Perfectly positioned within the charming enclave of London’s Notting Hill, a new architectural marvel has been unveiled, redefining the notion of refined urban living. Crafted by the visionary team at Banda Design, this exquisite townhouse on Leinster Square seamlessly blends the past with the present, drawing inspiration from the natural world to create a sanctuary of unparalleled elegance and sophistication. Here, we take you inside.
There is a sense of serenity that has been embedded into the design of this home, from the earthy, calm colour palette to the foundations of period features, and the soft, natural light that has been introduced in every space. Here, Banda has managed to create what feels like a modern family home with an aesthetic that is still deeply historic. Not an easy balance to strike.
The living space sets the tone for the rest of the home. A testament to Banda’s commitment to artistry and comfort, this room boasts a striking Aubusson verdure tapestry, dating back to the late 17th Century, alongside bespoke furnishings that effortlessly marry old-world charm with contemporary allure. Other sculptural furniture (including a 1960’s Äôs Swedish high back armchair, sourced from The Loods, and a rustic Joseph Berry dark timber coffee table), illuminated by the warm glow of a Murano glass chandelier, gives the space a sense of understated luxury and a timeless appeal.
In the kitchen, this idea continues, where intricate cornicing and a leaf-moulded ceiling rose (on which hangs a Beetle Chandelier in antique brass from Gallery L7) are juxtaposed against a modern marble island and Charles Dudouyt oak dining chairs from the 1950s, while a reupholstered mid-century Scandinavian daybed stands as a welcoming window seat. It’s a piece of architectural theatre set firmly within the context of contemporary design, creating a space that is as functional as it is visually captivating.
Upstairs, the master bedroom is a study in tranquility, with a bespoke headboard upholstered in Watts of Westminster Cumulus fabric and linen bedcovers adding to the ambience. A wrought iron stool and sculptural silk piece by Ursula Nistrup and Lotte Henriksen complete the space, offering an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Custom headboards and oak flutter side tables stand in the other bedrooms, too, where no detail has been left to chance. Even a child’s bedroom is a charming piece of design, adorned with a bed canopy in Alice Palmer’s embroidered lemon fabric with matching lemon box pleat lampshade.
Downstairs, the lower ground floor beckons with spaces designed for entertaining and relaxation. A bespoke bar and round travertine table provide the perfect setting for after-dinner drinks, while a gym flooded with natural light and finished in natural materials like timber, linen and leather offers an exceptional space for wellness and rejuvenation.
Exuding the kind of sophisticated, thoughtful, pared-back and ultimately liveable design for which Banda Design has become so known, this London townhouse is an exquisite example of how modern design is enhanced by honouring the history of a space. It’s hardly surprising that such a seamless home has come from the Banda team, a design office that its owner, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, has (in just 15 years) taken from a niche London development office to a burgeoning global property practice, with projects spanning the world.
A classic from kitchen whizz Liv Glazebrook of Kitchen of Treats, this fresh and succulent ceviche recipe is filled to the brim with umami flavours, pops of citrus, vibrant herbs and a touch of spice. Make the most of the few summer weeks we have left by whipping up a plate of this mouthwatering dish for your next get-together. It’s sure to impress.
Kitchen of Treats Ceviche Recipe
Ingredients
300g fish (trevally or kingfish recommended)
For the dressing: 65ml water 65ml white vinegar 65g sugar 65ml fish sauce 2 Tbsp lime/lemon juice 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
To finish: 1 ripe avocado, halved & sliced lengthways 1 long red chilli, finely sliced Mint leaves, thinly chopped Coriander, thinly chopped Crispy shallots
Method
1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until sugar is dissolved. Set aside. 2. Place the sliced avocado on the base of the medium plate and top with fish, sliced sashimi-style and evenly spaced. Generously spoon dressing over the fish. 3. Sprinkle with thinly sliced chilli, mint leaves and coriander. Finish with crispy fried shallots.
In a cool reimagining of traditional black and white, modern monochrome calls for a bold approach. Here, while the palette is simple, it certainly doesn’t have to be boring. From geometric prints, to chic monograms; graphic detailing to glamorous touches, we have rounded up an edit of our favourite monochromatic pieces to shop now.
Whether you’re in need of a celebratory sweet centrepiece, a delectable lunch, or simply require a little treat to get your morning off to the perfect start, the following bakeries are making a name for themselves in the pastry, bread and cake department. But, don’t take our word for it, this is the time to conduct some of your own ‘research’.
