Dover Heights Residence by Alexander & Co. features the Botolo Chairs by Cini Boeri for Arflex from Studio Italia.

Elevate your dining experience with these unique tables and chairs

From family gatherings and long weekend feasts to celebratory dinners, it’s time to host your guests in style. To elevate your next occasion, add a striking focal point to any space or room with a chic dining table and chairs — look no further than our selection of statement-making styles that will crown you the undisputed darling of dinner parties.

A Cult Classic
Creativity meets comfort in the utterly unique Botolo Chair by Cini Boeri for Arflex from Studio Italia. Originally conceived by Boeri in 1973, this classic design has remained a favourite of industry insiders ever since — and for good reason. With the sumptuous, curved seat able to be finished in fabric, leather or faux fur and the distinct, cylindrical legs available in either metal or wood, this dining chair is for those seeking to break the mould.

Tama House by Nina Maya Interiors.

A Simple Chair
The outward simplicity of the Doyl Chair by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti for B&B Italia from Matisse, belies its sophisticated design. In order to offer such a sleek, unfussy look, this chair has been meticulously created using thick leather upholstery that has been folded, curved and turned inside out, but never cut — a testament to the power of using just a single material.

Lilac Linen House by Sally Caroline.

A Sculptural Seat
The cleverly-constructed Crown Chair by Chris Martin for Massproductions from Simon James features a concealed steel joint that makes its backrest appear as though perched effortlessly on top of the base. Available in a wide range of textiles and finished with foam padding, this piece is as elegant to look at as it is comfortable to sit in — the perfect combination.

A Piece with Poise
Offering a modern take on a vintage-inspired design, the Soho Dining Chair by Kelly Hoppen from Frobisher promises to elevate any dining room. From its neutral, taupe oak frame and clean, white upholstery to its ergonomic, curved backrest and eye-catching stainless steel leg details, this chair is the refined but practical piece your space has been missing.

A Striking Centrepiece
Anchor your dining space with the Plissé Dining Table by Paola Navone for MIDJ of Italy from Sarsfield Brooke. Boasting a uniquely-pleated, conical base and a customisable round top, able to be made in a variety of colours and finishes, this head-turning table is versatile, dynamic and the ideal piece to bring people together and invite conversation. And for inspiration on how to dress it, consult our guide to covetable tableware and accessories.

A Touch of Comfort
Invite opulence and comfort into your dining room with the Linda Chair by Luca Erba for Marelli from Sarsfield Brooke. Compact and cosy, this versatile armchair is made from a curved, wooden backrest and frame with padded polyurethane foam upholstery. This one is sure to have you and your guests relaxing around the dinner table long after the meal is done.

A Modern Edge
Danish and Japanese design elements collide in the Tokyo Chair by Niels Bendtsen for Bensen from Tim Webber Design. Featuring a solid wood frame and removable saddle leather seat, this pared back dining chair offers a distinctive, modern look and promises to bring depth and dimension to a well-appointed dining room.

A Conversation Starter
An impressive structure of bleached oak with a wash so light it could be mistaken for travertine, and a strong brass frame seemingly holding it together, the Celena Dining Table is Soho Home’s (available from Design Central) ode to Roc House — the Mykonos destination that is the ultimate embodiment of summer hospitality.

Clear Oak Residence by Woods + Dangaran.

A Perfect Pairing
Lend your dining room some dynamism by using two different styles of chair around the table. Here, Knoll’s iconic Platner Chair and Saarinen Conference Chair from Studio Italia sit perfectly side-by-side, the recognisable, attention-grabbing frame of the former offset beautifully by the simple, curvature of the latter. Equally eye-catching and elegant.

Mirror Image House by Smac Studio.

A Unique Shape
Designed in such a way as to hug the body and allow for multiple seating positions, the Fat Dining Chair by Tom Dixon from ECC makes for an unmistakable design feature. Boasting a humorous, puffed-out silhouette made from moulded foam, glossy metal legs in black lacquer, and made-to-order upholstery, this dining chair is highly unique and undeniably luxurious.

