins and refresh oxygen levels. Indoor plants 

give life to otherwise simple rooms with their wide 

variety of shapes, sizes textures and colours—they 

are a fantastic way to decorate any room. 

Peace Lily 

Classic indoor plant, 

perfect in most areas of 

the home. Renowned for 

their clean air properties 

that remove toxins from 

the air. Feed regularly with 

general indoor fertiliser 

and water as needed. 

Philodendron 

Brasil 

With every 

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Brasil. Also called 

a variegated 

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Although cacti are 

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sunlight, many thrive as 

indoor plants. Add one 

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living space for some 

unique decor. 

Snake Plant 

This Sansevieria has beautiful 

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Laws Tongue. Snake plants are 

very drought tolerant and can 

survive months without water, 

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Bamboo 

An important part 

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easy-care plants 

are said to bring 

good luck and 

fortune, especially 

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Tradescantia Zebrina 

Tradescantia zebrina is a 

houseplant that can be grown in 

a hanging basket to show off its 

long beautiful purple trailing vines 

or kept contained and compact in 

a pot. Very versatile, and very hard 

to kill.

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mediterranean 

magic 

WORDS 

Diana Noonan 

Kiwi Gardener 

Winter is the perfect season to give 

your garden a makeover. There’s time 

to consult, design, assemble materials, 

and even begin work. By the time 

spring rolls around, you are well on 

your way to getting the look you want. 

One of the simplest styles to aim for is the Mediterranean garden. While it can be 

designed to fit any-sized property, it is also well suited to small-scale plots. Best of 

all, it’s one of the least expensive, lowest-maintenance garden designs on the books. 

And with its low-water requirements, it’s environmentally friendly as well. 

BUILDING 

EXCAVATION 

RETAINING WALLS 

LANDSCAPING 

P: 021 067 3256 

E: scott@strathclyde.co.nz 

www.strathclyde.co.nz 

BUILDING 

YOUR DREAMS 

FROM THE 

GROUND UP.


Romantic but functional 

A Mediterranean garden is a romantic garden, yet it is 

also a functional, social space. Within it, shady courtyards 

provide relief from the heat, and a place where families 

and friends can gather formally to dine, or informally to 

gossip or sip a coffee. 

Although the Mediterranean garden is synonymous 

with Spain, Italy, southern France and Greece, it always 

presents as having developed organically from the land 

immediately around it: dry hills with rocky outcrops, 

aromatic herb fields, wild alliums and almonds, and 

gnarled olives. In autumn and winter, native cyclamen 

grows from between cracks, and in spring the land bursts 

into life with flowering bulbs – tulips, muscari and 

anemone. Lavender bushes provide heady perfume but are 

also used in soap and to provide medicinal oil. 

Organic 

Although the Mediterranean garden has evolved 

from its own wild spaces, it is also carefully tended. 

Functional, food-bearing plants such as bay, citrus, quince, 

pomegranate, loquat and Medlar occupy nooks or pots, 

and are watered deeply over summer. Clipped hedges 

provide shelter from hot winds, and shade is provided by 

crumbling walls refreshed with a lick of white-wash, or 

rustic arbours threaded through with colourful climbing 

plants such as Bougainvillea and grape. 

A single potted 

citrus spells 

Mediterranean heat. 

Infrastructure 

Heat creates a need for water – delivered naturally in the 

form of lapping azure-blue ocean, or created with a small, 

cool pond, or a central well decked out with a battered 

pail. Discarded vessels from an earlier age, such as retired 

terracotta oil pots, wine barrels, an outdoor stone oven, 

or a wooden animal trough, are commonly found in a 

Mediterranean garden, as well as generations of worn 

furniture, encrusted with layers of thick oil paint. 

Maximise your outdoor living 

As outdoor living specialists, Zones aim to enhance the things you love to do outside. Whether it’s 

cooking or dining outside with friends and family, playing backyard cricket with the kids, reading a 

book in the sun, or pottering around the garden, we can design and build a landscape to suit. 

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Come and see us on Stand 22-24 to talk about how we can transform your outdoor living area. 

0800 301 020 

www.zones.co.nz 

021 912 826 

sales@paragonfencing.co.nz 

www.paragongfencing.co.nz


Vintage oil jars and a colourful, shady pergola are hallmarks of the Mediterranean garden. 

Paths 

A Mediterranean garden has its origins in a simple peasant 

economy, which is why recycled and natural materials form 

the basis of its paths. Crazy paving is made from broken 

brick, pieces of concrete, or flat rocks, randomly laid, with 

the cracks between filled with aromatic herbs such as 

thyme, oregano and chamomile. Broken seashells or gravel 

chip will also suffice, and where cost is not an issue, and 

more formality is desired, pea gravel can be substituted. 

Formal edging is not required, as low-growing plants will 

soften the look. Plants which are ideal for this purpose 

include prostrate rockrose (Cistus salviifolius ‘Prostratus’), 

low-growing catmint (Nepeta remosa ‘Walkers Low’), and 

Prostrate sage (Salvia officinalis). 

Socialising 

It’s simply not a Mediterranean garden without a place 

to socialise. Incorporate your deck into your garden 

by planting around it, or create a level, hard surface 

from pebbles, grit or crazy paving. Go Greek by giving 

vintage wooden chairs a lick of colourful oil-based paint 

(the less perfect the job, the better), and provide a small 

wooden table that has been given the same treatment. 

