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DESIGN
Design
102 Product profile
104 Outside in
112 Product profile
114 Small space
This refurbished bus is a
ticket to ride the waves for
the young family who call it
their home away from home.
Flip to page 114 for more.
homestyle 101
ARTISAN —— Product profile
If walls Head in the clouds
could talk Life is but a dream when you’re
surrounded by Auckland designer
Emma Hayes’ painterly wallpaper. Her
designs abstracted from nature include
the just-released Bloom (above left,
in Smoke), which features dynamic
An enduringly effective element in shapes that appear to billow and
a layered interior, wallpaper that’s disperse, and Nebula (above, in Mist),
a more expansive version of her popular
both backdrop and key to the scene Cloud design with a pearlescent
speaks volumes ceiling to floor. finish. Mural-style wallpapers such
as these gently set the tone in a space,
yet have an undeniable influence on
your mood, helping you keep calm
and carry on.
102 homestyle
Product profile —— ARTISAN
Extra texture
Subtly sensational, textured wallpaper
isn’t the star of the show, but it’s a
vital member of the supporting cast.
This warm neutral scheme (right)
features Madagascar wallpaper by
Élitis, one of many the French maker
creates with a chic 3D materiality,
including rustic raffia and embroidered
effects. Opt for it at your place to bring
durable character and depth to a room.
Maximal botanical
Wall flowers but definitely not
wallflowers, options like these by
Cole & Son have a storybook quality
— there’s something to be discovered
with every glance. The London-based
brand has been manufacturing printed
wallpaper since 1875, its everlasting
appeal lying in its ability to be statement
(Midsummer Bloom, below) or sweet
(Sweet Pea, below right), graphic or
glamorous. Any which way, it’s a
timeless pleasure that richly rewards
those who embrace it.
These brands and more are
available at Artisan. To view the
comprehensive selection, visit
artisancollective.co.nz/wallpaper.
homestyle 103
FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS—— Outside in
This is us
The manifestation of a long-held dream, this Hamilton
home fits its owners as if it were made for them.
WORDS PHOTOGRAPHY
Alice Lines Simon Wilson
DINING An expansive 21-
panel grid of fixed Metro Series
windows by First Windows &
Doors opens the room onto
a green wall — a much more
attractive prospect than the
neighbours’ fence. The joinery
throughout the house is
powder-coated in Matt Black with
colour-matched Urbo hardware.
Outside in —— FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS
A house in the country was something
Zandra and Robert Dol had envisioned
for their family for quite some time.
After moving from Auckland to
Hamilton, they’d been steadily looking
for a slice of rural land, but when the
right property failed to materialise,
they decided to press pause. Life as
working parents raising daughters
Sophia (12), Ella (10) and Mila (8)
continued as usual, until a riverside
site unexpectedly presented itself as the
perfect match, making life that little
bit easier by providing the natural
environment they dreamed of just
a short drive from the city.
Friends of the family had previously
owned and planned to build on the
property in the neighbourhood of
Flagstaff, which borders the Waikato
River. With architectural drawings
already created by Tane Cox of Red
Architecture, the hard work was taken
out of figuring out what to do with
the wedge-shaped section that slopes
down to the water’s edge.
“When we came here and saw this
beautiful outlook, the view with the
river flowing by really sold us,” says >
ABOVE & RIGHT The large Metro Series
pivot front door was an idea Zandra added to
a Pinterest moodboard years ago, so she’s rapt
that it works so well with the battened aluminum
screen and floor-to-ceiling windows at the front
of the house.
homestyle 105
FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS —— Outside in
Zandra, a holistic health practitioner.
“It’s really peaceful and felt right, and
the plans also met our expectations
of the home we wanted to create for
our family.”
Of his design, Tane says: “One of
the site challenges was the narrowness,
and its falling contour. It really looked
like a site that you could not fit a lot
on. To address this, a series of cascading
floors and a central pitched pavilion
formed the basis around which the
house was organised. Lower, flat-
roofed structures surround the more
vertical two-storey structure. From
the outside, large glazed areas let in
an abundance of light while providing
a connection with small private gardens
to give a broader sense of defined
interior space.”
From breaking ground to moving
in, the process took 12 months. Having
worked in the construction industry
for 25 years, Robert is well-versed in
the technical side of building and chose
to engage the expertise of CJW Build.
“Craig Wallace and his team are real
craftsmen,” he says. “We didn’t want
to micro-manage them, so we paid >
TOP Passages linking the communal and quieter
areas of the home feature Metro Series picture
windows that reveal the Japanese-inspired planting
the couple worked on with local expert Graeme
Burton of Rukuhia Homestead Landscaping. LEFT
The main living area steps down to a media room,
the open connection allowing conversations to
continue between the two.
106 homestyle
LIVING “Glazed windows
are important for light, but
the ‘working’ parts of the house
are intentionally set in deeper
to ensure maximum privacy,”
says architectural designer Tane.
MASTER BEDROOM
Occupying their own corner
of the home, the couple’s
sleep space and ensuite are
a private haven separate
from the kids’ zones.
Outside in —— FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS
them to take care of the project
management as well.”
There were still plenty of decisions
for the couple to deliberate over along
the way, but Zandra’s sister Vicky
Sutton of Harmony Interiors was
on hand to help fine-tune their ideas
for a monochromatic interior palette
that would be robust enough to endure
the rigours of family life while bringing
a sense of softness to counteract the
home’s boxy architectural forms.
