Your Home and Garden

Another property in our real-estate watch series, this inner-city apartment feels like a New York penthouse landed in Auckland city The stats Location: Auckland CBD, Metropolis Residences Size: 330 sqm, located high up on the 32nd floor Kitchen designed by: Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui are incorporated harmoniously for the design of the spacious, state-of-the-art designer kitchen. […]

Whitegold store is a sophisticated and well-built home for on-trend homeware in the Bay of Plenty Shop profile: Bay of Plenty’s Whitegold Most visitors to Whakatane’s whitegold presume it’s named after the modern precious metal. Not so, laughs owner Kate Clark – it’s actually a cheeky reference to the milk cheque that gave the lifestyle […]

A boutique owner brings her assured sense of style to home and work – a trait, she says, that runs in the family

Superstar florist Eden Hessell shows us how to arrange long-stemmed flowers in a tall vase. Here are her tips and tricks for mastering this look How to get the look You will need: 4 x stems hydrangea greenery 2 x king protea 5 x hydrangea 6 x birch stems 4 x Japanese anemone 4 x Monstera leaf […]

A spectacular, private high-quality home designed by New Zealand architect Graham Price is on sale for $3.9 million, with magical views over the bay to sleeping Giant Mountain The stats Designed by: Renowned architect Graham Price Location: Nadi, Fiji Size: 999m² Interior details:  Fully air conditioned, extensive use of opening glass walls between the lounge and pool making […]

This makeover turned a ramshackle wash room into a streamlined laundry in just over a week This laundry went from dark and dusty to industrial chic Who lives here? Ashwini Singh (personal assistant). Where is it? Avondale, Auckland. Lived here for… four years. How long did the makeover take? Just over a week. Who was […]

 Ashwini Singh was the lucky winner of the Your Home and Garden Then & Now makeover with Mitre 10, which saw her awarded a laundry makeover worth $5000 The makeover package included a full laundry solution covering everything from the cabinetry to the tiles and installation. Her Avondale, Auckland laundry was transformed with: Cabinetry in Nouveau foil in ‘Havana […]

It’s not often you see a home of this magnitude for sale on Auckland’s Waiheke Island. Take a look around this unique estate, modelled on French Colonial Plantation style The stats Name: Rere Cove is a unique estate in French Colonial Plantation style, modelled on the Kauri Cliffs luxury lodge Designed by: Award-winning designer Bryce […]

Strategic use of screening plants and clever design create a private oasis in the midst of a subdivision After living north of Auckland for about 10 years, Henry Lin and his wife, Coco Liang, decided to move to Millwater, a new housing development a little further north, near Orewa. As well as the glorious beaches […]

Here is what to consider when renovating the living room, from interiors expert Lizzi Hines of Spaceworks and Room by Room Consider how you’d like to use your living space. Do you want open-plan living or something you can close off? Is it a family lounge, with a TV, or adults only? Figure out if you […]

The co-founder of Auckland boutique Maman uses a neutral backdrop to showcase her eclectic mix of timeless French and Scandi style French and Scandi combine in this Remuera bungalow If you’ve been into Auckland’s upmarket fashion boutique Maman, you’ll already have a fair idea of what co-founder Emma Main’s home looks like. The Remuera bungalow […]

Artist Lydia Batts creates beautiful botanical-inspired artwork from her peaceful studio in Epsom, Auckland. Homes to Love NZ caught up with her to chat about her obsession with plants, and what’s next for Leden Design At just 23 years old, Lydia Batts has nailed the art of capturing the simple beauty of nature in her work. Her botanical […]

 Interior designer Jackie Jones has worked wonders with paint at her two bedroom bach in Matarangi  In a nutshell Who lives here? Jackie Jones (interior designer), husband Jeremy Patston (lawyer), Emily, 15, Matt, 13, Caitlin, 12, Sophie, 11, and Lucy, 7. Jackie, when did you get interested in interior design? I’ve loved it since I was a […]

