Striking yet see-through, glass furniture is an exercise in contradiction, as well as creativity and constraint. Cini Boeri’s monolithic Ghost armchairs for Fiam Italia, rendered here for Alexey Gulesha’s Beach Hotel Concept, distil this concept — ergonomically designed to be so supportive they seem soft. Technically challenging and a true minimalist piece, glass décor distils our desires into a pure, transparent form.
When it comes to our respective working situations, many of us have had to band together with our colleagues or employees to steer through what has been a very uncertain and stressful situation. Keeping morale up and productivity humming, all while working from home, with many people juggling children and schooling — one thing’s for sure, it hasn’t been easy.
Thoughtful gestures go a long way in these times, and they don’t have to require a lot of effort on the part of the benefactor. That’s where the brilliant corporate gift boxes from Savor Goods come in. Whether you’re a sizeable firm wanting to show gratitude to loyal clients, or run a smaller, independent business and want to treat your staff, there’s a scrumptious box that is no doubt going to brighten the day of its recipient.
The whole delivery process is exceedingly thoughtful — you select a gift box or choices of boxes for the giftees to choose from and provide Savor with a list of the recipients’ emails. The company will then design an EDM to go out to them and the giftees can choose a box from a curated selection, which will be delivered between 12pm and 5pm on the date of choice.
The Best of Amano box, for example, is a truly delicious affair. It includes a range of Amano favourites, all boxed up to be enjoyed at home. From fresh produce from the restaurant’s local farms like strawberries, blueberries, avocados and tomatoes, to a pasta kit for two to cook at home, there’s also a range of fresh bakery goods inside such as pastries and chocolate chip cookies. To round out this box of goodies, there is a 750ml bottle of Kumeu orange juice and a bottle of Italian wine. This box comes in at $150, and there are other $50 and $100 options on offer throughout Savor’s other eateries — such as the NSP Aperitivo box or Lobster & Tap’s lobster box.
You can tailor your purchase to your requirements and means, so should you wish to go above and beyond, Savor offers the option to create bespoke boxes, too. So, if you’re keen to let someone in your professional realm know you care, we suggest you peruse these brilliant boxes.
This competition is now closed.
Fabio Buonomo and his partner in life and business Lena Solomon have both long harboured dreams of running their own restaurant business — and now, the experienced hospitality duo has realised this goal with the opening of their charming cafe Cornelia.
Situated at 289 Parnell Road, Cornelia is a daytime eatery (with licensing and later hours hopefully coming down the track) that specialises in tasty, fresh, Italian-style bites, appropriate for a wholesome yet flavourful breakfast or lunch.
Chef Buonomo, a native of Italy, moved to New Zealand from Rome five years ago, and has over 20 years’ experience in the industry. Solomon also has years of hospitality nous under her belt, and when the stars aligned for them to sign their venue’s lease in July, they jumped at the chance.
Cornelia specialises in made-to-order Italian paninis — but banish any associations you might have of the word with mid-noughties, flat toasted creations. In Italian, panini simply means sandwiches, and at Cornelia these are assembled in tasty Il Forno baguettes, generously stuffed with various fillings.
Find the likes of Caprese, with buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil pesto; Salmone, with smoked salmon, fior di latte mozzarella, rocket, lemon and EVOO; Crudo, with prosciutto, smoked mozzarella, tomato, rocket, parmesan and white truffle oil — and more.
There’s also a seared tuna bruschetta, antipasto, plus various salads such as Caesar salad that will change regularly. Those after a caffeine fix can enjoy smooth coffee by Italian brand Moak, and sweet tooths would do well to pick up a tub of housemade tiramisu or the signature ‘choconut’ cake.
Cornelia also serves pastries from Ponsonby Italian bakery Il Forno, should you desire an apricot Danish or custard-filled croissant to round-off your panino.
Fundamentally, Buonomo and Solomon are keen to connect with the local community and be a reliable go-to for a tasty bite and a great coffee. “However you’re feeling — if you’re hungry or thirsty, come by and hang out,” says Solomon. “Nothing’s too complicated, it’s just simple, laidback neighbourhood vibes.”
Under alert level 3, Cornelia currently has a comprehensive takeaway menu available — order its tasty panini and sweet treats here via Mr Yum.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8am — 2:30pm
Saturday: 8am — 6pm
Closed Sunday
At least 133 women in New Zealand have no idea they have breast cancer right now. That’s according to new and worrying information that is being shared by Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. As another unforeseen consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, during our level 4 lockdown breast screening was cancelled and it now runs at a reduced capacity in level 3.
That these women, and some men, will have no idea they have cancer is due to the fact that they’ll be showing no symptoms — and international Covid-19 impact studies suggest that some will then need more severe treatments when it is found, and some will go on to have metastatic breast cancer.
