HOME + GARDEN

Christchurch Arts Centre continues to evolve as one of the city’s most compelling cultural destinations, and the arrival of Wilson & Dorset signals a new era for natural living, design and materiality in Aotearoa.

CM was invited to attend the opening, and from the moment you step inside, it is clear this is more than a retail space. It is a considered expression of New Zealand wool and the lifestyle that surrounds it.

Founded by Amanda Dorset and Ben Wilson, Wilson & Dorset has built a reputation for elevating strong wool into something both design led and deeply functional. Their work speaks to a growing appreciation for natural fibres, sustainability and the quiet luxury of living well with fewer, better pieces.

Now housed within the former Boys’ High building at the Arts Centre, the space feels inherently aligned with the brand. Heritage bones meet modern, textural living. It is understated, intentional and quietly confident.
Sculptural sheepskins, hand finished wool rugs and refined homewares are presented not as decoration, but as essential layers of a well considered home. Pieces that bring warmth, softness and depth without overpowering a space.

CM has long championed New Zealand wool, and this opening reinforces its relevance in contemporary interiors. From draping sheepskins over timber or linen seating, to anchoring open plan living with natural fibre rugs, to adding smaller tactile elements throughout the home, the versatility is undeniable.

This is wool reimagined for modern living.
The palette leans into soft neutrals, rich earthy tones and organic textures that reflect the Canterbury landscape. It is a reminder that the most compelling interiors are built slowly, with pieces that hold both purpose and permanence.
Set within one of Christchurch’s most iconic heritage precincts, Wilson & Dorset invites you to slow down, engage with materiality and invest in pieces that are made to last.

Visit Wilson & Dorset at:
Former Boys’ High Building,
Christchurch Arts Centre | 28 Worcester Street

Explore the collection at www.wilsondorset.com⁠

IMAGERY | LOWE STUDIOS

For more images visit CM on Instagram 

As summer fades and cooler months settle in, interiors naturally become places of warmth and retreat. The Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 predicts a shift toward richer, more expressive spaces, with the Evoke palette leading the way.

Built around soft beige, burnt orange, warm golds and deeper dramatic tones, Evoke brings a sense of comfort, depth and nostalgia into the home. According to Dulux Colour and Design Specialist Davina Harper, the palette is perfectly suited to autumn and winter, creating a cocooning atmosphere designed for connection and relaxation.

Rather than minimal restraint, Evoke celebrates personality. Lighter tones such as Dulux Mason Bay, Desert Road and Mt Hutt create a warm foundation, while deeper shades including Warkworth, Wink and Red Jacks introduce contrast and character.

Stylist Bree Banfield worked with the Dulux team to transform the dining room and bedrooms of a family home, layering colour, texture and vintage inspiration to create spaces that feel both nostalgic and modern. In the dining room, the warm golden tone Dulux Desert Road makes a striking statement against soft neutral Dulux Mason Bay, while deeper hues such as Dulux Cumberland Street bring intimacy and richness to the bedroom spaces.

The result is a series of interiors that feel layered, welcoming and expressive — proof that colour can transform a house into a home filled with warmth and personality.