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Meet Kareen and Will Durbin, friends and collaborators of Everyday Needs and the duo behind our new Lawn Lounge Hat. The Durbin's are life and business partners, working (primarily) with migrants and former refugees now living in New Zealand. 

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1. Japanese Brass Ball Incense Holder

We have had one of these unassumingly perching at ours for a while. An equal marrying of form & function, it’s simplicity and elegance never ceases to please.

2. The Stanley Camping Coffee Press

We have such a penchant for odds & ends like this — acquiring them seems like a promise to ourselves of future escapes & explorations!

3. Birthday Beeswax Candles

SO festive, with a nostalgia inducing fragrance; a reminder of the much loved craft tent from childhood camps. These rainbow delights spruce up well intentioned but not quite perfected baking attempts.

4. Companion x EDN Lawn Lounge Hat

We have a design practice involving cross cultural collaborations with migrants & former refugees now living here in NZ. The Lawn Lounge Hat in canvas, made just for Everyday Needs, is an example of some of our simpler pieces. Wide brimmed for optimal sun protection.

5. Glass Keep Cup // Cork

Infinitely practical and lives up to it's name in terms of long-life span.

Sophie Wallace is the curator behind the success of Parlour Projects. Having opened in the Hawkes Bay in 2016, Parlour Projects has an impressive exhibition programme and provides the region with a fresh art presence of an international standard. We are delighted to share Sophie's favourite objects from Everyday Needs. 

www.parlourprojects.com

1. Bedside Carafe with Glass

I bought my dad the bedside carafe for Christmas last year, and funnily enough, by complete chance, my brother had also bought one for me. It always sits on my desk at home, where I work from when I’m not in the gallery. I find such joy in re-filling my glass from the carafe, rather than the tap; it makes the simple act of drinking water so enjoyable, almost ritualistic. I like the thinness of the glass, the way the cup perfectly sits on the carafe to create a lid when it’s not in use, and the gentle tinkering noise the two objects make when they meet. I’ve since gone on to buy it as an engagement gift for two friends.

2. Italian Lined Notebook

My leather notebook accompanies me wherever I go. It holds my notes, lists, ideas and thoughts, and is the one exception to my otherwise paper-free existence. Over time, the cover has softened and worn in nicely, which I love. I always think this notebook looks as though it’s capable of telling a story or two. 

3. Brass Stationary Tray

This sits on my desk, collecting pens, keys and miscellany from my pockets. It helps my work space to feel tidy and organised. I love the intricate detailing of the hexagonal corners and the tray’s long slender shape, contrasted with the sand-casted textured brass surface. 

4. Hasami Porcelain Planter

The soft speckled blue is what drew me to this planter. It sits on some dark wooden bookshelves alongside other ceramics, books and small artworks. Admittedly, I’m yet to pot a plant in it, as it looks like a significant object on its own accord. It has a tactility to it; I always want to pick it up and hold it in my hands

5. Fjallraven Backpack

A Swedish classic. I’ve taken my Fjallraven backpack to music festivals, on ski trips up the mountain, and to the library as well. It really has been well used and well loved. I imagine it’ll be a life-long item of mine.

Torbjørn Anderssen is one half of Norwegian design duo Anderssen & Voll. Pictured above alongside design partner Espen Voll, the pair work from their studio in Oslo within various fields of design, with a focus on domestic objects. Their Ildhane cast iron candleholder is still one of our best selling items, and we are so happy to have it back in stock. Anderssen & Voll also have an ongoing relationship with fellow Norwegian brand, Røros Tweed, creating a beautiful range of blankets we love. Torbjørn has kindly shared some insight into his favourite objects from our range.

1. Recycled sari pot holder

I really like the oversized texture in relation to the format - and I also like the random expression, which at the same time is very set by the design itself.

2. Ruth Castle woven dish

I wasn’t familiar with the work of Ruth Castle - but now I am - and I think it is beautiful. A woven basket is such a sympathetic object - it is mainly air. I think this ancient technology is demonstrating how we could address a lot of production issues in the future: creating beauty and usefulness with a small amount of material.

3. Hinoki aroma block

This reminds me of the bathroom we had in our old apartment. A small space doubled by a mirrored wall and a red cedar wood grate on the floor, which gave off a clean scent when damp. I can imagine these blocks could do the same, but without me having to tailor a floor grate. I just don’t have the time anymore.

4. Hinoki wastepaper bin

I obviously need this to keep my Hinoki aroma block company.

