Living Edge

Housing Market UPDATE

27 March, 2018 by Living Edge

The housing market has been cooling and one expert says the stability in the sector has given buyers, sellers, investors and owner-occupiers the ability to make financial plans. However, with an easing in home-loan restrictions and the new Government settling in, some are seeing activity start to pick up, raising the question of where the market is heading to from here.

Mike Bayley Managing director, Bayleys Corporation

The residential property market in and around greater Auckland is delicately yet comfortably poised in a state of equilibrium. In essence, it’s a static market.

Prices are up slightly around 1 per cent year-on-year, while the inventory of housing stock for sale (the number of residential listings minus sales) is sitting virtually bang-on its long-term monthly average.

Mike Bayley , Managing Director of Bayleys. Photo / Supplied to NZ Herald

Further balancing out that supply-and-demand equation, demand has been tempered since its peak.

A number of local buyers are now out of the market as a result of lending regulations introduced by the Government and the RBNZ — even though those restrictions have been relaxed.

Secondly, there has been a slowdown in foreign buyer interest driven by restrictions in moving funds out of China.

Additionally, with average rental yield rates sitting around 3 per cent for investors, many in that sector have been looking at other opportunities — the commercial property sector, equities, or paying down debt when their fixed rate mortgages come off.

Some six months of stability in the housing market had set the groundwork for the coming year. Or at least it had until the global equities realignment which sent tremors around the world early last month.

While NZ’s sharemarket was spared the rollercoaster revaluations seen elsewhere, we noticed the nervousness here did have the effect of sending many investors back to the relative security of houses and apartments.

Any refocus on residential property as an investment class will have been positively underpinned by the reserve bank’s decision last month to keep the official cash rate in its status quo.

Christ Kennedy CEO, Harcourts

The average house price in Auckland was $935,773 in January, on a par with the figure for January 2017, which is encouraging, given how much market fluctuation we have seen in intervening months.

Overall it was pleasing to see the year end on a busy note, with increases in written sales and the average sale price rounding out the year. That trend has continued into 2018.

Written sales in Auckland for January were up 8.4 per cent compared to the same period last year, as were total listings — by 10.8 per cent — and the amount of residential stock on hand, by 9.9 per cent.

This means that in this past quarter we’ve started to move back towards a good, balanced market. Not only do we have plenty of demand from buyers, but there is an increasing number of sellers.

That should keep prices moving up, but perhaps not at the sky-rocketing levels we saw in 2014-16.

Chris Kennedy, CEO, Harcourts. Photo / Supplied to NZ Herald

Cary Smith, Chief Executive, Ray White New Zealand

After a subdued finish to the end of 2017 in the real estate market, there has been a noticeable increase — particularly in the latter part of January and the early part of February — in regard to new property coming onto the market.

January results were buoyant and showed an increase across the market. There has been an increased level of activity from buyers attending open homes and this is showing as confidence returning to the market and a degree of normality.

The new Government has settled in without too many legislative changes in the area of property.

It is unclear at this point how the overseas investment legislation will be presented.

Carey Smith, Chief Executive, Ray White New Zealand. Photo / Supplied to NZ Herald

There is stability in interest rates and the ability to be able to lend against less stringent LVR requirements has been welcomed by purchasers.

In the main centres; Auckland is showing strong signs with good stock levels. Wellington, however, remains at a lower stock level; with Canterbury being more balanced.

Generally, overall portfolio numbers across New Zealand are increasing and this will provide buyers with a greater level of choice.

In regard to rental property, vacancy rates continue to be low and rental yield is holding firm and potentially expected to lift in the next quarter, which is a positive sign for the investment market.

New compliance regulations come into place over the next period for rental properties. While this may affect yield, it is a positive outcome for tenants given the better living conditions.

Peter Thompson, Director, Barfoot & Thompson

I am positive about the prospects for Auckland residential property in 2018. The cycle of prices rising rapidly has been overcome and, for the past four months, prices have been stable.

The most significant change in the last 12 months has been the decline in the number of sales. Currently, sales numbers are down about a third on where they were a year ago.

Over the remainder of summer and autumn, I expect sales numbers to pick up, with prices overall rising modestly.

We have a stable market. Properties are selling, buyers have the time to take a more measured approach to selecting a property, mortgage interest rates remain at historically low levels, construction is not keeping pace with population increases and initiatives are being considered that have the potential to make it easier for first time buyers and those on modest incomes to enter the market.

Peter Thompson of Barfoot and Thompson. Photo / Supplied to NZ Herald

There remains a solid market for higher-priced property, particularly properties selling in excess of $1 million.

This is the best possible situation for the market to be in after nine years of rapidly rising prices, and will give confidence to sellers and buyers that the market is unlikely to experience a major price fall or increase.

I anticipate that auctions will continue to be the preferred sales method. While clearance at auctions has fallen from 80 per cent during the height of market activity last year to around 50 per cent, the exposure an auction gives a property — and the opening up of the transaction to non-auction bidders should the property not sell under the hammer — remains a strong incentive for vendors to stick with the auctions.

