Home Tours

A backdrop of off-white and pale wood allowed this couple to go bold with brilliant blues of every shade in their bach-turned-home.

This 1950s bungalow was run down with a cramped layout, no privacy and no outdoor living. Here’s how these homeowners completely transformed it Meet + greet Renay Robertson, 44 (founder and owner of Haven Skin Spa), and Stuart Robertson, 41 (owner of Mean Business). Problems & solutions Problem: Cramped layout Solution: Rooms opened up and […]

This creative owner proves that paint isn’t just for the walls. See how fun-loving ’50s style was the starting point for this home’s colourful makeover. Interior designer Becky Lee has transformed the former blank canvas of her 1950s Christchurch home. When she purchased the house – which she shares with partner Phil Tumataroa, a writer, […]

This home achieved its subtly glamorous feel through a masterful mix of elegant design, heirloom pieces and playful interior touches There is a hint that the transitional bungalow tucked into a neighbourhood of pretty white properties might offer something a bit out of the ordinary. The front door – which at first glance seems standard […]

This couple made it their mission to rescue their home from dated ‘improvements’ and connect it to the world outside Renay and Stuart Robertson had been living in Wellington for almost five years when, in 2012, they decided to return to their home city of Auckland. The couple owned an investment property in Remuera, and […]

In a muted world of beige and taupe, fashion designer turned interior designer Erina Emery offers a cure for the chromophobic in her Art Deco home When Erina Emery was on holiday in Bali last year, she spied a giant yellow cushion in the shape of a banana and carried it around with her all […]

Tranquil blues, white tongue-and-groove walls and Scandi style furniture create a calm vibe in this family home Meet + Greet Emma Zanchetta, (interior designer), Richard Zanchetta, (construction company managing director), Oliver, 6, Willow, 5, Ivy, 3, and Finn, 1. Favourite bits 1. The living space “Our family room is used the most as the kids […]

Basketwork, rattan pieces and plants in every room lend a soft boho touch to the no-fuss surfaces in this super-practical, eclectic home Sometimes, opportunity presents itself when you least expect it. Just ask Jecasta South and her husband, Pat. The couple moved to Rangiora seven years ago, after their Christchurch home was ruined in the […]

Swimming in sun and colour, this seaside sanctuary was built around an existing bach and now provides an art-filled environment for everyday living Deanna Eisenhofer and Marcel van den Assum don’t need to go away on holiday. As soon as they get home to their renovated house at Raumati Beach on the Kapiti Coast, they […]

Building their home around an existing lilly pilly tree helped this family create a warm, welcoming home inspired by nature Ask most homeowners about the inspiration for their renovation and they’ll often nominate established styles or abstract concepts. Not this couple. Their starting point was a huge lilly pilly tree in the backyard, and some […]

These three baches defy conventional design. One thing, in particular, they have in common is no bedrooms. Scroll down to see more 1. Pic’s Not-a-house When Pic Picot engaged architect Julian Mitchell to design something for his holiday section at Mārahau, he told him straight: he didn’t want a house. No house at all. Not an […]

From Northland to the Coromandel, these architecturally designed baches are where every beach lover would want to visit. Take a look below Who doesn’t love a view of the water? Whether they’re on a hill overlooking the sea, or right on the beachfront, these architecturally designed baches make the sea a focal point. It’s impossible […]

By building a home divided into a series of boxes, this couple maximised their opportunities to connect with the beautiful Kaipara landscape beyond. Discover the secret to capturing the stunning views Tucked into the side of a hill in the quiet community of Takahoa Bay in Kaipara, Deb and Tony Wilson’s home cuts a striking […]

These six caravans are the ultimate summer accessory. Check out how these owners transformed the interiors below 1. Daisy A whole lot of love went into the restoration of this once-rusty caravan. Now ‘Daisy’ is the perfect mobile holiday home for Lara and Ben Maher, and their two kids Charlotte and Ollie, who have kitted […]

Renovating and living in a mobile home for more than a year left this family questioning whether they’d want to live in a regular house ever again Climbing up through the hills of the Santa Rosa Valley, just south of the coastal city of Ventura, California, it’s easy to miss the turn off for Ashley […]