A Tactile Table
Make a strong statement in your dining space with the Holo Pillar Table by Kensaku Oshiro for Kristalia from Matisse. Carefully made with a round, tapered-edged top (available in a range of finishes, including speckled marble) that sits on a notable, oval base (completed in Kristalia’s new ‘Exclusive Colours’ powder-coating), this exceptional table has some serious presence.

Design

We’ve consulted the experts at Resene on the colour trend of the year
Become the host with the most with Molteni&C’s most versatile kitchen yet
On a waterfront site in Sydney, Carter Williamson transforms a historic Victorian cottage into a residence as striking as its surrounds

Keep your hair looking great on vacation with these shampoo and conditioner bars

We’ve all been there, packing for a trip, trying to fit all of our favourite toiletries into a small bag without sacrificing any step in our wellbeing routines. The traditional shampoo and conditioner duo can take up space and add unnecessary weight to our luggage, but they are an unwavering essential when days are spent in and out of salty water. So it begs the question: what’s one to do?

Enter Ecostore and its coveted line of solid shampoo and conditioner bars. Made from plant and mineral-based ingredients, the bars are vegan and 100% soap-free with a mild pH. They come in a compact and easy-to-pack form, making them perfect for out-of-town travel this long weekend.

Cleverly, Ecostore has crafted the shampoo bars in four innovative formulations, catering to different hair types. The Normal Shampoo uses argan and coconut oils to hydrate issue-free hair, while jojoba oil and shea butter found in the Dry & Damaged Shampoo Bar nourish and smooth distressed locks. In the Volumising Shampoo Bar, kale protein helps to volumize and strengthen fine hair, and flaxseed oil found in the Smoothing Shampoo Bar tames curly locks. Removing any potential confusion, the Nourishing Conditioner Bar locks in moisture for all hair types.

Not only are these bars convenient for travel, they also provide the same luxurious lather and scrub as their liquid counterparts. Each bar offers approximately 60 washes packed in recyclable cardboard packaging, allowing for clean, deliciously-scented and nourished hair without bulky and unnecessary plastic bottles.

Ultimately, Ecostore’s solid shampoo and conditioner bars are not only a more convenient and eco-friendly option for travel, but they also provide quality hair care. It’s a small change that can make a significant impact, both for our hair and for the environment — an essential to help us travel lightly through the new year.

Wellbeing

We sit down with Lucy Caldwell and Bella Ireland, founders of the new self-tan-meets-skincare brand making waves
Mānuka Phuel is a new natural energy source primed to fuel a new era of culture, creativity, and connection
Elevate your beauty routine with the season’s simplest but most impactful trend — bold eyeliner

Manis is the delightful new Ponsonby bakery where France meets Indonesia

Those with a penchant for something sweet may have heard rumours of Ponsonby’s Manis, the unique new bakery where Paris and Bali collide. Denizen was recently among some of the first to try this new Ponsonby Road patisserie, and we can attest that the offering tastes as delicious as it looks.

Manis, translating to ‘sweet’ in the owners’ native Indonesian tongue, is a tasty collision of cultures, offering traditional Balinese pastries like martabak (a sweet pancake) and pie susu (a sweet milk tart) alongside French viennoiserie — including a number of variations on the classic croissant. There are also plenty more savoury pastry options (from pain au pesto and salami croissants to mouthwatering, filled house made rolls — perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome workday lunch).

Manis Ponsonby: Pistachio Croissant
Pistachio Croissant.

Considering that Auckland bakeries seem to be a dime a dozen, where Ponsonby’s Manis makes its mark is via the marriage of fresh, innovative flavours and proven culinary expertise. Co-Owner and Head Baker Angga Saputra spent eight years in the perennially-delicious Amano Bakery, and this recent opening is the culmination of his vision to bring sweet Indonesian cuisine to Auckland. To achieve this, he teamed up with Co-Owners Thaufik Probowasito, Rizky Venni and Nurhayati A Roi to open a bakery with a difference, and so far, the offering is already proving popular across the City. It is worth noting too, that as Indonesia is a largely Muslim nation, all the meats used in Manis’ sandwiches and baked goods are sourced from a local halal supplier.

Manis Ponsonby: Macadamia Caramel Danish
Left: Macadamia Caramel Danish.

The tasty food is coupled (of course) with perfectly-brewed coffee (there’s even a celebratory two-for-one offering running this month), and given Manis’ convenient location on the southern end of Ponsonby Road, it is a place that we’d recommend visiting early in the day before the crowd-favourites sell out (which we’ve been told happens often). We’d also suggest ordering a few to take home, or back to the office like we did, as the perfect summer afternoon treat.

Manis Ponsonby: Raspberry Cruffin
Raspberry Cruffin.

Opening hours:
Tuesday — Sunday, 8am until 3pm.

Manis

38 Ponsonby Road,
Grey Lynn, Auckland

www.manisbakery.co.nz

Gastronomy

Have you tried Queens Wineshop? Discover the chic, cosy bottle shop in the heart of the city
These are the irresistible new dishes you need to try this weekend at Soul Bar & Bistro
We present Denizen’s definitive guide to Mother’s Day dining

Meet The Butcher Baker, Helensville’s new farm-to-table destination for delicious dining

If you’ve found yourself in Helensville of late, you might have stumbled upon The Butcher Baker. A true farm-to-table style restaurant, harnessing the best of locally-grown and foraged produce, Owner Reginaldo Richard always intended the space to become a destination eatery for those across Auckland — as much as a foodie haven for locals to enjoy. Drawing on his tenure at local institutions like Honey Bones and Odettes, as well as his experience in some of the world’s biggest culinary hubs, The Butcher Baker is an ode to dining done well. And so, with a long weekend ahead, we thought there was no better time to discover the magnificence of this recent opening for yourself.

Paying homage to the rich history of its building (formerly both a baker and a butcher — hence the name), The Butcher Baker juxtaposes new and old. Fronted by an expansive courtyard, a delightful spot to sit and soak in the sun, the brick building has had a fresh and modern refit with pitched ceilings (that reminded me somewhat of London institution Rochelle Canteen) and a pared-back fit-out that feels effortlessly cool.

Aesthetics aside, Richard’s delicious dishes is the real drawcard here. The Butcher Baker’s menu changes often (weekly, we’re told) in order to capitalise on the best seasonal produce, sourced from local suppliers and foraged by Richard himself. Much of it is cooked in the eatery’s vast woodfire oven which sits pride of place in the open kitchen, offering new and innovative ways to cook and resulting in some seriously spectacular flavours.

“We use lots of fire to cook,” Richard tells me. “Not just meat, but vegetables and fruits as well. We even charr the meringue using one of the old-style irons. There are so many different ways to use the fire.” He explains that working with fire takes rapid-pace dining back a notch, which encourages those dining at The Butcher Baker to sit back, enjoy one another’s company and discover a renewed appreciation for the process and art of cooking. A welcome respite from the busyness and bustle of daily life, we think. “I see the fire as a key way to influence our menu,” Richard shares.

Those seeking something to satiate them in the middle of the day can expect to find fresh takes on brunch classics, like the English muffin adorned with whipped brie, anchovies, fig leaf oil and a soft-boiled egg, or dishes that pay homage to Richard’s Brazilian roots like the chickpea socca, topped with purple sprouting broccoli, almond and salsa verde. These pair perfectly with locally-roasted High Noon coffee or fresh Almighty juice.

Should you visit in the evening, some staples remain but there is a pivot to woodfired dishes and a sharing-style menu. Think of an interesting, more flavourful take on comfort food, and an approach to meat and fish that is innovative and aims to use as much of the animal as possible. (Richard often uses half and whole woodfired chickens, whole fish and dry-aged beef in his ever-changing dishes.) And the exceptional food is only complemented by a comprehensive list of delicate aperitivo, beloved natural wines and a range of craft beers. For dessert? The house sorbet is essential.

Growing up on a 500-acre farm in Brazil, a love for fresh produce and simple woodfire cooking was instilled in Richard from an early age. It’s a memory he recalls fondly of his mother, who would spend hours in front of the fire cooking traditional meals — the essence of which he hopes to bring to his new Helensville locale. Although The Butcher Baker is entirely its own, unique entity, we’d almost say this is where the innovation of something like Honey Bones meets the rich, smoky flavours of something like Milenta. High praise, we know, but once you visit (as you should this weekend), we are confident that you’ll agree.