Award-winning designer Kirsten Sach transforms a completely bare garden at housing development Millwater in Orewa In a nutshell Who lives here? Henry Lin (director/head of consulting services for a dairy commodity consulting company), Coco Liang (retail banker), Chelsea, 5, and Bush, the Japanese Spitz. Henry, what attracted you to the Millwater area? Good local communities, […]

Overseas it’s quite common for homes to have laundries in the kitchen, bathroom or hallway and it’s starting to happen in New Zealand too, particularly in smaller homes Wherever you have your washing machine and dryer, make sure there is good ventilation and that the dryer doesn’t steam up the whole room. Also take care […]

Homes to Love caught up with florist Eden Kersten, aka The Botanist, to find out her top tips for hydrangeas. Browse our gallery of hot hydrangea ideas while you’re at it! Q&A with Eden Kersten, aka The Botanist Eden, when are hydrangeas in season/available? You will find them from December through to March. What colours are they available […]

Late summer is definitely the best time for eating outdoors The heat is less intense but the days and evenings are still warm enough to sit and dine comfortably for hours. This menu is inspired by the fresh produce around at this time of year. Fruit, basking day after day in the sun, is now […]

A pegboard storage system encourages you to be a little bit tidier while looking ever so stylish Entrance/hallway Although the entrance is one of the busiest places in the home, it should ideally give visitors a feel for what your home is all about – and this is where a pegboard becomes your secret anti-clutter […]

If you’ve ever attempted to assemble a piece of flat pack furniture then you’ll be familiar with that creeping sense of frustration, sweat forming on the brow and a general compulsion to yell at your partner. Here’s how to stay sane while assembling flat pack furniture, from the experts at Mocka. What’s the first thing […]

More than two decades have gone into creating this lush garden which unfolds over three tiers It’s no secret that artists will often extend their creativity into their domestic surroundings. Step into the beautifully designed garden of glass artists Ben and Suzanne Hanly and you’ll see what I mean. The couple have spent the last […]

After 18 months of brainstorming, sourcing, samples and swatches, the first Your Home and Garden for Farmers homeware range is finally in store! The Your Home and Garden for Farmers range is not just beautiful, but functional and affordable. The Winter 2016 range includes tableware, kitchenware, bathroomware, bedlinen and gorgeous decor pieces in a sophisticated […]

Sea, sun and surf drew Sarah Ingram and Roger Mutagh to Mount Maunganui from Auckland, both of them keen for a lifestyle change In a nutshell Who lives here? Sarah Ingram (business analyst), partner Roger Murtagh (self-employed) and daughter Stella, 3. What’s your favourite room in the house? Sarah: I adore our bright and sunny […]

Sisters Emma and Kate have captured the essence of a French boutique with their store Maman by using a mixture of modern and classical elements Fashion boutique Maman, located in the Auckland suburb of Newmarket, has an interior to die for. The classical/industrial decor – with a touch of whimsy thrown in – was a collaborative […]

How do you use your bedroom? For some it’s just a place to sleep and doesn’t need much more than a bed and some clothing storage. For others, it’s their sanctuary and might include a couch or chaise and even a desk. Do what you can with the space you have. The master bed Make […]

Julie Attwell’s Palmerston North home embraces deep, dark paint shades, especially black! This Palmerston North home isn’t for the faint-hearted Living here since 2006 with husband Anthony, son Jackson, 17, daughter Georgia, 22, mother Joan, Penny the Staffy, cats Goose, Timmy and Stella, and chickens Custard, Dora, Peg and Dave, you could say she has a […]

A big family with a love of the simple life have painted their little bach in the shades of the sea Just how a family of seven can fit into a two-bedroomed bach is a wonder, but somehow interior designer Jackie Jones has made it work. She and husband Jeremy had been searching for somewhere […]

New Zealand-based online store Izzy & Co stocks a range of products that are “beautiful, well-crafted and a little bit different”, says owner Claire Ongly Izzy & Jean Co http://izzyandjean.co.nz/ info@izzyandjean.co.nz [related_articles post1=”45255″ post2=”44420″] Photos by: Nicola Edmonds.

