Home Tours

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

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 […]

This small secondary dwelling on a Hawke’s Bay lifestyle block was designed to accommodate extended family but has found new purpose as an Airbnb Meet and greet Mike Stanton and Carol Stanton (both retired). Sydney-side to countryside When Kiwi couple Mike and Carol Stanton returned to New Zealand after 27 years in Sydney, their intention […]

A converted historic building in Auckland’s central city houses a magical home filled with an array of lush tropical plants – as well as one very stylish couple Meet and greet  Ron Goh, digital designer, and Matthew O’Brien, customer care manager, plus Ninny the chihuahua and Teddy the miniature schnauzer. This converted historic building is […]

The renovated home of a sea captain and an interior designer in Nelson has the answer to bold, black cladding that won’t warp in the sun Meet + Greet Johnny Stevenson, 59 (sea captain), Ana Stevenson, 50 (interior stylist/home-stager), Mia, 20, Gabe, 17, and Lennox, 10, plus miniature bulldogs Pablo and Frida, and ‘Miradoll’ cat […]

This Coromandel couple pulled off an amazing overhaul of a ramshackle 1960s Lockwood house, turning it into a warm family home – for less than $30K Snapshot Who lived here? April Hansby, stay-at-home mum, aromatherapist and skincare maker for ahsskincare.com and HempFarm, interior design graduate, Zane Hansby, builder, and Archie, 4, plus four chickens. When […]

Like many before them, this Auckland couple debated for years over whether to stay or sell, before taking the reno plunge. Now the dust has settled, they tell us why it was so worth it Meet and greet Grant Leslie, builder, Stephanie Creagh, photographer, Frankie, 13, and Otis, 11, plus Chloe the dog. Problem The […]

Fashion designer Jenny Drury’s modern Milford home is perfectly designed to provide a place to live and work This fashion designer’s home hits the perfect work-life balance At the end of a busy workday, Jenny Drury draws the curtains, shuts the door to her office and heads upstairs to the living room. Unlike many Aucklanders who […]

A grand apartment in central Wellington is furnished with current, and up-and-coming, collectable classics Wellington apartment has nailed future-proof decorating There’s nothing like moving house for putting your priorities in order. Do you really need all those cushions you’ve accumulated, and is it worth carting the couch to a new location? Will your beloved bedspreads […]

The modest size of this Wanaka new-build is not just about budget but also efficiency, running costs and living with just a little less Meet and greet Leigh Cooper, graphic designer, Nathan Primmer, joiner, and daughters Madison, 8, Harriet, 6, and Charlotte, 3. This modest Wanaka new-build proves less is more Given the choice, most […]

Colour and creativity flourish in George Hewitt’s family home, inspiring her daughter’s coveted fashion label, Maggie Marilyn A European aesthetic A visitor finding themselves in the Hewitts’ lounge would be forgiven for thinking they’d wandered into a European sitting room. The room gleams with polished antique gold mirrors and silver 17th-century French candelabras. Turning their […]

The fashion empress invites Simply You over for a divine dinner where we learn the story of her three antique-filled homes and glimpse a life lived in colour Dame Trelise Cooper offers a glimpse inside her colourful Auckland home The table is set. Ultraviolet anemones, ruby red anthuriums and winter white orchids spill down a […]

The Block co-host Shelley Ferguson invites us into her stunning Auckland home to take us on an inspiring tour around her favourite room

This newly built home in Mt Maunganui suits this family so well it could have been designed just for them. We talk to owner Stacy about her fun interior style Meet and greet Jake Pyne, managing director of clothing company You Know We Ain’t Ltd, Stacey Pyne, full-time mum, Milla, 13, Hayes, 11, and Ari, […]

Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Arden and Clarke Gayford offer a glimpse into their family home in Sandringham, Auckland.