Tane’s central pavilion makes
a strong statement at the bottom of
the driveway. Entering the home,
wall-to-wall glass surrounds an entry
hall where shards of light filter through
a battened aluminum screen that runs
across the upper-floor windows, for
the complementary delivery of both
light and privacy.
Cleverly positioned joinery from First
Windows & Doors connects interior
to exterior, including a wide bank of
fixed windows that gives the dining
area a dramatic green backdrop, picture
windows that frame Japanese-inspired
planting and five stacking sliders that
join the living area to the deck on >
TOP LEFT The upstairs bathroom includes a
freestanding bath set flush against the wall and
offers a view right across to the opposite bank
of the river. TOP RIGHT Aluminium louvres
are a striking option in the ensuite. RIGHT On
the first-floor landing is a mezzanine space that’s
become an extra hang-out zone for the kids.
homestyle 109
FIRST WINDOWS & DOORS —— Outside in
stairs
bath
bed bed void
robe robe mezzanine
FIRST FLOOR
spare
ensuite laundry
bed robe garage
deck
garden
stairs
living entry
kitchen store
pool robe
media bed garden
office dining bed robe
garden
GROUND FLOOR
which the girls spend hours honing
their football skills.
“We didn’t want mechanical air
conditioning, so the big windows
mean we can open everything up —
and when the front door’s open too
we get some nice cross-ventilation
coming through,” says Robert.
Radiant heaters create a more natural
warmth in winter. “It’s amazing how
warm the house is, especially with
this much glass,” says Robert. “The
insulation of the windows is amazing.”
With the inclusion of a pool,
Zandra and Robert have created an
environment that celebrates the joys
of staying in, which they consider the
perfect partner to their busy lives.
“All our free time is spent having
fun with the kids, so we wanted a really
low-maintenance house,” says Robert.
“Our intention was to create a sacred
space,” says Zandra. “You come down
into our home and it’s like you’re in
a cocoon. We’ve got the river flowing
by and beautiful nature all around us.
We’ve captured our vision of living
out in the open, but being right in
town suits our lifestyle too.”
firstwindows.co.nz
ABOVE An over-the-wall sliding door from First
Windows & Doors’ APL Architectural Series provides
easy access from the living area to the pool. LEFT
Generous decking leads to an outdoor entertaining
area, where the inclusion of a fire (not to mention
a fully wired sound system) see it enjoyed day and
night, year-round.
110 homestyle
KING LIVING —— Product profile
Out & out
Two items that in all respects
exemplify the future of
outdoor furniture.
Indoor-outdoor flow… whether or not your
spaces have it, your décor definitely can,
thanks to next-generation furniture like
this that lets you cohesively continue your
interior aesthetic outside — no settling for
subpar style. Riffing off the ever-popular Zaza
sofa and Luna chair by Charles Wilson, King
Living has created al fresco versions of each.
The contemporary design and modular
flexibility that define Zaza let you kick back
in comfort and luxury, leaning into its deep
seats with their adjustable arms and back.
With its intricate net-like seat, fitted pad and
lithe legs, Luna also feels as good as it looks. FUTURE-PROOFED Joining the new wave of aesthetically pleasing outdoor furniture, this swish
Both are available in premium outdoor seating allows you to authentically extend your interior style to your deck or courtyard. The sofa
has an internal glavanised steel frame that forms a durable base for its cushions covered with sun-,
fabric, so you can buy once and buy well. salt- and chlorine-resistant material, while the chair’s steel frame is protected with weather-ready
kingliving.co.nz. coatings — for long-lasting good looks and good times.
112 homestyle
Learn more at escea.com/summer-by-escea
Van
DESIGN —— Small space
Wish you could just pick up and
head to where the waves are?
This creative family takes the bus.
WORDS PHOTOGRAPHY
Claire McCall Duncan Innes
go
If, on your next beachside break, you The 1997 Toyota Coaster they settled The main sticking point was how to
happen upon a young girl set up at a on had enjoyed a colourful life, first seat the kids while on the road without
table outside a big white bus who offers as a party bus (hence its four large compromising space for the couches/
to braid your hair, it’s probably Summer speakers and purple-tinted windows) beds. “We wanted seats that could be
Sterne. The seven-year-old likes to and then as a 22-seat tourist transporter stowed away when we were parked,”
channel her entrepreneurial spirit that delivered hikers to the Tongariro says Renée.
while her parents, Renée and Matt, Crossing. “It had vinyl throughout the One afternoon, the couple “played
catch the waves. cabin, ripped velour seats and pumice a babysitting card” and headed off on
Summer and her sister Haven (5) dust in every crevice,” recalls Renée. a date to the pick-a-part scrapyard. In
are privileged enough to be able to Transforming it into a Scandi-style the last car they looked at, they struck
follow the surf with their mum and sleeper was a major mission. gold: seats that would fold flat and meet
dad in their holiday home on wheels. After hours and during the weekends, code — with some coaxing. “Luckily,
Auckland-based graphic designer the pair got stuck in. The physical work, Matt’s good at welding,” says Renée.
