Tag: new zealand

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House Tours Interiors Addict Travel

Top 10 stylish homes to rent in New Zealand as border opens

Following the start of quarantine-free travel from Australia to New Zealand earlier this month, Aussies can now pack their bags and book their trip to the land of the long white cloud. Some of the most stunning and special homes on Airbnb can be found in NZ, where you can spend uninterrupted days admiring breathtaking vistas and exploring towering mountains and vast lakes.

Whether it’s a unique hut with panoramic ocean views, an award-winning tiny home in the city, or a luxury cabin with its own outdoor bath surrounded by mountains and valleys, Airbnb’s list of the most wishlisted properties by Aussie guests in New Zealand has something for everyone. I particularly like the fact that so many have outdoor baths!

Top 10 most wishlisted listings in New Zealand:

1. Kiwi Chalet, Lake Hayes, Otago

$204.95 AUD/night


Nestled in a scenic spot on the hillside, it is so close to everything, yet feels so far away. The Kiwi Chalet is located in the perfect setting overlooking the Coronet Peak, from which you can watch the sun rise and set. This tiny house has everything you’ll need and is perfect for a solo/couple traveller. It feels like an isolated getaway, yet is also close to ski fields, cycling trails and even the historic Arrowtown. Quirky, peaceful and surrounded by nature, yet close enough to Queenstown for a day trip, this little home is the perfect nature getaway.

2. The Raven’s Nest Bed & Second Breakfast Farmstead, Springfield, Canterbury

$171.68 AUD/night

Attention mythical creatures everywhere! Rest your hairy feet, get close with friendly sheep, and enjoy a night in a fantasy at the Raven’s Nest. Live your best Hobbit dream and enjoy the unique home; thoughtfully designed, detailed and crafted to recreate the beloved fantasy realm. Nestled between oaks, native trees and sheltering pines, you will find a tiny but cleverly designed nest, big enough for two halflings and filled with handmade details.

3. Rocky Point Hut, Pepin Island, Nelson

$177.12 AUD/night

Hidden amongst native kanuka and coastal New Zealand bush, situated on a cliff, is Rocky Point Hut. Stay in the beautiful and private hut with a comfortable timber interior and take in the incredible views. Spend your time relaxing and treat yourself in the hot outdoor bath with a panoramic view over the Abel Tasman ocean. The perfect setting for a romantic retreat.

4. Stargazer’s Luxury Retreat, Lake Tekapo, Canterbury

$278.55 AUD/night

Visit the Stargazer’s Luxury Retreat to view the Milky Way from your own private wood-fired hot tub, before coming inside for a toasty warm fire. The outdoor setting perfectly matches the interior; the perfect place to indulge in some wine and cheese while taking in the incredible view. Step out of the comfort of this home to access the magical lakefront, directly opposite the famous Church of the Good Shepherd and only a few minutes’ walk from the local cafes and attractions.

5. Ica View Glamping, Whareama, Wellington

$191.25 AUD/night

The unique property’s take on camping is an experience you don’t want to miss. Situated on a hilltop overlooking the breathtaking Ica Valley, it is only 35 minutes east of Masterton towards the beaches, and just over two hours from Wellington. Relax as you unwind in the hammock, play boardgames, cook on the BBQ and take baths while enjoying the great outdoors. Ica VIew Glamping is a perfect getaway to switch off from reality, yet still be surrounded by luxury.

6. The Nest — Coastal Escape, Pihama, Taranaki

$266.74 AUD/night

Crafted to provide freedom from the stresses of life, The Nest is a dreamy sanctuary perched high atop the rugged, west coast cliffs overlooking the Tasman Sea. Sink in and let the crashing waves drown out your worries, as you take in the views of the deserted black sand beach and Mt Taranaki with snow on top. Let the sunsets, full moon, mountain and sea be the backdrop to your most treasured memories. This beautiful, cosy home will not disappoint.

7. Tom’s House, Queenstown, Otago

$419.22 AUD/night

This award-winning, architecturally designed home is situated on an elevated, north-facing site, offering uninterrupted views and all day sun. Voted New Zealand’s Best Small Home 2016 and finalist for New Zealand’s Home of the Year plus numerous architectural awards, every room is unique and has something special to offer. While only seven minutes away from the airport and busy town centre, you will still feel so far away from it all.