It wasn’t an easy road to repair this quake-damaged cottage; now this determined couple share top reno tips and the best bits from their new home Meet and greet Rachael Beeton, and Simon Risdon, counsellor, plus black cat Bagheera. Rachael’s reno tips Plan, plan, plan. Eighty percent of the preparation is in the planning. If you […]

Soft greys – from fog to thunderhead – team with wood and moody cement in a sophisticated, nuanced scheme in this beautiful Millwater home Meet and greet Joe Byrne, director of Byrne Homes, Lisa Byrne, designer at Byrne Homes, Sophie, 11, and Jack, 9, plus Molly the retrodoodle. This new home in Millwater is proof that […]

Close to Mt Maunganui’s beaches and bustle, this family’s newly built home is filled with an intriguing mix of op-shop finds and high-end pieces Meet and greet Jake Pyne, managing director of clothing company You Know We Ain’t Ltd, Stacey Pyne, full-time mum, Milla, 13, Hayes, 11, and Ari, 9, plus Mickey the puppy. A […]

When it came to turning a 1920s bungalow into a stylish first home, skills acquired aboard a superyacht came in very handy for this New Plymouth couple This couple’s DIY skills turned their boxy bungalow into a fresh first home Chris Pye, health and safety manager, Sera Gibson, environmental policy adviser, Parker, just turning 1, […]

Wanting to push themselves with their new home, this pair of savvy builders came up with an ingenious design that brings easy living to a sharp slope Meet and greet Joe Byrne, director of Byrne Homes, Lisa Byrne, designer at Byrne Homes, Sophie, 11, and Jack, 9, plus Molly the retrodoodle. This couple saw potential […]

An Auckland family banished the peachy ’70s tones from their home while creating a sleek open-plan space with plenty of storage and style A dated Auckland home is unrecogniseable after its fresh makeover Who lives here? Richard McLean, 55 (director), Natalie McLean, 45 (territory sales manager at Kohler/Englefield Bathrooms), and Amelia, 11, plus Ella the […]

This Christchurch cottage was supposed to be a quick post-earthquake do-up and flick. Now its expat owners are happy to call it home Meet and greet Rachael Beeton, and Simon Risdon, counsellor, plus black cat Bagheera. See how this Christchurch cottage went from red zone to dream home Walking through the door of Simon Beeton and […]

Vintage-style objects from around the world have been modernised with bright colours, new materials and a crisp white backdrop in this Tauranga home Meet and greet Carly Ward, co-owner and manager of Nourish Cafe, Cameron Ward, general manager of clothing company You Know We Ain’t Ltd, Jackson, 9, and Mia, 7, plus Bruce the cat […]

Discover how a Scandi-style scheme of blond wood, blush hues and warm neutrals has given this home a clean, light and contemporary feel Meet and greet Giovanni Luca, technical support manager at StayinFront, Becks Luca, interior stylist and owner of Designroom, Brianna, 11, and Santino, 10, plus Chipper-Wilson the kitten. This new-build feels warm and […]

Boring and cookie-cutter are two words that definitely don’t come to mind when looking at this special new-build in Tauranga. Discover how this family have brought their personal style into their new home Meet and greet Carly Ward, co-owner and manager of Nourish Cafe, Cameron Ward, general manager of clothing company You Know We Ain’t […]

Returning to Tauranga after a spell in the city wasn’t in this homeowner’s plan. But now, after a fresh renovation, being back in the Bay just feels right Meet and greet Keri Welham, writer, Dave, and Lyla, 8, plus Princess Sparkle the rabbit. Problem The house had poor connections between its indoor and outdoor living […]

Heritage designs combined with on-trend accessories and a myriad of textures effortlessly blend to make this Rangiora family home cosy and welcoming Meet and greet Lee Sinclair, owner and designer of Cloud Nine Creative, Peter Butcher, painter and plasterer, and Jack, 1, plus Mouse the cat. This new-build expertly balances heritage design with on-trend accessories […]

Kip & Co co-founder Hayley Pannekoecke’s home offers a masterclass in using quirky colour and texture to create inspirational spaces Meet and greet Hayley Pannekoecke, co-founder of lifestyle brand Kip & Co, James Pannekoecke, builder, Chloe, 10, Baye, 7, and Floyd, 6, plus dogs Jaffa and Cookie. Kip & Co co-founder opens the doors to […]