Opening hours:
Tuesday — Friday, 7am until 2.30pm
Saturday — Sunday, 8am until 2.30pm
Thursday — Saturday (evening service), 4pm until 10pm

The Butcher Baker

5 Commercial Road,
Helensville, West Auckland

www.thebutcherbaker.co.nz

Gastronomy

Have you tried Queens Wineshop? Discover the chic, cosy bottle shop in the heart of the city
These are the irresistible new dishes you need to try this weekend at Soul Bar & Bistro
We present Denizen’s definitive guide to Mother’s Day dining
Miranda Kerr Louis Vuitton Capucines Campaign

The ‘tennis core’ trend has us serving up looks straight out of centre court

As much as we love watching tennis, there is a reason other than athleticism that has us glued to the Australian Open. ‘Tennis core’. It would seem that the players’ sporty match-day styles have inspired more than a few designers recently, who seem to have taken their cues straight from Centre Court.

From pleated mini skirts to tennis whites to chunky trainers and even a few designer racquets, ‘tennis core’ is the trend encouraging us to give the wardrobe a Wimbledon-worthy reimagining.

Centre Court

Tennis Rracket cover and balls from Louis Vuitton, Tennis socks from Balenciaga, V-neck T-shirt from Adidas x Gucci.

Centre Court
Miranda Kerr Louis Vuitton Capucines Campaign

Mini Tennis Racket Bag from Chanel, The Garment Verbier vest from Workshop, Pleated Re-Nylon miniskirt from Prada.

Centre Court
Piaget Possession watch, rings and bracelet from Partridge Jewellers.

Rolex Lady-Datejust Oyster 28 mm from Partridge Jewellers, Tennis 1977 sneaker from Gucci, Technical Gabardine Tennis skirt from Louis Vuitton.

Coveted

Shop the Edit: Dark romance is the sartorial trend of the season, and these are the pieces we’re coveting
Met Gala 2025: Our guide to the best looks from the biggest night out in fashion
Cartier has opened the doors to its newest boutique in the heart of Melbourne

Upgrade your pool days Coast’s new Nimbus Collection

Coast’s utterly chic new Nimbus Collection is taking poolside afternoons to a whole new level. Signalling a bold new era for the coveted brand, the collection is the first that has been purpose-made for floating in the pool as well as lounging beside it. We’re celebrating the launch by offering one lucky Denizen reader the chance to win two Nimbus Loungers — the crown jewel of the collection.

Nimbus Orbit.

The Coast Nimbus Collection is a series of beanbag-inspired furniture comprising three pieces, the orbit, air chair and lounger. It presents a new dimension in comfort with its cloud-filled technology. This technology seamlessly blends style, convenience and portability. The covers, crafted from New Zealand-made, highly robust Sunbrella fabrics, boast a quilted texture with fast-drying foam for practical daily use and unparalleled comfort. The ease of removal for cleaning and storage only adds to the collection’s allure.

Nimbus Lounger.

As far as style is concerned, Nimbus is unmatched — a testament to the adage that style is eternal. The curvaceous shapes, inspired by some of Coast’s most sought-after signature designs, exude timeless elegance. The range is available in nine different colourways (there is also a made-to-order service using Sunbrella colours to match specific schemes) and is a study in simple sophistication. Among the offerings, the yacht-stripe trio evokes the carefree spirit of summer days, making it a stylish choice for any season.

Nimbus Air Chair.

Each of the piece’s air-filled liners (a patent-pending innovation) ups the comfort level significantly. They have been constructed with heavy-duty PVC drop-stitch fabrics — akin to those found in stand-up paddle boards — and reinforced with heat-welded seams for strength and longevity. This means that they’ll accommodate the activities of boisterous children as much as they will sun-lounging adults. Rising above anything else on the market, Coast’s new collection considers quality and longevity as highly as it does style. It offers something completely unique. Ultimately, this new collection is essential for avid seafarers and those to relish any day spent by the pool.

