OneRoof examines the latest home trends on show at the 2018 Auckland HomeShow.
FIREPLACES
The humble fireplace has come a long way since the smokey, ash-ridden, hard to light versions of yester-year.
The fireplace can now be not only functional but also a visual treat and focal point, with new designs cleverly setting fireplaces into walls almost like a picture or providing a central partition in between the dining and lounge rooms, warming both and bringing the "wow" factor into any living space.
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Today's fireplaces can be portable, energy efficient, smoke/ash/smell-free, heat multiple rooms, fitted with child locks and even controlled via a smartphone. Find out more here.
HIDDEN/MULTI-FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE
With a move toward living in smaller spaces, multi-purpose furniture is all the rage. Wall units can hide beds, and a framed blackboard for learning or family messages on the wall can be pulled down to become a desk. Eurobeds offers these space-saving options with a "sliding suite" that functions as a wall display/bookcase/wardrobe and storage facility during the day and opens out to reveal a perfectly made double bed. The perfect space solution for those living in small homes. Find out more here
SKYLIGHT SHUTTERS
While shutters have been around longer than windows, the modern version has many uses and can be used in many environments. Entire portions of a roof can be covered by double glazed glass and the light quotient turned up or down by installing modern motorised shutters underneath. White shutters go nicely with natural wood and glass and can create an airy quiet space. Find out more here.
MODULAR GARAGE STORAGE
One for the handyman, or woman, who wants all their tools and work implements in a secure and stylish environment. Made from powder coated steel construction and available in many colours, the NDS modular storage system can be tailored to your available space. There is the option of small cupboard-sized storage areas or larger wardrobe-sized cabinets, all lockable, and with deep and roomy rolling drawers and a hard-wearing rubber wood work bench and steel mesh pegboard. Find out more here.
PRINTED SPLASHBACKS
While neutral tones are a great way to keep kitchens and bathrooms clean and light, they also provide a great setting for a "feature piece" - a decorative focal point to bring the wow and stand out in the mind of visitors, or potential buyers.
My Splash offers the perfect vehicle for a homeowner's creative flair, with customised painted or printed glass splashbacks. Co-owner Shane Woods says almost any high-quality photo or print can be turned into the centrepiece of your kitchen. The company also offers the same service for shower walls, meaning you can be standing in your own private waterfall or beach scene every time you take a shower. Find out more here.
CORTEN FIREPLACE
CorteNZ makes their products with the rustic beauty of Corten (weathering) Steel. The rust-coloured steel offers a stylish focal point in any garden. CorteNZ offers a gorgeous range of fireplaces and chimineas in all shapes and sizes, along with braziers, fire pits and vessels for wood storage. The European-influenced design of each piece means it draws the eye, not just when lit up in use at night. It also doubles as a genuine sculpture piece. Find out more here.
CUSTOM GATE
In days of old the gate of any house or estate was the first and most noticeable thing about a property. The range offered by Waiuku based 'Wooden Gates' offers an abundance of styles, from new takes on old-school designs from the portcullis-inspired Castle and the rustic Karaka Delux made from recycled timber to the city chic of the Venetian Cedar Slider or the super private and modern LA Swing gate. Find out more here.
SAY IT IN STONE
Whether it's an entrance-way, fence or fountain, hand-hewn stonework can straddle the modern and the traditional - adding a timeless feature with a quiet solid strength and natural beauty. Stone Creations has been in the business since 1996 and offers a wide range of options, including basalt, schist, boulders and pebbles and limestone. Owner Josh O'Connor learnt stone masonry from his father and is a specialist in working with the unique volcanic Hinuera stone, sourced from the Waikato and ranging from light golden to pale grey in colour. O'Connor particularly enjoys working with owners who want to source and reference stone from their own local areas, as this approach reflects the geography and history of a place. Find out more here. Find out more here.