For this savvy couple, building from a pre-designed plan allowed them to realise their vision of a light, bright home near Auckland’s eastern beaches Meet and greet Giovanni Luca, technical support manager at StayinFront, Becks Luca, interior stylist and owner of Designroom, Brianna, 11, and Santino, 10, plus Chipper-Wilson the kitten. This couple have created […]

Surrounded by native forest, this new-build in the Waitakeres maintains a ‘modern beach house’ edge while blending easily into its habitat Meet and greet Alastair Gair, qualified builder, Briohny Hooper-Gair, university student, and Ollie, 6. Challenge The home needed to fit in with the native bush landscape to keep things looking natural. A dark exterior […]

Described as charming and romantic, the ‘Silo Cottage’ in Western Massachusetts is not your average Airbnb. Find out why we’re adding it to our travel bucket list You can live your fairytale dreams by staying in this ‘Silo Cottage’ on Airbnb Take your next Airbnb experience to another level by staying in this charming round […]

This family found exactly what they were looking for in a Rangiora new-build, but the only thing missing was their personal style – and a very special new addition Meet and greet Lee Sinclair, owner and designer of Cloud Nine Creative, Peter Butcher, painter and plasterer, and Jack, 1, plus Mouse the cat. This Rangiora […]

Their Remuera house has been transformed into a modern home using black, white and more than a little glam

The interior of this recently renovated home features some grown-up glam thanks to a black and white scheme inlaid with gold and navy Meet and greet Sally Bosley, owner of Cocktail Collective, Simon Bosley, chief financial officer, Lily, 16, and Fletcher, 12. How a renovation project brought a dash of glam to this home’s interior […]

This young couple brought their sweet heritage cottage into the 21st century by both preserving its details and brightening the decor This young couple transformed their heritage cottage with on-trend style Who lives here? Lowry Gladwell, senior legal counsel for Vend, Brittany Phillips, stay-at-home mum, owner of The Innkeeper, an Airbnb host management company, Mila, […]

Discover how full-blown florals, fun-loving pink outbursts and decorative skulls were the icing for this creative Auckland home Meet and greet Trudy Nicholls, caker and co-owner of Cherry Cake Company, Alaric Nicholls, 42 teacher, Reon, 9, and Parker, 6, plus Cocoa the chihuahua. Pink decor was like the icing on the cake for this creative […]

Looking out to a splendid view, this compact home in Queenstown is a master class in cosy living This luxurious Queenstown home inspire your own cosy living this winter On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the seasons in Queenstown are as marked as the tides, with fresh pink cherry blossoms in spring, dry, hot summers […]

This couple have crafted their own slice of la dolce vita in Havelock North by building a country home with villa values and more than a little Italian DNA. Meet and greet Aaron Dodd, builder and owner of Dodd Builders, Bridget Dodd, stay-at-home mum, Maria, 8, Franco, 6, and Joseph, 4. Meet the couple who […]

This Auckland couple spent a very relaxed 15 years working out how to renovate their family home and the stunning result proves it was well worth the wait Meet and greet Sally Bosley, owner of Cocktail Collective, Simon Bosley, chief financial officer, Lily, 16, and Fletcher, 12. This Auckland family nailed their renovation after 15 […]

Your Home and Garden features director Lucy Slight has created an eclectic living room in her heritage Auckland home using lots of secondhand treasures and tropical plants Lucy Slight’s art deco Auckland home is filled with cool vintage style In a butter-yellow art deco house built in the 1940s, features director Lucy Slight and her […]

See how Nadia transformed her heritage cottage in Arrowtown into a cosy home for a two with a bright white palette and natural interior style Meet and greet Nadia Caldwell, teacher, and Sammy, 2. Nadia’s interior tips Natural finishes such as timber, sheepskins and feathers add texture, interest and warmth to a space. Plants and […]