Bright, and mismatched colours are perfect for painting 

furniture, so don’t be afraid to head straight to your 

recycling centre for tins of leftover paint. To get the 

French Mediterranean look, choose wrought iron chairs 

and table (or a small, glass-surfaced table will do the 

trick). Position your furniture under a shady tree. 

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Natural materials make 

the best paths. 

Climate control 

A Mediterranean climate is characterised by hot, dry summers and 

mild, wet winters. This is perfectly in keeping with many of the 

warmer regions of our own country, but if that climatic description 

doesn’t sound like your neck of the woods, you can always look for 

ways to improvise. 

A pergola, with a canopy of dense, hardy vines (such as clematis, 

winter jasmine or climbing hydrangea), all suited to a damper, 

cooler climate, can help. Both the structure and the plants will keep 

the soil under and immediately around them dry over the winter 

months. Within the protection of the pergola, it will be possible 

to grow more tender climbers for colour (think: perennial sweet 

pea or an ornamental grape such as Vitis coignetiae). If a pergola is 

not within your budget, choose hedging plants that can be wellclipped. 

They will create a dry microclimate around their feet. 

Citrus also brings colour to a Mediterranean garden. It can grow 

in-ground to fill a shrub-sized space or be kept small and clipped 

when planted in a pot. Although a citrus will bear colourful fruit in 

winter, in warmer climes, in summer it will put on a show for those 

who live in cooler parts of the country. Potted citrus in cold regions 

will need to be wrapped and/or moved into a greenhouse against 

the winter weather. 

Lavenders, the hallmark of the Mediterranean garden, are low 

maintenance (give them a clip after flowering, and a harder one 

again in spring). If you live in a warm, humid climate, Stoechas 

are the lavenders to go for. English lavender will perform better in 

colder climates, but the real enemy is the wet. Don’t let this deter 

you, though – plant in pots of free-draining soil and move these 

indoors or under eves in the wettest months. 

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Get the full package for 

new home reno’s with Smiths. 

We’ll design, build and install your dream kitchen. Kit it out with top of the line 

appliances at commercial pricing, from brands we stand behind. And once the 

kitchens’ done, you can move on to the bedroom or the lounge - with our great 

range of beds, TVs, lounge suites and more. 

Why Smiths? 

We’re well 

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We sell leading 

brands. 

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We’ve been around 

for 103 years so we 

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It’s about Kiwis 

supporting Kiwis. 

We only ever sell 

products and brands 

we stand behind. 

We’re committed 

to helping our 

customers, through 

the entire process. 

Our people are our 

greatest asset. They’re 

what separates us from 

our competition.


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Ponsonby Throw 

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Vogue 

3 Seater 

Smiths City 

Pippa Nera 

Coffee Machine 

Caffé Italiano 

Bari Buffet 

Harvey Norman 

Linen Cushions 

Adairs

Cooper & Co Banana 

Leaf A2 Framed Print 

Spotlight 

Duo 

Bookcase 

Harvey 

Norman 

Cove Dining Table 

Freedom Furniture 

Caro Coffee Table 

Smiths City 

Sage Green 12 Piece 

Dinner Set 

Kmart 

Retro 

Fabric 

Occasional 

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Furniture

home & leisure | ??


a home 

where she belongs 

Julie Gullick knew that her ‘felt sense’ 

had led her to the right place when 

she found her section, and the builder, 

for her new home in Woodend. 

WORDS 


PHOTOS 

Karen Casey


Six years ago, a business opportunity 

saw Julie Gullick and her family move 

to Christchurch from Southland, where 

she had lived for most of her life. 

Then, following a change in her 

personal circumstances, Julie started 

looking for a new area in which to live, 

somewhere she would feel part of 

the community. 

“I wanted to find a place like Winton, 

where I had come from, a place where 

people look out for each other.” 

Initially, Julie started looking at areas 

south of the city, and for her, the whole 

experience was based on intuition. 

“The land position, the design of the 

house, the building company I would 

choose, all of that would come about 

through a ‘felt sense’,” Julie says. 

In her search south, Julie found what 

she describes as a “beautiful area with a 

lovely section”, but it didn’t feel right. 

“It seemed I wasn’t meant to live 

south of Christchurch, so I drove 

north to see what was there and that’s 

where I found what I was looking 

for. Ravenswood felt right, from a 

community, and from a price point of 

view for purchasing the land. 

“I found the perfect section in 

Ravenswood, so then I needed 

to find the right building company. 

In my search, I was methodical and 

dedicated. I visited show homes and 

met some lovely people from 

building companies. 

“I was looking for a company that 

wasn’t too big, one that made me feel 

valued as a customer and that I could 

relate to. When I met Mark Smith 

from Trident Homes at their show 

home in Ravenswood it felt like a good 

fit, but I wanted to connect with the 

company, so I called them and was able 

to speak directly to the franchise owner 

Pete Nisbet, who was very helpful. 

“I felt excited, so I looked at some 

of their plans, but I was quite specific 

about what I wanted,” Julie says. 

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“Mark gave me the confidence to 

work with them to bring my ideas to 

fruition. We discussed what I needed 

for my living environment, and that 

was a design for the present, and for 

the future. Really just a one-bedroom 

home with a wing catering for guests 

and family. I wanted the capacity to 

have a dual-purpose bedroom and 

Air B&B – I was looking for a way to 

make an income when I retired.” 

For Julie, the key requirements were 

privacy, with the living area located 

away from the street, open-plan living 

space, a good-sized garage and plenty 

of storage. One thing she didn’t want 

was wasted space. 