Opening the Fall ’24 runway circuit, the season’s Ready-To-Wear collections dazzled — setting the tone for the months of fashion to follow. This season begun with designers offering fresh takes on the familiar — from Peter Do’s sophomore showing for Helmut Lang, where his musings on the current state of the world saw models donning silk bubble wrap trousers, knit balaclavas pared back with suiting, slouchy puffer jackets and shopping bag-like woven leather (a take on ‘protective clothing’), to Christian Siriano’s Dune-inspired collection — an edit of etehereal gowns, suiting and evening wear rendered in a dramatic dessert palette with a distinctly post apocolyptic influence, to the elevated minimilism of Eckhaus Latta, Ulla Johnson, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Proenza Schouler. Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite looks from the collections thus far.
Juicy, moreish and impossible to resist — nothing beats a steaming plate of dumplings. These savoury parcels are always high on our dining hit list, tempting us with variations that range from cheap and cheerful to just a little bit fancy. Whether gyoza or har gao, traditional favourites or contemporary twists, these recommendations are sure to satisfy. Our only advice? Proceed with an appetite. Here, we present our guide on where to find Auckland’s best dumplings.
If it’s a striking profile you seek, focus first on the shape of your jawline for its potential to deliver definition and structure and improve your facial symmetry. Here, we round up three ways to achieve the defined jawline of your dreams.
Face Yoga
The key to this is consistency. Small movements done daily can make all the difference and result in a visage that is free of lines, glowing and youthful. Our favourite proponents of this include Instagram’s @naturalfacebible (for exercises you can do at home and face-taping) and Olga Newman of FaceUp, with an app full of exercises and a clinic in Auckland where her sought-after facials have been touted as life-changing. Other in-clinic options for treatments that stretch, knead and massage your face to defined perfection include the Anti-Gravity Facial at Kumo Skin Spa, and the F. Sculpt at The Facialist. (Remember, regular treatments will yield better results.)
Strategic Filler
Is a little bit of chin filler the answer to your jawline woes? Apparently so. A touch of chin filler, deployed by an experienced professional can not only even out the symmetry of the face, but can elongate and accentuate the jawline, without having to actually touch the jaw at all. Genius. Look to the likes of Clinic1 for the experts in this field.
Mewing
All the rage on social media, ‘mewing’ is the term given to a facial posture technique that involves keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth to change the shape of your jawline over time. So effective is this, apparently, that it can alter your face shape altogether, alongside helping with jaw pain, breathing or other orthodontic issues.
Since it opened in Ponsonby Central, serving unique dishes that fused South American with Japanese fusion influences, Inca has become one of our favourite go-to spots for a delicious meal. Whether it’s a satiating weekend brunch we’re seeking, a convivial lunch with friends or a dinner that promises to delight every time, Inca always delivers. And now, the popular eatery is expanding its culinary offering with a raft of exciting new dishes that you simply need to try — whether you’re a regular or not.
five-spiced crispy duck leg and watermelon salad
Here, Inca’s Owner and Head Chef, Nic Watt, has created dishes that play with fascinating and delicious flavour combinations. Those who love tasty bites will definitely gravitate towards the black cod and prawn ‘twisted’ spring rolls, served with a delicious black vinegar and sesame dipping sauce, while those seeking something with a fresh twist will be delighted by the five-spiced crispy duck leg and watermelon salad, topped with hoisin lime, mint, coriander and sunflower seeds. The soft-shell crab with a corn crust is also a particularly delectable option, served with yuzu koshu mayo. And for anyone harbouring a sweet tooth, Inca has added a new dessert of Billy Scott Farm strawberries that have been ember-caramelised and served with basil pistachio ice cream and lime meringue — the perfect combination of sweet, tart and utterly indulgent.
black cod and prawn ‘twisted’ spring rolls
To celebrate these exceptional new dishes landing on the menu at Inca Ponsonby, we have decided to give one lucky Denizen the chance to win a very special, personalised dining experience. The winner and their guests will enjoy a tasting menu of the restaurant’s new dishes, prepared and served by Nic Watt himself, as well as a round of Inca’s refreshing frozen margaritas (the perfect antidote to this glorious summer weather we’ve been having).
So, whether you’re an Inca regular or have been waiting for your chance to try this excellent eatery, consider this a sign. The new dishes join a menu that has been carefully designed to both push the culinary boundaries and offer options for any kind of taste or proclivity. To book a table at Inca, see here and to be in the running to win a personalised dinner experience with Nic Watt, enter via the form below.
Whether you’re into live music, comedy shows, theatre or art, Denizen’s definitive February Culture guide is here to help you fill up your diary for the month ahead.
