DESIGN INSPIRATION • EXPERT ADVICE • DIY PROJECTS • AND MORE

Make your grass greener

Advice for keeping the mower shipshape

A place torest your head

Making the bedroom all that it can be

From kids to teens

Creating an evolving sleeping space

get out froM under the bed

Better storage solutions

four steps to a beach bodySummer’s on its

way

Home & Leisure | 2

147 Blenheim Road,Christchurch Phone 03 341 1769

For more GREAT bargains, check out our website: www.theflooringcentre.co.nz

CALTEX Blenheim Road

MAT

IPO

ST

BLENHEIM RD

147 Blenheim Road

HOURS: Mon–Fri 8:30–5:00, Sat 9:30–4:00

ONE COLOUR

Callisto• Polypropylene• Mediumduty,looppile• Nowlimitedstock

TWO COLOURS

$39per BLM

our price our price

$65per BLM

RRP $75 RRP $115

Mayfield, Light Taupe• 34ozsolutiondyednylon• Extraheavyduty• Onecolour

Tiles•ManhattenBlack•ManhattenWhite

$75per BLM

our price

$39per m2

our price

RRP $129

30-40% OFF

Expona & CamaroVinyl Planks• Popularcolourranges

HUGE RANGE

from

$29per M2

RRP $45

2M Vinyl• Popularcoloursandpatterns• Over30stocklines

HUGE RANGE!

from

$45per LM

RRP $65

Mission Bay• 26ozsolutiondyednylon• Extraheavyduty• Faderesistance,stainresistance

fOUR COLOURS

our price

$85per BLM

RRP $99

Pearl Bay• 30ozsolutiondyednylon• Extraheavyduty

Garage Carpet• 4mwide• Solutiondyednylon• Veryhardwearing

fOUR COLOURS

CHARCOAL COLOUR

our price

$99per BLM

our price

$59per BLM

RRP $129

RRP $75

SUPER DEAL

SUPER DEAL

BELOW COSTREMNANTSCARPET

Polypropylene Carpet• Looppile• Heavyduty• Limitedstock

THREE COLOURS

$55per BLM

our price

RRP $99

• Tiles • Carpet • Vinyl • Timber • Roll stock • Remnants • Off cuts • Vinyl planks

Jasmine• Solutiondyednylon• Charcoalcolour• Looppile

•Novarra•Runway•ConcreteBeige

“Quality flooring at discount prices”

The key focus of The Flooring Centre’s Clearance Depot is on offering the

best value for money. While The Flooring Centre’s main showroom areas showcase the very best flooring selections from New Zealand and around the world, the Clearance Depot provides key product selections at “best possible pricing.” Clearance Depot manager Mike Joli, is tasked with sourcing these key product selections from various manufacturers, including Irvine’s, Godfrey Hirst, Feltex, Norman Ellison and other leading manufacturers or suppliers.

“Having the ability to purchase and store massive quantities of product ensures we can

negotiate extremely competitive deals from the manufactures” Mike says. This superior purchasing ability gives him the confidence to offer a best- price guarantee. “quality flooring at discount prices” he says.

The Clearance Depot’s product lines consist of carpet, vinyl flooring, vinyl planks, timber flooring and tiles. In fact quite simply, everything for your floor. A free measure and quote as well as full installation service is offered.

The team at the Clearance Depot will quantify plans or measurements to quickly establish the total cost of the job. It is a good idea

to sketch a plan of the areas needing new flooring, write down the length and width of each room on the plan, take it in, and Mike and his team of professionals will quickly ascertain the costs of any selections.

The Clearance Depot is part of the Flooring Centre complex situated at 147 Blenheim Road, on the corner of Blenheim Road and Matipo Street.

If you are thinking flooring, Mike says, “for quality flooring at discount prices and the best deals in town, you simply must pop in to the Clearance Depot”.

For FREE consultation, please visit our new Show Home on 9 Euphrasie Drive, Aidanfield or phone Marshall 0274668069. www.fayehomes.co.nz

At Faye Homes, we are dedicated to excellence in the design and construction of the homes we build, the quality of the locations we choose and the customer service we provide.

Our Expertise Is What We Will Provide To You Your Home Is Our Focus

welcomeIs your bedroom your sanctuary, or the one room that gets the least attention? Once I’ve cleared up the children’s bedroom, cleaned the living area and made it through the pile of drying dishes, the bedroom has fallen off the list of priorities. However, there’s a lot to be said about making the bedroom your personal sanctuary. At the end of the day, it’s the place where we rest, recoup and restore our energy in order to tackle the new day with all the gusto it deserves.

Leeanne Kerr has some helpful advice in the following pages, that should help you turn your bedroom around, or give it some extra love. Perfect if you are starting from scratch, her article on page 7 outlines some key considerations, from ventilation to soft furnishings, to create a space that will encourage you to turn in for the night. Don’t forget the kids, though, as their bedrooms are just as important – and besides, if they’re sleeping well, so are you! Leeanne drills home some home truths about decorating such rooms, when the interests and needs of their occupants are destined to change. She suggests we avoid themed rooms, as these fixations go out of fashion in the blink of an eye. It makes sense, of course, but it doesn’t hurt to hear it before we overinvest in Dora the Explorer.

Storage issues can plague households, and bedrooms have a lot to stow. A well-organised wardrobe is a necessity, but sometimes even this seems unmaintainable. Mark Rayner highlights a few ways to get more mileage out of your square metre. I especially like the thought of a dual-purpose headboard – have a read on page 9.

Rebecca Lees makes us think long and hard about the environment we create to sleep in. What’s in your mattress? Have you bought a product that is going to release nasty chemicals while you, blissfully unaware, count sheep? It’s worth thinking about and Rebecca outlines natural options in her feature this month (p. 8).

As the mercury rises, showing a bit more skin becomes unavoidable. Are you ready to get into your swimsuit? If not, Elly McGuinness has some steps for the late starters – there’s still time!

Until next month, get some rest and get pumped for more hot weather.

