In a country with such a keen desire for travel and the outdoors, Georgina knew it was the perfect place to pursue the caravan lifestyle.

I caught up with Georgina to hear her journey to find the dream caravan, her moodboard inspirations for the finished product and what we can expect to see from the newly named – Gigi Goods & Co.

Gigi – the love affair begins

The love affair began not long after scouring Trade Me for the perfect caravan.  After some initial searching Georgina fell in love with a silver 1970’s Roadmaster caravan from Blenheim.

With so much work needing to be carried out, Georgina’s partner Steve thought she was a little crazy to take on such a project. But with Gigi now adopted Steve is quietly chuffed to have her as part of the family too.

Getting Gigi home however was another story. The drive from Christchurch to the West Coast was a wet and windy trek. After witnessing another caravan blown off the road, the duo stopped before Arthurs Pass to give Gigi a once over.  Rather disturbingly they found rain pouring through the roof.  But in a moment of panic, the proud owners soon discovered the sunroof was open which was a quick fix before getting back on the road.

Once Gigi was home, the planning and design process began with dreams of opening a retail space and of course the odd chilled out camping holiday that Georgina isn’t ruling out.

Gigi Moodboards

Pinterest has been a huge source of inspiration for Georgina and creating moodboards has become somewhat of an obsession.

The plan is retain the caravan’s original silver exterior with a simply grey-white interior design scheme, possibly with a Moroccan influence.  Admittedly Gigi needs a lot of TLC but Georgina is excited for 2017 when she hopes to have Gigi operational and parked up for business at local markets or by the ocean listening to the waves with a nice breeze; of course her camera in hand ready for any photo opportunities.

Textures and Colour Palettes

Interior Details

Exterior Details

Product Style

Open for Business

Gigi Goods & Co will open it’s door for the first time in Spring/Summer of 2017-2018. Trading both in the South and North Island street is  and at markets along with annual fetes and events. Gigi will stock Print By George prints; limited and open edition and her cards along with an ordering system for framed and larger prints. Georgina will be stocking products from fellow creative friends including ceramics, homewares and children’s clothing.

With so much planning still be done, Georgina is just glad to have Gigi home so she can focus on all the details and share the journey on her Print by George website and instagram.

Details:

Website: Print by George | Instagram: @printbygeorge

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With what was becoming a tiresome process, Jessica and Warren switched their search to include properties others were perhaps put off by with the move paying off, uncovering a hidden gem in their historical hall – ‘Hall we Need.’

At the time, Jessica’s focus was on achieving a lifelong dream, designing her own fashion label. The financial undertaking of pursuing both fashion and the Hall were challenging and so restoring and renovating the Hall become her key focus, for the immediate future anyway.

Hall we Need, a web and social platform dedicated to sharing the challenges and process involved with renovating the old hall shows how much this young couple have fallen in love with their space and as Jessica recently told me, is beyond their wildest dreams.

Enjoy this look at Hall we Need and get to know more about Jessica and Warren.

+ How long before you found the Hall?

We were hunting for around two years. During that time we looked at what felt like everything. The process grew pretty tiresome but we didn’t want such an exciting step to become a negative experience. We tried to take everything in our stride and enjoy the hunt...easier said than done.

As anyone who has house hunted before can tell you, searching is often a long and disappointing task. We missed out on a place before we got the Hall and at the time I was pretty gutted. Now I look back and sigh with relief because the cliche old saying came true for us; it all worked out for the best and we ended up finding a place that was beyond our wildest dreams!

+ What were you both ideally hoping to buy?

We were open to anything. Houses, units, apartments; if it had four walls and a roof we didn’t rule it out! We were looking for somewhere to live, and ideally a place that we could start a family in, in the next 5-10 years. We loved the idea of adding value to a property and figured we might be able to make our money go further if we looked at properties others were put off by due to the sheer scale of work required.  We may have taken this concept a few steps too far with the hall!

