Monde Norden has translated her flair for film sets to real life at her home on Auckland’s west coast beach Karekare
When Monde Norden was holidaying in various quaint seaside villages in Mexico, everywhere she went she saw the iconic Acapulco chairs. “I fell in love with them immediately but realised I couldn’t really bring one back with me,” she said. “I got back to New Zealand and had a real bee in my bonnet about them. At the time, there was nothing like them here.”
A few weeks later she was in Melbourne with a girlfriend and came across them again; this galvanised her into action. “I came home, found a contact in Mexico and began bringing them into New Zealand.”
What appeals to me are treasures I have collected from all around the world that have a significance to me
Since then she has set up her online store, Mamasita, sellling not only Acapulco chairs but many other outdoor furniture designs in rich bright colours, plus retro-style outdoor fireplaces.
Before settling with her family in Karekare on Auckland’s wild west coast, Monde worked in the film industry, art directing, set decorating and prop buying. Looking at Monde’s own outdoor area, it’s clear her time working in film-set design has given her an eye for creating settings and spaces with major personality.
Words by Catherine Steel. Photography by Helen Bankers.
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Monde with her children, Bebe Blossom, 9, and Cisco, 6, at their amazing home perched above Karekare.
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Furniture on the deck and in the living area are some of the items sold at Monde’s online store, Mamasita.
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