Your Home and Garden

Take a peek inside this kitchen reno – it’s a light, bright and modern makeover that ticks every box At a glance Who lives here? Caroline Jericevich (customer manager) and Callum Bakker (project manager). Where is it? Point Chevalier, Auckland. Lived here since… April 2015. How long did the makeover take? Ten days all up, including demolishing […]

We asked three creatives with different signature styles to theme rooms in their favourite colour combos Resene ‘Kermadec Green’ fetures on the wall. Alex Walls, winner of The Block NZ 2014 and stylist Alex, what was the inspiration for your colour story? Recently I have been drawn to moody colour palettes that have a rich […]

An old bach and a new home live in harmony, all set up for family gatherings and a laid-back lifestyle Nestled in a rural outpost on the Tauranga Harbour, Rae and John Buchanan’s Ongare Point home is flanked by a pohutukawa-lined reserve and a row of modest baches, with grandstand views of Matakana Island. In […]

In the market for a new bathroom? This Moroccan-style sanctuary might be the perfect style for your personality Bathrooms should be functional, but that doesn’t mean they need to be boring. Your bathroom should be a space you love spending time in, so if you have a penchant for prints and patterns, get creative and personalise the space. […]

Whether you’re renovating an existing kitchen or starting from scratch, Mitre 10 MEGA offer advice, products and designs to make your dream room a reality Get the look with these products from Mitre 10 MEGA Top 10 kitchen design tools It’s an exciting time bringing your dream kitchen to life, but all of the decisions […]

A Canadian architecture studio has created The Story Pod, a little black box that opens by day to reveal a charming little library Designed by Atelier Kastelic Buffey (AKB), this public mini-building in Newmarket, north of Toronto, is a community-supported lending library where visitors can take or leave something to read. There is built-in seating […]

Callum and Caroline won a kitchen renovation with Mitre 10 and the help of a stylist to choose fixtures and fittings. The result? A light, bright and modern makeover that ticks every box Who lives here? Caroline Jericevich (customer manager) and Callum Bakker (project manager). Where is it? Point Chevalier, Auckland. Lived here… Since April 2015. How long did the […]

A newly renovated city high-rise makes a glamorous setting for a family gathering this festive season Who lives here? Marian Tolich (real estate auctioneer). Marian, how do you spend Christmas day? We usually attend mass on Christmas Eve and have a fairly relaxed Christmas Day. My three children and their families have lunch with their […]

Grey granite wall tiles are the design star of this bathroom, creating a look that’s functional and restful yet sleek and sophisticated If you like urban style, consider a design with an industrial edge that’s still practical for family living. The beauty of this style is its versatility; it has an elegance that suits a […]

When a little state house is kitted out with a modern addition, it’s a yin and yang arrangement that suits this young family perfectly Who lives here?  Gus Roberts (executive creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi), Victoria Roberts (marketing mum), Louie, Isla, Izzy and Tiggy the cat. What did they do? Doubled the size of […]

Danish architecture firm Lumo Arkitekter has designed a series of tiny shelters installed along the coastline aimed at encouraging outdoor tourism These basic, but downright charming, cabins designed by Lumo Arkitekter are part of a series of 50 shelters offering campers, trampers and surfers respite from the elements. Built as part of the Shelters by the […]

When Jodelle Clark and husband Geoff were about to move into the homestead of their Southland dairy farm they were unsure whether to demolish the house and build new, or extend the original building and modernise it. Geoff had grown up in this house built by his grandparents in Hokonui, near Winton, and surrounded by […]

From gifts, to wrapping and decor, we’ve got your Christmas style covered with these cost-effective and fun festive ideas. Time to get your yule on! 23 festive ideas that will make you excited for Christmas You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a wonderful Christmas, in fact, we think sometimes it is the simple […]

A residential development north of Auckland provided this family with the ideal blank canvas on which to build new Who lives here? Joe Byrne (property developer at Byrne Homes), Lisa Byrne (graphic designer at Bright Creative), Sophie, Jack and Molly the dog. Lisa, what advice do you have when it comes to being colour confident? […]

