Lewis Fredericks | Handcrafted Horn + Bespoke Eyewear

From the moment I was introduced to the young NZ eyewear brand Lewis Fredericks, I was intrigued. Specialising in quality, timeless eyewear handcrafted from horn (a wasted by-product of domestication), the designers are passionate about the uniqueness of this natural material, which is both beautiful and practical. Unlike any synthetic counterpart, horn is a natural fibre that is unable to be replicated, making every pair of Lewis Fredericks eyewear a one of a kind piece. As someone who wears glasses most of the day - opticals for work and sunglasses outdoors - the hypoallergenic, lightweight and durable quality of horn really appeals. It also has a unique flexibility, meaning that each pair gradually moulds to the wearer's face.

Launching with a buffalo horn collection earlier this year, Lewis Fredericks are now moving into the production of ram, ox and yak horn glasses. They have also introduced an exciting new bespoke service, giving customers a raft of options to express their personal taste and style, all while remaining true to the Lewis Fredericks aesthetic and brand heritage. 

It's not everyday you get to try out a range of designer eyewear in the comfort of your own home, but I was lucky enough to do so for the purpose of this post. It was important for me to get a true sense of the horn in terms of look and feel, and I can now tell you first-hand that these are the best glasses I have ever worn. For the design-conscious, lovers of timeless style, and those looking for comfort, quality and uniqueness, these are definitely for you.

Here's a run-down of how the bespoke service works. Starting with the shape and size of the frame, (detailed facial measurements are taken to adjust the size of the frame in order to ensure the correct fit), you can choose from the following selection of horn plates and colours:

Buffalo Horn: Dark Horn, White/Cream Horn

Yak Horn: Light Horn

Ox Horn: Light Horn

Ram Horn – Transparent Yellow, Light Horn

Taking into account your skin tone, hair and eye colour, Lewis Fredericks will help you choose a horn plate that both suits your complexion and reflects your personal style. For a sunglass frame you are able to choose from a range of Mazzucchelli polarised lenses, which are placed in during the production process. Alternatively your frame will come with AR CR39 clear lenses, for which Lewis Fredericks recommends you then get your prescription fitted from one of their trusted opticians.

The bespoke horn frames can also be monogrammed, and are accompanied with the Lewis Fredericks handmade leather pouch (which can also be monogrammed), microfibre, polishing ­cream and outer case.

Styling and Photography by Michelle Halford for T.D.C

For all bespoke enquiries contact bespoke@lewisfredericks.co.nz to arrange an appointment. To stay in the loop, follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

All eyewear available from Lewis Fredericks

Hay Marble Tray and Mater Shelf Boxes from Cult Design

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Book Giveaway | The Tailored Interior by Greg Natale

Award-winning interior designer Greg Natale has just published his first book, The Tailored Interior. After a look through the beautiful pages this morning at Designer Rugs, the first and only current NZ stockist, I knew I had to purchase a copy. Despite saying that my next giveaways were lined up for the New Year, it is after all Christmas, so in the spirit of giving I also have a signed copy to giveaway to one lucky NZ reader!



Since its launch in 2001, Greg Natale Design has become one of Australia's top interiors firms, with Greg being named Interior Designer of the Year at both the 2014 and 2011 Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards. His passion for creating meticulously curated, layered spaces is at the core of his first book, with breathtaking visuals and revealing insights. The stunning photographs showcase Greg’s precisely edited interiors, from exquisite living rooms to luxurious bathrooms and everything in between. Alongside, Greg offers a generous and unique view into the creative process, sharing his passions, experiences, advice and the philosophy behind his richly tailored, sophisticated style. 



I love seeing how Greg approaches each project, from his initial moodboard through to the interior design of a space. Divided into chapters such as Balance, Proportion and Layers, I know I will devour each and every page. A must-have coffee table book for professionals, home decorators and lovers of luxury style, The Tailored Interior opens the door to a world of inspiration.

Here are a few of my favourite images that I photographed while flicking through the book today. I love these monochrome palettes and layers of incredible texture that Greg is known for, especially the marble and beautiful sheer curtains. 

To go into the draw to win a signed copy of Greg Natale's new book, simply email enter@thedesignchaser.com with The Tailored Interior in the subject line. Please include your full name in the email. The competition is open to New Zealand residents only and will close on Thursday, 18th December at 8am. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on the blog that day, and contacted via email to arrange shipping.

Update: This competition has now closed. Congratulations to the winner, Andrew Carbery and huge thanks to Designer Rugs. 

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Christmas Inspo + BNZ GoodHome Giveaway

I did a little bit of Christmas styling on the String shelf this morning so thought I'd share. I'm loving these little trees and decorations from Father Rabbit, along with the gorgeous Christmas card designed by An Organised Life. You can also buy them from NZ online store Maree & Co.  

