People and Places

As the temperature drops, we chat to interior expert and Kmart design lead Kate Hopwood about easy ways to transition your home as we enter the cooler months 1/What are the key ways to transition your home as the cold weather hits? Similar to dressing for winter, transitioning your home for the cooler months is all about the […]

Eliminate the hard work that comes with planning a picture-perfect getaway and discover the best pampering, relaxation and chill spots Vanuatu has to offer. Sit back, relax and start dreaming 1 The Havannah This luxurious resort is the perfect place for a romantic holiday for two. The resort is secluded – 30km from downtown Port […]

Wendy Hart’s sensitive renovation of her classic 1960s family home gave it a modern edge, while retaining its retro glam appeal Writer: Trudi Brewer. Photographer: Helen Bankers.

From winter-warming textiles to a ‘pink palace’, Catherine lists her design discoveries Words by: Catherine Wilkinson. [related_articles post1=”47075″ post2=”46882″]

This homeware hotspot, with two premises in Auckland, is filled with creative interior finds, from tribal fabrics and juju hats to exotic materials and unique art One of the first things that hits you when you walk into Republic Home is the variety. David Peez, the owner of this Auckland homeware institution, says he prefers […]

Kerikeri-based Gwyneth Hulse Design was crowned the winner of the 2015 Etsy Design Awards. Designer Gwyneth Hulse shares the inspiration behind her designs, and her tips for running a small creative business Gwyneth, how would you describe your products/aesthetic? We’re a boutique woodwork business in Kerikeri, specialising in jewellery and small homeware. Our aim is to showcase […]

Carolyn Frizelle-Smith and her team give a Christchurch charity headquarters a bright and uplifting makeover after encouragement and advice from interior expert Alex Fulton Q&A with Carolyn What is the villa used for? It’s the Oxford, Christchurch, base for Youth With A Mission, a non-profit Christian organisation where I’m a team leader. Describe the space […]

Take an industrial designer, add a graphic designer with interior flair and the result is the impeccably curated Wellington interior store, Room99 For graphic designer Lisa Delany, it was a no-brainer to go into business with her industrial designer husband Grant Macdonald. “In 2005, Grant bought Ferndale Furniture, a 20-year-old joinery firm in Petone. His […]

We catch up with Claire Ongly, owner of online store Izzy & Jean Co. to find out how her carefully curated store came to be, and why she’s now online-only Claire, how did Izzy & Jean Co. come about? I had always wanted to run my own business, and when I moved back to New Zealand […]

The Block NZ winners Alex and Corban share a project close to their hearts –  the makeover of their very own office and studio space Snapshot Alex Walls: “Last year, Corban and I took over the lease of an old Korean karaoke bar on Auckland’s North Shore, as a base to run our businesses from. When […]

Inspired by the ethically-made homeware she discovered while living in South Africa, this entrepreneurial Kiwi has opened a retail outlet in rural Matakana What started as a pipe dream for Mooi Mooi business owner Kim Hewitt has morphed into a successful homewares retail outlet, run solely on her terms out of her rural property in […]

We’re crushing on the Florida-inspired fit-out of seaside Auckland eatery The Culpeper. Principal designer Niki Harrison from Studio Design + Architecture shares her highlights… The Culpeper 22 Princes Wharf, Quay Street, Auckland Words by: Shelley Ferguson. Photography by: Nourish Group.

A New Zealand-owned company is revolutionising the printing world with their UV inkjet digital technology which allows for textured printing with a 3D effect. Think bricks that look and feel like actual bricks! We catch up with Janah King from The Print Tank to ask her how it all works Janah, where did the idea for The Print […]

A budget of $10,000 and some fab styling and shopping skills helped The Block NZ winners Alex and Corban transform this once empty shell into a functional office space Styling Alex says: “The office is a creative, collaborative space as well as the main distribution centre for our online store, so it’s been very tricky […]

This run-down, four bedroom villa in Freemans Bay has sold under the hammer for a jaw-dropping $3.1 million. Take a look around in this real-estate video [bjd-responsive-iframe src=”//players.brightcove.net/761709621001/797ed626-7410-4a4d-9162-66574fcd0979_default/index.html?videoId=4841603015001″] See more of this home here. Source: Barfoot & Thompson. [related_articles post1=”44818″ post2=”33088″]

Creative mums Lisa Courtney and Alanna Haysmith created this ‘Head in the Clouds’ themed birthday party for a 10 year old. Here’s how they did it… Lisa created this ‘Head in the Clouds’ setting for partygoers to play in, as well as setting up some activities to keep them busy. The party decoration details The cloud […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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.