This 1910 Wellington home underwent a total renovation and now has a brand new front facade with major street appeal Snapshot Who lives here? Janet Hunt (manager Wesley Gardens Boutique Bed and Breakfast) and Dennis Hunt (engineer). Where is it? Kelburn, Wellington. Lived here for… Five years. Janet, Which rooms have you renovated? All rooms. […]

Cushions are an easy and cost-effective way to add an instant update to your interior. We’ve rounded up some top expert tips for styling with cushions Vanessa Nouwens, stylist How many cushions do I need for my couch? The number of cushions for your couch really depends on your style and preference. If you like traditional-style […]

From the famed feature wall to the shiny leather couch, there are some trends that come and go… and then come back around again. Here are some of our fave nineties-style decor trends that still light our fire Trend tracking 1 Blackboard walls Some interior designers say the blackboard wall should be avoided at all costs, […]

Christmas at this stylish family home is about a fresh, clean, natural look – and plenty of little traditions to keep Santa happy Who lives here? Mel Holt (co-founder and floral stylist at Bloom Social and social media manager for Freedom), Darryl Holt (business sales manager at OI Glass and jack-of-all-trades at Bloom Social) and […]

Studying will become top of the agenda with a colourful workspace makeover like this one Ideally every teenager should have a space where they can study, research or do creative projects. Much like a child’s bedroom, a study space needs to evolve over time. The most important thing to consider in creating a study space […]

Recreate this floral table arrangement with these step-by-step instructions 1. You will need: Scissors, knife, oasis, cardboard tubes wrapped in paper, red decorations, tin cans 2. Cover cardboard tubes and/or tin cans with festive Christmas paper. 3. Cut rounds of oasis to fit inside the cardboard tubes, covering the bottom with plastic to stop water escaping. […]

This quirky, colour-drenched home is the perfect backdrop for a fabulously festive Christmas From the street this home is fairly unremarkable. The pretty, turn-of-the-century villa painted in Resene ‘Half Villa White’ isn’t too dissimilar to many other homes on the street. However, it’s the front door, painted bright pink (Porter’s Paints ‘Carnevale’) and bearing a […]

This two-year-old’s room has an aviation theme and just the right amount of colour Whose room is this? Charlie, 2. Who created this scheme? Mum Ana Dermer (owner of graphic design business Woolly Lemon Creative and photographer). Where is it? Pt Chevalier, Auckland. Ana, what are the key changes you made to Charlie’s room? I […]

A beautiful riot of bright hues and playful patterns takes command in this busy Hamilton home Who lives here? Angie Millar (general/accounts manager), Ryan Millar (builder), Matilda, Mack, Lulu and Poppy. Angie, what influenced the new decor? I’m drawn to fresh, modern pops of colour and pattern. I also love jewel tones especially navy, emerald, […]

This small house purchased in 2002 has been quadrupled in size and transformed into a dream home full of relaxed beach house decor. When Bernadette Cross and husband Connor purchased this property in 2002, it was a tiny brick cottage with remnants of a 1970s renovation. As their family has grown, the home has too […]

As they gain a strong following across the country, Napier design duo Bibby + Brady make their new home in one of the city’s iconic art deco buildings The Story In a place famed for its architecture, it seems only natural that a Napier duo who transform and enhance people’s homes is based in one […]

We’ve traversed the globe searching for the ultimate homes from Amsterdam to Sydney! The Houses Each of these dream properties is available to rent through Airbnb. Stone mansion, Italy Located in Cisternino with stunning views $134 NZD per night 2 beds, 1 bathroom Opera Villa, Bali Located a few steps from Coconut Beach $1555 NZD […]

Beauty mogul Rowena Roberts’ villa is a monument to art, cosmetics and colour. What is your day job? I have a partnership with the Estée Lauder Companies and own and operate free-standing MAC stores in Britomart, Ponsonby, St Lukes and Botany, the Jo Malone London boutique in Britomart and the only free-standing Bobbi Brown store […]

