Home Tours

During the extensive renovation of their Wellington villa, this family won some hard-earned lessons. They share their budget tips and what they’d never do again Meet + greet Kristin Carden (lawyer), Lucas, 13, Maya, 11, and Blake, 8, plus Smudge the cat. Best lessons learned? Kristin: Concrete and poly-block additions take much longer than wooden […]

Building isn’t a fast process but deciding to build can take far longer. It was seven years before this Manawatu home got off the ground – but once it did, it soared Emma Brown can’t help but give a little smile each time she walks up to her home in rural Manawatu. The glossy double […]

‘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 Background How many times have you driven past a beautiful house and dreamed it could be yours? Many of us harbour house crushes for years, but only a few can boast […]

An extensive five-year renovation of this 1908 Wellington villa has produced a modern family home complete with sauna and its own flying fox Nestled amidst thick native bush and hidden down a 200m driveway, it’s hard to believe this sprawling family home is only a 10-minute drive from Wellington’s CBD. It feels gloriously isolated, like […]

Radio host and Dancing with the Stars contestant Clint Randell shows us inside his newly renovated Auckland home, now fully prepped for loads of fun with family and friends Meet + greet Clint Randell, 33 (The Edge Breakfast co-host), Jaime Randell, 32 (hair and makeup artist), Cameron, 3, and Ty, 2. Total spend $400K-$450K (including all […]

Building their first home and a show home all in one was a huge challenge, but this clever Oamaru couple knocked it out of the park Meet + Greet Mike Lowe, 34 (co-owner McBrimar Homes), Kristina Levings, 33 (graphic designer and co-owner McBrimar Homes) Most owners of new-build homes would agree – you’re never going […]

Myles Herschell and Natalie Newlands tell us how they managed their budget for their Queenstown new-build and give us a tour inside their beautiful new home Meet + greet Myles Herschell, 37 (builder and owner of MWH Construction), Natalie Newlands, 36 (owner/director of Angel Divine boutique and clothing label New Lands), Knox, 3, and Hawk, […]

Hopping straight from one new-build to another has given this family an instant upgrade and the chance to experiment with finishes Shaye and Blair Woolford didn’t have to venture far to find the perfect site to build their family home on. In 2016, on an evening stroll around their Pyes Pa, Tauranga, neighbourhood, they stumbled […]

After renovating a small unit into a spacious family home, these homeowners know exactly how to make the most out of tight spaces Meet + greet Lily Richards, 34 (relationship and marketing lead at Revolution Creative), Mat Iliohan, 37 (martial arts teacher), Osis, 10, and Winter, 7, plus Bunbuns the bunny and Magic the kitten. […]

Dawn Bannister shares her top tips for styling a small family home with kids and how to budget for a new build.

Before Jess and Sanjay Singh moved in, this home was drowning in 80s style. Their renovation has totally transformed it, see more below Meet + greet Jess Singh, 34 (photographer and stylist), Sanjay Singh, 36 (police officer), Méa, 13, Leila, 11, and Nala, 9, plus Arlo the chocolate Lab. Problems & solutions The interior was […]

Packed with clean, modern style, this Airbnb provides the ultimate interior inspiration. Erena Te Paa tells us how she created a breezy, relaxing guest retreat The allure of Erena and Joe Te Paa’s Hamilton Airbnb, Akitō Studio, is undeniable. Akitō translates from Māori as “to be slow”, and with a large outdoor tub with views […]

An unexpected move into a new-build in Auckland’s Beachlands was the catalyst for a fresh approach to life for this busy family The Bannisters are no strangers to lifestyle changes – this is their third time in the pages of Your Home and Garden in three years! We first met them in West Auckland at […]

This family’s knack for design and a thoughtful approach to city living have turned a humble Auckland unit into an example of what’s possible when we prioritise substance over size Looking at Lily Richards and Mat Iliohan’s Devonport, Auckland, unit, you’d never guess what lies within. The humble 1960s brick building could be one of […]

A home exuding ’80s style from every pore was merely a stopgap for this New Plymouth family. At least, that was the plan… Background You might have heard that saying: life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. For Jess and Sanjay Singh, this could be tweaked a little – they […]

