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YOUR HOME2020

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Your Home 2020 3

Welcome to the winteredition of Your Home. Wehope you enjoy browsingthe range of articles wehave prepared for you.

While it’s cold and not very conduciveto gardening or renovating perhapsyou’ll be inspired to think about projectsyou can start on a sunny day or startplanning for spring.

Readergiveaway!Steamed mirrors, condensation on wallsand ceilings, slippery floors and mouldare year-round annoying home issuescaused by shower steam, which can addsignificant costs to house upkeep. Notto mention that a dry warm house is alsoa healthy house, as damp bathroomsare the perfect place for fungus andbacteria to grow, causing serious healthproblems. Showerdome® solves all theseproblems, controlling steam, reducingcondensation and making the househealthier and warmer. A Showerdome®

shower top consists of a clear acrylicdome that prevents steam from formingwhen fitted on top of an existing showerbox. With no on-going costs it is the mosteffective investment one can make for ahome or rental property. Showerdome®also makes mirror demisters andextractor fans redundant and could savethe average household around $250 inenergy costs alone.

We have 1x DIY Showerdome® kit togive away valued at $299 (installation byan official local Showerdome® installeris available at standard pricing).

To learn more, visit www.showerdome.co.nzTo enter: Email competitions@hbtoday.

co.nz with SHOWERDOME in the subjectline. Provide your full name and daytimecontact number.Giveaway Entry Terms & ConditionsJudges decision will be final. Nocorrespondence will be entered into. Staff& families of NZME are not eligible toenter. One entry only per email address.All Entries must be received by 5pmThursday 6 August 2020. Winner will benotified by Thursday 13 August 2020.

4 Your Home 2020

A coloured approach to relaxingLayer up hue-on-hue for an interior scheme you’re sure

Yoga, meditation, a long soakin a hot bath – all are triedand true routes to relaxation.But the lesser-known andlonger-lasting path you may

be overlooking? A tonal interior colourscheme.

A tonal approach to decorating seesdifferent strengths of a single shade,or similar shades within a single colourfamily, combined to create a layeredlook so cohesive it soothes the senses.Incorporating lighter and darker variationsof your chosen base colour, it’s an on-trend effect that’s simultaneously built tolast, and easy to achieve at your placewith a little insider know-how.

Let’s talk tonalHawke’s Bay-based stylist and owner ofhomeware store Blackbird Goods, GemAdams, is a big fan of a layered look andsays although she’s tended to embrace it

in the form of texture, the more she delvesinto colour, the more she loves it.

“The tonal style adds so much depthand creates real interest without beingOTT. I’m a busy-brained gal, so I’m alwaystrying to create calm in my surroundings.Tonal schemes do this for me; whetherneutrals or brighter colours, a spectrumof variation as opposed to high contrastmanifests the feeling I’m hoping for,”explains Gem.

She says tonal decorating is greatfor those who are averse to taking bigrisks with colour but still seek a look lessordinary. “New Zealanders have historicallybeen a little more subdued in their interiorchoices, possibly harking back to ourEnglish roots, but as we become moreadventurous, working with tones is a wayto experiment without pushing us too farfrom our comfort zone. It’s a trend but alsoan enduring look that can evolve with us.”

Today’s tone-on-tone colour schemes are often builtfrom the same colour family rather than relying ondifferent strengths of a single hue.Styling by Gem Adams, photo by Wendy Fenwick.

14th - 15th August

Your Home 2020 5

Beige brigadeTaking a tonal approach may be the mostfuss-free and foolproof way to paint, asdecision-making becomes so simplewhen you have your eye on one prize hueand can simply riff off that. And with thevisual aids on hand at your local ReseneColorShop, it’s virtually impossible tomake a mistake. A great way to start iswith the Resene The Range Whites &Neutrals fan deck – a fantastic tool fordiscovering which neutrals go together.Displaying several variations andstrengths of a colour on each card, it’llgive you a solid understanding of whatthis look is all about. Choose a singlebase colour, then at least two otherstrength versions of it – one lighter, onedarker – that are sufficiently different tooffer visual interest.

