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.
A coastal farmhouse in the heart of a nature sanctuary
Some houses have that ‘home’ factor. You know the kind: traditional architecture, nostalgic interiors that look and feel like the house you grew up in (but more stylish), a backyard every kid dreams of having - replete with a whimsical forest and a treehouse. 144 Govan Wilson Drive is exactly that.
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: