welcome
From habitat magazine - issue 01, editorial
There’s this tried and true Kiwi adage that says that if you want something done, start on it yourself and then leave it half finished.
Let’s face it, this unfortunate turn of affairs is simply a by-product of our strong – and often highly successful – DIY culture. Trouble is, there are those of us who begin with the best intentions, but sometimes run a little dry on ideas or expertise, and just don’t get as far as the finishing touches.
That’s why there’s Habitat. And that’s why there’s no longer any excuse.
Habitat has been designed to be both beautiful and practical. Our feature stories have been chosen to show how an architect or designer created the environment their client was after. There’s a list of supplier credits at the end of each article, along with tips from Resene on the colours that you could use to replicate the look in the photos.
However, one person’s taste is not necessarily another’s and, with this in mind, we took the first three locations to three other designers and asked them to create a different feel for those spaces. Look for the grid pattern on a key picture and for the alternative solutions for that room at the end of the story.
We also recognise that architecture and interior design are not disciplines that exist in a vacuum. When it comes to elements such as colour choice, they are influenced by all other aspects of design, including fashion, so we talk to Karen Walker, creator of the recently expanded Resene Karen Walker Paint range, about her inspiration for the collection and what she loves about her own home.
In addition to all this, you’ll find hints on choosing rugs, bed linen and taps, as well as useful tips for painting and wallpapering. We take a look at the dos and don’ts of paint tinting, and investigate upcoming colour trends and the science of colour forecasting.
And please don’t forget to fill in the reader survey and send it in to us. Not only will you go in the draw to win a Sony computer and camera package, but your feedback will also help us craft Habitat into the magazine that’ll help you get those decorating projects finished!
Rachel Macdonald and Jennifer Pownall editors