In light of this health crisis, and during October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Breast Cancer Foundation has started the Missing Woman Campaign to help find the ‘missing’ women and their missing cancer diagnoses.
It is petitioning for the government to support BreastScreen Aotearoa with funding and resources to clear the backlog within six months, to take action to restore breast screening to pre-Covid levels, and add breast screening to the national health indicators — plus extend the screening age to 70-74 in line with other countries. It’s also asking the government to ensure that, should we return to level 4 lockdown, mammograms will be able to operate in the same way as level 3 to help prevent future losses.
Since the arrival of Covid, data shows that invasive cancers are being found later than they could have been. According to the foundation, breast screening participation has been put back 10 years, which means many women are diagnosed later, the cancer is then harder to treat and has an increased likelihood of returning. This decrease in screening also negatively affects Māori & Pasifika more than anyone else.
“If you’ve had a mammogram cancelled, get rebooked as soon as you can,” implores Ah-Leen Rayner, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. “And if you’ve discovered a lump or other symptom you should see your GP straight away, no matter what level you’re in. Every day counts when you have breast cancer — don’t let Covid stop you finding breast cancer early.”
To show your support for this important cause, make sure you sign the Missing Women petition here.
Long lunch or simple supper, this prosciutto and eggplant pasta recipe from Miss Polly’s Kitchen makes a perfect fuss-free meal. Easy yet impressive, this linguine makes a meal for many when served with garlic bread and rocket salad.
If you wish, you can omit the prosciutto to make this vegetarian-friendly.
Prosciutto and eggplant pasta recipe
Serves 5–6
Ingredients:
3 eggplants, sliced into 1-2cm thick rounds
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
10 garlic cloves, crushed with the back of a knife and diced
¾ cup of parsley
2 packets of mini vine-ripened tomatoes, quartered
1 pack of cherry tomatoes
A good pinch of chilli flakes
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 packet of dried linguine
2 packets of prosciutto (roughly 150g)
8 medium-size mozzarella balls
Lots of basil (I used a whole plant from the supermarket)
Method:
1. Heat the oven to 190°C.
3. Line the sliced eggplant on a couple of baking trays, drizzle with olive oil then season well. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cooked. You want them soft in the middle.
4. In a deep pan on a medium heat, cook the garlic with oil, salt and pepper.
5. Mix in the parlsey and cook for a minute then add in the tomatoes, keeping half the cherry tomatoes to fold through at the end.
6. Cook the tomatoes for 10 minutes, add the chilli and balsamic and cook for another few minutes.
7. Cook the pasta in some salted water. Add the cooked eggplant into the tomato sauce.
8. Whilst the pasta is cooking, bake the prosciutto on a tray until crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
9. Drain the pasta and mix everything together. Top with the crispy prosciutto, mozzarella, remaining cherry tomatoes and lots of fresh basil.
10. Serve with garlic bread and a rocket salad.
Classic, elegant and timeless designs that don’t fall prey to fads or trends are an indelible signature of Conrad Architects, and the Australian practice has done itself proud with the exceptional Toorak Garden Residence. Set among historical houses and leafy streets in an upscale Melbourne suburb, this new-build is an expansive, modern-day ode to the classical Palladian garden villas of Europe.
Its scale is formidable while also conscientiously melding with its surrounding environment, core tenets of symmetry and proportion aiding in creating a solid structure that never appears overwhelming or off-balance.
A private entry court marks arrival into the abode, and once inside a beautifully sculptural staircase makes a bold first impression, rising up like an in-built piece of art. Impeccably finished in plaster with contrasting travertine stairs, its sweeping fluidity works to soften the otherwise stoic building’s form, its thick masonry walls and vast windows.
The project’s windows in particular were an important part of the brief, informing the constant visual connection of this home with the garden and swimming pool. Therefore, the layout was rigorously planned to create a directional line of movement through the house, with numerous viewpoints bringing green vistas into every room — whether they be wide-scale and impressive or more intimate and contemplative. Repeating elements throughout create a cadence and geometric regularity that is vital when working with spaces of such a grand scale.
Inside, the Conrad Architects team have created a serene and unfussy environment with minimally-processed natural materials, where oak joinery and floors are given textural interest by a pairing of quartz countertops. Unfilled travertine forms the entry, stairs, outdoor paving and living area, and wraps the kitchen island bench; while in the powder room, hers-and-his ensuites and dressing rooms, varying marbles make sumptuous sanctuaries of these oft-used spaces.
Hanging above the formal dining area, backdropped by the swimming pool and gardens, a showstopping lighting arrangement by Articolo dangles from above, with orbs of light illuminating Poliform’s dining table and chairs.
The harmonious dance between interior and exterior is continued even in more enclosed spaces like the main study — wrapped by dark stained oak joinery, its floor-to-ceiling sliding doors flood it in natural light, ensuring the majestic oak is anything but dour. Outside, a pool-house pavilion is visible, sitting perpendicular to the main building and housing a gym, lounge and bathroom.