Styling and Photography by Michelle Halford for T.D.C

What I'm really looking forward to is picking up the tree this weekend. There's never any shortage of Christmas inspo over on Pinterest at this time of the year. Here are a few ideas - click on the links below to find out more and check out my Christmas Board for further inspo!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 

I thought hard about whether to do a Christmas giveaway this year, and decided to go against the grain and wait until the New Year. I have some very exciting ones lined up that will help kick start 2015 with a bang! 

There is however one currently running over at BNZ GoodHome I think you are going to love. NZ design duo George & Willy who I interviewed as part of my 12 Days of Christmas last year are very kindly giving away one of their fabulous Project Trestle Desks! To enter, simply pop over here and sign up to receive the BNZ GoodHome newsletter before December 17th. 

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Outdoor Furniture

When it comes to outdoor furniture inspiration, it doesn't get any better than the Finn Collection. Designed by Norm Architects for Design Within Reach, I've been saving this one up since it's launch earlier this year. Now that summer has arrived, the range looks more appealing than ever, especially the sun loungers. How inviting do they look alongside the beautiful outdoor setting below? Constructed from beautiful teak frames, they can either be oiled in order to maintain their gorgeous colour, or left as they are. Displaying the elegance and attention to detail we've come to expect from Norm, the pieces have been designed to endure both time and weather. 

Images by Norm Architects via Design Within Reach

Now for a few of my current picks that can be found closer to home, starting with NZ furniture company Lujo, whose products I have been eyeing up for some time. Handcrafted in NZ, their Hammocks are made from the world-renowned Sunbrella marine fabrics, and durable Kwila hardwood. Sleek and durable, they have been designed with extreme comfort in mind. In addition to the comfy foam head pillow, you can choose additional accessories such as attachable side pockets for your summer necessities and an attachable Bluetooth speaker. In addition to the Giant Cloud Cushions they have an extensive range of Bean Bags, including the Outdoor Bean Bag Chair shown below. All of these products come in a range of colours. 

Design Warehouse, a premium manufacturer and seller of high end outdoor furniture in NZ has an amazing range, including the Platform Reclaimed Teak Collection below. For more info take a look at their website or visit their Auckland showroom.

For my Australian friends, be sure to check out Urban Couture who offer a stunning range of outdoor furniture. Beautifully minimal, I love the clean lines and simple design of the Clovelly Sunlounge and Sunbed and the Clovelly Chaise Lounge, both of which are currently on sale!

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Dulux | Colour Trends 2015

When Dulux announces their colour trends for the following year, you certainly sit up and take note. Having had the pleasure of seeing a preview of the Dulux 2015 forecast at a recent launch, I was blown away, not only by the stunning colour ranges, but also the incredible styling and imagery. In developing the four colour trends, Dulux drew on inspiration from global creative industries, such as art, fashion and interior design. This year's theme is Connection, explained here by NZ Dulux in-house colour expert Louise McKenzie-Smith. 

"Continual connectivity through technology has reinforced our basic human desire to connect in the real world. Connect with the earth by feeling the soil between our fingers, connect with ourselves by taking time to pause, connect with our heritage by relearning forgotten skills, connect with our playful side by indulging in colour." 

To bring the vision of Connection to life, Dulux collaborated with six inspiring design experts including Edwards Moore, Bree Leech and Heather Nette King and Bonnie and Neil.



Wildland illustrates a story through the contrast of light and dark, a story of discovering the beauty in what nature has created and embracing imperfections. Influenced by the human need to connect with the environment around us, Wildland does so with with colours that take inspiration from untamed landscapes and primitive materials such as timber, stone, leather and fur.

Silentshift is inspired by the need to take time out of a connected world. The beautiful soft colour palette allows for the creation of spaces in which there is minimal pattern and contrast, inviting the mind to rest and be silent.

To find out more about all four of the colour trends, including Earthwerks and Modhaus, pop over here.  

Silentshift really took my breath away, so I was excited to hear that Dulux’s summer interiors forecast was inspired by this trend. Mellow and serene, the summer palette celebrates tonal and pastel hues inspired by the soft glow of a sunset. Soft and delicate tones of pale pink and muted mauve together with neutral whites create calm, sophisticated spaces. Key colours for Summer are Dulux NZ Ngongotaha, Slipper Island, Havelock and Kaikorai Valley. Beautifully styled by Bree Leech and Heather Nette King, the use of layered fabrics and soft linen accessories create a space that is fresh and inviting.

Images styled by Bree Leech and Heather Nette King / photography by Lisa Cohen for Dulux Colour Forecast 2015

To connect with colour visit your local Dulux retailer, download the Dulux Colour app or visit dulux.co.nz

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Tine K Home SS 2015

I was just thinking last week that it must be time to revisit concrete here on the blog. It's a material I love seeing used in interiors and judging by the positive response I received to this post last year, many of you feel the same. My prayers were answered this morning when I discovered the new Spring/Summer 2015 catalogue from Danish homewares brand Tine K Home. The beautiful new range has been styled against a glorious backdrop of textural concrete. Providing the perfect contrast for the wicker and wood, it also looks amazing against the soft muted colours and lush green plants. 

See the entire catalogue here.

Images via Tine K Home

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