A vibrant swatch of bird-patterned fabric provided inspiration for a playful paint palette in this refreshed Te Awamutu home In September 2019, Amy and Mark Arnold finished a complete renovation of their home in Te Awamutu. When it came time to choose colours, Amy was thinking an all-white palette would be the best solution. “We’d […]

Timber floors layered with soft taupes and greys, spice-toned fabrics and natural textures create a welcoming, coastal interior vibe in this waterfront home Meet + Greet Kevin Thorne, 66 (retired), and Helen Thorne, 65 (retired), plus Meg, the griffon-poodle cross. Honesty box One thing you would change about your home if you could? Helen: I’d […]

A dark and dated Lockwood was the perfect project for this creative couple – and enticed them to trade city life for a surfer’s paradise Meet + greet Hilary Boer, 33 (illustrator), and Jasper Boer, 39 (photographer), plus Marley the cat. Problems & solutions Low ceilings > Tiles were removed to reveal high, pitched ceilings. […]

Cane furniture, potted palms, beachy bits and a stack of National Geographics capture the easygoing essence of the 1970s bach.

Simplicity rules at this blissful Great Barrier bach with bleached wood, worn finishes, beach-combed finds and every shade of blue Meet + greet Sarah Judkins, 47 (renovator), Jason Judkins, 49 (CEO of Hop Revolution), Zach, 16, and Madi, 13, plus Sammy the Labradoodle. Sarah’s tips for building on an island Use local tradespeople who understand […]

Magpie finds, timeless cane and classic furniture have been mixed with graphic art to create an interior full of interest and meaning at this Napier villa Meet and Greet Hannah Feltham, 45 (designer; runs Good Space home organising and styling), and Grace, 8, plus Peggy the Staffy Hannah’s Top tips Paint your walls white and […]

A dark and dated Lockwood was the perfect project for this creative couple – and enticed them to trade city life for a surfer’s paradise Hilary and Jasper Boer hadn’t planned on a move to the small coastal town of Raglan when they bought their home there five years ago. The purchase was meant to […]

This waterfront Whangārei home was crafted for easy living, close connections to nature and savouring time with family After raising their family in Onerahi, a stunning harbourside suburb of Whangarei, Helen and Kevin Thorne craved a simpler life. As retirement loomed, the couple envisioned more time spent on the things they loved, rather than maintaining […]

Building their idyllic home away from home was just the beginning of this family’s Great Barrier architecture adventure The Judkins family aren’t the type to sit around and do nothing on their summer holiday. Instead, after building, decorating and landscaping their dream bach on Aotea/Great Barrier Island, they set about renovating three dilapidated neighbouring cottages […]

This mum-of-one with an eye for eclectic design never planned to live in her grandparents’ old Napier villa, but fate had other ideas Meet and Greet Hannah Feltham, 45 (designer; runs Good Space home organising and styling), and Grace, 8, plus Peggy the Staffy Hannah Feltham never intended to buy the house her father grew […]

A dated A-frame right on Papamoa Beach was the perfect project for this creative couple, who have transformed it into a nostalgic holiday retreat Meet + Greet Rachel Dobbs, 33, Jared Dobbs, 33 (both photographers at Swift & Click), Charlise, 14, and Joy, 2. It’s been a while since A-frame homes were all the rage. […]

Jolts of primary colour and collections of intriguing objects provide surprise and delight in this mid-century home Meet + Greet Francesca Storey, 42 (research fellow), Ben Storey, 43 (manager at Ernst & Young), Lola, 10, and Hattie, 7, plus Boonen the Flemish giant rabbit. Francesca’s decorating Tips Less is not more at Christmas. Let the […]

Vintage ceramics and heritage prints mingle with colourful accessories and contemporary furniture for a fun and eclectic vibe in this renovated bungalow Meet + Greet Mary-Ellen Hinton, 43 (interior designer at Hello Saturday Design), Matthew Hinton, 45 (technical director), Sybella, 10, Jasper, 8, and Evie, 7, plus Harry the cat. Honesty box Best lesson learned? […]

White spaces furnished in grey, black and cobalt blue create a cool, minimal Christmas look while foliage and star ornaments add festive freshness Meet + greet Pernille Baastrup Jakobsen, 32 (IT marketing consultant). Christmas styling for minimalists Start with a neutral background. Put away any extraneous or brightly coloured objects you normally have on display […]