We kept an open mind throughout the whole process, which was key for us because during these two years the market changed.  The last stage of our hunt we switched our focus to search for something small and central. Searching for 1-2 bedroom apartments or townhouses was how we found the Hall. We only found it because it was listed as 1 bedroom, which I guess it technically is! Living in a hall after searching for a 1 bedroom place is the height of irony.

+ Did you ever imagine a hall would become your first home together? 

Never ever!! I always envisioned myself living in a unique, character home one day, possibly because I was fortunate enough to grow up in something similar. But it was a pretty tough dream to make happen, so it wasn’t something I ever thought was remotely possible. I still have pinch me moments and feel ridiculously blessed.

+ Can you share any historical elements?

From a technical standpoint, the hall is a listed heritage building with both Auckland City Council and Heritage New Zealand. These two groups work together but are essentially two different entities, for example a building can be listed with one and not the other. Our place is listed on both and we’ve been really fortunate to work closely with both of their amazing teams who have helped us gain an understanding of the limitations and great possibilities that are involved in owning a heritage building in NZ. The hall is has a ‘category A’ protection. This means we cannot remove or alter any original heritage features on the building – both inside and out – not that we’d want to!! The way we see it we’re pretty much guardians for the hall, here to restore it to it’s former glory and keep it maintained so it doesn’t ever fall into a further state of disrepair.

+ What did you imagine the renovation process would involve?

I thought it would be energising, exciting and rewarding. It has been all of these things, but it’s also exhausting and the sheer amount of work ahead can be daunting at times!!

+ How is that different to the reality?

I always thought that if we put our minds to it we could achieve anything and while I still believe this, I am now much more aware there are lots of elements that you can’t make move any faster, no matter how much time or energy you invest. Being patient has been a big one so far!

+ Biggest learning curve?

Nearly everything we do is a first for us, so it’s difficult to single out one experience because they’ve all been equally challenging. From getting our heads around preserving heritage features, designing spaces, building and resource consent applications, sanding floors, plastering, stripping paint, and learning to talk to tradies without sounding completely clueless! We’ve made lots of little mistakes, but nothing that’s cost us anything other than time, yet!

+ If you could pick one favourite feature in the Hall, what would it be?

Where to begin!  The entire building is just so magical, I’m a little in love with it all.   The grand scale of the main hall as you step inside still takes my breath away!

Many of the Hall’s finest features have been hidden away gathering dust so we’re working hard to breath new life into each and every one. My favorite thing about owning this incredible piece of history is opening up what was previously shut off to the public. Hall We Need is our way of sharing the magic we experience everyday.

Fall in love with the process and Hall We Need and delight as they convert a historic hall into the home of their dreams.

Details:

Hall We Need | Instagram: @hallweneed

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After opening in 2014, the eatery’s original decor has undergone a refurbishment and the front roller door have been replaced with bifold doors, perfect for those long lazy days soaking in the beautiful Taupo sun. 

Open Monday to Sunday, the cafe, kitchen and store stocks RAINS jackets, Just another Fisherman apparel and Bellroy wallets including a range of kitchen and living products.

Serving Kokako fairtrade organic coffee and seasonal soul food, make sure to stop by 14 Runanga Street next time you’re in Taupo and see what all the fuss is about – you’ll thank me.

Details:

Storehouse Taupo | Instagram: @storehousetaupo

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As a firm favourite in our own home, I was excited to see the new SS16 Collection, Elysian – one that encapsulates a warm, luxurious, feminine and modern collection that is all in the details.

The new collection sees a collaboration with renowned stylist Kerrie-Ann Jones to create a limited edition series of wall art prints. Kerrie-Ann’s distinctive feminine edge in combination with ACC’s distinct print aesthetic has resulted in a beautiful series of Wall Art Prints that evoking an ethereal sense of beauty. The new range of cushions feature rose gold zip detailing, soft nude leathers & grey wool backings with geo quilted stitching.

The Elysian Collection colour palette uses blends of soft greys, nudes, navy, monochrome & a splash of blush pink.  Designed to be easily interchangeable seasonally, each piece from their newest range injects a senses of luxury to any interior space and at an accessible price-point. 