Offering an alluring and enigmatic exploration of ethereal scenes and abstract figures, artist Loren Marks’ latest solo exhibition is on at Sanderson Contemporary until the 18th of February. The works in the exhibition offer a captivating interplay between surface and narrative, with pearlescent pigments carving ancient landscapes that subtly reveal human connections. This is one you don’t want to miss. On now until 18th February, see more information here.
Left: The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity. Right: Queen by Candlelight
This exceptional new exhibition marks the significant donation of 15 influential artworks from the collection of philanthropists Julian and Josie Robertson. Comprising a number of pieces from European masters, the exhibition includes a range of pieces, from late 19th-Century nude studies to a 1960s colour-field masterpiece, and is designed to guide visitors through major modern art movements. With works by luminaries such as Picasso, Matisse and Mondrian, the showcase of 49 pieces, including paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures, provides a comprehensive survey of late-19th- to mid-20th-Century international art. On from 9th February, see more information here.
Experience the magic of Queen’s anthems like never before at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in Auckland. Direct from Carnegie Hall, this unforgettable night features a live cast of West End singers, backed by a phenomenal rock band, delivering iconic hits such as ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘We Are The Champions’. Set against the enchanting ambience of candlelight, the concert promises an electrifying journey through Queen’s most timeless classics. Friday 23rd February, book tickets here.
English folk singer-songwriter and guitarist Blanco White (Josh Edwards) is set to captivate Auckland with his first-ever New Zealand show on Friday the 16th of February. Known for blending Andalusian and Latin American influences, Blanco White has been transforming his mesmerising sound with every highly-anticipated release. Following the success of his first album On the Other Side in 2020, backed up by his equally acclaimed Tarifa, Blanco White and his vibrant fusions of folk, indie and electronics promise to wow The Tuning Fork — book tickets now. Friday 16th February, book tickets here.
Revered Ohio-based band The National are set to make a triumphant return to New Zealand after six years, gracing Auckland’s Spark Arena on the 24th of February. Renowned for their introspective and transcendent music, the band will showcase material from their latest albums, First Two Pages of Frankenstein and the surprise release Laugh Track. With hits like ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’ and ‘I Need My Girl,’ The National’s Auckland show promises an unforgettable night. Accompanied by exceptional Kiwi talent Fazerdaze, this performance is set to be a highlight in the band’s acclaimed world tour. Saturday 24th February, book tickets here.
Back with a diverse array of theatrical wonders to fill up your February cultural calendar, Summer at Q is here. From heart-breaking to hysterical, dark to delightful, the diverse lineup caters to all tastes and showcases the incredible array of talent we have here. Q Theatre has also partnered with Auckland Pride to offer five compelling queer events, including Baby Gorgeous and Sirens of the Silver Screen, alongside introducing PodFest at Q, a brand new podcast festival within the festival that promises two weeks of captivating live recordings spanning thought-provoking discussions, side-splitting humour, music, mysteries and inspiring moments. On for most of February, the stage is set for a summer filled with entertainment at Q. On from 1st until 25th February, see the lineup and book tickets here.
Auckland Pride 2024 embraces the theme ‘Beyond Paradise,’ focusing on the need for respite, care, and envisioning a better world together. Offering a vast range of events that span the month of February, the festival’s Takatāpui offering, Te Tīmatanga, celebrates the legacy and experiences of Aotearoa’s Kāhui Takatāpui, blending digital and in-person offerings, while down at Silo Park, attendees will find a big screen showcasing Moonage Daydream, an immersive documentary exploring David Bowie’s creative journey. Queer Yarns at Auckland Art Gallery invites participants to crochet their own pride flags, symbolizing LGBTQIA+ identities, and ‘Club Waack’ promises a queer journey through the 1970s, showcasing the rise of the street dance style, Waacking. With these and many many more events set to unfold over the coming weeks, Auckland Pride Month promises a diverse, inclusive and thought-provoking celebration. See more information here.
Written as a sequel to the acclaimed Astroman, Hyperspace by Albert Belz takes audiences on a nostalgic journey to 1990s Aotearoa, in a theatrical experiences that celebrates dance movies and Kiwi culture. The story follows small-town girl Natalie Te Rehua, who takes up teaching aerobics in pursuit of her dancing dreams. Partnering with Haka queen Tāwhai Pātai for the New Zealand Aerobics Championships, they defy convention with a unique Haka-fusion routine. With elements of ’90s kitsch and themes of friendship and perseverance, Hyperspace (on at ASB Waterfront Theatre) promises a dynamic, hilarious and unforgettable experience. On from 7th until 24th February, book tickets here.