Design

We’ve consulted the experts at Resene on the colour trend of the year
Become the host with the most with Molteni&C’s most versatile kitchen yet
On a waterfront site in Sydney, Carter Williamson transforms a historic Victorian cottage into a residence as striking as its surrounds
The Fabelmans
Tár
The Banshees of Inisherin
Babylon

From thrilling mysteries to heartfelt dramas, these are the movies to watch this weekend

Sometimes, there is nothing quite like losing yourself in a good movie or television series. And right now, there are plenty out there to enjoy. From Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt in 1920s romp Babylon, to a brilliant Christian Bale in the historical murder mystery The Pale Blue Eye, these are all the best new films to add to your weekend watch list.

Babylon

Transporting audiences back to Hollywood’s hedonistic ‘golden age’, Babylon is set in the late 1920s, during the transition from silent films to ‘talkies’. Starring Brad Pitt as a silent film star and Margot Robbie as a ‘Roaring ’20s’ icon, the story follows its protagonists as they party with the kind of wild abandon characteristic of society at the time, all while trying to navigate their new roles in an evolving industry. 

The Fabelmans

Directed by the great Steven Spielberg and based on his childhood and family growing up, this exceptional new semi-autobiographical work is one of the best new films of the year. The Fabelmans follows the story of young Sammy Fabelman who dreams of becoming a filmmaker after his parents take him to see ‘The Greatest Show on Earth.’ While his mother (played by Michelle Williams) supports his aspirations, it is only after he discovers a shattering family secret that he truly comes to understand the power of film to cut to the truth.

Operation Fortune

In what can only be described as a classic Guy Ritchie line-up, the renowned filmmaker joins forces (once again) with Jason Statham and Hugh Grant, who star alongside Aubrey Plaza in an epic new spy thriller, Operation Fortune. Tasked with stopping the sale of deadly new weapons technology by a nefarious billionaire (Grant), super spy Orson Fortune (Statham) must team up with some of the world’s best operatives and recruit Hollywood’s biggest movie star (played by Josh Hartnett) to help them save the world.

Tár

This new psychological thriller by Todd Field stars the inimitable Cate Blanchett as Lydia Tár, a world-famous composer and the chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic. Complex, bold, wildly-ambitious and completely captivating, this movie is undoubtedly one of the best new films of the year, and sees Blanchett at the height of her dramatic power.

The Banshees of Inisherin

Set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, this award-winning film stars Colin Farrell as Pádraic Súilleabháin and Brendan Gleeson as Colm Doherty, two lifelong friends who find themselves at an impasse when one (Doherty) decides to suddenly cut off the relationship. With the help of his sister Súilleabháin sets about trying to mend the rift, which leads to a few unexpected twists and turns, and a surprising ultimatum. Widely lauded as some of Farrell’s best work, this excellent tragicomedy is considered one of the best new films of the year. (It also just happened to win three major Golden Globes for Best Comedy or Musical Film, Best Screenplay and Best Actor for Farrell’s performance.)

Emily

Emma Mackey stars as one of the most iconic figures in literature, Emily Brontë, who died at only 30. Charting her exhilarating journey into womanhood, the film looks at Brontë’s short life as a rebel and a misfit and looks at how the oeuvre of someone so young made such a lasting impact on our culture.

The Menu

In this darkly-comic, foodie thriller, Anja Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult take the lead. The couple travels to the Pacific to eat at an exclusive restaurant, where a celebrated chef (Ralph Fiennes) has prepared a lavish tasting menu. Joined on their culinary journey by a cast of interesting characters, the couple soon find themselves part of something much more sinister, as tensions mount and secrets are revealed.

The Wonder

Part mystery and part psychological thriller, The Wonder is based on the acclaimed novel by Emma Donoghue. It is inspired by the Victorian-era phenomenon of ‘fasting girls’ who claimed to have miraculous powers. The intriguing film stars Academy Award nominee Florence Pugh as English nurse Lib Wright, who is brought to a tiny Irish village to observe a young girl who is said to have survived without food for months.

Vengeance

The directorial debut of B.J.Novak (who also wrote the script and plays the lead) this dark comedy follows the story of a journalist and podcaster from New York City who travels to West Texas to investigate the death of an ex — well, kind of. It is a fascinating satire on the state of modern America, (with a bit of action thrown in for good measure) and is entertaining and though-provoking in equal measure.