8. High Country Cabin, Ben Ohau, Canterbury

$185.66 AUD/night

High Country Cabin is a stylishly decorated cabin in the heart of the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. Inspired by the backcountry huts throughout the area, it provides a rustic, country-style experience. The 50sqm cabin is stylish yet comfortable. Stay cosy and curl up by the log burner while taking in the mountain views from every window. While there is WiFi, there is no TV to encourage guests to switch off and enjoy each other’s company and the nature surrounding them. This property is perfect for people looking for a getaway to enjoy beautiful natural scenery.

9. Skylark Cabin, Twizel, Canterbury

$354.00 AUD/night

Spend a night under the beautiful starry sky in the Skylark Cabin; a private, luxury escape, nestled within the awe-inspiring landscape of backcountry Ben Ohau. The cabin is surrounded by the ethereal beauty of the expansive valley and the soaring mountains. This cabin is a complete experience in itself. After a day of exploring, guests can soak up the serenity in luxury under the open sky in the huge outdoor stainless steel bath, fit with gas-heated hot water. If you are looking for a place to completely relax, Skylark Cabin is the place for you.

10. Pisa Cabin, Bendigo, Otago

$166.75 AUD/night

This cabin is located on a hillside made of gold in historic Bendigo, the best kept secret in Central Otago. The property is surrounded by vineyards on a rustic landscape steeped in gold mining history and opens out onto a deck that looks over the panoramic surrounding views. Soak away your worries in the outdoor tub as you take in the night sky, and you might even catch a glimpse of the magical Southern Lights. Architecturally designed and perched atop a rocky outcrop at the foothills of the Dunstan Ranges, the cabin overlooks the expansive Clutha Basin with its pastoral scenes and is enclosed on all sides by dramatic alpine mountain ranges. This cabin is the perfect relaxing getaway if you want to be able to disconnect and be surrounded by nature.

Live Like Bluey for the weekend: iconic Heeler home recreated by Airbnb

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Categories
Art Interviews Shopping

The New Zealand artist using colour to spark joy

Jen Sievers
Jen with one of her works

Painting from a light-filled studio in the Waitakere ranges outside of Auckland, Jen Sievers is a New Zealand artist on a self-described mission to ‘paint joy.’ “I infuse my work with the joy I feel while I paint it and aim to make that viscerally experienced by the people who hang my work in their homes. If you’re not smiling when you’re looking at them, they’re not doing their job,” says Jen.

Jen Sievers
The artist Jen Sievers perfectly complements her work

After growing up in South Africa, Jen had a stint doing a fine art degree before attending a specialist school for advertising and design where she completed a three-year degree. This led to a 15-year career as a graphic designer and art director which formed the basis for her eventual art practice. “I honestly believe that my work as a designer was my best training – it taught me colour and composition, and I learned about the creative process,” she says.

Jen works with acrylics on canvas, thinning them out to create vibrant watercolours, and applying more impasto style layers on top. Her eye-catching style is largely abstract, and is often executed on large canvasses.

Jen Sievers
Jen with one of her beautiful works

But it was after becoming a mother that Jen was eventually lured back to the easel and brush. While her toddler was napping, she grabbed a paintbrush, her child’s craft paints and a piece of ply from the garage. “By the end of that two-hour session, I knew I’d found my purpose was to paint,” says Jen who also explains that a breast cancer diagnosis in 2019 really cemented her decision to give up a full-time graphic design career for a painting one. 

“Luckily, it was curable with minor surgery and radiotherapy, but my diagnosis offered me an unexpected gift. It gave me perspective and ‘permission’ to finally quit my day job to become a full-time artist,” says Jen who threw herself into the practice spending evenings and weekends experimenting with colour and painting everything from abstracts to portraits, landscapes and anything else she could imagine. 

'Phoebe' is one of Jen's latest works
‘Phoebe’ is one of Jen’s latest works

And while Jen has made a name for herself in New Zealand, her career has taken off in Australia since becoming a Greenhouse Interiors stablemate in 2018 – her use of colour making her a perfect fit for the brand. “My colours are contemporary and playful, and often have a peaceful, calming feel to them. I love using bold sweeping lines and plenty of textures and layers,” says Jen who has branched out recently and released a series of works of house plants.

Jen in her studio
Jen in her studio

“I’m surrounded by native bush in my home studio, and the studio itself is filled with house plants. I love thinking of each of them as having their own personality and distinct vibe, so I captured this idea in my work. The result is a fresh, colourful ode to the humble house plant all wrapped up in my signature feeling – joy.”