Details:

Art Club Concept | Styling: Kerrie-Ann Jones | Photography: Dan Smith

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The homeowners wanted to amend the faux stylising of the 80’s whilst maintaining the restrained essence of the home and modernise where necessary.

A minimal palette of materials were used throughout the home from steel doors and windows, granite bench tops and floors, and timber flooring and joinery.  Perhaps one of the best features are the 7.5 metre steel framed pivot doors that lead you outside to the garden terrace, creating the ultimate entertainers space.

The major renovation involved stripping the house  back to its core, removing all finishings including windows, doors and those unnecessary stylised features.  The result, a functional, dynamic home for years to come.

Vanessa Lucas Vase from Potier // Pot with pink stripes by Angela Brennan from Niagara Gallery// Anna Varendorff Brass Sculpture from Hub Furniture// Muuto Cover Chairs from Living Edge – Clients own table was restored and honed

Delft Blue No. 4 vase from Space Furniture// Pipeline candle holder by NUR design from Resident GP// Cylinder brass vase by H. Skjalm P. from Resident GP// Block velvet cushions in Pine from Southwood Home

Block velvet cushions in Pine from Southwood Home// Krista McRae Sculpture from Pieces of Eight gallery// Breath in aluminium and brass created by Bridie Lunney from Pieces of Eight gallery

The third door [2010] by Rick Amor from Niagara Gallery// Peter D Cole Sculpture from Franque // Tota Vase by AYTM from Resident GP// Shift Vase by Apparatus from Criteria Collection

Chaise from 1970 by Gervan International  recovered in textured wool by Robson Rak // Kraft floor lamp from Nice Home // Bed linen by Bailey Studio // Linen Curtains from In Vogue Blinds

Details:

Architects: Robson Rak Architects & Interior Designers | Photography: Brooke Holm | Styling: Marsha Golemac

The post Toorak 2 House Renovation appeared first on The Home Scene.

Ben decided to create his business after experiencing a lack of creative satisfaction working as a cabinet maker. Success with a sideboard he designed was the push to launch Ben Glass Furniture in early 2015. I recently visited Ben to talk with him and catch a glimpse behind the scenes at his showroom and workshop and delight in all the details that Ben loving puts into his work.

+ What did you do before you opened the business?

I worked as a cabinet maker. Most of the work was making book shelves and kitchen units but there wasn’t a lot of creative satisfaction. In my spare time once I designed a sideboard and sold it before it was finished. It took a few more years after that to make the decision to start Ben Glass Furniture.

+ What inspires you?

Colours and shapes. I’m inspired by the design I see in things all around the place.

I know that in most everything man made someone at some point had to make a decision on the way the design elements look. When I see the angles on the headlights of a car it makes me think about how someone had to shape that, they might have even had to fight to have it that shape.

+ What does a typical day look like for you?

At this time of year a typical day starts at about 4:30am.

This is my favourite time of the day where the phone can’t ring and no one’s replying to emails. We usually start work at 8am and the mornings are full of coffee and food.  During the mornings I focus on making the products.  Toma (my right hand man) and I usually jump on the machines at this part of the day too.  Often I spend big chunks of the day on the phone talking to suppliers and clients.  We usually finish up by 4pm, unless there’s painting to do. Painting is important.
Designing is always done in the evenings. This process has occurred naturally like this over the last year as working in the CBD means I can’t machine at night.

+ What is your favourite piece and why?

The Practise Chair.

Although that’s a tough choice. The evolution of this chair is what makes me cherish it. It has changed minutely so much since I first created it. Its design has simplified as well as its construction. The whole chair is solid Oak, even the back and there are no screws in the construction. It helps that it’s really comfortable too.

+ What do you love most about the business?

That it’s mine.

I think the scariest thing about being a creative is having to sacrifice your vision to ‘please the gallery‘. Selling out for want of a better word. When I do my best in this business I honour myself. I get to have a career that I am responsible for. Being able to not only survive, but thrive as a creative has always been my dream.