Editorkate@starmedia.kiwi

1013

76

Publisher Charlotte Smulders, Star Media | Editor Kate Preece, kate@starmedia.kiwi | Advertising Kerry Smith, Phone 962 0743, Mob 027 654 5367, kerry.smith@starmedia.kiwi Graphic Design Narelle Denmead

my find

3 | Home & Leisure

editor’s note

Personalise your space with wall decals you can reposition, remove or renew on a whim!

Upload a photo and Happy Moose will do the rest (happymoose.nz).

What's inside:On display5 Look at me: good-looking mirrors

Special feature 6 Children’s bedrooms: creating spaces that grow with your kids7 Interior design: considerations for the boudoir

Interior8 Sustainable solutions: mattresses and bed linen 9 Make it fit: making use of bedroom space

Exterior10 DIY: a geometic plant pot 12 Mower maintenance: ensure your machine is up to task

Fitness & leisure13 Summer ready: working on that beach bod14 What goes on tour: a behind-the-scenes experience at Three Boys Brewery

166 Moorhouse Ave cHRISTcHURcH

Moorhouse Ave

Noel leeMiNg

beds r us

PuMPkiN PAtch outlet

lightiNg Plus

Noel leeMiNgClearance

We are here

OPEN 7 DAYSPrices valid until 31st October

or while stocks last

The Bed Shop

NOw OPENThe Bed Shop

buy from no deposit • no interest • no payment until 2016* *credit criteria applies

store room & floor stock sellout 20-60%

chaise 2 styles

queen firm pocket spring mattress & base with latex pillow top

patchwork sofa unique piece for your home

hutch dresserfloor model“1 only”

Headboard not included

$2699 now $1249$2999 now $1399queensize

kingsize

Accessories not included

recycled teak wine rack

queensize vivaldi duluxe mattress & base“by A. H. Beard”

nz made

10yr warranty$3499

now $2399

$1099

now $799

$1999

now $999

$1999

now $1499

now

$799

now

$999

now

$999

5 zoned pocket spring with wool, latex & memory foam pillowtop.

Headboard not included.

reclaimed cream bedroom suite

linen not included

queenslat bed $1299sierra queensize pocket spring mattress $699BeDsiDe $399scotch chest $1299

$2699 now

$1699each

recycled corner cabinet

kingsize white parklane bed with Venus pocket spring mattress

grey chaiseking pillowtop pocket spring mattress & base

now

$999

new range of original chinese sideboards circa 130-150 years

30%OFF

queen $2599king $2799

super king $2999

queensize oasis mattresswith 2 drawer upholstered base - your choice of colour

Zoned pocket spring mattress with memory foam pillow top. 10 year warranty

Home & Leisure | 4

5 | Home & Leisure

on display

1

2

3

5 6

Through the looking glass

A mirror can be a statement piece or a simple extension of your style, but either way, it’s a must

for the bedroom.

4

1. Embrace a nautical theme with Freedom Furniture’s Scape mirror (40cm). Shown here in ‘natural’. RRP $99. 2. Great for a small space, the Radial Floating Shelf with Face Mirror is as decorative as it is practical. Available from Citta Design, 80cm x 10cm x 33cm (h),

RRP $99. 3. Looking for more storage space? This round mirror comes complete with its own shelf. Available from Kmart, RRP $35. 4. Add some colour with a mirror that will have you dreaming of Greece. The Brace mirror (180cm x 100cm), in ‘Santorini’, is available

from Vast Interior. RRP $839. 5. Complete the room with the Katha mirror. Available from Nood, RRP $169. 6. The Hoop Hanging mirror will add visual interest and fulfil its purpose with ease. Available from Nood, RRP $259.

Now located at 40 Buchan StPh 377 7717 | www.tintacar.co.nz

Window tinting for heat, fade, glare and privacy control

Windows with poor thermal performance mean heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Unprotected windows also let in more glare and encourage the premature fading on furniture, carpets and display stock, solar film will block out everything except your view.

SOLAR FILM BLOCKS UP TO 79% OF THE SUMMER HEAT

22 Kennaway Rd • www.dreamwool.com • Ph 343-5105

Be comfortable and cooler on a Dreamwool Bed, with 100% natural fillings.

Free from hot foams, polyester and glue, enjoy the year round superior comfort of our Latex or Pocketspring mattresses.

For the best investment you can make in tomorrow, get a great night’s sleep.

How are you sleeping?Uncomfortable and hot

www.millen.co.nz

232 Main South Road, Sockburn, Christchurch Ph 03 348 8678 or 0800 MILLEN

Hours Mon to Fri 9am - 5.30pm • Sat 9.30am - 4pm • Sun 10am - 3pm. CLOSED LABOUR DAY.

More tailored package deals available in store

New Zealand Owned

OCTOBER spECial!

$990

bathrooM coMbo shower 1000 or 900MM arc

vanity 750MM toilet s/p trap

$999

kitchen coMbo oven, hob

rangehood

plUs add dishwasher for extra $500

indUction hobs + free potone burner

only $139two burner

only $299

oven: 9 Function, digital stanless steel.

electric hob: Black, ceramic, touch control.

range hood:3 Speed 800m3 suction.

diswasher:7 Programme, 14 place setting, cutlery draw.

Home & Leisure | 6

Cover story

Kids and their bedroomsLeeanne Kerr ensures we plan ahead when considering the different elements in a child’s bedroom.

What is your bedroom to you? My bedroom is a sanctuary, a place I love to go to escape the chaos of the day, to be alone or just sleep. But what does ‘bedroom’ mean to your child? It’s important to ask them, to determine what they look for from their own space.

Before you get started, make sure you have a budget and know how much you will spend on what. The most important items in the bedroom are the mattress, pillow and linen, so do not skimp on these – buy the

best ones you can afford. Cast your mind back to your childhood

and you may remember that what you wanted in your bedroom and what you used it for altered as you aged and your interests changed. There are many new entertainment options, and far more options for furnishing kids rooms, but your child’s bedroom still needs to evolve as they mature. From a budget point of view, consider how much use they will get from everything you put into their rooms, and

whether it will still be welcome over time. You will need to do the same with soft furnishings and your choice of paint colour.