Heritage style meets contemporary cool in a spacious and airy home where heirlooms mix easily with modern design classics Meet + Greet Jess Britten, 29 (stay-at-home mum, formerly in PR and events), Warren Durling, 32 (chief operating officer of Dovetail Studios), and Stevie, 1. Tree styling tips Lights first and plenty of them! Nothing says […]

A palette of blues and greys has given this Oamaru homestead a modern new look When the Simpsons bought their house in Oamaru five years ago, the colour scheme was far from what they’d dreamed of. “The entire house was a sea of beige and yellow – apart from one pink bedroom,” says Tessa Simpson. […]

A towering tree laden with flowers forms the centrepiece of a magical family Christmas in this century-old hall-turned-home At this time of year, that cheery Christmas carol Deck the Halls takes on a literal significance at Jess Britten and Warren Durling’s Auckland home. They’ve been converting an old hall in Ponsonby into their family home […]

The owner of this chic apartment decorates for Christmas with a traditional yet minimalist aesthetic in mind One of the pleasures of Christmas is the chance to revisit the past, retelling old family stories, sharing memories of people and times long ago, and digging out all those festive ornaments you’d almost forgotten about, some of […]

Christmas is a colourful affair in this 1920s Auckland bungalow where little family traditions make the season extra special A snowy white Christmas is something most Kiwis find difficult to envisage; after all, we’re busy enjoying backyard barbecues, camping trips and walks on the beach come December 25. So when New Zealander Mary-Ellen Hinton stayed […]

The renovation of this family home in Wellington may have been a slow burn but its joyful way with colour has warmed the heart from day one On a windy Wellington day, the yellow front door of Fran and Ben Storey’s Houghton Bay home is a vivid beacon amid a grey landscape. Beyond it lies […]

The maximalist sensibility behind this Havelock North home sees it filled with meaningful collectables Fifteen years ago, Stephen Eaton called his wife Aimee Stewart to tell her about a house he’d seen being built, raving about its crisp, clean lines and magnificent vistas. “I was slightly confused because the house in question was in Havelock […]

This neglected house was extended at the front, busted open on one side and extensively landscaped to create a family home perfect for outdoor living Meet + greet Annelies Leitch, 37 (home buyer at online fashion store Onceit), Ben Leitch, 37 (general manager), Harper, 3, and Hugh, 2, plus Cash the bulldog. Problems & Solutions […]

Simple, rustic shapes, hand-thrown pottery and furniture improvised from time-worn timber create a low-key, modern country home, here’s how to get the look 1. Be inspired by the environment Take cues for your home’s colour palette from the surrounding landscape. If you have a really spectacular view, keep your interiors clean and simple to avoid […]

A magic moment over a glass of wine gave rise to this retro-styled home that uses moody greens, rich timber and pops of vivid orange to create a calm yet cosy vibe A love of mid-century design and Mad Men inspired this Katikati new-build, which combines the style of the past with all the convenience […]

A cherished family home for three generations, these homeowners managed to pull of a sympathetic, modern update. Here’s what they learnt whilst renovating Meet + greet Michelle Wilson, 46 (part-time accounts manager), and Brent Smith, 48 (sales manager), plus Monty the cavoodle. Michelle & Brent’s top tips for renovating  Wait and live in the space […]

Moody seascapes, limestone, wood and grey-green tones give this home an elemental feel that anchors it to its clifftop site Meet + greet Sarah Kee, 42 (university student; also helps with her friend’s fashion label, Mahsa), Bruno, 14, and Elvis, 11. Honesty Box What did you learn from this renovation? Sarah: Go for it and […]

Knocking down the bach and building a permanent home in its place has resulted in the perfect mix of style and comfort for this Raumati couple Meet + Greet Bryan Gundersen, 70 (semi-retired barrister), Jan Gundersen, 67 (part-time legal secretary) Living at the bach permanently is a dream for many city-dwellers, but when it comes […]

Building new meant this Cambridge couple could relish outdoor living in a completely private setting. See inside their contemporary H-shaped new-build here Meet + Greet Nathan Milne, 43 (co-owner of Cambridge ITM), Kerry Milne, 41 (accountant and co-owner of Cambridge ITM), Carter, 11, and Caleb, 6. Kerry’s decorating tips Take photos of your space on […]

