Slowly but surely the garden of this character-filled Art Deco Tauranga house has become as heart-felt as the home itself Sally Blockley remembers well the day in May 2013 when her home dream in Tauranga became reality. She’d seen the house she now calls home but hadn’t bothered going to the auction thinking it was […]

Time, effort and an expert way with textiles has helped transform an early 1900s house situated on the edge of a hill in Auckland into a cosy family home In 2010, Meredith and Michael (Mike) planned to renovate a tiny Auckland bungalow the couple owned. Unfortunately, the cost of the project kept escalating and after […]

A stroke of luck brought Pip and Shane McNeil to this lush Whangārei section. Now, with chickens, fruit trees and space aplenty, they can’t imagine themselves anywhere else As the McNeil kids race around their acre (4000sqm) section, weaving in and out of trees and shrubs and delightedly hunting for chicken eggs, it’s clear to […]

Armed with a paint brush, this homeowner transformed her idyllic rural home room by room while her children napped. See the before and afters below After selling their quake-damaged home in Christchurch, Sofie and Daniel Isherwood were looking for an escape from the damage recovery and roadworks in their area. In February 2014, they found […]

A long-time renter saw the potential in a rundown Wellington townhouse that others dismissed on first viewing. See the before and after shots of this renovation below When searching for property, hopeful homeowners will often wait for the magic “love at first sight” or the “this is the one” moment. Tracy Clements experienced the opposite […]

Eleanor Ozich loves making people feel at home so much, she created two simple but detail-rich tiny retreats to play host in As if Eleanor Ozich isn’t busy enough. The Your Home and Garden wellness columnist, mother of three and author who’s currently working on her sixth book, a wholefoods cookbook in which recipes take […]

Somehow this 1930s apartment was renovated and filled with soft colour in 10 short weeks – just in time for the arrival of daughter number five. Having four children and expecting a fifth might cause most people to put any thoughts of a major home renovation in the too-hard basket. But not Christina and Anders […]

A dark and gloomy Te Puna home is given a light, bright makeover with a nod to modern European flair. See the before and after shots below Andy and Summah Wright have adventure in their blood. After leaving Mount Maunganui for a brief stint in Mangawhai, the couple felt the pull of family, so they […]

With its free-spirited style, this sunny home is a beautiful reflection of the family who live and work here. See more of this light-filled home here Dee Tang calls her bungalow-style home “the Lady California”, saying, “It’s the only house I’ve ever wanted to buy.” In fact, she and her husband Desmond Sweeney moved across […]

Footwear designer Kathryn Wilson had to tear herself away from her beloved little townhouse, but she has found a forever home in this grand old dame Kathryn Wilson is not afraid of colour. Colourful footwear is the gregarious shoe designer’s calling card and her must-see fashion shows are a playful parade of models clad in […]

Influenced by exotic holidays, one family set about building their own resort with touches of Byron Bay and Bali Phoebe and Damon Batchelor’s holidays in Bali and Byron Bay left a lasting impression on them. Although the New Plymouth couple loved the diversity of snowy mountains and epic surf breaks their west coast abode offered, […]

Tucked in between towering trees is Five Acre Farm, a renovated cottage open to visitors It’s not hard to understand why Ben Phillips and Brie Thomas fell in love with the property on the outskirts of Christchurch they now own. With a large established cottage garden, rambling green paddocks and an early 1900s cottage with […]

A tired-looking bungalow is given a fun-loving touch, resulting in a home that boasts creative colour and easy flow for a young family If there’s one thing about renovating, it’s that – if done right – a little can go a long way to creating a functional home that is pleasing to the eye. When […]

The home invites the raw landscape right up to the house with extensive use of sliding and bi-fold doors as well as a wall of raked windows.