Matilda The Musical

Remember the Roald Dahl classic about a young, intelligent girl who dares to take a stand against her oppressive parents and head teacher (with extraordinary results)? Here it is given fresh life in a new, musical film. Starring Emma Thomas as Miss Trunchbull, this film will delight anyone who remembers and loves this timeless story.

A Man Called Otto

In the American remake of the Oscar-nominated Swedish film A Man Called Ove, Tom Hanks plays a grumpy widower whose strict routines and staunch principles see him give everyone in his neighbourhood a hard time. However, just as it seems like he has truly given up on life, an unlikely friendship blooms with some new neighbours.

Marcel The Shell with Shoes On

Based on the 2010 short film directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp, this hilarious, full-length mockumentary is one of the best new films of the year. In it, big-hearted Marcel the Shell (cleverly voiced by Jenny Slate) must use the power of the Internet to find his long-lost family.

The Pale Blue Eye

In this dramatic, American thriller, Christian Bale stars as veteran detective Augustus Landor in director Scott Cooper’s adaptation of Louis Bayard’s historical crime mystery novel. Set in 1830, Landor is called on to investigate the murder of a cadet with the assistance of a young Edgar Allan Poe in a bloody mystery that has a disturbing final twist.

Culture

A new way to experience Auckland’s cultural heart — together
Consult our guide to the best mom-centric movies to watch this Mother’s Day
Wondering what to watch this autumn? Discover these unmissable new shows & films

In this stunning Melbourne apartment, Fisher & Paykel appliances create an utterly seamless finish

Considerations of space and dimension become all the more important when tackling something like an apartment. And often, a return to the idea of ‘less is more’ is called for to create a finish that is striking while still feeling simple and practical (not an easy balance to master). That said, it is something that architect Will Smart of Wolveridge has managed deftly here, redesigning a three-bedroom Melbourne apartment through a more sleek, contemporary lens and using brands like Fisher & Paykel to create spaces that are not only fit for purpose but that have been designed for liveability and comfort.

Fisher & Paykel

Set in Melbourne’s leafy St Kilda, and boasting incredible views over Fawkner Park, the Parkside apartment is a study in opulent minimalism. Here, the architects were driven by a desire to open the interiors up to maximise light and views while focusing on strengthening the connections between spaces and optimising their flow. All of the rooms here are connected by a soft grey ‘spine’ of joinery, which moves throughout to accommodate a new bar, walk-in laundry and extra storage. On one side of the spine are the apartment’s shared spaces, on the other are the bedrooms, and the way it has been built immediately draws the eye to the home’s ample windows and extraordinary park views beyond.

Bespoke cabinetry introduces the idea of gentle curvature, with similar shapes repeated in the apartment’s carefully-curated furnishings, art pieces and other significant details like fluted timber and a curved marble kitchen bench. Here, between the undulating marble in the kitchen, the neutral colour palette, lime-washed walls and blonde herringbone flooring, the apartment offers a warm, textural experience, and an overarching sense of calmness that one can only imagine would be heavenly to return home to after a long day.

Fisher & Paykel

This idea carries over from the apartment’s aesthetic and into its more practical spaces too, where a sense of simplicity and minimalism dictated which appliances would be best suited to the space. “We’ve been working with Fisher & Paykel for a number of years now,” says Smart. “One of the things we’ve enjoyed as the appliance ranges have evolved, is the ability to be flexible with what we place, where we place it, how we integrate it, and how we group things.” It is thanks to Fisher & Paykel’s innovative approach to appliances (one that considers the look and feel of a space as much as its long-term use) that made this brand the obvious choice for an apartment of this calibre.

In the kitchen, a Fisher & Paykel Column refrigerator, freezer and drop door dishwasher have been carefully integrated into the cabinetry, playing perfectly into its pared-back look. The architects also opted for twin minimal-style ovens with companion push-to-open warming drawers that align with induction and gas cooktops, as well as an integrated range hood.

