Inner talent

Sarah Parry, the creative force behind Testament Interiors, shares her design principles, lets us in on the latest trends and explains how an interior designer’s expertise can lead to cost-effective solutions.

interview Hayley Barnett | photo Giselle Brosnahan | hair + make-up Michelle Olwagen

Interior design is one of those things we all think we can do, but realise quickly, in the throes of a project, just how difficult it really is. This is where pro designers come in. UNO is lucky enough to introduce our very own designer, Sarah Parry from Testament Interiors, who is here to answer all your pressing questions around interior design.

A passionate designer and right-sizing expert based in Tauranga, Sarah recently launched her business as a way to share her incredible creative skills, alongside her floor covering business with husband Jason. They have a blended family of four young adults, one grandchild, two fur babies and a pond of goldfish.

Here, she offers some helpful advice to those looking to overhaul their living spaces.

UNO: Where do we start when designing a new space?

Sarah: Working out your budget is really important to establish. Then, ask yourself who will live in the space. If it's your own home, that's different, for example, to an Airbnb or a rental. Once you know how much you have to spend and who the space is for, it’s time to decide what your design style is. It could be a combination of styles. Pinterest is ideal for this. The algorithms work out exactly what you like and you can file these away to look at for inspiration or to show your interior designer. From there, it’s best to start with your floors first and work your

way up to the walls, then lighting, then styling. Always sort your fundamentals before you dive into styling. It’s from this stage that I will sort a mood board for clients, to check we’re all on the same page, so that we can start organising a sample board.

You can incorporate aspects of trends into your project, but it’s important to keep in mind that trends can easily go out of fashion in as early as a year. You don’t want to spend money on big ticket items, only to regret the purchase a short time later. Go with something you're going to love for a long time. Incorporate trends in items that are easy to replace, such as throws or decor items. The last thing you want is to have a show home style that looks amazing but is completely impersonal.

Work out what’s important to you as a person, a couple or as a family. Choose the ideas that will work for you collectively in the living spaces.

UNO: What are some new trends in interior design for 2024 and how can I include elements of these in my home?

Sarah: Standout colours for 2024 include earthy greens, golds and natural shades. Minimalist is definitely out, and maximalist is in. Bright colours and patterns mixed together are making an entrance this year, which is not for everyone, but when done correctly it can really liven up your living space. The trick is to not make it too overpowering.

Another trend is the mixing of metals in fittings and fixtures, such as taps and handles. No longer is it all one colourway. You can mix brass with platinums and blacks, but it does take a bit of know-how to prevent it from looking tasteless.

Organic design is huge right now, and Japandi falls under this style. It's a lot of natural shapes and textures that are light, earthy and very calming, but not minimalist. It uses a combination of biophilic principles.

UNO: What is biophilic and sustainable design?

Sarah: Biophilic design principles are not new. They've been around for a long time. However, they are becoming increasingly important in helping us connect with nature and whenua, the land. Waiora, a core concept in Māori culture, connects people and the environment. When done well, it provides nourishment and energy to sustain our wellbeing. Biophilic design uses natural elements, whether that's plants or movement, into your interior space so that you have a connection between the earth and the land. It's one of my key concepts. I love plants and adding as many natural items into a house as possible, because it creates life.

Sustainable design uses products that are either sourced locally from natural materials within your environment, or manufactured from sustainable resources like recycled products or materials that are farmed in a sustainable way. So if it was a wood, for example, it would be from a sustainably grown tree that is renewable.

UNO: Why would I use an interior designer?

Sarah: By using an interior designer, the client has access to suppliers at commercial designer rates. So the cost of using a designer will offset the designer fees and you'll get far better value for money across the project. The bigger the project, the bigger the savings.

But the most common reason I get called in is to maintain a design cohesiveness across the project so that it flows.

And, of course, it's important for preventing costly mistakes such as choosing the wrong paint colour or fittings. It saves money all round!

testamentinteriors.co.nz

Tones of tranquility

The quiet-natured qualities of soft green has a calming effect, creating a peaceful interior space that is a joy to be in.  

Styling Amber Armitage
Photos Wendy Fenwick @ Flash Studios.