And the building company that 

would provide all that had to be what 

Julie describes as “relational”. 

“I also wanted guarantees, with 

national backing, and a fixed price, 

and I didn’t want to be just another 

number. Trident Homes were offering 

all that, and they made me feel so 

valued as a client. They offered plans, 

but there was flexibility, allowing 

things to be changed and tweaked.” 

In fact, it was Julie herself who 

devised the overall plan for her home 

with guidance from Trident. This 

resulted in the bespoke design, which 

she says also features ‘up-spec’d’ fittings 

and includes an open-plan kitchen/ 

living/dining space, three bedrooms – 

one with an adjoining kitchenette, two 

bathrooms, three toilets and an extralarge 

double garage. 

For the colour scheme, Julie worked 

with Trident Homes’ colour consultant 

Lynley Hansen from By Design 

Interiors. Throughout the living areas 

and two of the bedrooms, Wattyl 

Magnesium was the choice, and for 

her bedroom, the moody, dark -Silent 

Silhouette by Wattyl, with a feature 

wall in a striking floral wallpaper, 

white ceiling and white trim. 

“I had Lynley’s guidance, but she 

gave me the space to make my own 

choices. It was also important for me 

to keep the chemical load down, so 

the paint I chose is low VOC [volatile 

organic chemicals]. It’s durable, and 

friendly to the environment 

and humans.” 


Above: The barn door opening from 

the living area to the hallway is one of 

Julie's favourite features. 

Below left: The spacious open-plan 

layout was a key requirement. 

Below right: The kitchen offers plenty 

of storage space. 

Lynley Hansen


Above: The main 

bathroom features 

a fully tiled shower 

and a bath. 

Top right: Leading 

from the hallway, 

the kitchenette 

adjoining one of 

the bedrooms 

provides for 

guests, family and 

potential Air B&B 

accommodation. 

Right: An eyecatching 

feature of 

the kitchen is the 

brick splash-back. 

For the carpet, she chose one from the Belgotex 

Empire range, in ash, while the vinyl in the 

kitchen and bathrooms is a plank design in the 

colour Supremo Sutherland. 

The home’s exterior cladding is Clad’X plaster 

system, as recommended by Trident Homes, 

with a feature gable. 

With fresh, ventilated air being a nonnegotiable 

for Julie, she had a Moisture Master 

ventilation system installed, and this is just one 

of several special features she particularly enjoys 

in her new home. 

“I love the vaulted ceiling in the living area – 

it gives the illusion of more space, it definitely 

lets in more light, and it’s a point of interest in 

the room. I’m also thrilled with the barn door 

between the living area and the hall and the 

brick splash-back in the kitchen. 

“The storage is amazing,” Julie adds, “and that 

was important for me.” 

It includes a large cupboard in the living area 

and the garage, and storage space in the roof. 

Two sets of stacker doors open out from the 

living area to concrete patios, providing indooroutdoor 

flow, while an outside hot tap is handy 

for cleaning up after gardening. Julie has already 

established a vegetable and herb garden, the 

well-tended lawn looks lush, and she is planning 

to plant fruit trees, flowers and shrubs. 

In talking about her new home, Julie constantly 

refers to the “relational” aspect of her experience 

with the Trident Homes team, which made her 

feel valued. 

“Greg Lyons, the project manager, was 

just brilliant – I formed a good relationship 

with him, and there was a great team of subcontractors. 

Through Greg, I was able to have 

site access whenever I wanted to go and see how 

they were progressing. And Pete Nisbet was 

available if, and when, I had any questions. He 

said I could contact him any time I wanted to 

know anything. That’s something I don’t think 

you would get with a larger company.” 

Relaxing in her light, airy living space, Julie 

enjoys the outlook of trees and sky beyond 

her boundary. 

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“I love feeling close to 

nature. I have that here. 

This house gives me 

everything I was looking 

for and I am very 

happy with how it all 

came together.” 

Site Board 

Builder: 

Trident Homes 

Land size: 

549sqm 


Six months 


172sqm 


The way the house works – the 

indoor/outdoor flow 


Choosing SDN carpet over wool 

or hard floor. Making sure the right 

decision was made with the space, i.e., 

that there was enough space 


Nothing else 

Designed for living. Built for life. 

Bringing all the 

lenders to you. 

With access to over 20 bank and non-bank 

lenders, we’ll have something to suit you. 

There are many things to consider when building a new house 

and Trident Homes makes it easy with many years of real 

building experience and a fully Trade Qualified workforce. 

Our Custom made Home designs and innovative Home plans 

are also affordable for our customers – but it doesn’t come at 

the expense of quality. 

We pride ourselves as being Home Builders throughout 

New Zealand who specialise in building innovative modern 

homes with customers’ thoughts in mind. 

® 

® 

Ph. 03 Ph. 349 03 349 0020 0020 / / 03 03 375 9020 9020 

www.tridenthomes.nz 

Contact us on 

® 

0800 1 AGILE (0800 1 24453) 

teamagile@loanmarket.co.nz 

loanmarketagile.com 

®

what’s cookin’ in the 

kitchen? 

Nicky Claridge of NC Design talks 

to Home & Leisure about the latest 

developments in kitchen design. And 

there are plenty of tasty ideas, both 

for new builds and renovations, 

as she reveals. 

PHOTOS 

Courtesy NC Design


What are the current trends in kitchen 

design in terms of colour schemes, and 

materials for cabinetry and bench surfaces? 