Nestled at the base of a mountain range, this Queenstown home is designed to accommodate a revolving-door guest policy as well as the adventures of two busy little boys When you know what Natalie Newlands does for a living, it’s no surprise that one of the must-haves for her new Queenstown home was a large […]

Dots, stripes, zebra skin and leopard… Beauty brand manager Melinda Jones’ Auckland home is as vivacious as its owner When Melinda Jones and her partner, Mark Ambrose, purchased their Remuera, Auckland, property 16 years ago, it bore almost no resemblance to the light, bright, easy-living home it is today. “The walls were all shocking pink […]

This resourceful couple, Dion and Justine van Kekem, designed and built their new Scandinavian styled home themselves Meet + Greet Dion van Kekem, 34 (project manager for Niveau Pools & Construction), Justine van Kekem, 33 (interior designer), Annabelle, 12, Brooklyn, 10, and Scarlett, 8, plus Goldie the dog, 8 chickens, 5 cows and 11 sheep. Honesty […]

Clean white surfaces and natural timber provide the perfect backdrop for the owners of The Vintage Shop’s love of Scandinavian design Meet + Greet Haley Doreen, 34, and John Mai, 35 (both co-owners of The Vintage Shop), Christian, 18 months, and Amelia, 3 months, plus Charlie Brown the dog Problems & solutions Dated carpet and […]

Jenny Joblin and Ben Dundas tell us what they learned from their latest renovation and share their top budget tips. See their eclectic home below Meet + Greet Jenny Joblin, 40 (creator/creative director of Federation and Somekind), Ben Dundas, 35 (menswear designer at Federation), Ryder, 13, Monte, 11, and Dusty, 9, plus cats Batman, Ginger […]

Alex and Matt went from an all-white house to a home with all-black walls. Here they share their top tips for those considering a similar darker look Meet + Greet Alex Hutchings, 28, Matt Calder, 30 (owners of design agency Alex + Matt Creative), India, 4, and Sienna, 2, plus Sam the Burmese cat and Ollie […]

From restored antiques to enchanting textiles, this immaculate home in St Heliers, Auckland, is a treasure trove of special finds There’s evidence of tender, loving care in every corner of this St Heliers, Auckland, home – from the animal statuettes standing proudly on a field of gold cabinets to the mix of original and newly […]

The tiny home trend is taking off and for this couple, living on a small scale gave them the chance to design their dream home The tiny house trend has taken off in recent years, and there are now little homes popping up all over New Zealand, alongside many others making the shift towards a […]

A palette of concrete, metal and timber has produced a surprisingly warm and welcoming Scandinavian styled home, designed and built by one clever couple Sometimes, to get what you really want, you have to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. That’s what Justine and Dion van Kekem did with their stunning contemporary home […]

On an idyllic outcrop with stunning views of Lake Taupo, this couple built a bespoke home perfect for their way of life. Get inspired with real-life tips for your own home journey with our downloadable new-build worksheet below   We’ve all experienced that feeling of arriving at the top of a hill only to have […]

Clean white surfaces and natural timber provide the perfect backdrop for the owners of The Vintage Shop’s love of Scandinavian design Where is the home and when did you move in? Onehunga, Auckland; mid-2016. Why did you decide to buy it? Haley: After renting for many years, we decided it was time to have a […]

Cool, quirky and customised, the owners of streetwear brand Federation have designed a home where family can come together and let their true colours shine For Jenny Joblin and Ben Dundas, their search for a home started as a long list of ideals. But that list was swiftly cut down to size by a booming […]

This creative couple flipped the switch on their preference for all things white, dreaming up a dark and delightful modern family home enhanced by warming accents and happy accidents You could say Matt Calder and Alex Hutchings have come a long way since they relocated and renovated a home three years ago. The couple have […]

A house-and-land package in Auckland’s Castor Bay turned out to be perfect for this young family, who have added their personal flair to this new-build Meet + Greet Antony Ward, 37 (director of Fiveight Distribution), Paula Ward, 33 (stay-at-home mum), Jaxon, 5, and Sloane, 2, plus cats Aleh, Roko and Navy. Budget Total build cost […]

A dated 1980s cottage with views to die for was the perfect project for this clever working mum. See the before and afters below Meet + Greet Jamie Lee Loader, 31 (executive assistant and renovator), Mason, 8, and Millie, 4, plus dog Beau Honesty box What was the biggest challenge of this renovation? Finding balance […]