Wall colours Resene paints

Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Skirting in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Rice Cake. Built-in sideboard painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice, with the wood top finished in Resene Colorwood Pitch Black. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Bask. Medium Denver Vase $159.99, Small Cirque Pillar Candle $34.99, Broste Sandvig Carafe $89.99, Linear Tumbler $16.99, Leo Travertine Slab $69.99, Stone Bookends (set of two) $109.99, The Fi Greig Method $49.99, Kinfolk Island $99.99, Simple Fancy $44.99, A House Party in Tuscany $69.99, A Good Day to Bake $49.99, Vinnie Travertine Coffee Table $1,999.99, Small Gerome Wide Vase $89.99, Round Brass Tray $259.99, all from A&C Homestore. Wooden Cava Bowl $195, Yellow Rose Print $75, Ink Bottle $45, all from Flotsam & Jetsam. Mackenzie White Straw Rug
from $1,350 from Baya. Valentina Bar Cart $1,495 from Republic. Tampa 3 Seater Sofa $1,899 from Danske Møbler.

Stylist tip

Create a harmonious interior by building on the soft green backdrop of Resene Pumice with complimentary natural tones. Mid and dark wood pairs well here, as well as earthy clay and light, raw linens, striking the perfect balance. 

Back wall and plinth painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Skirting in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Rice Cake. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Bask. Latina Sideboard $2,499 from Danske Møbler. Monaco Framed Print in Natural $799.99, Florence Table Lamp $379.99, Kinfolk Island $99.99, Simple Fancy $44.99, A House Party in Tuscany $69.99, Corfu Travertine Vessel $54.99, Vinnie Travertine Coffee Table $1,999.99, Small Gerome Wide Vase $89.99, Dome Glass Vase $25, Linear Tumbler $16.99, A Good Day to Bake $49.99, The Fi Greig Method $49.99, all from A&C Homestore. Pottery Jug $75 from Flotsam & Jetsam. Mackenzie White Straw Rug from $1,350 from Baya. Hubert Occasional Chair $379.95 from Mocka.

Back wall in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Corkboard in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Jaguar, Resene Just Right, Resene Contour, Resene Pumice and Resene Rice Cake. Stockholm Desk $1,799 from Danske Møbler. Botanical Jungle Notebook $11.95 and Note Square Sticky Pad $8.95, both from Father Rabbit. Corfu Travertine Vessel $54.99 and Medium White Stackable Multi-Box $44.95, both from A&C Homestore.

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Back wall in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Skirting in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Rice Cake. Latina Sideboard $2,499 from Danske Møbler. Monaco Framed Print in Natural $799.99, Florence Table Lamp $379.99, Kinfolk Island $99.99, Simple Fancy $44.99, A House Party in Tuscany $69.99, Corfu Travertine Vessel $54.99, all from A&C Homestore. Pottery Jug $75 from Flotsam & Jetsam.

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Resene Testpots (from top) in Resene Contour and Resene Half Colins Wicket. Resene A4 Drawdowns (from left) in Resene Contour and Resene Half Colins Wicket.

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Resene Testpots (from top) in Resene Rice Cake and Resene Just Right. Resene A4 Drawdowns (from left) in Resene Rice Cake and Resene Just Right.

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Stylist tip

Combine practicality with style in your home office by mounting cork tiles onto the wall, creating an oversized pinboard that brings texture into the space. Finish this off with a framed cork board, cutting the cork tiles into a tetris of shapes, then painting a selection of them to bring your colour palette together.

Walls in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Bask. Corkboard in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Jaguar, Resene Just Right, Resene Contour, Resene Pumice and Resene Rice Cake. Stockholm Desk $1,799 from Danske Møbler. Maya Plush Dining Chair in Rattan $650 from Republic. Botanical Jungle Notebook $11.95 and Note Square Sticky Pad $8.95, both from Father Rabbit. Medium White Stackable Multi-Box $44.95, Corfu Travertine Vessel $54.99, Bella Table Lamp in Black $159.90, Lulu Stool in Sage (used as a waste bin) $319.99, all from A&C Homestore. Fayette Round Floor Rug $1,380 from Baya.

