Transition II by Ray Haydon, 2021, available from Sanderson Contemporary.

Art Market: Upgrade your interior with a captivating work of art 

Nothing says sophisticated quite like a thoughtfully curated art collection. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding to your cache, these inspiring pieces are sure to be a welcome addition to your walls.

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Untitled by Henrietta Harris

Untitled by Henrietta Harris

Untitled by Henrietta Harris

Untitled by Henrietta Harris

2022
Oil on canvas
600 × 550mm

Available from Melanie Roger Gallery

Golden Embrace by Greer Clayton

Golden Embrace by Greer Clayton

Golden Embrace by Greer Clayton

Golden Embrace by Greer Clayton

2022
Acrylic on canvas
1200 x 1500 mm

Available from Parnell Gallery

Sweet Nothings by Katherine Throne

Sweet Nothings by Katherine Throne

Sweet Nothings by Katherine Throne

Sweet Nothings by Katherine Throne

2022
Oil on canvas
500mm x 400mm, framed

Available from Sanderson Contemporary

Inamorato by Casey Jeffery

Inamorato by Casey Jeffery

Inamorato by Casey Jeffery

Inamorato by Casey Jeffery

2019
Framed acrylic and oil on board
600 x 500 mm
Available from Suite
Hyperbolic by Monique Lacey

Hyperbolic by Monique Lacey

Hyperbolic by Monique Lacey

Hyperbolic by Monique Lacey

2022
Cardboard, resin, plaster, automotive paint
960H x 860 x 110mm

Available from Scott Lawrie

Sue and Nellie (nights at Ibis Budget Auckland Airport) by Dale Frank

Sue and Nellie (nights at Ibis Budget Auckland Airport) by Dale Frank

Sue and Nellie (nights at Ibis Budget Auckland Airport) by Dale Frank

Sue and Nellie (nights at Ibis Budget Auckland Airport) by Dale Frank

2021
Colour pigments in easycast, epoxyglass on perspex
2000 x 1500mm

Available from Gow Langsford Gallery

To the Sky by Tim Jones

To the Sky by Tim Jones

To the Sky by Tim Jones

To the Sky by Tim Jones

2021
Acrylic & polymer on canvas
1100 x 1100 mm

Available from Parnell Gallery

#46 by Michael Rex

#46 by Michael Rex

#46 by Michael Rex

#46 by Michael Rex

Raw patinated copper 20 gage wire
584 x 2565mm

Available from Bonham Gallery

View down the valley, Otago Peninsula by Alan Pearson

View down the valley, Otago Peninsula by Alan Pearson

View down the valley, Otago Peninsula by Alan Pearson

View down the valley, Otago Peninsula by Alan Pearson

1987
Oil on canvas
755 x 795mm, framed

Available from Sanderson Contemporary

Untitled 5  by Salome Tanuvasa

Untitled 5 by Salome Tanuvasa

Untitled 5  by Salome Tanuvasa

Untitled 5 by Salome Tanuvasa

2014
Fabric pen on calico
380 x 410mm, framed

Available from Tim Melville Gallery

On the Horizon by Vicky Savage

On the Horizon by Vicky Savage

On the Horizon by Vicky Savage

On the Horizon by Vicky Savage

2020
Bronze with marble base
390 x 175 x 165mm

Available from Parnell Gallery

Universal Hand by Antonia Perricone-Mrljak

Universal Hand by Antonia Perricone-Mrljak

Universal Hand by Antonia Perricone-Mrljak

Universal Hand by Antonia Perricone-Mrljak

2022
Oil and acrylic on raw canvas
2500 x 2000mm

Available from FHE Galleries

Dakar Artwork by Novocuadro of Spain

Dakar Artwork by Novocuadro of Spain

Dakar Artwork by Novocuadro of Spain

Dakar Artwork by Novocuadro of Spain

Mixed medium on wood
1300 x 130mm, framed

Available from Sarsfield Brooke

Te Kui o Te Pipiwharauroa / The Call of The Shining Cuckooby Jon Tootill

Te Kui o Te Pipiwharauroa / The Call of The Shining Cuckooby Jon Tootill

Te Kui o Te Pipiwharauroa / The Call of The Shining Cuckooby Jon Tootill

Te Kui o Te Pipiwharauroa / The Call of The Shining Cuckooby Jon Tootill

2022
Acrylic on canvas, diptych
1450mm x 1800mm x 35mm