These stylish leather loops will turn cluttered work areas into hubs of efficiency To make one strap, you will need 1 metre x 25mm vegetable leather (ours came from Lapco Leather) Ruler Craft knife Power drill or screwdriver 1 copper nail or screw (ours came from Bunnings) 100mm steel ring (optional) Etch primer (optional) Spray […]

Spin a fine yarn with these four projects using tried-and-trusty yarn, reinterpreted for today 1. Wall hanging Cut yarn into 2-metre lengths. Fold the yarn in half and loop onto a metal ring by passing the free ends through the looped end. Repeat the process until you have the desired amount of yarn. Trim the […]

When renovating your home, there are generally two rooms that come to mind: kitchen and bathroom. These rooms make a statement about the age, style, standard and functionality of your house. Here’s how to get the most out of your kitchen renovation. With so many choices in fittings and cabinetry (and such a variance in price), […]

This bouquet of white roses wrapped in yesterday’s paper makes for a simple statement of love that’s easy on the wallet You will need An affordable bunch of roses or other flowers such as daisies or carnations A newspaper – opt for pages with print rather than pictures. You could also go the extra mile […]

Stylist Samantha Totty presents four simple projects using wool. Any colour will do! 1. Pom pom twigs Secure the end of a strip of wool in your palm using your thumb. With your other hand, wrap the wool around three joined fingers 100 times. Slide the wool off your fingers. Tie an 8-inch piece of […]

A tired old house has been transported into the 21st century by opening up the living area and giving the interior a clean monochromatic sweep A dated Dunedin home gets a monochromatic makeover Who lives here? Victoria Bithell (owner of makeandco.co.nz and assistant at MintSix), Stephen Bithell (builder) and son, Harrison Where is it? Kaikorai, […]

It’s the one appliance that’s always working hard to keep food fresh and is often subject to spills, stains and sticky fingers. A clean fridge is a happy one, so here’s how to give it a deep and satisfying clean How to deep clean your fridge 1. Turn the power off at the wall. 2. Remove food […]

We’re taking it back to basics with a mattress on the floor and things never looked better How to work this look Opt for luxurious linen that completely covers any hint of mattress Create some height with Euro cushions and throw pillows Add a pop of colour with a throw Anchor the bed with a […]

Fashion designers are increasingly turning their creative talents to interiors. Diana Clarke explores the most stylish homeware collections on the planet Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren himself said it best when he responded to those questioning the intent behind his venture into homeware, “It’s all an extension of something I wanted in my life – my […]

For a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gesture on a budget, we suggest a picnic basket filled with some simple favourites, and prepared with love You will need A basket A tea towel or piece of fabric A flower – any stem will do Milk Homemade cookies. Try ones of these recipes for Butter Choc Chip cookies, White and […]

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 […]

Versatile washi tape adds creative colour to anything it touches. Here are four easy projects to try How to get the look Washi tape from etsy.com; cake stand from Redcurrent; cupcakes from Petal; elephant ornament from Allium; vase, necklace, flowers and lollies stylist’s own. Wall painted in Resene ‘Vanilla Ice’. Buy your washi tape and cardboard […]

An Auckland couple join the small-home movement with this clever renovation David and Rebecca Lee set about transforming this basement apartment when a change in circumstances meant they had to rent out their home and downsize. They set about converting a 33-square-metre storage-come-garage space into a self-contained apartment. With David’s practical skills and background as […]

Renting out your room or apartment can be a great way to earn a little (or a lot) extra. But before you jump in, make sure you know what you’re getting into Everything you need to consider before listing your property on a holiday rental site The ever growing popularity of short-term holiday rental sites […]

Take a tour of Australian actress Naomi Watts’ stunning Manhattan home with this photo gallery Inside Naomi Watts’ New York apartment   The Manhattan apartment actress Naomi Watts owns with her partner, actor Lieve Shreiber, began life as two separate units – one an artist’s loft. Shortly after purchasing the Tribeca real estate, Hurricane Sandy struck, flooding […]

