André Leon Talley dances with Diana Ross at Studio 54, 1979.

Expand your listening horizons with the best designer and celebrity endorsed Spotify playlists

Whether you’re after booty bouncing beats or sounds smoother than a Kardashian’s keratin-treated hair, here are the playlists to stream until the next work email demands attention. From celebrity mixes to fashion favourites and straight-up nineties throwbacks, ready your earbuds and surrender to the stream.

Michel Gaubert
As well as being one of the coolest people on Instagram, Michel Gaubert is the sound designer for Chanel, Loewe and Louis Vuitton’s epic runway shows. Prepare to pony walk down the corridor to the Pet Shop Boys, Kraftwerk, Robyn and Diana Ross. 

Honey Bones Summer 19
Just to qualify things, we know it’s no longer summer and it’s certainly no longer 2019 but Honey Bones Summer 19 is a reminder of much, much more carefree days. The vibe is best summed up by Angus & Julia Stone meets Boz Scaggs with a hefty dose of Rhye. It’s on constant repeat in the Denizen office, so tap into our musical spirit. 

I Love My 90s Hip Hop
It’s all there in the title, what else do you need to know? Put on your snap-side tracksuit pants and oversized sweater and bust some moves to Missy Elliot, De La Soul, Dr Dre, Common and some Fugees.

Kym Ellery’s Isolation Edit
Paris-based Aussie designer Kym Ellery is known for her exaggerated silhouettes and luxe fabrics. She created this playlist while isolating, and it’s a goldmine of simple, stripped back sounds. Let Dragon’s ‘April Sun in Cuba’, David Bowie’s ‘Sorry’ and Tame Impala’s ‘The Less I Know The Better’ play in the background as you go about your day.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row
Having transitioned from Full House to New York’s favourite twin set via their ultra-luxe, yet pared-back label The Row, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Spotify playlist is just what you would expect. The Row: February 2022 swings from Aretha Franklin and Fleetwood Mac to The Cure and Dean Blunt.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWSVTxXGsYRqe?si=4057858d25af427b

Katy Perry — At Home Together
With Katy Perry, one expects to get bright and breezy pop through a neon filter, which is exactly the vibe of her Spotify playlist At Home Together — designed for quarantining Americans but equally uplifting for Antipodeans at any time. Shuffle in your seat along to Harry Styles’ ‘Lights Up’, The Beach Boys’ ‘In Your Room’ and some old school Jamiroquai with ‘Virtual Insanity’. “Some of them are new and some of them are classic and some of them say exactly how I’m feeling in this time and some of them are hopeful little nuggets of empowerment,” Perry said. 

Jacquemus Showroom
French fashion’s It boy designer Simon Porte Jacquemus is known for his style-setting ready-to-wear shows (cue oversized straw hats and micro purses) but with this showroom playlist he’s offering a feast for the ears rather than the eyes, so you can feel his influence around you wherever you’re playing it from.

Missy Rayder
Supermodel Missy Rayder has nothing to prove when it comes to cool credentials, having walked for Balenciaga and Prada, but her taste in music is up there with her choice of designers. Missy Rayder’s Love-In features old school Johnny Cash, Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. “I chose songs that are meaningful for the time and artists who clearly have endured the darkness-found and were able to transform bleak days through the creative process manifesting in the song,” Rayder says.

Ryan Heffington — Sweatfest For Everyone
With his Instagram, Hollywood choreographer Ryan Heffington did his best to get everyone off the sofa during lockdown, and went viral in the process. His playlists are equally energising — this seriously upbeat mix is perfect for dressing-up drinks before a big night out or even for working out at home.

Culture

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A sensational smashburger kitchen opens in a Kingsland brewery and tasting room

The Urbanaut Brewery and Taproom in Kingsland is known for its colourful craft brews, with a rotating roster of food trucks on the weekend. It’s been a competitive spot for pop-up purveyors of everything from poutine to ramen and plant-based treats.

Now, the team has committed to one smashburger kitchen to rule them all — Burgernaut. By a former food trucker who used to set up regularly at Urbanaut, Jamie Stewart, Burgernaut offers simple yet sensational burgers for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike — with all sauces and seasonings made onsite.

Right: Texan smash burger.

“I have known and loved the crew, the venue, and their outstanding beers for several years now,” says the head chef, who previously frequented Urbanaut with his truck Toasted As. “My vision is to create burgers every bit as high quality as the delicious beers they offer, and to become known as the premier venue for burgers and beers in Auckland.”