Timber, timber and more timber! Here and 

overseas, customer demand for timber and 

‘timber-look’ kitchens is on the rise. Be it a 

white kitchen with timber accents, or a timber 

kitchen with accents of black or pops of colour, 

the addition of timber into the kitchen is 

going to be with us for some time. 

While the engineered stones for benchtops 

are still super popular, the rise of the porcelain 

surface is hot on its tail. And why wouldn’t it 

be, with features like stain and heat resistance. 

It’s the perfect surface for a busy kitchen. 

How has the open-plan concept developed 

over recent years and what are its advantages? 

The open-plan kitchen/dining space was 

adopted in the mid-’80s and will be a part of 

Kiwi homes for the foreseeable. The kitchen 

is no longer just the place for the cook, it’s the 

hub of the home and is now, more than ever, a 

multi-purpose space. Homework, entertaining 

and even a work-space (thanks Covid…)


Any new developments in appliances? 

The technology of the latest appliances is vast, 

with ovens and cooktops that are being built for 

the domestic sector kitted out with functions the 

most decerning chef would envy. The key design 

feature that is very popular today is the ability to 

integrate some of the appliances into the kitchen 

joinery, so they become ‘hidden’. 

What about lighting? 

What are the different options? 

Lighting in the kitchen is more than just providing 

good ‘task’ light for the chef, it’s the mood lighting 

for the party, or accent lighting when the main 

room lights are off. My tip is to make sure the task 

lamps and accent lamps are switched separately 

so they can be operated independently from 

each other. 

Tell us about tapware trends – what's new? 

The kitchen tap is the hardest-working tap in 

the house by far, so it’s the one faucet that you 

shouldn’t grab as a bargain. Depending on your 

location, the quality of the tap-juice can be a little 

hard to swallow….. so the addition of a water filter 

can make all the difference to the taste. 

Chris Burrows | 022-106 0276 | chrisburrows.norwexbiz.nz 

Veronika & Rhys | 022-621 8044 | veronikarhysllewellyn.norwexbiz.nz


Storage is an important aspect of 

kitchen design, so are there any new 

ideas for that? 

More storage will always be near the 

top of a client’s wish-list, and so it 

should be. Kitchen real estate isn’t 

cheap, and wasted space is even more 

expensive, so the addition of ‘innerdrawers’ 

to a pantry, with the longest 

‘full-extension’ runners you can have, 

is the best way to gain access to 

and make use of those 

hard-to-reach spaces. 

How can an existing kitchen be 

upgraded without spending 

too much? 

Updating a tired kitchen on a budget 

is tricky, but not impossible. Simple 

things like changing the handles or 

replacing the sink, tap or splash-back 

can often be enough to give it a new 

lease of life. Changing the benchtop 

is often a good way to reinvigorate a 

space but can be problematic if tiles 

are involved. If the cabinet colour is 

what you want to change, then a refacing 

specialist is your best bet. 

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ADJUSTABLE BEDS 

Ease and Comfort at the 

Touch of a Button 

Buying a new bed is an important decision and not one that should be rushed. 

These days there are so many options, it can be hard to decide on just one. 

An adjustable bed is a great solution. With an adjustable bed you can move 

the bed to your desired sleeping position and there’s added benefits such 

as being able to raise your head to read. When you buy an adjustable bed, 

you’re buying a bed that can be altered to exactly what you want. 

Features and Benefits 

• Being able to adjust your bed can 

help with health issues such as poor 

circulation, heart burn and breathing 

problems. 

• If you and your partner prefer to 

sleep in different positions, you can 

choose a split model. 

With a split bed base, each side of 

the bed can be independently moved 

- one person can have the bed laid 

flat to sleep while the other can lift 

the back up and read in bed at the 

same time. 

• Another advantage of a split bed 

is that you and your partner can each 

select the mattress comfort you 

desire – even if one person prefers 

super firm and the other likes their 

mattress soft, there’s no compromise 

needed. 

• The base can be paired with different 

customisable headboard styles to suit 

your bedroom décor. Select from 

upholstered headboards or beautifully 

crafted timber designs. 

As well as having movement features, 

upgraded models have additional 

functions such as vibrating massage 

settings, speakers, Bluetooth capability 

and under bed lighting. 

You deserve a rejuvenating, restful 

sleep every night, so head into your 

local Harvey Norman and let our sleep 

experts help find the perfect bed for 

you - an adjustable bed might be just 

what you’re looking for. 

Harvey Norman Bedding: 250 Moorhouse Ave, Sydenham, Christchurch 

Ph: 0800 464 278 harveynorman.co.nz


Red Lentil Dahl 

Ingredients 

For the Dahl 

1-2 tbsp coconut oil or other neutral oil for frying 

2 onions chopped 

4 garlic cloves minced 

2 tsp ginger minced (or more to taste) 

1 tsp turmeric 

1 tsp coriander 

1 tsp cumin 

1 tsp red paprika powder 

1 tsp garam masala or other curry powder to taste 

1 ⅔ cups (300 g) red lentils 

3 ¼ cups (780 ml) vegetable broth 

1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk 

1 cup (240 ml) strained tomatoes or chopped tomatoes 

salt and pepper to taste 

2 tsp coconut sugar or to taste 

2-3 tbsp lime or lemon juice or to taste 

To serve (optional) 

4-6 tbsp non-dairy yogurt 

fresh parsley or coriander 

sesame seeds 

rice cooked 

This Easy Indian Red 

Lentil Dahl is a musttry 

if you’re looking for a 

flavorful curry, soup, or stew 

recipe. It’s delicious, healthy 

and one of the best lentil 

dishes to warm you up in 

winter or for cold weather. 