Keith Niederer, General Manager of LJ Hooker

Auckland has kicked off the New Year in style celebrating one of our hottest summers with an extravaganza of festivals and music concerts and, of course, the lighting of the iconic harbour bridge.

The market in Auckland currently could be classed as a “steady as it goes” market unlike the frantic situation that existed last year.

Interest rate increases seem highly unlikely with inflation remaining low in the December quarter giving the Reserve Bank little reason to change anything.

Home owners could likely enjoy a welcome breather for the most part of 2018.

With the change in Government, many investors may decide that being a landlord and being dictated to is not for them.

There will be concern around the costs landlords face to ensure their investment properties are compliant with new legislation.

This will create an ideal opportunity for first home buyers to attain a foothold in the real estate market.

Keith Niederer, Manager of LJ Hooker. Photo / Supplied by NZ Herald

The Auckland market is now a buyers’ market and already we are experiencing buyers who are in no hurry to purchase. With no urgency, time is on their side.

I believe prices will remain steady with no real drop, as the cost of land and buildings increase and time frames add up.

We are all kidding ourselves if we believe one day we will have enough houses for everyone — ownership and rental — as the city will continue to grow and bulge at the seams.

Thus 2018 looks like a year we can look forward to with full confidence in the Auckland real estate market.

Barry Thom and Grant Lynch, co founders, Unlimited Potential

Unlimited Potential Real Estate

The residential market nationwide, and particularly in Auckland, held its breath last year.

This all happened on the back of a looming election, and then the convoluted result and, with it, much talk about property, tax and immigration.

Together these factors had buyers and sellers adopt a wait-and-see mode. The result was a 20 per cent drop in sales throughout the Auckland market.

To add to the degree of difficulty in 2017, banks were tough on lending criteria, and LVR restrictions for investors bit.

There was also a general state of confusion generated by the new council valuations; so it is not difficult to understand why the residential market became something of a “stunned mullet”.

But people’s lives go on. They marry, make money, lose money. Circumstances change. In short, it feels like we have left 2017 behind and are now in catch-up mode.

Barry Thom and Grant Lynch, co-founders, Unlimited Potential. Photo / Supplied to NZ Herald

In the face of the commentary around a softening market, while sales numbers are down, sale prices remain stable. In fact, they have risen slightly. It seems as though buyers now recognise this and have decided to buy. Similarly, sellers can see that it is not a bad time to sell.

Sharemarket shakes will no doubt have some people take a fresh look at the time-proven stability of residential property. Interest rates remain low and demand never went away, it just got parked.

Call us optimistic, but we see 2018 as a time when the market will return to more “normal” levels. While values may not climb as dramatically as recent years, it’s hard to see how “waiting for the market to fall” is a sensible option.

Source: NZ Herald By: Donna McIntyre

7 Tohora Crescent Omaha

21 February, 2018 by Living Edge

In this blog category we showcase homes that we have home staged that appear on the cover of the NZ Herald Homes Section.

Getaway within reachKate Healy and her family were looking for a holiday home to escape to, which was close enough to Auckland and wouldn’t take forever to get there for weekends.

They looked at Waiheke, the Coromandel and Langs Beach, but in the end Omaha fitted the bill perfectly.

They bought from the builders so are the first owners of this substantial house, built in 2012 with sea and rural views.

“We liked the ease of access from Auckland,” says Kate.

“We wanted somewhere that we knew we’d be able to use on weekends and that would accommodate kids’ sport and other commitments that tend to sneak into diaries.”

The family is sad to be selling, Kate says, but has moved back to Australia.

Husband Anthony was chief executive at the Bank of New Zealand and has been transferred to a role with National Australia Bank, and Kate has given up her role as chief operating officer of Ngati Whatua Orakei.

Though from Australia, the family loved New Zealand so much that Kate and the couple’s two children became New Zealand citizens in December, something that was in train before they knew they would be leaving.

The Omaha property has been like a “release valve” for the busy family, she says.

“When we’ve been working pretty hard and, you know, you get into a day-to-day grind, we find that as we drive over the causeway at Omaha, everybody in the car lets out this collective sigh. It changes your frame of mind.”

The property is relaxing, too.

“The upstairs living area is open. There’s lots of space. We could see that it could accommodate not only us but also our extended family.

“They’re all Australians so when they come here, they tend to come to stay for two weeks at a time — so we needed something that had enough room to have everybody living together.”

They set up the garage — which Kate says can accommodate four cars — as a kids’ space with table tennis, TV and games. And, with three bathrooms, the house easily managed the sometimes 14 or 15 people who stayed there.

Omaha has a laid-back, family vibe, she says.

“It’s not a party destination; it’s more of a family holiday destination.

“We love the walkways and the cycle paths and just that feeling of going for a bit of an explore — you know, turn down one path and see where you end up.

“It’s where our kids learned to ride their bikes, and the beach is safe.

“Our children joined up to the Nippers, so they learned to do that sort of thing up there as well.

“The locals up there are pretty chilled out. We felt part of the community more there than we did in St Heliers where we were living.”