If you’re using blinds in a young child’s room, you must install a cord safety tidy. You can get digitally printed blinds, but try not to be too age specific with the design, and if you’re using curtains then, for example, a Thomas The Tank Engine pattern might seem great at the time, but you will need to change it when they get older. As an alternative, consider putting Velcro strips on

the curtains and make your own shapes and designs you can then stick on temporarily.

With that out of the way, now look at how many kids per room. It is not a given that there is one child per room, and if it isn’t big enough for two beds, bunks may be the only option, especially if the room is to be used as more than just a sleeping space.

Particularly in smaller rooms there are ways to maximise space through furniture choice. Options include beds that fold up to reveal a desk, or a bunk set that has the desk beneath a raised bed are options. Shelving sized to fit storage cubes will help keep the space tidy, just make sure it’s not so high they risk getting injured trying to take objects out of it.

Essentially a child’s room serves three functions – sleep, work/play, and storage, and should be zoned as such. However, if you find the space is not helping your child form good sleep habits, you may need to rethink its design or contents.

In addition to zoning, consider adding a display area such as a cork board, and task-based lighting for the work area. Brightening up walls, can be as simple as resurrecting the spirograph from the storage box and creating a masterpiece on canvas or sketchpad paper and then framing it. Liven up the floor with the addition of a fun rug, which is great for playing, lying or studying on.

BE CREATIVE: Fun artwork can be made from a simple spirograph.

Premium rug exPocoming to you..

Buy with confidence, Own with pride.

Buy with confidence from an established company trading for

over 25 years

Premium QuALiTY Direct to you at competitive prices.All rugs supplied with a certificate as to genuine hand knotted origins.

DiVerSe rANge Rugs, Runners & Kilim from New & Old traditionaldesigns to contemporary Gabbeh. View our online showroom www.fourcornersrugs.co.nz.

PerSoNAL SerViCe Directly selected & imported from the leadingweaving centres of the World. Home consultation enquiries most welcome.

0800 784 749riccarton

37 mandeville St TueS 20Th oCT - TueSDAY 3rD NoVMon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sunday 11am-4pm

7 | Home & Leisure

Cover story

There’s no escaping the fact that adequate sleep is essential for health, happiness and effective functioning during waking hours, so it’s important to create a bedroom conducive to good sleep. The fundamentals of any bedroom design need to be based on this principle.

Design elements to ConsiDeR:

•  The bed. Or more specifically, the mattress. Over the last few hundred years we’ve moved from straw to feathers, and then cotton and wool, to a huge variety of fillings. If I was on a limited budget, I’d happily spend it all on a high-quality mattress and sleep in a bare room.

•  Light. Blockout curtains are a must. If you’re in a situation where you might want privacy during the day, consider double tracks so you can mount sheer curtains as well as blockouts, or install both blinds and curtains. If you have young children who go to bed earlier than the sun sets in summer, try to plan the layout so thebedroom faces the morning sun.

•  Sound. Unfortunately, good design cannot do much about your partner’s snoring, but there is plenty of other unwanted noise you can prevent. Double glazing will assist with outside noise and there are insulating products for internal walls. Simple things, such as not placing a TV against a wall adjoining a bedroom, can help at no cost.

•  Temperature. The minimum recommended temperature is 16°C, and the ideal is 18°C, but be aware the body cools during sleep. Double glazing, good curtains, roof cavity ventilation systems, heat-transfer ducting, ducted heat pumps and flat-panel heaters are all potential considerations during the planning stage.

•  Ventilation. I’ve heard some people can sleep in airtight, stuffy rooms, but I don’t believe that it’s ideal. Windows with security stays and ventilation systems all help.

Now for the fun part. Bedrooms are a private place, so you can indulge yourself a little, producing a relaxing space that best suits you. Start with a mood board, where you can assemble your photos, fabric and paint samples and anything else you’re intending to use to ensure you’re going to achieve a coherent design.

If you’re a night-time reader, you will need a suitable lamp, but bedroom lighting is more about fitting in with your overall design, and producing the right mood, than about achieving a high lumen level. There are also some great lampshades for children’s rooms that produce interesting light patterns.

Also, on the ceiling you will need a smoke alarm. Ensure it doesn’t have a little flashing light that tells you it’s still working.

Relaxing neutral colours are usually considered best for a bedroom, having said

A bed and beyondA bedroom should be relaxing and practical, but also reflect its owners, interior designer Leeanne Kerr says.

that I’ve designed a whole colour scheme around a client’s favourite handmade Indian bedspread; it was pretty colourful, but worked wonderfully. You can use wallpaper or paint three walls and use patterned and textured wallpaper as a feature wall. Alternatively, just have plain walls and introduce pattern and texture using the duvet cover and the window treatments.

Pin boards, magnetic boards, chalk boards and white boards are to my mind better alternatives than clearing tack off the walls or replacing age-specific murals, and still allow for personalisation.

I’m a big fan of wardrobe organisers and having books displayed in a secured bookcase. Despite securing ours, the bookcase was still ripped from the wall during the earthquakes, so make sure it won’t fall on the bed or block the access way.

In the master bedroom, consider making the bed the centrepiece. Jazz up a basic bed with a valance, or unique duvet cover, sheets and pillow cases. If you’re thinking of buying the whole bedroom suite, measure it first, then mark it out in your bedroom to see how cluttered it’s going to look. If you check out Japanese-style bedrooms, you’ll

notice they achieve that calm and relaxing look through simplicity and symmetry, and you can destroy this mood by having too much furniture.

If it’s a big renovation, try adding the biggest walk-in wardrobe you can, so you can store your belongings out of sight, leaving the bedroom free from humdrum furniture and allowing you room to add luxuries such as a full-length, free-standing mirror or a nice chair and ottoman.

I’ve noticed that while people treat master bedrooms as a private space, they don’t make them a personal space; they’re often utilitarian, don’t reflect anything unique about the owners and aren’t spaces in which you would want to spend time. This doesn’t have to be the case and I encourage you to make your mark on this personal retreat.

