• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Living Edge

Header Right

CALL (09) 630 0066 EMAIL [email protected]

  • About Us
    • Interior Stylists
    • Sales Consultants
  • Home Staging
    • Residential
    • Apartment
    • Commercial
    • Developer
    • Real Estate Listings
    • Furniture Hire
    • FAQ
  • Real Estate Listings
  • Listing Map
  • Interior Design
    • Furniture Packages
  • Shop
  • About Us
  • Home Staging
  • Real Estate Listings
  • Listing Map
  • Interior Design
  • Shop
en English
af Afrikaansar Arabiczh-CN Chinese (Simplified)nl Dutchen Englishfr Frenchde Germanhi Hindiit Italianja Japaneseko Koreanfa Persianru Russianes Spanishth Thai
Get a free quote
Home»Archives for interior design trends

interior design trends

SLOW START SEES SPRING BOUNCE!

22 October, 2019 by andrea

Auckland’s housing market is emerging from one of the quietest winters ever as a mood of optimism takes hold. Despite the gloomy picture painted by backward-looking real estate stats, more properties are becoming available and Spring is delivering a more positive vibe, especially for first home buyers, say the experts.

REINZ notes that in August Auckland prices dropped by 3.5% on the same time last year. The number of new listings decreased by 14% in August and the number of properties sold dropped by 41%.

However, REINZ chief executive Bindi Norwell says the next two months already look encouraging.

 

“Although there have been a drop in sales, there have been a lot of requests for appraisals and the market is starting to pick up again.

Across Auckland, real estate agents have struggled with few listings. As temperatures slowly rise, the market has responded, bouncing back into life again.

In St Heliers, Barfoot’s Paul Neshausen says, it’s been hard with less activity.

“But we’re still getting good prices. We’re seeing an uplift as more properties come to the market. The weather has had a big impact. Over the weekend, it was particularly busy with good open home attendance because the weather was gorgeous. As we move further into Spring, that seems to be the flavour.”

Mike Robson of Harcourts Epsom/Eden says since the new policy restrictions – tougher LVRs, the Brightline Test and the Foreign Buyers Ban – the market has been flat for a couple of years as vendors have been reluctant to put their properties up for sale. It’s still not increasing to the level it was where prices rose 13% year on year for five years.

Robson adds that being an election year, the decision-making process is normally delayed while people await the outcomes.

“Our market is driven by school zones. So there’s always some level of buoyancy. It’s not dropping. It’s just flat. But Spring already has a positive vibe and I think we’ll see a lot of good family homes coming on board, especially when schools go back after October 14.”

He says it took a while for sellers to adjust their price expectations following the boom years. But they have now and they’re just getting on with things.

“They couldn’t get the same prices that they could achieve a year earlier. Vendors now realise it’s a bit tougher than it has been but they have to be realistic. If they’re still chasing those higher prices, they’ll just have to wait for another couple of years. That’s not possible for everyone.”

Robson says, good properties priced around the $3million mark are selling well in his area. He had one last week that sold pre-auction.

“Anything well-presented at that higher level, there’s a strong buyer pool. Buyers are more discerning at that range. And they probably feel more in control as they can pick and choose.”

Tony Vercauteren from Sotheby’s says, in the upmarket areas of St Mary’s Bay and Herne Bay where he sells, buyer interest is high. But there is a definite shortage of property at the top end.

“A lack of good quality stock is prevalent. There are a lot of rebuilds going up but good top end homes are a rarity. People are reluctant to bring their properties to market. They’ve been told by the media that things aren’t great out there. And buyers are reluctant to move on their price expectations.”

“But if homes are 10 out of 10 at the top end, there is significant interest and they will sell.”

Unsurprisingly with the banks easing their loan to value regulations and the lower interest rates, the big numbers are coming in at the lower end. It was apparent right through winter in Mt Eden and Epsom, says Robson. Around 70 to 80% of properties sold were units.

“Activity is strong around the $1m to $1.2 and $1.3million mark as banks are more accommodating.”

While anything over $4million is definitely taking longer, first home buyers are also a force in the Easter Bays, says Neshausen. “Townhouses, terraces and units priced around the $1million to mid $1 million are selling with relative ease.

“I’ve seen new developments happening in the area, about five of them, where they are selling off the plans at speed.”

It’s the same in Ponsonby says Vercauteren, where activity in the $1million to $2million price range has increased. But there’s still a lack of properties at the moment, he says.

His advice for sellers is definitely to bring pressure to the situation with an auction campaign. “From the buyers’ point of view, they’ll start realising now they’ve gone for some time where the bottom hasn’t falling out of the market. If they want to buy something, then they had better buy it now.”