Make the most of the last of the summer sun with this ultra cute range of camping gear!  Kmart’s new Active & Co glamping range includes a stylish, open plan glamping tent and a range of glamping furniture, lighting and accessories for an outdoorsy getaway with a luxurious touch. [related_articles post1=”38272″ post2=”28318″]

These pretty hanging bottles are so simple to make and would be perfect for an alfresco lunch, party or wedding You will need: An assortment of bottles or jars Twine Any floral stems you have to hand (we used dahlias and white roses). Instructions: Fill bottles with a small amount of water Add flowers and hang […]

Bathrooms are one of the smallest rooms of the house yet they have to fit so much. To achieve a great bathroom, be very practical when it comes to planning and look for options that make the room streamlined and simple. Choose one thing to be the hero – the tiles, bath or even just some […]

Since school teacher Judy and husband Peter downsized from a 10-acre farm to a beach shack on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, they haven’t looked back They lived in the house for a year before extending the kitchen/dining area and adding all-season outdoor areas. Judy and Peter live here with their daughter Harriet and dogs Roxy and […]

This gorgeous scheme for a girl’s room allows plenty of scope for growth This room cleverly combines soft pink with a wall of metallic gold stripes to create a girl’s haven that can grow with her. Rather than opting for an overwhelmingly pink theme – which has a limited life span – soft dusty pinks […]

A compilation of 10 planters to bring the outside in and the inside out Going green The addition of living greenery to your home will soften the edges and make your space seem calmer and more welcoming, not to mention it will also transform or enhance the existing style of any room. To ensure your […]

Clutter out of control? Get to know our top multi-tasking products, plus read up on helpful home-organising tips Ladders Ladders are a clever design tool – a creative display solution that looks contemporary and saves space. Modern designs, with moveable lightweight frames, add style and dimension to dark and unused corners. Use them to hang […]

Use a paper doily to spruce up everyday objects with these easy instructions Buy your doilies, notebooks, envelopes and wrapping paper from Warehouse Stationery. Visit warehousestationery.co.nz for all your craft needs. Photography by: Sevak Babakhani/bauersyndication.com.au.

Stay cool, calm and collected with our top 10 tips for creating shade in the garden this summer How to create shade in the garden Lazing beneath a cool, shady pergola when the sun is high in the sky must be one of life’s most agreeable experiences. Some form of shade structure is essential not just to beat […]

Waking up each day to a serene view of the sea while birds sing in surrounding native bush is something few of us can enjoy. And perhaps it is harder to appreciate if you haven’t experienced it. But Sarah Cutler, her husband Declan Ryan and their boys know just how beautiful their Wood Bay home […]

Living at home while you renovate is a sure way to save money during a costly process but can be pretty stressful. Check out this survival guide for staying positive 4 ways to make living at home while you renovate easier Living in the house while you renovate is a good way to save money, […]

A former west Auckland icon has been given a new lease of life as a homeware store The Art Bunker was a local art gallery and somewhat of an institution in Titirangi, west Auckland, for many years. When the property, including a home at the back, came on the market in mid 2014 – owners […]

This Italian-inspired Tauranga garden has turned a serial renovator into a keen gardener! The story It may have taken almost two decades of successive, comprehensive home improvement projects to propel Donna Edge outdoors. But this serial renovator has now has turned her talents to outside areas. What’s more, the Tauranga retailer is surprised to find she likes […]

Nothing says summer like a beautiful floral crown. Perfect for party attire, weddings or a festival, a floral crown is pretty and whimsical. Superstar florist Eden Hessell shows us how to make one You will need Floral wire Floral tape Wire cutters Greenery such as ruscus Milano and ivy Flowers of your choice How to […]

Not many people in central Auckland can float blissfully in their backyard pool with a herd of cows grazing calmly in a lush green field next door nearby, but that’s the scene at this Mt Albert home This family have brought a holiday vibe to their own home Suzanne McNamara and Ian Grant’s family is lucky […]

This Hamilton home has a distinct French flavour, thanks to a 40-foot container full of furniture shipped all the way from Europe In a nutshell Who lives here? Audrey Fitzjohn (online retailer at hellopaper.co.nz) and Elliot Fitzjohn (arboriculture tutor at Waikato Institute of Technology), with their French bulldog Violet. Audrey, just how many of the […]