INTERNATIONAL STYLE: Japanese bedrooms achieve a calming atmosphere through simplicity and symmetry.

MAKE IT Lux: Spice up your master bedroom with

inviting manchester and lavish furniture.

KARMA ChAMELEON:Keep kids’ rooms neutral; accessories and

furniture can be changed easily as they grow up.

email: info@innature.co.nz website: www.innature.co.nz

0508 466288 (INNATURE)

Order Organic Latex Mattress and receive FREE 2 x Organic cotton/wool pillows (value $110) to complete your healthy bed.

Order Organic Latex Mattress and Quality Slat bed frame and receive FREE a set of Organic cotton sheets (value $250-$290) to complete your healthy bed. * valid till 31st of December 2015

Organic & 100% Natural

Excellent spine alignment and pressure point relief

NO springs, NO synthetics, NO glues

Choose from 4 levels of support: Firm, Medium, Medium Soft or Soft.

Direct to You from our factory - best value!

Comfort & customer satisfaction guaranteed

Green products: sustainable & biodegradable

why buy an Organic Latex mattress?

pure restWhy buy an Organic Latex Mattress?

R Sleep comfortable, safe & supported with optimal spinal alignment & pressure relieving effectR NO springs, NO synthetics, NO gluesR Handmade from natural & biodegradable materials: Organic Latex, Coconut husk fibre & pure NZ woolR Finished with Organic cotton & hemp fabric coverRR Every mattress has handles to help you to flip & turn it: breathable, comfortable and durableR Up to 20 years lifespan. NZ crafted.

We make and sell direct to customers Organic Latex Mattresses, Design Solid Timber Slat Beds, Organic Futons, Organic Baby Cot Mattresses, Sustainable Furniture & Organic bedding - everything you need for quality healthy rest. Nationwide delivery!

www.innature.co.nz Tel. 0508 466288

Home & Leisure | 8

bedroom

Keep it naturalRebecca Lees discovers there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to mattresses and bed linen.

It doesn’t take a scientist to work out the toxic smell emitted from a new mattress can’t be good for you.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are known to be hazardous to our health and can potentially be given off by new mattresses, pillows and linen. Household items like these, when made of synthetic materials derived from petrochemicals, risk containing formaldehyde, solvents, plastics, flame retardants and adhesives. They are not the type of materials I’d enjoy breathing in at night.

So, how do you know what you’re purchasing won’t cause any long-term health issues? Afterall, we spend a third of our lives lying in bed and our immune systems should be regenerating during this time, rather than fighting the effects of toxic chemicals. There are a range of alternative options out there for those who want to be proactive and ensure their bedrooms have low toxicity levels. Take the time when choosing mattresses and bedding to include low toxicity in your

decision making. Instead of rushing out at the first sign of a sale,

save up and spend a little extra buying items that

are made from 100 per cent natural materials and are organic and sustainably sourced.

We have plenty of choice in which natural materials to choose

when purchasing a new bed mattress. Natural

latex comes from the fast-growing Hevea brasiliensis

or rubber tree. Wool and coconut fibre are also other

options. Being naturally fire-resistant, there is no need for these materials to be coated in chemicals. They’re hypo-

allergenic, anti-microbial and deter pests such as dust mites. Unlike petrochemical-based materials, these natural fibres and rubbers are breathable and less likely to accumulate moisture.

When it comes to bed linen cotton may seem like a perfectly natural choice, but this is a water and chemical-intensive crop. Some say for each pound of cotton produced, at least 10 applications of pesticides and more than 11,000 litres of water are used. Then, there’s the process of bleaching and the waste this creates. Organic non-bleached materials, which are sustainably sourced, are a good option if you’re wanting to strip your bed linen of toxins, while providing support to the farmers who grow these organic, sustainable crops. Some to choose from include: cotton, wool, linen or hemp fabrics.

There is also a range of natural pillows from which to choose. Buckwheat husk is one to try. Buckwheat is a fruit, not a wheat, and is related to rhubarb. These pillows literally mould to the shape of your head and in around 10 years, when the pillow is worn out, you can simply empty the buckwheat onto your compost heap. Choose New Zealand organically grown buckwheat pillows to support NZ farmers in growing this crop. Wool and natural-latex pillows are also available, so take the time and choose the one that feels right to you.

When purchasing beds and linen, do your research. Question the manufacturers and sales people along the way about how the item was made, what the manufacturing process involved, and whether the item you’re purchasing is likely to emit VOCs. By choosing organic, sustainably sourced materials, you’ll be supporting better farming and manufacturing practices, while building a market for high-quality, natural products that provide health benefits without the use of harmful toxins.

SLEEP EASY: Natural latex pillows won’t emit VOCs while you rest.

NATURE’S ANSWER: Tapping latex from a

rubber tree.

CA

RPA

RK

LIBRARY NEW WORLD

HA

REW

OO

D R

D

FARRINGTON AVE

Phils Furniture Warehouse

MITRE10

See our full range of furniture in store • 100% local since 1973

Bishopdale Mall, Christchurch

Phone 03 359 1663(South end off Farrington Ave) www.philanddansfurniture.co.nz

Phil & Dan’s

Furniture Warehouse

$599SUPERBUY

LAST SHIPMENTBEFORE CHRISTMASPRICES SLASHED!

Quality Emerald Queen Pillowtop Mattress and Base

Beauty Sleep Queen Mattress and Base

HALFPRICE

With memory foam and zoned pocket springs for great comfort.

$799SUPERBUY

Phil & DAn

hAve The BeST

DeAlS.

AlWAYS

LOCAL CITY DELIVERYJUST $40

JUST ARRIVED!NEWCONTAINER

BE QUICK FOR THESE

SUPERBUYS!

Full innersprung mattresses, top

and bottom.Available in single

and king single.

Our Popular Rio Trundler Bed

$669SUPERBUY

9 | Home & Leisure

bedroom

No matter the size of our homes, clever storage solutions will always ensure we’re making the most of our interior space, and this is no more apparent than in the bedroom, where burgeoning drawers and cluttered wardrobes may dominate if we let them. By making maximum use of wasted potential storage space within the bedroom, you can begin to create a restful and practical environment where everything has its proper place.