Renée and architect Matt had a vision stripping it back to the bare shell and He certainly got enough practise.
for a vehicle that would partner with cleaning every crevice, was the easy Here’s a wee list: curved window
their pursuit of the perfect peeler, but part. Alongside it were the mental mullions, frameworks for the fresh
they didn’t want a hippy haven or gymnastics of achieving the aesthetic and greywater tanks, a ladder and
retro roller — pared-back simplicity they wanted while meeting legal roof rack, door trims, bull bars — all
was on their radar. They also had a requirements. “Engineers had to custom-designed and self-fabricated.
budget: $20,000 for a vehicle and certify every steel bracket, bolt While Matt was making magic
$20,000 for renovations. and washer,” says Matt. with metal, Renée was not idle. >
114 homestyle
Small space —— DESIGN
BELOW The timber inside the bus
is finished with Woca Worktop
Oil in White, part of the scheme
that reflects the white sand and
muted tones of the East Coast
beaches the couple love. Renée
made the blinds out of canvas;
leather straps allow them to be
rolled up and magnets clamp
them to the window frames when
they’re down. BOTTOM LEFT The
couple chose black trim for the
pale cabinetry and a folded-flat
handle from Bunnings for the
pantry. Their bed enjoys a view
through the rear window.
homestyle 115
DESIGN —— Small space
BELOW A servery hatch
provides a connection between
the kitchen bench and the
Gasmate outdoor cooker. Matt
designed and fabricated the roof
rack to house two 200-watt solar
panels that feed power to the
bus’s batteries. The roof deck
is made from sustainable South
American hardwood garapa,
which offers stability when
unloading the surfboards and
watching the waves. BOTTOM
RIGHT The children sleep on
bench-seat-style beds with
squabs upholstered in the same
canvas fabric as the blinds.
116 homestyle
Small space —— DESIGN
She painstakingly stripped that purple not to have a stove (Matt prefers to cook Multifunctional design allows the
tint from the windows, reupholstered outside) yet adding a full-sized sink. 2m x 7m bus to feel bigger than its bones,
the cabin and, once expanding foam “I didn’t want a campervan bowl,” says but what’s really expanded is the family’s
insulation was installed beneath the roof, Renée. The black-coated stainless-steel experience. Halcyon snapshots fill
had the job of shaving off any bulges so Ikon sink (with a Caroma tap) is offset their Instagram feed (@surfbusproject):
the new timber cladding would lie flat. by a spruce benchtop and birch-ply bleached days of sun and sand, a foray
They couldn’t wait to line the ceiling cabinetry finished with Woca oil. The down a forest road, surfboards on the
with tongue-and-groove spruce timber, bus’s drawers and doors have routed roof deck, iceblocks on a grassy knoll.
which was central to their concept of handles that don’t protrude into the That the Surf Bus was completed
a minimal-chic interior. At first, they passageway and the windows have to budget is a feat worth bleating
grappled with a jigsaw of battens, trying blinds, not curtains, which roll up for about, but it’s so much more than an
to find the right configuration for the unimpeded visual access to the view. investment — it’s an asset in the true
cleanest look. “We didn’t want any There’s a built-in double bed at the sense of the word. “The girls couldn’t
visible screws,” says Matt. “Finally, we rear of the bus and the girls sleep on wait to get away in it,” says Renée.
came up with the idea of a pelmet that benches at right angles to each other “We thought we’d use it one or two
would reduce the visual clutter and that near the front. Each family member nights in a row but [on our last trip]
we could install lighting behind.” has a single drawer for clothing. To that stretched out to 10. We weren’t
With the flooring (interlocking vinyl keep the interior of the bus dry, they ready to come home.”
planks) done, it was time for the fun stuff: rely on outdoor showers, and their Instead, they went where the waves
putting in the ‘furniture’. Of course, the composting toilet is odour-free and and whim took them. And you can’t
Sternes broke with convention by opting easy to operate. put a price on that.
homestyle 117
Level 9, 10 Lorne St
Auckland Central
Auckland 1010
New Zealand
J p +64 9 307 8870
John B Turner
e [email protected]
bowerbankninow.com
Library&
y
Laboratory
30 Jan –
22 Feb 2020
LIVING
Living
120 Shop
122 Garden
126 Design destination
138 Last word
Editor Alice Lines has
been in Japan exploring
Oita and suburban Tokyo.
In two Design Destination
features beginning on page
126, she shares her favourite
finds, including the Ohara
residence in Kitsuki (right).
homestyle 119
LIVING —— Shop
Well & good
Little things that make life more liveable.
OAK-Y DOKEY
Take us home, Country Road, to a place
where set-ups as sophisticated as this are
on the menu. Pictured is one of four in
the label’s Stan collection of short, tall,
round and rectangular platters elegantly
expressed in oak. They’re ideal for bringing
height to a table setting and fantastic
combined together to create a visually
delicious layered display. We’re 100%
on board.
countryroad.co.nz
PITCH PERFECT
A worthy opponent for sun and sea breezes and also quite the looker, this surf tent is a rare
blend of practical and totally cool. One of several by Sydney’s Basil Bangs in lightweight
UPF50+ canvas, it is adjustable to three heights on sand or grass, has a handy internal
zip pocket, and comes in a retro carry bag you can sling over your shoulder.
basilbangs.com
NICE MUGS
HANDOVER
There will always be a place for beer
glasses and goggles, but these quality RIP, shrivelled-up old tubes of handcream
ceramic beer mugs offer a more solid rolling around in your bag, desk drawer,
option for discerning drinkers. Potter bathroom and glovebox — it’s time to go.