A house-and-land package in Auckland’s Castor Bay turned out to be perfect for this young family, who have made their new-build feel like an established homestead When Paula and Antony Ward were looking for a house, the Auckland property market was in full swing – homes were being snapped up overnight, auctions were heated and […]

Think an all-white interior is boring? This coastal home proves white walls can be warm, welcoming and utterly unique Meet + Greet Kylie Hinds, 45 (founder of jewellery line Not Heidi), Paul Hinds, 45 (investor), Jasmine, 16, Holly, 14, and Jameson, 11, plus Diego the dog. For Kylie and Paul Hinds, creating a house they […]

Buying a run-down caravan was a spontaneous decision for this young couple, but their belief in its potential has resulted in a magical home away from home.

A dated 1980s cottage with views to die for was the perfect project for this clever working mum For most of us who live in busy cities, a ‘good view’ counts as a skinny slice of ocean (in the distance) or maybe a really nice tree. For lucky Kiwis who live in our smaller towns […]

Saving a crumbling Palmerston North villa was a labour of love for this pair of professional renovators who had a clear vision for their heritage home The McDonald family’s house dream started with a simple walk around the neighbourhood – and the courage to be a little bit cheeky. Professional renovators Rebecca (Becs) and Blair […]

This family’s whole-hog renovation was a rocky road but they’ve emerged with a beautiful home designed ‘100 per cent’ for them ‘and zero per cent for resale Meet + greet Vanessa Rehm, 41 (stay-at-home mum and blogger at vanessarehm.com), Shane Rehm, 38 (chief engineer at Fisher & Paykel Appliances), Tahlia, 9, Aston, 7, and Beau, […]

This creative couple designed and built their dream bach; a personality-packed Mangawhai weekend retreat just out of Auckland Meet + Greet Mark Newbold, 43 (chartered accountant), Kylee Newbold, 37 (head of arts at an Auckland secondary school and jewellery maker), plus dogs Frida and Stanley. Honesty box Any DIY disasters? We underestimated the need to […]

This New Plymouth home is full of fun. From the sunny yellow hue featured in every room to the indoor swing, there’s something everywhere that will make you smile Meet + Greet Anja Niechziol, 44 (interior designer), Andrew Wall, 46 (data engineer), Lukas, 13, Leni, 10, and Hetti, 8, plus cats Bambi and Cinder, and […]

This family’s whole-hog renovation was a rocky road but they’ve emerged with a beautiful home designed ‘100 percent’ for them ‘and zero percent for resale When popular mum-stagrammer Vanessa Rehm and husband Shane first found their 1960s home in Mangere Bridge, Auckland, they immediately knew it was the place for them. They’d made a wishlist […]

By their eighth renovation, Alice and Caleb should definitely be considered reno-experts. Here they share some of their hard-won reno secrets Meet + Greet Caleb Pearson, 32, and Alice Pearson, 31 (directors of Pearson + Projects), Alek, 4, and Mika, 2. Budget Total renovation spend: $480,000 Decor tips Find ways to inject personality – for […]

From the yellow front door to the yellow staircase and even the yellow awning on the deck, this warm and friendly feature accent glows throughout this New Plymouth home You quickly get the feeling that the cheery yellow accent colour in Anja Niechziol’s house is a reflection of her personality. Usually homeowners who have completed […]

Newbold by name, Newbold by nature – this creative couple designed and built a personality-packed Mangawhai bach weekend retreat just out of Auckland Making your dreams come true starts with a good dose of common sense and a sprinkling of creativity, both of which Kylee and Mark Newbold have in spades. This creative couple dreamed […]

Living with less is something these five compact mobile homes have in common. See how these clever designs save space without compromising on style Most of us couldn’t imagine living in a home that’s 2.3 metres by 3.6 metres. In fact, that’s probably the size of most of the bedrooms we feature. But these clever homeowners […]

This Sydney home to a family of five is filled with interior inspiration; from crisp white walls to cool exterior wall murals. All the style you’d expect from the founders of trendy design studio Blacklist Meet + Greet Jaynie Johnson, 34, and Nathan Johnson, 37 (founders of design studio Blacklist), Willow, 7, Dare, 3, and […]

After spontaneously purchasing a dreamy section on Awhitu Peninsula, this family planned and built a modular bach designed for many summers to come Meet + Greet Andrew, 36, and Emma Macdonald, 36 (owners of an import and distribution business), Flynn, 5, and Sienna, 4, plus Ollie the dog. “Our bach on Awhitu is still in the […]

These five Mt Maunganui homes have such an individual style that they put this beachfront city on the stylish-homes map 1. A modern Mt Maunganui cottage When Heather Coyne and Mark Winter bought a piece of land right in the middle of Marine Parade in 2008, they embraced the 1940s cottage that occupied the front […]

They were too good not to be shared, thought the owners, so they bought all four and decorated their own with a mix of vintage and modern pieces Meet + Greet Andy Kay, 63 (project manager Kay Family Trust), Jane Kay, 54 (school guidance counsellor), and Ruby Kay, 25, schoolteacher. Every day for months, Andy […]

This Sydney home to a family of five is filled with interior inspiration, from crisp white walls to cool exterior wall murals  A home where hope reigns and love rules – this was the vision of Jaynie and Nathan Johnson when they bought their 1950s brick bungalow six years ago in the beachside suburb of […]

Renovating a rundown home can take far longer than you think – even for The Block NZ veterans Alice and Caleb Problem The rooms felt dark and closed-in. The decks were unusable and therefore no indoor-outdoor flow. The foundations were found to be structurally unsound. Solution Large stacker doors were fitted to make the most […]

Building a brand-new apartment in Mt Maunganui was a bold step for this couple, but the result is a perfect combination of modern convenience and nostalgia Every day for months, Andy Kay would drive past the ‘for sale’ sign in front of a bunch of old flats on Mount Maunganui’s main drag and dream about […]

We’ve rounded up the best holiday homes featured on Homes to Love just in time for some summer holiday inspiration 1. Pod-scheme bach in Pauanui  With three grown daughters (one married with a child and the others recently engaged), Warren and Christine Drinkwater knew they wanted their Pauanui bach to be one of the very […]

A whole lotta love went into the restoration of this once-rusty caravan

This colour specialist gave her heritage cottage a light and bright makeover – with one eye on its future market appeal. We discover her neutral colour styling tricks This heritage cottage proves that a neutral palette doesn’t have to be boring Who lived here? Davina Harper, colour specialist at Dulux and Simon Hornby, sales manager, […]

Whether they look out onto the sea, the bush or the mountains, these are the places that got us longing for a holiday. Scroll down to see some of our favourite baches featured on Homes to Love 1. Hamner Springs family getaway Christchurch architect Cymon Allfrey, principal of Christchurch-based Cymon Allfrey Architects designed this Hanmer Springs […]

Cosy texture, midcentury pieces and warm timber give this tough Tutukaka home of concrete and steel a comfortable family feel This Tutukaka family home proves concrete and steel can be comfortable Marcelle Flude, owner of The Beauty Room, Tutukaka, Brendan Flude, forestry health and safety manager, and Marlow, 8, plus Burmese cats Boston and Poppy […]

Renovation stories always inspire and on Homes to Love there’s a never-ending supply. We’ve rounded up some of the best renovations featured in 2018 to provide you with all the inspiration you’re after 5 of the best renovations featured on Homes to Love in 2018 1. A cute Dunedin Cottage Kenny Hau, medical student and Nikita […]

A recycled Mini car showroom provided the raw materials Alex and Corban Walls needed to build a stylish Whananaki holiday home for sharing with family and friends Meet and greet Alex Walls, designer and director of Alex & Corban, Corban Walls, engineer, and Austen, 6 months. Recycled shipping containers become the ultimate getaway in Whananaki […]

In creative director, Angela Missoni’s unique, exuberant home in northern Italy, nature inspires a deeply personal interior where every object tells a story or holds a secret See inside the bold, eclectic home of Angela Missoni It’s impossible to resist the exuberant and positive energy that radiates through the home of Italian fashion designer Angela […]

The completion of a major renovation has provided this Waiheke Island family with the perfect backdrop to showcase their botanical-inspired Christmas style Meet and greet  Gemma Yeoman, botanical stylist at Flora n Fauna, Greg Yeoman, director and designer at Stormwater360, and Ivy, 5, plus Cha Cha the cat. The Waiheke home of this botanical stylist […]

A whimsical family home in Whitford has layers of luxurious textures and living spaces. This Whitford home will inspire you to leave the city behind Past a yellow diamond road sign, a horse rider at sunset, you’ll find the entrance to the Purvis family home. With a dressage arena and stables to the left, horse […]

Every year we feature beautiful houses on Homes to Love, decorated in stunning Christmas style. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best to inspire you this December  These 10 homes decorated for Christmas will inspire all the festive feels We’ve had a look through our Christmas archives and found the top 10 houses filled […]

Tiny house living really became a favourite on Homes to Love in 2018, we rounded up the best of a great bunch. Scroll down to see five inspiring New Zealand small homes 5 of the best small homes featured on Homes to Love in 2018 1. Small house living on a tricky site in Avondale […]

After 11 builds this couple have completed their latest masterpiece on a Dunedin hilltop that blurs the lines between architecture and art This hilltop Dunedin home is this couple’s 12th new-build Art is a vital part of Doug and Shelley McConaughy’s life – they collect it, Shelley creates it and their home is an extension […]

After spontaneously purchasing a dreamy section on Awhitu Peninsula, this family planned and built a modular bach designed for many summers to come Stretching northwards into the Manukau Harbour is the hilly, green Awhitu Peninsula, a rugged, rural place that, as the crow flies, lies only a short distance from central Auckland but feels a lot […]

Winners of The Block NZ Amy and Stu will be spending Christmas in their favourite place: their personal slice of heaven in Gisborne. See the rest of their sunny, colourful home below.  See how The Block NZ winners Amy and Stu decorate for Christmas It goes without saying that proud Gisbornites (“Gizzy hard!”) Amy Moore […]

Their Christmas tree is adorned with homemade gifts and the home filled with art and sculpture. After 11 homes, this new-build will (hopefully) be their last Meet + Greet Doug McConaughy, 47 (structural engineer), Shelley McConaughy, 44 (artist and company director), Oscar, 15, and Eli, 13, plus Rose the cat and six chickens (aka The […]

Business meets leisure at florist Milly Van Der Hoeven’s open-plan Pirongia haven, where flowers bloom with abandon and the holiday season is rooted in family traditions Here’s how a flower farm florist celebrates Christmas at home For Milly Van Der Hoeven, Paul Johnson and their three kids, it’s not Christmas until their home is filled […]

With a Scandi-look Christmas tree wall hanging, presents wrapped in brown paper and native foliage in vases, this Muriwai Beach home’s Christmas style is simple yet stylish This Muriwai Beach home is all about laid-back Christmas style When Dharlia and Ty Lynch returned from an extended OE in Margaret River, Western Australia, deciding where to […]

Bridget Hope, the founder of fashion showroom and online store Magpie Style, invites Simply You into her Christchurch home, where boutique style and botanicals flourish. This stately North Canterbury home is a picture of style and sophistication When working as a publishing director in Singapore, leading international magazines from Harper’s Bazaar to Cosmopolitan, Bridget Hope […]

Surrounded by Nikaus and only a short walk to Muriwai Beach, this laid-back home combines a cruisy beach look with sophisticated finishes  Meet + Greet Dharlia Lynch, 42 (kindergarten teacher), Ty Lynch, 39 (cellar hand), and Dusty, 7, plus Ash, a local farm dog the family looks after most weekends. This Muriwai home balances beach-cool […]

The Block NZ winners Amy and Stu are relishing life back in good old Gizzy and looking forward to a family Christmas in their stunning beachside home See inside Block NZ winners Amy and Stu’s colourful Gisborne home It goes without saying that proud Gisbornites (“Gizzy hard!”) Amy Moore and Stu Watts – winners of […]

Flowers fill every corner of this sweet Lockwood home in the Waikato. And rightly so, Milly owns flower farm Primm Gardens. See more of her family home below Meet + Greet Milly Van Der Hoeven, 33 (farmer/florist at Primm Gardens), Paul Johnson, 32 (business development manager), Max, 12, Isla, 10, and Ruben, 7, plus dogs […]

With their impressive credentials including winning The Block NZ and completing over seven houses together, Alice and Caleb sure know a thing or two about renovating. We discover the important lessons they’ve learnt over the years Meet and greet  Alice Pearson, director of Pearson + Projects), Caleb Pearson, property development manager), Alek, 4, and Mika, […]