Some might say ubiquitous neutralbeige is boring, but as part of a tonalscheme, it’s anything but – and extremelyeasy to live with. “For that ever-popular

putty shade, I love Resene Bison Hide –from bleached beige Resene Eighth BisonHide to deep mudbrick brown ReseneTriple Bison Hide,” says Gem.

Greys are another neutral that cancreate an effortlessly harmonious tonaleffect. For winter, mid-toned sandygrey Resene Half Stack, armamentgrey Resene Stack and militant ReseneDouble Stack make a cosy combinationyou can complement with accessories incream and blush to striking and soothingeffect.

In fact, grey is a compelling prospectfor both inside and out. “My husband andI are currently planning the paint for theexterior of our 1910 cottage, and wantingsomething reminiscent of its heritage thatalso makes an impact, we’ve gone withsmoky grey Resene Tapa and urban greyResene Gravel, both deep tones thatcomplement each other in a fresh wayand also sit well with soft grey ReseneAsh and sandy Resene Half Grey Olive,”says Gem.

For more ideas and inspiration seeyour local Resene ColorShop or checkout the latest on trend looks online,www.resene.co.nz/latestlooks.

in styleto love.

Rich caramel tones are easy to not only blend withone another, but they work beautifully with othertrendy desert tones, too. Styling by Gem Adams,photo by Wendy Fenwick.

25 Dalton Street, Napier | www.blackbirdgoods.co.nz | @blackbirdgoods

For him, For her, For home.

Conscious, thoughtful, hand picked homewares tobetter your everyday.

6 Your Home 2020

Stylish kitchens

There are some excellent localkitchen construction, renovationand design companies offeringthe opportunity to view mockup kitchens in their showrooms

while having an in-depth chat about yourrequirements. Computer technologyenables you to see a plan of yourproposed kitchen in 3D which makes itperfect for visualizing the finished productand making changes instantly.

There’s so much choice these dayswith a vast range of cabinet styles andfinishes, contemporary labour savingdevices, no handle cupboards and cleverstorage solutions. Storage options rangefrom the uncluttered look with concealedcupboards to open shelves. Gone arestandard stainless steel sinks with thearrival of coloured sinks and sinks thatare antibacterial, stain resistant and resistscratches and heat.

Multi-tiered drawers offer cleverstorage solutions and there’s a widerange of artistic splash backs. You’ll bespoilt for choice with the range of tiles

or wall coverings available. Open plankitchens are still extremely popular andgenerally consist of a central island witheither a stove or a sink and easy accessto dining and lounges.

The final touches are often industrialstyle or pendant lights. Counter topscome in a great range of looks andfinishes: granite or granite look alike,stone or engineered stone and laminatesin a rainbow of colours. The timber look isback in fashion again. Cupboard finishesrange from matt to gloss and laminate.While white has been popular for a

long while we may see colour cabinetscreeping back, along with matchingaccessories such as blinds and chairs.

Quick DIY kitchen “do ups”

• Paint cupboard doors and add newknobs or have the cabinets refaced.

• Replace your benchtop.• Replace old light fittings with new

shades and replace switches.• Give the windows a treat by adding

curtains or a new blind.• Lay a new floor or add a rug to freshen

things up.

www.pro-structure.co.nz

DESIGN & BUILD • CONSTRUCTIONPRO–STRUCTURE

• We design and build quality new homes for all budgets• Alterations to existing homes • Architecturally designed homes

• General construction by tender • Townhouses and secondary dwellings• Earthquake strengthening • Geo-technical reports

204 Hastings Street | North Hastings | T: 870 8109 | F: 870 8107

admin@pro-structure.co.nz

PROVIDING ADVANCED QUALITY SOLUTIONS!

Your Home 2020 7

Elegant bathrooms

Abathroom is, for many,a place to retreat frompressures of life, to relax ina warm bath, light a candleand generally soak the cares

of the day away. Once just a room inwhich to have a bath, shower or brushyour teeth, bathrooms have evolved fromordinary to extraordinary. Along withkitchens they have become a space inwhich to indulge and pamper.

