Design Notebook
Homeware to buy, design items to covet
Sitting Pretty
We’ve all lay-byed a piece of clothing that we’ve fallen in love with despite the price tag — and now we can do the same for classic designer furniture. Mid-century furniture importer Karakter has teamed up with art house, My Art, to create a system where you can put up to 90 per cent of the cost of that irresistible chair or sideboard on interest-free lay-by, but take it home right away. Find out more at Karakter.co.nz.
EYE-CATCHING
You have to be quick to get your hands on pieces from the Salasai Home range, now in its fourth year. The extremely limited edition bedspreads and cushions featuring prints from the label’s fashion collections sell out fast, and we suspect this year’s addition will be no exception. Designers Kirsha Whitcher and Kelly Watson are into kitchen ware, releasing a collection of plates in collaboration with Viva favourite Wundaire, and a linen apron patched with “Advocate” badges. The quirky ceramics feature eyes, hearts, peace signs, and an adorable dog, all motifs from their SS19 fashion collection based around conscious living.
CUPBOARD LOVE
Wood might be a more traditional material for a free-standing wardrobe, but we love the watered-silk finish on these metal Marea Cabinets by De Castelli from David Shaw Furniture. The weathered, patinated effect is created by applying overlapping oxidative coatings on to different types of metal to give a soft, wave-like result that would look dreamy in any bedroom. A “titanium oak” interior adds unexpected warmth and contrast when you open up the doors. Visit Davidshaw.co.nz
RIGHT TURN
There’s something about the new Turn Dresser by Douglas & Bec that captures the spirit of design right now. Bec Dowie, who heads the brand — one of the country’s few established female furniture designers — created a modern take on a traditional form, drawing inspiration from a piece of heirloom furniture. Bec’s father and business partner Douglas hand-turned the piece — with its slim legs with candlestick detail, and a minimal row of arches. The rubbed finish on the sustainably-sourced ash wood gives it a patina that brings out the swirled grain, and gives the dresser a modern edge. The piece is part of a collection of 14 designs inspired by the lightsaturated compositions of 17th century Dutch still lifes. Heritage and modernity, light and dark, craft and technology and a father and daughter partnership — the balance is just right. Douglasandbec.co.nz