Your Home and Garden

Garden photographer Jane Dove Juneau is ready to share her own oasis Who lives here? Jane Dove Juneau (photographer), Rick Riccitelli (mathematics and music tutor/mentor). Jane, what other things do you do in your spare time besides gardening? We go away for trips in summer so it is hard to keep up with the garden […]

Locally made industrial-style furniture and homeware have found their ideal home at Auckland’s City Works Depot What started out as a weekend project for Terry Curtis is now very much a full-time role as creative director, designer and owner of homeware store Weekend Trader. Initially an online shop that Terry would manage on weekends while […]

In this thoughtfully planned Manawatu home built for a large family, every inch is used every day – yet there’s space for all Many designers use their own homes and gardens as places to try out new ideas, materials and products. Interior designer Belinda Woolford is no exception. The Palmerston North house she shares with […]

Luxuriate in the calming aroma of eucalyptus with this handy wall hanging You will need 3 x lengths 10mm dowel Ruler or tape measure and pencil Hand saw Sandpaper Interior wood stain Foam brush Wool and scissors Eucalyptus or flowers of your choice Small picture hook or nail and hammer Measure 60cm from end of […]

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This rings especially true for French-born Mehdi Sanssar. Growing up on the outskirts of Paris, visiting the antique markets every weekend was a ritual not to be missed. Days were spent rifling through antiques for exotic curios or selling his own wares. “There are markets every weekend in […]

Get creative with old magazines. A – for effort Choose a block letter you wish to cover. Select your colour palette and cut pages from a magazine. Cover the letter with a layer of papier mâché to act as a base. Wrap white straws with approximately 70mm strips of the magazine pages. Apply a light […]

Give plastic trays a quick and easy designer update using fabric and glue. You will need Plastic tray (ours are from Look Sharp) Fabric – a fat quarter (45.5cm by 56cm) is the perfect size (ours is from Spotlight) Mod Podge (available from Spotlight) Paint brush Scissors STEPS: Cut a piece of fabric big enough […]

Catherine Melo creates children’s products with a fresh graphic edge. The simplest motifs can make the most effective prints, and Burrow and Be’s Catherine Melo has capitalised on this with her super cute range of parent-friendly prints. Paper planes, little houses, rain clouds and birds all feature on blankets, pillowcases and handy storage sacks for […]

A design-savvy homeowner reinvented a rundown property into a family home in a six-week intensive makeover Tom Williams is used to working to tight deadlines to create cool interiors. It’s what he does as part of his job for Juicy Design. When it came to creating a home that would one day be suitable for […]

Paper products adorned with original illustrations in thoughtful packaging. Otis Hu has had a fascination with paper goodies since she was young, but it wasn’t until she was asked to illustrate a flower for a honey company that she discovered her knack for drawing. “It was so fun to see the illustration come alive and […]

Retired tennis pro Andy Roddick and his wife, actress and supermodel Brooklyn Decker, are selling their modern mansion overlooking Los Angeles for US$3.395 million. The home spans 4,910 square feet with an expansive living area featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Century City and the entire Wilshire Boulevard corridor. Its 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths […]

The kitset or modular bach is not a new concept in New Zealand but in recent years we’ve garnered international acclaim for our innovative work in this area Bachkit In 2000 Architect André Hodgskin came up with his pioneering Bachkit contemporary prefab pavilions. His latest take on the idea is iPAD, a minimalist kitset holiday […]

Designer Sarah Parker invites customers to stop by, stock up, then shut the front door and enjoy a home filled with bright and unusual products from her Takapuna store Sarah likes to style the various spaces within the store herself, based on what is on trend and what she is personally drawn to. She loves […]

This creative mum showcases her love of Scandi style with her blog Blonde & Bone and at her rental property in Whangarei. Hannah, how was your blog born? I have always been a huge fan of reading creative blogs and found them to be a great source of inspiration, especially living in a smaller town. […]

Discover Canterbury-based Lee Sinclair’s handcrafted creations. Lee Sinclair has been drawing, creating and “generally just making” since she was a child. She has turned her childhood craftiness into a business with Cloud Nine Creative. Her carefully curated jewellery and prints range, which she produces from her home studio in Ohoka, North Canterbury, has now branched […]