A sunny spot next to a cornfield was exactly the rural setting this young couple were looking for. Then all they had to do was build a house… When Mille Holm Rasmussen and her partner Morten were looking for a weekend retreat, their initial thoughts turned to something that floated. Morten had been dreaming about […]

This neglected house was extended at the front, busted open on one side and extensively landscaped to create a family home with perfect indoor-outdoor flow When Annelies and Ben Leitch first saw their one-acre property in the north Auckland suburb of Whenuapai, they didn’t see a rundown weatherboard house with tacked-on addition and out-of-date kitchen […]

The first finalist of the Resene Colour Home Awards injected a playful dose of pastel colours inside her Helensville family home. Scroll down to discover how you could also get the chance to win $5000 When Sam and Tineka Hoskin finally moved into their first home with their four children after seven years living in […]

Trading their rain-soaked tent for an old-school caravan has been the ticket to holiday happiness and magical memories for this Mt Maunganui clan

Building new meant this Cambridge couple could combine privacy, parties and poolside bliss into one perfect package The accountant in Kerry Milne loves things to be orderly, symmetrical and black and white – traits reflected in the house she shares with husband Nathan and their sons, Carter and Caleb. The Cambridge abode is a perfect […]

It’s a house that’s been cherished by her family for three generations – and this homeowner has ensured it’ll be loved for many years yet If walls could talk, Michelle Wilson’s home would be able to tell tales of her family stretching back nearly 80 years. The Christchurch house she shares with partner Brent Smith […]

A passion for international interiors and a love of entertaining shaped the style of this soulful seafront abode Walking around Sarah Kee’s home in Point Chevalier, Auckland, it’s clear she has exquisite taste. In most of the rooms you’ll find artworks, sculptures and artisanal furniture, each with a story to tell. But open the door […]

Rather than upsizing their small family home, this couple has made it work extra hard, squeezing a workspace, a film studio and plenty of play within its walls Meet + greet Julie Stuart, 35 (blogger), Matthew Stuart, 36 (design engineer), Harvey, 5, and Piper, 3. Julie’s tips for living in a small home Add plants […]

This beautiful, yet robust, family home in Nelson is built for maximum sun, catching rays all day long from its lofty spot Meet + greet Brooke Strang, 37 (owner and fashion designer for Wanoa Four), Andrew Strang, 40 (businessman), Milahn, 10, Harlin, 7, and Lenox, 4, plus puppy Koura. Honesty box Best lesson learned during […]

An untamed farm and basic barn house looking out towards Waihi Beach was the ideal project for this handy family. See the before and afters below Meet + greet Kate Clay, 42 (interior designer), Brent Clay, 49 (licensed building practitioner), Stella, 17, Riley, 8, and Tex, 7. Honesty box What did you do yourselves? And […]

This elegantly designed Hamilton home wraps around a lush gully of native bush and boasts almost seamless connections to its outdoor spaces Meet + Greet Katie and Matt Williams, (owners of a painting and decorating company), Boh, 11, Lola, 9, Rocco, 6, plus Margaux the French bulldog As our families grow, most of us look […]

This candy-coloured home makes you smile whether you’re inside or out Meet & Greet: Emma O’Meara (interior stylist), Simon O’Meara (plumber), Leni, 11, and Ginger, 8, plus Frankie the Labrador. Honesty box: What’s your top tip when building or renovating? Emma: “It’s so important to always ask questions, even if you think they sound silly. […]

Rather than upsizing their small home, this family have made it work extra hard, squeezing a workspace, a film studio and plenty of play within its walls If you’re puzzling over why this house in the Auckland suburb of Birkdale – and the cute little kids running around in it – looks strangely familiar, you’re […]

An untamed farm and basic barn house looking out towards Waihi Beach was the ideal project for this handy family Interior designer Kate Clay, her builder husband Brent, and various other family members combined their talents to give an ugly duckling the swan treatment in the hills above Waihi Beach. Where did you move from? […]

This beautiful, yet robust, family home in Nelson is built for maximum sun, catching rays all day long from its lofty spot Brooke and Andrew Strang’s home is maximised for sunlight. They do live in Nelson after all, a city renowned for being one of the sunniest places in New Zealand – and the house […]

