Ed’s Letter: Naomi Larkin explains why she loves this issue.
Ifind a cup of tea the panacea for all things. I’ve had lots of cups of tea while putting together this issue. It came hard on the heels of the two previous ones because they all needed to be done in double-quick time before the holiday break. But despite its shortish incubation, it is one of my favourites since I took over as editor in June last year.
We have a record-breaking eight houses and each one offers something different, that’s both exciting to look at and read about. All of the homeowners have worked hard to get the home they wanted and that suited their needs and lifestyle. The Moyles focused on extending the footprint of their Mt Maunganui home (our cover house and Home of the Month, page 22) to make the most of the majestic coastal views. Their wish-list included “a 1950s ambience, an internal courtyard, a spiral staircase, stone chimneys piercing the roof line and a garage big enough to hold their boat”. By bowling the existing structure and rebuilding, they got all of this and more. “This house is an expression of us and our personalities,” says Shannon Moyle. For Aucklanders Debbie and Chris Ross a downsizing exercise ended in a three-year new build forever home with plenty of space for family or guests that has put a full stop to any further moving or renovations (page 88). Our Style Insider (page 100) is also a new build which its owners, Greytown couple Julie and Merv Saunders, designed around their furniture and precious pieces.
Our two gardens are testament to their owners’ vision and hard work. Judith and Wayne Gilmer were won over by the wisteria-covered verandah of their Taranaki home and the size of the 1.21ha property when they bought it. The garden, however, needed a lot of attention. Now the heritage property is again filled with flowers and colours (page 112). Likewise, Susan and Terry Kilmister planned, planted and perfected their subtropical Kerikeri garden after moving to the Far North from Auckland and it has flourished thanks to their efforts.
What to do with your windows and walls can be challenging so our Special Feature focuses on three major trends: nature, texture and maximalism, to showcase what’s new in fabrics, wallpaper and paint (page 147). There is a lot to like in this issue so I hope there’s something for you.