What's Your Flavour?

When you've chosen to build new over buying existing, one of the main reasons was likely to be that you wanted to have the freedom to build Your Home. Your Way. and give it the look and feel that makes it feel like 'home' to you. Some people have a clear idea what they want from their new home and what products they want the builder to use to achieve this, from doorknob to doormat… they know what they want. Some of you might not be so confident – don't worry, you're not alone.

This is where Signature's design team come into the picture, they can help you make an informed decision on all products available and what will suit your budget and lifestyle. Before you visit a designer it is a good idea to have a list of requirements for your new home. We have outlined some popular styles for you below.

Modern/Contemporary
A popular style with our clients is Modern/Contemporary, showcasing plastered exteriors with Linea weatherboard, concrete block or schist detailing. Inside, the finishes are sleek and smooth; often featuring shiny surfaces utilising glass and stainless steel. The colour range is 'neutral' white, black, warm greys with a bright accessory colour such as red. Signature's Linea and Masonry Collections demonstrate this style.

Shabby Chiq
Giving a nod to our colonial roots, we have the villa/cottage style. Many people choose to restore old villas and like the characteristics these early New Zealand homes have. However, we now also build many new homes that are inspired by this look, constructed with the latest materials to create a sustainable and comfortable 21st century home. Villas can be clad in brick or Linea weatherboard.

When it comes to decorating, 'Shabby Chic' has been the trend. 'Shabby Chic' predominantly consists of (whitewash) timber flooring and Baroc furniture painted white, porcelain finishes, wrought iron details and country-style fabrics. It is a romantic way of decorating with many accessories, such as candles, flowers and photo frames. The clawfoot bath is back in fashion and you can even finish your bathroom wall with white 'subway' tiles. You'll feel like you've gone back in time! White is the base colour for 'Shabby Chic', but you can add favourite colours to give it your own flavour.

Colours of the World
We have a huge range of nationalities here in New Zealand and we embrace the variety of foods they bring to our country. But it doesn't stop there. We see more homes being built inspired by overseas architecture.

An example of this is our Tuscany Collection. The homes in this collection have an Italian Jacket, with white or cream plastered exterior walls, red tiled roofs, tall square chimneys, stately columns, wrought iron balustrades and french doors. At Signature Homes, we can accommodate any request; from a Japanese themed black and white bathroom to a colourful Mexican – styled kitchen.

In with the old
Maybe you like a blast from the past and are more the vintage/retro type. It might be the Art Deco 20's that inspire you, with the amazing lily designs and stained glass. Or the Rock n' Roll 50's, with big designers such as Arne Jacobsen (designer of the 'Egg' chair) or the Eames couple ('Eames' chair). Maybe you favour the current trend, with the return of the 70's reviving shagpile carpet, mosaic tiles and flower wallpaper. This trend is sometimes mixed with the Kiwiana Style of decorating, where old kiwi icons such as the '4 Square' man have been brought back into our interiors on accessories such as tea towels.