With French wallpaper and matching curtains bringing every room to life, this stately Remuera villa is an ode to sumptuous European design Gliding through a black sea by the light of the golden moon, sampans of a fishing village sail past traditional pagodas and floating gardens, full of oriental flora. While it seems an idyllic […]

A mother-daughter interior design duo elegantly elevates an iconic Auckland apartment at The Pines Sharing the site of some of Auckland’s first pine trees stands one of the country’s original residential high-rises. As strong in stature as a grand evergreen, the 10-storey ivory apartment building, affectionately named The Pines, has overlooked its private parkland for […]

Some deft tweaks and a new colour scheme saw this previously dingy mid-century home in Titirangi become a classic natural beauty Meet + greet Jane Smith, 37 (public policy researcher), Bryan Smith, 38 (data scientist), Edmund, 6, Lizzie, 4, and Charlie, 1. Problems & solutions Problem: The galley kitchen was dark and dated Solution: Removing […]

Take a tour inside this fabulous Hawkes Bay Art Deco homestead where rooms are named and styled after 1930s icons Meet + greet Emma Hadden, 43 (co-manages Meadowood with Colin), Colin Hadden, 52 (horticulturist), Ivy, 4, and Ross, 3 months, plus black Labrador Kai and cat Inca. Honesty box What do you love about this […]

Smoke stained walls, holes in the floor and no kitchen didn’t discourage Jess Britten and Warren Durling from seeing what Ponsonby’s old Masonic hall could be: their future family home For the first of our series INSIDE, Jess Britten from Hall We Need takes us inside her stylishly renovated home: Ponsonby’s old Masonic Hall “It […]

A nose for a good deal combined with DIY skills has given this couple’s New Plymouth new-build plenty of soul — without breaking the bank Meet + greet Jane Murray, 37 (stay-at-home mum), Marc Murray, 37 (engineer), Arlo, 6, and Herbie, 3, plus Buddy the Labrador. If there were a crown for New Zealand’s Best Bargain […]

This chic mum-of-two took from the colours and textures of her childhood to create an apartment home that fuses Scandi style with personal touches Meet + greet Margrete Berri, 33 (designer at Nué Group) with her husband and their two children. Margrete’s style insights The colours on the living room walls are something I often […]

Some deft tweaks and a new colour scheme saw this previously dingy mid-century home become a classic natural beauty Background When Jane and Bryan Smith’s family of four began to outgrow their bungalow in the Auckland suburb of New Lynn, they set their sights on Titirangi, a bushclad suburb further west in the foothills of […]

They call it The Can House – a compact family home built inside a ’can’ or shipping container lined with warm plywood, clever storage and ingenious ideas At first glance this shipping container house across the harbour from Wellington city looks like it could be made of Lego. But up close it is a mix […]

With a close eye on the budget, this Auckland couple have transformed a compact 1970s do-up into a light, bright and inviting home It took patience and commitment to renovate their home almost entirely by themselves, but Toni and Dane Gale made it work by tackling one room at a time. Although they didn’t make […]

This black-clad home makes a bold statement on the outside, but inside it’s warm, welcoming and designed to create the ultimate Kiwi childhood It’s not unusual for strangers to drive up Celene Busher-Nepia and Darnell Nepia’s north Auckland driveway to knock on the door and pepper them with questions about their big, black, steel-clad home. […]

This chic mum-of-two took from the colours and textures of her childhood to create a home that fuses Scandi style with personal touches Before designer Margrete Berri and her family moved into their small white house in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, it had been a horse stable, workspace and photo studio, so they knew it would take […]

A nose for a good deal combined with DIY skills has given this couple’s New Plymouth new-build plenty of soul — without breaking the bank If there were a crown for New Zealand’s Best Bargain Hunter, it would belong on Jane Murray’s head. Not only is this stay-at-home mum an expert at upcycling and recycling, […]

Would you like to stay in the Amelia Earhart room, or the Fred and Ginger room? Take a tour inside this fabulous Hawkes Bay Art Deco homestead Sometimes even the best-laid plans have to move aside for what some call ‘fate’, and others ‘good luck’. When Colin and Emma Hadden moved from Ireland to Hawke’s […]