Available from Sanderson Contemporary

Tropical morning fruits for breakfast by Rob Tucker

Tropical morning fruits for breakfast by Rob Tucker

Tropical morning fruits for breakfast by Rob Tucker

Tropical morning fruits for breakfast by Rob Tucker

Mixed media on board
620 x 720mm

Available here

Hard Epic by Judy MIllar

Hard Epic by Judy MIllar

Hard Epic by Judy MIllar

Hard Epic by Judy MIllar

2021
Acrylic and oil on canvas
2100 x 1500mm

Available from Gow Langsford

Habitat Cheeky by Eelco Hilgersom

Habitat Cheeky by Eelco Hilgersom

Habitat Cheeky by Eelco Hilgersom

Habitat Cheeky by Eelco Hilgersom

PC lenses, XPS foam, wood
600 x 220 x 800mm

Available from Bonham Gallery

Mellifluous Aurora by Cathy Carter

Mellifluous Aurora by Cathy Carter

Mellifluous Aurora by Cathy Carter

Mellifluous Aurora by Cathy Carter

2021
C Type Print on FujiFlex Crystal Archive, Framed
780 x 530mm

Available from Föenander

Still Life in Kitchen by Nick Herd

Still Life in Kitchen by Nick Herd

Still Life in Kitchen by Nick Herd

Still Life in Kitchen by Nick Herd

Oil on canvas
762 x 610mm

Available from Parlour Projects

Transition II by Ray Haydon

Transition II by Ray Haydon

Transition II by Ray Haydon

Transition II by Ray Haydon

2021
Carbon fibre, walnut veneer
850mm x 1100mm

Available from Sanderson Contemporary

Untitled No. 7 by Sandra Bushby

Untitled No. 7 by Sandra Bushby

Untitled No. 7 by Sandra Bushby

Untitled No. 7 by Sandra Bushby

2021
Oil on linen
457 x 355mm

Available from Sumer

Hands by Josephine Cachemaille

Hands by Josephine Cachemaille

Hands by Josephine Cachemaille

Hands by Josephine Cachemaille

2021
Clay
130 x 260 x 130mm

Available from Sanderson Contemporary

Dimension II by Txema González

Dimension II by Txema González

Dimension II by Txema González

Dimension II by Txema González

Paper
1160 x 900mm, framed

Available from Sarsfield Brooke

Waitā by Maungarongo Te Kawa

Waitā by Maungarongo Te Kawa

Waitā by Maungarongo Te Kawa

Waitā by Maungarongo Te Kawa

2022
Mixed media quilt
1460 x 910mm

Available from Season Gallery

Slip Static by Chloe June Summerhayes

Slip Static by Chloe June Summerhayes

Slip Static by Chloe June Summerhayes

Slip Static by Chloe June Summerhayes

2021
Oil on canvas
680mm x 500mm x 55mm

Available from Artfull

After Degas by Richard Wells

After Degas by Richard Wells

After Degas by Richard Wells

After Degas by Richard Wells

2020
Bronze
230 x 110mm

Available from Parnell Gallery

Digit Painting - Light Green Over Yellow by Noel Ivanoff

Digit Painting - Light Green Over Yellow by Noel Ivanoff

Digit Painting - Light Green Over Yellow by Noel Ivanoff

Digit Painting - Light Green Over Yellow by Noel Ivanoff

2022
Oil on plywood panel
370 x 277mm

Available from Two Rooms

Culture

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Louis Vuitton Ski Collection 22

Hit the slopes in style with our edit of the snow gear you need this season

If you are heading south for winter, ditch the trusty old jacket you’ve had for decades in favour of something a little more sleek. With the slopes set to be a busy affair this season, it’s time to ensure your first tracks make a bold first impression. From technical ski-suits to après-worthy fashion, our detailed snow edit will have you hitting the slopes (and the pub afterwards) in style.

Clockwise from the top: chloé ski collection. Dior Men link SUNGLASSES from Parker & Co. BOGNER Talisha ski suit from net-a-porter. BEAUBOURG ANKLE BOOTs from Louis Vuitton. Chloé x Dragon Cassidy ski goggles from net-a-porter. PERFECT MOMENT Bloko padded ski socks from Net-a-porter. GORE-TEX ski gloves from Prada. grenoble Engins Gilet from Moncler.

