interiors

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.

Neutral need not be bland

14 May, 2019 by Living Edge

Living Edge Interiors had the pleasure of styling the interior of this stunning showhome by Masonry Design Solutions. Achieving this look long term is easy by the availability of furniture packages by Living Edge. Walk into your new home and marvel at the stunning interior that has been professionally styled and yours to enjoy.

This project was a particular delight to be involved with due to the excellent choice of Resene colour palettes and the attractive design of the home.

Designed as a showhome for Masonry Design Solutions (MDS) to demonstrate the quality of their handiwork, this impressive property overlooks the North Shore Golf Course in Auckland’s Albany neighbourhood. But thanks to a carefully chosen Resene colour scheme, the house also shows how to use a versatile colour palette in a manner that’s anything but monotonous.

The design team’s colour selection reflects a subtle play on a black and white theme with the idea that, were someone to move in the very next day, the home’s style could easily suit just about any style of furnishings. This simple scheme was achieved with Resene Ironsand being the darker contrast and Resene White Pointer and Resene Stonehenge as the lighter base colours. The result is a striking interior that maintains a degree of paired back elegance – and, looking through the gorgeous photos, it likely comes as no surprise that it has since found a family to call it home.

Showcasing three large living areas, including an open plan family dining area with a bar and wine cellar and a cinema room styled as a formal lounge, the home features the same emphasis on indoor-outdoor flow that MDS homes are known renowned for. The expansive outdoor living area features a fireplace, outdoor kitchen, underfloor heating and ceiling heating for year-round entertaining overlooking the heated swimming pool.

“The open-plan living/kitchen/dining room is painted Resene Eighth Stonehenge with a panelled ceiling and trims in Resene Half White Pointer. If you like the look of the soft pinks in this scheme, try adding in accents or accessories in Resene Ethereal or Resene Shilo.”

The open plan modern kitchen connects with a full walk-in butler’s pantry. A study, guest bedroom with ensuite, powder room, laundry and large double garage complete the ground floor. The upper floor consists of an expansive main bedroom suite with full dressing room and ensuite with large freestanding bath and Juliet balcony overlooking the swimming pool. There are also two other luxury bedrooms, a family bathroom and large storage. The mature gardens and extensive landscaping give a sense of permanence and finish off this magnificent house.

“Painted timber paneling was painted with various strengths of Resene Ironsand, depending on the intensity the rooms required,” says Mark Wilson, Director of MDS. For instance, the design team wanted to achieve a less reflective and moody aesthetic in the media room, which led them to choose Resene Stonehenge on the walls and Resene Half Ironsand for the ceiling paneling.

“In the main bedroom, where we wanted a softer approach, the walls we went with Resene Eighth Stonehenge for the walls and the paneling was painted Resene Quarter Ironsand.

The master bedroom stuns with batten features on the wall, in Resene Quarter Ironsand, and ceiling, in Resene Half Ironsand. The rest of the walls in the room are painted Resene Eighth Stonehenge and the remainder of the ceiling and trims keep the space feeling light in Resene Half White Pointer.

The cinema room, styled as a formal living area, is painted Resene Stonehenge with a batten feature wall in Resene Half Ironsand. The trim on the left wall and the ceiling are both in Resene Half White Pointer. If you want to add in a soft on-trend yellow like the one in this space, try incorporating accents and some accessories in Resene Thumbs Up.

The cinema room, seen from a different angle, is painted Resene Stonehenge while the ceilings, barn door and trims are all finished in Resene Half White Pointer.

The walls of the second and third bedrooms are both painted Resene Half Stonehengeand feature trims and ceilings are painted in Resene Half White Pointer.

The walls of this hallway are in Resene Eighth Stonehenge and lead into the master bedroom and dressing room, which are also painted Resene Eighth Stonehenge. The trims, door and ceiling are all painted Resene Half White Pointer. To create a similar mood at home, try painting the legs of a wooden console table in Resene Noir and add accessories in a green-hued taupe like Resene Collins Wicket.

To see more of MDS’ work, visit their website.

Blog post credited to Habitat by Resene

Photos by Mike Hollman

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

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.

Anatomy of a style makeover

27 November, 2015 by Living Edge

On an expansive estate overlooking the harbour in Buckland’s Beach, a grand English country-style beauty was recently transformed as part of a top to toe makeover by Living Edge Interiors.

Managing Director of Living Edge Sharon Laffan explains, when a home goes on the market, it’s no longer just someone’s home. It becomes a product. “Our role, together with the agent, is to identify who the potential buyers will be and to stage the home appropriately to broaden its appeal.”

Sharon looks at the property for sale as an entity to devise a total look that suits. Being such a large, traditional home with many living spaces and a huge garden, she anticipated the new owners of this property would probably be people aged in their 40s or 50s with family.

Antique with Modern

“To attract that audience, we felt it needed a more modern look with a warm, inviting balance of antique and contemporary furniture. It’s the way people are decorating today.”

Sharon travels extensively overseas to collect furniture unique to the New Zealand market. She also has her own brand of sofas for sale. “Living Edge has a fantastic range with the ability to furnish any style of home from old villas to very contemporary homes. We also cater to the commercial market.”

Most weeks Living Edge stage between from 10 to 18 homes in Auckland and there’s the interior design side of the business as well. However, for this extra-large property, Sharon collaborated with Meredith Lee from European Antiques who sources European antiques and decorative items from France, Belgium, Sweden, Italy and the UK.

Says Sharon: “For each room we selected one or two key pieces – like an antique sideboard or table – to anchor the scheme with a rich base patina. Then we built up layers around those pieces to ensure an eclectic mix of old and new that is lighter and gives a wonderful relaxed ambience.”

A Flawless Backdrop

In the earlier stages of the transformation, carpets were changed, gardens groomed, exterior brickwork water-blasted and new curtains added to create a pristine backdrop. Finally, existing furniture was removed and it was over to lead stylist Lucy Miles, the creative visionary behind Living Edge’s furniture styling and layout.

Lucy is intimately acquainted with the ranges she has to work with. Planning involves systematically going through each room, noting sizes and shapes to gain a visual memorandum of spaces before selecting pieces that showcase the home at its best.

Start with a Story

“In larger homes like this, you need some kind of thread or story to start with. But I think it’s nice to give every room its own personality or wow factor. For each room, I always take my cue from a dramatic starting point.”

For example, from a neutral backdrop in an upstairs lounge, inspiration came from the colour and texture of a traditional wingback chair and a classical painting. “I used the beautiful reds, blues and oranges – and really went the whole way with it.”

Occasionally she departed from her theme. “I created a sumptuous hunting lodge feel in the cottage with lavish traditional navy and green tartans, ducks and shooting imagery.”

In this project, the clients were more than happy to put their own furniture in storage and to present their property with a fresh new look. But Lucy says it can be difficult for clients to understand staging a home is often key to successful marketing.

All Chattels Available for Sale

One of the best things about Living Edge staging for buyers is that once the home is staged, a chattel list is available. If they like the look of particular pieces, they can purchase them – along with the home.

Sharon explains staging makes it easy, especially for international buyers. “The sourcing is all done. Buyers can simply walk in to a ready-made home – right down to the finer details – and relax.”

The magic of a stylist

11 September, 2015 by Living Edge

One of the most common questions we get asked is “What is the difference between an ‘Interior Designer’ and an ‘Interior Stylist’? This answer was elequently provided by Vanessa Colyer Tay for Inside Out Magazine. She said “Designers were scientists and Stylists were magicians”!

So with this in mind, here are some magical tips from our head stylist Lucy Miles.

What colours were popular in 2014 and what are your colour predictions for the year ahead?

In 2014 we saw a big emphasis on blues, yellows, lime green, pinks, rose gold…. A lot of zingy colours. They are still coming through this season but with a different tone; oranges are more burnt, blues are deeper. I think everything has softened slightly… Navy is still strong. Neutrals are taking on more texture with what they are made of – it was linen, now it’s hessian. A lot more emphasis on the finishings and trimmings. Woods are still strong – maple in more mid-century style pieces; Oaks and elms with a natural finish and organic texture – they are softer than industrial or rustic.

Having recently returned from an overseas buying trip, we saw next seasons ranges and colours. Pastels were very strong, with an almost ‘dusted’ effect. Khaki and soft olive greens… The flanged hem finish was a detail that continued to pop up as well.

And tartan. A lot of tartan.

Are there any key décor trends that you think we’ll see more of in 2015?

In 2015, we will continue to ride the Scandinavian train! It has been a popular trend for the last year or so in the shops and interiors and doesn’t look much like it is going anywhere. We have certainly put lot of time and effort into building up that area of our range as it is becoming a more requested look in staging – it has gone from the magazines to the homes of New Zealanders. Our customers are far more educated and aware of what trends are out there now a days. They have moved away from apartment-type furniture with mass-produced art and generic dressing – they want something a little different, special.

