Rather than base the design of her tiny front garden around its view from the street, this Grey Lynn resident did the opposite Renovations to her Grey Lynn bungalow left Nathalie Morris at a loss as to how to deal with a small but important patch in the front garden. The area could be seen […]

Bold and bright floral takes centre stage in this budget-friendly revamp. Whether you have a lot to spend or just a little, bathrooms don’t have to be boring!  Who lives here?  Annick Larkin (writer and stylist), Tim Larkin (director), Lottie, Esther, and Tom. The project Annick Larkin: “Three years ago, I installed a horizontal black […]

A sauna-inspired bathroom/pool room prioritises function and style to create a beautiful new addition Who lives here?  Macayla Chapman (co-founder and designer of Bird & Knoll), George Chapman, Olly, and Indie, plus Broccoli Bunny and cats Chico and Lola. The project  Having recently completed a pool and outdoor area addition, it made sense to add a […]

This roomy section with bare fencing and only a couple of trees is crying out for an overall plan. Carol comes to the rescue, introducing softness, colour and coherence Dear Carol, My home in Invercargill is a fairly plain 1940s stucco box, which we’ve given a slight lift with a path to the front gate […]

A clever architect takes her converted warehouse apartment back to the drawing board for a stunning revamp that maximises space without sacrificing style

High-quality fixtures and fittings combine effortlessly with on-trend tiles to create this luxurious kitchen-turned-bathroom

A move to a smaller house prompted an Auckland family to adopt a strict quality-not-quantity approach to decor – with stunning results

Brass is back and it’s making a splash in bathroom design. The warm, bright, look-at-me alloy adds a welcome touch of glamour Brass beauty for the bathroom The bathroom is one of the most hard-working rooms in the home, not to mention a big selling point, so it pays to give its design some decent […]

This time around, Sam and Emmett get second place for their guest bedroom styling. Here’s how they got the look… Get the look In case you missed last night’s room reveal – we’ve found some of the pieces that Sam and Emmett featured in their guest bedroom this week on The Block NZ to help you […]

The sauna-esque quality of an all-wood interior has disappeared under layers of fresh white, turning a dated, dark home into a ravishing abode. Story by Debbie Harrison  Who lives here? Ben Teagle, 34 (real estate agent), and Sammi Teagle, 27 (producer). An original two-bedroom Lockwood home gets the white paint treatment The original two-bedroom Lockwood […]

Smart design and sophisticated materials combine to transform a walk-in wardrobe into a dreamy bathroom oasis. Take a tour of this bathroom renovation below Who lives here?  Bridget Snelling (head of product marketing at Orion Health), Ben Snelling (general manager of Bledisloe Property Group), Tommy and Jemima. The project The homeowners wanted to create an ensuite […]

A major extension has given a Southland farming family the home they once thought was out of reach A Southland farming family build their dream home Who lives here? Jodelle and Geoff Clark (dairy farmers), Thomas, Sam, Harry, Poppi, Coco the horse, Leo the ginger cat, Tilly the ragdoll kitten and Molly the black Labrador. […]

Tired of living in rented apartments, Daisy and Israel Dagg approached a housing company to design and build their first home. The result is a suburban sanctuary far from any cookie-cutter mould There is a misconception that homes designed and built by housing companies are cast from a common mould. The home that Daisy Dagg […]

This modest, new-build family home not only perches lightly on the land as it leans out over Lyttelton Harbour, but leaves behind only a small eco footprint

You may already own one of her creations or have fantasised about wearing head-to-toe Yvonne Bennetti to that special occasion, now you can step inside her Ponsonby, Auckland villa, which is a treasure trove of curiosities from foreign lands Photography by: Helen Bankers

Step inside Shelley and Doug McConaughy’s welcoming Dunedin home and it’s quickly apparent that these creative homeowners don’t conform to design rules Meet Shelley and Doug A clever mix of texture, contrast, colour and art fills this weatherboard beauty, which has changed significantly since the couple made an uncharacteristic snap decision to buy it in […]

Space was a priority for this family when they were looking for a special place to call home in Auckland and this Californian bungalow was just the ticket A Californian bungalow in Auckland gets a massive overhaul Pip Patterson (operations manager at Soho Wine Company), Chris Patterson (barrister), Ty, 9, and Jake, 8, Lexie the […]

A 1970s family home finds its full potential with a clever layout overhaul  Lauren Tocchini grew up in a home with an open-door policy on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where friends and family were always welcome. When she started her own family, this was the type of place she wanted to create. When Lauren returned to […]