When selling a house the appearanceof bathroom, just like kitchens, is oftena key factor in a buyers decision makingprocess. Baths and basins that arebeautiful objects in their own right are ontrend. Modern baths, in particular, aredesigned to make a statement, are oftenfreestanding and star of a new bathroom.The height of luxury for many would bea free standing roll top bath with ball andclaw feet.

Basins have tended to be shallowand white although colour is creepingin and taps are becoming available infinishes other than traditional chrome.

Rectangular and square basins are stillon trend. Bath taps or spouts are sleek,often minimalist and the waterfall style forbath taps is still in favour. Popular basintaps include stainless steel, brushedbrass and black.

Showers are available in corner fits,rounded, then there are double showers,and plenty of oversize shower heads toselect from. Choose from rain heads, tobody jets and overhead jets in a choice ofchrome, brass or black.

The design of toilets these days areoften squat, minimalist styles and more

often than not in white. For those intoluxury there’s a top of the range toiletincorporating a bidet, wireless control,sensor activated auto open and closeand self-cleaning!

Also trending are wood look vanitiesoak and elm, large mirrors and openshelving. Stainless steel accessories suchas towel rails are in vogue. For thosetotally refurbishing a bathroom don’tforget small touches like mood lighting,towel holders, hooks, heated towel rail,heaters and ventilation.

Call us to make an appointment 116 Charlotte Crescent, Hastings. 06 929 9192 or email maria.harlen@opb.co.nzNeed some inspiration or just want to get started check out https://obrienshbshowroom.co.nz/,

Facebook - obrienshawkesbay, Instagram - obriens_hawkesbay, Pinterest - OBriensHB

Meet the O’BriensShowroom LadiesRicki-lee & Maria have more than 30 years ofexperience between them, through various rolesin the industry – they have moved around, gainingknowledge and staying ahead of interior trends.These ladies can help you plan anything from a basicrenovation to a brand-new dream home, and bringthat vision to life. They also offer FREE home visitswhere they can view your space, take measurements,check fittings and make recommendations for yourBathroom, Kitchen or Laundry.

Come in and mention this advert and we’llgive you 10% off all St Michel vanities.

These ladies can also help you with • Home Heating- Electric,Gas and Wood • Central Home Heating andCooling systems • Kitchen & Laundry appliances, sinks

and tap ware • Water Treatments and filtration systems.

8 Your Home 2020

Flooring –spoilt for choice

Wool carpet was very invogue 15- 20 years ago,with very few syntheticcarpets available.However, in the last

decade or so synthetic carpets havebecome far more popular than wool.Advances in technology have led to thedevelopment of synthetic materials thatare hardwearing and easy to clean. InHawke’s Bay we have fierce sun, pets,kids and plenty of indoor/outdoor living sohouseholders need floor coverings thatwill survive all that, and not stain or fade.

The best-selling carpets continue to besolution dyed nylon that are very practicaland hardwearing. Spills of liquids andfood are easy to remove and solutiondyed nylon has another advantage as thecolours will not fade in direct sunlight.

But, there is still a market for woolcarpets with plenty of choice. Wool doeshave plenty of benefits: it is fire resistant,it naturally regulates moisture and is eco-friendly.

Don’t forget to allow for carpetunderlay in your budget. Just like carpetthere is a good selection at variousthicknesses and density. A qualityunderlay can make all the difference tothe overall feel of your carpet and provideextra insulation.

In hard flooring there’s been a massiveupsurge in interest in plank flooring suchas laminate and engineered timber. Thereare no issues with buckling or warpingand they are very durable, plus timberbeing a natural insulator. Engineeredtimber includes flooring products thathave two layers of backing to limitwarping and splitting.

Bamboo is an option for those lookingfor a hard wood that is incredibly hardwearing and extremely robust. Corkfloors, considered old-fashioned untilrecently, are also making a comeback.Cork is a natural product – it’s the barkof a tree so it’s also sustainable. Theadvantages are that cork is hard wearing,warm and tough.