The house is about four minutes’ walk to the beach and you can see the sea from the windows — so can work out what the surf is doing and whether it’s a good day for paddle boarding.

The yard is fenced and the family spent a lot of time on the big deck. Anthony could always be found reading there.

With morning and afternoon sun, the house is warm and the family visited there in winter as much as summer, plus the Matakana market is not far away.

Kate is busy house-hunting in Melbourne; she says she will miss the feeling of calm sitting on the deck in Omaha watching the weather roll in.

Full listing here

Copy by Catherine Masters and photos via | NZ Herald Homes

Home sweet home | Sharon Laffan

24 November, 2017 by Living Edge

Ever wanted to see inside the home of Sharon Laffan – owner of Living Edge Interiors?

Here’s your chance! Sharon Laffan is known for her fabulous interior styling prowess and this house certainly reflects Sharon’s ability and vision. It’s no wonder she owns a homestaging, styling and interior design company!

From the moment you enter your gated driveway, you are met with the feeling of peace, privacy and pleasure. This 1910 grand olde dame just oozes character, warmth and charm. From the polished wood floors, to the soaring high studs the home is just a sensation of flair and panache. The layout is incredibly flexible with space for families and couples alike and the separation within the home will appeal to those wanting that little bit more than a conventional home can offer. The entertaining throughout the property is superb, alfresco entertaining in your private grounds, where the flow from the kitchen will appeal to all, and gardens that are bathed in sunshine – four lounges to accommodate both formal or informal living are on offer, together with five bedrooms positioned within the home, with bathrooms and en suite that one would expect in a home of this caliber, giving family and friends spaces to enjoy that they may never want to leave. Add to this the sea views, the location and the sheer beauty of the property – you cannot fail to fall head over heels for this classy lady.

Shanly’s design tips for 2017

12 April, 2017 by Living Edge

In our lives we spend a great deal of time in our homes, and it’s true what they say… “We are a product of our surroundings”. This is why its so important that our surroundings make us feel happy, relaxed and comfortable.

Overseas in certain countries there are laws stating who can call themselves a licensed Interior Designer but in New Zealand this does not apply. There are a lot of people calling themselves “Interior Designers” or “Interior decorators” who feel they have a flair for design. Some of them haven’t studied at university or worked as a professional Interior designer but with saying that sometimes those two things are not enough. It takes a certain type of person even with study to have the art of spacial planning, design choices, marrying rooms together giving design consistency. It is understanding the compositions of fabrics and materials that will stand up over time so that they are suitable for a clients environment due to environmental conditions, their lifestyle and daily functioning.

What the Consultation Process should be like

Your designer should meet you at your property to discuss your goals, expectations, needs and design wishes. They would then walk you through each room gathering “first impressions” and recommend and discuss various design options and improvements that could be made. This should include a review of your furnishing needs, taking measurements and recommending the ideal furniture placement for each space.
Source products and shop for you, or if you feel you would enjoy the process then you could accompany them on shopping excursions as well.

SELECTING YOUR INTERIOR DESIGNER

Regardless of your style preference, how large or small your interior design requirements are then would then be able to expertly transform your spaces & assist you with all your interior design needs.

A great designer will first listen to what you want and then guide you by showing you pictures of furniture, fabrics and layouts of furniture placement.

It’s also best to look at a designers portfolio as this will give you an indication if she or he has the skill set to be able to do not just one design style.

THE STYLE OF YOUR DREAM HOME

Really think about the look and feel you want in your home. Does it work with your everyday lifestyle ? Will you keep loving it in years to come ? It’s all about your taste and what makes “you” feel good remember. I suggest you get a folder and when going through magazines pull out pages of designs, styles of furniture you like, so when you do meet with your professional designer then it will be very clear of what you want in your home and not the personal taste of your designer. Or if your a keen computer user, sign up to Pinterest (an online ‘pinboard’ social platform) and make some of your own online interior design inspirational boards.

IMPULSE BUYING

Be sure not to impulse buy and plan ahead, be patient, take your time and think about what you want to create in your home. First is to make a list as the worst impulse purchase you could make is purchasing without first making sure the size and proportions fit nicely, not only in a room but also with your other furnishings and lighting. If you buy a large piece like a sectional sofa which is out of scale with the room then its very difficult to visually correct this mistake.

DECLUTTER

By decluttering it will make your mind feel calmer and your space look bigger, cleaner and tidier. To start, go through your home and into those cabinets as well, you will see furniture pieces that you can part with and accessories that maybe cluttering your mind. If they are not your vision for your dream home then get rid of them or sell them, put that money into your design kitty. You will also find things that you forgot you had, and as you go through this motion of getting rid of things you will feel a weight getting lifted and you will feel more in control.
And if your’e not sure on something then find a place e.g. your garage and place them there so there out of your eye sight. If you don’t miss them then perfect – as you made the right decision but if unsure then go and look again later and really think do I like them ? Do I need them ?

WALL COLOURS

Colours are a very unusual thing, as what a wall colour may look like in one home won’t look like in another. This is because of light and reflections of colour that is near by. It is important to know the right colour before you go to all the effort and expense of painting your walls to find out that it’s the wrong colour. Keep in mind that if you have a feature wall of a different colour or bright coloured furniture then they may reflect onto the walls, particularly in small spaces.