Clockwise from the top: Dior beanie and ski poles from Dior. Laundry rain jacket from Moncler. Bogner Jay-D Ski Jacket from Mr.Porter. grenoble sweatpants from Moncler. Ski goggles from Louis Vuitton. Grenoble gloves from Moncler. Balmain Quilted knee boots from Net-a-porter. DADELSZEN Cashmere T-shirt from Faradays. Knit beanie from Dior Men.
Clockwise from the top: ski mask from Fendi. Fendi Winter sports collection. Grenoble Jacket from Moncler. Chloé x Fusalp ski pants from Net-a-porter. HOLDEN shell slippers from net-a-porter. ELECTRIC ACCENT ski jacket from louis vuitton. ALLOVER LOGO SCARF from Balenciaga.
Clockwise from the top: Dior Men Ski collection. Porossan jacket from moncler. SKIs from Louis Vuitton. filippa k cashmere scarf from Workshop. grenoble leg warmers from Moncler. mixed cable turtle from Bonz. Bonded technical poplin ski pants from Prada. DIOR AND POC SKI GOGGLES from Dior Men.

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We consult the experts on how to create the perfect engagement ring

It has often been said that when it comes to those big moments and questions in life, little details matter — something that definitely rings true when giving the person you love the most romantic piece of jewellery. And despite what you might think, creating a piece that is truly unique doesn’t require you to be an expert on stones or have the most design-oriented eye, you just need to know where to look. 

One jewellery purveyor who understands this better than most is Naveya & Sloane, a renowned, Auckland-based studio that has cultivated something of a cult following for its exquisite bespoke offering and coveted engagement rings. For the team here, the process of creating custom pieces is a collaboration between jeweller and client, replacing the often-daunting undertaking of finding the right engagement ring with an incredibly special and memorable experience that can help anyone uncover the perfect piece.

That said, as far as design is concerned, many embark on the bespoke process with very little idea of where to begin, or where their inspiration should be drawn from. For this reason, we sat down with Naveya & Sloane’s Co-Founder and Creative Director, Rachel Sloane, who helped us with some advice on what to think about when commissioning a bespoke engagement piece and how, with Naveya & Sloane’s help, you’ll be able to create something unforgettable. 

Make your jewellery tell your own story
Ensure it is your story (or that of your other half) that you want to tell, and articulate it into a priceless piece of luxury jewellery — that is what will make your piece unique. Draw inspiration from a mood board, a cornerstone element of Naveya & Sloane’s bespoke design process. It may be a special destination, the place where you first met, a story you love, a favourite flower… There is inspiration to be found everywhere, and it doesn’t have to be taken literally. Instead, these little moments that make your story so unique will shine through in a refined and inspired manner. For those who struggle with the idea of taking the first step, this can be an exciting and beautiful place to start.

Consider timeless elegance as an essential design element
Sloane explains that timeless elegance is the essence of all Naveya & Sloane pieces, including those made in their bespoke range. Their rings are handcrafted in a way that ensures they remain beautiful for decades to come and are not made with elements that easily date or age; an important consideration when mitigating trends in jewellery. Here, there is a delicate balance that must be struck between making sure something adheres to someone’s personal preference and style, while still feeling inherently timeless. Luckily, it’s something that Naveya & Sloane has down to a fine art. 

Seek out a balance between the old and the new
When seeking out inspiration for her own collections, Sloane looks to inspiration throughout history in the places and spaces she loves the most. In some collections, Naveya & Sloane lends its jewels to a delicate conversation with jazz, with stones and ornate details reflecting elements of that era. While her most recent cocktail ring collection consisted of four pieces inspired by Palm Springs. “It’s all about bold simplicity and old-world glamour,” the founder explains. But she takes this design philosophy lightly, ensuring the longevity of her inspiration by mixing the reflections on history with a modern, refined approach. It is here, where old-world details are paired with contemporary finishes that magic can be found. 

Embark on the creation process together
Asking your soulmate to spend the rest of their life with you can be a really big moment — a moment you want to be utter perfection; right down to the ring with which you propose. But getting it not quite right can be scary too, even under the guidance of designers and jewellers. It is why Naveya & Sloane birthed the Original Setting, a revolutionary concept that allows a couple to embark on the bespoke creation process together, making any ring truly special. With the Original Setting, clients are able to choose both the stone and precious metal they want for the final ring and propose with a simple, preliminary piece that has all of those components before embarking on a bespoke journey together to create the dream ring. Giving the clients the luxury of choice is at the heart of this experience, and one that makes all the difference when considering a proposal unique to them. 