With pared back colours, oversized artwork and lots of lush plants, this young family’s home is a boho-chic dream. Its indoor slide is pretty incredible too! Meet and greet James Rigden, director of Superette, Renee Rigden, founder of Renee’s Kitchen Food & Wellbeing, Sloane, 5, and Bay, 3, plus George the cat. This freshly renovated family […]

This young couple used their love of character homes to turn a prefab house into a unique family home filled with vintage treasures This Christchurch family home is a vintage lovers paradise Meet & Greet Angela Fairmaid, 33 (founder of Miss Vintage), Julian Fairmaid, 34 (civil construction operations manager), Georgia, 2, and Cleo the cat. […]

With its relaxed, tropical vibe, this apartment feels a world away from its inner-city Auckland location. Take a tour and use these expert tips to make your own indoor jungle Meet and greet  Ron Goh, digital designer, and Matthew O’Brien, customer care manager, plus Ninny the chihuahua and Teddy the miniature schnauzer. This cool loft […]

A small bungalow needed a complete makeover and jewellery designer Cathy Pope was more than happy to take up the challenge  This Waterview bungalow received an eclectic new look Meet and greet Cathy Pope (jewellery designer and television costume stylist), Martin Hermans (advertising creative), plus dog Senna and cats Trixie and Gem. Why did you […]

A roof deck with access via architectural stairs, giant windows and doors, and a cantilevered section over the garage; this couple have nailed their dream home This house has a roof deck that’s perfect for dining in the sun Meet and Greet Ben Crawford, 37 (brand agency owner and winner of The Block NZ season […]

Despite being their first foray into renovating, this motivated couple has achieved wonders on a tight budget. We get the details behind their DIY journey Meet and greet Kate Webby, PR and communications manager at Vend, and Jordan Metcalfe, works in commercial property, plus Tinks their rescue dog. Problem The living and dining areas were […]

Lots of love and lashings of flair have made this predesigned house a unique and treasured home Here’s how a young couple turned a prefab into a unique family home Angela Fairmaid is a self-confessed lover of villas and character homes, but when it came to finding a home for herself and husband Julian, practical […]

The problem was poor indoor-outdoor flow and limited storage, but this family made the renovation possible with some clever planning and keeping their costs in check This family pulled off a beautiful renovation on a tight budget Meet and Greet Kate Thorpe, 39 (director of Williams Road), Nick Thorpe, 41 (director of Oceania Medical and […]

Jewellery designer Cathy Pope’s renovated Waterview bungalow and home studio is a delightful mix of colour, “clutter” and creativity This colourful bungalow isn’t afraid to mix things up Meet and greet Cathy Pope (jewellery designer and television costume stylist), Martin Hermans (advertising creative), plus dog Senna and cats Trixie and Gem. Background Why did you […]

A refined architectural vision for a bare Bay of Plenty section has resulted in an uncomplicated home with views from every angle This Bay of Plenty home is a lesson in how to make the most of your views Meet and Greet Sally Lines, late 40s, and Andy Lines, early 50s, (owners of Urban Lounge […]

Ben Crawford and his wife Kylie had a vision of a home built over a stream and surrounded by native trees where many others saw only weeds and water Ben Crawford from season one of The Block NZ’s sleek new home When Ben and Kylie Crawford say they immediately fell in love with the section […]

After stumbling across an idyllic section in the heart of Auckland, this couple crafted a home that blends the best of town and country How this home solved its problem of poor indoor-outdoor flow Problem: Poor indoor-outdoor flow upstairs living areas prevented movement between inside and out. Limited storage made the house unsuitable for a busy […]

A refined architectural vision for a bare Bay of Plenty section has resulted in an uncomplicated home with views from every angle Meet and greet Sally Lines, late 40s, and Andy Lines, early 50s, (owners of Urban Lounge Interiors), Georgia, 22 (now living independently), Mack, 18 (student), plus Mavis the black Labrador and a handful […]

This creative couple’s home, perched amid a kanuka glade, has a relaxing, open-plan living area that makes the most of its treetop vista This Byron Bay inspired Titirangi home is laid back living in style Jocelyn Closs and Ryan MacPherson call their Titirangi, Auckland, home a “tree house”. With its modern stained ply exterior, mono-pitched […]