To test, buy some tester pots and try them out in your light of the space you’re going to paint. Never paint directly on your walls as if you decide to go with a lighter colour than the darker colour may end up showing through.
My advice would be to grab a piece of jib, paint two coats of the tester colours on it and watch them change colour during the day as the light changes. If there’s one colour in particular you just love all day long then you just found your perfect paint colour!

LIGHTING AND MIRRORS

Lighting is one of the most important elements of design. Your space should have as much natural lighting as possible. Don’t block natural light sources with poorly placed curtains and accessories. Enhance natural light with the placement of mirrors directly across your source to allow the light to bounce around the room. It’s important to add to your overhead lighting and have more than one source illuminating your room. Add proportionally sized and well placed lamps to enhance your lighting when needed. Your lighting should be bright enough to function under but not so bright that it is harsh on the eyes. It’s a good idea to have dimmers added to your overhead and ceiling lighting.

Want to make a room look larger ? A mirror is a great option for this. It opens up a space, just make sure the size of the mirror works in your room and it’s the right measurement for the space, again a good designer will know this.

RUGS

Sometimes a room without a rug can appear unfinished and not very welcoming, as a rug can transform a room introducing a sense of warmth or luxury.

A rug is the perfect way to unify a room or if your attempting to break up a room into different areas. But before you choose a rug it’s important to understand its purpose as you may want a rug as a statement piece, or a more neutral design which will soften a space warming it up.

Sizing is key and there are a few right ways of doing this. One way is all furniture pieces on the rug or to place furniture such as the sofa half on a rug but the rug should be slightly longer and wider than the furniture and not too far from the seating. Small rugs often can look way too small and out of proportion with larger sofas and furniture pieces.

If you want to unify a room, a large rug will do this beautifully but leave sufficient extra space around all the furniture so it does not appear ‘perched’ on the edge of the rug.

Furniture around the perimeter of rooms are best left completely off rugs such as sideboards and buffets.

SELLING YOUR HOME

Research shows that residential home staging by a professional interior designer will help sell your property faster and for a higher price. You can do this by hiring an established company with a great reputation such as Living Edge Interiors.

Just a few tips to start Autumn with, and if you need help with your home then I will be more than happy to help you achieve your dream abode.

Click HERE to contact Shanly:

Who needs a Dining Room…

15 February, 2017 by Living Edge

Many of us might remember our grandparents’ generation entertaining family and friends in a formal dining room, complete with a sideboard for fine china, glassware, and even cutlery that was saved for special occasions. However, these days having a dedicated dining room, or second reception, is often seen as a luxury that can take up valuable space – let alone having extra storage for another dinner set.

Conversely, some argue that a private eating space could be the answer to spending more quality time with the family without distractions of TV and other screens. It’s also a great room to inject your interior style and personality into, as the below schemes prove. So should this dwindling interior tradition be reinstated? Or should it be left in the past? Let’s identify some pros and cons and some dining room alternatives for those not lucky enough to have the choice.

Pros

Peaceful meal times

A separate dining room that’s not host to any type of screen or device offers some respite from the barrage of digital noise that we’re so familiar with. This dedicated space will also encourage interaction and conversation without the distractions you might find in a busy kitchen. A separate dining room offers a great way of enjoying valuable time with friends and family in a relaxed, calm environment.

Space to experiment with different styles

If you want to give a new interior trend a go, or you have some styling ideas you want to experiment with, then a closed off dining room is ideal for testing out a new look without worrying if it will work with the rest of the house.

Show off statement pieces

A dining room offers the opportunity to showcase fabulous pieces that might not work in any other room. For example, a large-scale ornate mirror or an opulent light fitting might not sit well in a laid-back family space, but these oversized statement pieces balance well with the large dining table shown here. Formal dining rooms also give you the chance to indulge in a sense of grandeur, and have fun with bold pieces, such as elegant dining chairs and dramatic centrepieces.

Create a dramatic dinner party setting

With the revival of dinner parties thanks to supper clubs and TV shows like MKR, a formal dining room gives you the chance to go to town with your styling and set a beautiful scene that’s relaxed and inviting. Plus, you can ensure it won’t get disturbed by the rest of the family once the door is shut.

Make it a versatile space

A second reception is gold dust to many space-hungry households, so turning a dining room into a multi-functioning zone could be the ultimate answer. Think craft area, play room, home office or even library. But whatever combination you choose, ensure there’s plenty of storage so it can easily be turned back into a smart dining room when needed.

Cons

Family behaviour has changed
With meal times now seen as a social activity, families are more likely to want to encourage everyone to get involved with the preparation, so the kitchen has become the hub of the home. Perching at a breakfast bar or island unit is becoming the norm while we interact with the host or help out with the chopping. Chatting with guests at a table in the same room feels far more sociable and friendly than separating them in another part of the house.

Meal times can feel lonely

It’s hard to expect everyone to eat at the same time every day, so eating on your own in a formal dining room might feel a little unappetising. Not to mention the inconvenience of having to set up the table and dash back and forth to the kitchen if you’ve forgotten something.