A classic state house is re-worked for contemporary family life Who lives here? Mary Stokes (founder of baby and children-related market Mary’s Market), Mike Stokes (sales director), Tom, 10, and Ivy, 7. Mary, how would you describe your interiors style? A mix and match of modern and industrial. What is one thing you learned from […]

Carefully selected furnishings and a considered renovation have created a modern family home that exudes elegance and glamour. When Mark Lewis and Tracy Strudley spotted a rambling Arts and Crafts house in Remuera, Auckland, they knew it would be the ideal home for their blended family of nine (the couple and their seven children). Built […]

Create pretty scalloped bunting to hang inside or out when entertaining You will need  ½ a metre of oil cloth (ours is Marimekko ‘Siirtolapuutarha’ coated fabric from Bolt of Cloth, 1450mm wide. For oil cloth that isn’t as wide you will need 1 metre to create 3 metres of bunting) Scissors Pins 3 metres of […]

We love the look of Mason jars,  they’ve made a come back so here’s some of our favourite ways to use Mason jars, they’re no longer just for preserves.

Australian actress Cate Blanchett is looking to move on from the historic estate in Sydney, Australia, that she shares with her husband Andrew Upton. According to the LA Times, Blanchett is asking for $14.75million (£9million) for the five-bedroom home, known as Bulwarra, which sits in upscale Hunters Hill, the oldest garden suburb in Australia. The […]

Dear Carol, I’m hoping for help with the main part of my garden. We’ve done a lot of work tidying up the area, but need some ideas to link the deck to the garden. There needs to be a paving or seating area. The deck faces east so is lovely in summer but almost sunless in […]

Melanie Wilson transformed her home from beige to a colour splash with some clever geometric painted shapes How an ex-state house in New Plymouth got a colour makeover Melanie Wilson was tired of looking at beige interiors after a bout of house hunting, so when she purchased this ex-state house in New Plymouth, she set […]

Bold geometrics is the colour story theme of this Wellington home, which won the overall prize in the Resene Colour Home Awards 2014. Gemma Burrows couldn’t wait to transform the plain, impersonal white walls of her Wellington home. “I like bright colours,” says Gemma, “which you can tell by looking at my clothes and lipstick […]

A seaside front section with a mishmash of planting needs more of everything Dear Carol We love our little seaside cottage, but we are unsure what to do with the front garden! We would love some assistance to help it reach its full potential. We live beside the sea in Wellington, in a 1920s weatherboard […]

Although small in size this courtyard garden in St Heliers is beautifully designed and a constant source of joy for owners Robin and Jack This picture-perfect courtyard garden is small in size but perfectly formed Who lives here? Robin and Jack Dawson (both retired) and Mabel the black schnauzer. Robin, what was top of your […]

A Tauranga front garden gets a lush planted border and a clear grassy space Dear Carol I’m stuck. Our Tauranga front garden is a sun trap with so much untapped potential. We’re down the bottom of a quiet cul-de-sac. The front garden has a large oak, which can’t be touched, and I’m happy with the lawn, […]

Before you read on, always start with the ceiling, to learn how to paint a ceiling click here. Now you’re ready to start painting the room: What You Need Quick release painter’s tape Sealer/Primer Paint Paint tray Paint-roller Roller sleeve, depending on the desired finished there are different types of roller sleeves Two-inch angled paintbrush […]

Apply the finishing touches to your paint job by tackling the skirting, molding and trims So you’ve read and accomplished How to: Paint a ceiling, along with How to: Paint a room Follow these three simple steps to complete the finishing touches on skirting, trim and archtraves Wait until the walls and the ceiling are dry. […]

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? A bit eclectic; sometimes classic, sometimes edgy, hopefully chic and hopefully appropriate for the occasion. HOW HAS THAT TRANSLATED TO YOUR BEDROOM? The original pieces of furniture I have chosen are a mix of classic and modern. The raw linen curtains give a grounded look, not just ‘glam’. WHERE DO YOU […]

New Plymouth couple Kirsty and Craig Jones transformed their once 1980s-style dining area into a botanical oasis perfect for entertaining. Snapshot Who lives here? Kirsty Jones (mum/floral designer/cake maker), Craig Jones (creative director/graphic designer), Finley, 7, William, 6, August, 3, and Marcello, 6 months. Location Frankleigh Park, New Plymouth. The goal To create a bright, […]

Contemporary chic bungalow transformation What was once a demure beige bungalow that looked no different to those around it, has now been transformed into a contemporary home with street appeal. Words by: Annick Larkin Photography by: Emma MacDonald