The boundary between inside and outside is blurred at a Matarangi holiday home thanks to the clever use of sliding doors and raked windows There are no fences to speak of at The Pines, a bach community at the end of the Matarangi sandspit, in the Coromandel. Boundaries are vaguely defined, paths meander under the […]

Ten years after moving in, this interior designer completely gutted her Auckland villa to transform it into her dream home Annick and Tim Larkin hunted for a new house for nine months before realising it would be better to renovate their current home to better fit their family’s needs. Although Annick is an interior designer, […]

When Nita Pearson and partner Francis Scordino were looking for a family home, they saw potential where others saw problems. While nothing had been touched since the Seventies, Nita loved the location of the property and they were able to snap it up.  Meet & greet Nita Pearson, 49 (administrator), Francis Scordino, 48 (sports club […]

From run down to remarkable, this special home shows what’s possible with a bold vision — and hard work Meet & greet John Price, 40 (works in landscaping and construction), Brydie Price, 39 (flight attendant), Miila, 17, and Spencer, 15, plus dogs Pedro and Chica. If there’s one thing to take from hearing Brydie and John […]

Classic design and vintage pieces mix with intentionally provocative art in this cleverly curated family home in Aahurs, Denmark The first time Bianca Heinsvig entered this newly built house in 2014, she didn’t think much of it. But when she walked 15 steps further in and discovered the cosy atrium courtyard and beautiful view from […]

A new home in the charming locale of Greytown, Wairarapa, is designed to be as inviting as a boutique retreat Whether it’s savouring a glass of fine wine or sinking into a good book on a sumptuous couch, everything seems better when you’re on holiday. So why not bring a little bit of that leisurely […]

Masters at making every dollar count, this family have worked wonders on a classic split-level house that no one else wanted When Nita Pearson and partner Francis Scordino were looking for a home, they saw potential where others saw problems. “We needed a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a boys’ backyard that sat within our budget,” […]

Over the years Herbst Architects have made a name for themselves and their distinctive architectural style. Here are 10 of our favourite houses by the award-winning duo Lance and Nicola Herbst of Herbst Architects have become a regular feature in architectural magazines over the years. After moving to New Zealand from South Africa over 20 […]

From run down to remarkable, this special Mt Maunganui home shows what’s possible with a bold vision — and hard work Meet and Greet John Price, 40 (works in landscaping and construction), Brydie Price, 38 (flight attendant), Miila, 17, and Spencer, 15, plus puppies Pedro and Chica. If there’s one thing to take from hearing […]

Pull off a flawless bathroom renovation with Mico’s top 10 tips 1. Consider the lights Poor lighting in a bathroom could spoil all your hard work by casting shadows or making the space feel too cold and clinical. Talk to your Mico consultant about what lights would suit your budget and needs. 2. Plan plenty […]

Once lacking life and vibrancy, this inner-city Auckland garden has been turned into a subtropical sanctuary with a subtle Asian sensibility Among the many beautiful architecturally designed homes and gardens that line the streets around Auckland’s inner-city, there’s a special set of trees that grab the attention of passers-by. The graceful trunks and cloud-pruned foliage […]

In just two months, this dark, smoke-stained cottage in Taupo was transformed into a sweet and soulful character home on a super-tight budget Meet & greet  Selena McWilliam, 33 (business owner and interior designer), Michael, 44 (builder), and Jordyn, 10. Why did you purchase the house? Selena: I fell in love with it; it was […]

This dreamy new ensuite proves even a small space can be designed to feel like a luxe sanctuary Interior designer Vic Bibby, her husband, Mark, and their three teenage daughters have always loved living in their modest three-bedroom bungalow on Napier’s Hospital Hill, with its views over the Botanical Gardens to the sea and proximity […]

   This year’s Resene Colour Home Awards winners brought subtle colour and a dose of character back to an Oamaru villa Meet & greet Tessa Simpson, 35 (freelance makeup artist), Tyler Simpson, 34 (project foreman), Reeve, 5, and Luca, 3, plus Monty the Labrador. Tessa Simpson never imagined her character-filled Oamaru home would take out […]

When this family decided to turn their bach into their permanent home building new was their best option. They share the highs and lows from their journey Meet + greet Reuben Nicklin, 38 (videographer and photographer at Reuben James), Amy Nicklin, 36 (photographer and owner of Vanish Ink), Luca, 9, Daisy, 6, and Louie, 1, […]