It’s another room to decorate and clean

Unless you have endless interior ideas and schemes you love, finding the energy to decorate another reception room so that it’s in keeping with the rest of your style might put you off having a separate dining room. At least in open-plan rooms you get to decorate the space in one go so it all works cohesively.

That said, designing a scheme can be a whole lot of fun.

Finding the Right Balance

Kitchen/ dining rooms
So what are the alternatives if you don’t have space for a separate dining room? By far the most popular meal time set-up for families is the open-plan kitchen diner, that allows everyone to be in the same space at the same time. This is great for busy households where the kids can be supervised while cooking or clearing up continues. It also works well when meal times are disjointed and not everyone can sit down at the same time. At least in this scenario, no one is left eating alone in a separate room.

Similarly, if you only have room for a tiny table in the kitchen, opt for a chic design that will allow you the versatility to style it up for more formal occasions, and dress it down for day-to-day meals.

Breakfast bars

People will always gravitate towards something they can sit or lean on for comfort and ease, therefore a breakfast bar, or central island is great alternative to a dining table, particularly if it doubles as a work surface too. Pop one in the middle of your kitchen and watch it transform from a cooking zone to a sociable eating space.

Duo-dining

This is a genius solution for anyone living in a compact space who still wants various dining options. A breakfast bar has been extended at one end with a benchtop fitted at a lower level to create a dining table set-up. The owner’s then have the option of casual eating at the bar end or formal dining at the table. Perfect!

Indoor-outdoor

In a climate that practically begs you to come outside and enjoy the weather, eating alfresco for the majority of the year means a formal dining room is totally impractical. What’s more, with the rise in solid-roof verandahs, serveries and full outdoor kitchens, eating outside is becoming a year-round activity.

Island drama
If you love the idea of an elegant dining room but only have space for an island, you can always combine the two. Try to capture the same intimacy of a formal dining room by adding a stunning statement pendant for mood lighting and some wraparound upholstered stools for comfort and opulence.

It seems that the sociable aspect of coming together to cook, eat and entertain in a relaxed manner has certainly overtaken the convention of dining in formal surrounds. However, if you have the luxury of a separate dining room, this is definitely something to celebrate and indulge in. Go to town on the styling and enjoy the freedom of choosing special pieces for the space, as it may only be a matter of time before it’s taken over as a toy room or home office.

Tell us

What do you think about formal dining rooms? We’d love to hear your views.

Source: Houzz | Author: Louise O’Bryan – Houzz contributor, interiors writer

Luxury Penthouse for SALE

12 January, 2017 by Living Edge

Seldom do you get the opportunity to stage a luxury penthouse within a unique heritage building in Auckland.

Introducing the Chambers Penthouse, a one off heritage masterpiece located in the fully restored Chambers & Station, Auckland’s premier character building.

Spacious and elegant, the Chambers Penthouse represents an outstanding opportunity to own a piece of history in a beautiful contemporary apartment that expresses the character of the original Mt Eden Borough Council Chambers. Designed in grand revivalist style, this 1912 building is of considerable cultural and architectural significance. It has been fully restored and sympathetically adapted to today’s highest standards of quality and luxury. The impressive ornate interior is glamorous and modern, yet remains true to its heritage, with a soaring arched ceiling, decorative plasterwork on columns and wall paneling, and stunning panoramic views to the Waitemata Harbour, Waitakere ranges and Manukau Heads.

This 1912 plastered brick building with timber floors and windows, set proudly in the heart of Mt Eden, has been carefully restored to luxurious modern standards, while remaining true to the original values, construction and craftsmanship of the era. Classic, refined, elegant finishes have been used throughout, with strong period influences. This building is both beautiful and timeless, inside and out.

The bathrooms feature marble walls, high-quality European fittings and hanging pendant lights.

Carrara marble bench tops provide a dramatic contrast against dark out cabinetry in the kitchen, which is fitted with top quality European appliances.

Great efforts have been taken to preserve the authenticity and integrity of this outstanding building. A conservation plan has involved maintaining, repairing, strengthening and restoring while introducing the highest possible standard of quality and luxury.

Mt Eden is a premier suburb in Auckland, within the village, being a charming character shopping area comprising boutique shops, a wide selection of top-quality cafes, restaurants and gourmet food and wine stores all within easy walking distance. Auckland’s CBD, Newmarket, Ponsonby and the motorway are also only minutes away.

Some of Auckland’s most prestigious schools are within zone, including Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girl’s Grammar School. Mt Eden, an extinct volcano, offers many walking tracks and panoramic views of the city from its summit. Sports fans will appreciate having Eden Park Stadium, just down the road.

At 225m2 and with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an exclusive roof terrace and 2 side by side car parks the Chambers Penthouse is without peer.

For Sale by Tender. Click here for a video tour

View listing details here

Points for Presentation

18 November, 2016 by Living Edge

Homestaging company Living Edge Interiors is creating a niche in the top-end housing market. Guided by its passionate new owner Sharon Laffan, the company has grown, solidified its position and extended its offering in exciting new directions.