Recipe and photo: 

Bianca Zapatka 

biancazaptaka 

www.biancazapatka.com 

Instructions 

• Heat the coconut oil in a skillet or saucepan. Add the chopped 

onions, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then add the 

garlic and ginger sauté for another minute until fragrant. Lastly, 

add the spices, and sauté for a few seconds to unfold flavors. 

• Place the lentils in a fine-mashed sieve and rinse with cold running 

water. Then add them to the onion mixture in the skillet. Pour in 

the vegetable broth, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Cook 

covered for 8-10 minutes, or until the lentils have absorbed most of 

the liquid. 

• Add the coconut milk and strained tomatoes and simmer another 

5-10 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. (If the sauce is too 

thick, add a little more broth or coconut milk, until the desired 

consistency is reached). Season with salt, pepper, coconut sugar, 

and lime juice to taste. 

• Garnish your dahl with a swirl of non-dairy yogurt, fresh chopped 

parsley or coriander, and sesame seeds or other toppings you like. 

Serve over rice or with homemade vegan naan or aloo paratha or 

use it as a filling for your favorite hearty pancake, crêpes, or tortilla 

recipe. Enjoy!


taste lane 

Follow the foodies to Taste Lane at 

the Home & Leisure Show for delicious 

flavours from these specialist food and 

beverage producers and importers. 

Skazka Deli 

Skazka Deli was established in 2003 and quickly became the favourite 

spot for European and Kiwi foodies alike. You will find all the ingredients 

for traditional festive celebrations and essential treats here - black caviar, 

colourful jars of pickles, salted herring, cheese, smoked meats and sausages, 

speck, cakes, chocolates and sweets. 

Discover intercontinental delicacies in our shop or buy on-line. It's a joy 

sharing Eastern European culinary tradition with you! skazka.co.nz 

Aoraki Liquorice 

Liquorice lovers will be licking their 

lips at Aoraki’s extensive range of 

tempting sweet treats, all made in 

New Zealand. Naturally they have 

everyone’s faves like Liquorice 

Allsorts, Irish Moss, and Raspberry 

and Liquorice Bites. More of a fudge 

fan? The Chocolate, Russian and 

Irish Cream combination pottles 

are very popular. The clear pottles 

are fully recyclable and Aoraki also 

caters to gluten-free and workplace 

customers. Based in Christchurch. 

aorakiliquorice.co.nz 

Euro Liquor 

Euro Liquor is an Auckland-based online 

liquor store. Here you can find European 

beer, vodka, brandy, whiskey, specialty 

liqueurs, and wines. We work with premium 

brands focused on delivering high-quality 

drinking experiences to our discerning 

customers. Our products are from many 

European countries such as Norway, 

Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland etc. 

Apart from traditional flavours, we have 

Low Carb, Gluten Free, Low-Alc and Non- 

Alc beverages. Something cool for everyone! 

euroliquor.co.nz


Straight 8 Estate 

Straight 8 Estate is located in the 

heart of the Canterbury Plains in 

Burnham. The vineyard is over 30 

years old and we aim to produce a 

range of ‘Seriously Drinkable Wines’ 

from our single-vineyard block. Our 

cellar door is open seven days a week 

from 9am to 6.30pm. Casual, wine 

tasting daily – we look forward to 

seeing you. Cheers James & Mary. 

straight8estate.co.nz 

Cannonhill Gourmet 

We are a local food manufacturer that produces 

a range of small-batch, handcrafted mayonnaise, 

hummus, relishes, and more recently a range of 

puddings. Our aim is to provide a classic-based 

range with a modern twist, focusing on quality and 

flavour. We believe in providing our customers with 

products to inspire their culinary confidence and 

imagination. We are available in most supermarkets 

and specialty stores. cannonhillgourmet.co.nz 

Fudge Cottage 

For decades, The Fudge Cottage at Christchurch’s 

historic Arts Centre has been handcrafting the 

finest artisan fudge from a traditional family recipe. 

Fresh New Zealand milk and cream are combined 

with carefully selected natural ingredients to create 

confections that bring a smile to the lips of young and 

old alike. With a wide range of products, flavours, and 

delightful giftware, you’ll find something for everyone 

at The Fudge Cottage. 

fudgecottage.co.nz


Dakshina 

Dakshina seasonings and curry mixes are made 

from all-natural ingredients and are carefully 

crafted by hand. By combining these with 

ingredients you can easily source locally you can 

bring the tastes of India to your home. Give it 

a try some time to spice up your mealtime and 

enjoy the undeniable aroma that comes from 

making a dish that smells, looks, and tastes like it 

came straight out of India. dakshina.co.nz 

Brandhouse 

Make sure you stop by the stand and 

have a taste of some top shelf products 

from Brandhouse, a Christchurch 

based beverage company. You might 

even find your new favourite beer, 

wine or spirit. brandhouse.co.nz 

Visit our stand at the 

Home & Leisure for 

GREAT SPECIALS 

Show 

SPEciAL 

• Easy to operate 

• Large capacity 

• Easily customised 

• Aesthetically pleasing 

• Doubles as an outdoor table 

www.smokeandspice.co.nz 

Ph: 021 396 000

p


the inside 

story 

It’s so important to inject your personal 

tastes into the spaces you reside in, so that 

feeling of ‘home’ is there the second you 

walk in the door. And the style that achieves 

that feeling is different for everyone, says 

Treena Swift of Swift Designs. 