Duncan Shearer throws them on his kick In their place, we can highly recommend
wheel in Paeroa, then finishes them in the some of Mecca’s greatest hits. The salves
Japanese hakeme (‘brush stroke’) style. that line their shelves include heroes from
kaolin.store cult brands like Go-To, Buly and Le Labo Words: Philippa Prentice
that are filled with lovely natural ingredients.
meccabeauty.co.nz
120 homestyle
TOP THAT
Sydney textile artist Lorna Murray is a
proponent of slow, sustainable fashion
and handmakes her Sumatra Capri hat
from organic grass fibre and cotton trim. THE NANETTE CAMERON
It leads the pack for these reasons, its SCHOOL OF
pleasing geometric form, natty necktie INTERIOR DESIGN
and breathable weave that also offers
excellent sun protection, plus the way
it folds flat for easy transportation.
garden-objects.com
BOW DOWN
All hail Coco Republic, whose new dog beds mean everyone’s best friends
can finally get some shut-eye in style. Designed in-house by Studio Mr Smith,
Architect (pictured, an extension of Coco Republic’s bestselling outdoor
furniture collection) and Charlie feature teak frames, brass detail and durable
outdoor-grade fabric. They’ve just been launched alongside four handsome
marble and brass dog bowls named Ralph.
cocorepublic.co.nz
ON OUR SOAPBOX
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it
again: what the world needs now is
love, sweet love and also far fewer
synthetics — hence our devotion to Join our Interior Design legacy
these beautiful bar soaps by Carly
Low of Northland’s Fair & Square.
As her cardboard packaging says, Part-time course enrolling now
she’s been raising the bar since 2008,
making cold-pressed soap on her for February 2020
east-coast lifestyle block without the
chemicals of its commercially prepared
counterpart and with great names like ncsid.co.nz
Dirty Hippie and Lemony Snicket.
fairandsquare.co.nz
a
r
par
ge
be
beverage partnertner
e
v
Image:
Lara Mitchell
Year Two 2019
LIVING —— Garden
Full bloom
Multitalented sisters
Carmel and Milly
Van Der Hoeven host
floral workshops in
a glorious garden.
INTERVIEW When sisters Carmel and Milly Van Does creativity run in your family?
Alice Lines Der Hoeven aren’t working as an artist C: Both of our grandmothers were
(at George Sand Studio) and a flower involved in creative pursuits, as
PHOTOGRAPHY farmer/stylist (at Primm Gardens) well as our mother, aunties and quite
respectively, they join forces to share
a few of our cousins, so I’d say so, yes!
Nita Meyer their passion projects with fellow I always dreamed of being an artist
plant and ceramics enthusiasts at their but the standard comment I got at
annual Flora in Clay workshop hosted school was that nobody can make
on Milly’s rural Waikato property. a living doing that, so with that in
mind, I went on to study fashion.
You’re both based in Pirongia — is that I took a roundabout way to get to
where you grew up? Carmel: We were where I am today but I’ve always
raised in Te Awamutu, 10 minutes east wanted to work as a creative.
of Pirongia. We both wanted to raise Milly: We grew up in a relaxed,
our children here because it has a creative home and were given the
great village vibe. freedom to find our own paths.
122 homestyle
Garden —— LIVING
OPPOSITE Carmel (left) and Milly cherish their close relationship. “This is currently our only professional collaboration, but we often seek each other out to discuss all manner
of things creative, business and life,” says Carmel. “Milly’s work ethic always impresses me — her gardens require a huge amount of care. I’ve tried arranging flowers in my
vessels and I know it’s much harder than it looks, but she does it with such ease and confidence.” Says Milly: “I so admire Carmel for her artistic soul and the beautiful work
she creates. She’s multitalented and dedicated to her passions. Her ideas and vision are constantly evolving, and I’m so proud of what she’s achieving.”
I had no idea I’d end up growing flowers and foliage. We have more than 500 different arrangements, then somewhere
— it wasn’t until I started my own family roses — 80 varieties in a range of along the line we realised we had a
that I discovered my love of gardening. colours and forms — lots of interesting unique combination of skills that
dahlias and perennials, and I grow complemented each other and thought
Milly, how long did it take to establish all of our spring/summer annuals it would be pretty cool to give people
your flower gardens? M: Four years, so from seed, things like sweet peas, the opportunity to pick, design and
not long for a garden, really. We’re still scabiosa, cosmos, phlox and zinnias. make floral arrangements from Milly’s
slowly establishing the rose garden, My flower-growing season generally garden in a bespoke vessel.
trees, hedges and mixed borders. The starts in early spring with tulips,
annual cutting beds get flipped every anemones and ranunculus, and ends Carmel, how long have you been
year, but I’m more of a perennials fan at the first frost, usually around May. making ceramics for? C: It was my five-
and like to collect-slash-hoard unusual year anniversary of having my hands
plants that I can divide and grow on. What led you to collaborate on Flora covered in clay in January. When making
in Clay? C: I think in the beginning we vessels for the workshops, I have a plan
What sort of plants are you growing were talking about vases and discussing in mind but it often goes in a different
here? M: Most are grown for cut flowers the properties they need to have for direction when I start making; the clay >
homestyle 123
LIVING —— Garden
ABOVE On arrival at Flora in Clay workshops, the first order of the day is selecting your vase. Numbers are drawn out of a hat, then there’s a flurry of exchanges until everyone’s
happy with their chosen vessel. Moving out to the rose garden, Milly shares her knowledge of the varieties she’s growing, and you can snip away to your heart’s content.
