STYLISH HOMES CAPITAL IDEAS G reytown is not only home to New Zealand’s most complete main street of Victorian architecture, it also boasts top-notch shops. Along the main street visitors to the historic town will find designer boutiques, quirky local stores, cafes and restaurants. Browse the racks of quality pre-loved designer label clothing at More To Love Boutique, a store with a target market of size 14-plus. Owner Michelle Bailey, also a qualified colour and image consultant, has many years’ retail experience styling plus-size women. As a result, she’s committed to providing more affordable fashionable options for women who have “more to love”. Then there’s Timeless Homes, which stands by its slogan “we do things differently”. By that owner and architectural designer and technologist Mark Jerling means architecturally designing homes in a traditional or modern style to suit clients’ lifestyles and properties. “We take into account views, wind direction, rainfall, sun angles and shade, and our goal is to design you a home that does not date. “At the same time we consider such aspects as ease of access, proportion, all in order to ensure a timeless quality to the house so that it can function well, not ‘date’ and satisfy the needs of the owners for many, many years to come.” Timeless Homes also provides materials that can make a home much cheaper to heat and cool, so much cheaper that, Mark says, owners could spend as little as 75c per day to heat or cool a three-bedroom house. Intersection, Greytown’s only menswear shop, specialises in casual fashion with a strong emphasis on style and colour. Fabric quality is also important, which means most of the boutique store’s shirts are 100 percent cotton and jerseys are merino, merino/possum or merino/cashmere. While Intersection can order a garment if it’s not in stock, larger-sized men can buy up to 6XL in tops and 147cm waist in trousers via its website: www.intersectiononline.co.nz Wairarapa-born designer Lorraine Hall brings contemporary design within the reach of every woman through her flagship store Hall Clothing. Defined by strong yet simple shapes, natural fibres and iconic graphics, her label prides itself on its wearability for women of all shapes, ages and sizes. Having launched her Hall label in 2008, Lorraine enjoys creating her designs out of a workroom attached to the Greytown store because it allows her to mingle with customers and gain valuable feedback. Visitors to garden decor store Grand Illusions will find it’s where home meets garden. The store is surrounded by an 1880’s cottage featuring garden sculpture and decorative items, many of which are exclusive to Grand Illusions. Much of the range of homewares and interior pieces are botanically-inspired and are either made by local artisans or made and imported from designs and ideas sparked by owner Craig Thorburn’s regular trips to the East. Married couple Kirk and Shelley Saunders opened The Design Library nine months ago after moving to the area with their three children. They have since carved out a niche in the South Wairarapa furniture scene with their collection of modern designer furniture and homewares sourced from not just New Zealand but all over the globe. “What really sets us apart from many of our counterparts is the set of diverse and unique suppliers we work with,” says Kirk. “It’s also refreshing to know when our customers leave with their goods that they won’t find the same pieces at their friends’ houses.” Whether shopping for family groceries, a special dinner or a gift, Food Forest Organics offers an authentic farm fresh shopping experience. The one-stop shop for farm fresh produce, grocery items and cafe prepared food sources most of its selection of seasonal produce and handcrafted foods from Wairarapa’s Cameron Family Farms. Visitors will find everything from seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, Manuka honey from Food Forest Organics’ own beehives and olive oil pressed from its olive trees through to gluten-free baking supplies, nut milks and nut cheeses, dairy- free yoghurts and sauces and specialty teas, fresh coffee beans, and gourmet chocolate. Open from 9.30am-4.30pm Wednesday to Sunday, Food Forest Organics also has accommodation available in the heart of the town. As the name suggests, The Good Mood Company is all about helping to create a great mood. “Whether it’s a beautiful Chill Me Out candle to relax you, an exotic In The Mood essential oil blend, or something that makes you laugh out loud from our gift range, there’s something for everyone,” says owner Jo Parker. Customers will come across well-known favourite brands such as Ecoya and The Aromatherapy Company, and products that range from bath bombs and body lotions to soaps and stationery. “We have everything you can think of to make you happy,” quips Jo. Invest boutique showcases New Zealand- designed and made collections and accessories. Nyne, Obi, Mild Red, Bobb, Sabatini, Buick and Imprint tights are among some of the treats in store at Invest. Because customer service is a priority, Invest owner Wendy Birchall is on hand for advice if it’s needed, or customers can make an appointment and have the store to themselves if they want an “Invest makeover”. “It really is my greatest pleasure when a customer’s face lights up because of her fun experience at Invest, that’s what it is all about.” At Madison Rose, a boutique and “truly gorgeous” retail experience awaits women who adore style. “We have vintage, pre-loved and new. We’re for women who relish adorning themselves and their homes in fashion and furnishings that are designed to go on and on,” says owner Deb Northover. “Shopping at Madison Rose is special, we deliver traditional retail service at its very best, from a team of kind, empathetic and enthusiastic women. “Our service is honest and tailormade for you, so revisit the joy of lingering over shopping and finding those unique pieces to cherish. See, touch, try on and explore.” Meanwhile, iconic boutique country hotel, The White Swan, is about to undergo a makeover. Scheduled to begin in July, the upgrade will see the formal dining and kitchen remodelled first, then the wine room, main bar and deck, followed later by the accommodation. “The refurbishment will reflect a more casual approach to dining with an emphasis on rustic comfort dishes with a country twist,” says general manager Dale Keith. Local and international wines and craft beers will have a strong presence in the proposed new stylish wine room, says Dale, while the main bar and deck will be contemporary with great street appeal. The White Swan will continue to be open for business throughout the upgrade. Greytown Gorgeous There’s a fabulous range of clothing boutiques, design galleries and foodie favs in this historic Wairarapa town. The Good Mood Company has a full range of oils, candles and gifts to brighten up anyone’s day. Garden decor store Grand Illusions is full of decorative and plant-related homeware items. Photos: JOHN NICHOLSON