This polished yet welcoming home exudes a sense of calm luxury, with an inspired and mutually admiring exchange between contemporary and historical design principles, resulting in a magnificent family home to treasure.
Architecture + Interior Design — Conrad Architects
Photography — Sharyn Cairns
While indoor plants are a timeless interior accessory, there’s far more to these leafy fellows than meets the eye. The plants you choose can seriously benefit your wellbeing in a multitude of ways when placed in a particular room or space — from being all-natural sleep inducers in the bedroom to offering a helping hand in the kitchen. We’ve hunted down the perfect plant for every room in the house so you create your own indoor oasis.
Bedroom: Lavender
Who doesn’t love the smell of lavender? Beyond being a beautiful, ornamental addition to the bedroom, placing a flowering lavender plant in there is thought to often result in better sleep, boosted moods and reduced anxiety. There are a truckload of pillow sprays, essential oils and sleep masks on the market that are created with a quality night’s shut-eye in mind, but nothing compares to the real thing.
Bathroom: Aloe Vera
An absolute wonder plant, Aloe Vera is a multifaceted miracle of nature that couldn’t be more suited to the bathroom. Serving as a first aid kit, (its antibacterial and antioxidant properties lend themselves to anything from mosquito bites to burns), a moisturiser, a lip balm, and even as an all-natural mouthwash, a potted Aloe plant might just be the most beneficial botanical there is — plus, its thick, rubbery, short-stemmed leaves create an ideal sink-side decoration.
Kitchen: Mint
Any plant in the kitchen should be part of a herb garden — the more edible the better, we think. Begin your collection with a mint potted plant — fitting in right at home on your sun-drenched kitchen windowsill, a mint plant not only makes a cute interior addition but it also serves as a helping hand to all your culinary needs (read: mojitos), all while filling the air with a subtle, refreshing aroma. Wanting to grow the family? Add more potted plants filled with basil, coriander and rosemary to give the mint some company.
Office/Study: Spider Plant
Not only can plants help purify and humidify the air, they can also boost brainpower. A 2005 study at the Royal College of Agriculture in Cirencester, England, found that students demonstrated 70 percent greater attentiveness when taught in a room containing plants, whereas a worldwide 2011 study found that houseplants in an office setting can both prevent fatigue and improve your attention span. A spider plant’s grass-like foliage serves as a mature, attractive (home) office accent. We see a promotion on the horizon.
Dining room: Orchid
A vibrant, purple orchid flower not only makes a lively table arrangement — serving as a serious conversation starter for when you’re entertaining — but its subtle, sweet aroma has also been known to trigger a positive change in people’s emotions. The best part? Orchids are seriously low-maintenance, in fact overwatering is the most common way to kill them, so if you forget to show them some love for a week or three, they’ll still be blooming beautifully as your table centrepiece.
Living Room: The Fiddle-Leaf Fig
The bigger and leafier the plant, the better it is for clearing the air — perfect for the room in which you spend most of your time. The fiddle-leaf fig, aka Ficus lyrata, is a bigger plant that stretches out its large, violin-shaped leaves to serve as the perfect ornamental accent in the corner of a living space. It will need a large pot, (one that ties in perfectly with your interior colour scheme, of course) and watering regularly.
Hallway: Lemongrass
While not technically a room per se, the hallway of your home shouldn’t be overlooked — it too needs a green touch. Lining the front hall of your home with a lemongrass plant or two gives far more than just interior aesthetics, the strong scent that emanates from the leaves can also serve as a pest deterrent, meaning that any unwelcome crawlies should stay firmly on the other side of the door.
What we wouldn’t give to walk into Amano with our nearest and dearest, be seated underneath the soaring ceilings and everlasting floral arrangements, and have a plate of its beloved pasta set down in front of us. While, unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions it’s not currently possible to dine in-situ, the modern Italian favourite has made sure we don’t miss out on our carby cravings by launching a takeaway menu of its hot-ticket dishes.
Make sure you’ve worked up an appetite, because you’ll want to get amongst the full selection of pastas, starters, breads, salads and desserts. The fan favourite scampi chitarra is back on the menu, after not being available for a while due to seasonality. There’s also spaghetti cacio e pepe, shorthorn beef and Hampshire pork bolognese on tagliatelle, and casarecci (an extruded semolina pasta) with basil, ricotta and pine nuts.
Starter-style dishes that have us salivating are the beef carpaccio with salsa verde, parmesan and cured yolk, the burrata with asparagus, balsamic and pine nuts — and of course, the famous mozzarella foccacia di recco. Finish off with an espresso and mascarpone trifle, and perhaps a strawberry and dulcey ricotta cannolo, and it’ll be happy bellies all around.