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Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Built-in sideboard painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice, with the wood top finished in Resene Colorwood Pitch Black. Medium Denver Vase $159.99 and Small Cirque Pillar Candle $34.99, both from A&C Homestore. Wooden Cava Bowl $195, Yellow Rose Print $75, Ink Bottle $45, all from Flotsam & Jetsam.

Circus Stripes

Being bold with thick stripes and a fun colour palette can bring
so much life into a space, while still looking sophisticated.

Styling Amber Armitage  |  Photos Wendy Fenwick @ Flash Studios

Wall colours Resene Paints

Walls painted in Resene Half Sea Fog with stripes in Resene Scoria. Floor painted in Resene Athena. Elusive Forms 2, 1120 x 1220mm, 2021, by Clare Brodie, $7950. T1 armchair by OMK $2295. Flask vase, $170, footed planter, $85, both by Gidon Bing. Cape chair in Boucle by Warm Nordic, $4150, from Good Form. Tam Tam stool, $609, Jay Kirby vase, $110 and Lolly short table lamp, $839, all from Smith + Caughey’s. Humla coffee table, $1795, from Bauhaus. Al Fresco book, $79.99, and Kitchen Living book, $120, both from Father Rabbit. Beau wool blend floor rug, $699.95, from Mocka.

Stylist tip

For a fun, modern take on the classic stripe, go bold and wide. Adapt the classic bright red to the more sophisticated deep brown-red of Resene Scoria. When using a bold thick stripe try to follow
this look through with chunky furniture pieces that will make a statement.

Left wall painted in Resene Half Sea Fog with Resene Scoria stripes, back wall painted in Resene Half Sea Fog. Right hand wall and floor painted in Resene Athena. Striped lamp (stylist's own) painted in
Resene New Day. Be My Guest sideboard, $5450, from Good Form. Broste Copenhagen wide pond pouf, $1835, and pleated frill vase, $205, both from Smith and Caughey’s. Straight-sided vessel, $55, white Mode wave bowl, $119, Simplicity at Home book $59.99, Ghosts of Gondwana book, $59.99, Flower Market winter blue framed print, $659, The New Yorker basket, $99, all from Father Rabbit.

Back wall painted in Resene New Day, left wall in The Surround by Laminex panels demi round, painted in Resene Morning Haze. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Opal Shade Pendant Lamp by Svend Aage Holm-Sorensen, $895, Chiara Corbeletto Quadriligia rug for Dilana, $6720, from Good Form. Diamond-shaped solid oak dining table by Jon Jansen, $2195, Maple Furnishing Co. dining chairs, $3450, from Mr. Bigglesworthy. Tam Tam Stool, $609, small dual vase, $239, all from Smith and Caughey’s. Al Fresco book, $79.99, Beldi glass jug, $85, Beldi wine glass, $15.50, Primitif white pitcher, $89, shallow basket, $40, all from Father Rabbit.

Stylist tip

Carry through the idea of "stripes" into other areas of the home with a striped lamp and the inclusion of The Surround Laminex panels on the wall. These will help bring all the spaces together. 

Left wall in Resene New Day, back wall covered in The Surround
by Laminex panels demi round, painted in Resene Morning Haze.
Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Effortless Hans
Olsen ‘Model 563’ sofa by Brdr. Juul Kristensen, $5250, from
Mr. Bigglesworthy. Relate side table, $1049, Glide low stool, $625,
from Bauhaus. Beldi wine glass, $15.99, La Tribe Thin Elke sandal, $269.90, from Father Rabbit. Karaka rug in Merino, $1210, Cassia Tobacco cushion, $115, Indira cushion in natural, $110, from Baya.

Stylist tip

Creating a bold colour palette can be a daunting task. Opt for at least two to three mid tones that are very similar in colour, to give you small variations, but hold the palette together (Resene New Day, Resene Morning Haze, Resene Athena). Include a white with base tones that compliment these (Resene Half Sea Fog) and a deep bold contrasting colour (Resene Scoria).

Test pots and A4 drawdown paint swatches (from top) in Resene Half Sea Fog,  Resene Athena, Resene New Day, Resene Morning Haze and Resene Scoria.