5. Ildhane cast iron candle holder

Ildhane is very important to our studio, as it sparked the establishment of our in-house brand: Nedre Foss. An interesting point to this development is that it would never have happened if we didn’t have a 3D-printer in our studio. We were able to refine the shape after printing over and over again - to be absolutely sure on what this object would represent before investing in moulds and production tools. A pivoting point technology for a small business unit like we are. Ildhane is a mysterious object. The core of Nedre Foss is the notion of the Century Product + what we refer to as 'sculptural utility'. By this we mean objects that will serve you for at least 100 years, and where the sculptural qualities on one side, and the utility aspect on the other, are equal parts of the function.

 

Our beautiful friend Shan-Mei has been an integral part of the Everyday Needs team for the past eighteen months. As cheerful store manager, super organised logistics co-ordinator (and in-house personal trainer) Shan-Mei is always a delight to be around. We are sad to farewell her as she starts the next chapter of her life, but so excited to see what she accomplishes next! Here Shan-Mei shares an Edit of her personal favourites from the Everyday Needs offering.

1. Maryse enzyme-refine cleanser

If there’s one thing I use everyday, it's this cleanser. A staff favourite and having done a lot of the stock ordering, I can personally attest to the fact that these products are handmade locally in small batches - literally just a couple of doors down from our shop. The bio-boost serum and mineral dew are also faves of mine and make perfect little gifts too!!

2. Body brush

I don’t use this brush often enough but when I do… boy oh boy! I mean, who doesn’t love baby smooth skin?! I also think it’s really cool that these brushes are made by visually impaired crafts people using traditional Swedish techniques.

3. Norwegian lambswool blanket

The recent chilly evenings as well as the generous size of this beautiful blanket were already enough to convince me... But then a friend at work spoke of how a blanket is a piece you will treasure for a really long time, and that sold me! This blanket now reminds me of her, and the trademark green reminds me of my time at Everyday Needs... #cheesy

4. Arnold Circus stools

From side table, to stool, to lazy floor TV-dinner table… a classic. Theres new colours and sizes out now, too! How to choose…?

5. Falcon enamel tumblers

I always aim to reduce waste and one of the easiest moves I made was getting myself a trusty glass Keepcup (which we also stock). Recently I got a couple of these enamel tumblers to keep in the car as a backup and to share with friends - a warning, espressos can be hot to hold but manageable! Also great for a cheeky wine when outdoors!

 

Personal note: “Thank you to everyone I’ve encountered and worked with during my time here at Everyday Needs. All the lovely customers that I got to know on a first name basis, everyone on our shop block, the wonderful suppliers and talented crafts people - it's truly been a pleasure. Also a massive thanks to the EDN team (namely my core girls - Lou and Neeve)… Thank you xx”

Our friends Abel Sloane and Ruby Woodhouse are the talented duo behind London-based practice 1 9 3 4. Starting out as dealers of twentieth century furniture, the pair have recently expanded into interior design - such as an aspirational full renovation of a Victorian apartment in Hackney - and research projects like their first publication, The Simple Heart of Plywood, a new book on the little known furniture of Gerald Summers - which we are proud to now stock in our store. We love these two for the warmth & ease they bring to everything they do and are happy to share their edit of five Everyday Needs pieces.

1.Japanese incense // Brilliant Peaks

There’s something quite ritualistic about burning incense in the home. It is something that both of our parents have always done since we were small. These ones in particular are favourites of ours – not too overpowering but creates a homely and clean atmosphere, ready for the day!

2. Hinoki bathroom stool

We’re always looking for practical stools like this for our projects. They can be moved around the house for several needs: bedside tables, reaching high shelves, dusting, for candles and whatnot. This one is humble, and well made.

3. Dustpan and brush set

An essential tool for absolutely every house. We’d have one in every room if they looked like this!

4. Belgian linen tea towels // Check

We’re big fans of anything check. We like our tea towels too! We use tea towels a lot in our own home. Cooking every night means washing up every night (especially without a dishwasher)… so tea towels are much needed in the kitchen!

5. The Simple Heart of Plywood: an introduction to Gerald Summers and Makers of Simple Furniture

This book started as research into a pair of chairs we bought 3 years ago at an antiques market. We were pushed hard to find much information about the designer, who we later found to be Gerald Summers (made by his workshop 'Makers of Simple Furniture'). A few notes turned into a few pages, and we made contacts with family members and collectors. This year we decided to publish our findings in book form, designed by Joe Gilmore. It’s our first publication and hopefully not the last.

This week for The Edit we are excited to feature photographer and author, Leslie Williamson. Leslie is best known for her unique and personal approach to photographing interiors, seeing the homes she shoots as a portrait of the people who live there. Leslie's first two books, Handcrafted Modern and Modern Originals, are volumes we return to over and over. To celebrate the release of her beautiful new book Interior Portraits, Leslie has kindly shared five of her favourite pieces from the Everyday Needs range.