The unmistakable voice behind the Mercury Prize-winning debut album Process, is set to play to New Zealand audiences with one show only at the Powerstation at the end of this month. With his Australian and New Zealand tour, Sampha celebrates the release of his second album, LAHAI, promising an exploration of his diverse musical influences spanning jazz, soul, rap, dance and more. Known for collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Solange and others, Sampha’s live performances (inspired by his recent Satellite Business residencies), offer an intimate and improvisational experience, showcasing his evolution into a multifaceted artist. Friday 23rd February, book tickets here.
Get ready for an unforgettable night as The Jonas Brothers make their first ever appearance in New Zealand. One of the most successful groups of the last two decades, the trio — comprising actual brother Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas — are bringing their global tour, Five Albums. One Night, to Auckland. With a history of mega hits, including the Platinum-Certified ‘Sucker’ and the chart-topping album Happiness Begins, The Jonas Brothers are set to deliver an electrifying performance, marking a significant moment for Kiwi fans. Tuesday 27th February, book tickets here.
Bringing their The End Is Nero tour to New Zealand, Queens of the Stone Age are set to rock Auckland in their first appearance in Australasia since 2018. With a reputation for delivering electrifying performances, the band is celebrating its eighth studio album, In Times New Roman…, described as their “darkest, knottiest material to date.” Led by Joshua Homme, the band invites fans to celebrate the end of the world, promising an inclusive and unmissable musical experience for local fans. Thursday 29th February, book tickets here.
If you’re looking for a hilarious night out, secure one of the few spots left at Russell Howard’s Auckland shows this month. Hailed as a comedian at the height of his game and known for his uplifting sets, Howard is bringing his uniquely hilarious take on the world’s challenges to delight and enthrall Auckland audiences. Following his hugely successful Respite world tour (which included New Zealand) and the Netflix special Lubricant, Howard continues to be one of the most in-demand names in comedy and is well worth seeing in person. Friday 9th February & Saturday 10th February, book tickets here.
Hailing from southern Louisiana, Theo Von has built a global fanbase for his popular podcasts, This Past Weekend and King and the Sting, as well as his recent Netflix special Regular People, filmed at the historic Ryman Auditorium. His unique comedic perspective, influenced by his upbringing, promises an entertaining night as he brings his unmissable new show Return of the Rat to New Zealand. Thursday 22nd February & Friday 23rd February, book tickets here.
Challenge your perspective and elevate your surroundings with this selection of refined masterpieces. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding to your cache, these inspiring pieces are sure to be a welcome addition to your walls.
Accord I by Ray Haydon, 2023. $13,900. American white oak, stainless steel base, 2300 x 250 x 250mm. From Sanderson Contemporary
Purple Twist by Simon Lewis Wards, 2023. $8,900. Cast Glass, 230 x 440 x 320mm. From Gallery thirty Three
Pou Sto by Seung Yul Oh, 2022. $17,500. Multi jet fusion printed resin with gold chrome, 60cm tall. From Starkwhite
Vivace study by Freeman White, 2023. $4,950. Oil on linen, framed, 355 x 450mm. From Sanderson Contemporary
DIAPIR VIII by Chauncey Flay & Lætitia Jacquetton, 2023. $6,500. Greywacke Stone & Hot Blown Glass 530 x 310 x 290mm. From Föenander Galleries
Te Au series I – VIII by Simon Kaan, 2023. $3,950. Ink on cotton paper, intaglio woodblock, framed 800 x 600mm. From Sanderson Contemporary
Iris 7 by Nagy Molnár, 2023. $47,500. Metal body, white metal frame, glass, mirror, changing LED lights (RGBW), controls, transformers, 125 x 125 x 15cm. From Lightworx Gallery
Spur Road West by Karl Maughan, 2023. $26,500. Oil on canvas, 1000 x 1000mm.From Gow Langsford Gallery
#75CCA2 – 2 – S/B by Zara Dolan , 2023. $5,100. Monotype print on wet strength cartridge paper, framed, 1500x 1060mm. From Sanderson Contemporary
Ichneutica Omoplaca by Liam Gerrard, 2023. $9,900. Charcoal and pastel on paper 1405 x 865mm. From Sanderson Contemporary
Waxing Gibbous to Waxing Crescent, November 2022, VI, by Kate van der Drift, 2023. $5,850. Chromogenic Photograph, edition 2 of 5 + 2AP, framed, 1423 x 1100mm. From Sanderson Contemporary
Levi IV by Kate Yesberg, 2023. $6,500. Framed acrylic on canvas, 1200 x 1200mm. From Suite Gallery
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