An enterprising Dunedin couple transform this ex-church-turned-dance studio into an impressive home by reinstating its heritage features The church that Jaimee Whiston and her husband Ryan now call home hasn’t been used as a place of worship for over a quarter of a century. Instead, the lofty space was home to a local dance school. “Inside, […]

What does the most expensive home in San Francisco look like? It looks like this American property on sale for $28 million USD. Key stats 7 bedrooms 7 bathrooms 9,095 sqft 3 car parks 3 powder rooms $28 million USD The property is listed through Neal Ward Listings. [related_articles post1=”37803″ post2=”35864″]

A move from Christchurch forced this family to reconsider a lot more than their interior style It’s fair to say that when Gretchen Reid saw her brand new house it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. “The only redeeming features were the location, the swimming pool and the flat backyard,” she recalls. “It was so […]

With flaking paint, borer and a weakness for maroon, an old Dunedin house was in a sorry state until a couple with just the right mix of practical skills and artistic flair took it in hand At a glance Who lives here? Doug McConaughy (structural engineer), Shelley McConaughy (florist, designer, artist), Oscar, Eli, Rose the […]

When the cold weather beckons, so does the need for warm nooks to relax in and entertain around. We round up five of our favourite fireplaces that make outdoor living easy 5 outdoor fireplaces that make it easy to entertain all year round While it might be fun for some to cuddle up under a […]

Peeling floral wallpaper and peach cabinetry have been replaced with a sleek and sophisticated look in this stunning bathroom renovation At a glance Who lives here? Matt, 32 (key account manager), Theresa, 31 (teacher), Levi, 4, Louis, 2, and Chase the dog. Where is it? Sunny Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa. Lived here for… Two and a […]

Matt and Theresa were the lucky winners of the Your Home and Garden Then & Now makeover with Mitre 10, which saw them awarded a bathroom makeover worth $12,000 The makeover package included a full bathroom  solution covering everything from the cabinetry to the tiles and installation. Their Stanmore Bay, Whangaparoa bathroom was transformed with: •Nouveau Mador freestanding bath […]

In search of a slower pace of life, Kim Brebner sold her Auckland villa to move into this rural homestead southwest of the city In 2011, Kim Brebner was ready for a change and looking for a slower pace of life, so she decided to sell her beloved Auckland villa and move to a beautiful […]

This villa underwent an initial cosmetic facelift followed by a comprehensive renovation and the results are stunning When Melinda and Simon Morley bought their circa 1905 Federation (an architecture style popular in Australia from 1890-1915) villa it was essentially in original condition: vintage appliances, tired vinyl flooring, seriously patchy paintwork and open fireplaces the only […]

Behind this former bank in Eltham, Taranaki is a “secret garden” filled with cottage flowers, roses and much more A rose-filled garden in an old bank in Eltham, Taranaki Barbara Valintine calls the space behind her home in a former bank building in Eltham, her secret garden. The building’s high walls are softened by black fig […]

Homes to Love caught up with Liv Harper, interior designer from Mitre 10 to talk all things splashbacks Why do I need a splashback? Splashbacks are important to protect your walls and cabinetry from moisture and heat, oils and cooking residue. They’re important particularly behind your stovetop/hobbs and behind your sink. They are also a great […]

A businesswoman’s crash pad in the heart of Hamilton city has been given a fresh and thoroughly modern facelift, all carefully tied together with a repeated marble mosaic tile Snapshot Who lives here? Claire Lugton (owner of Lugton’s Real Estate). Where is it? Hamilton’s CBD. Lived here for? Three years. Purchased it as a working-week […]

A small, dark cottage received the full treatment from an interior designer with a knack for creating harmony between neutrals and colour In a nutshell Thandi Tipene (interior designer and owner of Thandi Jazmine Design), Bachelor Tipene (works in the oil and gas industry), Miakoda, 1, and Mika the dog. The beginning Interior designer Thandi […]

On a steep site, exposed to hot northwesterly winds, Blenheim gardener Dianne Croad has managed to create her dream garden One of the joys of gardening is to see your vision gradually take shape from year to year. Southland-born Dianne Croad had always yearned for a garden where she could do just that, but her […]

A small, dark cottage received the full treatment from an interior designer with a knack for creating harmony between neutrals and colour Interior designer Thandi Tipene’s professional understanding of interior space and light meant that when she was viewing potential homes to purchase in New Plymouth, a small, dark cottage with limited sun was not […]

Creating her dream garden was worth the wait for this Blenheim gardener A structured and semi-formal garden in Blenheim One of the joys of gardening is to see your vision gradually take shape from year to year. Southland-born Dianne Croad had always yearned for a garden where she could do just that, but her late […]