Have you ever walked into an open home, fallen in love with the interior furnishings and marveled at the owner’s sense of style? Chances are, the furniture and accessories you covet don’t belong to the owner at all, but instead have been carefully selected by a homestaging company to create just the reaction you experienced.

With the booming Kiwi housing market, homestaging is on the rise. Agents and sellers now understand its value in enhancing the visual appeal of a property, says Sharon Laffan.

She’s seen the company grow from humble beginnings 16 years ago to become the country’s largest homestaging business.

Over more than a decade, Sharon has helped shape the development and growth of Living Edge. She’s been heavily involved in the buying of merchandise, as General Manager. So when the company came up for sale in 2014, the opportunity was too good to miss.

“I’m extremely passionate about the business and our goal to be the absolute benchmark in the industry,” she says. “When we first started, there was only one other company operating in this space; now we’re competing against 30 companies in Auckland.”

Today, Living Edge has 20 staff, including a team of interior designers, its own fleet of vehicles and warehouse space. The bulk of the company’s furniture is sourced from overseas, with up to 5 containers of stock a year being brought in as a result of Sharon’s buying trips.

With a background in retail and merchandising, Sharon has developed longstanding relationships with real estate agents and developers. They make up a large chunk of the company’s clients, along with aged-care providers, private residential owners and corporate clients, and the entertainment industry.

“Our furniture is unique and we have several different styles, all branded with our own label,” she says. “We’re focused on the high end of the market. We do a lot of properties in the $2 million plus range.”

Homestaging is a labour-intensive enterprise, with each property requiring 12-15 hours to complete from initial sales to selection of furniture and then installation. Living Edge has sought to extend its offering with complementary services. The company hires out furniture and supplies cutlery, towels and bed linen to CEOs relocating to New Zealand. It provides set furnishings for TV shows like Masterchef, My Kitchen Rules and X-Factor. Living Edge has also furnished backstage sets for visiting rock stars, celebrity weddings and private parties, where security and confidentiality are paramount.

“We’ve experienced exceptional growth over the last four years,” says Sharon. “It’s been the result of a conscious effort to grow in the wider Auckland area. We also now sell our own branded furniture on our website. Our mid- to long-term plans are to increase the output of show homes and launch online shopping via our website.”

When looking to purchase Living Edge, Sharon sought advice from Hayes Knight Director Brendon Cutler who carried out a valuation and prepared financial forecasts to enable her to obtain the necessary finance. The firm now acts as financial and tax advisor for the company, producing Living Edge’s annual accounts and tax returns, meeting regularly and providing a sounding-board for any decision-making.

“Brendon has been a great mentor and financial advisor, particularly during the sale and purchase process,” says Sharon. “He’s pragmatic, highly responsive, and has developed a good understanding of the business.”

Brendon believes Sharon’s focus, coupled with her willingness to work hard, set goals and move forward with increased confidence, has taken Living Edge to a new level.

“Sharon should be really proud of what she’s achieved,” he says. “She’s done a great job to grow the company faster and more profitably than we forecast, while at the same time managing that growth conservatively. Sharon has a good business brain and listens to advice. I’ve no doubt Living Edge will continue to grow and refine its offering.”

WORDS: Deirdre Coleman IMAGES: Jason Dorday

Publication: Beyond The Numbers by Haynes Knight

Interior Design – Ready when you are

11 October, 2016 by Living Edge

Living Edge Interiors are delighted to offer Auckland based interior design services. It is like one stop shopping without the stress and hassles.

  Shanly was trained by the famous Beverly Hills based International Interior Designer Faye Resnick with such clients as Paris and Nicky Hilton, Kyle Umansky (Beverly Hills Housewives ), Ceasars and Palms Hotel Las Vegas, and the list goes on. 

Shanly returned to NZ from overseas bringing with her over 14 yrs experience in International Interior design. With a very warm presence but a strong professional passion for design, she takes great pride in helping her clients bring their vision for their home into reality.

You’ll be in expert hands. Shanly’s experience and ability covers every aspect of interior design. Shanly offers a 3 hour consultation package, including driving time (within Auckland) for $450 + gst. Shanly’s fast and efficient service makes her fees very competitive indeed. Consultation times can be flexible to work in with clients’ needs.

Living Edge also offers a free measure and quote service for both residential and commercial properties. We take pride in our work and offer exceptional quality and competitive pricing to cater to our clients needs. This is a field we know very well. Shanly will guide and work with you to help you through the selection process of styles and fabric choices that will work with the Interior Design and budget of your home.

Contact her today to discuss your needs and to obtain a personalised quote for the services you require. Please use Shanly as the email title and email her on [email protected]

Give your home the WOW factor

27 September, 2016 by Living Edge

GET READY FOR SALE

The busy real estate season has arrived and buyers are out in force. With warmer weather and a better chance of blue skies, it’s a great time to sell your home. But there is a lot more competition around at this time of the year. Which is why you need to make sure your home stands head and shoulders above the rest.

