The cafe’s interior hits all the right design features from the exposed brick wall to the blond ply and monochrome details and the abundance of gorgeous plant life throughout.  I recently caught up with owners Christine and Tom, who also run neighbouring USSCo restaurant, while back in my home town for Christmas.

Where did you take inspiration from when developing the concept for Flagship Eatery?

Tom and I have spent years eating out at cafes and restaurants around the New Zealand and abroad. We drew inspiration from lots of our favourite places, cafes that felt relaxing to be in and not overly styled. Having a restaurant that stands the test of time is our goal for USSCo so we applied that same approach to designing Flagship – classic, pared-back but easy to update.

What did the design process involve?

The café had been completely stripped by the previous owners which was a blessing as we knew in order for a new business to succeed in that location, it had to have an entirely new identity.  There was nothing from the previous café we wanted to retain. The key design focal point of the café is the bar/coffee area so constructing that point of sale took up a substantial portion of our budget.

We worked with Shane Kingsbeer from Kingsbeer Architecture to draw up plans for the bar as it was so important that the builder, joiners, plumbers and electricians were all on the same page.  We were on a budget and definitely couldn’t afford mistakes!  A huge and costly part of the renovation was setting up the kitchen as there literally weren’t even taps. We needed absolutely everything. The space is small and as an open kitchen design we needed it to be super functional whilst also being visually appealing.  We worked closely with Josh Hill from Southern Hospitality in setting up the kitchen and he was really helpful, from assisting us with choosing the right equipment, right down to custom building stainless benches.

How long did the renovation process take?

From when the builders first started until we opened our doors, it took three months. Prior to the building work even starting, we spent two months thinking the project through and planning. Looking back, we are so grateful we had the time to do that as by the time work began, we had refined our ideas and as a result, avoiding any costly mistakes.

Flagship Eatery is housed within the restored Union Steam Ship Co building, what heritage details did you retain internally during the renovation process?

Our landlord did a wonderful job of restoring the entire building 12 years ago with all the best elements retained and enhanced. Inside the front interior of the café is beautiful stained glass portholes, an exposed brick wall and steel reinforcements that all helped guide our design aesthetic.

What are your favourite design details from the finished look?

I don’t think there are any overly dominant details to the place, but all of the elements such as the copper accents, blond ply, subway tiles, and monochromatic colour scheme contribute to achieving the clean and fresh aesthetic that we were aiming for. I’m a crazy plant lady so the round mirror surrounded by the heart-leaf philodendrons makes me pretty happy, as I’d been growing them at home for ages before I decided to give them to Flagship. And we also love our Perspex coffee machine from our mates at Flight Coffee.

What are you most looking forward to during Flagship’s first summer?

Hopefully being nice and busy throughout, offering people the numerous visitors from outside of Gisborne a new place to enjoy and selling a few plants and flowers. I recently introduced a small range of house plants and fresh cut flowers through Flagship, a perfect complement to the café, making it look and smell amazing.

Being housed next door to your bistro restaurant, USSCo, how do the two benefit from neighbouring locations?

Ussco customers often asked us about opening for lunch but we thought it could be detrimental to our dinner trade, so it is nice to finally have a daytime offering that doesn’t detract people from dining with us in the evening. Lots of our dinner customers now dine at the café for breakfast and vice versa. Then of course there are the practical benefits like sharing stock across both locations, offering flexibility of hours to our staff and if we run out of anything we have a whole other kitchen next door. It’s super handy!

What’s next in store?

After recently introducing Temple of Flora – the botanical aspect to Flagship Eatery, I hope to expand this business aspect this year. With a 3 year old and 11 month old with a baby on the way, I really enjoy the botanical side of the business so I’m excited to do more with it once things have settled down a bit with the new baby.

A gorgeous beach town and laid back summer spot, if you find yourself in Gisborne, make sure you drop by Flagship Eatery and tell them THS sent you. 

Details:

Design & Styling: Christine & Tom Boyce  | Brand Identity: Jaimee Clapham | Joiners/Tiling: Maurice and Shane Clayton| Builders: Wayne Bartram & Torleda Murray | Painters: Mitch Teesedale, Swift Painting | Electrician: Marty Lloyd | Photography: Strike Photography

The post Flagship Eatery appeared first on The Home Scene.