Details:

Ben Glass Furniture | 19 Newton Road, Auckland

Instagram: @benglassfurniture

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After working out of an old barn, running her office at home and renting a large studio space for her workshops, the perfect studio became available in the Wellington suburb of Brooklyn a year ago.  It offered everything Mindy needed all rolled into one space.

Now after a recent refurbishment, the Twig & Arrow studio is a versatile space with light and room to move.

After 18 years experience in the floral and event industry, I recently spoke with Mindy about her love for her work and her beautiful new space and with so many gorgeous images, I simply had to share each one with you.

Step inside and enjoy this awe inspiring visual tour through the new Twig & Arrow studio and delight in the details.

+What were you wanting to achieve with the new design?

I wanted a versatile space with light and room to move, to create and photograph in. I also rent out the space to other creatives for shoots or events so the additional storage space allowed me ample space to hide clutter.

+ What do you love about the new space?

It has the most glorious light and it’s a four minute walk from my house. Total bonus!

+How would you describe your style aesthetic?

My personal style and aesthetic is a bit of industrial meets garden botanical with modern styling & simplicity.

+ What do you love about your business?

I LOVE creating botanical designs that just transform a space or event. I work at quite a few of the same venues but work very hard to create new ways of showcasing and styling them.

+What were you doing before this?

I have been a florist for the last 18 years.

Before I established Twig & Arrow I had a Flower shop, design store and gallery in Wellington for seven years called Juniper Gallery.  Five years ago I closed my retail shop and started Twig & Arrow.

+ What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day is often client meetings and emails, LOTS of emails. Ordering and planning.

A trip to my floral wholesalers and to my market garden, then an afternoon prepping flowers and designing. An hour or two dedicated to the days social media content followed by more meetings and MORE emails. If it’s an event day, it’s an early 6am start and depending on the event, it could be a 10-12 hour day with drive-delivery-pack-and-clean up.

+ What inspired you to create your workshops? 

I started my workshops about three years ago, though I did run a simplified version years ago at my old shop. However this particular style of the workshop was inspired by colleagues of mine overseas that really were providing not just design-how-to, but a really lovely afternoon and experience.

There has always been people around who teach floral workshops, I surely didn’t invent them, but I think Twig & Arrow workshops are like none other. Lots of praise, instruction, laughs, yummy snacks and certainly lasting friendships made.

Details:

Twig & Arrow | 259 Ohiro Road, Brooklyn, Wellington

Photographer: Anahita Paul | Instagram: @twigandarrow

Twig & Arrow Floral Workshops

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This coastal home in Sydney was once an unassuming bungalow when it was purchased 10 years ago.

Captivated by the magical view from the property, the homeowners wanted to highlight that view throughout the redesign process. With two young children to consider, they wanted to evoke the coastal lifestyle but create a feeling of home instead of a holiday house.

The light-washed interiors feature natural finished textures, natural tones in silvery greys and khakis sitting a top the clifftop with a bird’s eye panoramic views.

Enjoy the view……

Details:

Interior Designer: Eloise Fotheringham of Hare & Klein | Architect: Brian Bass of Popov Bass

Beachside Sydney Home via Vogue.com.au

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When Sophie recently got together with the talented Rachel Dobbs of Swift and Click to shoot the range of Freestand products and one gorgeous talent model, Bart the French Bulldog and the images were bound to inspire.

On the blog today, Sophie shares Freestand was created, what a typical day looks like for the pair and what they love about the work.

+ What inspired you guys to create Freestand?

Simon loves to make stuff and I’m always thinking up ideas for him to make around the house. The creative process involves me thinking of something I’d like Simon to make and he will show me how it will function and how he can make it, then together we get in the shed and give it a go.

I must admit I do have a slight obsession for indoor house plants so last Valentines I got home to find Simon had built me a Freestand for one of my many plants and the idea grew from there….. a real labour of love!

We’re inspired from owning our own home and wanting to create stuff from scratch. We always want to improve our home and what we have inside it. We appreciate high quality products and pieces that are bespoke to us. Making our own furniture is something we want to try next!