Customising the design for your kitchen reno has never been easier. Discover how this home achieved its bespoke makeover and find out how you can have one too Kitchen after. Longing to fix your kitchen’s annoying layout or change those dated finishes, but find the idea of renovating too daunting? The good news is that […]

Vintage finds picked up for a song and old furniture revamped with paint give this family home a cool, arty style Meet + greet Tash Stokes, 26, Arie Stokes, 31 (photographers and co-owners of Black Robin Photography), Ruby, 3, and George, 1, plus Bobby the family pooch. Thanks to a unique agreement with their landlord […]

Following their move from a character villa to a near-new home, this family got to work adding some personality to their property. Here’s how they did it Meet + greet Katy Rolleston, 38 (interior decorator at Katy Rolleston Design), James Rolleston, 37 (CEO of Spaceships Rentals), Freddy, 8, and Wilbur, 5, plus four-month-old puppy Goldie. […]

Turning their bach into their permanent home means the holiday vibes don't stop for this family.

Replacing a dangerous staircase sparked a major rebuild – and ended with this transformed character bungalow that’s full of light and warmth A damp basement and a dangerous staircase aren’t music to a homeowner’s ears. And Emily White and husband David McKellar were mightily glad to say goodbye to both when they renovated their house […]

All it took to transform this tired rental property was a creative eye, plenty of hard work and an unusual agreement with the landlord Four years ago, Tash and Arie Stokes made the decision to start a family and grow their photography business instead of buying a house and taking on a mortgage. But when […]

Whether they’re butler’s pantries, sculleries or storage cupboards, these homes give us major pantry inspo. Check them out below Top tips for re-organising your pantry Amanda Stickland and Hannah Sullivan from Simplify My Home share their top tips for giving your pantry a makeover: Remove Take everything out. Discard Get rid of food that has […]

For this family, a shift from Auckland to Christchurch meant a near-new home with plenty of space and scope to make it their own This is a tale of two cities, two houses and the call of home. At least, it was for James Rolleston, who’d always wanted to move from Auckland back to his […]

Flora fanatic Dylan Norfield has transformed a gorse-covered Blueskin Bay site into a wonderland of rare and interesting plants Like many gardeners, Dylan Norfield has an addiction – an addiction to plants, that is. It’s hardly surprising, considering his parents ran a nursery and his job is managing the plant collections at Dunedin Botanic Garden. […]

After downsizing from a high-maintenance home to a sunny pre-designed new-build across town, this Rangiora family have no regrets Meet + Greet Jecasta South, 41 (homemaker), Pat South, 44 (sales manager at New Style Homes), Onika, 22, Jak, 18, Larkin, 12, and Mika, 10, plus Muffin the cat and Doogle the dog. Jecasta’s top tips for […]

A backdrop of off-white and pale wood allowed this couple to go bold with brilliant blues of every shade in their bach-turned-home.

This 1950s bungalow was run down with a cramped layout, no privacy and no outdoor living. Here’s how these homeowners completely transformed it Meet + greet Renay Robertson, 44 (founder and owner of Haven Skin Spa), and Stuart Robertson, 41 (owner of Mean Business). Problems & solutions Problem: Cramped layout Solution: Rooms opened up and […]

This creative owner proves that paint isn’t just for the walls. See how fun-loving ’50s style was the starting point for this home’s colourful makeover. Interior designer Becky Lee has transformed the former blank canvas of her 1950s Christchurch home. When she purchased the house – which she shares with partner Phil Tumataroa, a writer, […]

This home achieved its subtly glamorous feel through a masterful mix of elegant design, heirloom pieces and playful interior touches There is a hint that the transitional bungalow tucked into a neighbourhood of pretty white properties might offer something a bit out of the ordinary. The front door – which at first glance seems standard […]

This couple made it their mission to rescue their home from dated ‘improvements’ and connect it to the world outside Renay and Stuart Robertson had been living in Wellington for almost five years when, in 2012, they decided to return to their home city of Auckland. The couple owned an investment property in Remuera, and […]

In a muted world of beige and taupe, fashion designer turned interior designer Erina Emery offers a cure for the chromophobic in her Art Deco home When Erina Emery was on holiday in Bali last year, she spied a giant yellow cushion in the shape of a banana and carried it around with her all […]