She talks to Home & Leisure about making 

your interior design work for you.


What are the current trends in interior design in terms of 

style, e.g. minimalist, rustic/country, sleek/contemporary, 

organic/natural? 

The recent lockdowns have highlighted the need for our 

homes to not only function well but also make us feel good 

and there is a lot of discussion in the industry about what 

comfort means to different individuals. 

We are noticing a demand for more natural fibres and 

colours. Bringing elements of nature into our homes can be 

soothing, therefore trends in soft furnishings and wallpaper 

include using anything inspired by nature or that incorporate 

natural materials. We are seeing lots of botanical prints and 

colours like ochre, grey with either a strong blue or brown 

undertone, green of every shade and a move back to warm 

tones in wall and floor coverings. Texture is being used in 

upholstery fabrics with rounded shapes in furniture designs. 

Buying quality is definitely trending; generally people are 

becoming more aware of the impact their purchases have 

on the environment, so buying better quality is important 

to get the longest life out of our furniture and furnishings. 

Style trends are becoming less important, instead clients are 

focusing on what make them happy and won’t date too easily, 

then creating a unique style that suits their individual needs. 

Leaders In 

Electrical Services 

Christchurch 

Canterbury 

Call John McDonald 

027 333 3768 

www.jme.co.nz 

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RETAIL


When considering an interior 

design for a room, what should 

you start with? 

Start with the floor and work your 

way up. Think of your space in layers 

and add as many layers as you can 

afford – the more you add, the more 

aesthetically pleasing and welcoming 

it will feel. Examples of layers in 

a living room are – flooring, rugs, 

side and coffee tables, sofa or chairs, 

cushions, throws, lighting, window 

treatments, paint colours, wallpaper, 

art or family photos, décor such as 

dried flowers, vases, candles, books; 

and lastly plants. Check that all 

items co-ordinate with the flooring 

selection, and with each other, to 

create the overall style you love. 

What would you recommend as a 

focal point in a living space? 

A fire always offers a warm focal point 

in the living room. If you don’t have 

the infrastructure needed, i.e. plumbed 

gas or a flue, the latest electric fires 

are an easy addition for retro-fitting. 

They look very much like a gas fire. A 

large art work or a feature wallpaper 

can also have a dramatic impact if the 

space for a fire isn’t available. 

How can accessories like throws and 

cushions be used to best effect? 

Use accessories to repeat the colour 

from artworks or rugs within the 

space. When you repeat a material, 

colour or theme, it makes it look 

intentional (even if it wasn’t). Select 

quality feather cushion inners; this 

allows you to change the covers 

seasonally or annually to completely 

transform the overall appearance of 

the room without the large expense. 

0508 4 CLASSIC 

CLASSICBUILDERS.CO.NZ


How can a room be updated on a budget? 

First, create the plan of what you need, be specific about the 

style and size of each piece and only buy those items! If your 

budget is tight, shop around online and in stores. Facebook 

Marketplace and Trade Me can be the source of bargains 

and often items provide an opportunity to up-cycle to make 

it your own. Auction houses, antique stores and thrift stores 

can sometimes have just the thing you need for a fraction of 

the cost. 

Contact an interior designer and be honest about your 

budget and what you need to achieve with it. They have 

access to discontinued fabrics and know where and how to 

source items for less (or more). Paint can be used to great 

effect and is inexpensive. 

Or if there are no budget limits, where should the money 

be spent? 

Spending money on materials and finishes that increase 

the asset’s value is always a great plan. But, whatever your 

budget, buy the best quality you can afford and take your 

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WORDS 


PHOTOS 

Courtesy Genius Homes


After purchasing a 10,000sqm rural 

flat site in the Maniototo, an Otago 

couple were considering whether to 

design and build themselves or look 

for a company that would take care 

of the full project. 

"Having previously built our own 

homes over the years, we were 

looking at the least stressful, and 

easily managed remotely,” the 

husband explains. 

“We live in Queenstown and 

were building a holiday house two 

hours away. We both have busy 

jobs. We wanted the most seamless 

construction process within a budget.” 

Their online research brought up 

several building companies offering a 

one-stop package, among which was 

Genius Homes. 

“Their website presented some smart 

designs that seemed to be well priced,” 

he says. 

“One of these was the option of 

a complete ‘off-site build’ with a 

transportable option, and that seemed 

to fit our situation perfectly. The 

website was easy to look through, their 

designs offered what we were looking 

for and when we made initial contact 

to discuss options, they responded to 

us in a timely manner.” 

The sales agent met the couple at 

their home, where they discussed the 

brief and the design they had in mind. 

“The agent showed us the likely 

benefits of another design that would 

require less changes to meet our brief, 

so was cost effective. In chatting to 

him he was attentive and responded 

quickly to questions. We found that 

Genius as a team have a solid variety 

of members from sales to design, to 

project management and that gave us 

the confidence to choose Genius for 

this remote-build project.” 

He also notes that when choosing 

what they would have for their new 

holiday home, Genius made the whole 

decision-making process easy.


Sliding doors provide the indoor/outdoor flow the couple wanted. 