Robson says, presentation is really important. “You can’t do anything about your aspect or a steep driveway, but presentation will get people through to help sell the property.”

Although interest rates are the best they’ve been, he notes it can still be tough for buyers as the banks are making them jump through the hoops.

“They’ve become really strict on non-consented work and anything not signed off. Same with the requirements on rentals. A lot of landlords have made good gains putting properties on the market and some aren’t up to spec. That’s created difficulties for some buyers to get loans.

“So, do your due diligence and be aware of what you’re buying. Get good support from a well-connected mortgage broker who has strings to his/her bow.”

As Christmas and New Year get closer, expect the market to step up as people start thinking about relocating for schools, downsizing, upsizing and so on.

Bindi Norwell says, over the next couple of months the market should remain constant and the normal seasonal growth in listings and sales should help provide more choice for buyers.

 

Filed Under: Bedrooms, Design Trends, Furniture Packages, Interior Design, Living Edge News, New Homes, Real Estate, Staging Blog Tagged With: Auckland, Barfoot & Thompson, home for sale, home staging, interior design, interior design trends, interiors, property, real estate, trends

Step inside Sharon’s Sanctuary

26 April, 2019 by Living Edge

This property is simply a showstopper. Presenting the stunning home of Sharon Laffan, owner of Living Edge Interiors. Sharon has recently put her exquisite Country Manor in Waimauku Auckland up for sale after a recent interior design makeover.  You can view the full listing here.

Nestled in ultimate privacy on 1ha of beautifully landscaped grounds this stunning architectural solid masonry masterpiece is unique and rare.

Drive up a tree-lined canopy of Magnolias into an immaculately presented and recently rejuvenated the home that flows from an impressive entrance lobby to both wings of the almost 500sqm home. Standout interior design throughout that is a master-class in beauty.

With four spacious bedrooms, the master suite includes a generous reading area, expansive sleeping room, walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, as well as views over pristinely manicured grounds.

Purpose built for multi-zone entertaining, with an open plan casual lounge, dining and kitchen area, a further formal lounge is found adjacent, and a larger third media room come office, come library – all with serene views over the green spaces that beautifully frame the pool complex that includes pool lounge, kitchenette and shower room.

Thoughtful extras include now an additional guest’s wing with separate access, living room and kitchenette, bedroom and bath, a separate laundry, a super-sized four-car garage with built-in storage for tools or toys. There is also additional space for unlimited parking for multiple guests.

Supremely private, secure and solidly built, from the surrounding birdsong to the beautiful lake views beyond – this is sanctuary living at its best.

For any enquiries please Contact Sharon Kenny 027 411 8844 Barfoot and Thompson.

Filed Under: Interior Design, Living Edge News, Real Estate, Renovation Tagged With: Auckland, home for sale, homes, interior design, interior design trends, Interior Designer, interior stylist, Living Edge Interiors, Sharon Laffan, Waimauku

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

Filed Under: Interior Design, Living Edge News, Staging Blog Tagged With: homestaging, interior design, interior design trends, Living Edge Interiors, Sharon Laffan

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.screen-shot-2016-10-07-at-1-47-34-pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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]

 

Filed Under: Design Trends, Interior Design, Living Edge News Tagged With: interior design, interior design trends, Shanly Simpson

Autumn -Time for a change

18 March, 2016 by Living Edge

Autumn – Time for a Colourful Change of Season

The long hot days of summer have eased into autumn. Have you noticed we are starting to retreat inside more? So why not spruce up your interiors a little to reflect the changing season around the home.

From the dining table to the living area and more private spaces, autumnal colours and motifs lend a sense of warmth to every room.

Just as in nature, autumn is the time for warm reds, burnt oranges, golds and chartreuses contrasted with woody textures and tones alongside burnished grays and blacks. Add deeper accents to enrich your interiors with accessories in more dramatic hues. You don’t have to totally change your décor. Just introduce different rugs, cushions, throws, side tables, objets d’art and vases of flowers, succulents or leaves.

Screen Shot 2016-03-18 at 4.51.34 PM

Natural woods and leathers bring instant warmth to a space. Think timber side tables tucked into a corner with seasonal magazines placed on top. Perhaps a mirror with a rustic timber frame; a timber tray topped with smooth turned timber bowls overflowing with nuts and fruit.

Make a splash with metallics. Gold, silver, copper or bronze – it doesn’t matter which. Mix them up. Anything goes. Metallics add the sparkle to any room. Blending them lends an intriguing contrast with a sense of visual dimension.

Screen Shot 2016-03-18 at 4.54.50 PM

Placing cozy throws on chairs and sofas makes your space inviting. They add great texture too. What could be more enticing on cooler autumn nights than a chunky throw beckoning you to snuggle as you read a book or watch your favourite show.