It’s easy to place an order for contactless pick-up — simply order online on Savor’s website here. When it comes time to collect, drive to Amano, call the restaurant on 09 394 1416 and someone will bring your order out and place it in the boot of your car. Now that’s what we call meals on wheels.
This competition is now closed.
Prize must be picked up from Amano (66 – 68, Tyler Street, Britomart Place, Auckland) and is subject to availability on the day. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash. Winner will be contacted privately via Instagram.
Curling up or winding down with a pager turner is one of the best feelings there is. From the highly anticipated new release by Irish author Sally Rooney, to Miranda Cowley Heller’s praised debut, these are the novels to read now.
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Best-selling author Sally Rooney is back with her third novel. Following four people — Alice, Felix, Eileen, and Simon — as they navigate desire, friendships and the world around them, Rooney explores the beauty and fragility of youth.
The Tally Stick by Carl Nixon
The Chamberlain family disappeared in 1974, yet in 2010 the remains of their eldest child were found, showing he lived four years longer than this — how and why, must be discovered. From one of New Zealand’s leading writers, this is chilling yet compulsively readable fiction.
Widespread Panic by James Ellroy
From the noir maestro, Widespread Panic immerses us in the seedy underground of a 1950s Hollywood teeming with corruption, paranoia, sin and redemption. Centred on notorious LA cop Freddy Otash, whose real life inspired the subject matter, this is Ellroy at his staccato-beat-best.
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Elle Bishop is a 50-year-old, happily married mother of three, but one July while staying at her summer home The Paper Palace, a passionate encounter forces her to make some life-changing decisions, reckoning with what happens when the secrets of the past catch up to the present.
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Blending the dynamism of a thriller or clever mystery with sly, social commentary, this book is being touted as an electric, audacious debut. Nelly is the only Black employee at a New York book publisher — until Hazel comes along. Initially, she thinks they can be allies, until a string of tense events makes it clear there’s something far more sinister going on.
With our homes and interiors acting as a reflection of our own personal needs and tastes, it’s understandable that we would want to embrace a point of difference. After all, who wants to be going about their day-to-day in an environment that mimics everybody else’s?
Brand new home decor destination Peggy has arrived to provide truly unique pieces for those wishing to bring some colour to their abode. Founded by the team behind leading lighting specialist Fourth Dimension, this playful venture is the result of a global search for extraordinary objects to decorate the home.
From eye-catching art to fantastical furniture, striking lighting and sculptural planters, Peggy’s idiosyncratic collection pushes the boundaries of home decor to bring something truly unique to New Zealand houses. Here, we introduce a selection of the international brands available at Peggy, with more makers and products to be launched monthly.
Qeeboo
Whimsy and intrigue collide in the world of Qeeboo, an Italian design brand founded by Stefano Giovannoni that reinterprets everyday objects in extraordinary ways. Find a wide selection of Qeeboo’s pieces at Peggy, including the chrome-finish Cherry Lamp, the romantic Ribbon Chair, and the adorable Rabbit Lamp.
Leblon Delienne
Known for its ‘pop sculptures’ of famous pop culture icons, French brand Leblon Delienne is a favourite the world over for its collaborations with internationally renowned designers. Signature pieces include charming interpretations of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, rendered in varying sizes and finishes that make for a striking conversation piece.
The Skateroom
As with so many design brands that thrive on collaboration, The Skateroom is much more than just the sum of its parts. Based in Belgium, it brings together major players in the cultural zeitgeist to create iconic and eye-catching boards – all while donating a hefty portion of its profits to fund social projects. At Peggy, you’ll find boards decorated with designs by Warhol, Peanuts and Basquiat, all ready to be mounted on the wall.
Ligne Blanche
The candles from this Parisian brand will have you breathing a scented sigh of relief, as they add both visual and olfactory beauty to the room. Its collaboration with pop-art legend Andy Warhol is suitably colourful, with Peggy stocking both floral and Campbells Soup renditions.
Ottmar Hörl
The designs of German artist Ottmar Hörl are delightfully cheeky, with his naughty gnome adding a hefty pinch of personality wherever he’s placed.
Slide
With their adorably simplistic shapes, the lamps and accessories from Milano brand Slide are playful yet elegant. We love the Acquaglobo Floating Lamp, an impressive solution for creating pool-perched ambience.
To celebrate Peggy’s exciting launch, we are delighted to have a Leblon Delienne Mickey Mouse to give away to one lucky Denizen, worth $895. A universal icon of pop culture, this chromed version is an ultra-design Mickey, made in France. Standing 30cm high, with a depth of 12.5cm and width of 18.5cm, it’s a charming addition to any room.
This competition has now closed.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Get the latest and greatest happenings in Auckland delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday morning.
Kindly share a little more insight into who you are below and one of our team will be in touch soon.