We explore the tranquil Herne Bay home of the fashion designer and co-founder of Loobie’s Story, as she reflects on the trajectory of her business and shares her love of travel A truly personal home reveals a great deal about its occupants, and Laurinda Sutcliffe’s peaceful Herne Bay abode is awash with mementos from trips […]

Big enough for a family but small enough to put on the back of a truck, this box-shaped 90-square-metre home in Otago has given its creators the simple life they’d longed for Meet + greet Sophie Brash, 30 (stay-at-home mum and trained occupational therapist), Callan Brash, 29 (project manager), India, 4, and Marley, 1, plus […]

Owners of a very stylish tiny home on Waiheke share their hard-earnt new-build tips and what they’d never do again. Take a tour of this home below Meet + greet Willem van den Bergh, 38 (architectural designer), Kate van den Bergh, 36 (designer and mum), and Leo, 5 months, plus Alba the cat. New-build tips: […]

A titchy townhouse on the edge of Christchurch’s CBD presented a challenge for a couple who aren’t exactly minimalists – but they didn’t let it cramp their style Meet + greet Leigh Aston, 41 (engagement and performance manager), and Cory Hogben, 42 (leading hand), plus dogs Mojo and Morris. Honesty box What’s your best advice […]

Past winners of The Block NZ, Alice and Caleb Pearson’s latest project saw them turn a century-old Alexandra cottage into a modern family home. They share their top tips on renovating for resale Meet + greet Caleb Pearson, 32, Alice Pearson, 31 (directors of renovation company Pearson + Projects), Alek, 4, and Mika, 2. Problems […]

After a decade-long planning process, this sustainably-minded couple finally built their dream family home amid the rolling hills of the Waikato Meet + Greet Rachael and Kip Matterson, sons Seb, William and Nate, plus Winston the dog and Arty the cat. After completing a traditional villa renovation in Auckland in 2001, Rachael and Kip Matterson […]

A titchy townhouse on the edge of Christchurch’s CBD presented a challenge for a couple who aren’t exactly minimalists – but they didn’t let it cramp their style For Leigh Aston and Cory Hogben, there’s only been one downside to living in a petite 70-square-metre townhouse: “There’s a limit to the amount of renovation and […]

By using multifunctional furniture, clever design and a seriously sweet colour palette, this homeowner has created a cosy sitting room that connects with her kitchen while remaining stylistically distinct Meet + greet Anitta Behrendt (photographer), Daniel Lohmann (senior trader), Ingeborg, 14, Virgil, 10, and Nola, 2. When Anitta Behrendt and partner Daniel Lohmann moved into […]

Big enough for a family but small enough to put on the back of a truck, this box-shaped 90-square-metre home in Otago has given its creators the simple life they’d longed for When kids come along couples usually start looking around for a bigger home to cope with all the toys, books and bikes, not […]

This creative couple have downsized and decluttered in a bid to simplify their busy lives – and prepare for a new arrival. See more of their stylish tiny home below Kate and Willem van den Bergh were a year into their married life and knew one thing for sure: something had to give. Paying rent […]

These homeowners share the top tips they learnt during their renovation and what they’d do differently next time Meet + greet Steve Job, 44 (head of engineering for an IT company), Kirsty Job, 40 (psychology student), Ellie, 8, Pippa, 5, and Cooper, 1, plus Sammie the Border terrier. Kirsty’s renovation tips Get a landscaping company […]

Vintage finds at flea markets and online have been cleverly mingled with chain-store decor and designer pieces in this one-off home Who lives here? Vivi Bang (stylist and interior decorator at Wise Interior), Christian Korsgaard (architect) and their two daughters. Vivi and her architect partner, Christian Korsgaard, have created a home that has retained a […]

Full-time renovators (and past winners of The Block NZ) Alice and Caleb Pearson’s latest project is turning a century-old Alexandra cottage into a modern family home 1. Background With nine residential renovations under their belts, Alice and Caleb Pearson – who won The Block NZ in 2013 – are no strangers to the world of […]

A lifetime of travel, laughter and love was channelled into this new home, which was the realisation of a lifelong dream for a busy city dweller When chartered accountant Cherise Barrie decided to build herself a weekend home in Matakana, north of Auckland, she knew exactly what she wanted – a home that would reflect […]

