Xmas wrapped up
Wrapping gifts can be one of the funnest parts of Christmas – from choosing stylish paper, ribbons and gift tags, to thinking outside the box. This year, why not pass on non-recycled paper altogether and opt for more sustainable gift adornments. A favourite idea is to use fabric – or even tea towels like the […]
Homegrown in the Lab: The Artisan Lab
In the four years Narielle A’Court ran her market stall at Akaroa, too often customers related their experiences of buying so-called New Zealand made from giftshops, only to find when they got home that it wasn’t. Their stories inspired the glass jewellery artist to open The Artisan Lab at Little River. “I thought there […]
Loving local: Industria
It’s said that out of bad comes good, and if there’s one thing we Kiwis have embraced during these Covid-challenged times, it’s showing our support for all things local. Giftware and homeware store Industria showcases curated artworks of paintings, ceramics, sculptures, garden art, jewellery and so much more from the cream of Aotearoa […]
Art show extravaganza: Windsor Gallery
It is a stellar representation from the art world’s finest taking part in the Open Weekend and Art Show on November 7 and 8 at Windsor Gallery, 386 St Asaph Street. With over 130 pieces in the show and over 30 artists represented, from Aotearoa to Dubai, this promises to be one of the […]
Start with wall art
Unless you are someone who walks around the house with their eyes closed, you are going to notice what is on the four walls of your humble abode. Whether you are a DIY diva or a pay and walk away type, Metropol has put together some tips for wowing your walls. BOHO BEAUTY: A […]
Basket case
Baskets are an easy luxe, warm and timeless décor addition to any room. Use your chosen woven as a fruit bowl or coffee table decoration or sit them on the floor to store plants, dried flowers or blankets. Or, take inspiration from Instagram blogger Lisa Leonard and start your own basket wall. Thrift for woven […]
Preparing for alfresco living: The Crowded House Furniture Company
It may be winter, but it only takes a few warm nor’westers and a couple of 20°C days for us to start planning for sunny days and al fresco entertainment. So, it’s no surprise September is one of the busiest months for The Crowded House Furniture Company, purveyors of stylish and competitively priced outdoor furniture. […]
A local favourite: The Ivy
If you’re looking for a reason to venture over to Sumner, we have just the place for you. The Ivy continues to be a local favourite after six years in business, and just by one visit it’s easy to see why – being greeted by Karen and her faithful golden retriever makes for a pleasant […]
Live, shop, love local: Coco Gifts
‘Support local’ are the current buzzwords right now and we are betting that they’ll stick around for a while. We caught up with Liz Bloomfield from Coco Gifts who is arguably the queen of supporting local. She employs locally, with both of her teammates (Andrea and Blossom) living in St Albans. She also donates […]
Salt of the earth
If you thought Himalayan salt lamps were a thing of the past.. you’re probably right. But that’s not to say something that was wildly popular in the 1980s can’t make a comeback, in fact that’s how most trends work. While they’re technically not a ‘new thing’, 40 years later salt lamps are starting to […]