Elwood Residence
Behind the façade of this handsome old Edwardian home unfolds an unexpected contemporary interior, which is both elegant and timeless. Take a tour of Elwood Residence

Kyree Meagher

A place to escape and unwind in all its luxurious beauty, welcome to the home of Kyree Meagher, interior stylist for Kyree Interiors. A long time favourite of mine, I was honoured to feature her home as part of the ‘My Favourite Room’ series. Take a Tour of Kyree Meagher’s Favourite Room

Scandinavian Loft living

Light, bright, airy spaces, and simplistic timber materials caught my eye and my heart in the home of Bo staff member Jutta Kodin Jutta.  Take a Tour of Scandinavian Loft Living

Malvern House

Restorations hold a special place in my heart and this Victorian residence is one of my absolute favourites. Restored and revived to meet the challenge of another hundred years, this warm and textured palette seamlessly integrates between old and new interior architecture. Take a Tour of Malvern House

Omanu beach house

Located in the beautiful beach town of Mount Maunganui, this contemporary villa exudes traditional elegance with some surprisingly modern twists.  The soft white and pastel colour scheme accentuates the fine details of exposed rafters and sarked ceilings throughout the home, while the interior furnishings create that light and breezy coastal feel. Take a Tour of Omanu Beach House

Toorak House

A home renovation to modernise a tired interior resulting in a light filled, vibrant contemporary home for a busy family of four. Throughout this beautiful home, architect firm Robson Rak designed and fabricated much of the furniture and furnishings to fit the bespoke brief, which also included a large wall sculpture in the living room by Chris Rak. Take a Tour of Toorak House

New York Brownstone

 A restoration project sure to make any lover of old character and minimalism fall in love and that’s exactly what this five-storey, New York city Brownstone home does. Take a Tour of New York Brownstone

The Factory

This co-working space had a complete transformation whilst working to the buildings original industrial aesthetic. I love the juxtaposition of textures between the steel legs, concrete base and deep-buttoned velvet all work with the pale elm table, the focal point in the lounge room. Take a Tour of The Factory

Which favourite interior of 2015 has your top pick?

A big thank you to each THS reader for stopping by throughout the year and here’s to a great year ahead in 2016. I can’t wait to see what the year brings – Kelly 

The post Favourite Interiors of 2015 appeared first on The Home Scene.

Her works feature as a firm favourite in our own home, and following her move to New Zealand from the UK, her talents are increasingly becoming known across New Zealand and Australia.

Georgina has become a dear friend since I was introduced to her work, so it is a pleasure to announce the relaunch of Print by George exclusively with THS readers.  The relaunch features new works and products (including Christmas cards and wall dots) and an all new website.

I recently chatted with Georgina to find out what inspires her, why the relaunch and what lies ahead for Print by George.

+ Describe the process of creating and launching this new site?

I created my original website myself. It was very much a DIY project to get things up and running as soon as I could, but a year down the line, I felt it needed a facelift by someone with a graphic design eye! Everything needed to work and have an identity and I wanted the labelling, packaging and website to be cohesive.
I did some research and received recommendations for graphic designers and soon met with Auckland based Natasha Mead. Her work seemed to have a particular theme running through it and I just fell in love with it. I knew she would be able to help me achieve what I wanted Print By George to look like.

+ What do you love about the site?

I adore how the whole site has come together, but in particular, the way the products are easy to access on the home page. It makes the browsing and shopping experience simple for even the most computer illiterate person. All the prints and cards are accessible under the one page without having to chop and change with menus.

+ What was the design brief?

It needed to keep buying and browsing easy, yet display the prints in a beautiful way. I hate nothing more than trying to purchase something over the web and it’s one busy, complicated process. I wanted the experience to feel enjoyable, clean and obvious to anyone using the website and wanting to purchase a print or to simply get in contact with me.

+ What inspires you?

My direct surroundings, whether it be social media, the farm, travel, the landscape or light. My camera is attached to my hip these days living out on a farm and in New Zealand! It is so beautiful everywhere I turn that it’s hard not to be inspired on a minute to minute basis!

+ What do you love most about your job?