Begin by freeing up floor space (as this will make even the smallest room appear larger) and banish any underutilised, oversized furniture. Freestanding wardrobes, dominating drawers and impractical dressing tables often take up much more space than is justified with the storage room they offer in return.

A wall-mounted cupboard or shelving unit with a hinged front may double as a handy space-saving desk or dressing table

Further ideas for extra bedroom storage:•  A wide shelf (or deep windowsill) can

double as a bedside desk or table.•  Reclaim the unused space above a

headboard with cupboards or shelves.•  Utilise any space beneath the bed with

purpose-built MDF storage crates on wheels for easy access.

when needed, and high shelves can be used to store those things not in frequent use such as books or decorative objects. Consider, too, the width of shelving to avoid unnecessary intrusion into the space – a narrow shelf may be more than enough to house a row of paperback books.

Built-in wardrobes and cupboards are a long-popular option for main bedroom storage, but even these can be potential space wasters if not properly used or modified. We need a hanging space for clothes within a wardrobe, but then there’s often wasted space above and below this. Consider extra shelving above (and around) the hanging rail to accommodate other items and perhaps drawers or wheeled storage boxes below. Even extra hooks and narrow hangers on the back of the wardrobe door will help to increase storage space.

We’re all familiar (and grateful) for the ubiquitous drawers under the bed, but

consider some more ingenious ways of creating extra storage within this major piece of bedroom furniture. Headboards are a great way to integrate additional shelving (to accommodate some night-time reading or rest a morning cuppa perhaps?) and with wall-mounted lighting above the headboard, you may well have done away with the need for a bedside table (freeing up even more floor space). Deeper headboards can also conceal clever mini drawers or sliding storage units.

Consider those awkward areas within a room that may be better utilised (and at the same time kill two birds with one stone). The space beneath a bay window may be perfect for a built-in bench seat (with a hinged ‘lid’ that can double as generous storage beneath) or the space above a window may be the perfect spot for a wooden pelmet (doubling as a display shelf).

For those really hell-bent on squeezing

every last inch of storage space out of a bedroom, consider freeing up the floor space entirely by raising the bed and incorporating it into a purpose-built ‘top bunk’ with masses of space below – and with built-in steps cleverly concealing a drawer beneath each tread, you’ll be maximising every last inch of storage space. Ideal and fun for a kid’s room, there’s no reason why such an ambitious and bold approach wouldn’t work in an adult’s bedroom, too.

Store it up Mark Rayner helps us

maximise space in the bedroom with alternative storage options.

NO WASTED SPACE: Unused space above the headboard and around the bed can be utilised to create imaginative

and practical storage space.OUT OF SIGHT: Cleverly designed built-in

cupboards will maximise storage in a bedroom.

9 Klondyke Drive, Hornby, Christchurch

Phone 982 1700www.moda.co.nz

Call now to book a time with one of our kitchen designers – 0800 466 632

View our latest acrylic kitchen on display

Designer Kitchens at DiY PriCes

option TWO

NEW COOL MINT COOKWARE

inject a breath of fresh air into your home with the latest hue from Le Creuset, Cool Mint. Adding instant elegance, this enchanting pastel will add a chic and refreshing accent to any kitchen or table.

ideal for everyday cooking and stylish oven-to-table serving, choose from a fantastic selection of versatile shapes and sizes, including the new Cast iron Round, oval and Shallow Casseroles, omelette pan and Signature Square Grillit. Complement your Cast iron collection with an eye-catching selection of peruh Kettle, professional Silicone tools, Mills and Stoneware pieces including Heritage Rectangular Dishes, Mini Casseroles, Utensil Jar, Storage Jar, Ramekins, Mugs and Espresso Mugs.

54 Holmwood Road, Fendalton phone 03 356 1807

www.thecookshop.co.nzMon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm

Home & Leisure | 10

DIY

Step OneAdjust the cutting angle of the drop saw to 30 degrees and cut the end off your board.

Step twOMeasure 160mm from the long end of the point and make a mark.

Step threeCut the board so the two angles are going in opposite directions and it is 160mm at its longest edge. (Note: there should be one long side and one short side.) Repeat this process to make 24 pieces all the same.

Step FOurReadjust the saw back to 90 degrees and cut two boards at 200mm.

Timber Planter PotGrant Stephens and Rebecca Hammond show us a creative way to construct a timber planter pot that looks great and is very strong.

MaterialS• 4000mm of 45mm x 45mm dressed H4 treated timber • 12mm treated plywood • 70mm galvanised nails • 20mm galvanised tack nails • Potting mix • Plant of your choice

tOOlS• Drop saw • Tape measure • Pen • Handsaw • Hammer

ON TREND:Try painting the

pieces of wood different colours

before you nail them together, to add

artistic flair.

Member of NZ Arboriculture Association

For quotes and enquiries phone 03 349 7143For urgent enquiries phone 027 272-6710

Email: office@arbor-tek.co.nz www.arbor–tek.co.nz

• Pruning

• ExpertTreeFelling

• FullyInsured

• FreeQuotes

• PowerlineClearing• BranchChipping• CompetitiveRates• OrionApproved

Contractor

FULLY QUALIFIED ARBORISTS

CALL US 0800 KEYLESS (539537) Locked out? BurgLed?

Access lock speciAlistsYour locAl lock, keY And sAfe speciAlists.

170 Waterloo Road, Hornby l Phone: 344 5959 l Fax: 344 5969Email: sales@accesslocks.co.nz l www.accesslocks.co.nz

Show room open: 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday. 9am - 12pm Saturday.

24 HourEmergency

Service

CAVIUS SMOKE & THERMAL HEAT DETECTORSThe Cavius Photoelectric Smoke Alarm is the world’s smallest smoke alarm with a 10 year long-life battery and penetrating 85dB sound and is sold individually or in a convenient pack of 3. Where an area is prone to smoke or steam such as kitchens, the Cavius Thermal Heat Alarm is the answer and will activate from heat rather than smoke. Both detectors use a unique “smart clip” ceiling mechanism for easy installation.