+ What were you both doing before?

We both work full time so Freestand is what we get up to on our weekends and after work, I guess before Freestand we would work on our overgrown garden, which is still a working progress.  I manage a lifestyle/clothing boutique in Whakatane called Navy + Coral and Simon is a Mechanical fitter at the Whakatane Board Mill.

+What do you love about the business?

Simon loves that he can be in the shed and I love is that we own and operate it here at home, in our own space to make whatever we want, when we want. We love working together and Simon has taught me a lot about the crafting of things and how stuff works and I in return have taught him the computer/social media side of things. We love that we can call it our own.

+ How would you describe your style aesthetic?

We still feel like this is a work in progress. Owning our home we are slowly gathering things and styling the house to find out how we want the space to be and what works for us. We would like to have kids in the future so keeping in mind that we want our home to be warm, clean, open and function is key for us. We are naturally always drawn to an industrial style, clean lines and ply wood because of the layers and strength. Styling has always been my downside, I just try and add colour where I can but keeping true to my love for black, white and greys.

+ Can you outline any of your favourite bespoke pieces.

Of course my favourite is the bespoke dining table Simon built me. I helped with the sanding and painting of the plywood top. It is such a gorgeous table, combining everything we love, straight lines, plywood top and it’s white. We have a large dining room and thought why not go big! Its 1000mm x 1800mm long and we love to have friends and family over for dinner so it caters for everyone at once. Recently Simon finished a matching bench seat made from the same materials, in my eyes this is my favourite in the house by far, I love it.

Bespoke dining table and bench – Photo Sophie Turner

+ What is a typical day look like?

On a Saturday we are normally up pretty early, making coffees and sitting on our deck chatting about what we want to achieve for the day ahead. Normally Simon will go on about how he wants to extend our deck (you always need a big deck) but thats just another job at this stage! Come summer we’re hoping to have it done. Once the coffees are consumed we’re in the shed, before we start there is always a comprise for what music we listen to whether its death metal vs something chilled with a beat. Normally I win this as I use the excuse the neighbours won’t be too keen on loud angry music this early in the morning. Once this has been decided, sexy eye protection on, ear plugs are in, and gloves on. Simon will cut all the steel to the right lengths and I will be on the bench grinder prepping all the steel for him to weld together and hey we have a Freestand! Oh and I can’t forget the third member of our team, Bart our French bulldog. He is normally on the deck in the sun sleeping – that’s his job and he does it so well.

Details:

Freestand | Photography: Rachel Dobbs, Swift and Click

Instagram: @freestandnz

The post Meet Freestand appeared first on The Home Scene.

Fun and functional, neon lights are a great way to add strong graphics and pops of colour while lighting your kids room at night.  Kids rooms are one of my favourite spaces to design and style and on the blog today are some of my favourite brands that will suit young kids and teenagers, boys and girls.

Soft Serve – Electric Confetti

Nothing says fun more than a soft serve ice cream cone in bright leon lights. A whipped, pastel delight, this Soft Serve  is the work of Melbourne-based designer and illustrator Natalie Jarvis.

Chasing Inky – Electric Confetti

Have fun with Chasing Inky the super cute cult gaming characters that can be styled in a variety of ways as they’re two lights. Have Pacman chase Inky across the top of your bed, then dim the brightness when the excitement gets a bit much.

Bloomin’ – Electric Confetti

Enjoy the warm glow of the this rose in full bloom. Neons of red, pink, yellow, orange, peach and soft red are off set by a printed backing in solid and pastel hues. Breathtaking.

Cactus Neon by Sunnylight

Wall mounted neons aren’t quite your thing? Take it portable with this neon lamp from The Little Interior. Their cactus design emits a gorgeous green glow and can sit next to your child’s bed.

hello I love you – Somekind

What better way to send your child off to sleep at night than with sweet messages of love. Somekind’s ‘hello I love you‘ neon light is designed by Jenny Joblin who loves that thoughts can be lit up in peoples homes.

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