Round out your pickings with floppy-headed wildflowers and foliage, then get creative styling an amazing arrangement to take home, before celebrating with a shared
feast around an abundant grazing table by Tamahere’s Punnet Eatery.
sort of tells me where it’s heading. Milly’s gardens. I’ve found that different creatively and I feel very privileged
After that, it needs to survive all gardens directly influence how I paint, to be able to grow and design with
the various processes, from wet to which has been fascinating to experiment my own flowers.
eventually becoming vitrified vessels with. It’s a joy to have access to Milly’s
covered in glass. I then pick out the diverse plants. Milly, what’s your advice for anyone
number of pieces needed for our guests, wanting to start a flower garden? M: Start
plus extras for swapping. I choose a What do you find most rewarding about small and grow what you love. Growing
variety of works because you never your creative practices? C: I love the for cut flowers definitely comes with its
really know which pieces people process of creating — it’s addictive. I challenges, but if you commit to a scale
will choose. I’ve been surprised also enjoy the mediative state my mind that’s practical, you’ll enjoy the process
often enough now to know never reaches when I’m working. For hours far more. No matter how much space
to make assumptions. it will drift around thoughts while I you have in your garden, you can always
subconsciously create. grow something beautiful.
Are the flowers in your paintings M: I love working with the seasons. Follow @primmgardens to keep an
informed by Milly’s gardens? C: All The gardens are always changing; the eye out for details on the next Flora
of my realistic garden works reference rhythm and connection inspires me in Clay workshop.
124 homestyle
LIVING —— Design destination
H S
O P Creativity bubbles beneath the surface
T O in Oita, a land of opportunity for residents
rejecting the trend towards big-city living
— and for curious visitors too.
T WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY
Alice Lines
126 homestyle
Design destination —— LIVING
LEFT Looking across the
bay to Beppu at sunrise, the
steam billowing from the city’s
many onsens looks industrial,
but it’s actually completely
natural, emanating from the
hot springs they harness.
In eras past, Oita — a prefecture on
the island of Kyushu in south-western
Japan — was known as Toyo no kuni,
meaning ‘land of abundance’. The term
was coined to reflect the vast array of
food on offer from the mountains and
the sea, and the concept still resonates
today. This area is indeed a beautiful
setting in which to experience abundant
delicacies, as well as hot springs and
hospitality — the combination a recipe
for some serious rest and relaxation.
The coastal city of Beppu alone is home
to about 2000 onsens with a combined
hot-spring output greater than any
other area in Japan. Public steam baths,
ryokans (inns) with intimate bathing
facilities, mud baths, sand baths where
you can be buried in heated sand… you
can experience it all.
Culinary culture and bathing rituals
aren’t the only thing Oita is known
for, though. There’s a legacy of arts and
crafts here that a new wave of artisans
is adopting to carve out an alternative
way of life for themselves outside of
the main centres.
My host on this trip was Eiko
Hashimoto, a producer at the Oita
Asahi Broadcasting Corporation; I
tapped into her knowledge of the region
to visit makers, food producers and
hospitality specialists who have found
their creative calling here. We teamed
up with Oita Made — an initiative
developed to revitalise the creative
economy by stocking independent
artisans’ products in a dedicated store
and supporting their distribution —
to visit the studios and workplaces
of some of the people they champion.
In Beppu, Cotake — the workshop
and store of Mikiko Sato — is a great
place in which to observe bamboo
crafts in action. Mikiko specialises in
fine bamboo jewellery and also sells
a range of intricately woven baskets,
trays, kitchenware and decorative
objects. The skill involved in splitting
a hollow round of bamboo into the
thin strips required for weaving is
really quite something to witness. >
homestyle 127
LIVING —— Design destination
Toyokazu Ono runs his textile art
and graphic design practice, Yotsume,
from his home in Kunimimachi Imi at
the northern end of the Oita Kunisaki
Peninsula. Focusing on the traditional
method of katazome fabric dyeing,
Toyokazu hand-cuts elaborate stencils
that are then adhered to fabric and
hand-painted with dye, before being
made into table linen, coasters,
cushions, noren (room dividers) and
clothing. He learned the trade from
his father and grandfather before him,
but his own aesthetic is decidedly
contemporary, with bold, figurative
prints all hand-drawn and brought
to life in striking colours.
On the outskirts of Usuki, an old castle
town known for its stone Buddhas,
the Usukiyaki studio is abuzz with the
production of fine porcelain ceramics.
The story goes that the Usukiware
aesthetic was prevalent in the Edo
period (1603 to 1868) but somehow
abandoned. Centuries on, Hiroyuki
Usami and his team are reviving this
art form using historical records to
inspire modern tableware.
Usukiyaki’s signature look comes
together as a collection of rounded
bloom-like shapes, using lotus flowers
and chrysanthemums to inform pieces
including tiny condiment dishes, delicate
cups and grooved cake plates. Their aim
is to create dishes that frame the food
served on them, and the result was put
into practice when I was lucky enough
to enjoy lunch prepared by Hiroyuki’s
wife Yuka, who runs a wholefood
catering business. The meal included
local specialities fried chicken, miso,
preserved vegetables and thick
hand-pulled noodles, all served
in Usukiyaki dishes.
Hospitality is a true art form in
Japan too, and staying at an authentic
ryokan provides an opportunity to
indulge in cultural rituals without
feeling too touristy. In Beppu’s
Kannawa neighbourhood, Yanagiya ABOVE Bamboo baskets and vessels are delicate yet pliable and sturdy, making them beautifully expressive.
keeps the customs of inn hospitality Having previously worked as a chef, Mikiko Sato of Cotake had a change of heart that led her to study at the Oita
Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Centre in Beppu. The government-run school for bamboo weaving accepts just
alive with breakfast served in > 12 new students each year, and its graduates are held in high regard nationwide for the work they go on to make.
128 homestyle
Design destination —— LIVING
He learned
the trade from
his father and
grandfather
before him,
but his own
aesthetic is
decidedly
contemporary.
TOP & ABOVE The
katazome dyeing process
in the Yotsume workshop.