A dark, dated bedroom is transformed into a light and lovely space with a Mid-century modern makeover by interior designer Tina Stephen The problem The room was dated and dark, with awkward small wardrobes, commercial-style blinds, old carpet and brown veneer doors. The brief Lighten the space and create simple luxury with layered textures and quality […]

Olympian and Australian World Cup snowboarding champion Johanna Lyle spotted an original condition Victorian-style 1920s house for sale in Brunswick, Melbourne, and was determined it would be the next home for her family. After securing the property at auction, the family immediately launched into a seven month renovation, transforming the home into a contemporary four-bedroom […]

Interior designer Ann King has turned a California-style bungalow into a sophisticated abode suited for both work and play An interior designer’s sophisticated Californian bungalow Ann King works from home and shares the house with husband Jason and their children Xavier, 10, Tabitha, seven, and Isaiah, five, as well as cavoodle puppy Leo and moodle Ash. […]

Steph Zajkowski enlisted the help of interior designers Bibby & Brady to help choose her decor scheme, and give her the confidence to make some bold changes Steph Zajkowski’s colour confidence is on display for any admiring visitor to see, but she admits to having a few less-than-perfect results along the way. “During my ‘shabby […]

A connoisseur of beautiful old things has created a French country house of effortless charm in the Bay of Plenty – with a little bit of Kiwi thrown in The magical rural Tauranga property Rebecca-Jane Russell calls home has atmosphere in spades. Wine barrels, pebbled pathways, rustic wooden crates, cloches, stone walls, old pots, wrought-iron […]

This 1970s home with views of the ocean holds onto its heritage while embracing a wave of tropical hues At a glance Who lives here? Richard Zajkowski (IT consultant), Steph Zajkowski (TV and website creative producer), Sofia, 18, Beatrice, 15, and Poppy the dog. Steph, how did you find the experience of working with interior […]

As the temperature drops, we chat to linen expert and Wallace Cotton owner Paula Wallace about how to transition you bed from summer to winter – and what the ideal winter bed looks like How do I transition my linen in those awkward months between late summer and autumn/winter without totally swapping my bedlinen out? […]

Moody hues, metallic accents and thoughtful design create an intimate and elegant atmosphere in this brand-new Christchurch family home Meet & greet Who lives here? Alysha Andrew, mum and part-time sales consultant, Duncan Andrew, project manager, Mila-Rose, 3, Nixon, 16 months, and T-Bone and Marni the pugs. Background For Christchurch couple Alysha and Duncan Andrew […]

Moody hues, metallic accents and thoughtful design create an intimate and elegant atmosphere in this brand-new Christchurch family home Meet and greet Who lives here? Alysha Andrew (mum and part-time sales consultant), Duncan Andrew (project manager), Mila-Rose, Nixon, and pugs T Bone and MarniWhere is it? Halswell, Christchurch Alysha and Duncan’s new-build tips Find out their […]

Plenty of pink, a dash of mint and a whole lot of imagination have transformed this old ballroom into a fully functioning, cute-as-a-button family home. 

Simple, versatile and effortlessly beautiful, Shaker design remains a popular choice for kitchens. Here’s how to recreate the look using interior designer Vanessa Nouwens’ top tips Shaker is a style classic for a reason There are so many kitchen designs, but Shaker design has stood the test of time for its classic good looks and great […]

Plenty of pink, a dash of mint and a whole lot of imagination have transformed this old ballroom into a fully functioning, cute-as-a-button family home At a glance Who lives here? Kaitlin Chapman, owner of kaitlinchapmanmakeup.com and Hello Darling Prop Hire; Jamie Robertson, mechanic, Stella, chocolate lab Chevie and Cavoodle Petal. Homeowner Kailtlin’s makeover secrets Paint, […]

Every super-awesome kid deserves a super-awesome bedroom – but it has to be easy on the pocket as well as on the eye. Try this Batman-themed cave on for size Most kids go through a phase of wanting a totally themed bedroom. Whether it’s their most-revered superhero or a cartoon character from their favourite TV […]

Whether it’s to read, rest, sleep or snuggle, sometimes there’s nothing better than relaxing in bed. Take inspiration from this real-life bedroom and make your own the space the sanctuary you dream about and deserve Oversized florals make a dramatic statement in this stylist’s bedroom Event stylist Alanna Haysmith lives in an Auckland villa with […]

   A 22-square-metre apartment in Taipei designed by A Little Design in 2015  Photos by: Hey! Cheese [related_articles post1=”41135″ post2=”44373″]

