Natural touch

We live in a land famed for its natural beauty so it makes sense to draw on our unspoiled environment for design inspiration. To bring the essence of the great outdoors inside, visit a textile specialist that celebrates the patterns and hues of our coastal regions using contemporary woven blinds.

Coastal Wovens is a range of shades from Maurice Kain that captures the spirit of New Zealand's coastline, says marketing manager Melanie Hawkins.

"Made from all-natural materials, the range offers a harmonious balance of form and function. Coastal Wovens gently filter sunlight, creating a soft ambience in the home," says Hawkins. "Our latest additions are Coral, Kelp, Shell and Toi Toi."

Inspired by the forms of reef corals, Coral is woven from light bamboo reed and offers a white shade with a subtle texture.

The Kelp shade offers the dark hues of bamboo reed woven together with a sea green yarn. White poplar is woven together to create the Shell design. A tight weave means this shade offers extra privacy.

The fourth newcomer, Toi Toi, is woven from sandy-toned slats and evokes the play of light and shadow on this native plant.

For more information, visit the Maurice Kain Textiles showrooms, 37-41 Carbine Rd, Mt Wellington, Auckland, or 65 Durham St, Sydenham, Christchurch, freephone 0800 Shades (742 337). Website: www.mauricekain.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas