Naomi Stein Lives Here

It's about time I took you on another amazing home tour. OK, so we did one a couple of days ago, but before that, my last one was in October, and it is my favourite kind of post. I love everything about this home, which belongs to Naomi Stein - I love her bold use of colour and pattern, I love the stories about her pieces, and I love her mix of modern and vintage.



Naomi owns a boutique construction firm, Design Manifest, with her Dad. During the day she designs other people's homes. So to be able to design her own home completely for herself, no boyfriend or flatmate to consider, meant she could push the boundaries and get really adventurous. And although her 'modern bohemian glamour' style looks expensive, Naomi actually pulled it all together on a modest budget - you go girl!

Naomi's love of David Hicks' La Fiorentina fabric meant that this entry bench was one of her few splurges. The art belonged to her nana, and she sewed the cushions herself using scraps of ikat fabric.

Naomi painted her office wall a gorgeous Yves Klein blue, which brilliantly sets off her Parson's desk.
This was a second-hand find that she painted hot pink. The side cabinets are Ikea's famous Rast drawers which have been cleverly overlaid to create a Palm Springs look.

The dining room table and chairs are more second-hand scores. The French-country wannabe chairs (Naomis' words) were originally cream. A lick of high-gloss black paint and some chevron fabric has transformed them. They look fantastic with the Suzani tablecloth.

Naomi won this vintage bar cart at an auction for $150! She commissioned the painting by Nicole of
Sketch 42 as a moving in present to herself, so she could always remember her new beginning.

This is my least favourite room, but I wanted to include it because I love what Naomi has brought to it. Being a rental property she couldn't change the cabinets, but adding the tribal rug and ornate art has
softened the room and made it more in keeping with her style.

The Nina Campbell wallpaper is Naomi's most prized possession. Treat yourself by buying one roll
of your favourite (expensive) wallpaper and use it in a little nook like this. The mirror was spray
painted teal especially for this wall, and the auction-won chairs ($30 for the pair) were recovered
in zebra fabric gifted to Naomi.

The living area has a Pottery Barn rug picked up for half price on eBay. Naomi would love to replace it one day with a real Beni Ouarain Moroccan rug - it's always good to have something to strive for!

Naomi likes to change her cushions out seasonally. To make it a cost-effective activity she shops
discount fabric outlets and sews the covers herself.

A plain Ikea Expedit bookshelf has been 'glammed' up with a plate mirror on the back.
The art is a framed Victor Vasarely scarf once belonging to her grandmother, and a photo of
her beloved dog. And can you believe she picked up the Eames lounger off the side of the curb?!!!
It's a reproduction Eames, but still a great find.

The mini Singer belonged to Naomi's great-grandmother, and the David bust was from a thrift store.
It's great to have pieces on show that are sentimental and tell a story.

The cheapest room was the bedroom. Naomi's sister scored the headboard from an Urban Outfitters
sample sale. The bedspread was a gift from her Mum. The pillows are from Naomi's friend Caitlin Wilson. And she won the Marilyn artwork in a Cozamia giveaway!

Siggada Kilims

If you've followed my blog for a while you'll know how crazy in love I am with colour, pattern and texture. Throw in a bit of Boho, and a touch of the exotic, and I'm in heaven!
So of course a Kilim rug is very high on my wish list. For a while now I've admired from afar the beautiful selection at Loom in Melbourne. But now we are lucky enough to have a gorgeous range right here in New Zealand at Siggada Kilims.




Siggada is owned and operated in Auckland by Pip Maxwell and Lisa Reid. The talented interior designer & graphic designer duo make the perfect partners for selling and promoting these amazing textiles. I met the lovely Pip when she was visiting Hawke's Bay recently, and loved hearing the story of how they came to sell rugs (check their website). The girls occasionally take to the roads with their wares, so keep an eye on their Facebook page.




The Siggada range is growing and ever-changing. No two products are the same, and the history of each piece is fascinating. When looking through the gallery I seem to favour the geometric diamond patterns (this top one would look just perfect in my living room)...






But there are many more designs...





There's also a gorgeous range of decorative items available, like this Moroccan wedding blanket, and pompom blanket...




The Suzani throws are divine...




And beautiful cushions galore!



Fane Flaws - Xmas Specials

Here in Hawke's Bay we are so lucky to have an amazing art community. One of our most well known and respected artists is the multi-talented Fane Flaws. Starting out as a graphic designer, he is also a musician, writer, director of award-winning music videos, short films and TV commercials, painter and sculptor. And, as if that wasn't enough, I've had the pleasure of attending an event that he was MC'ing, and he is a fabulous speaker!

Photo via Clever Hunting


My favourite of Fane's creations has to be his series of birds made out of demolition timber - now there is a brilliant way to upcycle! If you think they look good in these photos, wait until you see them up close - the texture is incredible, and they create an amazing statement piece for your wall, either on their own, or grouped together. 

As a Christmas special for all my Cush & Nooks' readers, Fane is offering his smaller birds (approx 300 x 200mm), and tikis for $200 each, or $550 for three.








And he also has a couple of larger birds, two swans and a large pale tiki available for $600 each. These would make fantastic Christmas gifts (I know I'd love one), but get in quick to secure your favourite. Contact Fane through his website.