These super cute kids’ rooms are a colour burst. Find out how they got the look, so you can too! Whose rooms are these? Johanna, 12, and Paulina, 11. Who came up with these looks? Mum Kristin Harrison (caterer specialising in weddings and corporate functions). Where is it? Mapua near Nelson. Kristin, what was the inspiration […]

Beauty mogul Rowena Roberts’ Herne Bay, Auckland villa is a monument to art, cosmetics and colour They say your home is a reflection of yourself and that saying has never been more true than in reference to Rowena Roberts. They also say home is where the heart is – another phrase that is just as […]

Meet the Lotus Bud, the latest addition to the Lotus Belle glamping family With camping season just around the corner, glampers will be pleased to hear that tent connoisseur Lotus Belle has just released a smaller and lighter version of the  signature ‘Lotus Belle’.  Weighing in at just 26kgs with a 2.7m diameter, it’s a travel size Lotus Belle […]

We’ve got four easy Christmas craft ideas using glitter, dreamed up by stylist Vanessa Nouwens Get the look Plastic baubles and glitter from Spotlight; Motex label maker and tape from Tea Pea; gold cube from Shut The Front Door; candle and jar from Look Sharp; all other props, stylist’s own. Photos by: Wendy Fenwick @ Flash […]

Despite being a new-build, this home is a nod to tradition with timeless Californian bungalow features Who lives here? Victoria Richardson (mother and interior designer), Craig Richardson (CEO), Will, 11, Charlotte, 9, and Reilly, 7. Victoria, what was your favourite room to decorate and why? The master bedroom. We’ve created a cosy sanctuary with a […]

Wall hangings are bang on-trend – what better way to get festive this Christmas? How to Get three pieces of brass tubing in different lengths (or use wooden dowels spray-painted to suit your colour theme). Fold lengths of wool in half and cut to your desired hanging length, then loop onto each rod by passing the […]

Fed up with fake Christmas decorations? These botanical alternatives create a natural, organic look while filling the air with the most delicious scent Created by: Catherine Wilkinson Photos by: Wendy Fenwick

From the animal-lover to the person who has everything, this gift guide has your Christmas shopping all wrapped up The Botanist Clockwise from bottom left: Evie Kemp monstera print, $49, from Shut The Front Door. Buxus ball, $14.95, from The Foxes Den. Brass herb markers, $9 each, from Junk & Disorderly. Potted cactus, $19, from Bioattic. […]

Make your own modern decorations and gifts with these easy ideas for washi tape Custom gift tags Keep costs down this Christmas by making your own gift tags. Using washi tape, make your own designs on plain white gift tags. Be as creative as possible and have some fun. Get the kids in on the […]

Here is a home that blends so seamlessly into its tree-lined suburban surroundings it’s as if it has always been here.

On any sunny weekend you can bet Debbie Hardy will be working in her garden The landscape designer has created a subtropical oasis around her four-bedroom double-bay villa in Western Springs, Auckland. The house sits on almost a third of an acre (1,225 square metres) and is wrapped around a majestic oak tree – just one […]

Your Home and Garden managing editor Shelley Ferguson trials smart home security system Morepork Shelley says: “My home is the focal point of my life: the place my family live and laugh together, where my favourite things are held, where memories are made, and where I escape from a busy world. It’s also part of […]

Homes to Love caught up with florist Eden Kersten, aka The Botanist, to find out how to make a fresh green wreath What greenery have you used for this wreath? I’ve used Holly, eucalyptus, protea leaves, moss, scabiosa, and poppy heads. What equipment do I need? – Oasis (wet floral foam) wreath – Greenery and flowers […]

Boutique owner Marilyn McLaughlan swapped her large designer home for a compact inner-city Auckland apartment – and she couldn’t be happier with her metropolitan move Marilyn, what is your day job? I am the designer of fashion brands Marilyn Seyb and Episode, and co-owner of Kimberleys boutiques. Describe your personal style… Dressy casual, a little […]

