Q&A

with Sharon Robinson

PLANS FOR THE GARDEN: To have a professionally designed landscape concept which will include zones such as raised beds for cut flowers close to the house. Beyond this will be natives like flax, hebe and other shrubs to attract nectar-feeding birds, bees and butterflies.

HOW TO TELL IF A RENOVATION IS WORTH IT: For us, the renovation has to add value and enjoyment to our way of life – and to be financially prudent. We aim to have the total cost of the house and its renovation to be less than the market value of the property once renovations are complete.

ONE THING THIS PROJECT TAUGHT ME:

To select the highest quality products and materials you can afford with long-term reliability, low maintenance and low running costs in mind.

FAVOURITE LOCAL DESIGN STORE:

We like to pop into the Burning Issues Gallery in Whangārei’s town basin. We especially love the beautiful blown-glass art there.

WE LOVE THIS AREA BECAUSE: Of the friendliness, slower pace of life and unpretentious people, together with the beauty and connection to nature that the Whangārei Heads and the surrounding areas offer.