With some clever thinking, a family home is created from a Waiheke Island workshop A Waiheke workshop becomes an unlikely family home Who lives here? Tony Parker (owner of Tree Essence), Jo Parker (legal secretary and owner of One Button crafts),  Ruby, and Munro, live on the island full-time. Big sisters Claudia, and Paris are […]

Create a stylish monochromatic bathroom with classic textures and moody modern touches  *The products pictured in this bathroom are indicative only and not available from Mitre 10. Classic with a twist With its mainly monochromatic colour palette, this classic-style bathroom look is timeless but stylist Vanessa Nouwens has added plenty of modern touches throughout. Get the […]

The enduring appeal of these Italian appliances has everything to do with their smooth curves, distinctive lettering and lust-worthy colourways Smeg has been around since the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that their retro-inspired fridge designs took the world by storm. For people used to utilitarian stainless steel-style fridges, this curved design classic had […]

In this installment of our renovation series, we take a look a children’s rooms and how to ensure they’re functional and future-proofed How to ensure your child’s bedroom style is future-proof If you have children, you want a room that will suit them now as well as in the future. But don’t think that you […]

On the lookout for a child’s bed? This gallery of bunks, beds and more has something for everyone Create a kid’s room packed with persobality and style For a room that can easily transition to suit a young child or teenager, stick to a neutral backdrop and classic wooden floors and add personality with accessories. […]

We chat to Lizzi Hines of Spaceworks and Room by Room for her top tips for project managing a renovation If you have a project manager or a good builder, they’ll organise subtrades in the right sequence. If you’re doing it yourself, you will need a project timeline. “Ask your builder for their timeframe and when they need […]

This week Homes to Love caught up with award-winning florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, to find out her top tips for dahlias When are dahlias in season/available? January through to March. It depends on climate and availability. What colours are they available in? You name it, dahlias come in that colour. There are so many vibrant shades […]

The biggest interior trends of 2015 offered something for everyone – jewel tones were back in favour, as were more muted pastels; pattern took off and simple Scandi looks remained strong. Put simply, the trends of 2015 covered it all [related_articles post1=”38748″ post2=”32142″]

Bathing outdoors is the ultimate way to enjoy the summer months. It’s also possible to bring the outside in with these handy hints How to create an outdoor bathing sanctuary As the rest of the home becomes increasingly automated and digitised, bathrooms are reverting to nature. Architects and homeowners alike have rediscovered the appeal of […]

A family of former city dwellers has found tranquil respite in a bush retreat with lovely sea views In a nutshell Who lives here? Sarah Cutler (architect), Declan Ryan (architectural draughtsman), Nat, Finn, and Bonnie the labrador. What do you love most about your home? Sarah: “We love the view, the privacy and living close to […]

Interior designer Lauren Li stuck to a tight budget when renovating a 1970s two bedroom unit Renovating on a strict budget, interior designer Lauren Li of sisällä still managed to employ a whole host of great ideas to make her Melbourne, 1970s brick-veneer unit a comfortable, light-filled home – and include a few luxury items to boot. […]

Nestled among the trees, high above the road, a home bursting with history cleverly marries its two halves Who lives here? Gernot Goex (retired owner of Gernot’s Gold fruit preserves) and his partner, George, both originally from Berlin. Gernot, what do you love about living in Hawke’s Bay? We travelled all around New Zealand many […]

The planning is done, you know what you want – now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get it done! We’ve consulted expert designer Lizzi Hines of Spaceworks and Room By Room to learn how to blast that budget when renovating. Be clear on the costs before you begin It can be awkward […]

An interior decorator gives a 1970s duplex some wow-factor Interior decorator Claudia Stephenson and her husband Julian, a personal trainer, searched high and low for a new rental where they could have a young family before they bought their own home. A 1970s duplex in Sydney’s Lower North Shore ticked all the boxes. The apartment […]

Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena is the recipient of the 2016 Pritzker Prize. He discusses the inspiration behind his work in this compelling video   “The most simple verbs – studying, eating, meeting resting – those verbs in the end make our lives. And those verbs happen in nouns – offices, schools, houses parks. Architecture tries to give the […]

Copper adds a warm glow to any interior. Try these four projects using copper paint by stylist Catherine Wilkinson to get the look at your place. Project 1 / Copper-dipped chair legs Project 2 / Painted ceramics Project 3 / Polka dot table linen Project 4 / Personalised candles Projects by: Catherine Wilkinson. Photos by: Wendy Fenwick @ Flash […]

Rusty 12-year-old shipping containers have been cleverly and speedily transformed into temporary accommodation for a family of five Then & Now: A container becomes a home Who lives here? Dion van Kekem, (project manager), Justine van Kekem (part-time barista), Annabelle, 9, Brooklyn, 7, and Scarlett, 5, plus Snowy the lamb, Chloe the dog, and Lucky […]

If you missed your chance at seeing the homes from The Block NZ: Villa wars in their entirety, here they are for your viewing pleasure House 1: Jamie & Hayden Black and white rules in this contemporary urban home that has plenty of attitude. House 2: Sarah & Minanne These reno rookies used pared-back styles […]

This serene, green sanctuary was cleverly created to combat a common complaint – loss of privacy When a two-storey rest home was built on the back boundary of her Blenheim home, Anne Bassett turned the situation into an opportunity. Instead of staring at a tall building from her kitchen and living room, Anne now looks […]

If you’re wanting your plants to stay looking good through the warmer months, especially if you’re planning on going away on holiday, here’s what you need to know 1. Mulch it Mulching is beneficial in so many ways. It helps keep moisture in the soil; therefore reducing the amount of watering you’ll need to do. […]

Alejandro Aravena of Chile has been selected as the 2016 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate. We take a look at his work, which includes remarkable buildings in Chile, China, Switzerland and the US. Aravena, 48, is an architect based in Santiago, Chile. He is the 41st laureate of the Pritzker Prize, the first Pritzker Laureate from Chile, and […]

We’ve got four clever DIY projects using beach towels by stylist Vanessa Nouwens Beach towel linen If you love the pattern of your beach towels, why not turn them into a bath mat, facecloth and hand towels? One beach towel should get you all these items. Use your existing bathroom towels as a cutting guide. […]

Nicola Russell visits a revamped Auckland villa, where family life and history are reflected in the invitingly eclectic mix of furnishings and artwork When fashion designer Bridget O’Malley and her husband David Reid moved into their urban villa a decade ago, it still had its original outhouse and copper. The central Auckland abode had been […]

Busy corporate careers and apartment living in Hong Kong were traded in for this sunny, eclectic and private family homehilltop haven in Sumner A private hilltop haven in Christchurch Who lives here? Larissa and Andrew Hamilton (founders and owners of Corcovado), together with their children Charlie and Wilby. What attracted you to this home? Larissa: […]

A change of season is the perfect time to update your home and it may be simpler than you think With the winter weather behind us and summer coming out to play, now is the time to shift your interiors into sunshine mode. Easy-to-do seasonal updates are key to making your home fit for warm, […]

Brimming with homeware and fresh flowers, this enchanting store is a dream come true for Tina Heffer Knowing how market-fresh flowers can transform a home, Tina Heffer had always wanted to make them available in Te Awamutu. But she was wary of the risks of buying and selling a fresh product. “You have to be […]

Sara Bunny goes beachcombing, finds some nifty hanging tips, and consults a colour expert Sunbathe or picnic in style with a plush Beach People ‘Roundie’ towel. Available in five striking designs, the towels are roomy enough for two, from Green with Envy and Republic Home stores, $149. Nautical know-how If you can’t be near the […]

Planting in this Mission Bay, Auckland, garden has been slow and steady but it’s now in full bloom Who lives here? Robin Houlker (educational consultant) and Peter Houlker (accountant). Robin, what would you advise people to do when planning a garden? Try things out before buying in bulk. I have things in pots for a […]