If your property doesn’t grab buyers from the first moment, then it is easily forgotten and therefore less saleable. The more demand you create from keen buyers who fall in love with your home, the higher the price you can achieve. Presentation is key.

The Living Edge sales team can help you put your buyer’s hat on, by walking through your home with you and pointing out things as if it were the first time you have seen it.

Living Edge designer Lucy Miles says, “With enhancement staging, we can advise on simple changes that can be made to freshen spaces or disguise faults.

“It can be as basic as a couple of artworks, some smart cushions and contemporary accessories that create a cohesive theme. But we can also take your home to the next level by totally transforming it with a complete fit-out of fresh furnishings for a whole new look.

“Full staging involves completely removing the owner’s furniture to give a blank canvas ready to create almost any look or feel the owners want to portray, depending on the buyer group their agent wants to target in the marketing campaign.

“For example, a character villa style of home that is partly furnished may have a traditional look. But if we removed the existing pieces we could start over ensuring a stronger impact with a fresh new look specially tailored to a more focused audience for that particular area. This involves styling the home to create the x-factor. It could be a refined glamour look using antiques and metallic. It might be cool Scandi chic or perhaps an eclectic contemporary look that juxtaposes new and old.

“If the home was built in the 50, 60s, 70s or any specific time period, we could have some fun by dressing it up for a contemporary retro look. It depends on who we believe the potential buyers are likely to be.”

The aim is to choose one or two key pieces for each room to anchor the scheme. Then Living Edge stylists build up the layers, pulling together a well-coordinated look throughout every area of the home, from living areas, to bedrooms and bathrooms to highlight your home’s best features.

Bedrooms suddenly look more inviting with crisp linen, luscious throws, elegant bedside lamps and cushions. Likewise, in bathrooms – gorgeous mirrors, fresh towels, lightly scented soaps, flowers, aromatic candles – all lend a welcoming ambience to seduce potential buyers. By creating the ‘wow factor’ with unexpected surprises and buyers will register in a very positive way.

Living Edge also pays attention to outdoor spaces, helping to extend the living into your garden. Beautiful contemporary and traditional furniture creates a look that lends a seamless flow from interiors to exteriors. Thought goes into arranging the furniture to focus on a stunning view or detract a buyer’s gaze from the neighbour’s ugly shed.

“If we decide enhancement staging is all that is required, then we look at things like the scale of your furniture,” says Lucy. “Bulky items inhibit the traffic flow and make rooms feel smaller. You may need to lose an occasional chair to open up a room during open homes. If there are 40 people going through the space at one time, the traffic flow in your spacious living area suddenly seems very cramped. Those are things many homeowners often don’t consider.”

Just by rearranging items of furniture to bring as much natural light inside as possible can make a huge difference. “As we walk through your home, we take note of whether specific areas might look more appealing with the addition a table or floor lamp, so they feel lighter, warmer and more welcoming.”

The Living Edge team discuss all areas that need attention, indoors and out. This may involve advice on tackling your ‘to do list’, fixing leaky taps and squeaky doors, cleaning, painting, tidying, reorganising and decluttering.

If you’ve lived in your home for years, you may no longer notice if clutter has crept in. With our fresh eyes, we instantly see spaces more clearly and can advise on paring back so that you allow buyers to soak up the beautiful feeling of space your home offers. Our team can suggest what to take away and what to leave to ensure personal items don’t detract from a buyer’s ability to envisage themselves living in your home.

Once our sales team has visited (with the sales agent) and we’ve identified who the buyers might be, we prepare a comprehensive plan for our interior specialists to work with. Then we decide which furnishings could be used to update and enhance your home through home staging.

When it comes to selling a home, preparation is key. It takes time and skill. But home staging through Living Edge makes getting your home ready for sale easy, especially for people who might live overseas. Everything is taken care of, right down to the finer details, so preparing your home for the market is neither stressful nor overwhelming.

We can get you on track to ensure you maximize the value of your home with a quick and easy sale and a great price at the end of the process. Call us now. 09 630 0066.

How to Create Dream-time Bliss in the Bedroom

27 June, 2016 by Living Edge

Nights are getting chillier as the dreaded winter sets in. Chances are, you’ll be spending longer between the sheets over the next few months. So if your bedroom is looking drab, it might be time to give it a boost by introducing some soothing romantic appeal. Here’s how to create your own little sanctuary of dream-time indulgence.

Lucy Miles, head interior stylist at Living Edge is an expert at upping the ante in the bedroom stakes. She has a fantastic eye and loads of experience in styling beautiful bedrooms every day. Lucy knows exactly what’s on trend.

Texture is always big in bedrooms, she says. “As we come into winter, start pulling in cosy layers that add depth – throws, Mongolian sheepskins, voluptuous double sided duvets with contrasting textures and patterns, an ottoman at the end of the bed.” It’s a sumptuous look that wouldn’t be right in summer.

Colours that add romance include soft beige, greys and biscuits. “We’re also using a lot of soft golds, lilacs and rose – a really soft almost ballet pink. If you want to create a feeling of drama then bring in heavier colour accents of black, deep inky blue or metallic charcoal.”