1.Monmouth Glass handblown rose tumblers

The moment I saw these, my mind was flooded with wonderful memories of my Grandmother and her glass collection. She collected only this particular color of pink. These tumblers, of course, are a bit more modern than anything she owned, and perfectly imperfect as only handblown glass can be. But what a special thing to have a simple object link one’s mind to such a potent and happy trove of memories. Every time I drink out of these I will be sharing a moment with my Grandmother (who passed years ago). I cannot think of anything better.

2. Ruth Castle fruit dish

I first became aware of Ruth Castle’s work, when I saw her Garlic Basket hanging in a friend’s kitchen in London years ago. I have finally started to build my own collection of her work and this fruit dish I see as the next piece to add to my collection. I may even follow her directions and use it as a fruit dish. But then again, it might just need to hang on my wall.

3. Rattan carpet beater

Who wouldn’t want such a beautiful object made for a perfectly mundane task? To be honest, I have always wanted one of these. I am sure my attraction to the carpet beater is in part because I was weaned on BBC costume dramas and Merchant and Ivory films, but there is an undeniable romance to them, isn’t there? It harks to a time before machines “simplified” our lives (vacuum cleaners, washing machines, etc.). I know the reality of beating a carpet clean is a lot of hard work and sweat, but I cannot help but think of how quiet it must have been without all the buzzing of vacuums and the like. It is a beautiful object that speaks of simpler times.

4. Enamel three pint jug in Samphire

I have a soft spot for the common pitcher. I have more than I will ever use, but this one, which I cannot break, will be used more than most - for flowers, for water at dinner parties, and more than likely just to decorate my shelf with a shot of this lovely deep green color.

5. Japanese house slippers

I have a minor obsession with wearing baskets on my feet so these slippers will definitely satisfy that. Plus they are so much more interesting that the usual slip on, no?

Our friends Cindy & Dominic have been cheerful weekend regulars in our store for as long as we can remember, and have lived in Ponsonby for twenty years. Cindy is a primary school teacher and principal, and Dom is a music teacher and musician who has just released a new record. To coincide with our loosely themed 'Back to school' week the couple have shared with us five Everyday Needs pieces that they use daily.

1.Deadly Ponies x Everyday Needs laptop wallet

Dom: Although I really needed one, I would never get a laptop case from St Lukes so jumped when I saw this. It's resilient and school-proof and the kids ask about the collection of words on the label.

2. Phil Cuttance herringbone bud vase

Cindy: It showcases the flowers from our garden. I love the herringbone, it's a sculptural piece, art really, and I've always loved his work.

3. Anglepoise Type 75 lamp in Ochre

Cindy: Because it helps me read my favourite books and disconnect. And I can move it's head so it looks like a monster.

4. Wooden doormat with bristles

Dom: If a doormat could patinate, this one does it gracefully. Even though they were so beautifully upright when it was new, the bristles are gradually becoming softer; the whole texture of it changing over time.

5. Ceramic incense plate

We chose ours from a selection as they were all different and very organic. We love that it's hand-made and beautiful but above all, that it does its job so perfectly.

Our friends Felix and Warren are designers who have recently started working on projects together under the name Fount Via. We are lucky enough to see Felix and Warren everyday as their studio is upstairs above our store. We love their work and were interested to hear about their favourite pieces from the Everyday Needs range.

1. Martino Gamper Salt & Pepper Spitz

Seasoning is important, and it’s nice to use a kitchen utensil designed by somebody with such a strong relationship to food.

2. JB Blunk Cups, plates, bowls & sculptures: ceramics 1950 – 1999

We’d never heard of J.B. Blunk until we saw this book published by dent-de-leone. Designed by Åbäke, it is a great introduction to his ceramics without any over-cooking. 

3. Sori Yanagi Kettle

Sori Yanagi’s kettle is beautifully finished. Yanagi designed this kettle in 1953 and again in 1994. We like thinking about its approachable form through these two contexts. 

4. Fennel Toothpaste

This toothpaste is from the United Kingdom. Warren first tried it on a small island in Sweden. Great mouthfeel and the fennel makes it curiously sweet.

5. Isobel Thom Salt Pig

Karekare artist Isobel Thom is a master-of-diguise. An 18-sided ceramic icosahedron that you can use with every meal.

Courtney Petley is a talented spoonsmith and woodworker who operates under the name Petley, handcrafting tactile wooden utensils from salvaged native timbers. We are lucky enough to be the exclusive stockists of not one but three of Courtney's artful and useful pieces, including a honey dipper and a lemon squeezer, both of which she created especially for us. Courtney shared some insight into her picks from the Everyday Needs range.

1. Petley Lemon Squeezer

One of the best parts of my job is watching the grain of the wood develop as I work. I especially love the way the fine grain of the Rimu folds over and around the sharp corners of the lemon squeezer. It's also very functional and makes juicing lemons so enjoyable.