Take a look at the famous Seashell house on Isla Mujeres, Mexico – a unique island paradise designed and built by Eduardo Ocampo in 1994. Available to rent through Airbnb for $393 NZD per night, the unique shell house is located on one of the most beautiful islands in Mexico and its unique design and creative decor makes it a […]

They say good things come in threes and that’s certainly the case for this family, whose rural property on the outskirts of Greytown was completed in three very different stages “We didn’t have an ultimate plan for this house,” says Jo Lysaght, a graphic designer and co-owner of online homeware store Caravan Homewares. “But over […]

Boutique owner Marilyn McLaughlan swapped her large designer home for a compact inner-city apartment – and she couldn’t be happier with her metropolitan move. Marilyn McLaughlan has a work schedule that would leave many a 25-year-old gasping for downtime. Dividing her life between Auckland, Christchurch, Hong Kong, the US, Europe and Bali might sound fabulously […]

Warm, dark and handsome, this bathroom makes use of earthy tones and a subtle industrial feel for a space you’ll enjoy for years to come Handsome and welcoming Your Home and Garden stylist Emily Somerville-Ryan selected the products for this bathroom look from Mitre 10 Mega. “I’ve gone for a warm, earthy feel. Stone, concrete, […]

A home in the Bay of Plenty hills offers the lifestyle change this once inner-city family was craving Who lives here? Maree Wilkinson (wedding, fashion and portrait photographer), Matt Swanberg (company director), Jett, Milly, and Frankie the dog. Maree, how would you describe your interiors style? Industrial, but with a feminine touch and featuring a diverse […]

For a quality kitchen kitchen that you’ll be happy using for years to come, keep it clean, keep it simple and keep it timeless Get the look with these products from Mitre 10 Mega Mercator Gypsy fabric cord 241087, $36; Mercator Fancy Globe Pear 241205, $11.98 each. Kaindl 8mm laminate flooring in Oak Silea 236125, […]

A tired ex-rental flourishes under the expert touch of its uniquely creative owner Who lives here?  Erena Te Paa (personal fashion stylist), Joe Te Paa (operations manager for a hospitality group in Hamilton), soon to be joined by Te Paa junior, and dogs Luca and Ziggy. What is your favourite room in the house? We […]

Planting in this Mission Bay garden has been slow and steady but now it’s in full bloom and a far cry from it’s former bare, muddy-self An enviable courtyard garden in Auckland’s Mission Bay Moving from a large section to one less than a third of the size has got to be hard when you’re […]

The owners of this Greytown home didn’t have an ultimate plan for their property, but in 10 years it has evolved from a cottage to a five-bedroom house Who lives here? Jo Lysaght (graphic designer and co-owner with sister Sharon of Caravan Homewares), Dave Murray (owner of 3D illustration and web design company Satellite Design), […]

Take extra care of your garden as plants hit their peak growth period in mid-summer It’s high energy time for plants in mid-summer as they’re in their peak growth period. To make sure they don’t run out of steam before the end of the season it’s important to keep plants well watered and fed at […]

Callum and Caroline were the lucky winners of Your Home and Garden’s Then & Now makeover with Mitre 10, which saw them awarded a kitchen renovation worth $15,000 The makeover package included a full kitchen solution covering everything from the cabinetry to the tiles. Their Point Chevalier, Auckland kitchen was transformed with: Hi Gloss White […]

Homes to Love caught up with florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, to find out her top tips for hydrangeas When are hydrangeas in season/available?  You will find them from December through to March. What colours are they available in? Whites, mauves, all shades of pinks and antique varieties which appear later in the season. Should stems […]

Richard Naish gets back to basics with a rustic red getaway shed With land becoming more expensive, are you getting more proposals for utilitarian houses on tight budgets? Not too many, actually. We tend to say no if the budget’s too small, but there was just something about this one. It wasn’t about profitability, it […]

A residential development north of Auckland provided this family with the ideal blank canvas on which to build new Nestled between Silverdale and Orewa, just north of Auckland, is a relatively new residential development and the location of this new-build owned by Joe and Lisa Byrne. The once-rural land, formerly known for its farms, orchards, […]