Replica and iconic pieces will continue too but we are moving on a bit from just the DSW chairs, Tolix stools and Barcelona chairs. There is more Wegner, Larsen, Herman, Bertolli coming through.

Matching or eclectic? What’s the secret to successfully combining non-matching furniture?

Matching on eclectic depends on what, as a Stylist, you are trying to achieve within the space. You can match or mix across different elements, from keeping the hard furniture in the same range and bringing your ‘mix’ through in the soft furnishings and accessories or going all out mixed, but keeping the palette of colour the same. Over all, the ‘matched’ look will result in a more tailored look whereas mixing your products can allow for a more ‘collected’ or bohemian feel. By mixing your product, it does allow for greater opportunities too. Regardless of whether you are going to mix or match, every story needs a thread that will tie the whole look together at the end. A blend across all products used, through the furniture, upholstery, accessories and art. In saying that, there is nothing to say you could not go with super neutral and then through in a real statement item!

Are there any interior design elements that stand the test of time?

Interior design is as varied and seasonal as fashion – they run along side of each other. Concepts continue to carry on rather than specific elements; it’s like the old blue jeans, white shirt and blazer – the style may vary somewhat from time to time however the idea stays the same. Some concepts that we build on are:

Basic neutrals as your base
Monochrome – black and white will always work.
Traditional or classical style is one that is cemented through out interiors across the world, and is probably the most recognizable ‘style’ through it’s furnishings – rolled arm, deep button etc.
Similarly iconic styles as well – Cape cod, retro, gothic…. these are very clearly defined looks.
‘Tricks of the trade’ continue to be used as well – mirrors for added light or space, bigger pieces in smaller spaces etc

Auckland has a variety of different housing styles – Villas, Bungalows, 60’s and 70’s houses, art deco, modern, apartments, etc. Do you approach each style differently? Are there any styles that are easier or harder to decorate?

Auckland has the luxury of having such a wide variety of property types which, for a Stylist or Home Stager, allows us to constantly hone in on our skills and ability to produce the appropriate ‘look’. Every home that we stage is approached individually. There is no ‘pre-determined’ package that is installed into a property that a vendor has brought to us to be staged. Properties are as individual as it’s owner and future-owner. We take into consideration the style of home, the owners style, the target demographic that the agent is aiming for. We are conscious that each property has it’s own set of needs and requirements. It is about doing what is best for that property.

Some times you may happen across a property that is right up your alley, which is always really fun and rewarding to dress, or a style that you have been dying to work on. On other occasions you may be completely dumb-founded at the beginning of the creative process but walk away from the completed job with such satisfaction – being creatively stretched by an ‘odd’ space can really make you feel as though you have conquered a mountain!

What’s the first thing you think about when you arrive at a home that you’re going to stage?

The leading factors to consider when walking into a property for staging are:

What is the surrounding area like? Dressing a property in Ponsonby requires a totally different approach to dressing one in Remuera.
What is the owner or agent like? How do they dress, or talk? What is their circumstance? You can gain great insight of how to approach the property from understanding your customer and nurturing the relationship you are building with them.
What will be the ‘makers & breakers’? With staging, you don’t have the option of shopping specifically, or an endless supply of custom product as perhaps an independent Interior Designer might. However, we do have an exceptionally large and varied catalogue of product that has been collected over the years and continues to grow. We know our products and ranges inside-out, which helps with determining exactly what you need to achieve the desired look; I know I need the Kansas buffet or the Kelly Hoppen chair, the antique butcher block…. the key pieces. We can supply statement items that will take the staging from average to WOW!

Are there any big no-no’s when it comes to staging a house for sale?

The biggest no-no would be to completely disregard the requirements of the property in lieu of your own – we are not here to impose our own personal style. As a Stylist you need to be sympathetic to the properties personality, style, weaknesses and strengths.

If you had one decorating tip or secret that you’re willing to share, what would it be?

There are few ‘tips’ that we use on a daily basis, but none of them are particularly secret…

Go with your gut. Nine times out of ten, your first thought is what you should run with.
It may be cliché, but as Chanel said, take one accessory off before leaving the house! It is easy to ‘over dress’ a property. We are past the stuffy look of times gone by with flowers in every vessel, items on every surface, 12 cushions squished onto a 3 seater and 19 candles spread out in only one room. Think about what and how you are using it – place things with consideration.
Read magazines. Get on the internet. Look at your colleagues work. Go to the interior shops in your area… What are people exposed to? What’s the current trend? Get inspiration from as many avenues as possible.