This sprawling, single-storey new-build in Tauranga is anything but one-dimensional. Quality materials, heritage bones and personality-plus make this a stand-out family home When moving from one new-build to another, homeowners often tend to replicate the favourite aspects of the house they are vacating. Not so Glen and Sara Stewart. The new house they now call […]

This unique family home has a central courtyard that is completely encased in cheesecloth, making it an enjoyable place to be all day and night Owners Louise and Matt were already fans of the work of local architect James Russell, so when they bought this block of land in Brisbane’s inner east, there was no […]

Bring together a simple colour palette, great lighting, timber textures and streamlined cabinet handles for a kitchen that’s warm and contemporary Clean lines and texture Kitchens are notoriously expensive to make changes to, so pick a look that will stand the test of time. Stylist Annick Larkin has opted for a simple white, chrome and timber […]

Stuart Jobling and his partner Barry Danby have completed a delightful, densely planted subtropical garden makeover at their Waiheke Island property The site background With its canopy of palms, flowering trees and lush-leaved subtropicals below, the exotic garden is a far cry from the rather ordinary property the couple bought back in 2011. “There was virtually […]

When a long-admired 1920s abode came on the market, this energetic family in Sydney jumped at the chance to make it their dream home Jane Garrett is a graphic designer who lives with her partner Peter and teenage children Phoebe and Gil. They bought their home on Sydney’s North Shore back in 2006. “It was built […]

Katherine Jamison loves raising her young family in wide open spaces on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula “I grew up on a working sheep farm, so I never really felt settled living on a ‘normal’-sized block. Even on half an acre of lovely gardens and gum trees surrounded by rolling hills and wineries, I still felt boxed […]

A plain little garden on Waiheke has been transformed into a place of enchantment with a range of subtropical plants THE SITE Stuart Jobling and his partner Barry Danby have created a delightful, densely planted subtropical garden on Waiheke Island. With its canopy of palms, flowering trees and lush-leaved subtropicals below, the exotic garden is a far […]

It only took six renovations in Auckland and Wellington before this family settled on a home on the Kapiti Coast. But are they getting itchy feet again?  Serial renovators settle on this Kapiti Coast retreat Moving house is almost second nature to Vanessa and Matt Webb. Not only have the Wellington couple never lived in the […]

A New Plymouth couple paint a room in shades of pink that are fit for a princess At a glance Heidi and Kris Herbert purchased their 2.8-hectare lifestyle block in New Plymouth last August, providing more space for their two children, Bren, 3, and Ivy, 2. The four-bedroom home was in dire need of a […]

A tired 1960s weatherboard home has been transformed into a modern bohemian dream Buying a house can be a difficult process, but when the home of your choice is more ugly duckling than beautiful swan it makes the process that much harder. Fortunately, Tim and Amanda Fitzsimmons are very good at recognising the potential of […]

Moving house has become second nature to these homeowners after completing six renovations, but now they’re ready to settle down at this Kapiti Coast home with sea views and loads of potential Every day feels like a holiday at this Kapiti Coast home Who lives here? Vanessa Webb (interior designer at Dress My Nest), Matt […]

This garden is so abundant and established it looks as though it’s been the life-long companion to the Victorian-era weatherboard home it surrounds Despite looking like it’s always been there, this garden is a recent development, installed in tandem with the home’s renovation two years ago. The Cheongs retained the Victorian facade and added a contemporary extension at the […]

The whole family pitched in with this Dunedin do-up to help a young couple onto the property ladder In a nutshell Who lives here? Damon McLeod (owner of D Tiling, Dunedin), Makenzi Taylor (barista/retail assistant at Moi Design) and Poco-Yo the bunny. Favourite item in your home? Damon: We love the big piece of art […]

An ex-rental in Auckland’s Beach Haven with a once-tired weatherboard exterior has been transformed into a modern bohemian dream In a nutshell Who lives here? Amanda Fitzsimmons (full-time mum and stylist/artist for Rococo and Rose), husband Tim (portfolio manager), Phoebe, 9, Archie, 7, and cats Frankie and Romy. What attracted you to Beach Haven? Originally, it was […]

This sleek yet family-friendly kitchen was specifically designed so the entire space can be opened to the outdoors The kitchen at a glance Who lives here? Manu Withers (structural engineer), Kelly Wyn (full-time mum), Taylor, 10, Camryn, 7, Virginia, 2, and Otis the dog. Where is your home? Birkenhead, Auckland. (The kitchen was part of […]

A Blenheim bathroom embraces villa-style features such as batten and board paneling, tongue and groove and a claw-foot bath The background Kirsty and David Wraight’s new build in Blenheim is anything but modern. With a shared love of heritage homes, it’s no wonder David – a builder who owns a business specialising in villa-style homes […]