Purchasing floor covering is a biginvestment so take your time and chatto retailers to firm up on your ideas andclarify the expenditure.

Many stores offer a free measure andquote service and there are some goodoffers available right now - discounts andfinance.

Richard Kepka Builders building on excellence and reputation for 35 years.>,(9'< 4)+8<I' @K,K;<5<,' K,= K, 9,:+&(< 31E

D>2 $AA 2L1B!L?0B$AF ">@@L2"B$AF 2L?>.$0B>?1F L-0L?1B>?1F 1C>4 DB0>/012<I+55<,= JH CK%7<( #KH $)I:9'<I'( K( K )<,+%,<= J&96=<)

We can be contacted on 06 844 4767 or 021 454 273.

E admin@kepkabuilders.co.nz %%%E7<*7KJ&96=<)(EI+E,G

10 Your Home 2020

House prices on theincrease despite Covid

The surge in buyer activity andprice rises over the last twomonths have defied a lot ofpeople’s expectations aboutwhat the market would do

post-lockdown. The figures suggestthat Kiwis, buoyed by low interest rates,have emerged from the Covid-19 crisisthinking, “Well the market didn’t fall off acliff like everyone told me it would so I’mgoing to get a first home or a better homeno matter what.”

Recent sales and anecdotal evidenceof crowded open homes suggest buyersare willing to stretch themselves for theright property. And that’s at the top andbottom ends of the market.

June figures from the Real EstateInstitute of New Zealand show price

increases across Hawke’s Bay, with themedian sale price up 18.8 percent yearon year to $565,000.

OneRoof’s new Covid index paints asimilar picture. According to the index,house values in Hawke’s Bay are up 1.9percent on where they were just beforethe country went into lockdown, whilevalues in Napier and Hastings were up1.1 and 1.2 percent respectively.

But does that mean buyers and sellersare deluding themselves? It’s clear themarket is vulnerable to sudden changein events, as the recent new outbreaks inSydney and Melbourne illustrate.

But confidence in New Zealandofficials’ handling of the Covid-19crisis is strong and many of the factorssupporting value levels are still in place,namely a significant under-supply of

housing in the right locations, historicallylow interest rates and rising migration onthe back of returning Kiwis. It’s unlikelythe market in Hawke’s Bay will drop.

However, whereas demand levelsamong certain buyer groups, notablyfirst home buyers, remains strong ata regional and national level, we arebeginning to see variations at a sub-market level, with certain property typessmaller investor stock exhibiting softerdemand levels.

And confidence levels could changeif pressure increases on home-ownerswhen wage subsidies and mortgagedeferrals come to an end.

By Owen VaughanEditor of NZME property listings site OneRoof

1000 Omahu Rd, HastingsPh 06 879 4501 | FAX 06 879 4502

Email - sales@floormart.co.nzOpen: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm or

Visit us on our website www.floormart.co.nz

SPECIALIST INTHE SUPPLY ANDINSTALLATIONOF QUALITY FLOORINGSOLUTIONS.

Come see us first.

Your Home 2020 11

Making a positive difference

There’s nothing Ben Grahamenjoys more than meeting newpeople and establishing rapportwith them. Ben’s a FinancialAdviser with Mortgage Sure and

a specialist in the home loan business.He’s also a father of two young girls andunderstands the pressures families facethese days.

It’s a rewarding and interesting career,especially when he’s able to help a clientget a mortgage. “At the end of the day it’sa big moment in people’s lives so whenyou get a deal over the line people are sograteful. We’re making a difference,” Bensays.

Seeking a mortgage is stressful andtime consuming but Ben can help ashe has close ties with banks and knowswhich banks are likely to match a client’spersonal circumstances. “People don’tnecessarily have the time to approachseveral banks at one time and we knowwhat the banks want.”

Usually the process starts with aphone conversation in which time Ben willchat about the client’s expectations andtheir goals. Clients come from a numberof sources such as personal referrals or

maybe a person’s bank hasn’t been ableto meet their needs so they want someadvice and guidance.

They’ll then meet in person anddiscuss income, liabilities, debts andwhere the deposit is coming from. Benthen prepares a mortgage applicationand manages its submission to the bank.There are no fees for this process as Benis paid by the bank.

