Renovations Make the Best of Old and New

26 June 2007

Stylish Renovations Make the Best of Old and New What’s inside NZ House & Garden for July?

July’s NZ House & Garden shows how, with simple ideas and lots of love, passionate Kiwi renovators can transform old and historic into inviting and modern. Stories of modern-day transformations and the people who have made them happen are a recurrent theme in this month’s issue.

The featured houses are all great examples of what renovators can do to create great contemporary living while respecting the original bones and character of an old house, says editor Michal McKay. “There are some truly remarkable renovations in this issue. All are labours of love, in which owners have brought back something old and faded to its original condition but with touches of modernity”.

The 130-year-old Wellington residence of the Italian ambassador is one featured house, renovated by Milanese architect Maurella Boifava. “The challenge with historic buildings is to respect the original intention while making it liveable and modern,” says Maurella.

The centuries also coexist harmoniously in the London home of an expat Kiwi and his American partner, who use antiques to provide design flair around the home. History also provides the inspiration for the Savages’ Waiheke Island home inspired by World War II bunkers.

Tony and Jo Brady give a Christchurch villa the contemporary look. “So long as you can modernise, it’s great having that character shell,” they say. Of course, a great deal of passion for the restoration also helps!

A colonial icon in Nelson rescued and restored with a few very modern twists is also featured. Ex-mayor of Nelson John Sharp owned the home in the 1800s and the new owners often wonder what he would make of the huge plasma screen and virtual racing car now parked in the ballroom of his beloved Fellworth House!

And now that winter has well and truly descended, with outdoor entertaining and summer barbecues just a distant memory, NZ House & Garden has a special feature on the hub of indoor entertaining – the kitchen.

While Ray McVinnie says that “it doesn’t matter how flash your kitchen is, cooks produce good food anywhere”, cooks and onlookers alike all enjoy an attractive environment. In this special feature NZ House & Garden looks at kitchen design and appliance trends, again mixing the traditional with the modern.

Garden lovers will enjoy reading about artist Gaston De Vel’s work and the flowers in his Orewa garden (north of Auckland) that inspire his wonderful still life paintings, relish in the idyllic garden framing spectacular views of Coronet Peak in Central Otago and be inspired by a retired Kerikeri farmer’s scientific approach to gardening in his lush, subtropical oasis.

Look out for a brand new feature unveiled in this issue. “Fresh Inspiration” explores ways to use nature’s abundance to nourish body and soul, with creative ideas for the home and table. This month the NZ House & Garden team start with everyone’s favourite fungi – with creative ideas for making a little interior magic with mushrooms.

Ever wondered where a busy actor goes to find inspiration? Sam Neill reveals his favourite room – surprisingly bare of technology and memorabilia, with just two stunning artworks. Converted from a seed shed on his farm (the Two Paddocks vineyard in Central Otago) it features a striking table he has designed. Neill is photographed by another icon of the film world, cinematographer Richard Scott, exclusively for this issue.

Looking for decorating tips with little investment? In the “Solutions” feature, home decorating expert Mary Gilliat shares simple décor ideas to revive your home without hurting your bank balance. Decorative tile linings, rugs on walls and reviving children’s rooms with coloured paint are just some of the ideas on offer.

Regular NZ House & Garden contributor Peter Gordon will back in New Zealand next month for a fundraiser to benefit the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation. He has created fruit fantasies to enjoy the fruits of winter. Baked Rhubarb and Salmon Sashimi with Crispy Mussels or Pink Peppercorn-poached Tamarillos with Pepita Tuiles are just two of the delicacies Gordon shares this month.

The July issue of NZ House & Garden is on sale from 25 June from all leading newsagents, bookshops and supermarkets.

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