When the weather’s warm it’s time to head outside for an alfresco lunch. There’s loads of inspiration to be found from this harvest-style lunch thrown in a hayshed by food stylist Fiona Hugues – steal her style secrets for your next soiree. Styling by: Fiona Hugues/Gatherum Collectif Photography by: Jani Shepherd/Gatherum Collectif

Forgo a traditional pine or artificial Christmas tree for these creative alternatives Getting twiggy with it Arrange twisted willow (or similar) in a large jar. Twist battery-operated seed lights around branches. Thread on dried or fresh flowers (we used ‘Chinese Snowball’ viburnum). Add decorations. Get the look: White stool, $85, from Flotsam & Jetsam; hanging […]

We’ve been shopping for a sweet spot to lay your head and found these pretty and practical pillowcases Tips for pillowcases Mix and match – a plain pillowcase looks great when paired with a patterned Euro pillow and vice versa. Try keeping your duvet in a simple shade and pair it with bold pillowcases, or go all […]

What to do when you have an original state-house kitchen with loads of cupboards? Make a feature of them with colour like Deb and Brian! Snapshot Who lives here? Brian Hanson (chef) and Deb Hanson (accountant), baby Max and Ajmer the cat. Where is it? Kensington, Whangarei. How long have you lived here for? Two […]

Wondering what to get the men in your family for Christmas? Lucky for you the Your Home and Garden stylists have been on a shopping spree The Blokey Guy Clockwise from bottom left: Estwing hammer, $68, and Craftsman wrench, $19.98, both Mitre 10. Jandals, $35, from Superette. Wooden bottle opener, $26, from Paper Plane Store. Izola […]

Next editor Sarah Henry’s Morepork by Spark home security system means she can head to her caravan on weekends without worrying about everything at home If there was one word to sum up my weekdays it would be hectic! Monday through Friday is a revolving round of ‘to-do’ lists, washing, meetings, searches for missing socks, deadlines, supermarket visits, […]

San Francisco’s most expensive new listing has hit the market, on sale for US $28,000,000 Located in the coveted area of Pacific Heights, the property has recently been restored. Built in 1901 by noted architect James Frances Dunn, the house has been transformed for the 21st century with luxury finishes and fittings. The home’s grand exterior […]

Bright colour and plenty of pattern are welcome in this Hamilton family home Angie Millar has always had a thing for colour – but despite knowing what she liked, when it came to applying it to her newly renovated Hamilton home, she needed a little guidance. Angie and husband Ryan initially rented their home, which was […]

A magnificent New Plymouth cottage garden is filled with pastel pink and creamy roses Twelve years ago when Coleen Peri first saw the quarter-hectare New Plymouth site that was to become her garden, thoughts of romance filled her head. Not the Mills and Boon variety, though. Coleen’s vision was more botanical in nature, with the […]

Brooke and Mitch have taken out The Block NZ: Villa Wars, selling their simple yet sophisticated villa for $1.35 million. They were awarded $190,000 – the amount their house sold over the reserve. They also took home the prize money of $100,000. Homes to Love takes a look inside the winning home – which Bayleys described as […]

Make your own modern decorations and gifts with fimo. We show you how Candle holder You will need: 2 packets of Fimo (black and white) • Ruler • Knife • Tealight candle • Baking tray and baking paper 1 Soften up the packets of Fimo by rolling in your hands until pliable, then roll each colour […]

We’ve rounded up some sublime gift ideas for food lovers. From barbecues to books, it’s never been easier to impress your family and friends with your gift-giving prowess The Forager Malle W. Trousseau Oyster Tools Set (includes leather hand guard), $119.90, from Corso De’ Fiori; water bottle with lid by Menu, $105, from Mildred & […]

Create these feathered headbands for your next children’s party using leather and ribbon You will need Craft knife, leather strips, double-sided tape; feathers; ribbon How to make them Using a ruler and a craft knife or scissors, cut two soft leather strips to 20mm wide and around 300mm long (kids may need help with this […]