When approved he will work withthe client, talk through what to look forwhen buying a house and conditions toput in an offer. Ben also has strong linkslawyers, inspectors, valuers so in thatrespect a broker becomes a facilitator.“We don’t just get a mortgage we workwith people and give advice.”

The process doesn’t end there as Benkeeps in touch and will meet once a yearto review his client’s situation. “We giveadvice, banks don’t and the review is allpart of the service.”

HomeLoanSpecialists

Contact Ben at Mortgage Surefor relaxed, down to earthadvice for

• First home buyers• Next home buyers• Investors

027 2088555bgraham@mortgagesure.co.nz807 Railway Rd

benatmortgagesure

12 Your Home 2020

What is your style?

When it comes to windowcoverings there’s a worldof choice from readymade to custom made.Select from curtains or a

wide variety of blinds roman, venetian,vertical, roller or honeycomb.

Then there’s the choice of internalshutters that are steadily gaining inpopularity. Select from PVC, aluminiumor wood to add a bit of European style toyour interior.

Nothing, perhaps, can transformthe look and feel of a room more thanwindow coverings.

First decide whether you are lookingfor elegance and/or comfort? Are youseeking warmth, privacy or light? Inwinter thermal linings might be importantfor insulation. Your choice of fabric willbe very much dictated by other practicalconsiderations too. For an adultsbedroom you might want something

muted whereas for a child’s bedroombright colours might be more suitable.

Right now natural tones are on trend.Popular are beige, brown, green andblue, but that needn’t stop you injectingyour own unique personality into yourliving space.

There’s all sorts to consider if doing ityourself and buying ready-made: tracks,rods, heading styles, curtain hooks,fabrics, linings and that’s just curtains!

Consider the use of the room and thedirection the light falls before decidingon fabric or material for blinds. Blockout curtains might be more suitable forbedrooms while blinds will suit laundriesand bathrooms.

If opting for ready-made it’s importantto measure the space exactly anddouble check, or even triple checkyour measurements! There are plentyof instructions supplied by suppliers tohelp. It pays to have a couple of peopleinstalling the new window treatments too.

Another option for bathrooms, oranywhere that you need privacy, is vinylfrosting which can be bought by the rolland is easily applied to glass.

There are plenty of stores and helpfulexperts ready to give you advice andmany offer free in-home consultations.

Onekawa Curtains& Blinds• Putting You First

• Commercial and Residential Curtains

• Loan Curtains Available

• Locally Owned & Operated

• Over 40 Years experienceShirley maintains a high level ofprofessionalism, throughout theNorth Island.

• We specialise in roller, blockout andsunfilter, chain control and motorisedblinds.

• Our whole team prides ourselves onour prompt delivery time.

Our Products Include:- Drapes- Roman Blinds- Cushions- Venetian Blinds- Drape tracks/Rods- Bed Spreads

For all your windowtreatments call us today

Your Home 2020 13

Protection and privacy

Aroof is a vital part of thestructure of a house whichcan often be taken for granteduntil there’s a problem like aleak and then it becomes an

emergency. A roof protects your homeagainst the weather elements be it rain,sun or snow. But like most features of ahome they also need looking after andregular maintenance.

A roof should look good and alsobe functional but checking over a roofis not the sort of job for amateurs. It’sdangerous and requires professionals toattend to issues whether maintenance,re-roofing or repairing. Roofingcontractors will also attend to cleaning,mending broken gutters and replacingeaves.

There’s a variety of roofing material inNew Zealand including iron, Colorsteeland concrete tiles. Typically a roofingcontractor will offer a range of servicesincluding replacing roofing sheet andbroken tiles, fixing flashings and downpipes and installing leaf guards.

Make it routine to visually inspectyour roof often and call the experts if younotice something needs attention. Moreoften than not you will be offered a noobligation free measure and quote.