Warm welcome

UNO’s new interiors expert, Lisa Perko from Wantem Design, offers tips and tricks to make your home more inviting, comfortable and a joy to live in.

photos Jahl Marshall + supplied

Everyone’s path into the world of interiors is different. In my case, it was more of an evolution. I was in my 30s when I remodelled my first home. I still remember the feeling of excitement having this blank canvas to work with; reconfiguring floorplans, paint colour, furniture and the thrill of watching the transformation take place. Once it was finished, I sold it and did the same thing to my second home and then third.  

Fast forward 10 years of buying-selling-moving in Vanuatu and then Auckland, I found myself relocating to Tauranga, looking forward to the next project. However, I upset the apple cart by falling in love with the property I was working on and wanted to stay. I decided this time to stay in the house, but, missing the rush of a new project, I knew I must be hooked.
So I went back to school and earned a Diploma in Interior Design, so I could continue transforming homes. And I could not be more grateful for where I ended up. 

For my first entrance as UNO’s interior design columnist, I thought it befitting to talk about the place where you first enter a home: the entryway. 

Entryways provide the first impression of your home. They also provide a functional purpose of taking off shoes, hanging bags and coats, depositing keys and letters. Typically, entryway furniture consists of a console table, decorative décor, mirror, artwork and seating.

Styling is all about putting together a combination of the above items to create a wow factor. No matter what the size of your entryway, follow my steps on where to start.

Step 1

Assess the size of your space. This dictates how the area can be decorated. The important factor here is not to block the natural walkway. If space allows, start with a console table. To personalise the look, add items like a bowl for keys, books, vase or plant. Fill the wall space above the console with artwork or a mirror. Leave as is or add seating and voila! For narrow spaces, focus on the wall space instead. Add items that take up little bulk. For instance, mirrors, artwork and decorative hooks for bags and coats.

Step 2

With your layout now configured, for continuity, make sure to choose furniture that complements the rest of your home. 

Step 3

Enjoy! 

Live Coveted: Simple but special additions that’ll turn your bathroom into a beauty

THE EXPERT Nicola Travis

Bathrooms are usually small spaces, so keeping the styling simple is key. Use accessories like beautiful towels and fun bath mats to elevate the space and reveal your personality, adding luxurious soaps and candles that will both look and smell good. To bring warmth into the room, incorporate natural materials such as timber and rattan in the form of a basket or stool. Many plants thrive in steamy bathrooms, so finish the look with some lush potted greenery.

NICOLATRAVISINTERIORS.COM

1. Doric bath by MEEK BATHWARE from ARTEDOMUS NZ 2. Towels by BAINA from PAPER PLANE 3. Tapware by ABI INTERIORS 4. Hooks by FERM LIVING from SLOW STORE 5. Acacia basin by TOMORROW’S CONCRETE 6. Laundry basket from BOHÈME HOME 7. Ceramic wave dish from ORNAMENT 8. Blob mirror by MADE OF TOMORROW 9. Ora marble toothbrush holder by CITTÀ

Danish Furniture: when great design and sustainability combine

WORDS ANDY TAYLOR PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Importers of ethically made pieces carefully crafted from sustainable materials with a wealth of design history behind them, Tauranga-based business Danish Furniture brings a lot to the table.

A conversation with Drew Copestake makes it crystal clear that Danish furniture is his passion – in fact, he loves it so much that he and partner Karin own a business named just that. In just over a year, they’ve taken it from strength to strength; Danish Furniture, which imports and distributes indoor and outdoor pieces from Danish design company Houe (pronounced how-ay), has 10 retail outlets around the country and a spacious new showroom in Unutoto Place, Tauriko. Tauranga-born Drew had previously worked in adventure tourism as a white-water rafting guide, first in New Zealand from the age of 16 and, later, all over the world.

But in 2019, he joined Houe as a sales manager and a new love affair began. He loved the product, he loved the role, and he loved seeing how people reacted to the innovative styling and design of the furniture, so when the opportunity came up to buy the business, he and Karin – a chartered accountant Drew describes as the brains of the business – grabbed it with both hands.

