Take the indoors outside so you can relax in comfort by creating a tropical paradise at your place with outdoor cushions, a colourful cocktail and a summery playlist. Once you've set the scene, and got your staycation wardrobe sorted, grab something delicious to nibble and enjoy the sunshine. A life
10 summer must-haves for your home and wardrobe
Create a capsule wardrobe of perfect pieces for sun-drenched days and starry nights. Start with this super-chic wide brim hat that will bring a little Positano to your look, as well providing much-needed shade on searing hot summer days. Parasol hat and Racer Back singlet, both by Kowtow.
nz.kowtowclothing.com
Planet friendly
If you have decided to ditch single-use plastic bottles for soap and shampoo in solid bars, this is the ideal storage solution. The Block Dock will allow you to say goodbye to mushy bars and hello to a plastic-free planet, one bar at a time.
theblockdock.com
Taste of summer
Sweeten your day with a little piece of Sugar jewellery, hand-crafted by Ella Donovan at her Auckland studio. Since launching Sugar last year, she has released a growing collection of Italian glass necklaces, earrings and bracelets in an assortment of colourful designs. Created with summer in mind, the Daisy Azure Sugar-Glass necklace is perfect for the beach and looks just as good with a pretty dress when the sun sets.
sugaronline.co.nz
Bright delight
After a long day in the sun, give your skin a treat with Emma Lewisham's Illuminating Brighten Your Day Crème. For a limited time, it's available in beautiful packaging designed by Sydney-based artist Gabrielle Penfold, perfect for festive gifts. Better still, refills are available to reduce your carbon footprint.
emmalewisham.com
Pool party
Life's always better poolside. If your backyard is lacking the real thing, cool down on a scorching hot summer's day in this inflatable mini-me version. Make sure you have something ice-cold to sip and a good book, then sit back and relax when things start heating up. Pool Buoy available from Paper Plane.
paperplanestore.com
Now & forever
Coffee always tastes better in a beautiful vessel. This hand-crafted coffee cup by Emily Brockie is from her Brock Ceramics collection that includes tumblers, bowls and other functional homewares. "Sometimes things go to plan, sometimes they don't. Those pieces are often my favourites," she says. The former advertising executive, who fell in love with clay a few years ago, finds the slow-making process a therapeutic contrast to her busy lifestyle. The recent Covid lockdowns have enabled her to spend more time on her creative ventures, launching Brock Ceramics.
brockceramics.com
Land ahoy
Add a nautical flourish to your summer décor with art inspired by the sea. Laser-cut timber coastline maps, such as this one of the Hauraki Gulf, are handcrafted at the Tides Out Maps studio by Matt Peacock. The pieces are made to order and the studio also offers custom designs of a shoreline that's special to you. The perfect gift for ocean-loving friends and family.
tidesoutmaps.co.nz
Scene setter
Send your summer nights to the next level with Arc, a new candle collection available in three scents, Illume, Dusk and River. Housed in mouth-blown glass, and made with natural fragrance and hand-poured plant-based botanical waxes, they are designed to be an object of beauty and desire.
arcatelier.co
Outside inside
Potted plants have made a comeback that rivals their popularity in the 70s. Add them to your décor – no lava lamp or shag rug required – to make a statement. Babylon Store has made it easy by marrying up the right plant with the right vessel. This combo is one of many available at their Auckland store, which has an ever-changing selection of plants, pots, botanical goods, art and accessories.
babylonstore.co.nz