'Carmen'
‘Carmen’ is one of Jen’s latest works

Photography: Samantha Donaldson

For more on Jen Sievers

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Meet the Sydney artist who became Cate Blanchett’s personal florist

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Categories
Architecture Design Travel

Luxury travel: Stay high-end with the new Airbnb Luxe

The stunning 'Te Kahu' is located in New Zealand's south island
The stunning 'Te Kahu' is located in New Zealand's south island

One of the best things about going on holiday is the chance to stay somewhere fabulous that you could never afford to own outright. Am I right? And the desire to stay in a home that is a destination in itself is reflected in the launch of Airbnb Luxe which promises to make personal and bespoke travel more accessible to everyone via its portfolio of more than 2,000 luxury homes across the globe.

Bondi Beach penthouse
This Bondi Beach penthouse is just one of the properties on offer

Bondi Beach penthouse
The spectacular view from the Bondi Beach penthouse

The launch is in direct response to consumer demand with the number of high-end Airbnb bookings (listings worth at least $1,000 per night) increasing by more than 60 per cent in 2018. Whether it’s premium materials, rare features, chef-grade appliances or homes with multiple bathrooms that accommodate large groups, the Airbnb Luxe properties have to pass strict evaluation across 300+ criteria. And given each booking provides access to a dedicated 24/7 trip designer (ensuring the trip is tailored to your unique needs), the new offering transcends mere aesthetics.

'Eagle Retreat' in Byron Bay
‘Eagle Retreat’ is located by the beach in Casuarina, NSW

“Today’s luxury traveller is craving more than just high-end accommodations; they seek transformation and experiences that leave them feeling more connected to each other and to their destination,” says Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder, CEO and head of community.

'Sky Loft' has views of the Sydney skyline
‘Sky Loft’ has views of the Sydney skyline

After booking an Airbnb Luxe property, the trip designer ensures a smooth check-in experience and can arrange anything from local experiences and activities to childcare, a private chef, an in-house massage therapist or even personal training.

The stunning 'Te Kahu' is located in New Zealand's south island
The stunning ‘Te Kahu’ is located in New Zealand’s south island

'Te Kahu'
‘Te Kahu’

“With Airbnb Luxe we are applying the same approach we’ve used since we launched Airbnb more than 11 years ago — creating local, authentic and magical travel moments now in amazing places to stay — to reimagine the way people think and experience luxury travel,” says Brian.

'Villa Belong Dua' is located in Bali
‘Villa Belong Dua’ is located in Bali

Outside of Australia, the properties include award-winning homes in New Zealand and South Africa, French castles and historic Tuscan villas. You can even stay in the Jamaican villa where Ian Fleming wrote his famous spy novels!

Phuket's 'Villa Saanti'
Phuket’s ‘Villa Saanti’

Book your stay | Moona + Co’s fabulous travel photography

Categories
RENO ADDICT Shopping Styling

New black and white steel artworks for outdoors

Stylish and sophisticated, the matte finish of steel designer Lisa Turley’s new “monochrome” collection, makes a statement in any home or garden.

white-range-with-fern-1

Inspired by the clean lines and white palette of Scandinavian design, the distinct white finish looks fabulous both indoors and outdoors – adding a restful contemporary feel.  The super versatile black is a great accent, looking edgy and sleek, making greenery really pop.

black-summer-2016

Designer Lisa spent much time working on the perfect matte finish with each piece electroplated for added durability and finished by hand.

“It’s the combination of classic black and white and the amazing matte texture that really makes these pieces special,” says Lisa who recently launched the Summer 2016 collection in New Zealand.

summer-2017-white-full

Priced from $149, the collection can be purchased from selected retailers or online.

Categories
House Rules

frankie magazine’s SPACES volume 3 interiors book sneak peek

frankie’s house-loving interiors book, SPACES, is back with Volume Three, promising to be as busting with good stuff as ever.

Spaces3_cover5

Released last week, it features homes and homes-away-from-home from all around Australia – from inner-city Melbourne to sunny Alice Springs. They’ve also made a hop, skip and a jump across the Tasman to visit some spaces in New Zealand, and meet the creative Kiwis who live in them.

Spaces3_spread9

What makes these places special is the time, care and imagination taken to piece them together – whether they’re an eclectic share house, a travelling van, a tiny flat, or a rural gem.

Spaces3_interior5

Buy online for $24.95.

Take a look at the videos below for a peek at some of the creative folk and places you’ll discover inside the pages of SPACES.

spaces (volume three) by frankie magazine. on sale now! from frankie magazine on Vimeo.