“We bought the business the day we went into lockdown last year, which was frankly terrifying!” he says. “There were quite a few sleepless nights, but we went on to have a fantastic season and the biggest issue has been keeping up with demand as shipping schedules have been disrupted. When people ask me what I do and I say I import Danish furniture, I get one of two reactions: They either say, ‘Oh, nice!’ or ask what the big deal is about Danish furniture. People have either already fallen in love with it or want to know why it’s so special – and I enjoy responding to both of those reactions.”

So, what is the big deal about Danish furniture? “Danish furniture really kicked off after the Second World War,” says Drew. “When other European countries were using industrialised processes to make furniture, the Danes went back to traditional craftsmanship and natural materials, clean, minimalist lines and great design. So when you think about great mid-century design, you think of Danish furniture, and though Houe is a relatively young company, having only been around since 2007, they’ve really embraced Denmark’s tradition of design.”

They’ve not only picked it up, they’ve run with it. The company has won numerous awards, including three prestigious German design awards for their furniture. The most recent of these was in 2020, when they were recognised for the Falk chair made from recycled plastic waste, turning an environmental problem into a thing of beauty. “Even the seat cushions were made from 98 percent recycled polyester, and they looked great,” says Drew. “Houe also uses sustainably sourced materials, including bamboo, which has strength properties unrivalled by any other wood and grows incredibly fast.” Houe proves that an ethically produced and sustainable product can still be great looking.

“People typically look at our range and say, ‘Wow, that’s really different, but in a good way,’” says Drew. “It’s stylish, colourful and contemporary. Life’s too short for boring furniture. Everyone has to sit down and eat, whether indoors or outdoors, so you might as well sit down on something that’s beautiful and made sustainably. We believe the future is brighter when we combine great design and environmental sustainability. It’s an affordable luxury.”

DANISHFURNITURE.NZ

DANISHFURNITURENZ

Interior styling: dare to be different with statement colours, sassy textures and tones

STYLING + ART DIRECTION AMBER ARMITAGE / PHOTOS WENDY FENWICK AT FLASH STUDIOS

PRO TIP #1: Strike a balance by teaming an audacious colour (as in this statement chair and wall in Resene Red Berry) with soft neutrals like Resene Zumthor. Combining areas of dynamic interest (this rug, for example) with areas of calm will also help to ensure your bold scheme isn’t visually overwhelming.

PRO TIP #2: When combining two bold colours, try using complementary pairs (such as the red and blue pictured here, or green and magenta) to create a super-strong contrast, then keep your accessories paired back.

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Pale wall in Resene Zumthor, right wall in Resene Red Berry, floor in Resene Colorwood Dark Ebony. Hobnail planter from Republic. Bodhi bookcase from Danske Mǿbler. Albert vase and Rosy Friday vase by Jones & Co from Republic. Figgoscope rug by Marta Figueiredo from Designer Rugs. Panton Classic chair by Vitra from Matisse. Figure 01 artwork and frame from Slow Store. Lombok pot from Republic. All other items stylist’s own. 

Dark wall in Resene St Kilda. Claritas lamp by Nemo Lighting from Matisse. Pemboke candle holders, Yoko vase by Papaya and Aviateur helicopter from Republic. Cassia sideboard from Danske Mǿbler. Panton Classic chair by Vitra from Matisse. Le Chat Chic artwork by Kinfolk from Slow Store. Fold Round shelves and Arch Lean Low mirror from Made of Tomorrow. 

Wall ledge in Resene Blue Bark. Beauty pillowslips and duvet covers from Penney & Bennett. You artwork by Sofia Lind from Slow Store. Rho bedside from Danske Mǿbler. Candles from Ecoya. Carafe set by Ferm Living from Sunday Homestore.Smoking jacket from Penney & Bennett. Aurora pouffe from Republic.

Neutral gear: Interior expert Nicola Travis and her latest design picks

Looking to give your bedroom an overhaul? Here’s how to coast through it.

FROM THE EXPERT: Nicola Travis

When it comes to styling the ideal bedroom, first decide on your theme and colour palette. Think about what your end goal is for the space – do you want to go for a trend-driven look or create a calm retreat? If you’re the type who likes to update your home with the seasons, it’s best to go for a neutral-coloured base that you can easily transform with new décor items, such as bedding, art and objects.