Get your outside areas in tip top shape with step-by-step tips for tidying up your decking, pavers, brickwork and guttering Now is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and take on those irksome jobs around the home and garden that you’ve been ignoring for months. REVIVE TIMBER DECKING IN 6 STEPS 1. Sweep away dust, […]

These days, garden sheds are expected to multi-task – playhouse, office, spare room – and look good, too. Here are some ideas if you’re planning a ‘shed-over’ 1. Playtime Luring the kids away from screens and devices into the outdoors will be easier if you give them their own place to hang out. If converting […]

A drop-dead glamorous bathroom and ensuite fit for a movie star Snapshot Who lives here? Jo Clelland (hair and makeup artist and mum), Mat Vermeulen (MD of Ceva Logistics),  Mila. Location Grey Lynn, Auckland. Jo, How long have you lived here? We bought the house a year ago, to renovate. We only got half way through the project […]

Finding the right furniture for your outdoor areas will be a summer breeze with our savvy six-point guide 1 In the know First up, be absolutely sure of exactly what you’re buying before you hit the stores. We all know how easy it is to go out looking for a sofa and end up coming […]

Follow these step-by-step instructions for this achievable white and silver arrangement                  1. You will need Scissors, knife, oasis, cardboard tubes wrapped in paper, candles, votive and votive candles, silver decorations 2. Cover cardboard tubes in paper of your choice. 3. Cut circles of oasis and cover with […]

Embellish plain gift tags with metallic tape. Move over washi tape, there’s a new kid in town. You will need: A4 white card (220gsm) Hole punch Scissors Adhesive metallic tape (available from Spotlight, Typo and $2 shops) Ribbon, twine or thin cord Cut out template provided and trace around the gift tag onto white card […]

A small inner-city garden is redesigned for modern living with built-in seating and walls of fragrant greenery for privacy Finding a newly renovated house in inner-city Auckland six years ago couldn’t have come at a better time for Claire Foggo and husband Damon Green. Both were working full time with a baby on the way, […]

At the bach or at home, a coastal look creates instant relaxation. Nail the coastal chic look at your place with a few tips and tricks A colour scheme with natural accents of brown, taupe and grey emulates the beach, while sky blue and deep navy is reminiscent of the ocean and summer sky. Get […]

Jamie and Hayden from The Block NZ: Villa Wars unveiled their black kitchen on last night’s episode and were met with disapproval from the judges and viewers alike With black cabinetry, black polished floorboards and a graffiti mural splashback, the kitchen unveiled by Jamie and Hayden was never going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Hayden […]

Last month Your Home and Garden managing editor Shelley Ferguson went on a family holiday to Fiji and thanks to her new smart home security system Morepork by Spark there was less stress and more peace of mind My family and I headed to Fiji for a much-needed long weekend of relaxing and recharging, and it […]

This homeware store stocks whatever its customers want, need or ‘crave’ for their homes When Jude Turner was looking for a new business venture six years ago, she couldn’t find exactly what she was looking for. “We’d look at existing businesses and I’d just want to change so much, in the end I decided it […]

Landscape designer Myles Baldwin shares his top tips on exterior lighting

Learn the basics for growing and potting orchids at home – you don’t need to be an expert! You’ll need – a pot, orchid bark, a cymbidium orchid, small stake, butterfly clips, pebbles and slow-release orchid food. Step 1 Fill a small pot with orchid bark (which has been sterilised and can be bought at any […]

Fiona Hugues creates a magical Kiwi Christmas at her Whitford farmhouse, surrounded by family, friends, and a collection of loveable animals.