The freedom of being your own boss! Having said that, it’s a double edged sword – you don’t just stop doing what you love and if something goes wrong, you only have yourself to blame! I often work through the weekends and Mondays are now becoming a thing of past for me, but I love what I do. I love being able to step away from my desk to shoot and have a change of scenery, but if its a wet day, then it’s nice to have the option to stay inside and catch up on emails and admin. Living in New Zealand now with my family and home being back in the UK, the best part is that my work can travel home to England with me and I have no restriction needing to be at the ‘office’.

+ What grand plans do you have in store for Print by George?

Over the next year, I am in the process of planning to launch a limited edition run of framed prints, exclusively for New Zealand customers. I have only just started thinking about it, so won’t be for a little while longer yet, but definitely something I want to offer. I am also hoping to work with more international retailers and get some exclusive prints in stores.

+ Is there anything you haven’t shot yet that you would love to?

There are a thousand places I could list off that I would love to shoot. I love to travel and see different cultures and countries, so I am forever writing a list of the next stop I want to take on my journey. I just need to get over my fear of flying first…

+ Do you have a favourite print?

Trying to cater to all tastes means I have a love/hate relationship with them somedays. I have spent a lot of time trying to work out what I want to sell on the website, but overall I of course love the prints. Some more than others, but a personal favourite for me would be the water ones called “Wake 1′ & ‘Wake 2’. I have one framed up at home and I have always said I want to live by water; now I have my wish…it has a similar calming effect!

+ Career highlights? 

You can never tire of seeing and hearing the joy that your work brings to people and it is particularly touching when people buy my prints for a gift to their loved ones.
I have always enjoyed emails popping through from customers with a photo of my work printed and framed, up on their walls. It makes you feel like your hard work and long hours/weeks/months is paying off.

Moroccan print as seen styled by Petite Vintage Interiors for a clients Beach house.

Follow Georgina’s work and head over to admire her gorgeous new site and prints:

Website: printbygeorge.com | Instagram: @printbygeorge | Facebook: Print By George

The post Print by George appeared first on The Home Scene.

+ What is your favourite room in your house?

Our lounge as it’s the place that inspires us!!

I live with two flatmates, who I regard as family,  and together we have built a beautiful environment where we love to entertain and have people over to join our little family!!

+ What do you love about this space?

The round table! It’s the place where we gather for regular round table meetings and come up with the crazy new ideas for each of our careers and personal goals. From there it’s up to us to make them happen and as a team of odd balls I must say we have been pretty successful at doing so.

+ How would you describe the room in three words?

Always, contains, people

+ How long have you lived here?

I’ve owned this house for over 8 years now and it has been a stable for me and my family. I am a strong believer in the saying “build an arc and the people will come” so it is a place for everyone to base themselves when they need to be in Auckland.

I also have another place in Christchurch as alot of children’s television is made down there so I need to travel between the both and that house has 3 graffiti walls painted in the lounge so it’s even more amazing!

+ How do you spend your days?

I’m either writing, researching, filming, running my art business, eating, talking or laughing

Anything else is an added bonus or a conscious decision to put time into.

Obviously the word #filming is very vague as this can range to being up a ladder prepping a wall for top coats, interviewing boys in the rugby field or running amuck, making the most of my eternal youth haha.

Details:

Website: erinsimpson.co.nz |  Instagram: @erinsimpson13 

The post My Favourite Room with Erin Simpson appeared first on The Home Scene.

Following on from part one of this beautiful home tour, delight in the simple beauty of the home’s bedrooms and bathroom.  With so many beautiful elements to view, it only made sense to feature Armadale house as a two-part blog.

A collaborative design project between Interior Architecture, Made By Cohen and Architecture Robson Rak Architects, the teams design philosophy is bespoke, handcrafted with beautifully executed details. The overall design was kept simple, responding to the modern inner urge to pare back and slow down.

Details were often subtle, creating a subconscious sense of flow and balance within the space, while working with a simple palate of finishes also gave this small home a sense of cohesion.

Simple, understated interior design with natural light filtering throughout and beautiful simple vitrified tile was used in the bathroom.

To view and read more on Armadale House, visit Part One on THS blog.

Details:

Interior Architecture: Made By Cohen | Architecture: Robson Rak Architects | Photographer: Shannon McGrath | Builder: George Investments Pty Ltd | Landscape Designer: Weller Landscapes

The post Armadale House: Part Two appeared first on The Home Scene.