There’s plenty on offer in terms ofperimeter fences and ornamental fencing.Big jobs are best left to the experts andthe Bay has plenty of fencing specialists.You may need privacy, a pool fence orsomething simpler like a decorative fenceor panel. Trellis withstands the test of time

but oriental style screens, with horizontalslats, are also trending. Another popularfeature for gardens are decorativescreens in timber or rusted steel withsilhouettes of birds and plants.

When it comes to garden sheds, orman caves, there’s also a good supplyfrom simple sheds to store a few gardenimplements, to larger structures. They’reavailable in plenty of designs andmaterials such as galvanised iron andtimber.

FORD ROAD ONEKAWAPH 843 6968

admin@brroofing.co.nz

Manufacturers &installers of roofing,flashing & spouting

FREEPHONE 0800 GARAGEFor your free quote today

Single and double garages,Garage workshops, Bach shells, Sleepouts,

Farm buildings, Choice of cladding,Kitset homes, Kitsets available NZ wide

274 Main Road, Clive

06 870 0599www.quinbuildings.co.nz

14 Your Home 2020

Garden design and care

Just as interior decoration is amatter of personal taste so too isthe presentation of the externalspace you own or rent. Somepeople have ‘green fingers’ and

enjoy spending as much time workingon their garden as they can. Others findgardening a chore and may opt for easycare, or low maintenance sections andsubstantial decks.

Most people have a little patch of lawnbut for those who are time poor there areprofessionals who can mow your lawnregularly and attend to chores such asweeding and fertilising.

If weeding is not your thing thenplacement of weed mats that areanchored and secured will minimise weedgrowth for several years.

A wander around any garden supplystore is great for thinking about what’spossible these days: raised garden beds,pebbles and bark, privacy screens andno end of plant pots, pavers and waterfeatures.

If kept under control hedges andshrubs can be easily managed by a homeowner but unmanageable trees may haveto be attended to by an arborist or treesurgeon. If refurbishing a section they are

able to remove and prune trees and grindstumps away. The bonus is all the messis taken away!

Starting a garden from new is easierthan taking over an established propertyalthough vision is required to be able to‘see’ the final product. If doing it yourselfyou’ll need a wish list, an understandingof the climate, sun and soil type anda budget! A plan of the section, toscale, will also be needed. Consider the

immediate needs of your family and alsohow they might change in the future asthe family ages. Landscape designers arean alternative whether you’re wanting agarden from scratch or a makeover.

Once given the go ahead yourgarden will quickly be transformedby professionals. Easy care sectionsthese days can be good looking withjudicious use of pavers, foliage and otherdecorations.

Plant, nurture, harvest

Once upon a time it was verynormal for people to growvegetables and fruit in theirgardens and recent eventshave seen a great increase

in the number of people turning to theirgarden to relieve boredom and give thefamily something to do in the fresh air.

Time poor people find it easierand more convenient to buy fruit andveggies from the supermarket, localgreengrocer or Farmers Market. Therise in purchasing pre-prepared foodbags takes convenience to another level.However, there are a host of reasons whygardening is good for you. It’s not just awarmer weather activity either.

There are plenty of vegetables that canbe grown during winter such as broccoli,cauliflower, cabbage for a late springharvest, garlic, spring onions and broadbeans. The raft of benefits of gardeninginclude plenty of health advantages suchas opportunities to get out in the fresh airand soak up vitamin D from the sunshineand get a good night’s sleep. Gardening

is good exercise and can help reducestress.

Herbs too are easy to grow and canbe harvested when needed. Parsley,rosemary, mint, chives and oregano aregood to start with.

Children can become involved andlook after their own little garden. It’sa chance to learn about butterflies,bees, birds and insects. Lessons canincorporate eco practices like keeping aworm farm, learning about conservationand sustainability.

The logical extension is to progress tomaking compost with vegetable left oversand garden detritus like leaves. Gardeningis an opportunity to learn about soil types,fertiliser and dealing with pests. Growingyour own produce means that you havetotal control over what you add to thesoil and whether you use pesticides ororganic alternatives. Ultimately the besttest is to grow your own and comparewith store bought produce. There’s nocomparison. Try it and see.

BUSINESSDIRECTORY

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