Lengths of fabric are strung
up to print with stencils,
then dry. LEFT Toyokazu
Ono outside the house he
moved into with his family
four years ago, after relocating
to Kunisaki from Hiroshima.
The move was incentivised
by a government initiative
that attracts young people
to rural areas, where the
main drawcard is being
given a free home.
homestyle 129
LIVING —— Design destination
I was quietly
chuffed that
my efforts
were deemed
worthy of
being displayed.
TOP RIGHT Hiroyuki Usami
(second from left) and his
team outside the Usukiyaki
studio. Working alongside
them, Yakushiki Kazuo of
Elan Workshop (second from
right) produces earthenware
items that provide a rustic
contrast to their porcelain
ones. ABOVE & RIGHT
Usukiyaki’s botanical-esque
pieces are made from slabs
of clay shaped over hand-
carved moulds.
130 homestyle
Design destination —— LIVING
bamboo baskets that open to reveal
steamed savoury morsels, an outdoor
cooking area where you can prepare
your own meals over steam vents,
and an on-site onsen. Ryokan owners
take pride in hosting their guests, and
at Yanagiya, owner Eiko Hashimoto was
kind enough to take me on a morning
walk to show me sights otherwise hidden
among the winding cobbled streets.
Okamotoya is another charming
ryokan. On the hillside in Beppu, it has
a view across to Beppu Myoban Bridge
arching over the bay. Sliding shoji
screens separated my room from the
corridor, and inside the tatami flooring
was sparsely decorated with little more
than a chabudai dining table and a
futon that’s whipped out before bed.
That night, I enjoyed a multi-course
kaiseki dinner of famed Oita wagyu, a
series of dishes carefully prepared with
a focus on ingredients harvested from
the surrounding area and ocean, and
Beppu’s signature pudding, steamed
crème caramel. After dinner, my
gracious host Nobuko Iwase showed
me how to create an ikebana floral
arrangement, and I was quietly chuffed
that my efforts were deemed worthy
of being displayed in the corridor.
Having been treated to all sorts
of local delicacies during my stay
in Oita, I ended the week on a fun
note with an okonomiyaki (savoury
pancake) at Bari Bari. Falling into the
category of ‘B-grade gourmet’, which
is a thing in Japan, this mom-and-
pop eatery epitomises the craft of
comfort food and colloquial chat
at an appealing price.
Sated, I returned to my hotel
to repack my carry-on filled with
carefully wrapped packages in
preparation for an early-morning
transit to Fukuoka Airport. The
ceramics, bamboo wares and textiles
I collected from the artisans’ studios
I visited will forever be a reminder of
ABOVE Kannawa — one of eight neighbourhoods in Beppu hosting all things hot springs — is a wonderful spot the abundant culture Oita has to share.
to explore on foot. Take a stroll along the cobbled streets to discover all the ways in which locals use steam in Alice journeyed to Oita with Japanese
everyday life. The accommodation on offer is predominantly ryokans, and the one I stayed at, Yanagiya, has
been sensitively renovated to celebrate the welcoming mood this style of stay is known for. travel experts jtboi.co.nz. >
homestyle 131
LIVING —— Design destination
OTHER HIDDEN
GEMS IN OITA
Otto e Sette, Beppu: The on-site
restaurant at the aforementioned
ryokan Yanagiya offers a unique
twist on Italian cuisine using all
local ingredients.
Hasshin Zushi, Beppu: The type
of food experience I’ve had on
my bucket list since watching
Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Simple
yet exquisite nigiri.
Jigoku Mushi Kobo, Beppu:
Grab a ticket from the vending
machine, pick up your ready-to-
steam ingredients and prepare
your own meal in one of the
outdoor ovens.
Spica, Beppu: A unique design
store/gallery where a husband-
and-wife duo curate a thoughtful
edit of objects, art and fashion.
Sanshoro, Yufuin: A must for
its lunchbox meals so delightfully
presented, they’re a feast for the
eyes as well.
Sansou Murata, Yufuin: The best
of East and West combine at this
high-end ryokan. The interior is
super-cool, so even if you’re not
staying the night, it’s well worth
visiting for a drink in the bar.
Tamanoyu, Yufuin: This ryokan
once provided lodging for zen
Buddhist monks, and now you
can enjoy the serenity in rooms
dotted around a woodland garden.
Mount Yufu, Yufuin: Follow the
lead of local hikers and make the
four-hour ascent to the peak.
Suzunari Coffee, Usuki: If you’re
after a real coffee fix, this café
roasts their own beans and
serves up a good brew.
Kitsuki Castle Town: Check out ABOVE Two more creative entrepreneurs I encountered on my trip were the owners of Taketa Hostel Cue,
Sakura (left) and Takao Horiba, who’ve also bucked the trend of urban migration to establish a more relaxed
the old samurai houses, particularly life for themselves in Oita. They took possession of a rundown building and renovated it using reclaimed materials
Ohara residence right beside the and vintage finds to create an understated backpacker hostel. The upstairs sleeping quarters accommodate
Suya no Saka cobblestoned slope. 15 people in double, twin and bunk rooms, and the couple have a wealth of travel tips to share with their guests.
132 homestyle
Explore
Japan
Taking you to buzzing big cities and
serene rural sanctuaries, JTB provides
unique experiences throughout Japan
and can create a personalised itinerary
just for you.