Ultimately, the Parkside apartment kitchen offers a masterclass in clever design, where the appliances make it as equipped for serious cooking as it is for easy entertaining. Here, the designers have ensured that a compact footprint needn’t require compromise on style or usability by flooding the kitchen with natural light, tucking practical tools and appliances behind cabinets and creating an automated window that opens the serving bench out to the balcony directly.

Fisher & Paykel

Elsewhere, Fisher & Paykel appliances have been used in the apartment’s walk-in laundry, where a front loader washing machine and heat pump dryer create an easy-to-use set-up. Hidden behind subtle doors, the laundry was the result of some deft spatial Tetris by the architects, who wanted to ensure that it was its own, separate space without impacting the apartment’s uninterrupted lines. It also boasts a sustainable edge. “In terms of the dryer, we were able to put forward some options to the client around the benefits of the heat pump,” Smart explains, “sustainability and not needing to connect to ducting or an exhaust fan to vent the space made [the Fisher & Paykel dryer] an easy choice.”

The Parkside apartment is an example of thoughtful architecture and the way in which carefully-chosen appliances can be used to maximise the potential of the space. It is an exceptional expression of layered minimalism. It’s easy to see why Smart and the architects at Wolveridge opted for Fisher & Paykel when considering how best to elevate both the apartment’s look and its workflow, too.

Design

We’ve consulted the experts at Resene on the colour trend of the year
Become the host with the most with Molteni&C’s most versatile kitchen yet
On a waterfront site in Sydney, Carter Williamson transforms a historic Victorian cottage into a residence as striking as its surrounds
Parade.

Your ultimate Auckland dining guide for the rest of January

While we all readjust to our daily routines after a few weeks off, there is plenty to get excited about in Auckland with our January dining guide, particularly when it comes to our always-inspiring dining scene.

For those of us who have returned to the City, a raft of our most talented chefs have ensured we’re well and truly taken care of, with a line-up of food festivals, pop-ups and new menu items to add a little something to the rest of our January days. From taco residencies to rooftop Sunday sessions, here is everything you need to check out this month.

Broke Boy Taco Residency at Ante Social Club
If you missed out on Broke Boy Taco’s sought-after morsels at last year’s East Street Hall Residency, this six-month-long pop-up at Ponsonby’s Ante Social Club will give you plenty of time to indulge. Known for creating Mexican-inspired street food inspired by his days in San Francisco’s Mission District, Sean Yarborough is quickly making a name for himself as the purveyor of some of the tastiest tacos in town.
Starting January 26th, Thursday to Saturday, 5pm — 9pm

Broke Boy Taco.

Matakana Food & Beer Festival
Those in the know are the first to advocate that this Northland-bordering town is home to some of the region’s best beers. In this one-day, not-to-be-missed affair, some of the best craft brewers will join forces with the Food Truck Collective for a day of food, beer and local live music — what summer is all about.
Saturday, January 28th, 2pm — 9pm. Tickets are available here.

Matakana Food & Beer Festival.

Rooftop at QT’s The Sunday Club
Helping us make the most of every hour of our summer weekends is Rooftop at QT with its new Sunday Club. Launched in partnership with Heineken, the Sunday Club is an ongoing summer series designed to offer the ultimate Sunday sesh. Think $2 oysters (and other delicious tapas), icy-cold beers and an often necessary Bloody Mary on the menu, and resident DJs serenading us until sunset.
Sundays, 2pm — 8pm

The Sunday Club at Rooftop at QT.

Date Night Dinners Auckland Zoo
If you are looking for something different to do for date night, why not consider spending the evening in the company of exotic animals? Every Thursday for the foreseeable future, the iconic Old Elephant House restaurant at Auckland Zoo will be offering an exquisite two-course menu, featuring confit chicken, tempura eggplant, and a sumptuous selection of desserts. Diners can also enjoy complimentary entry to late night at the zoo.
Thursdays, 5pm until late. Bookings are essential here.

Zoo Late Night Date Nights.

