Match made in heaven

Photos / MicHyslop, Hair and make-up: Kate Smith. Tamzyn wears Augustine International dress. helle

When freelance fashion stylist Tamzyn Adding met her husband Ben, she knew she’d found a match made in style heaven. He runs a construction company and his imaginative streak complements Tamzyn’s creative skills perfectly.

Together they’ve created a north Auckland home environment that’s cool and casual, yet brimming with fun features. It’s great for Ben’s six-year-old twin daughters Nikita and Caitlin, while the couple’s even younger generation will also have plenty to entertain them as they grow up –daughters Cedar (2) and Bowie (six months).

Beer crate shelving is easy to construct and looks amazing

The girls enjoy a dream playground with a princess castle and a cute little Wendy house, built by Dad, while inside Tamzyn rotates furniture from her online business Miss Lolo, as it is restored and re-covered ready for sale. She came up with the idea while on maternity leave after Bowie’s birth and her unique, re-styled retro pieces have already garnered an army of fans.

“I needed to do something to occupy myself, so Miss Lolo is a great side project. I source the furniture then select the fabrics. A friend of Ben’s does the woodwork and another completes the upholstery.”

Tamzyn Adding\’s unique retro chairs take on a whole new life

Despite working full-time in the magazine industry, Tamzyn still nurtures her growing business and this week sees the launch of her online shop. She’s happy to chat to customers about their preferences in terms of era, style and colour, and one thing’s for certain – Miss Lolo buyers won’t ever see an identical couch or chair at their neighbour’s house!

Retro chairs take on a whole new life Tamzyn’s quirky style is attracting a number of fans

PLAY TIME

With four small girls to entertain at home, Tamzyn’s crafty husband Ben (the builder) put plenty of time and effort into creating these enchanting backyard toys – a replica doll’s house (far left) and castle (left), so their imaginative daughters can explore a fantasy land of their own to their heart’s content.