09 303 2887
jtboi.co.nz
ABOVE At Beppu’s Okamotoya
ryokan, you can don a yukata
(robe) and head for the
outdoor hot spring to
steam under the stars. The
communal bathing areas are
separated by gender, and
you’re all naked, all the time,
but once you relinquish your
modesty and embrace the
concept of being in the buff, Off the beaten
the whole experience is truly
relaxing. RIGHT The tranquil track in Oita
village of Yufuin is filled with
galleries, craft shops, cafés
and rustic ryokans. Japanese On the picturesque island of Kyushu,
locals are known for their Oita prefecture offers not only rest,
appreciation of mountains and
there’s a building restriction relaxation and heavenly hot springs,
here that ensures Mount Yufu’s but an incredible culture
twin peaks can be easily seen to soak up too.
from any vantage point.
discover-oita.com
LIVING —— Design destination
S C
U R
B A
U W
R L
B With just 36 hours
A to spend in Tokyo,
editor Alice Lines
N took it slow.
Tokyo is one of those cities where no
matter how long you stay, you’re only
ever going to scratch the surface. It’d
been five years since I last visited, and
this time, rather than hit up the central
haunts, with the help of travel providers
JTB I prepared an itinerary that took
in lesser-known sights in Setagaya and
Meguro. It’s an area in which you can
get a sense of the laid- back suburban
lifestyle just a short train ride from the
inner-city action.
I stayed in Futako Tamagawa, a
neighbourhood built along the Tama
River that’s commonly rated one of
the city’s best places to live thanks to in a steaming pot of broth) and pickled was diverted by Japanese labels Muji
its green spaces and modern shopping. daikon. This feast had me fuelled up and Uniqlo, and the international
Hipster mums cruise the streets on their for a full day of exploring. brands including Céline, Bottega
mamachari bikes with kids strapped in With not much else open before Veneta and APC across the road at
front and back, while chic commuters 11am in Japan, I made the most of the upscale department store Takashimaya.
bustle in and out of the station, totes morning with a visit to a Buddhist But Takashimaya also proved a handy
and bumbags slung effortlessly across shrine. Gotokuji Temple features connection to my destination, a
their tan trench coats. a lovely pagoda and main hall in a shotengai shopping street lined with
There’s a thriving third-wave coffee delightful garden setting, but what stores and hole-in-the-wall eateries
scene in Tokyo, but brunch culture is I was really there for were the waving — a slice of real suburban life.
yet to hit, so a hotel breakfast makes for cats. Legend has it that this temple is One tiny spot after another offered
a convenient start to the day. The buffet the birthplace of the world-famous intriguing goods and services: a flower
at Futakotamagawa Excel Tokyu Hotel maneki-neko (beckoning cat) good-luck shop with potted plants spilling onto
offers a wide range of European options, charm, so I said a prayer for prosperity the curb; a soba stand with a queue
but I’m a fan of eating like a local, so and left with a glow of good vibes. for lunch and only four seats inside
I opted for the traditional Japanese Heading back to Futako Tamagawa, at the counter; a candy store serving
breakfast, which included half a I was keen to get to the authentic samples of traditional wagashi sweets;
dozen delicious morsels such as miso heart of matters. On the short walk newcomer Let It Be Coffee selling
soup, tamagoyaki (a rolled omelette), from the train station through the espresso, paper-drip and V60-brewed
shabu shabu (fresh vegetables dipped Rise shopping centre, my attention coffee. Another true gem in this area Photography: Alice Lines
ABOVE A classic shotengai, home to small independent stores and eateries serving comfort food. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT A stone’s throw from the main shopping spot,
Futakotamagawa Park is landscaped around a tranquil pond and teahouse. TOP RIGHT Maneki-neko at Gotokuji Temple. BOTTOM LEFT Kohoro gallery hosts the work of local
artisans with a special interest in ceramics. BOTTOM RIGHT Commuters’ bikes are stored outside the train stations. To keep my trip simple, I stuck to sights on the Tokyu line.
134 homestyle
Futakotamagawa
Excel Hotel Tokyu
Offering modern guest rooms overlooking
the Tama River, Futakotamagawa Excel
Hotel Tokyu is located just five minutes’
walk from the nearest train station, and
central Shibuya is an easy 10-minute
ride away; there’s also a door-to-door
limousine bus from Haneda and Narita
airports. This convenient spot in which
to base yourself gives you easy access to
a whole host of sights in the Setagaya
area and is a great choice for travellers
interested in both Japan’s traditional
customs and contemporary life.
is Kohoro, a gallery showcasing
handcrafted wares from around the
country that celebrate a return to
a simpler way of life.
In a quiet residential street in nearby ADDITIONAL
Toritsu Daigaku, a visit to Yakumo Saryo
provided a mindful break from the SPOTS TO
retail world. Its tea-tasting experience
is a treat for all the senses, and I SEEK OUT
appreciated being fully present IN THE AREA
thanks to the no-photos policy.
As twilight approached, I paid a
flying visit to D&Department, which is
stocked with all manner of homeware
with a distinctly Japanese sensibility. Todoroki Valley: A peaceful park
in which you can walk through
Later, it was on to the neighbourhood bamboo groves and discover Futakotamagawa Excel Hotel Tokyu
of Jiyugaoka, a hit among Tokyoites secret shrines. 1-14-1 Tamagawa Setagaya Ku,
that you won’t find on the tourist maps. Kosoan: Tucked away in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo, Japan
Here, the evening was well spent at an this traditional teahouse is set in www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com
izakaya (pub) enjoying yakitori straight a beautiful garden.
off the grill washed down with an Asahi Tsutaya Electrics: This bookstore is
beer —a delicious end to a whirlwind, an institution. Stop by to browse the
wish-list-fulfilling day. shelves — the magazine selection
jtboi.co.nz is phenomenal.