As such, look out for the classics as well as limited-time specials, including the current favourite — a Texan smashburger. It features prime New Zealand Angus brisket patties with finely sliced onions and jalapeño smashed into the pattie, swirls of charred mustard and ketchup and, to top it off, double cheddar on a toasted milk bun. Plant based versions are available by switching to Impossible Meat and the dairy-free Angel Food cheese.

Classic smashburger.

Burgernaut is a team effort, with many of the new options on the menu dreamed up by chef Isaac Chadda, who comes from the team that set up Better Burger. With these concoctions served next to Urbanaut’s icy cold full-pour beers from twelve rotating taps, there are no shortage of feel-good ordering configurations that will keep you coming back.

Opening hours:
Wednesday to Saturday: 12 — 8pm
Sunday: 12 — 6pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Burgernaut at Urbanaut Brewery and Tap Room
597 New North Road
Kingsland, Auckland

www.urbanautbeer.com

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Fancy an in-home bar? This sleek modular designer offering is adaptable for any space

For when you want a great night in, an artful at-home bar is all you need for a niche knees-up. Known to push the boundaries of what we can expect for our home, Timothy Oulton’s bar range is causing quite the design stir.

The Classic Crystal Bar takes inspiration from the glamorous Art Deco period. Fashioned from illuminated moonstone sourced from Italy, and herringbone K9 optical glass prisms fixed by either steel or brass panels, it shimmers all night. A modern yet traditional concoction, it’s sure to be a talking point.

The equally elegant Classic Curved Bar shines in a choice of moonstone or black marble. Paired with a mirrored splashback and high bar stools, it elevates any nightcap.

Both bars are crafted by hand in Timothy Oulton’s artisanal workshops, and are available in one-metre sections from Dawson & Co to suit each speakeasy space.

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Neighbourhood Track Club. Photo by Jono Parker.

Hit the pavement with Auckland city’s best running routes

Whether it’s a quick lunchtime jog you’re after or an epic race along the waterfront, behold a round-up of the best runs in the CBD, commencing at Auckland Domain. Dust off your running shoes and leave the excuses at home. You’ll thank us in the long run.

The lunch break quickie
Duration: approximately 30 minutes | Distance: 4.5km
Ideal for inner-city professionals who need to let off a little steam, this run takes you through two of Auckland’s most popular parks — Auckland Domain and Albert Park. Starting at the War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain, you’ll head along Grafton Bridge past the Symonds Street Cemetery and along a short section of Karangahape Road to St Kevin’s Arcade. From here, it’s a quick sprint down Myers Park towards the Town Hall and Aotea Square and onward to Albert Park along Mayoral Drive. From Albert Park, turn onto Alfred Street (off Princes street), cross Symonds Street onto Grafton Road, which then crosses the motorway via pedestrian lights, and you’ll see the entrance back into the Domain once more ahead of you.

The three-park run
Duration: approximately 50 minutes | Distance: 10km
Not a bad way to start or end the workday, this run offers a scenic three-in-one. Starting from the corner of Lover’s Walk and Domain Drive (by the pond in Auckland Domain), you’ll head west via Park Road and Grafton Bridge to Karangahape Road. Run along to Ponsonby Road, and jog down through Western Park, before making your way towards Victoria Park via Howe Street, Hepburn Street and Franklin Road. Then, run along the promenade at the Viaduct. The seafront leg along Tamaki Drive takes you to a footbridge that passes over to the Parnell Baths (Auckland’s only outdoor saltwater pool). The path then winds up the side of a cliff to Resolution Park — the top of which offers an ideal place for a breather overlooking the beautiful Waitematā Harbour. After running through Resolution Park, along tree-lined St Stephens Ave, left on Parnell Road and right on Domain Drive, your run concludes back at the Auckland Domain.

The scenic waterfront route
Duration: approximately 50 minutes | Distance: 9.5km
Passing by unique historical, coastal and geological features, this run kicks off near the George Street exit of the Auckland Domain before heading left on Parnell Road and right down Ayr Street, passing Kinder House and Ewelme Cottage. Continue along Shore Road, Orakei Road and over the Purewa Bridge, which crosses between the Orakei Basin (an ancient volcanic crater) on the right-hand side and Hobson Bay on the left. Follow Ngapipi Road along the shores of Hobson Bay and Whakatakataka Bay and then back along Tamaki Drive. When you arrive at the Dove-Myer Robinson Park, make your way through the Parnell Rose Gardens, then up Gladstone Road and St Stephens Ave towards the Holy Trinity Cathedral. This is the perfect place for a rest, before walking back to Auckland Domain (via Parnell Road) to cool down.

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Get back to business with the best blazers to shop now

Power dressing doesn’t always mean padded shoulders and pinstripes, as anyone who has felt the welcome surge of confidence that comes with buttoning up a blazer will attest. The blazer is one of those reach-for wardrobe essentials, promoted in recent seasons on the runway from corporate staple to a welcome addition to any ensemble.

Blazé Milano Chacco Kid Everyday checked wool blazer from Net-a-porter, Double-breasted satin and grain de poudre wool blazer from Saint Laurent, Jumbo GG canvas blazer from Gucci.
Acne Studios Double Breasted Suit Jacket from Workshop, V04 Fitted Jacket from Dior, Mae Blazer from Camilla and Marc.

For those wishing to tap into the androgynous energy encompassing luxury fashion houses, boxy silhouettes and single button styles offer a tailored cocoon that adds instant impact on top of denim and leggings, while single button cuts balance out the feminine frippery of pleated maxi skirts and printed tea dresses.

Harris Blazer from Harris Tapper, Hourglass Tuxedo Jacket from Balenciaga, Double-breasted wool blazer from Alexander McQueen.
Double-breasted pinstriped wool blazer from Saint Laurent, Christopher Esber Redux Blazer from Muse, Blanca Vita single-breasted tailored blazer from Farfetch.

There’s also a more seductive silhouette on offer, with blazers nipped at the waist with elongated sleeves playing with hourglass proportions. Worn with a prim blouse, satin camisole or even a statement bra, these blazers mean business.

Caitlin Crisp Marjorie Linen Blazer from Muse, Double-breasted mohair blazer from Louis Vuitton, The Garment Chicago Blazer from Workshop.
Francis Blazer from Paris Georgia, Boyfriend Jacket from W by Working Style, Light GG canvas double-breasted jacket from Gucci.

Coveted

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Arrangements by Michael Anastassiades for Flos at Milan Design Week 2018

You know his work but what of the man behind it? Get acquainted with prolific designer Michael Anastassiades

Born in Cypress but based in London, where he studied industrial design and engineering at London’s Royal College of Art and Imperial College, and where, in 1994, he first launched his own design studio, Michael Anastassiades is a designer whose impressive career spans more than 20 years. Over that time, Anastassiades has honed a practice that spans products, spatial interventions and experimental works, proving his prowess as much in industrial production as in artisanal techniques and establishing himself as one of those rare designers able to create products that are luxurious and meticulous, while always maintaining an element of simple practicality. For him, timelessness and lasting design is the underlying goal.

Of course, if you know anything about this designer, it’s most likely to be his work with lighting. Anastassiades has cultivated a stellar reputation for lighting design that combines simple, geometric shapes (think tubes, oblongs, spheres) with materials like polished bronze and mirrored glass. Lights like his series for Flos, are made to appear as though standing at odds with the laws of gravity — orbs perched awkwardly on angular stands, or hanging off a rod, attached, apparently, to nothing. He is masterful at playing with moments of tension in his work, so that to look at one of his pieces is to question everything you think you know about construction. So revered is Anastassiades for his lighting, in fact, that its these kinds of pieces that now make up around 80 percent of his studio’s commission work.

So, in the interest of giving you a crash course in design history, and hopefully imbuing those pieces you might have sitting in your living room with a little more context, we have rounded up four interesting things to know about this prolific designer — available locally from ECC.

1. He fell into design accidentally
Originally, Anastassiades wanted to be an artist. But to appease his parents’ expectations, he enrolled in the industrial design and engineering courses that would inevitably prove the gateway to his career. And while it’s hardly surprising that creativity had been his calling from a young age, design was never a straightforward prospect for him. Ironically, it was likely this sense that he didn’t fit the traditional ‘mould’ of design that ultimately gave Anastassiades such a unique perspective and approach to his work (and ultimately contributed to his success).

2. He stands at odds with the idea of ‘newness’
Speaking with Dezeen last year, Anastassiades explained that, despite the fact that the nature of his work was to create new products, his attitude was (rather paradoxically) that “nothing in this world is new… not even ideas.” Instead, Anastassiades acknowledges that while ideas already exist, there is a creativity in finding the qualities that make them timeless, that extend their relevance over a longer period. It’s this attitude that has resulted in Anastassiades’ focus on design that truly lasts. And really, when you look at his lighting work, many of the pieces he has created would be suitable in a range of trends and times.

3. His collaboration with Flos was a turning point
Some of Anastassiades’ most recognisable work, and the pieces we have become so familiar with from seeing at ECC, are the lights he designs for Flos. Teaming up with the renowned Italian brand allowed Anastassiades to pair his design experience with a newfound sense of freedom, thanks to the larger scale he was afforded. It’s hardly surprising then, that his Flos collections seem to garner such widespread acclaim — they are the perfect expression of this Anastassiades’ design philosophy.

4. His work sits in a number of internationally-revered permanent collections
Anastassiades work can be seen in the permanent collections of institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the V&A Museum in London. It has also, in the past, been showcased in exhibitions at globally-renowned galleries like London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts, the Design Museum, Somerset House and Sotheby’s.

Design

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Honey Bones.

Rise and shine with Denizen’s definitive guide to Auckland’s best brunch dishes

Whether the saying ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ is true or false, that’s beside the point. What’s important is, breakfast is delicious and that’s a fact. From both trusty regulars and new obsessions, these brunch dishes from our favourite cafes are all the motivation you need to get out of bed.

Cilbir Eggs or The Full Bones from Honey Bones
It’s easy to see why both locals and hungry visitors flock to Grey Lynn’s Honey Bones every Saturday (or every day for that matter). The middle-eastern inspired menu is so good that it’s hard to pick just one dish. The Cilbir is a crowd-pleaser with perfectly poached eggs nestled in a bed of creamy Greek yoghurt and served with a side of crisp sourdough and chilli butter to mop it all up. For those wanting something a little more classic, the Full Bones has all your bases covered. Two eggs, bacon, mushrooms, hash, avocado, whipped feta and sourdough. What more could you want? 

Stracciatella Pita from Williams Eatery
Williams’ ever-revolving menu of pitas is not to be missed. No matter what delectable flavour combination might be on offer during your visit, we can guarantee you that it’s going to be good. Currently, the Wynyard Quarter eatery has a stracciatella rendition on the menu featuring their crispy, buttery pita topped with oozy stracciatella cheese and fresh radicchio, with pickled rose onions and heirloom tomatoes for crunch and flavour.

The Breakfast Burger from The Candy Shop, Odettes Complete from Odettes.

The Breakfast Burger from The Candy Shop 
With a name that suggests more guzzling on gummy bears than indulging in hearty breakfast fare, since opening in 2018, The Candy Shop has gone on to build a solid reputation for its genre-bending food. The delectable breakfast burger is arguably the best in town, loaded with a fried egg, bacon, a crispy yet fluffy potato rosti, herbed avocado, creamy hollandaise and a salty, sweet and sticky bacon jam. 

Odettes Complete from Odettes
For a fresher take on the classic big brekkie, opt for the Odettes Complete. A staple on the menu since day dot, the dish comes with two poached eggs, a colourful array of juicy heirloom tomatoes, avocado, crispy bacon and an addictively good whipped feta that will have you scraping up every last bite. 

Kedgeree from Ozone Coffee Roasters
From the first time we first visited the Ozone Coffee Roasters to this very day, the smoked fish kedgeree has never done us wrong. The rice is mixed with creamy labneh, salsa verde and kumara crunch for texture. Last but not least, a poached egg adds richness to the entire dish as the golden yolk runs through the rice. Swoon.

Ricotta Toast from Florets 
For those wanting something extra wholesome, Grey Lynn newcomer Florets has you covered. Founder Maya Handley has garnered a dedicated following over the last two years for her delicious organic, whole-grain loaves that are made using locally sourced ingredients. Our pick for something sweet is the homemade ricotta honeycomb and olive oil or slow jam served on oat porridge sourdough. For savoury lovers, the whipped macadamia with peas and beans on rye is also delicious.

Half-and-half from Dizengoff, Bharta eggs from Seabreeze.

Half-and-Half from Dizengoff
Not a new dish, but one that consistently guarantees premium quality — the half-and-half from Dizengoff. Any mushroom fan is bound to know about this dish — rumour has it that this is the best interpretation of creamy balsamic mushrooms in town. Meanwhile, the other half of the plate is accompanied by scrambled eggs to create a perfectly balanced breakfast.

Bharta Eggs from Seabreeze
Seabreeze, a Westmere favourite, is renowned for the bone marrow burger for lunch and the Bharta eggs for breakfast. The perfectly poached eggs are served with an aubergine puree and whipped yoghurt. Finally, the chilli butter adds a decadence to the breakfast, making it the perfect accompaniment to the crispy, toasted sourdough on the side.

V.B from Hare and the Turtle
We love it when a place does one thing well, and for New Windsor cafe Hare and the Turtle, that’s sandwiches. We can’t go past the V.B, a sinfully good sandwich that consists of a fried egg, melted Edam cheese, crispy hash brown and chutney, all in a housemade bun.

Acai Bowl from Little Bird
When you’re in serious need of healthful nourishment, look no further than Little Bird’s acai bowl. A thoughtful and tasty blended bowl of acai berries, organic berries, coconut yoghurt, banana and “grawnola”, this is exactly what you need to feel re-energised and ready to take on the day.

Gastronomy

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Market fish crudo, green gazpacho, dill, preserved lemon, citrus oil.
Spanish fried chicken, romesco hung yogurt, nduja butter, lemon.
Crispy calamari, whipped taramasalata, chilli oil.

Remuera’s favourite Mediterranean eatery, Siso, is the perfect spot for a family-style Sunday long lunch

Paula and Richard Sigley, the owners of the popular urban eatery Siso, are all too familiar with the fundamentals of putting on a fantastic hospitality offering. After sadly shutting the doors to Euro, due to Covid late last year, the couple has taken the time to inject their own personal brand of hospitality magic into their other successful neighbourhood eateries such as Andiamo and Siso.

Fresh burrata, roasted pumpkin, toasted pine nuts, sage; Taramasalata, pork crackling, chilli oil.

Located on a sunny corner in Remuera, Siso has become a firm favourite of the eastern suburb locals in its first year of operation. Within the stunning yet supremely comfortable interior and its warm atmosphere — created by interior design studio CTRL Space — the eatery offers plenty of opportunities to find respite from the outside world. The rear private dining room, in particular, is the perfect spot to celebrate or reconnect with friends and family — while the bar at the front, with its wide-opening windows, allows for the fresh outdoor air to flow freely through the elegant archways and sheer curtains inside.

Siso’s private dining space.

The menu at Siso is a hearty and flavoursome combination of Mediterranean flavours. Take the freshly baked sourdough flatbreads, paired with a variety of irresistible dips such as taramasalata sprinkled with pork crackling and chilli oil, or fresh crushed peas, fava beans, sheep’s feta, dukkah and brown butter. They do more than just whet the appetite.

Small plates include the likes of market fish crudo with pickled chilli, cucumber and crème fraîche; spinach pie with goat feta and filo pastry; local octopus in a puttanesca-style sauce; and Hawke’s Bay lamb meatballs served with charred aubergine and toasted grains.

Linguine ‘cacio pepe’, egg yolk, parmigiana Reggiano; the Maiden Voyage.

While the menu does include Italian influences with burrata and pasta (fresh linguine with mushrooms), overall the selection of dishes skews towards Greek. Various salads are wholesome yet still hearty additions. Within the larger plates, expect the likes of vine-wrapped market fish with lemon, chermoula and herb salad or organic chicken breast with orzo, lemon, basil, smoked paprika and chorizo. The lamb shoulder is a highlight for sharing, cut on the bone with preserved lemon and baby garlic potatoes.

With the current climate seeing people spend more time closer to home, there’s been an upsurge in the popularity of local eateries. And with the Sigleys’ commitment to doing all they can to ensure the safety of both staff and customers, there is no better time to keep calm and carry on, knowing that getting together with friends and family is the salve we all need to remain sane in 2022.

We have your chance to win a Sunday lunch at Siso for eight people, valued at $800.

This competition is now closed.

Gastronomy

Pizza lovers, there’s a new slice in town — Meet Brave Pizza
Skip the stress this festive season with the City’s most enticing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining events
Skip the socks and give your Secret Santa the gift they actually want this Christmas with a personalised bottle of Glenfiddich whisky

Jo Bro’s Burgers has opened its first dedicated outpost in Point Chevalier

No-fuss yet full of flavour, Jo Bro’s Burgers has garnered a following all over town — both from its 80s-leaning caravan rolling around Auckland and its spot at Titirangi’s joint outing, Street Feast. Now, Brody Jenkins and Josh Barlow have found a permanent, dedicated outpost for a full appreciation of their perfected burgers. 

On a hole in the wall spot in Point Chevalier (previously filled by the Red Snapper fish and chippery), the standalone store is bringing that same kind of food truck energy, with a more personal touch — Barlow and his family even painted the interior in Jo Bro’s colours themselves.

“We weren’t actually planning on opening our second store so soon after the first,” says Jenkins. “But the opportunity came up and it was so good that we couldn’t say no!”

Like at Street Feast in Titirangi (which opened six months ago) they’re enjoying Point Chevalier’s great sense of community, as well as the scope patrons have to take their order, and ice-cold sodas, to the beach. “It’s a busy residential area calling out for better food, so we saw Jo Bro’s as a perfect fit,” adds Jenkins.

Jo Bro’s has always believed, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And the menu here includes all of their burgers based on the Californian classic — with an unseeded potato bun, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and burger sauce. To make something so simple sing, Jo Bro’s relies on high-quality produce. The locally-made potato sponge buns are baked daily and the beef and chicken are sourced from accredited farms known for their sustainability efforts, including Awhi Ruapehu Angus. For vegetarians that seek that bite-into-it moment, the plant-based burger comes with an Impossible Meat patty.

Fulfilling its ‘golden burger ratio’ are the Jo Bro’s sauces. Five years in the making, and inspired by extensive travel in the US, the Jo Bros Original ™ is a trade-marked sauce that satisfies all cravings as an all-in-one condiment.

While there are a few seats available to lick your fingers in the new space, Jo Bro’s will mostly service online orders and takeaways. Tempting us even further, the Cream Ice-Cream food truck will be parked out front this Friday and Saturday, and is sure to set tongues wagging.

Opening hours:
Wednesday to Sunday: 12 — 9pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday

Jo Bro’s Pt Chev

35 Point Chevalier Road,
Point Chevalier, Auckland

Gastronomy

Pizza lovers, there’s a new slice in town — Meet Brave Pizza
Skip the stress this festive season with the City’s most enticing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining events
Skip the socks and give your Secret Santa the gift they actually want this Christmas with a personalised bottle of Glenfiddich whisky

This airy home takes inspiration from Japanese design, harmoniously balancing old and new

There is a kind of magic that can be created when history is made to co-exist harmoniously with the present. Particularly in design, this specific balance of old and new is often perpetuated, but very rarely executed in a way that does justice to the aesthetic identities of both. Really, mixing modalities is something that should only be attempted by those who know what they’re doing. Lucky then, that in this historic, Victorian-era home in Melbourne, it was Mim Design who was handed the reins, tasked with reviving the residence in a way that both honoured its origins and filtered it through a contemporary lens, while ensuring it was practical for family.

The Tobi-Ishi coffee table by Barber Osgerby for B&B Italia, available from Matisse, and Moroso’s Chubby Chic armchair by Diesel meld seamlessly with this home’s serene living space.

Inspired by ideas of traditional Japanese design, the team at Mim decided to open up the stately home, introducing a new, internal courtyard surrounded by floor-to-ceiling, steel-framed windows and doors that not only allowed the once-dark interior spaces to be bathed in natural light, but immediately cultivated a strong connection between the interior of the home and the exterior. The windows themselves speak, stylistically, to a traditional Japanese Shoji screen, and serve to break down the unnecessary barrier between the home and its surrounding nature, which was one of the centre tenets of the new design.

The more airy, meditative feeling that these structural changes deliver are only enhanced by the designer’s strategically restrained palette, offering a muted backdrop to highlight the interesting melange of objects, furniture and artworks that infuse the residence with dynamism. Textural, Tatami mat flooring meets warm timber accents, polished plaster and crisp natural stone, for a look that delivers a modern feel without ever encroaching too heavily on the home’s historic features. Here, character is honoured and personality introduced. 

Objects and furniture like Edra’s Vermelha armchair by Fernando and Humberto Campana offer intriguing but subtle points of focus.
The dining table is flanked by two of Moooi’s monster chairs by Marcel Wanders, available from ECC.

With furnishings that are sculptural but never attention-grabbing, and objets d’art that offer intriguing but subtle points of focus, the SAR Residence exemplifies how design ideologies can be made to work together to an incredibly sophisticated effect. Through their expert deployment of sumptuous but robust materials and by working around the central idea of creating a stronger connection with nature, Mim Design married old with new to create an impeccable family home that will stand the test of time. 

Design

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