When family and friends gather, make even an everyday meal feel special with a seasonal look. Lay down a table runner in warm autumn hues or a leaf motif then add placemats and napkins that complement it for a lovely decorative touch.

The days are getting dark earlier so create soft pools of light for reading with floor or table lamps that can be adjusted to just the right angle as you curl up in your favourite armchair.

Candle light can turn a cold room to cozy. Light a gathering of pretty candles on the hearth or place a perfumed candle beside the bath to create a dreamy spa-like ambience as you soak.

Shorter days mean escaping the action and heading to bed earlier. Time to inject your bedroom realm with a more romantic vibe. Choose from Living Edge’s beautiful crisp and luxe bedlinen as your base and add to your existing throw pillow collection.

Screen Shot 2016-03-18 at 5.03.15 PM

At Living Edge, we have a vast array of furnishings and accessories to help you change the look of your home with ease. If you’re confused, just ask one of our talented stylists who have a great eye for detail and can help you with a look uniquely your own.

 

 

Filed Under: Design Trends, Interior Design Tagged With: Autumn, interior design trends

Change of Ownership

1 August, 2014 by Living Edge

Living Edge Interiors has exciting news to share! It is official!  Effective from the 1 August 2014 the ownership of Living Edge Interiors has changed from Furniture Solutions Ltd to General Manager Sharon Laffan.  Sharon will own the business as Living Edge Showhomes Ltd trading as Living Edge Interiors.

Sharon has been with Living Edge Interiors for ten years, the last two years as General Manager with the sad passing of owner and Managing Director Mac Cheyne on September 2012. Since that time Sharon has energetically and strategically lead the company through a major restructure and repositioning of the show home business.

“I have been with the business for over 10 years, the last two and half years have reinforced my view that this is a great business and I am confident that we will continue to succeed, as the Auckland housing market continues to expand.  More importantly it is well supported and serviced by a talented and dedicated team.  We will continue to focus primarily on providing Showhomes of excellence to the greater Auckland area.”

Sharon will continue to lead the business on a day to day basis.  All staff will continue in their current positions, to ensure a smooth transition.

Sharon’s passion for the business has been clearly evident over the past 10 years and we can only expect that to grow even more!  And what of the future?  A continuation of innovative practices, more strategic partnerships, exciting new products and of course more Showhomes of excellence.

We hope you join us for the next chapter.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Living Edge News Tagged With: Change of ownership, home staging, interior design, interior design trends, living Edge

Interior Design Tips for 2014

14 January, 2014 by Living Edge

Here’s some Interior Design tips from Shanly

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

TOP TIPS for 2014!

Declutter 

By decluttering it will make your mind feel calmer, your space look bigger.. and tidier. Also try to go into those cabinets, you will find things that you forgot you had!

As you go through this motion you will feel like a weight has been lifted.

Time for a change ? What about your 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.

It is important to know the right colour for you before you go to all the effort and expense of purchasing your paint! There is nothing worse than finding out that it’s the wrong colour !

Buy some sample tester pots and try them out in your light. You should not paint these on your wall, because if you decide to go with a lighter colour than a darker colour then you may end up having that darker colour showing through! My advice would be to grab a piece of jib board, paint the colours on it and watch them change colour during the day as the light changes. If there’s one you love all day long.. then you just found your paint colour.

Impulse buying 

Be sure not to impulse buy… be patient, take your time and think about what you want to create in your home. And remember this is a professional designers field of expertise, you are not expected to know if its all going to work together.

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, so I suggest you get a folder, and when going through magazines pull out pages of designs and furniture you like, so when you do meet with your designer, it will be very clear of what you want in your home.

And if you are a keen computer user, sign up to Pinterest (an online ‘pinboard’ social platform)  and make some of your own online interior design inspiration boards.

For some inspiration to get started, here’s a link to our interior design boards on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/livingedgenz

Mirrors

Want to make a room look larger ? A mirror is a great option for this. It opens up a space, just make sure the sizing of the mirror for your room is the right measurements to accomplish this job, and again a good designer will know this.