We use creative and bold botanical arrangements to bring three of the latest interior looks to life. GET THE LOOK: Walls and floor in Resene ‘Half rice cake’; Linear stem mimosa wallpaper by Orla Kiely, $219 per roll, Danelion mobile porcelain wallpaper by Missprint, $249 per roll, both from The Paper Room; on floor Christian […]

Find balance Follow the 80:20 rule of thumb to create the perfect colour balance – 80 per cent neutral colours, including the carpet and bed linen, and 20 per cent strong colours, such as quilts, art and other accessories. Think fabrics Floral fabrics are a growing interior trend, one borrowed from fashion, and shades of […]

There’s no need to check the weather forecast in this energy-efficient Waikanae new build where temperatures are tropical all year round. In a nutshell Who lives here? Chris and Leonie Beggs (owners of North Face Construction), Jack, 13, Fraser, 11, cat Ruby and chickens. What would you do differently with this house if you could? […]

“It’s a highly crafted interior, lined in plywood that gives it a very solid feeling, but still with a lovely connection to the environment” Why a Port-a-bach Portability was a key factor in the design of Port-A-Bach, a prototype for up-cycling shipping containers by Wellington architects Bonnifait + Giesen. William Giesen says the idea first […]

This talented married couple created a harmonious balance between luxury and eco-conscious design. The couple Having designed and built a spectacular house in Muriwai out of shipping containers, these guys knew they could put their complementary skills to use again on The Block NZ. “I manage the tradies and make sure everything is progressing and […]

Love the idea of camping but can’t bear to be without your creature comforts? Maybe glamping is for you. With its emphasis on comfort, service, clean amenities and a touch of luxury, glamping (glamorous camping) has become the holiday de rigueur for legions of travellers who want a little adventure but not too much of […]

Bold baths A freestanding tub makes a gorgeous bathroom centrepiece. Conjuring up an affluent, elegant aura, standalone bathtubs take a bathroom from practical to palatial. With materials ranging from ceramic and metallic to stone and even wood, you can choose a freestanding tub that suits any bathroom style and soak in spa-like luxury every day. […]

One step inside Philippa Atkinson’s Herne Bay villa and it’s crystal clear how much art means to her. Paintings by New Zealand artists Tony de Lautour and Heather Straka greet you at the entrance and works by other artists, both celebrated and less well known, line the walls throughout the rest of the home – […]

Wendy Hart’s sensitive renovation of her classic 1960s family home gave it a modern edge, while retaining its retro glam appeal.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?I am really stimulated by patterns and colour. I’m never worried about throwing things together and challenging things to work.I enjoy being around things that are visually lively – gardens, artwork, fabric shops, galleries, cities, clothing stores. I am also inspired by my travel experiences and try to bring […]

Make-up artist and stylist Suzanne Beaumont’s Hawke’s Bay home is vibrant, glamorous and full of surprises. “Everywhere in the house are things we love, things we’ve collected.  It’s totally individual totally us.” Photographer: Florence Charvin.

Tucked away up a long drive in suburban Havelock North is a house as flamboyant as its owner. Designed by renowned architects John Scott and Raiford Gardiner in the 1970s, the home is now occupied by Suzanne Beaumont, her husband John and their beloved Maltese poodle cross, Molly. As you walk through the garden to […]

Timeless rattan furniture designs are given new life by a Danish company.

Fashionable floors are the foundation to a blissful bedroom. Here, experts from Carpet Court offer some inspiration on how to create the ultimate in comfort and luxury, starting with a high-quality floor. The team at Carpet Court know floors like no one else. They have flooring showrooms across New Zealand and offer a free, no […]

What is Corian and how is it used?Corian is a benchtop product which has been manufactured by DuPont since 1967. It contains an advanced blend of two-thirds natural minerals and one-third pure acrylic resin. Corian has traditionally been used for kitchen benchtops but it is becoming more popular for bathroom vanities and basins and also […]

A well-honed art collection is right at home in this elegant two-storey villa. Photographer: Rebekah Robinson.