What to do when you don’t have a wardrobe You’ve found the perfect house, apartment or room. You start picturing your belongings fitting in nicely with their new surroundings. Your bed is going to look great up against that window, there’s room for a chair in the corner and a pot plant or two on the […]

Renowned rugby union player Israel Dagg and his wife, The Rugby Pantry co-author Daisy, have settled in Christchurch in a Golden Homes house that’s anything but cookie-cutter Who Lives Here? Daisy Dagg (interior designer, Daisy Chain Interiors, founder and contributor to food blog The Rugby Pantry), Israel Dagg (plays for the Canterbury Crusaders) with Melo, their […]

The ancient art of Japanese fabric dying is used in four creative ways by stylist Catherine Wilkinson Framed artwork Cut a piece of untreated cotton to fit inside a frame so edges are visible. Tie a rubber band around a small bunch of fabric in the centre, then continue to tie bands around the rest […]

If sophisticated pared-back luxe is your yule of choice this year then turn to the dark side with black-as-night gift wrap and accessories offset by a gleam of gold This delectably moody setting is all about scale and simplicity. The grand living room with its high ceilings, large fireplace and dark walls provides the perfect […]

Homes to Love chatted to Annabel Berry, director of multi-disciplinary design agency Design Federation, about her latest venture – a collaborative range of headboards Annabel, how did this range develop? I started with headboards after multiple conversations with clients who either couldn’t find interesting options or who were looking for ways to style their bedrooms that […]

Summer days are for entertaining guests alfresco, and what better way to do it than with an outdoor kitchen The rise of the outdoor kitchen Outdoor kitchens became part of modern home design by stealth. First, there was the humble barbecue, then came the fire pit to cosy up cool evenings, then the outdoor gourmet […]

What was once a disaster zone is now a subtropical garden with a succession of show-stopping sculptures   For a landscape project to work, both client and designer must be on the same page. When Nigel Cameron was selected by Shelley Attwood to redesign her Auckland garden, it was a shared love of sculpture that […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Smart’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today Houses are getting smarter. Even those built a decade ago lack the technical innovation of new homes today. Brian and Sally McKibbin’s Waiheke home is one […]

We love wallpaper, and not just on walls. These cute stockings are great for packaging small gifts or as a festive decoration You will need Offcuts of wallpaper (a 50cm-high piece will make a small stocking, front and back) Sewing machine Sewing thread Ribbon (for hanging) Scissors Sellotape Stiff cardboard to make template Buttons, decorations, […]

It’s possible to give a shared bedroom an individual feel using cool and contemporary paint effects Designing for two Decorating a shared children’s room can be tricky, as the occupants are bound to have different ideas about how it should look. Search for some common ground between the two – a theme, colour or object […]

Christmas at this gorgeous Dunedin villa is a cool, crisp, pine-scented affair like a Norwegian wood in winter In a nutshell Who lives here? Sandy Cubitt (interior designer and owner of Moi on George), Allan Cubitt (consultant), Annabelle, 16, and Judge the Scottish terrier. Sandy, what’s on your Christmas Day menu? I always bake a […]

Try this easy, cost-effective Christmas DIY idea How to – Fill up fillable plastic baubles with star confetti and shake around. – Add more confetti until you are happy with the effect inside. – Mixing two colours together looks great; or use coloured feathers or baby pom poms instead. – Tie some fine ribbon, cord […]

Homes to Love chatted to Davina Harper, a Dulux colour and design specialist, about which colour schemes sell at auctions and how The Block NZ: Villa Wars teams’ choices stack up Davina, what paint colours did the teams choose and what is your assessment – did they nail colour combos overall? Sarah and Minanne Interiors:  Dulux ‘Remuera’, […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Smart homes’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today 1. Wifi has changed home entertainment radically – no longer do you need seven remotes. The likes of Sonos use wifi to broadcast sound all […]

The New Zealand Institute of Architects has awarded its premier individual honour, the Gold Medal for career achievement, to Stuart Gardyne, a director of the Wellington firm architecture+ The New Zealand Architecture Awards’ Gold Medal is the highest level of professional recognition a New Zealand architect can attain. For Gardyne, it acknowledges an accomplished career during […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Smart homes’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today Smart modern homes are more than just clever – they’re beautiful too. Like Wendy Shacklock’s Te Kohanga, these international examples are intelligent responses to difficult […]