Clean-lined furniture and industrial surfaces are given rustic warmth to this family home in Waihi Beach with wooden slabs and bountiful botanicals  Meet and greet Mel Kaczon, florist and owner of Waihi’s Koru Florist & Home, John Kaczon, owner of engineering company Pinnacles Civil Group) Miller, 8, Janina, 7, and McKenna, 6, plus Brew the […]

Blue isn’t a colour we normally associate with warmth and welcome, but this Swedish home is proof that having the blues can be blooming lovely Blue in every room? This house shows us how it’s done Meet and greet Kristin Lagerqvist (interior designer, blogger and photographer), Jonas Lagerqvist (banker), Simon, Otto and Igor, plus Siv […]

High-quality materials shine out in simple furnishings that have a penchant for the raw and natural in this Hawke’s Bay Airbnb Meet and greet Mike Stanton and Carol Stanton (both retired). This little cottage in the middle of an olive grove uses space wisely What would you never do again? Carol: This build was amazing. […]

Despite being happy in their Auckland house, this young couple found their forever home almost by accident Meet and greet James Rigden, director of Superette, Renee Rigden, founder of Renee’s Kitchen Food & Wellbeing, Sloane, 5, and Bay, 3, plus George the cat. This stylish North Shore home has an indoor slide for the kids Renee […]

Vintage-style furniture, handcrafted wood and cosy textiles fit easily within a lean and clean industrial aesthetic Meet and greet Leigh Cooper, graphic designer, Nathan Primmer, joiner, and daughters Madison, 8, Harriet, 6, and Charlotte, 3. A Wanaka new-build mixes vintage furniture with industrial style Best lessons learned? Leigh: As a female, don’t be afraid of […]

Designing and building their ultimate family home in Waihi Beach was the realisation of a long-held vision for this creative couple Meet and greet Mel Kaczon, florist and owner of Waihi’s Koru Florist & Home, John Kaczon, owner of engineering company Pinnacles Civil Group) Miller, 8, Janina, 7, and McKenna, 6, plus Brew the chocolate […]

TV presenter and stylist Amber Peebles’ home is where fashion meets timeless style See inside TV presenter Amber Peeble’s fashionable home Amber Peebles lives in a newly renovated 1950s home in Mt Albert, Auckland, with her husband Brooke Howard-Smith and Maltese toy poodle-cross Coco Bear. With a fresh coat of Resene ‘Black White’ and plenty of […]

This enterprising couple spent two years transforming their run-down South Auckland cottage into a warm, light, modern home Meet and greet Kate Webby, PR and communications manager at Vend, and Jordan Metcalfe, works in commercial property, plus Tinks their rescue dog. A South Auckland cottage gets a modern makeover A few weeks after Kate Webby and […]

Blue isn’t a colour we normally associate with warmth and welcome, but this Swedish home is proof that having the blues can be blooming lovely Meet and greet Kristin Lagerqvist (interior designer, blogger and photographer), Jonas Lagerqvist (banker), Simon, Otto and Igor, plus Siv the cat. Colour courage When it comes to adding colour to […]

The Block NZ judge Kristina Rapley is a keen renovator herself, but now that she’s had her eyes opened to just how hard the contestants work, she says she won’t be competing any time soon. See inside The Block NZ judge Kristina Rapley’s tranquil Auckland home When The Block NZ judge Kristina Rapley invites you […]

With its thoughtful, painterly interior scheme and dreamy, almost untouchable, elegance, this heritage villa transcends time This villa’s dreamy restoration will make you reconsider colour The light constantly changes, and that alters the atmosphere and beauty of things every minute,” once penned painter Claude Monet, the leading figure of French Impressionism. While distant in time […]

Tireless renovators Alice and Caleb – past winners of The Block NZ – have just finished their seventh house, but this time they’ve done things a little differently Meet and greet  Alice Pearson, director of Pearson + Projects), Caleb Pearson, property development manager), Alek, 4, and Mika, 2, plus Nala the dog. Past ‘The Block […]

A homemade reno in Auckland’s Mangere bridge turned out to be the best option for this family. We get the details behind their mid-century inspired home Meet and greet Grant Leslie, builder, Stephanie Creagh, photographer, Frankie, 13, and Otis, 11, plus Chloe the dog. Problem The home was small and felt cramped. Storage space was […]