Tranquil blues, white tongue-and-groove walls and Scandi style furniture create a calm vibe in this family home Meet + Greet Emma Zanchetta, (interior designer), Richard Zanchetta, (construction company managing director), Oliver, 6, Willow, 5, Ivy, 3, and Finn, 1. Favourite bits 1. The living space “Our family room is used the most as the kids […]

Basketwork, rattan pieces and plants in every room lend a soft boho touch to the no-fuss surfaces in this super-practical, eclectic home Sometimes, opportunity presents itself when you least expect it. Just ask Jecasta South and her husband, Pat. The couple moved to Rangiora seven years ago, after their Christchurch home was ruined in the […]

Swimming in sun and colour, this seaside sanctuary was built around an existing bach and now provides an art-filled environment for everyday living Deanna Eisenhofer and Marcel van den Assum don’t need to go away on holiday. As soon as they get home to their renovated house at Raumati Beach on the Kapiti Coast, they […]

Building their home around an existing lilly pilly tree helped this family create a warm, welcoming home inspired by nature Ask most homeowners about the inspiration for their renovation and they’ll often nominate established styles or abstract concepts. Not this couple. Their starting point was a huge lilly pilly tree in the backyard, and some […]

These three baches defy conventional design. One thing, in particular, they have in common is no bedrooms. Scroll down to see more 1. Pic’s Not-a-house When Pic Picot engaged architect Julian Mitchell to design something for his holiday section at Mārahau, he told him straight: he didn’t want a house. No house at all. Not an […]

From Northland to the Coromandel, these architecturally designed baches are where every beach lover would want to visit. Take a look below Who doesn’t love a view of the water? Whether they’re on a hill overlooking the sea, or right on the beachfront, these architecturally designed baches make the sea a focal point. It’s impossible […]

By building a home divided into a series of boxes, this couple maximised their opportunities to connect with the beautiful Kaipara landscape beyond. Discover the secret to capturing the stunning views Tucked into the side of a hill in the quiet community of Takahoa Bay in Kaipara, Deb and Tony Wilson’s home cuts a striking […]

No more mud, no more mowing. A total backyard redesign has given this family exactly what they wanted – a garden that almost takes care of itself.

These six caravans are the ultimate summer accessory. Check out how these owners transformed the interiors below 1. Daisy A whole lot of love went into the restoration of this once-rusty caravan. Now ‘Daisy’ is the perfect mobile holiday home for Lara and Ben Maher, and their two kids Charlotte and Ollie, who have kitted […]

Renovating and living in a mobile home for more than a year left this family questioning whether they’d want to live in a regular house ever again Climbing up through the hills of the Santa Rosa Valley, just south of the coastal city of Ventura, California, it’s easy to miss the turn off for Ashley […]

A vibrant swatch of bird-patterned fabric provided inspiration for a playful paint palette in this refreshed Te Awamutu home In September 2019, Amy and Mark Arnold finished a complete renovation of their home in Te Awamutu. When it came time to choose colours, Amy was thinking an all-white palette would be the best solution. “We’d […]

Timber floors layered with soft taupes and greys, spice-toned fabrics and natural textures create a welcoming, coastal interior vibe in this waterfront home Meet + Greet Kevin Thorne, 66 (retired), and Helen Thorne, 65 (retired), plus Meg, the griffon-poodle cross. Honesty box One thing you would change about your home if you could? Helen: I’d […]

A dark and dated Lockwood was the perfect project for this creative couple – and enticed them to trade city life for a surfer’s paradise Meet + greet Hilary Boer, 33 (illustrator), and Jasper Boer, 39 (photographer), plus Marley the cat. Problems & solutions Low ceilings > Tiles were removed to reveal high, pitched ceilings. […]

Cane furniture, potted palms, beachy bits and a stack of National Geographics capture the easygoing essence of the 1970s bach.