“We received all the samples for colour 

choices, laminates, kitchen design, 

plumbing and electrical options all 

packaged and delivered to us to have 

for a week to make our selections. The 

process was fun, and then it was all 

brought together with their design 

consultant, who was able to finalise 

anything with her knowledge of their 

brand, their previous builds and similar 

projects to keep things cost effective. 

“We made a few changes that were 

an option on the standard design. 

These were all drawn up and provided 

to us for approval prior to any final 

decision. Their project manager met 

with us on site, and then kept us up to 

date with progress.” 

The Covid situation meant the start 

date for the project was delayed by a 

few months, but when the project got 

underway, the timeline was met as 

per the agreement. The couple were 

encouraged to visit the factory once 

the house build began and were shown 

a recently completed house in the 

same design. 

“This gave us the confidence 

with the choices we had made. The 

project manager assisted us with 

recommended choices and ensured 

these were followed through.” 

The design chosen was Benmore. 

“The house design was a good sqm 

for our large rural site,” the owner says. 

“The three bedrooms and two 

bathrooms was in our brief and the 

kitchen/dining/living space was a good 

size for our needs. Overall, the design 

was a good fit for the rural setting. 

“We opted for the upgrade of cedar 

weatherboards on the front of the 

house, which we feel makes the house 

really ‘pop’ against the remaining iron 

cladding. Because of our location 

in Central Otago with its extreme 

temperature variances, we decided to 

remove the decking from the project 

and complete this ourselves. 

“We chose and constructed the deck 

in a composite finish, which has less 

movement than timber in the harsh 

conditions and extreme weather 

variances. And we have increased the 

size of the standard deck to allow for 

even greater outdoor living area.” 

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Above: The red 

splash-back and 

appliances carry 

the theme from 

the red front door. 

For the couple, the key aspects they wanted in 

the home were an open living space and plenty 

of indoor/outdoor flow. The Benmore provides 

that with two of the bedrooms having sliding 

doors to the deck area while from the front entry 

to the living/dining/kitchen pod there are several 

wide opening doors and sliders to allow for easy 

indoor/outdoor flow. They also opted for some 

special features, including the raking ceiling 

upgrade in the living area. 

“This has given the feeling of great height and 

space in that part of the house. We chose slideout 

pantry cupboards for greater storage, given 

this is a holiday house. This allows us to store a 

greater amount of food etc. for visits. 

“We also increased the size of the bathroom 

vanities. The bathrooms are a really good size 

and the larger vanities fit well in the space and 

give greater storage also. 

“We opted for a red front door, which makes 

the entry really stand out on the site. It’s created 

a nice feature against the backdrop of the black 

iron cladding. We have carried the red theme 

into the kitchen with the glass splashback and 

some red appliances for the bench. 

“We went with Genius because of the 

remoteness of the site and our desire for a 

smooth, seamless build and the reality was that 

all our expectations were exceeded. All the 

Genius team were great to work with, especially 

the assigned project manager, and we are thrilled 

with the final result. 

“Last long weekend we had a full house of 

guests, and a busy social time, and this proved 

the design and our selections/options were ‘spot 

on’. We could not be happier.”


Site Board 

Builder: 

Genius Homes 

Land size: 

8085sqm 


150sqm 


From contract signing to move in just under one year. 


Everything, from the master bedroom/walk 

in wardrobe/en suite to the open-plan living/ 

dining/kitchen and extensive decking. 


The process was simple and decisions 

easy. Being able to visit several completed 

‘Benmores’ helped confirm the decision. 


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While the effects of climate change 

are becoming all too apparent in 

New Zealand and around the world 

– retreating glaciers, more frequent 

flooding and severe weather events, 

record summer temperatures – as we 

know too, Christchurch can be a chilly 

place in winter. Therefore, it is vital that 

we keep our homes warm and dry. This 

will not only promote good health for 

the family but also a sense of comfort 

and well-being. 

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Christchurch City Council’s Eco Design Advisor Julie 

Villard notes that whatever heating system you use to 

keep your home cosy, insulation is the fundamental 

requirement, and it will also make your heating system 

more cost-effective. 

Insulation materials on the market include natural 

products such as glass and wool and manufactured 

products such as polyester and foil. 

For those designing and building a new home, 

decisions on insulation will be made at this point. 

Insulation is most commonly placed in the ceiling and 

under the floor; however, as Julie also notes, insulating 

the walls as well will provide maximum benefit. 

Of course, for existing homes insulation can be 

retrofitted to noticeably improve heat retention. 

Next, choosing a heating system 

Firstly, this will depend on what type of heat you prefer 

– convection or radiation. Convection heating, which 

heats the air, is provided with a heat pump, convector, 

fan heater, pellet fire (fan) or convector-radiator. 

Radiation heating, which heats surfaces, is provided 

by the sun, a wood burner, radiator, panel heater or 

underfloor heating. 

The second factor in choosing the best heating system 

for your home is how your house retains heat. What is 

its thermal mass and is it airtight? Keep in mind new, 

permanent material homes function differently from 

older, weatherboard structures. 

Thirdly, do you want the heating system to operate 

with minimal input, or do you prefer to control it? 

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A dry home stays warmer 

“To heat your home easily and keep it 

warm and cosy you need to make sure 

it’s dry,” Julie advises. 

“Dry air is easier to heat, damp air is 

hard to heat, because you have to heat 

the air, plus the water in the air.” 

Dry: relative humidity between 40 per 

cent and 60 per cent – not more, not 

less. (Measure with an indoor weatherstation 

or hygrometer.) 