Make it authentic to you
When creating any bespoke jewels, few rings go from ideation to inception immediately. Instead, the purpose of bespoke is to bring a layer of creativity via the collaborative process, meaning that no idea is a bad idea, and every iteration will be beautiful. Sloane suggests bringing reference materials to your consultations; be these images or stories. She also considers it wise to reflect on your existing jewellery, as well as your own personal style to help you create something authentic. Typically, the bespoke process evolves from conversations, to mood boards, to design sketches, with the client bringing their style and personality into every step of the ring’s creation.

In short, there is no one way to go about designing a special piece like an engagement ring. Instead, consider it a creative collaboration that reflects the wearer and speaks to a moment in time. And while drawing inspiration from your own story will ensure it is utterly perfect, having expert help from the likes of Naveya & Sloane will ensure the process runs smoothly and the end result is a soulfully handcrafted piece that lives on.

Coveted

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We sit down with Hélène and Jeanne Karpov — the artists preserving authentic craftsmanship
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Tribute House by Alwill Interiors and Luigi Rosseli Architects.

Here’s how to display your favourite pot plants like works of art

When potting your next leafy display, consider a collection of organic shapes and muted tones that promise to position your plants with the kind of prominence they deserve. From smooth, concrete urns to textured terracotta pots, frame your favourite greenery with the kind of curves that command attention in a space.

From left: Kos Urn from Indie Home Collective, UF Pot by Atelier Vierkant from ECC, Crete Pot from Boheme Home.
Pear Terrazzo Pot and Negg Grey Pot from Artedomus.
From left: Brooklyn Planter pot from Dawson & Co., Cassero post by Patricia Urquiola for Serralunga from ECC.

Design

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Plumy is the iconic 80s settee making a comfortable comeback

Those with an affinity for comfort and heritage design will be familiar with the silhouette of Plumy. The iconic setting originally designed by Annie Hiéronimus for Ligne Roset is unique in its design, which almost feels like the antithesis of refinement — a hallmark of the 80s time period it calls home.

The Plumy Settee pictured in Annie Leslau’s New York City project.

In 2016 the emblematic design was given a new lease of life, and there are now more than 40 fabrications and colourways to complement any space. Our favourite iteration is the black leather, which adds an element of sophistication to the chair’s voluptuous comfort.

Plumy armchair by Annie Hiéronimus for Ligne Roset.

With the overstuffed cushions being Plumy’s most defining feature, the unique curvature extends to the style’s armchairs, medium and large settees, and the additional footstool — which only extends the comfort.

Plumy is currently available at Ligne Roset. Discover the complete range here.

Ligne Roset

299 Great North Road,
Grey Lynn, Auckland

www.ligne.nz

Design

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Global milk tea sensation, Machi Machi, opens its first store in Auckland

Bubble and milk tea bars are one of those cult-followed, foodie things that seem to always draw a crowd, and for those in the know, Auckland’s newest opening is set to continue the trend. Machi Machi is a global sensation (it started in Taiwan and now, boasts 23 stores across the world) and has recently made its first foray into New Zealand with a shiny new store in Albany.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the new outpost has already seen queues out the door of those seeking some of the chain’s coveted freshly-brewed teas, fruit teas and milk teas. Machi Machi’s menu is renowned for its delightfully sweet offering, where classic teas are given delicious (and unexpected) twists — think cream cheese foam or creme brûlée topping. And, in order to ensure Kiwi punters were treated to the full Machi Machi experience, the brand even sent its original Taiwanese baristas here to train the local team.

Machi Machi’s aesthetic is just another delightful touch. The interiors are very Instagram-worthy, with cute illustrations and neon signs set against simple, concrete walls. And if you want your tea in a version that can be thrown into a bag to finish later, Machi Machi also offers its drinks in sleek glass bottles. But what really makes Machi Machi stand out more than anything is its focus on quality ingredients. Sourcing traditional tea leaves from Taiwan and creating all of the pearls, creme brûlée and panna cotta in-house, here, there is a focus on detail that makes the Machi Machi milk tea second to none. If you’re looking to try something different this weekend, look no further.

Machi Machi

11/14 Corinthian Drive,
Albany, Auckland

www.machimachi.co.nz

Gastronomy

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These are the non-fiction releases we’re devouring right now

When it comes to our bedside reading stacks this season, non-fiction new releases are taking precedent. While there is an overflow of new titles emerging from great literary minds and new thinkers, these are the books that we believe are worthy of your attention.

How to Raise an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Following in the wake of tragedy and unrest, the latest work by this prolific activist suggests a way to keep anti-racist work at the forefront of a child’s upbringing, giving us all hope for the generations of the future. 