Disappointed with the lack of wedding options near them, this couple jumped at the chance to transform Port Molyneux school in South Otago into the ultimate venue and accommodation Who lives here? Jade McNab, 41 (owner of Port Molyneux School wedding venue), Lyndon McNab, 32 (farmer), Archie, 8, Marla, 5, and Hollie, 2. Problems & […]

Thanks to a little trial and error, this clever homeowner created a kitchen with natural textures and a palette of earthy greens that carry through the rest of the house Meet + greet Hayley George, 46 (English teacher), Zane George, 46 (banker), Moby, 15, Mabel, 13, and Emerson, 9. Design “I have a Harry & […]

When it comes to creating a cosy and relaxing home, Eleanor Ozich loves to use essential oils. She shares how to easily make your own unique blends at home When it comes to creating a cosy and relaxing home, I love to use essential oils as a way to enhance our environment and, by extension, […]

Inspired by her style icons, the Auckland home of Soho Wines founder Rachael Carter brings designer luxury to life The best spot to savour a glass of wine in Rachael Carter’s Herne Bay home is the upstairs lounge. Overlooking Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour and the iconic pink Chelsea Sugar Factory, the sunroom is complete with an […]

They wanted a first house with potential, but found a home that would journey with them through marriage, parenthood and a decade of reno The real estate ad may as well have read: “1960s home for sale in Swanson, Auckland; only one previous owner. Two bedrooms, six types of mismatched flooring and lashings of yellow, […]

A tiny apartment uses unexpected colour combinations in moody hues to maximum effect, with each acting as a frame for the next It just felt right when we saw the apartment for the first time,” says Vivi Bang, stylist and interior designer, referring to her Copenhagen home. “Even though there wasn’t a bathroom, the kitchen […]

Only one wall and some flooring survived this heroic renovation in Mt Maunganui which turned a notorious eyesore into an airy home full of thoughtful spaces the whole family can enjoy Most home buyers have a detailed list of criteria to tick off before they choose their next abode. However, Christchurch natives Hayley and Zane […]

Converting a South Otago school and principal’s cottage into a wedding venue and guest accommodation was a passion project for this creative expat When British expat Jade McNab and her Kiwi husband, Lyndon, got married in 2012, they were disappointed with the lack of wedding venues near their home in the remote, windswept Catlins in […]

This couple razed their Hauraki house to its foundations and built a new Scandi-style family home in its place On a hot summer’s day you can practically smell the sea from Kirsty and Steve Job’s home in Hauraki, Auckland. Its proximity to Takapuna Beach was a major drawcard when they bought the property in 2009, […]

Alan and Georgina Judd make the most of both sunshine and scenery in this well-insulated Rotorua home British couple Alan and Georgina (George) Judd moved to New Zealand in 2011 and ran a bed and breakfast for seven years before embarking on a new build in Hamurana, Rotorua. It was not only an opportunity for […]

For the owners of this sprawling Taranaki holiday home, comfort – not least that of their many house guests – is paramount. We meet the interior designer who has helped them realise their vision in magnificent style In his early 20s, Michael Mansvelt worked at Britain’s largest privately owned home. His job was to look […]

Interior designer Emma Brown shares her top tips on how to be brave with colour and why she chose a pink front door. See more of her beautiful home below Meet + greet Emma Brown, 34 (owner of Emma Brown Design), Sophie, 15, Jack, 12, and Charlotte, 9, plus Kitty Kat the cat. Emma’s tips […]

‘Ingenious’ and ‘Undaunted’ could be the middle names of these first-home owners who worked wonders on their little Birkdale brick beauty with just $12,000 Meet + greet Maiko Nagao Irvine, 35 (artist and creative director at maikonagao.com), Mike Irvine, 36 (electrical apprentice and former primary school teacher), and Kaito, 3. Problems & solutions Previous renos had led […]

Hopping straight from one new-build to another has given this family an instant upgrade and the chance to experiment with finishes Meet + greet Shaye Woolford, 33 (owner of On My Hand floral design studio), Blair Woolford, 39 (general manager of sales), Hunter, 10, and George, 8, plus Benoit the dog and Willow the cat. […]