Soft lighting is also key – whether it’s suspended on lamps, on bedsides or wall-mounted. “Anything in fabric will soften the room and at Living Edge, we can custom-make shades to suit the room’s decor. You can always have some fun trying a bit of DIY, perhaps adding beautiful antique fringing or delicate pom poms around the bottom of the shade.”

Candles of course add mood lighting, but they also give off a beautiful aroma. “It’s good to have a natural life element. A small vase of some kind of floral gives a breath of life to a room and there’s nothing nicer than a Mor candle or a diffuser.”

For each room she is staging, Lucy tries to give it its own personality with a colour theme and a layered look. She starts with a valance, sheets, duvet and a second duvet, which she rolls or drapes over the end of the bed for height. She adds a headboard in cane, velvet or linen to frame the bed. “Upholstered headboards are big. We’re broadening our range and getting them custom-made in gorgeous velvets.”

Next, Lucy brings in Euros – at least a single – then a cluster of standard pillows in contrasting colours and textures. After that she adds bedside tables and a set of lamps. To get the stunning look for which Living Edge is renowned, every room is beautifully coordinated to tell a cohesive story. Nothing is random.

If you’re not comfortable putting a bedroom look together, Living Edge has stylists who can help you make your room look divine.

“They come in, look at the room and what else is in the home, talk to the client about what they like and whether they’ve seen an image that are inspired by – and go from there. We can source all product from scratch, providing interior design and furniture packages. Often though, we work with a client’s existing furniture, pieces they already have in their home. If we see something we can utilise in a new way, we’re not afraid to use it.

“A few months ago, we were in a home and found these incredible dressing screens with beautiful tapestry insets. We used three as headboards and they completely set the scene, adding fantastic drama. It’s really fun to utilise something the client already owns in a different way or working with their drapery and building a story around it. When you live with something you often get used to it. It takes a new eye to see it.”

Though a few accessories personalise bedroom spaces, less is definitely more in the bedroom. Lucy says, it needs to be cosy, but she prefers the intimate bedroom space to be less cluttered. Paring back ensures a calm, serene ambience that’s not as busy as the rest of our lives.

And what could be more delicious than slipping between crisp white bedlinen and surrounding ourselves in layers of feel-good luxe without everyday distractions to help us dream better at night.

Join us in New York May 2017

20 June, 2016 by Living Edge

Join Sharon Laffan, Managing Director of Living Edge Interiors for a New York experience of a lifetime! In association with newyorkcurated, Sharon and 9 tour guests will enjoy THE ultimate tour of New York.

With an idea for style and design, Karin Montgomery Spath and Susan Davis offer you an authentic insider’s view of New York – a five day tour focusing on art, architecture, design and food. Sharon looks forward to joining this fabulous tour to help keep abreast of international design trends, which as we know, are ever changing. Living Edge are always looking ahead for new style directions which make our clients look smart and sophisticated.

So join Sharon, Karin and Susan on 1 – 8th May 2017 for a glimpse of cutting edge shows, renowned museums, knock-out theater, cool rooftop bars, iconic restaurants and fabulous architecture and design – all just part of the exceptional New York Curated experience. Here’s more of what you can experience!

May 1 – 8, 2017

Experience the beauty of a New York Spring with a 8-day tour focusing on art, architecture, design and food.

Highlights of this tour include a visit to Philip Johnson’s iconic and eternally elegant Glass House in Connecticut, and house tours in Manhattan.

Arriving on Monday evening, your exciting and memorable adventure begins when you check into your boutique luxury hotel in the chic district of SoHo in Manhattan.

Explore this great city with us: View major icons of American 20th century architecture in mid-town Manhattan with a local architectural historian.

Tour homes and gardens in the West Village and Downtown Manhattan.

Visit some of New York’s most famous museums and galleries, including MoMA, the Morgan Library and the newly located Whitney Museum in the Meatpacking District.

A guided architectural walking tour exploring the changing waterfront areas of Brooklyn.

View cutting-edge art shows with a respected local art critic in the galleries of the Chelsea district. Attend a couple of memorable theatre performances. Take a trip out of town to visit Philip Johnson’s famous Glass House in Connecticut.

Enjoy cocktails on stunning rooftop bars and dine at some of New York’s most fabulous restaurants – including iconic brasseries, hip cafes, small neighborhood favorites, and Michelin star restaurants.

Our itineraries are carefully researched, meticulously planned and well paced. We pay great attention to detail, and take care of all the practical details – leaving you free to explore and enjoy this stimulating city!

Our local guides are knowledgeable and highly experienced, and very engaging – and what’s more they are great company. Being part of a small-sized group allows you plenty of time to ask questions and talk with them, further enriching your experience of New York.

Join us for eight incredibly memorable days and nights in the world’s most exciting city!
Our dining experiences are superb. From ‘hidden gems’ to celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants we enjoy exceptional meals. All restaurants have been carefully selected for both their fabulous menus and their stylish design – not to mention their great vibe!

Interested? Use promotion code ‘Living Edge’ and receive a complimentary bottle of MOET when you book for the May Tour 2017

For more tour information about the tour Click here