Tremors in the Blood by Amit Katwala
For those who indulge in true crime podcasts and murder mystery novels, comes the ultimate literary probe into the tool that changed investigation forever — the lie detector.

The Secret Life of Secrets by Michael Slepian
Secrets — everybody has them. Whether they’re simply the subject of idle gossip, or something more sinister, they are an intricate part of our complex society. This recent release finally considers how secrets impact the mind and the world in turn. Drawing on the author’s research, this is an eye-opening look at human behaviour.

Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole by Susan Cain
In her new masterpiece, Susan Cain reveals the power of a bittersweet outlook on life, and why we’ve been so blind to its value. This read shows how embracing life’s struggles will help you develop your greatest strengths.

Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Makingby Tony Fadeli
Ingenuity and innovation are the cornerstones of the modern world, yet there is no one recipe for success. From the mind behind the teams that gave us the iPhone, this unorthodox guide offers inspiration and suggestions for breaking the rules to bring about unparalleled success.

The Unkillables by Jo Lambell
Cultivating a proud garden as a plant parent can be tougher than the act of parenting itself, but in Jo Lambell’s illuminating release, we uncover 40 of the most resilient houseplants for the horticulturally challenged — and how to care for them to ensure their survival.

Culture

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The ultimate excuse to dress up and do something different

Comfort food and bottomless coffee collide at Avondale’s delicious cafe

Burnt Butter unofficially calls itself the anti-cafe, where the owners have gone somewhat against the grain by opening with a philosophy of good food first, and everything else after. On the front door the signage reads ‘Simple done well. Breakky, Lunch & Hot Cuppas. Small Batch Catering. Fresh Bakes’ and really, we couldn’t sum its offering up better. (But we’ll try, all the same.)

Left: Burnt Butter Diner’s cookies.

The new Avondale cafe is small but mighty and has been designed to feel like walking into the home of its owners, Claudia Long and Ryan Pearce. It is a an eclectic space where warm tones of red, textured walls and touches of timber are bathed in natural light from the large front window (adorned in cute illustrations by Carly Black). Here, only filter coffee is served (bottomless, of course), and Long’s cookies and cakes take centre stage.

The BB FlatBRead

Burnt Butter is not the first hospitality venue for the owners. Both ex-Gemmayze Street, the chefs opened nearby Ol’ Mate when the pandemic first hit, as a way to remain in hospitality and serve the food they love, alongside coffee the locals swear by. Burnt Butter was simply the next step in their evolution, and it all happened organically. The space, a former recording studio and art gallery, became available, and the next thing they knew, Long and Pearce were rolling their sleeves up and getting stuck into the fit-out.

Right: Smoked Fish Crumpet.

At its core, Burnt Butter is where the clever culinary duo can continue to break the hospitality mould. They cook the food they know and love, which can sometimes be cakes inspired by Long’s other venture Sweetcheeks, or meals with flavours inspired by Pearce’s travels (a personal favourite is the smoked fish atop a homemade crumpet with egg, pickles and Greek yoghurt). They’re confident that if they love it, others will too.

It’s a vision that we’re confident with too. At any given time, the space is flooded with locals, catching up with one another or sitting back for another cup of coffee and a good book to read. It’s a space where you could happily sit eating, reading and catching up with friends for hours on end, and in the coming months, you can expect to find us doing just that.

Burnt Butter

62 Rosebank Road,
Avondale, Auckland

https://www.instagram.com/burntbutter_nz/

Gastronomy

Embrace the season’s best with Savor Group’s indulgent winter celebration — Duck & Pinot
A one-night-only celebration is taking place at Advieh Restaurant & Bar this August — secure your spot now
Celebrate Dry July with a winter feast worth toasting to

We uncover the purveyor of some of the freshest, tastiest pasta in Auckland

It has been said that there is no labour of love quite like homemade pasta, and those who have attempted can attest to the idea.

But for some, it is more love than labour, like Mirella Kostandini, who has recently opened Arte Della Pasta — a space serving some of the freshest, handmade pasta in Auckland, ready for you to pick-up and prepare with love at home (almost like you made it yourself). It is an easy and delicious upgrade from the classic supermarket packets, and a little-known secret that we’ve been eager to share.

Left: Gnocchi.