Categories
Styling

Designer Amanda’s neon and geometric wedding styling

Just over a year ago, I had the honour of being MC at the wedding of my beautiful friend Amanda to her now husband Scott, at a stunning venue in Waiheki, New Zealand.

Amanda_22

Amanda and I met at work at a publishing company in Sydney, where she was a graphic designer and I was an editor. We first bonded over being foreigners (her a Kiwi and me, a Pom!). She is one of my most creative and stylish friends and I knew her wedding would be super cool and non-traditional. Today, I have the pleasure of sharing her wedding styling with you.

Amanda_2

Tell us a bit about the look and style of your wedding and your inspiration. The style came about quite unintentionally, it was just me thinking of all things I love really. Scott and I also joked around that it was going to be an awesome wedding on and it kind of stuck!  My favourite colours are black, grey, white, gold and bright neon coral. They became the colour palette for the wedding (Scott was cool with whatever!). For everyone who knows me, this wasn’t a surprise. Even my engagement ring is a black diamond, set in yellow gold with smaller white diamonds and I don’t leave the house without wearing a pop of neon coral. Crazy? Yes.

Amanda_8

Your invitations were amazing. Do you feel they set the tone for the rest of the wedding? I hope so, that was what I was after! It started with an  idea I had of an invite revealing something as it’s unfolded. I had never wanted a traditional invite as it just wasn’t us. The folded idea took me to origami and I found the perfect fold online. I  wanted to incorporate a bright neon coral colour, of course, so I began a search for neon paper and found the perfect fluoro red origami paper and bought tonnes of it. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it, but it was so perfect I couldn’t leave it!

Amanda_3

I thought of a few things to create in origami, but the hearts were the obvious choice, and they slotted into the invite perfectly. The origami and invite ended up being the catalyst for the theme I guess, as I really love geometric shapes (although arguably the theme was just ‘Amanda’s favourite stuff’)! I ended up finding origami-style lanterns and some amazing geometric-shaped candles, so it all worked in nicely.

Amanda_10

How would you describe the style of your wedding in 3 words? Bold. Geometric. Personal.

How important was the styling element of the wedding? It was important to me because being a designer it became my own little (big!) project. I didn’t want someone else to do the creative work, that’s the fun part.

Amanda_14

How much did your job as a graphic designer and being a creative person impact on your ideas for the wedding? Probably a lot more than I had imagined. I probably went a bit more crazy over the detail. My invite turned into a more elaborate project than I had first imagined, and the favours became personally designed screen printed tea towels, with printed paper wraps! Every part of it grew as I had more and more ideas! It was dangerous!

Amanda_7

What did you spend the most money on in terms of styling? What was the biggest bargain? I spent a lot on the geometric candles, they were through a local stylist and imported from Sweden. I accidentally ordered two boxes instead of one. Each box was over NZ$300. Yikes (I am now in the process of selling off the other box. Any takers?)! The biggest bargains were the table centres, as they were mostly homemade. And using succulents instead of flower arrangements was a huge saver. They were $5 each but looked amazing. I also didn’t have a cake made and instead ordered macarons to put onto a tower I found. I bought two chocolate mud cakes from a beautiful chocolate shop to put either side: $50 each!

Amanda_35
Amanda_29

Was anything really hard to source or to get just right? Making sure all the bits I ordered online were the right colour match was difficult. It was hard to get the right neon coral! It hadn’t all been put together until the day of setting up, as a lot was brought over to New Zealand with me from Sydney. I was so relieved when it all worked! The only sourcing issue was with the lanterns. I had them ordered through a local stylist, but then she couldn’t get them, as they they had sold out. So I began a hunt online, and eventually found them all to buy in various parts of the world. Way more expensive!

Amanda_4

Did you enjoy doing so much yourself and making it very personal? I did but it did become a lot larger than I had thought. I think I bit off a little more than I could chew, and in the end, that became a race against time and quite stressful!

What was people’s reaction and what things did they notice? The first thing people noticed was the view, of course! But I think people loved to see something different, the colour and the detail. They thought my tea towels were a cool gift, and enjoyed the macarons!

Amanda_19

Did the venue dictate the styling or do you think would you have had similar styling in a different venue? We fell in love with the venue ( I mean, who wouldn’t, right!?) and the styling was personal to me and luckily they suited each other. I think wherever we had chosen, I would have done the same styling.