Mor Bakery’s Ozone Pastry Residency
After their sell-out sessions at this Grey Lynn institution last year, micro-patisserie masters Mor Bakery are filling Ozone’s cabinets once again. Every Saturday until sold out, you can get your hands on some of Mor’s coveted croissants, danishes, and other delicious seasonal viennoiseries. Our advice? Get a few to take away, too.
Saturdays, 8am until sold out

Balmoral Street Food Market
Mount Eden locals are no strangers to these now-famous food markets. And with the organisers heading off to Europe in the autumn, this final series of six markets will see some of the best street food vendors in Auckland unite under one banner. Think delicious woodfired pizzas, biscoff-loaded doughnuts and everything in between— a foodie affair not to be missed.
Friday, January 27th, 5:30pm — 9pm

Left: Mor Bakery. Right: Balmoral Street Food Markets.

Parade’s New Burger Menu
When we’re craving a decidedly decadent dinner, Parade always takes precedence. Since re-opening after the summer break, the burger masters have introduced some new additions to their hugely popular menu. We’re itching to try the Nashville Hot Chicken — a tasty collision of fried chicken thigh, hot Nashville rub, double cheese, and ranch dressing sandwiched into one of their famed pretzel buns. Pair this with a side of fried kumara and mozzarella balls.

New Burger Menu at Parade.

Tacoteca Lunches at La Fuente
You’ll likely know inner-city haunt La Fuente for its impressive mescal offering and pared-back but flavoursome Mexican food. The recent introduction of Tacoteca, the bar’s tasty taco pop-up, on from lunchtime on weekdays, is another totally tempting take that we can’t wait to sink our teeth into. We think it’s the perfect way to ease yourself back into office work — a lunchtime reward if you will.
Monday through Friday, from 12pm

Fried Chicken Pop-Up at Ragtag
Although best known for their handmade tacos that amassed a cult-like following in the last year, this weekend Dan Freeman’s new Westmere outpost will host a fried chicken sandwich affair. Fans of Ragtag know the sandwich I’m talking about. It sold out in an unprecedented record at one of Freeman’s pop-ups last year, and we anticipate this Sunday will elicit the same result.
Sunday, January 22nd, 12pm until sold out

Gastronomy

Have you tried Queens Wineshop? Discover the chic, cosy bottle shop in the heart of the city
These are the irresistible new dishes you need to try this weekend at Soul Bar & Bistro
We present Denizen’s definitive guide to Mother’s Day dining
Chanel Cruise 23

Swim in style with the sleek beach essentials guaranteed to make a splash

Despite this mixed weather, there is still plenty of time left this summer for long, languid afternoons spent on or near the water, which means that (I you haven’t already) now is the best time to ensure you have all the right beach essentials on hand to make any seafaring outing a style triumph.

Those seeking some sleek swimwear (whether a bikini or a one-piece) look no further than our covetable line-up of flattering styles and designer pieces. Or, if it’s a practical tote bag you’re after — something in which to transport all the key accoutrements for a successful day of lounging in the sun — we have you covered. These bags are as useful for a day by the water as they are for everyday necessities. We have even rounded up a selection of chic towels that will not only offer a comfortable place to sprawl, but can be used as a wrap or sarong (given you opt for one with the right print). Without further ado, these are the beach essentials will see any avid sun-seeker through the warm season in style.

From left: Summer Stardust swimsuit from Louis Vuitton. Sparkling jersey swimsuit from Gucci. Bottega Veneta One-shoulder seersucker bikini from Net-a-porter. Minimal Bikini set from Balenciaga. HUNZA G seersucker halterneck swimsuit from Net-a-porter.

Beach essentials

Beach essentials
From left: Chloé sense basket bag from Workshop. Panier Souple tote bag from Mytheresa. Loewe Mini Slit bag from Faradays. Saint jacques bag from Louis vuitton.

Beach essentials
Chanel cruise 23

Beach essentials
From left: Summer Stardust blanket from Louis Vuitton. TOILE DE JOUY SAUVAGE towel from Christian Dior. Location Cotton Jacquard Towel from Burberry.

Coveted

Shop the Edit: Dark romance is the sartorial trend of the season, and these are the pieces we’re coveting
Met Gala 2025: Our guide to the best looks from the biggest night out in fashion
Cartier has opened the doors to its newest boutique in the heart of Melbourne