IN ORDER FROM TOP LEFT 1. WILDE THE LABEL 2. KINDRED ROAD 3. Calm print by MAIKO NAGAO 4. Grove dishes from CITTA 5. ICO TRADERS 6. Column pillar candles by BLACK BLAZE from HUSK HOME 7. HOMEBODY Linen cushion cover 8. Bed linen from FOXTROT HOME 9. FLOORING XTRA 10. Lo bedside table from CORCOVADO 11. THE CANE COLLECTIVE

Stylist Amber Armitage shows us how to create a space to call home

PAINT + WALLPAPER Resene STYLING Amber Armitage PHOTOS Wendy Fenwick at Flash Studios

Resene Wallpaper Collection MG11102, walls and floor in Resene Nero. Art print original by Claire Stapleton X LA TRIBE. Frame from Country Road, Inside Pendant Lamps by Oblure, Tokyo Stool OMK 1965, ‘Von’ armchair by Ercol, all from Good Form. Cushion from Mood Store. Arch Lean mirror by Made of Tomorrow. Brass drum coffee table from Contempa. Books and magazines from Sunday Home Store. Pot, plants and candle stylist’s own.

Expert tip: By pairing the wallpaper with a bold colour paint, you add even more impact. We’ve teamed Resene Wallpaper Collection MG11102, a gold patina look wallpaper, with Resene Nero to add even more drama.

Resene Wallpaper Collection 218741. Walls in Resene Alabaster. Floor in Resene Colorwood Rocksalt. VV Cinquanta Twin wall lamp by Astep from Good Form. Soho 3 seater sofa and Juno Ottoman in Olive from Contempa. Cushion covers and Elevation side table, all from Città. Sophie So Shady hat by Sophie Store. Ay Soho sunglasses, Veja sneakers and framed print, all from Father Rabbit. Books and magazines from Sunday Home Store. Vase stylist’s own. Rug from Mood Store. Arch Lean mirror by Made of Tomorrow.

Five top interior trends for your autumnal refresh

WORDS Nicky Adams PHOTOS Jahl Marshall

From eco-chic to indoor plants, the world of interiors is currently one that reflects the moods of the world outside.

Home is evermore a sanctuary and a safe haven, and comfort is key. For obvious reasons the last 12 months has seen a surge in home renovations, interior decorating and general home and garden improvements. Whilst it’s important to reflect your own personality in the choices that you make, we’re inevitably led – all be it sometimes without even realising – by what’s trending in home interiors, so with that in mind it’s worth looking at the direction 2021 is taking.

Pleasure zone

There is no real fashion barometer for what homely looks like, however for this year the move is towards indulging in cosy comfort. Think sink-into-sofas, and rich, tactile fabrics. Luxurious candles, unusual pieces from craftspeople rather than mass-produced items – there’s a real shift to furnishing your home with items that will stand the test of time as opposed to something that will only last until the next fashion cycle. Imagine soft wool rugs underfoot, chairs that you want to sit in and sofas that you can’t get out of. More than ever there’s an increased love of carefully selected pieces, and an appreciation of artists and artisans.

Staying Revived

‘Granny chic’ is a trend that is working its way into our homes in all kinds of ways. Humming away in the background has been a growing nostalgia that has led to a love of retro-trends, so much so that the term ‘cottage core’ has been termed. In terms of our homes, there has been a steady revival of accessories that bring to mind the comfort of bygone eras. Stunning antique pieces, home crafts such as crochet blankets, fine china, floral cushions or coverings, and to be honest vintage touches and whimsy in general is hot to trot.

Nice and Natural

Natural and recycled fabrics look as though they are edging ahead in the popularity stakes. Sustainable and natural textiles don’t just fit with the heightened awareness of environmental impact, they are also beautiful both to the touch and to the eye. Organic cotton recycled polyester and low impact linen are all favourites that are huge for the year ahead in both home furnishings and fashion.

Club Tropicana

Global inspiration is a reoccurring theme to the looks for 2021 – and one way in which this is playing out in home décor is through a relaxed tropical vibe. It’s not hard to see why this has struck a chord, because it means that while we can’t get to the tropics, we still have the power to bring representational elements into our home. Bold and beautiful, spaces that reflect travel can be seen incorporating florals, lush greenery and seascapes, all bringing a contemporary edge to a more classical feel. The ‘distant shores’ trends incorporate tropical brights, subtle monotones and soft yellow into one huge aspirational wave of joie de vivre.