2. Kawakawa Healing Balm

This balm is the best for my dry hands after a full day of sanding. 

3. Everything I Want to Eat

I went to Sqirl last year when I was in LA, their Sorrel Pesto Rice Bowl is still one of the best breakfasts I have ever had. I use their cook book all the time, and put their onion jam on everything. 

4. Gidon Bing Pasta Bowl

I've started collecting wide handmade bowls; I find them so much more enjoyable to eat a meal from. One of my favourite foods is pasta, and all this beautiful bowl by Gidon Bing makes me want to do is eat it all the time.

5. Arnold Circus Stool

My Arnold Circus Stool sits at the dining table and I've come to really enjoy how the light in our house hits it. Its so satisfying watching how the green slowly graduates from light to dark around each side and changes throughout the day.

We are happy to introduce the creative force behind our amazing new website design: Natasha Mead. Natasha is a graphic designer who has worked with some of the most interesting and innovative brands both in New Zealand and internationally. We feel very lucky to work with her and were especially interested to hear about her favourite Everyday Needs pieces!

1. Claude Megson: Counter Constructions 

We live near Claude Megson's Cocker Townhouses in Freemans Bay, and I always admire the architecture on my walk. This wonderfully designed book features them alongside some other great 1970s era NZ houses by Claude Megson.

2. Michiyuki-Tou LED Paper Lantern, Drop 

I love the satisfying Japanese proportions of this lantern. This one is perfect for late night reading - the low LED light is kind on eyes. Also handy for camping or other evening excursions.

3. Glass Teapot 

In our studio every break is a tea break, and this teapot is ideal in that you can watch it brewing - eliminating the risk of hastily poured weak tea. 

4. Brass Contour Keyring 

One of the handier objects in my day to day life - the size and shape of this keyring makes it impossible to lose your keys in your bag - never rummage around again.

5. Vitra toolbox, Mauve Grey 

This toolbox is a master organiser. Perfect for storing my collection of print and packaging tools - it's important to know where your measuring tape is at all times.

Charles Ninow is one half of the duo behind Bowerbank Ninow, an art gallery space and auction house based on Karangahape Rd in Auckland City. Bowerbank Ninow is the first and only auction house in New Zealand to pay a voluntary resale royalty to living artists whose works they sell. As part of our ongoing series, Charles shared with us some insight into five of his favourite Everyday Needs pieces.

1. Iron bottle opener 

I love to drink beer. The experience is so much better when it is initiated with a well-designed opener.

2. Arnold Circus stool

Martino Gamper’s work is amazing. I saw the most recent exhibition of his project 100 Chairs in 100 Days at Wellington’s City Gallery earlier this year and came away in awe.

3. Vitra toolbox

I often personally deliver the artworks I sell. It’s nice to to see the collections that they go into. This toolbox is a great for keeping picture-hanging essentials on hand.

4. Isobel Thom salt pig

I first encountered Isobel Thom’s work whilst I was studying at Elam School of Fine Arts. At the time, she was making very small cubist paintings in grey tones. I have admired her work ever since.

5. Japanese Kami wooden beer glass

I can still remember the first time that I was served beer in one of these glasses. They feel so light and soft in the hand. It really left an impression on me.

Our friend Sherie Rai is the woman behind Sherie Muijs, a unique local fashion brand with a cult-like emphasis on one staple garment: the shirt. Sherie has perfected her line of classic button-downs, and has recently introduced a simple cotton long sleeved tee, which we love. Sherie lives in Titirangi, West Auckland with her husband and 15 month old son, Nishi. We spoke to Sherie about her most used Everyday Needs pieces.

1.Sans [ceuticals] Activator 7 Hair, Face + Body Oil

I was first introduced to Sans Body Oil for my belly during pregnancy and I have continued to use it absolutely everywhere and every day since! Applied post shower and pre towel dry it leaves me smelling sweet and nutty and well seasoned for the day.

2. Ruth Castle garlic basket

I've recently taken a back seat on the cooking front as my husband has a new-found passion for it. In saying that, I've found mincing cloves of garlic a helpful task for when he gets home, being a staple ingredient to almost every meal. I like the idea of fresh garlic in arms reach and hanging pretty in my kitchen. Hands up for the next run of these!

3. Handcrafted Modern by Leslie Williamson

This book was gifted to me by a friend and I've perused it's pages plenty of times since. I'm particularly interested in architecture and interiors, and have a habit of living vicariously through beautiful photography of notable houses such as these.

4. Arnold Circus stool

It's the perfect seat for additional bottoms at the dinner table or as a stool when chasing the sun in our back garden.

5. Toast tongs

Toast is a daily pleasure and these tongs are a life saver!