Debbie Harrison

Debbie Harrison is a freelance writer and editor with a background in journalism and communications. Her curiosity about people is what first led her into journalism - she loves that writing articles gives her a legitimate reason to meet interesting people and ask all the questions! Whether she’s interviewing someone about their home, their life, their career or a quirky passion project, Debbie is drawn to telling authentic, real-life stories in a way that connects with readers. Based in Auckland, she’s a regular contributor to Your Home & Garden, Woman's Day and other lifestyle publications. When she’s not working, Debbie is on a quest to find a hobby she genuinely loves beyond watching reality TV - recent attempts include gardening, paint-by-numbers, pottery and (soon) punch-needle embroidery. She lives with her husband, two teenagers and an ever-expanding Kindle book list.

Home Tours

This Devonport villa’s modern extension made it perfect for family living

Meticulous organisation and attention to the small details paid off with this home extension

The exterior of the Auckland Homestead viewed from poolside

Home Tours

Nancy Meyers-inspired: An Auckland homestead made magic thanks to a couple of rom-com devotees

A house flipper and his rom-com loving partner find a home straight out of a Hollywood film.

The inside of a white villa with a woman wearing a black dress walking into a dining room.

Home Tours

An old student flat in Grafton receives the renovation of a century

Renovation experience? Zero. Buy a rundown rental and turn it into a family home? It was a rollercoaster ride.

Home Tours

A skate ramp in a Masonic lodge? These Whanganui-based artists have combined home and studio

A converted Masonic lodge doubles as an eclectic family home and art studio

The owner of the Pōhutukawa Coast new-build rearranging dishes on the dining room table

Home Tours

This new-build on the Pōhutukawa Coast is the definition of calm

This new-build, set against a fragrant pine forest, is all about clean, calm spaces

A woman wearing white shirt and pants against a wall of green tile

Real Homes

A New Plymouth house masters the use of colour and texture

Tactile textures and a refined, yet fun palette bring the drama to a centrally located New Plymouth house.

Home Tours

A ‘Scandinavian minimalist’ home designed to maximise space and connection

Building two homes during a pandemic with a newborn presented some next-level challenges for this couple

Home Tours

Surrounding an enclosed backyard, the Smiths have found sanctuary in this Taranaki home

The design, construction and decorating of a Taranaki family’s new build was made all the sweeter thanks to family and friends.

Real Homes

This tranquil property on the outskirts of Auckland has a Mediterranean feel

With plenty of passion and a lot of persistence, an Auckland couple create a rural dream with vibes of the Med

Real Homes

This tiny home on wheels was a DIY dream for this Auckland couple

An Auckland couple were inspired by the 'tiny house movement' and began a DIY journey to build a home on wheels.

Real Homes

This Dunedin cottage is like something out of a fairytale

An abandoned Dunedin cottage turned out to be this family’s dream come true

Real Homes

This Auckland villa renovation took more than a decade to complete

The classic versatility of black and white was the starting point for the Sutherland-Tolley villa renovation

Home Tours

This family turned their Foxton Beach bach into their permanent home

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

Real Homes

How a young family turned an ex-ballroom into a home

Plenty of pink, a dash of mint and a whole lot of imagination have transformed this old ballroom into a fully functioning, cute-as-a-button family home. Meet & greet Who lives here? Kaitlin Chapman, owner of kaitlinchapmanmakeup.com and Hello Darling Prop Hire, Jamie Robertson, mechanic, Stella, 3, chocolate Lab Chevie and Cavoodle Petal. Background Once upon […]