A collaborative design project between Interior Architecture, Made By Cohen and Architecture Robson Rak Architects, the teams design philosophy is bespoke, handcrafted with beautifully executed details.

The homeowners wanted to conserve the beauty of their old Victorian building at the front whilst embracing an elegant timeless renovation to meet their long term needs within. 

This project gained its rich narrative through the strong collaboration between Interior Architect, Architect, Landscape Designer and Builder. The passion and attention to detail from the builder and his trades really supported the overall ethos behind this design.

During the build, all the original old doors were reused, along with the original skirting boards and bricks to maintain the integrity of the project. In addition, the façade of the building was conserved to respect the existing street character.

The delicate steel window and door frames on the northern extension played an integral part in making the interior feel larger and more open by blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior. The transformation of the northern kitchen, living area and courtyard has resulted in a beautiful open, light filled renovation. 

The overall design was kept simple, responding to the modern inner urge to pare back and slow down. Details were often subtle, creating a subconscious sense of flow and balance within the space.

With so many beautiful elements to this home to share with you, Armadale house will feature as a two part blog. Stay tuned for more inspiring imagery to be shared on THS blog later this week, when we take a look at the bedrooms and bathroom that will charm and delight.

Details:

Interior Architecture: Made By Cohen | Architecture: Robson Rak Architects | Photographer: Shannon McGrath | Builder: George Investments Pty Ltd | Landscape Designer: Weller Landscapes

The post Armadale House: Part One appeared first on The Home Scene.

Susie’s residential projects have appeared on THS blog and it’s a pleasure to take a glimpse into a personal project of Susie’s 1920’s converted warehouse in Melbourne, Australia.

+ What was your favourite room when you lived in your warehouse?

I have two favourites…both our bathrooms!!

+ What do you love about these spaces?

For me a bathroom is no longer just about embracing the functional aspect of cleansing the body, but also the emotional aspect of cleansing the mind. Both the bathrooms in our warehouse celebrated the ritual of bathing. What I loved about these bathrooms was that they were tiled from floor to ceiling in large format tiles (300 x 600mm) which made them feel more like a wet room, they had a simple palate of finishes and both embraced natural light which gave them a sense of calm.

The downstairs family bathroom which included a freestanding bath, was drenched daily in beautiful afternoon sun and had a long oak bench that added texture to the space. The upstairs master ensuite had a shower with a large sliding door which extended the shower from inside to out. On a sunny day you could shower outside in private.

+ How would you describe these rooms in three words?

Calming, sculptural, simple.

+ How long did you live here for?

After converting this beautiful old 1920’s warehouse we enjoyed living here for 5 years.

How do you spend your days?

I am a Melbourne based Interior Architect with a passion for residential projects. I especially love working with old homes as I feel they add a rich narrative to my work. My design practice ‘Made By Cohen’ celebrates life, family and creativity. My designs tend toward simplicity, with great importance placed on beautifully executed details. A strong signature to my work is the use of natural light and honest materials that age gracefully and acquire their own patina over time.

Details:

Website: madebycohen | Instagram: @madebycohen | Photographer: Shannon McGrath

The post My Favourite Room with Susie Cohen appeared first on The Home Scene.

Kyree has been a long time favourite of mine and I was honoured to feature her home in ‘My Favourite Room’ series. Here she gives a glimpse in to her favourite room and why this space is so special.

+ What is your favourite room in your house?

That would be our bedroom. It’s our sanctuary away from our busy hectic lives. This room is where we get to unwind, it’s where I get to talk to my fiancé without any distractions or interruptions.

I love styling our room differently each week because it’s nice to be able to sleep in a splash of stylish luxury. Most people forget about their bedrooms because they are always messy or too boring, but I’ve really focussed on this room and made sure it wasn’t neglected. We chose not to put a TV in this room because we didn’t want that to be it’s sole purpose. It’s nice to escape in here and just be with each other, amongst all the comfort and beauty.

+ What do you love about this space?

I love all the natural light that streams inside the windows in the afternoon, and I adore our white shutters that blocks out the sun when we want to sleep in. Our bedroom is light and bright and always feels fresh. Even if we have clothes thrown onto the floor or over the chair, it still feels like an inviting, stress free environment which is what I crave at the end of a super long day.

