Renovate and... HIBERNATE

Thinking about renovating this winter? Gem and Freedom have teamed up to help you find better ways to create a warm and cosy home

One of the most common tips you’ll hear when you’re considering renovations is to know your budget – and that’s very true, but what about the fun part of creating your ideal interiors? That’s why Gem Personal Loans and Freedom have got together to combine better finances with the fun of choosing the perfect furnishings.

If you apply for a Gem Personal Loan to cover your home renovation* between April 1 and July 31, 2018, once approved you’ll be offered a free interior decorator service from Freedom which includes two consultations+.

Plus, you’ll be eligible for 10% off your next purchase of $ 500 or more at Freedom^. To apply or find out more, visit gemfinance. co. nz/ homereno or call 0800 222 057 – and start planning!

Discover‘hygge’

Make your home extra cosy by embracing the Danish and Norwegian concept of “hygge”. It’s all about celebrating the good things about the colder weather – indoors and out – but especially those home comforts like curling up on the sofa with a soft throw and a really good book ...

Cosyliving

To capture that hygge feeling, the furnishings in our most livedin spaces should be comfortable – with a little Scandinavian sophistication. When it comes to larger furniture purchases such as sofas, take your time deciding what suits your lifestyle and talk to the design consultants at Freedom for tips on fabric and functionality – then pile it up with cushions in soft textures and natural fibres, and hunker down. Coffee tables are also a great way to bring a touch of hygge. Arrange some home accents on a side table, such as a wooden bowl of river stones and a mini vase of flowers, then light a scented candle to create a real sense of warmth.

Comfortfood

Whether it’s a sit-down dinner party with your best dinner set or a simple weeknight meal with the kids, sharing good food is at the heart of winter cosiness. The kind of dining table you gather around will help create the atmosphere you’re looking for. Will it be a rustic country-style piece, like the Columbus dining table, and sturdy wooden chairs, or the smooth look of the oval-shaped Ingrid dining table, set with speckled Berrendo dinnerware and natural-fibre placemats ...

Winterdreaming

For some of us, bed is our favourite place – all year round. If you’re renovating a bedroom, a good helping of hygge should be top of the list and lighting is key to creating a peaceful bedtime vibe. Soft side- lighting helps you wind down at the end of a busy day and in the morning, a warm rug with a pair of slippers waiting starts the day the hygge way. Even if you’re not purchasing a new bed, new paint colours may influence your choice in bedding or bedside tables, while storage that doubles as a comfy seat can help create a cosy atmosphere in the bedroom – as well as being a handy stash for pillows and knitted blankets.

Greatoutdoors

You can enjoy your outdoor areas even in the colder weather, especially when you’ve factored outdoor furniture into the renovation budget. Whether you’re aiming for a couch with big, plump cushions in a moisture- proof fabric or a textured wicker chair that you can carry to a patch of winter sun, just head out into the winter weather and breathe in that crisp air. Tray nesting tables let you easily move items around too, like bowls of snacks and drinks when you’re entertaining.

Applytoday

If you’re thinking about renovating, a Gem Personal loan can get you to the next step*. It gives you the security of a fixed interest rate for the lifetime of the loan, flexible repayment options and no early repayment fees.

It’s easy to apply over the phone or online, just remember to quote ‘ GemReno’ to take advantage of the 10% Freedom discount^ and the two free consultations with Freedom design+.

With your Gem Personal Loan and a little advice from the team at Freedom, your home will be a cosy, hygge haven in no time.