Just a few tips to start the year off with, and if you need help with your home then I will be more than happy to help you achieve your dream home…

Shanly Simpson – Living Edge Interior Designer
09 630 0066

Filed Under: Design Trends Tagged With: interior design, interior design trends, trends

Primary Sidebar

FRESH CONTEMPORARY ELEMENTS Repost via @elladecora FRESH CONTEMPORARY ELEMENTS Repost via @elladecorationuk 📸@taranwilkhu 
​*
​*
​Make sure to Follow @livingedgeinteriors
*
*
*
*
*
#interior #interiordesign #architecture #interiorinspo #interiorinspiration #interiors #decor #moderndesign #theworldofinteriors #homedecor #staging #homestaging #interiordesigner #design #homedesign #adstyle #elledecor #style #interiorinspiration #interiors #homedesign #apartment #decorlovers #art #vogueliving #moderninteriors #interiordecorating #livingroom #styledforliving #livingedgeinteriors
Planning Your Layout? While it may be tempting to Planning Your Layout? While it may be tempting to push a sofa against a wall facing the TV stand and call it a day, there is more involved in planning a great living room layout. It's very important to consider views from major seating elements. In a large open room, it's nice to be able to sit on a favorite piece while addressing the rest of the room.
​*
​Post Via @studia_54
​​*
​*
​*
​#interiordesign #interiordesigner #homedecor #collectibledesign #interiordecorator #jessicagersteninteriors #interior #interiordesign #architecture #interiorinspo #interiorinspiration #decor #moderndesign #theworldofinteriors #homedecor #staging #homestaging #interiordesigner #homedesign #luxurylifestyle #elledecor #style #interiorinspiration #decorlovers #vogueliving #europeanvibes #interiordecorating #livingroom #styledforliving #livingedgeinteriors
"But talk WHITE?” Post Via @ashleytstark * * * * "But talk WHITE?” Post Via @ashleytstark
*
*
*
*
*
*
#interior #interiordesign #architecture #interiorinspo #interiorinspiration #interiors #decor #theworldofinteriors #livingroom  #home #homedecor #interiordesigner #moderndesign #chic #handmade #homedesign #contemporary #elledecor #decoracion #interiorinspiration #interiors #staging #homestaging #homedesign #decoration #decorlovers #vogueliving #interior #interiordecorating #styledforliving #livingedgeinteriors
One of the best ways to boost a home's style facto One of the best ways to boost a home's style factor is with a statement piece of art.
Designed by @casadopassadico 
​*
​*
​Repost via @uniqueluxurystyle 
​*
​*
​Make sure to Follow @livingedgeinteriors
*
*
*
*
*
#interior #interiordesign #architecture #interiorinspo #interiorinspiration #interiors #decor #moderndesign #theworldofinteriors #homedecor #staging #homestaging #interiordesigner #design #homedesign #adstyle #elledecor #style #interiorinspiration #interiors #homedesign #apartment #decorlovers #art #vogueliving #moderninteriors #interiordecorating #livingroom #styledforliving #livingedgeinteriors
​
D I N I N G in S T Y L E 📸@u31design ,@brandon_ D I N I N G in S T Y L E 📸@u31design ,@brandon_barre  via @zoyasweetstyle
*
*
*
#interiordecor #interiordesign #herringbone #elledecor #style #adstyle #chandelier #chic #mansion #vogueliving #interior #interiors #interiorinspiration #antiquewithmodern #decorlovers #theworldofinteriors #art #homedecor #house #homedesign #decoration #lightfixture #interiordesigner #homedecoration #architecture #lifestyle #staging #homestaging #styledforliving #livingedgeinteriors
Beautiful 1930’s Character bungalow! ​*
​*
​S T Y L E D for L I V I N G  Interior styled by @livingedgeinteriors
​*
*
*
​Make sure to Follow @livingedgeinteriors
*
*
*
*
*
#interior #interiordesign #architecture #interiorinspo #interiorinspiration #interiors #decor #moderndesign #theworldofinteriors #homedecor #staging #homestaging #interiordesigner #design #homedesign #adstyle #elledecor #style #interiorinspiration #interiors #homedesign #apartment #decorlovers #art #vogueliving #moderninteriors #interiordecorating #livingroom #styledforliving #livingedgeinteriors
Follow us on instagram

( followers)
Google Map of -36.918833, 174.816210

Address

Unit 10/368 Church St
Penrose, Auckland 1061
New Zealand

Contact us

CALL +64 (9) 630 0066

EMAIL [email protected]

  • About Us
  • Home Staging
  • Real Estate Listings
  • Interior Design
  • Listing Map
  • Contact Us
    • Unit 10/368 Church St
      Penrose, Auckland 1061
      New Zealand
    • Call +64 (9) 630 0066
    • Email [email protected]
  • About Us
  • Home Staging
  • Real Estate Listings
  • Interior Design
  • Listing Map
© Living Edge
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
MENU
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Interior Stylists
  • Sales Consultants
  • Home Staging
  • Residential
    Home Staging
  • Apartment
    Home Staging
  • Commercial
    Home Staging
  • Developer
  • Home Staging Locator
  • Real Estate Listings
  • FAQ
  • Interior Design
  • Gallery
  • Hire
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Contact

Get in Touch

Or for an instant response call (09) 630 0066
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Modal title