Amanda_20

How did the styling of the venue tie in with the dresses, jewellery etc? My dress had a black bodice with a strap on the back, and my shoes were black and gold. The girls had black dresses with a geometric crossover front and black crossover shoes. It all tied in nicely. In mine and the girls’ hair were bright coral flowers. The girls wore gold bracelets and their earrings were actually called ‘origami’ and were gold triangles overlapped! I know, I was a bit obsessive!

Amanda_18
Amanda_16

Anything else you’d like to share about your big day with our readers? It was an amazing day, it all came together so well and the sun was shining! We were so lucky to have all our friends and family there too, considering we are from different sides of the Tasman. The venue was such a find, it’s worth hunting out those gems! The styling was a big job, but so amazing to do. I would recommend getting in and doing it if you’re tempted, it’s so rewarding!

Bridesmaid Julia Morris (left), the bride (right) and I
Bridesmaid Julia (left), the bride (right) and I

What a gorgeous day to be lucky enough to be a small part of! What do you think of Amanda’s non-conventional and very personal wedding styling? Would you like to see more wedding styling on Interiors Addict?

Amanda and Scott were married at Waikopou, a private house on Waiheki Island, New Zealand. They kept the venue a secret so we had no idea what to expect until we were bused there on the day. And wow, what a venue and view it was!

Follow Amanda on Instagram.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Captured by Keryn

Categories
Interiors Addict

Gift guide: 4 great ideas for your favourite clean freak!

If somone in your life loves a sparkling home as much as I do, there are some gorgeous options out there for Christmas gifts, which will be appreciated much more than a vacuum cleaner or a mop, I’m telling you! Even better, these brands are all Aussie (okay, one Kiwi sneaked in!) and the gifts are all under $80.cleaning christmas gifts interiors addict gift guide

Clockwise from top: Murchsion-Hume Classic Six Boxed Set, $76.95; The Aromatherapy Co. kitchen soap and nailbrush, $15.95; Bondi Wash Christmas Pack, mini home care trio, $35; Voyager Room Mist, $32.

Categories
Homewares

Exclusive Kate & Kate X Superette blanket giveaway

Kate & Kate have teamed up with New Zealand retailer Superette on a stunning new ‘Co-Lab’ blanket. In 100% knitted cotton, combining a hint of gold with muted tones of pink and grey, it’s perfectly on trend and comes in a beautifully screen printed, limited edition carry bag.

SONY DSC

KATSUPEXC-COL_2

These special blankets are super exclusive here in Oz but we have one to give away to a lucky reader. To enter, just comment below what you’d do with yours if you won, by midnight tomorrow (Friday 7 November 2014).

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

RRP $169. Buy online here in Australia or here if you’re in NZ.

Categories
Homewares

Cozy linen throws that will get you excited for winter

Available in four colours, these linen throws by Coast almost make me wish it were winter.

COAST Antigua Throw

The generous size of the Antigua Waffle Linen Throws makes them a perfect fit for lying across the end of your bed or draping over the arm of your favourite chair.

Expertly woven in a 100-year-old family mill in Lithuania, the 100% premium-quality washed linen is a strong and luxurious natural fabric. The throws come in dove grey, mustard, inky grey and sea foam and are NZ$239 each. Shipping to Australia is free on orders over $299.

Shop online.

Categories
Homewares

Online shopping fix: The Foxes Den

William Morris’s famous quote: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful,” is what inspired husband and wife team Marcella and Daniel Marshall, to start The Foxes Den.

the foxes den

With an aesthetic aimed to be calm, elegant and serene, the New Zealand based online store provides a collection of functional everyday objects that can help transform tired interiors into luxe living.

With products sourced from around the globe, The Foxes Den specialises in household tools that are created with care and made to last.

“I individually hand pick items I love and would have in our own home,” says Marcella. “At The Foxes Den, our passion is anything natural, raw and understated but made from genuine materials; products that are safe for a family home and both functional and pleasing to the eye.”

Inspired by the natural world and the simple life of foxes, The Foxes Den was created as a fun storyline to convey the yearnings of modern families to simplify their lives.

The Foxes Den ships free to Australia on orders over $NZ150 ($141). For orders below that price, shipping ranges from NZ$9-to-NZ$18 ($8.50-to-$17).

Shop online.

 

Categories
Interiors Addict

Online shopping fix: Collected

I’ve long been a fan of Collected by LeeAnn Yare, a real-life and online New Zealand homewares store. The great news is they’re now shipping to Australia!

collected

Above are some of my favourite finds. Number one has to be the cross metal wall cabinet ($99). Absolutely love it and NEED IT in my bathroom!

Continue reading “Online shopping fix: Collected”