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She's in the process of moving house and it's quite likely that art consultant and former gallery owner Melanie Roger may end up with a home that has a lot of good-looking, wide open walls and not too much furniture. "I definitely prioritise art," Roger confesses. "Less furniture, more art!" she declares, laughing. "Anyway, not having a space should never stop you from buying an artwork if you love it," Roger argues. "Because you can rearrange your home. You can also curate your own home."
Having children is no excuse for an artless environment, either. Roger has a daughter, aged almost 3, who is well aware the art is precious and not to be toyed with.
Roger, who was director of the very cool Roger Williams gallery until recently, is always on the lookout for new art _ and newer, bigger and better spaces in which to display it. Besides writing about and marketing art on a freelance basis, she's also currently looking for a new, permanent project, as well as consulting with corporates about which art is best for them.
1 Illusion tables designed by John Brauer, made by Essey and available from Design Denmark in Ponsonby.
These are absolutely beautiful - a wonderful juxtaposition where opulence meets minimalism. Each is unique, too. An artist friend, Judy Darragh, has done a fabulous series titled Laser Bloom that has similar design principles. The Auckland Art Gallery has an enormous version with around 350 "blooms".
2 Living and working with great contemporary art every day. Until late 2007, I was co-owner of Roger Williams Contemporary gallery in Newton where we exhibited and represented both established and emerging New Zealand and international artists.
3 New Zealand clothing designers
- in particular Cybele, Kate Sylvester and Karen Walker.
4 Vintage ceramics.
I spend way too much time on Trade Me and fossicking through junk shops. A particular passion are 1960s and 70s coffee sets with their wonderful use of orange.
I am also a big fan of German pottery from the 50s. And recently I have started collecting vintage deer ornaments for our daughter. The more cute and kitsch, the better.
5 Auckland's West Coast.
I love the wild untamed nature of Karekare in particular. A great place to both clear the head and inspire. It is still a relatively untouched reminder of how the country used to be and the environment that has formed the basis for so much of New Zealand's dark creative culture.
6 Sony Cyber-Shot camera.
I take it everywhere. Such a great size that can fit in your handbag (no matter how impractical) or even in the back pocket of your jeans.
7 Independent book shops with specialist art and design sections.
Roger and Helen Parsons, of Parsons in central Auckland, consistently bring great art books to New Zealand and are never too busy to stop for a chat. Slightly further afield, in Sydney I can't go past Arial Books on Oxford St, Paddington. Constantly changing stock and an amazing range. It often makes for very heavy luggage.
8 Simon James Design.
Well-priced New Zealand designed and made furniture. Simon also stocks some very good international designs.
His new showroom in Newton on the corner of Upper Queen and Karaka Streets is well worth a visit.
9 The Gordon Keeble.
They were manufactured in Britain between 1963 and 1967. Designed by John Gordon and Jim Keeble, the design was based on racing car principles and was an instant success. Unfortunately industrial action and high costs halted production with only 100 ever made and only around 90 still believed to be in existence. A classically understated and elegant car. If I could choose any one car, this would be it. My first was a Fiat Bambina, so I'm also very interested to see that being relaunched - apparently it won't make it to New Zealand till early 2008 though.
10 The Wintergarden at the Auckland Domain.
It was designed in the 1920s in the style of the famous English partnership of Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. I remember visiting as a child and being fascinated by the ever-changing gardens and the fernery where I was sure that fairies lived.