Caron and Ashby Takimoana gave their Waihi home and a shipping container a makeover on a budget Snapshot Who lives here? Ashby Takimoana (supply supervisor), Caron Takimoana (special-needs teacher aide and part-time shop assistant), Tyson, 16, Payton, 11, Demo, 7, cat Mako and dog Riddick. Where do you live? Waihi, Thames Valley. How long have […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Smart homes’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. Houses keep getting smarter: even houses built a decade ago lack the technical sophistication of their newly built counterparts and progressions in engineering mean sections […]

Artist Lydia Batts creates beautiful botanical-inspired artwork from her peaceful studio in Epsom, Auckland. Here’s a round-up of her work. See more of Leden’s work here.

Hello, summer! Create a holiday feel without leaving the house with this bohemian-style outdoor room How to create a holiday vibe at home For sunny decks and verandahs, cacti and hardy palms are an great choice for greenery. Choose sun-loving flowers such as those from the succulent family to provide long-lasting colour, e.g. Kalanchoe pumila. When […]

Landscape designer Debbie Hardy talks garden trends, from green living walls to garden art Debbie, what’s the latest buzz with gardens?Beautiful lawns and structure, a garden with formal bones (clipped hedges, single plants planted en masse) is still very popular. Green walls and green roofs are a hot garden trend, as is a productive garden […]

Make your presents pop this Christmas with four beautiful wrapping ideas that won’t break the bank Decals Who says decals are only for walls? Transform plain gift boxes or bags with packets of decals and make some matching gift tags. This is a great wrapping project to do with kids. Shopping list Boxes Plain gift bags […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Eco-friendly’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today Thanks to the increasing affordability of green building practices and a change to the building code, most new homes in New Zealand incorporate features of an […]

Homes to Love caught up with florist Eden Kersten, aka The Botanist, to find out her top 5 pointers for pretty-as-a-picture peonies When is peony season? You’ll find peonies from November to early January. When buying peonies at a florist, what should we be looking for? Should they be closed or open? They should be in bud but […]

Looking for a Christmas wreath? Browse this gallery of floral wreaths made from a mix of native and exotic flora with added festive bling in the form of baubles, deer and stars Photography by: Bridget Webber Wreaths created by: students from Manukau Institute of Technology Floral School Flowers and fauna from: Flowers Work Wonders

Get creative with the kids and add simple Scandinavian charm to your home this holiday season with these cute clay decorations These DIY cut-out Christmas decorations are a perfect project for the kids These cute little clay cutouts are simple, stylish and so easy to make. Grab the kids, throw on some Michael Bublé and […]

Head behind the scenes of a Your Home and Garden photo shoot as the tree is decorated in its Christmas best for the December cover Starring: Art director Tanya Wong, digital content producer Georgia Bramley, digital editor Johanna Thornton and managing editor Shelley Ferguson With thanks to: Models Veronika and Wolfe The latest issue of Y&G is on sale […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Eco-friendly’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today If you’re thinking about building, buying or renovating use the ANZ home loan calculator to work out how you can achieve it. Visit anz.co.nz/homeloans for more information.

Discover a new range of dreamy bedlinen to add to your Christmas wish-list Jane Forbes and her business partner Mel Alessi of Feliz have designed a range of bedlinen inspired by their travels through South America. With names like ‘Cha cha cha’ and ‘Copacabana’, this linen will inject a bit of fun into any bedroom scheme, […]

Use easy-to-find foliage to create a lush Christmas wonderland Hanging plant basket You will need  A hanging basket (large enough to hold 2-3 pots) Cellophane to line the basket Moss (Spanish and standard) Hanging and trailing plants How to Line the basket with green moss. Don’t worry if some is poking out. Line the moss […]

Summer has arrived in stores with the latest homeware ranges embodying colour, fruity shapes and shades of the sea. Here are some of favourite decor pieces of the moment

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Eco-Friendly’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today 5 rules for eco-friendly homes Defining an eco house can be like nailing jelly to the wall – thanks to changes in the building code most […]