Something in the air: Four things we love about Spring
Te tiro atu to kanohi ki tairawhiti ana tera whiti te ra kite ataata ka hinga ki muri kia koe:
"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you."
Springtime. When nature awakens from its winter hibernation and life begins again. Here at W&D, we feel an awakening when spring arrives. Invigorated by the aroma of new blossoms, the sight of fresh growth, and the promise of warmer weather, we take every chance to get outside. It’s a time to rejuvenate and embrace fresh beginnings, new ideas and dreams. Here are a few of our favourite ways to reset this Spring.
1. Getting together, al fresco
With the warmer weather, now is the chance to get outside with family and friends. What’s your outside? Dinner on the deck, a picnic in the park, a lake or river ramble, a bike ride or a forest stroll? We love to gather our nearest and dearest to get active outdoors or share simple a al fresco meal in the spring sun.
2. Embracing the space
Spring sends us a cue to seek out the pause: those "in-between" moments that we increasingly fill with tasks, all because we seem to place a moral value on being busy. Getting things done. The thing is… we reckon it's not about getting things done; it's about doing what matters. Taking a breather from meetings, appointments and chores and just being in the moment. When we make space, whether that’s committing to a ‘no plans’ day or a meditative 30 minutes ‘me time’, we allow a letting go, a clearing, a slower pace and distance from distraction.
3. Adding a pop of colour
There's a reason fresh spring flowers in a statement vase make us smile: Colour is powerful. Spark joy in your decor with the addition of colour pops and accents via lush new houseplants (check out our friend Liz Carlson’s lovely plant shop, Node), a piece of art (we’re loving Julia Atkinson-Dunn of Studio Home’s still life florals).
4. Rejuvenation
There’s something so liberating about having a clearance. Do away with anything that does not serve you, in life and in your home.
The clearing of clutter, both physically and emotionally, opens up channels for renewed energy. By creating thoughtful living spaces that allow a slower pace and plenty of scope to connect with nature and one another, we refresh and restore ourselves. And tune in to the things that really matter. Get some spring in your step this season!
1. Unplug
You know that super-packed online calendar you’ve got that keeps sending you schedules and reminders? This winter, block out some solid chunks of time when you are not available. It’s your time to unplug. Detach from the rat race and refocus. Open up to a slower pace, a sense of retreat and escape.
2. Get outside
Getting outside into nature is scientifically proven to enhance your wellbeing. A hike through the mountains, beside your favourite body of water or along a forest track can instantly refresh your senses and clear your mind.
3. Bring nature in
Make your home your haven. Cosy up with natural textures and embrace the beauty of retreat. Add calming green accents to your living spaces with indoor plants and trees. Here in Wānaka, in the heart of the Southern Alps, connecting with our outdoor environment comes naturally. That’s why we design our products to bring nature in, from our home to yours.
4. Wander into the wild
To truly unplug from the chaos of daily life in the modern world, stretch your horizons and go somewhere new. Go a little further. Go where there’s no wifi or electricity, where things are simple and old school. Nourish the soul with an off-grid adventure. We dare you.
5. Mull it over
The wonder of the colder months is the gift it gives us: time to figure things out, slowly. Whether it’s a really hard jig-saw you take on with your family, or an intricate novel that has been on your list for a while, clear the decks for a non-work related, indoor project to mull over. Focusing on a jig-saw, or reading a great book for a long period of time, without extraneous thoughts entering your mind, is in itself meditation.
]]>As we reflect on the last year, we are overwhelmed with the support we have received. The launch of wilsondorset.com has allowed us to reach customers across New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Europe – giving us a greater sense of connection to you.
With people spending more time inside their homes than ever before, we’re encouraged to see a more thoughtful approach to living spaces. It’s so gratifying to know that our natural, sustainable products will be lounging with you for a lifetime.
When getting to the essence of what matters most for us as business owners, this year has really brought home that without you, there is no Wilson & Dorset.
Thank you from all of us at W&D.
Ben Wilson & Amanda Dorset
Co-founders
For us, Wanaka is more than a place. It’s a way of life. Here, design is defined by our natural environment. Pure, rugged, uncomplicated, honest, mystical and inspiring: living down here, it’s impossible not to be connected with nature. This sense of connection informs everything we do as we create designs that share the story of our little corner of the world to you.
It takes a lifetime to learn
the lay of this land:
river, creek, mountain, gully
Mt Roy, Treble Cone, Black Peak, Mt Burke
Mt Gold, Mt Maude, Motatapu, Matukituki
The lake, the lawn
Skylines, snowlines, fishing lines, washing lines:
the ties that bind
resonant, etched on your mind's eye,
your memory
After a long time living
breathing, here
You will know the daintiness
and fragility of birds
the clarity of light
and the certainty of frost -
After a life of standing in moonlit driveways and
dark gardens, craning to catch
the Southern Cross
You will know, and remember all this
so when you leave, you will feel the loss
the sing and pull of the line
that leads you
home.
– Annabel Wilson