SPECIAL for CAV10 only $49.90 (normally $59.90) with this ad only (valid until 31 October 2015)

INTRODUCING – THE CHUBB JADE SAFE

from sAfes to sAfetYThe Chubb ‘Jade’ Home Safe has been specifically designed to provide protection against fire and burglary attack. Features: 1 hour fire

resistance, Burglary resistance construction, Electronic digital keypad lock powered by 4 AA alkaline batteries, Bolt-down kit included. Dimensions: External: 365H x 435W x 400D Internal: 252H x 322W x 260D Volume: 21 litres Weight: 43kg

$595.00 incl GST

11 | Home & Leisure

DIY

Step FiveLightly sand off any burrs or splinters.

Step SixLay out six of the pieces, as shown above. It is important that it is done like this for the next layer to work.

Step eightLay the cylinder upside down onto a piece of treated pine and draw around the edge. Use the handsaw to cut out the shape roughly 20mm in from the line that’s drawn.

Step tenNail on the two remaining 200mm pieces as feet, then drill some drainage holes in the plywood base.

Step elevenTurn the planter over and fill the cavity with potting mix. Plant the bulbs or plants you wish and wait for them to grow.

Step twelveStep back and admire your new timber planter pot and its stunning flowers.

Step SevenDo another layer on top, but start so that the pieces cross over the joins of the ones below. Use the nails to fix these in place and slowly work your way up until you have a cylinder four pieces high.

Step nineTurn the cylinder back over, so that the nail heads are facing up, and lay the plywood over the top. Use the smaller nails to fix this in place.

You may find it easier to pre-nail the pieces of timber so

they don’t move around a lot during

construction.

“A local team for local people”

41A SHAKESPEARE RD, WALTHAM

PHONE 03 366 0525 www.enviromaster.co.nz

HEAT PUMP SALE NOW ON!

Amazin’ spring Specials!!

Phone us today for your free consultation & quote

• We will offer you the best quality brands and option of heat pump for your home/business

• Providing Heat Pump solutions for over 13 years to Cantabrians

• We personally guarantee all our products & installs for 5 years (providing annual maintenance has been completed)

Why work with us for your earthquake repairs, renovation, alteration or new build?

We engaged Steve from Probuild NZ to complete our earthquake repair work on our 1920’s villa in St Albans. Steve and the team were available through the entire process and passed on great tips and information from dealing with EQC assessors and then through the entire repair schedule. The repairs started and finished on time and have been completed to a great standard. We are delighted with how the repairs and the additional upgrades to the bathroom and the kitchen have turned out.We would have no hesitation in recommending Steve from ProBuild to complete any work in the future.

Dan Hopkins

We are STRONG on 100% customer satisfactionWe are a small locally owned building companyWe do things right the first time65 homes repaired during the CHRP with no call backs.We are on site everyday till the job is done.

Ph: 355 1355 | M 021 550 027e: probuildnz@gmail.com

The lawnmower is arguably the most common piece of machinery in garden sheds and often requires the greatest initial outlay when purchased new. It makes sense then to maintain this hardworking piece of equipment to ensure it works at its optimum, season after season, keeping your much-prized lawn in tip-top condition.

Spring into actionAfter a brief rest over winter, your trusty lawnmower will always benefit from a spot of TLC to bring it up to par for the busy months ahead.

Though your mower engine should be kept well-lubricated with regular top-ups of appropriate oil throughout the year (using the dipstick as a guide), spring is a good time to do a complete oil change. Impurities will build up in the oil during the cutting season which will eventually result in engine damage. As each model is different you’ll need to check with your manufacturer’s instructions to carry out a full oil change.

Check the mower’s air filter and replace or clean if necessary – again, checking with your user manual. Mowers with a foam filter will benefit from a wash of the filter

Home & Leisure | 12

ExtErior

Keeping it trimMark Rayner educates us on how to ensure the lawnmower is always in shape for the next task ahead.

with warm water and detergent and, once dry, the addition of a few drops of oil before replacing. Paper-type filters can be cleaned with an air hose, or, if badly clogged with debris, simply replaced.

To ensure a clean, first-time ignition, ensure the spark plug is up to scratch and, if necessary, clean it or replace it entirely, removing and installing the new one with a suitable wrench. Again, check manufacturer’s recommendations for this.

The sharpness of the cutting blades must also be addressed, but these should also be maintained on a more regular basis, too, to ensure grass is cut cleanly whenever the mower is in use – blunt cutting blades will tear the grass, which will lead to a patchy cut and could even cause disease in the lawn.

Before doing any maintenance (or cleaning) underneath the mower, always detach the cap from the spark plug to prevent accidental ignition of the engine, and lift the mower up from the front to access the underside. Avoid tilting the mower on its side as this may allow oil from the sump to flow into the air filter causing difficulty starting and excessive smoking.

Carefully undo the bolt holding the blade in place (using a wrench) and then, once removed, hold the blade in a bench vice (for safety). Using a suitable sharpener (stone, grinder or metal file), carefully hone the blade to a keen edge, running in the same direction along the bevelled edge.

Clean and oil the blade with WD-40 (or similar) before carefully replacing, ensuring the blade bolt is sufficiently tightened.

ongoing maintenanceFor tip-top performance, always ensure your mower is stored away in a clean and dry place when not in use and (unless it is an electric mower) store it right way up rather than hanging from the wall.

After use, ensure the mower is clean of grass clippings and other debris, both from underneath (especially around the blade) and the main body of the motor. Clean (and dry) with an old cloth or brush as rotting grass clippings can, over time, create an acid that can cause damage.

Frequently check that all nuts, bolts and screws on the handle, chassis and blade are correctly tightened (tighten if necessary) and if any appear to be missing or damaged, avoid using the mower until they can be replaced.

Similarly, check the condition of the string-pull starter as these are likely to fray and eventually break with long-term use. If fraying occurs, take to your nearest lawn-mower repair workshop for replacement.