This brand new home wasn't exactly love at first sight for the owner

Wendy Hart’s sensitive renovation of her classic 1960s family home gave it a modern edge, while retaining its retro glam appeal Hidden from the street in Auckland’s Remuera stands a striking 1960s home, which has been a haven for just two families in its 50-year lifespan. Owners Wendy and Richard Hart, their son Thomas, 14, […]

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? I am happiest when in a fabulous frock. Life’s too short to be boring and my hair is too red to blend in, so I don’t try. HOW HAS THAT TRANSLATED TO YOUR BEDROOM SPACE? We’ve used fabrics most commonly used in eveningwear, like silk, velvet and taffeta. […]

These newlyweds have created a serene and earthy environment. The couple Getting hitched in December is just one of many good decisions this Feilding couple have made. Applying to go on The Block NZ, despite their limited renovation experience, was another. “We’re on the same page,” says Damo, 36, a former cop turned electrician apprentice. […]

This design-savvy couple created a lush cover inspired by Bali’s plant life, textures and tones Alex’s tips to get the look: ✚ Expose your green thumb and crack open the potting mix, as this look requires some serious greenery. Think palms, ferns and other tropical plants. Indoor plants are so good for you – they […]

We’ve consulted the experts on how to renovate like a professional

This winning cover captured the classic beach vibe of Hollywood’s hottest holiday destination Alex’s top tips to get the look: ✚ You don’t have to live in the Hamptons (a beach-side community in Long Island, New York State) to get this look in your home. Very simply, it’s a beachy feel with a more sophisticated […]

Meet and Greet Kate Gardham (stylist, tutor and interior designer) and friends Grace and Linn, as well as Oatis the dog. Budget-friendly bliss in a 1950s bungalow After purchasing her bungalow on Auckland’s North Shore, Kate Gardham looked her fear of heights square in the eye, purchased a ladder, erected a scaffold system and began […]

Leftover wrapping paper doesn’t have to be destined for the dustbin. Get inspired and add fun style to your home with these easy projects Supplies by: Walls in Resene ‘Triple Concrete’; aqua wall spot decals from KM2creative; wrapping paper from kikki.K; tassel garland from Collected; boxes and vases from Zest Products; all other products stylist’s […]

Timber panelling Wood panelling creates instant warmth in a room and is part of a larger trend celebrating the retro-cool vibe of the ’60s and ’70s. From classic light maple to a mix of whitewash grey and blue, this natural surface should be the standout feature in your kitchen. Design the rest of the room […]

It takes more than a complementary colour scheme to design a great-looking bedroom. Follow these rules to create a comfortable, luxurious and personalised space. Clear the clutter An overcrowded bedroom full of furniture and clothing can feel chaotic and confused. Take photos of your bedroom, look at it with fresh eyes and remove excess clutter to create […]

No longer just a place to prepare meals, the kitchen has become an extra living space – and the latest design trends reflect its new role. Photography: Sharyn Cairns/Michael Wee /Nick Watt/Maree Homer/BauerSyndication.com.au

Vintage opulenceA melting pot of textures, patterns, materials and knick-knacks makes for a vintage-inspired bathroom. Opt for round or hexagonal mirrors and don’t be afraid to have the contents of your cupboards on show – it all adds to the ornate look. Expert advice: Install ambient lighting in the ceiling and incandescent bulbs around the […]

It takes more than a complementary colour scheme to design a great-looking bedroom. Photography: Maree Homer / Derek Swalwell/ BauerSyndication.com.au

What are the key components for a truly practical kitchen?Regardless of cooking style or kitchen size, there are three key features to a truly practical kitchen: workflow, space and motion. Think about your most common tasks in the kitchen and about the items you need to access, then group these items together or in close […]

From gleaming metallic tubs to Garden of Eden greenery, there’s a new-season trend to suit every bathroom style.

From alternative natural tubs to Garden of Eden greenery, there’s a new-season trend to suit every bathroom style. Au naturel Natural elements are known to invoke serenity and, when combined, create the perfect bathroom sanctuary. Bring the outside in and incorporate materials like concrete, marble, stone and salvaged wood for a harmonious, organic look. Expert advice: If using […]

No longer just a place to prepare meals, the kitchen has become an extra living space – and the latest design trends reflect its new role. Marble detail Island benches are the natural choice when it comes to incorporating marble into your kitchen, while limestone and polished concrete are the hard-working cousins of this sleek […]

This creative couple teamed pale wood with pared-back tones for a simply stunning Scandi look. Alex’s top tips to get the look: ✚ Get your Scandi on! The Nordic look is very hot right now and I’m seeing a heavy influence on product, lighting and furniture design in shops and online. It’s been a look […]

