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.
Curated. Not Cluttered.
One minute, I was pondering how to install a gallery wall in my living room, and the next, I had spent six consecutive Saturdays scouring my favourite thrift stores for hours, to come home with a bootful of beautifully framed seascape paintings by anonymous (but very talented) artists and heavy vintage ceramic vases, jugs, and woven baskets in various shapes and sizes.
New Zealand Homeware Brands Worth Obsessing Over and Inviting Into Your Home
I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve only cottoned onto New Zealand homeware brands in the last year or so. When I think ‘homewares,’ my mind automatically drifts to Adairs, Fenton & Fenton, Coco Republic (all three are Australian brands), or West Elm and Pottery Barn (both US brands). I’ve likely had blinkers on all this time because, from what I’ve discovered, stylish, quality homeware brands are thriving in New Zealand and have been for generations.
Before You Jump on the Latest Design Trend, Do This Instead for a Home That’s More You
In my last post, I touched on 3 questions to ask yourself before decorating your home. Now, we explore the one creative pre-styling and decorating exercise to help you make your home feel more like YOU.
3 Questions to ask yourself before decorating your home
For many of us, home isn’t just four walls and a roof over our heads - it’s a sanctuary and a reflection of who we are and what we love. This makes me wonder why, if our homes are so personal, creating our spaces is so heavily influenced by fleeting trends.