Keep other moving parts (such as wheels) well lubricated to protect and maintain smooth action.

conSult the expertThough a good, ongoing maintenance regime for your mower is advisable (as with

a motor vehicle), it’s also a good idea to get your mower fully serviced from time to time by an expert as they may spot problems not obvious to inexperienced eyes.

top tipS for happy mowingIf the lawn hasn’t been cut for a while, avoid ‘scalping’ it with a low cut first time as this can stress the grass and cause damage. Instead, gradually reduce the height with a weekly cut until the desired length is achieved.

Slightly longer grass tends to be healthier than very low-cut grass as it retains more moisture in the soil and will also encourage a stronger root system – 4cm is about right.

Mow backwards and forwards in alternate (slightly overlapping) lines to create a neat ‘striped’ effect and, for safety, always avoid dragging the mower backwards.

Wet grass will clog the machine and tends not to cut cleanly, so wait until dew is dry before mowing a lawn.

Take care when mowing around plants with fibrous and strappy leaves as these can become tangled around the shaft causing damage to the mower. Cabbage tree leaves are especially bad for this.

Wear suitable safety gear and protective clothing when mowing. Earmuffs, safety goggles and sturdy (preferably steel-capped) boots will ensure you’re safe to mow another day.

For our latest offers call 0800 111 313 or visit mrrental.co.nz

COmputing entertainment whitegOOds furniture + mOre!!

Mr Rental Christchurch 123 Blenhiem Road, Riccarton, Christchurch, South Island

* Based on a Weekly Rental Agreement. Fees and charges may apply. Credit check criteria apply. Full terms and conditions available on application. Visit mrrental.co.nz or ask in store for more details. Pictured products are for display purposes only. Products available at participating stores while stocks last. Brands and models may vary. Accessories are for illustration purposes and not included.

Mr Rental Fitness Solutions

Rower

Treadmill

Exercise Bike

Crosstrainer

Spin Cycle

Love the absolute convenience of getting fit in your home.For our latest offers call 0800 111 313 or visit mrrental.co.nz

COmputing entertainment whitegOOds furniture + mOre!!

Mr Rental Christchurch 123 Blenhiem Road, Riccarton, Christchurch, South Island

*Based on Mr Flex with weekly/fortnightly/monthly payment period. Full terms and conditions available on application. Visit mrrental.co.nz or ask in store for details. Credit check criteria apply. Brands and models may vary.

Mr Rental Fitness Solutions

Rower

TreadmillExercise BikeCross Trainer

Spin Cycle

Mention this advert to recieve first week RENT FREE*

For our latest offers call 0800 111 313 or visit mrrental.co.nz

COmputing entertainment whitegOOds furniture + mOre!!

Mr Rental Christchurch 123 Blenhiem Road, Riccarton, Christchurch, South Island

*Based on Mr Flex with weekly/fortnightly/monthly payment period. Full terms and conditions available on application. Visit mrrental.co.nz or ask in store for details. Credit check criteria apply. Brands and models may vary.

Mr Rental Fitness Solutions

Rower

TreadmillExercise BikeCross Trainer

Spin Cycle

Mention this advert to recieve first week RENT FREE*

FULL RANGE OF QUALITY TILES TO SUIT ANY PROJECT DESIGN

Over 30 years experienceOnsite tiler to give expert advice

Wide range of tiles to suit both indoor/outdoorWe fit all budgets

Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 10am-3pm, Public Holidays 10am-3pm

280 Annex Rd, Middleton, Chch.Ph: (03) 343 3893

Email: chch@tilemax.co.nzwww.tilemax.co.nz

Visit our showroom today

13 | Home & Leisure

LEisurE

Steps to a beach-ready bodyGetting a body you can be proud of is achievable, Elly McGuinness says.

With the summer months fast approaching, the beach becomes a popular spot for Kiwi families to spend more of their time. It’s also the season people become intent on getting their body into shape to feel more comfortable in a swimsuit, or gear up for energy-sapping summer sports such as beach cricket.

It should be noted that optimal health and fitness is achieved through year-round efforts, but if you’ve hibernated for much of the winter and are ready to take the next positive step towards improving your physical wellbeing, then following these tips will help get you on track.

1. eat and drink wellThe simple focus here is plenty of water,

fresh fruit and vegetables, along with meat, eggs and legumes. Limit processed food as much as possible, as it can contribute to a decrease in energy levels and impair fat-burning ability. Start by thinking about one healthy step you can take towards improving your nutrition. Could you manage to snack on fruit in the morning, drink an extra glass of water every day, add an extra vegetable to your evening meals and take homemade lunches to work instead of buying something?

2. move your bodyFind a physical activity that you love to do and repeat it often enough so that you will get a result. Include some cardio (‘huffy puffy’) exercise, as well as some resistance

training, such as weights or bodyweight exercises, or a resistance-based exercise class in the gym. This will help ensure all the physical systems of the body are getting a great workout and that you’re progressing towards increased muscle tone, energy levels and heart and lung health.

3. prioritiSe Sleep and relaxationThe body repairs and burns fat when it is in a relaxed state. Therefore it is crucial to prioritise an early bedtime, which is ideally 10:30pm to stay in line with normal circadian rhythm. Add some relaxation into your day, every day. One of the easiest ways to do this when you are busy is to

stop a couple of times a day, close your eyes and focus on 10 long and slow, deep breaths. You will be amazed at what rest and relaxation will do for your energy levels.

4. Spend time with like-minded peopleSpend time with people who share your values of health and fitness. It is common to adopt similar habits and lifestyles to those whom we spend the most time with. Find friends, family members and colleagues who help inspire you. Spend more time with them and notice how your motivation to eat healthily and exercise regularly improves.what will your first step be?

Why do over 5000 customers a year keep buyingManufactured in Christchurch for Canterbury conditions using natural citrus extracts. Environmentally friendly. Very economical.

Complete with Spray Bottle

1000mls Citrus Cleaner Concentrate

$27.50Will make 20 x 500mls refills of a Citrus based Spray & Wipe. Just

measure 50ml of concentrate into the supplied labelled spray

Mop pads can be washed up to 200 timesFree on premises demonstrations

Free no obligation demonstration in store

The secret to quick streak free window cleaning is not newspaper

or vinegar, or some miracle

spray. The secret is professional

squeegees, washers and

microfibre cloths combined with

professional window cleaning

techniques.