Chalky colours and old world charm with a modern twist were the brief for this couple. Alex’s top tips to get the look: ✚ Don’t be fooled into thinking this look is ‘French country’ – those days are numbered. For this look, we are going for less distressed and more block colours on furniture, walls […]

These renovation rookies have succeeded with this relaxed, functional home. The couple Everything this married couple have done on The Block NZ, from briefing tradespeople to painting and decorating, has been for the first time. “We’re just regular Kiwis from Christchurch up against these four flash-as Auckland houses,” says Ben, 30, a business development manager. […]

Spring fling: We use creative and bold botanical arrangements to bring three of the latest interior looks to life. Take a lesson in art with dreamy watercolours, wildflowers, and vivid shades. Styling by: Emily Somerville-Ryan Flowers by: Lucy Houghton of Lu Diamond Flowers Photography by: Wendy Fenwick

New Plymouth’s arresting Len Lye Centre isn’t the only new thing in town. Late last year, Shaun and Cassie Conaglen returned to their home town after more than 20 years of working as a builder (Shaun) and a lawyer (Cassie) in Sydney. Sean says he had always wanted to own a shop – he just […]

These high school sweethearts have created a home that’s sleek and smart. The couple These two were made for The Block NZ. Maree, 27, is an event manager, and James, 28, is a property valuer. They love modern aesthetics, and Pasifika motifs such as tapa mats and wood carvings. “We’ve taken a lot of risks, […]

Stylist’s advice: “Add tartan prints to a base of browns and beige to create a room reminiscent of a traditional English country manor,” says Louise Hilsz.

We went behind the screens to talk to Sarah Hamilton, one half of popular blog Ses + Jen, which she writes with her mum, Jen. Sarah, why did you start your blog? Nearly two years ago, after my mum and I had completed a full interior makeover on my home, we started a Facebook page […]

Stylist’s advice: “If you’re coveting a look of ornate opulence, floral prints in traditional petal-inspired tones epitomise femininity,” says Louise Hilsz.

Stylist’s advice: “Earth-inspired colours, rich textures and elaborate prints evoke the look of this modern Indian city,” says Louise Hilsz.

Stylist’s advice: “Combining old and new interior looks is a great way to capture this city vibe and create an interesting, industrial feel,” says Louise Hilsz.

A Cape Cod-style home in Taranaki embraces a striking monochromatic palette. Tracey Chilcott smiles to herself when people admire the beautiful renovation job she and husband Alastair have done on their New Plymouth home. The three-storey house was actually built only two years ago, but its traditional appearance has many fooled, says the passionate home […]

Stylist’s advice: “Gold features heavily in this luxurious trend. Remember to keep it modern by adding rich, inviting colour,” says Louise Hilsz.

Everything you need to know to keep your pot plants going.

Vanessa Nouwens shows you how to create a coaster, a cushion cover, a stool cover and a tasselled wall hanging – all from an old t-shirt. Coasting along Cut 2cm-wide strips from a large white T-shirt. Machine sew three strips of fabric together at the ends to make one long piece of fabric. Repeat this […]

The owner of Gisborne’s The Family Co design store has created a destination out of her shop

This clever designer has nailed the art of simple statement pieces. What’s a graphic designer on maternity leave to do without her usual creative outlet to keep her mind busy? Make things for her home, of course! Designer Kym Church found herself with idle hands while on leave from her job in publishing in 2010. […]

Miranda Osborne’s wire furniture and industrial-style lighting is vintage-inspired but utterly contemporary The wonderful wire creations of Ico Traders’ Miranda Osborne are instantly recognisable for their dramatic curves in vivid rainbow shades. They’re also well-known for ticking the comfort and durability boxes, as well as style. “Steel wire is the perfect material for creating furniture,” […]

“When I have my breakfast,” wrote artist Bill Sutton in his journal in 1992, “I cut off a slice of bread for myself and one for the birds. We are all in it together.” It would have been a simple task for Sutton to throw the bread outside to the birds from the house designed […]

Architect Pam Ingram collaborated with graphic designer Peter Roband to renovate the Arch Hill apartment he shares with his partner Lindsay Spedding. The apartment now has a completely fresh feel without any changes to the existing footprint. “He could visualise what I was talking about,” says Ingram, “and he wanted something that was well-designed. We […]