And when all else fails – call a stylist 🙂

Author: Lucy Miles Head Stylist Living Edge Interiors

You’ve made your bed!

20 May, 2014 by Living Edge

Probably one of the most common questions I am asked as an Interior Stylist is “Do you make your bed like this every day?”

And the answer in short is yes. Admittedly perhaps not the exceptionally full beds with double-duvets, three blankets, six pillows and a bunch of scatter-cushions, but every day without fail, I make my bed before leaving the house.
The duvet is tossed into the air, floating down upon the bed (evenly on both sides of course), the euros puffed and pulled taught at their points, standing tall at the back with my standard pillows stacked neatly on top of each other. The blanket is folded in half, or thirds, depending on the season (yes, really. There is method to the madness however, as it is much easier to pull half the blanket up and over myself when IN the warm delicious cloud I am currently encased in, than it is a wrestle with the thirds, ultimately getting tangled, resulting in the need to GET OUT of bed into the cold. Perish the thought!).

The reason I make my bed every day is not so much that I have a mild-case of OCD or want all and everything to constantly appear in all of its’ perfectly-positioned glory (I am sure the other-half may tell you otherwise, with many a debate at 6am in the morning over making said-bed), but because I just don’t like getting INTO an un-made bed. I do understand that perhaps due to occupational requirements that it may seem a far more casual event to me than most, but that is just the simple truth. In my younger years, I am quite sure I was not so akin to making my bed, or anything else, other than dancing and sewing, but I have grown very much to appreciate a well-made sleeping-spot.

Here are my top tips for making a gorgeous, show home bed in 5 minutes:

Pull everything off – it is good to actually let your bed air out for a while before covering it all back up
If you like a flat sheet, tuck the bottom in first, enveloping the sides under your mattress. Pull the rest of the sheet up towards the top of the bed, flattening as you go.
Euros – fluff, pull taut and place upright at the head of the bed
Standards, stack one on top of the other, in front of the euros, but under your sheet
Easiest way to get your duvet on in one go, is to do it from the foot of your bed. Toss it into the air and ‘shimmy’ it into place. Turn back the top, folding the sheet down with you.
Similarly with your blanket, go from the base of your bed, laying it across the mattress and folding down in one go. Ta-da!

Insiders tip – when putting on your clean, crisp linen, iron them once they are on your bed. This makes for a far easier and quicker result than attempting to do half a duvet at a time, dragging it along the floor as you go or the weight of it crinkling up what you have just spent ten minutes pressing.

Author: Lucy Miles is Head Creative at Living Edge Interiors

Masterchef in style

10 March, 2014 by Living Edge

MasterChef as you are probably aware is one of the highest rating and longest running reality TV shows in the country. Season 5 has started and its certainly a season to watch!

To start with we have 16 couples who are housed in an estate outside Auckland. In an obvious attempt to spice up the show early in the season, two duos were split up, with the two contestants deemed to be the strongest forming a new team and the other two being sent home! That is certainly one way to capture our attention!

But have you noticed the stage sets of Masterchef this year? The contestants might change this year but the stunning interior design will remain throughout the season! The team at Living Edge Interiors were very proud and excited about the opportunity to work with and provide the interior design and furniture for this year’s MasterChef Series 5.

To help put contestants at ease and to provide a comfortable and inspiring environment Living Edge also partly furnished the house while the contestants participate in the competition.

Here’s the spaces we created for the contestants:

The Studio where filming took place is furnished to accommodate a ‘cafe’ area for pre-challenge contestants, waiting for tasting.

Product selection: The Eames replica chairs and the Barcelona chairs are available in both half and full leather as well as white or black.

The ‘bar’ area is the safe area during eliminations.

Product selection: The May corner sofa is a modular unit making is highly versatile for difficult or large spaces. Accessories and the May corner sofa are are all available for purchase from Living Edge Interiors

The Lounge areas provide comfort for contestants during filming. Living Edge had to consider the style and colours being used for filming to compliment sponsors of the show. You will notice the subtle brand colour match of the interiors.

Product Selection: The cushions are mostly custom made although some are also from local suppliers and would be available for purchase.