WELCOME to
THE COSY NOTES
I’m Dominey, based on the Matakana Coast in New Zealand, sharing spaces with soul, boutique stays, coastal living, and behind-the-scenes notes from my creative home and design projects. This space is about slowing down, noticing the details, and creating a life that feels joyful.
Leigh Eats the heart of Leigh Village
It’s a sunny Sunday morning, and I’m sitting in Leigh Eats cafe and fish'n'chip shop on what has become a weekend ritual: coffee and a savoury (or cinnamon) brioche. As I wait for my order, I notice the chirpy locals who pop their heads through the entrance and yell, "How are ya!" They wave happily at Tim and Annaliese, the shop owners manning the front counter and coffee machine. Warm greetings are exchanged, followed by "See ya soon!"
4 easy ways to add more character to your home
We usually associate houses built 100+ years ago, like Victorian manors and period bungalows with character. But does a house have to be old to have character? Short answer: no. Even if your house is brand new (or new-ish), you can still bring in a sense of story or history with furniture, art and decor. Here are 4 easy ways to add more character to your home:
A colourful small bathroom renovation
Why a plain white or grey bathroom? Why not go bold and create a space that makes getting ready for the day or bed a joyful experience? These were my initial thoughts going into our small bathroom makeover. Often, bathrooms can feel cold and uninviting (figuratively and literally) as many of the features in a bathroom are made from hard, cold materials (e.g. tiles, glass, metal). But I think a room constructed of hard materials can still look and feel warm and inviting - with the combination of colour, pattern and texture.
A sustainable glamping retreat in the Mangōnui countryside
Nestled in the heart of Mangōnui along the banks of a winding river against a backdrop of an olive grove is The River Bothy, a rustic glamping retreat. Serene, picturesque, and private, The River Bothy is the perfect dog-friendly hideaway for those seeking an internet-free break from the world.