CATALOG
VAN BRANDENBURG —— Design DULUX —— Colour design service ARTISAN —— Interiors
Architecture Van Brandenburg uses organic With Dulux’s colour design service, a skilled Woven in India from hand-spun jute dyed with
forms to capture nature’s extraordinary interior designer can help you select the right vegetable dye to reveals the fibre’s beautiful
aesthetic and functionality. Their new range hues for your home for as little as $125 per natural inconsistencies, Artisan’s Jute rugs
of handcrafted homeware will add beauty hour — plus the summer special sees you are elegant and timeless. Pictured here is
and a sophisticated touch of the outdoors save $75 on your first hour of residential Charcoal ($1930/2.5m x 3m) — in stock now.
to your home. Teacups to tables, coasters colour advice. Conditions apply; to book
to vases, you’ll find it all in their online store. and for more information, visit the website
or call the number below.
[email protected] 0800 800 424
vanbrandenburg.co.nz/object dulux.co.nz artisancollective.co.nz
THONET —— Furniture & homeware PLUMBLINE —— Bathrooms BOCONCEPT —— Interior design
Thonet Home is an edited capsule collection Avenir’s range of bathroom accessories BoConcept are experts at making design,
handpicked from Thonet New Zealand’s and heated towel ladders places them furniture and colour come together in your
commercial and hospitality-worthy furniture at the forefront of the fine bathroomware home. If you need someone to bounce ideas
brands with a new focus on residential spaces. industry. Throw your towel over their perfectly off, their interior decorators are on hand to
It includes Thonet bentwood models, Emeco proportioned Grab 90 heated towel rail help you complete any scheme — single rooms,
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timber chairs and stools, Artek homeware, With a unique and carefully designed spaces. Book a free consultation with one
locally custom-made luxury sofas and solid installation system, this beautiful cylindrical of BoConcept’s interior decorators today.
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thonethome.co.nz plumbline.co.nz boconcept.co.nz
136 homestyle
CATALOG
ESCEA —— Heating ROCKET —— Coffee machines ART ASSOCIATES —— Artwork
Escea’s latest release, the DS Series of gas Whatever your kitchen décor, Rocket Espresso’s With a vast selection of original contemporary
fireplaces, gives you less of everything to domestic machines add a chic finishing touch artwork from established and emerging artists
offer more than ever before. Less unnecessary with their top-quality pairing of design and based locally and around the globe, Art
detail places a greater focus on the flames; function that makes mornings that much more Associates offers paintings, works on paper,
less wasted heat means a higher efficiency enjoyable. Head to the Rocket Espresso store sculpture and photography for sale or lease.
rating; and less depth results in a sleek look at 208 Ponsonby Road, Auckland to view the They’ll work with you, your interior designer
with a small footprint. The DS series is available complete range. or your architect to find the perfect piece
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09 974 4860 [email protected]
escea.com/ds-series [email protected] artassociates.co.nz
THE IVY HOUSE —— Rugs OAKLEYS —— Bathrooms HOMESTYLE —— Content creation
Armadillo & Co rugs are designed with Oakleys is now open in Cromwell. Call in to 12 At homestyle, we’re specialists in working with
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With a contemporary aesthetic that honours product partners are among the best in the world. in-depth understanding of these categories
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If you’d like your business to be featured in the homestyle Catalog, please email us at [email protected].
homestyle 137
LIVING —— Thoughts on…
Last word
With Tiffany Jeans, the
Auckland founder of fine
fragrance, candle and
object brand Curionoir.
Whānau, history, memories,
books, friends… inspiration comes
from everywhere. For me, ideas don’t
seem to arrive at a scheduled date or in
a particular place. I have no idea when
they’ll come, and only about 1% of
them actually eventuate into anything!
For my new Clay Relic range, I focused
on different periods of ancient Egypt.
I did a lot of research and made contact
with people all over the world while
developing them and the new 415AD and
Irtiu Nefertiti parfums. My muses were
Hypatia and Nefertiti, incredible women
who’ve inspired me since I learned
about them in my formative years.
I like to challenge the collaborators Photography: saucemag.co.nz (portrait), Ophelia Mikkelson (studio and campaign), Ardit Hoxha (clay relics)
I work with, so together we can create
something that extends our craft. For
“Scent has always been an integral this project, I needed to work with
part of my life, from spending time someone who fully understood the
as a young girl with my great-gran, concept — and Auckland potter Kirsten
who practised rongoā [traditional Dryburgh was perfect. She makes each
SCENTS & SENSIBILITY
Tiffany’s holistic creative Māori medicine] in the bush, to now clay vessel on a wheel, glazes them,
process celebrates slow working with raw materials from then fires them in a kiln multiple times
design. Her parfums and around the globe to create a particular to achieve their unique finishes. The
pieces are years in the making
and go much deeper than the feeling. So many of my memories are forms and fragrances created in this
surface. Pictured above are sparked by scent. The smell of tupakihi range embody the Curionoir ethos,
items from her Clay Relic and kūmarahou plants reminds me of my capturing a time in history while holding
range and the reimagination
of an ancient muse for her great-gran, and I associate the perfume a place in the present and future.”
latest campaign. Poison with my mum in the ’80s. curionoir.com; @curionoir
138 homestyle
The
Home
Collection
Solid structures paired with
gentle folded formations.
Hand finished brass fittings
& accessories for the home.
Available exclusively online
at powersurge.co.nz
FURNITURE & HOMEWARES | INTERIOR DESIGN
WWW.COCOREPUBLIC.CO.NZ
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