Claude Megson is a remarkable Auckland architect who has all but disappeared from history. Giles Reid looks back at some of Megson’s best work in his book, Claude Megson: Counter Constructions  Out of site Claude Megson is a remarkable Auckland architect who has all but disappeared from history. His work was widely exhibited and published during the […]

This Orewa family used clever budgeting and plenty of planning to build a bespoke beachside house for the price of a standard design How this family gave their new-build luxury style on a budget Kirsty Walters, product manager at Mighty Ape, Tim Walters, renovation design and build consultant at Refresh Renovations, Eva, 8, and Isabella, […]

A former Auckland state house has been given stylish new lease of life following a thoughtful renovation. See how this family achieved their modern makeover Meet and greet Katie Wilson, architecture graduate, Steve Evans, clinical director of paediatric surgery, Luca, 9, and Harley, 6. Problem  The original foundations needed re-piling and the cement roof tiles […]

Inspired by character features found in villas, this creative couple built a new country home that’s generous in size and style Meet and greet Aaron Dodd, builder and owner of Dodd Builders, Bridget Dodd, stay-at-home mum, Maria, 8, Franco, 6, and Joseph, 4. This family home in Havelock North proves new-builds can have character Take […]

When this cake queen and her husband first saw the ‘banana house’, they thought it was time to split. Twelve years on, it’s a confectioner’s dream Meet and greet Trudy Nicholls, caker and co-owner of Cherry Cake Company, Alaric Nicholls, 42 teacher, Reon, 9, and Parker, 6, plus Cocoa the chihuahua. How this cake-maker transformed […]

After leaving their busy Auckland life behind, this family found a special art deco bungalow to call their own. See how a $20,000 makeover made the house feel like home Meet and greet Candice Pardy, business manager, David Pardy, business owner, Noah, 6, Oscar, 2, and Michelle-Bianca, 3 months, plus Butch the dog. An art […]

Designed for a couple of empty nesters, this unique bach in Pauanui makes big family gatherings easy Meet and greet Warren Drinkwater, general manager of HomeTech, and Christine Drinkwater. How this couple have created the perfect bach in Pauanui What compromises did you make in building your bach?  Warren: “There was only one, which my […]

Take a look at how heritage craft and furniture complemented by contemporary design has transformed this Wellington villa Meet and greet Catherine Baird (emergency department doctor), Duncan Baird (GP), Gemma 14, Eva, 8, and Greta, 4, plus Hector the deaf and blind rabbit. This Wellington villa is the definition of old-meets-new What’s the best lesson […]

This Waiheke Island home is small – but doesn’t look it. Packing a lot into its 90 square metres, it’s a perfect example of how clever design can provide a blueprint for better living Meet and greet Peter Cosnett, sales and marketing manager for Box, and Hannes Strydom, general manager of a dispute resolution company […]

Open and airy white spaces have been sketched in with black accents, rustic wood and touchable, organic accessories in this bright homestead in Queenstown Meet and greet Justine McLellan, owner of Kinsfolk online store and customs officer, Carrick McLellan, operator of Sunrise Balloons, Fletcher, 6, Carter, 4, and Milla, 9 months, plus dogs Buddy and […]

Behind its traditional frontage, this Wellington villa provides a model for contemporary living Meet and greet Catherine Baird (emergency department doctor), Duncan Baird (GP), Gemma 14, Eva, 8, and Greta, 4, plus Hector the deaf and blind rabbit. This Wellington villa renovation is a model for contemporary living From the street, the Baird family home […]

This creative couple drew inspiration from Australia’s northeast coast when designing a family home overlooking Auckland’s beautiful northern beaches Meet and greet Andrew Gowling, account manager, Rachael Gowling, account manager, Grace, 6, and Harry, 3. Take a look at this Auckland home inspired by Australia’s northeast coast Best lessons learned?  Rachael: Be as organised as […]

A creative couple bring an enviable design aesthetic to their lofty holiday retreat in Bali. Take a tour through their incredible home Take a look inside this stunning Bali holiday home  Set amongst the picturesque green rice fields of Bali, the captivating holiday home of designer Birgitte Raben and her film scenographer partner Peter Grand […]