+How would you describe this room in three words?

Gosh that’s hard, I’m a lady of many words (getting me to shut up is the problem aha). Three words, ok. Timeless. Classy. Relaxing.

+ How long have you lived here?

We moved into this house after we built it, this April. So not long at all. During this time we have learnt to live in this new space together and spent time decorating, styling and restyling and turning it into a brand new family home. I’ve loved every minute of making this a gorgeous space to live in. We’re really home-bodies and always enjoy being in this space so it’s a real priority to make sure it’s a space we love being in, a space we are happy to live in and home that we will one day bring our babies into.

+ How do you spend your days?

I work a full time office job during the day and work from home, building up my new business, after hours. I have a very hectic, stressful but bittersweet working week. I love photography and being creative and absolutely passionate about styling interiors, so I’m hoping that soon I can focus on my business and make this my full time work.

After we get married in November (3 months and counting eeeek) I would like to make Kyree Interiors my focus. One of my main passions is finding new and unique businesses online and show casing what they have to offer. I believe in supporting small and shopping small and in return I’ve made some beautiful friendships along the way. I take peoples products, style them with a creative flare and photograph them so that they can be used for publicity and marketing. I’m hoping that I can expand and be able to style whole rooms for clients in the near future. Perhaps my first room make over can be the nursery that we hopefully can soon create (soon, hopefully).

I get very emotional and excited about peoples positive reactions over my styling. It really fuels my creativity and gives me that push and encouragement to keep pursuing what I am striving to achieve.

Details:

Website: www.misskyreeloves.com | Instagram: @misskyreeloves

The post My Favourite Room with Kyree Meagher appeared first on The Home Scene.

The lounge had a large volume to fill.  With it’s high ceilings and the original lighting plans cut at the final stages of completion, the large, industrial Frezolli light over the banquet seating space brings scale to the space.

The juxtaposition of textures between the steel legs, concrete base and deep-buttoned velvet all work with the pale elm table, the focal point in the lounge room.  Features were tweaked along the way to bring the cohesion of the overall aesthetic in to line.

The round artificial turf rug was a budget driven choice that had a great outcome. The cowhide wingback chair pays homage to the milk factory history of the building while the steel bar leaners were custom made for the space by a local engineer with cowhide added to the industrial stools.

While everyone at the Factory has his or her own business to run, the design creates a dynamic and interactive environment. Residents – either those who have walled offices or desks in the open-plan shared space –  have access to all areas of the Factory, including breakout rooms, the public lounge and kitchen. Non-residents are welcome to enjoy the lounge area during opening hours and can hire meeting rooms or the lounge for events.

The living wall behind the reception area provides an element of calm. The materials used in the reception-come-coffee making space are also really beautiful. The honed granite bench top was an extravagant but considered worthy addition and works perfectly with the rustic timber frontage.

The original blueprints from The Old Dairy Factory are framed and pride of place in the Lounge, paying tribute to the Factory’s history and the renovation process of old to new.

Winner of the New Zealand Institute of Architecture award, the panel noted the sympathetic renovation as a special element, enabling the importance of the cultural heritage values to be protected into the future.

Details:

The Factory | Interior Designer: Wall St Interiors | Photographer: Toni Larsen Photography

The post The Factory appeared first on The Home Scene.

An overall black-and-white scheme ties in features of the original with now. Beautifully designed textural contrast is captured in the interior palette with roughness featured in the concrete floors and columns and smoothness in the clear powder-coated steel.

With no opportunity to alter the dimensions of the space, the challenge was to fit a tightly planned programme into the footprint whilst gaining enough light into the core of the apartment from windows on two sides. A four-metre stud and an industrial-strength material palette provided a sense of loftiness and could be upcycled aesthetically.

A contemporary insertion, clad in black steel was slotted into the volume to act as bedrooms for the children. This double-height cube at only two metres wide was divided into two – a room for each daughter – then furnished with built-in beds and desks. One room was built as a mezzanine so that an en suite for the master bedroom could slot beneath it.

The owners, who moved from a typical suburban home, are enjoying their city-centred outlook and a new way of living.

Details:

Architect: Dorrington Atcheson Architects | Photographer: Emma-Jane Hetherington |

Source: Archipro | 

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