Clean your windows

Citrus Cleaner

ConCentrate

if there was a better way the window

cleaning professionals

would be using it

Professional Window Cleaning Kits from $57

Mytee MiCroFiBreMoP $57

kerrick - yes dry vacuumNot the prettiest vacuum in the market but probably

the greatest suction available and it’s totally repairable. Can be used bagless or with a disposable bag.

save!! $100 normally $450 noW $350

if you are not satisfied full money back guarantee. no questions asked.

citrus shoWer shock!

noW stocked by selected mitre 10 mega

The Cleaners Warehouse Ltd521 Blenheim Rd Sockburn CHCHOpen Mon–Fri 8.30–5pm Saturday 10am–3pm

www.cleanerswarehouse.co.nz* discounts only available in-store.

“hoW to” “hoW to” “hoW to”Make a 500ml Citrus based Spray & Wipe for just $1.25

Mop your floor in half the normal time

No chemicalsThat’s got to be good for the environment

No buckets or sponge mops

no streaks, no smearsGuaranteed or we will give you

your money back.

Chemical Free

750ml Foam hd sprayer $10 (reusable)2000ml refill pack $22.955000ml refill pack $34.95

PHONE: 027 248 0220www.bowersbuildersltd.co.nz

Family owned & operated business providing exceptional

results to all our clients

• New Homes

• Renovations

• Earthquake Repairs

• House Levelling

Home & Leisure | 14

Leisure

Behind the beer

For anyone out there who may not yet have noticed, beer is a very big deal. Craft breweries are thriving in New Zealand and we are fortunate to be living in an exciting time and place where experimentation is encouraged, new taste sensations are created and where connoisseurs have come to expect and appreciate high-quality, natural brews.

As we walk through the doors of Three Boys Brewery, Woolston, we are greeted by the sweet, subtle aroma of hops and malt, a platter of fresh cut bread, cheese and pickled onions, and the smiling face of Misty Weed. We’re here for a Saturday afternoon tour that my husband has organised for his

workmates. His own love affair with Three Boys began several years ago and has been going strong ever since.

Misty invites us to take a complimentary Three Boys branded souvenir glass to fill with a Three Boys Pilsner from the tap. As we wait for the rest of our group to arrive, customers come in and refill their 2-litre, mini-keg growlers, purchase bottles, cans and even 20-litre kegs. It’s a bustling place.

When the rest of our group arrives, we are directed upstairs for an overview of the entire brewing operation. Misty welcomes us all and gives us a brief history of Three Boys Brewery, founded by Ralph Bungard 10 years ago. Misty herself, has been with

Three Boys for more than five years, and has worked in all areas of the brewing process, including cleaning kegs, labelling, taking orders and brewing.

The official tour begins downstairs in the brewery itself. As we wind our way past kettles, fermenters, the cooler room and bottle line, our glasses are topped up with tasty samples of selected Three Boys brew. Anita, another of the Three Boys brewers, tells us about our drink – a White IPA she has created. It has distinct citrus and tropical fruit flavours with strong hoppy tastes and aromas. It almost seems spicy; it’s delicious.

New Zealand-grown hops and malts

A brewery tour reinforces everything Linda Moser loves about beer.

are sourced from Motueka, Nelson and Dunsandel, with some outsourcing of ingredients where required. Three Boys brews are naturally delicious and are not filtered or pasteurised. The Brewers’ Reserve range includes an American Brown Ale (5.6%), Red Ale (6.5%), Smoked Ale (5%), Pineapple Lump Porter (5.2%), which sells out quickly and is only available once a year, White IPA (7.7%) and Coconut Milk Stout (4%), which is a gold medal and trophy-winning stout. The ever-popular and delicious Oyster Stout regularly wins gold medals at competitions and can be enjoyed in bottles and kegs.

Our group thoroughly enjoyed our tour and I would highly recommend a visit for anyone interested in New Zealand craft beer. I have purposely not shared specific details of the tour here as it would ruin your own experience, just one word of caution, don’t ask questions in the cooler room!

With The Twisted Hop just down the road and Cassels just around the corner, we’re thankful the craft beer fun does not need to stop after the tour has finished.

TAKE A TOUR: Carla Forester and

Misty Weed share some brewing secrets.

6 Hillview Road, PhillipstownP: 341 1338 W: www.eenergy.co.nz | E: info@eenergy.co.nzOnsite parking available

Join the Eenergy

• Sales • Installs • Servicing • Repairs • PartsPellet Fires | Heat Pumps | Wood Fires | Panel Heaters | Pellet Fuel

UNVEILING THE BRAND NEWCHAMPIONENAPELLET FIRE• European styling

• 7.5kW continuous output

• Programmable timer

• 3 year service plan and warranty available

• High efficiency

• Economical and affordable

Eenergy proudly stock Toshiba VIEW IN STORE!

IN STORENOW

15 | Home & Leisure

Top Left; New York 2.75 Seater Settee, Engineer Coffee Table, Rustic Circle Pattern Side Board, Moroccan Mirror, Botanica 100% Wool Tufted Rug Top Right; Oxford 4 Seater Settee & Footstool, Furtex Broadway

Cushions, LF White/Gold Cowhide Cushions, Diamond Patterned Lamps, Sable Gold Table, Venetian Mirrored Side Table Bottom; Adore 3+2.5 Seater Settee & Footstool, Edminton Coffee Table, Ashley Rug, Agra Bottle &

Vase, Furtex Curacao & Velvet Turquoise Cushions, Zebra Ceramic Stool, Corsair Black & Silver Mirror

210 Moorhouse Ave Christchurch 8011

phone 983 2712 fax 983 2714christchurch@furnitureconcepts.co.nz

Moorhouse Ave

Mon

trea

l St

Dur

ham

St

SHOWROOM

SALECome and see our stunning range of furniture & accessories

DESIGN INSPIRATION • EXPERT ADVICE • DIY PROJECTS • AND MORE