Potluck

Not since the 1970s have indoor house plants have been more on point. Plants provide a wonderful double dip when it comes to an interior feature – aside from the plant itself, there is also the all-important pot that it sits in. Perhaps the popularity is in part due to the quality of faux plants. No longer the lack lustre imitations, it’s now pretty impossible to tell the difference between a plant that needs watering and one that doesn’t. Add to this the extensive selection with everything from hanging creepers to elegant palms, and you have a statement piece that is almost unprecedented in its versatility within the home.

sandalihome.co.nz

How this mother-son homewares store found a new direction after devastation

Starting afresh, Sandali Home is once again brimming with treasures.

WORDS Nicky Adams PHOTOS Jahl Marshall

At 5am on a Saturday morning, the phone rang; unanswered, it rang again. Then again. Sandy Crooks finally got to it. “I heard a pre-recorded message saying, ‘This is Tauranga Fire Brigade. Please attend immediately. 7 Clarke Road is on fire.’ And my heart – it just sank into my stomach,” Sandy says. “I threw on a sweatshirt and raced down there.”
Sandy initially assumed that Clarke Road Kitchen Eatery, her cafe based at Te Puna Village, was the premises on fire. But upon arriving at the scene, she realised that it was actually Sandali Home, the furniture and homeware store she co-owns with son Ali Mohammed.

This was just over a year ago, and the loss to the business was devastating. When Ali awoke to the news that Sandali Home had been decimated, he was “overcome with emotion.” Together, he and his mother Sandy had spent three years building up a successful store and, in a flash, it was gone. 

The fire had started in a neighbouring premises and spread to Sandali Home, which was engulfed in smoke. Surveying the aftermath, Ali remembers, “I knew straightaway that it was going to be a case of starting from scratch.” 

However, the ensuing onset of COVID-19, lockdown and travel restrictions have made this an epic journey that neither Ali nor Sandy could have imagined. 

When the entrepreneurial pair first toyed with the idea of opening up a homeware store, it wasn’t the wildest of leaps. As Sandy says, “I had always dreamed of being an importer, and at my previous café, Delicacy in Eleventh Avenue, I introduced some of the lovely artisan home pieces that I adore.” 

Ali, on the other hand, has grown up in a multi-cultural family (his father is Egyptian) and home was a reflection of travels and an appreciation of beautiful artefacts. He is a naturally warm person with a love of interior furnishings; together, Ali and Sandy realised they could create something really unique. 

Throw into the mix Sandy’s acquisition of a new café situated opposite the premises, and the vision became reality: Sandali Home would not just be a store, but a destination.

Post-lockdown, however, it became clear that the way Sandali Home had previously sourced its stock would have to evolve. Shopping trips to rural Indonesian villages to handpick locally crafted treasures were – for now – on hold. 

The 10 months it took to rebuild the store gave the pair time to plan the new direction for Sandali Home. It was imperative that they stay true to their original vision of unique, quality pieces, but the place they found themselves in slowly became even more exciting. Sandy, always positive, points out, “We have been able to take the stock in the direction that we were naturally heading towards – clean, simplistic, uncluttered, with neutral colours.” 

Ali agrees. “We had seen exactly what people loved and we work to that. We’ve also expanded our gift range; customers often come looking for something really special but don’t want to travel further afield. Our beautiful handmade Japanese ceramic range, for example, has been flying.” 

Buoyed up by the phenomenal support of the existing clientele who were thrilled to see them reopen, and excited about new customers, Sandy and Ali are quietly confident they have hit their stride. 