Warm: temperature above 14 degrees 

minimum at any time (if your house 

is reasonably insulated) – ideally 16 

degrees in the bedroom, 20 degrees in 

the living spaces. 

Good habits to keep your house dry: 

• Use the range hood every day, for five minutes, even if you are not 

cooking (to create a draft) or leave it on for an extra five minutes on low 

after cooking. (Cooking pasta releases five litres of moisture in the air, so 

make sure this is removed.) 

• Open your bedroom windows for five minutes in the morning, to allow 

the moisture you expired during the night to get out, also the CO2, and 

let dry, fresh air come in. Five minutes is enough – if a window is open 

for longer than that, you will not be ventilating anymore, just losing heat. 

• Heat the bathroom with a fan heater before taking a shower. Warm air 

will hold more moisture, and then it will be taken out by the 

extractor fan. 

• Keep the bathroom door closed after your shower to allow the extractor 

fan to do its job. Otherwise, the moisture will go into your house, and 

condensate on your window the next morning. 

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VENTILATION REINVENTED


Very Important Point 

Do not dry clothes inside, or if you do, open a window or use a 

dehumidifier at the same time to allow moisture to get out or 

to condensate in the machine. Wet clothes getting dry is not a 

magic trick, the water doesn’t disappear, it just changes form. You 

can’t see it, but it is there, in the air. 

Two more tips from Julie: 

• “Some people think leaving a window open all day is 

ventilating the house. Well, for the first 20 minutes maybe, after 

that definitely not. The only thing happening is you are letting 

the heat out.” (Low 2 of the thermal dynamics principles.) 

• A cheaper way to heat bedrooms is with a small device such 

as a panel heater or small radiator used in conjunction with a 

Heatermate – an inexpensive thermostat and timer obtainable 

from any hardware store. “Remember, electricity is cheaper at 

night.” 

Free services 

For new homes, the Christchurch City Council’s Eco Design 

Advisor Julie Villard is available to provide a free, two-hour 

consultation at your home, building site or architect’s office. For 

information contact Julie Villard by phone, (03) 941 8999 or 

email eco-advisor@ccc.govt.nz. 

For existing homes Environment Canterbury offers A Home 

Performance Assessment to check how energy-efficient your 

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a different way to 

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Small-scale homes are a new feature of 

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WORDS 


PHOTOS 

Courtesy Cosy Homes 

The Cosy Home display at the 2021 

Home & Leisure Show. 

There is a new trend in the housing 

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homes. The trend has been prompted 

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spiralling cost of building or buying 

a traditional house, and the growing 

realisation that living more sustainably 

is becoming a necessity rather than 

a choice. 

Covid-induced lockdowns were also 

the catalyst for simpler ways of living. 

During those times the idea of a pareddown 

lifestyle became increasingly 

appealing to New Zealanders, and the 

tiny house concept represents that. 

Alana Moody of Canterbury-based 

company Cosy Homes says they have 

experienced an upsurge in demand 

since the lockdowns, with buyers 

coming from all sectors of the market, 

including singles, young couples, 

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The interior of a Cosy 

Home – compact, yet 

very comfortable. 

Modern kitchens are 

a feature of Cosy 

Homes’designs. 

And from further afield, too – Cosy Homes has recently 

delivered a home to the Chatham Islands. 

“For us,” says Alana, “we are now seeing a wide range of 

needs for tiny homes across all demographics who now 

want to move into one of our homes to reduce mortgage 

costs and enjoy a better lifestyle.” 

Cosy Homes range in size from 38sqm to 60sqm and 

are available with wheels or without wheels, which means 

there are different things to consider before deciding. 

Homes without wheels require building consent from 

the local council, whereas a home on wheels does not 

need council permission, providing it complies with the 

regulations for a dwelling or minor dwelling in the local 

district plan. 

Whatever type a buyer wants, finding land on which to 

put the tiny home presents a challenge, however, so this 

needs to be sorted out first. 

As Alana explains: “Many existing dwellings or sections 

are able to have a minor dwelling easily located on the 

same property, but the local district plan needs to be 

checked for zoning and local regulations.” 

For tiny homes requiring building consent, Alana says, 

the land has to have a geotech report done to confirm if 

it is suitable, and what further ground works needs to be 

undertaken to support the Cosy Home. 

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Phone or text: 020 4133 7474 

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Bound for the Chatham 

Islands – a Cosy Home being 

loaded at Timaru Port. 

For the home’s plumbing, the structures can be connected 

via a hose fitting or connected into the mains water system, 

depending on whether it is a permanent structure or 

moveable. For moveable homes, all connections must be 

easily removed. The sewer can be run into an existing septic 

tank or sewer system using a flexible hose. 

The electricity supply is provided either with 32amp plug, 

or hardwired into the mains on site, again depending on 

whether it is a permanent or moveable structure. 

Cosy Homes range in price from $100,000 to $150,000, 

depending on size; however, buyers don’t have the same 

access to mortgage finance as when purchasing a 

normal home. 

“Banks are not willing to lend funds where there is no 

land or building consent,” Alana says. 

“But there are other lenders who will provide finance at a 

higher interest rate than a bank, which is still a great option 

as they are not expensive and can be paid off quickly. 

“On the other hand, because Cosy Homes complies 

with the Building Code and can get building consent, we 

do have a relationship with a bank, who will lend on our 

homes at the current interest rates when there is land, even 

when the home is being built off site.” 

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Home & Leisure Magazine 2022

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