Simplicity rules at this blissful Great Barrier bach with bleached wood, worn finishes, beach-combed finds and every shade of blue Meet + greet Sarah Judkins, 47 (renovator), Jason Judkins, 49 (CEO of Hop Revolution), Zach, 16, and Madi, 13, plus Sammy the Labradoodle. Sarah’s tips for building on an island Use local tradespeople who understand […]

Magpie finds, timeless cane and classic furniture have been mixed with graphic art to create an interior full of interest and meaning at this Napier villa Meet and Greet Hannah Feltham, 45 (designer; runs Good Space home organising and styling), and Grace, 8, plus Peggy the Staffy Hannah’s Top tips Paint your walls white and […]

A dark and dated Lockwood was the perfect project for this creative couple – and enticed them to trade city life for a surfer’s paradise Hilary and Jasper Boer hadn’t planned on a move to the small coastal town of Raglan when they bought their home there five years ago. The purchase was meant to […]

This waterfront Whangārei home was crafted for easy living, close connections to nature and savouring time with family After raising their family in Onerahi, a stunning harbourside suburb of Whangarei, Helen and Kevin Thorne craved a simpler life. As retirement loomed, the couple envisioned more time spent on the things they loved, rather than maintaining […]

Building their idyllic home away from home was just the beginning of this family’s Great Barrier architecture adventure The Judkins family aren’t the type to sit around and do nothing on their summer holiday. Instead, after building, decorating and landscaping their dream bach on Aotea/Great Barrier Island, they set about renovating three dilapidated neighbouring cottages […]

This mum-of-one with an eye for eclectic design never planned to live in her grandparents’ old Napier villa, but fate had other ideas Meet and Greet Hannah Feltham, 45 (designer; runs Good Space home organising and styling), and Grace, 8, plus Peggy the Staffy Hannah Feltham never intended to buy the house her father grew […]

A dated A-frame right on Papamoa Beach was the perfect project for this creative couple, who have transformed it into a nostalgic holiday retreat Meet + Greet Rachel Dobbs, 33, Jared Dobbs, 33 (both photographers at Swift & Click), Charlise, 14, and Joy, 2. It’s been a while since A-frame homes were all the rage. […]

Jolts of primary colour and collections of intriguing objects provide surprise and delight in this mid-century home Meet + Greet Francesca Storey, 42 (research fellow), Ben Storey, 43 (manager at Ernst & Young), Lola, 10, and Hattie, 7, plus Boonen the Flemish giant rabbit. Francesca’s decorating Tips Less is not more at Christmas. Let the […]

Vintage ceramics and heritage prints mingle with colourful accessories and contemporary furniture for a fun and eclectic vibe in this renovated bungalow Meet + Greet Mary-Ellen Hinton, 43 (interior designer at Hello Saturday Design), Matthew Hinton, 45 (technical director), Sybella, 10, Jasper, 8, and Evie, 7, plus Harry the cat. Honesty box Best lesson learned? […]

White spaces furnished in grey, black and cobalt blue create a cool, minimal Christmas look while foliage and star ornaments add festive freshness Meet + greet Pernille Baastrup Jakobsen, 32 (IT marketing consultant). Christmas styling for minimalists Start with a neutral background. Put away any extraneous or brightly coloured objects you normally have on display […]

Heritage style meets contemporary cool in a spacious and airy home where heirlooms mix easily with modern design classics Meet + Greet Jess Britten, 29 (stay-at-home mum, formerly in PR and events), Warren Durling, 32 (chief operating officer of Dovetail Studios), and Stevie, 1. Tree styling tips Lights first and plenty of them! Nothing says […]

A palette of blues and greys has given this Oamaru homestead a modern new look When the Simpsons bought their house in Oamaru five years ago, the colour scheme was far from what they’d dreamed of. “The entire house was a sea of beige and yellow – apart from one pink bedroom,” says Tessa Simpson. […]

A towering tree laden with flowers forms the centrepiece of a magical family Christmas in this century-old hall-turned-home At this time of year, that cheery Christmas carol Deck the Halls takes on a literal significance at Jess Britten and Warren Durling’s Auckland home. They’ve been converting an old hall in Ponsonby into their family home […]

By getting creative with the material palette and hardware, architect Daniel Marshall was able to achieve a crisp new bathroom that maximises storage A good bathroom gets the balance between functionality and luxury just right. And that’s exactly what the bathroom in this new build by Daniel Marshall of Daniel Marshall Architects has achieved. The […]

The owner of this chic apartment decorates for Christmas with a traditional yet minimalist aesthetic in mind One of the pleasures of Christmas is the chance to revisit the past, retelling old family stories, sharing memories of people and times long ago, and digging out all those festive ornaments you’d almost forgotten about, some of […]

Christmas is a colourful affair in this 1920s Auckland bungalow where little family traditions make the season extra special A snowy white Christmas is something most Kiwis find difficult to envisage; after all, we’re busy enjoying backyard barbecues, camping trips and walks on the beach come December 25. So when New Zealander Mary-Ellen Hinton stayed […]

The renovation of this family home in Wellington may have been a slow burn but its joyful way with colour has warmed the heart from day one On a windy Wellington day, the yellow front door of Fran and Ben Storey’s Houghton Bay home is a vivid beacon amid a grey landscape. Beyond it lies […]

The maximalist sensibility behind this Havelock North home sees it filled with meaningful collectables Fifteen years ago, Stephen Eaton called his wife Aimee Stewart to tell her about a house he’d seen being built, raving about its crisp, clean lines and magnificent vistas. “I was slightly confused because the house in question was in Havelock […]

This nurse-turned-designer wanted a garden that offered privacy and poolside fun for her family as well as biodiversity for birds and bees Meet + greet Louise Hanlon, (landscape designer), her husband Nick, Maxim, 18, Scarlett, 14, plus Monty the dog. Nursing and landscape design may seem like two very different professions but for Auckland-based designer […]

This neglected house was extended at the front, busted open on one side and extensively landscaped to create a family home perfect for outdoor living Meet + greet Annelies Leitch, 37 (home buyer at online fashion store Onceit), Ben Leitch, 37 (general manager), Harper, 3, and Hugh, 2, plus Cash the bulldog. Problems & Solutions […]

Simple, rustic shapes, hand-thrown pottery and furniture improvised from time-worn timber create a low-key, modern country home, here’s how to get the look 1. Be inspired by the environment Take cues for your home’s colour palette from the surrounding landscape. If you have a really spectacular view, keep your interiors clean and simple to avoid […]

A magic moment over a glass of wine gave rise to this retro-styled home that uses moody greens, rich timber and pops of vivid orange to create a calm yet cosy vibe A love of mid-century design and Mad Men inspired this Katikati new-build, which combines the style of the past with all the convenience […]

A cherished family home for three generations, these homeowners managed to pull of a sympathetic, modern update. Here’s what they learnt whilst renovating Meet + greet Michelle Wilson, 46 (part-time accounts manager), and Brent Smith, 48 (sales manager), plus Monty the cavoodle. Michelle & Brent’s top tips for renovating  Wait and live in the space […]

Moody seascapes, limestone, wood and grey-green tones give this home an elemental feel that anchors it to its clifftop site Meet + greet Sarah Kee, 42 (university student; also helps with her friend’s fashion label, Mahsa), Bruno, 14, and Elvis, 11. Honesty Box What did you learn from this renovation? Sarah: Go for it and […]

Knocking down the bach and building a permanent home in its place has resulted in the perfect mix of style and comfort for this Raumati couple Meet + Greet Bryan Gundersen, 70 (semi-retired barrister), Jan Gundersen, 67 (part-time legal secretary) Living at the bach permanently is a dream for many city-dwellers, but when it comes […]

Building new meant this Cambridge couple could relish outdoor living in a completely private setting. See inside their contemporary H-shaped new-build here Meet + Greet Nathan Milne, 43 (co-owner of Cambridge ITM), Kerry Milne, 41 (accountant and co-owner of Cambridge ITM), Carter, 11, and Caleb, 6. Kerry’s decorating tips Take photos of your space on […]

A sunny spot next to a cornfield was exactly the rural setting this young couple were looking for. Then all they had to do was build a house… When Mille Holm Rasmussen and her partner Morten were looking for a weekend retreat, their initial thoughts turned to something that floated. Morten had been dreaming about […]

This neglected house was extended at the front, busted open on one side and extensively landscaped to create a family home with perfect indoor-outdoor flow When Annelies and Ben Leitch first saw their one-acre property in the north Auckland suburb of Whenuapai, they didn’t see a rundown weatherboard house with tacked-on addition and out-of-date kitchen […]

The first finalist of the Resene Colour Home Awards injected a playful dose of pastel colours inside her Helensville family home. Scroll down to discover how you could also get the chance to win $5000 When Sam and Tineka Hoskin finally moved into their first home with their four children after seven years living in […]

Trading their rain-soaked tent for an old-school caravan has been the ticket to holiday happiness and magical memories for this Mt Maunganui clan

Building new meant this Cambridge couple could combine privacy, parties and poolside bliss into one perfect package The accountant in Kerry Milne loves things to be orderly, symmetrical and black and white – traits reflected in the house she shares with husband Nathan and their sons, Carter and Caleb. The Cambridge abode is a perfect […]

It’s a house that’s been cherished by her family for three generations – and this homeowner has ensured it’ll be loved for many years yet If walls could talk, Michelle Wilson’s home would be able to tell tales of her family stretching back nearly 80 years. The Christchurch house she shares with partner Brent Smith […]

A passion for international interiors and a love of entertaining shaped the style of this soulful seafront abode Walking around Sarah Kee’s home in Point Chevalier, Auckland, it’s clear she has exquisite taste. In most of the rooms you’ll find artworks, sculptures and artisanal furniture, each with a story to tell. But open the door […]

Before you surrender to your regular wash-dry-fold cycle, try some of these smart laundry solutions. They may just save you time and effort The battle of the washing pile is a war that is being waged in households across the country. Although these never-ending loads of laundry may feel like an evitable part of being […]

  Replacing the kitchen in this mid-century West Auckland home was all about balancing period detail with practicality Meet + greet Kristina Rapley, 32 (editor of Your Home & Garden, on maternity leave), Ashton Lines-Sherwood, 32 (Starleaton NZ country manager), and Tallulah, 1 month, plus Blue the Lab and Bell Belles the cat. Tell us about […]

Enlisting the help of a kitchen designer made all the difference for this family, who got their ideal bespoke space Budget $10,000 Total spend $17,000 Time frame 3 months What was wrong with your original kitchen? Sarah Ashton: Our kitchen was very small and stuck at the end of the house. I had a water […]

Rather than upsizing their small family home, this couple has made it work extra hard, squeezing a workspace, a film studio and plenty of play within its walls Meet + greet Julie Stuart, 35 (blogger), Matthew Stuart, 36 (design engineer), Harvey, 5, and Piper, 3. Julie’s tips for living in a small home Add plants […]

This beautiful, yet robust, family home in Nelson is built for maximum sun, catching rays all day long from its lofty spot Meet + greet Brooke Strang, 37 (owner and fashion designer for Wanoa Four), Andrew Strang, 40 (businessman), Milahn, 10, Harlin, 7, and Lenox, 4, plus puppy Koura. Honesty box Best lesson learned during […]

An untamed farm and basic barn house looking out towards Waihi Beach was the ideal project for this handy family. See the before and afters below Meet + greet Kate Clay, 42 (interior designer), Brent Clay, 49 (licensed building practitioner), Stella, 17, Riley, 8, and Tex, 7. Honesty box What did you do yourselves? And […]

This elegantly designed Hamilton home wraps around a lush gully of native bush and boasts almost seamless connections to its outdoor spaces Meet + Greet Katie and Matt Williams, (owners of a painting and decorating company), Boh, 11, Lola, 9, Rocco, 6, plus Margaux the French bulldog As our families grow, most of us look […]

This candy-coloured home makes you smile whether you’re inside or out Meet & Greet: Emma O’Meara (interior stylist), Simon O’Meara (plumber), Leni, 11, and Ginger, 8, plus Frankie the Labrador. Honesty box: What’s your top tip when building or renovating? Emma: “It’s so important to always ask questions, even if you think they sound silly. […]