As a result, Sandali Home has reemerged as a sleeker, more evolved version of its original, lovely self. The emphasis is still on the desire to support artisans and helping their clients to shop sustainably. They are still sourcing beautiful, hidden gems – always, as Ali says, “hunting and gathering”.

sandalihome.co.nz

7 Clarke Road, Te Puna

07 552 4556

Life & soul

THE EXPERT - Nicola Travis

Nicola has a passion for creating inviting spaces by combining fresh whites with pops of personality in a way that’s unique to you. “It’s important to me not only to make your home beautiful and cohesive but also to shape your décor so it truly reflects your personality. Giving your house some soul will take it from ‘show home’ to ‘your home’.

nicolatravisinteriors.com

These furniture and homeware finds from interior designer Nicola Travis are a little bit boho and a lot less ordinary.

1. WILDE THE LABEL 2. Menu Carrie lamp by NORM ARCHITECTS from PAPER PLANE 3. Interiors expert Nicola Travis 4. Small totem vase by ABS OBJECTS from MAKERS MRKT 5. Archer cabinet by INKAH 6. FOXTROT HOME 7. Grid cushion FOXTROT HOME 8. Vintage brass candleholder from FOURTH STREET HOME 9. Watering can by ZAKKIA from FLUX BOUTIQUE 10. Arnold Circus stool by MARTINO GAMPER from EVERYDAY NEEDS 11. Wabi lightshade by BOHÈME HOME 12. Mauao print by ALICE BERRY 13. Stoneware leaf vase by A&C HOMESTORE 14. Jaxon Lounger by A&C HOMESTORE 15. Ferm Living by A&C HOMESTORE 16. Nicola Travis

A good night in next to nothing.

Gregory Davidson from George Street Linen says to invest in the best bed linen, your body and your wellbeing will thank you for it.

Don't wear pyjamas. That's the advice from bed linen expert Greg Davidson at George St Linen in Whakatāne. He says if you invest in the most carefully sourced and woven sheets and duvet covers, then you don't want anything else on your skin.

Textiles for life

Gregory has been in textile design for 40 years in New York, Sydney, China, everywhere! He’s travelled the world supervising the production of textiles and design.

The textile centre of the world moved to China, so he lived in Shanghai from 2003 and supplied businesses like John Lewis and Macy's with their own branded linen. He’d been living in Shanghai with 25 million other people, and in 2018 visited Whakatane. “I thought, what a cute little town with no traffic lights! I fell in love with it and saw a 1920s garage for sale, so I bought it, filled it with beautiful bed linen, and here we are,” says Gregory.

Gregory’s guide to the best fibres when it comes to bedlinens:

Au naturel

I'm a great believer in natural fibres. We use cotton, linen, bamboo, wool and merino. The benefit is that they are all temperature regulating, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.

Cotton

Our cotton is a blend of American, Australia and Chinese. We spin the same cotton, one yarn, and we weave it in different waves. We use the same supplier of yarn as Calvin Klein uses for his underwear.

Percale

A plain weave with a smooth surface, so it's more likely to keep you cool at night.

Sateeen

There are more yarns on the face than on the back, so it's a buttery soft weave, giving a shiny effect that's very soft.

Cotton jersey

This is knitted on a circular machine. We do a reverse twist on every second yarn. 

Linen

Our linen is Belgian. We like it because there is a low minerality in Belgian water that makes the linen very strong when it's processed.

I'm linen all the way, it's my personal favourite.

Merino

There are so many benefits with New Zealand-made merino, so I had a sample duvet cover made and slept in it. Total heaven, and very easy to throw in the washer and dryer. I think we are the only ones in the world, I haven't heard of merino duvet covers before.

Colours

We are seeing earthy colours like clay, olive, hazel, cypress. Mustard is being used as an accent, the shot of yellow is very popular.

See the full range at

16 George St, Whakatane

Sisters & Co, 208 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui

georgestreetlinen.com

Kitchen perfection

Filled with bright light, flowing out to a view of the ocean, this kitchen has been designed with coastal living in mind. Design details are absolutely everywhere: port holes are set at eye level above the marble splash-back, and the kitchen bench has an intricate, floral, tin façade . The bench itself is topped with cool marble.

But it’s super-functional too. The roller cupboard means everything you use frequently, like toasters and kettles, can be accessed quickly from the bench top.

The pantry has deep, smooth-close drawers and holds more than a tardis! Bottles of wine and pantry staples – everything you need for a minimum of supermarket visits.

PALAZZOKITCHENS.CO.NZ