Pasta making is an art that has been in Konstandini’s family for generations and (like all good pasta recipes) it was passed down to her by her Nonna. Now, she shares with it with those who visit her space. Located in central Newmarket, Arte Della Pasta is more than just a grab-and-go. It’s also a dine-in and takeaway experience that offers wholesome Italian food as it was meant to be served, as well as a place in which the chef offers a range of pasta classes. In these intimate sessions, Konstandini passes on the knowledge shared by her family, to help you to make truly bellissimo pasta every single time.

Left: A selection of Arte Della Pasta’s pestos, sauces and olive oils.

For Konstandini, nothing brings her more joy than creating traditional pasta every day. Everything is made by hand, with the freshest, seasonal ingredients that inspire the day’s dishes — be it spinach and ricotta ravioli or slow-cooked lamb. “What really makes the difference is I make everything with my hands,” she explains. “You can smell it, and you can taste the difference.” It is almost akin to an art form — and the level of care and detail doesn’t go unnoticed.

After the rise of internet sensation Pasta Grannies, there has been a collective growth in the appreciation for just how much love, effort and energy goes into making these kinds of dishes; dishes that capture such a special culinary culture. “For me, this is not a business,” Konstandini explains to me. “This is a home — and I want all the people who come in to feel at home too.”

“When I see the people enjoying what I do, and when people come back and say thank you, you feel at the heart of the family… This makes it all worth it.”

Opening hours:
Monday — Sunday, 11am until 6pm

Arte Della Pasta

21C Remuera Road,
Newmarket, Auckland

www.artedellapasta.com

Gastronomy

Embrace the season’s best with Savor Group’s indulgent winter celebration — Duck & Pinot
A one-night-only celebration is taking place at Advieh Restaurant & Bar this August — secure your spot now
Celebrate Dry July with a winter feast worth toasting to
MAH Residence by Mim Design.

Stay cosy without losing your cool with our guide to the finest fireplaces around

About two million years ago, we learnt to control fire. It’s a defining factor in the evolution of the human experience, and our humanity. A fire provides warmth and heat, but it also acts as a conduit for connection, drawing us together as we search for meaning through the flames. And as recent studies have shown, the ancient campfire led to the rise of storytelling.

Strike fireplace by Chad Dorsey Design Studio.
Cascata Uno by Alwill Interiors.

So, when you want to tell a story in your home, a distinctive fireplace will let visitors know who you truly are. We suggest looking to sculptural shapes with smooth, inviting curves to draw attention to both the fire and your room’s form. And if you want to make a statement, get more from your mantle by extending it upwards for dramatic effect — or outwards to make it seem like it emerges seamlessly from its surrounds. Mim Design’s striking fireplace feature wall for the MAH Residence does both. Utilising the space on either side of the custom display, the fireplace fans elegantly over the flames below.

From left: Paris Residence by Félix Millory Architecture, Henessy 86 Residence by Ivan Honcharenko.
Californian House by Axel Vervoordt.

If you’d rather your fireplace be quite literally in the middle of your conversation, an artful suspended fireplace in the midst of a room will make time stand still at the end of an evening. Many of these fireplaces, like the Gyrofocus, designed in the 1960s by Dominique Imber for Focus Fireplace, are able to swivel 360-degrees for those who desire full control over their blaze and the ambiance it creates.

Sheffield Residence by Vincent Appel.

That said, if you’re after something more substantial, you might be moved by marble. First chiselled by the ancient world, the rock offers a refined yet robust form, whether impressed on the wall as a mantlepiece, or made to stand out in the middle of a room as a special feature. From blanco carrara to dark onyx, the natural veining in marble is unique to each piece — formed by crystallised minerals from water that once ran through the stone and evaporated. Such veins may be trapped in time, but they seem to have more vitality when set against the heat of a flame.

42 Crosby Street, New York Residence by Samuel Amoia.
The Collector Residence by Framework Studio.

For choosing furniture that encircles the fireplace itself, select these like you would your fireside companions — welcoming and with a sense of humour. Tactile chairs of bouclé and shearling have their own charming quirks, and promise to be points of conversation if all else fails. Seating in tones like smooth cognac and deep brown will offer a necessary sense of calm when it’s time to put your feet up, while pieces rendered in solid timber will only add to the warmth already radiating from the undulating flames.

As for coffee tables, whichever shape you choose for this other important centrepiece, our one rule is to ensure yours is kept level with the fire, so that its flickers reflect softly on the surface. 

Design

Having just landed at ECC, Italian design studio Imperfetto Lab is a brand you need to know
Step inside an elegantly transformed Grey Lynn residence
Discover Matchbox — an alluring new destination for car enthusiasts