With million-dollar properties selling at the rate of 25 per day around New Zealand, this new range of micro houses by Japanese company Muji could hold the answer to the housing crisis Better-known for its sleek homeware and apparel, Japanese company Muji has now teamed up with top international designers to develop tiny homes. Muji enlisted English product and […]

Top New Zealand fashion designers take on the task of creating a garment using upholstery fabric and the results will surprise you   Some of New Zealand’s best textile brands and fashion designers are set a task like no other. The mission? To create a bespoke outfit entirely from interior fabrics. Teams from Zambesi, Trelise Cooper, […]

At seven bedrooms seven bathrooms, Villa Gajah Putih is one of Bali’s most distinguished properties, and it’s all yours to rent through AirBnb for a mere $11,355 NZD per night Stats: Set on 1.63 hectares  of beachfront land Tennis court Large swimming pool Massive lawn and coconut grove Home cinema Professional kitchen 20 staff including […]

Foodie and founder of Kikki.K Kristina Karlsson shares tips for meal planning, stress-free shopping and recipe filing If there’s one surprising thing about me that not everyone knows, it’s that I’m a complete foodie! I absolutely love flicking through gorgeous new cookbooks and magazines or scrolling through some of my favourite blogs, finding new inspiring […]

We chat to interiors expert, colour ambassador and self-proclaimed ‘rebel of retail’,  Alex Fulton, about her new online shop AFD Store, which features her signature dose of bright colour and a personally curated selection of homeware and accessories   Alex, AFD Store looks bright, eclectic and fun, how else is it different from other online stores? With so many […]

Sisters Talia O’Connor and Ella Murdoch returned from their exotic overseas travels inspired to bring a selection of the amazing objects they had discovered home for New Zealanders Ask the owners of MintSix about the genesis of their business and they will wax lyrical about colourful experiences shared in far-flung lands. A Silk Road odyssey […]

Askew owner Annette Fraser shares her love of beachside living in Noosa. What do you love most about living in Noosa? Being close to nature, especially the water. A relaxed lifestyle and healthy environment for the kids to grow up in. No traffic jams. What are some must-see tourist spots? Noosa National Park, Eumundi Markets, […]

This West Auckland shop finds beauty in the old and unusual Shop profile: The Fabulist The hunt for the ultimate vintage find – it’s what Kristin Seth and partner Jason Hall always have on their minds. Whether they’re near their home in West Auckland or travelling throughout the country, the owners of Oratia secondhand traders […]

It was a leap of faith for Aucklander Ben Dundas to leave his job in the fashion industry and start his own homeware label Shooting Sparrow, but one that he doesn’t regret for a moment. “It’s been an incredible journey so far,” says Ben. “I learn something new every day.” It was his fashion experience […]

New Zealand-born Stephanie Moffitt has been at the helm of Sydney-based company Mokum for 22 years. She tells Trudi Brewer what’s in style for summer. What are the biggest trends for summer? Pulling indoor furniture outside. There is a lot of innovation in outdoor textiles where they look and feel like indoor textiles. These little […]

With a home full of things she loves, Shelley Ferguson, Managing Editor: Taste and Your Home & Garden, has found one smart bird to keep an eye on everything; Morepork by Spark. Morepork is a new home monitoring system that’s a leap into the world of smart living. Simple to self-install, easy to monitor myself, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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

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 […]

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. […]

A Taupo workshop/cafe whipping up coffee as well as homeware

The Marimekko printmaker and textile designer draws on her Finnish culture, wildlife and folklore for design inspiration.

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 […]

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,” […]