A damp and musty 1930s bungalow has been given a new lease of life and is loved once more thanks to its new owners Who lives here? Eva Nash (director of Rogan Nash Architects), David Nash (Bunnings national supply chain manager), Nico, 3. Aside from the architectural design, what other things did you do yourselves? […]

A budget of $36,000 and input from designers at DJ Cabinetry have resulted in this Scandi-style kitchen with a roomy scullery At a glance Who lives here? Fleur Clough (recruitment consultant at Eclipse Recruitment), husband Anthony (client relationship manager for directional drillers CDS), Emma, 1, and Persian cats Kinda and Lilly Bear. Where is your home? Red […]

With a ‘good cooker’ at the helm, this small but perfect Pakowhai, Hawke’s Bay kitchen has served the family well for decades At a glance Who lives here? Liz and Gary Spence (both retired). Where is your home? Pakowhai in Hawke’s Bay, a rural settlement nestled between Napier and Hastings, bordering the Ngaruroro River. Total budget: $7,000 […]

In this installment of our real estate-watch series, we shine the spotlight on a lakeside property with a mountain lodge feel The stats Designed by: Renowned architect Graham Price Location: Lake Tarawera, Rotorua Size: 11,774m² in four titles Interior details:  Fully air conditioned, extensive use of opening glass walls between the lounge and pool making the home an […]

Another property in our real-estate watch series, this inner-city apartment feels like a New York penthouse landed in Auckland city The stats Location: Auckland CBD, Metropolis Residences Size: 330 sqm, located high up on the 32nd floor Kitchen designed by: Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui are incorporated harmoniously for the design of the spacious, state-of-the-art designer kitchen. […]

A boutique owner brings her assured sense of style to home and work – a trait, she says, that runs in the family

This makeover turned a ramshackle wash room into a streamlined laundry in just over a week This laundry went from dark and dusty to industrial chic Who lives here? Ashwini Singh (personal assistant). Where is it? Avondale, Auckland. Lived here for… four years. How long did the makeover take? Just over a week. Who was […]

 Ashwini Singh was the lucky winner of the Your Home and Garden Then & Now makeover with Mitre 10, which saw her awarded a laundry makeover worth $5000 The makeover package included a full laundry solution covering everything from the cabinetry to the tiles and installation. Her Avondale, Auckland laundry was transformed with: Cabinetry in Nouveau foil in ‘Havana […]

It’s not often you see a home of this magnitude for sale on Auckland’s Waiheke Island. Take a look around this unique estate, modelled on French Colonial Plantation style The stats Name: Rere Cove is a unique estate in French Colonial Plantation style, modelled on the Kauri Cliffs luxury lodge Designed by: Award-winning designer Bryce […]

Strategic use of screening plants and clever design create a private oasis in the midst of a subdivision After living north of Auckland for about 10 years, Henry Lin and his wife, Coco Liang, decided to move to Millwater, a new housing development a little further north, near Orewa. As well as the glorious beaches […]

The co-founder of Auckland boutique Maman uses a neutral backdrop to showcase her eclectic mix of timeless French and Scandi style French and Scandi combine in this Remuera bungalow If you’ve been into Auckland’s upmarket fashion boutique Maman, you’ll already have a fair idea of what co-founder Emma Main’s home looks like. The Remuera bungalow […]

 Interior designer Jackie Jones has worked wonders with paint at her two bedroom bach in Matarangi  In a nutshell Who lives here? Jackie Jones (interior designer), husband Jeremy Patston (lawyer), Emily, 15, Matt, 13, Caitlin, 12, Sophie, 11, and Lucy, 7. Jackie, when did you get interested in interior design? I’ve loved it since I was a […]

Award-winning designer Kirsten Sach transforms a completely bare garden at housing development Millwater in Orewa In a nutshell Who lives here? Henry Lin (director/head of consulting services for a dairy commodity consulting company), Coco Liang (retail banker), Chelsea, 5, and Bush, the Japanese Spitz. Henry, what attracted you to the Millwater area? Good local communities, […]

More than two decades have gone into creating this lush garden which unfolds over three tiers It’s no secret that artists will often extend their creativity into their domestic surroundings. Step into the beautifully designed garden of glass artists Ben and Suzanne Hanly and you’ll see what I mean. The couple have spent the last […]

Sea, sun and surf drew Sarah Ingram and Roger Mutagh to Mount Maunganui from Auckland, both of them keen for a lifestyle change In a nutshell Who lives here? Sarah Ingram (business analyst), partner Roger Murtagh (self-employed) and daughter Stella, 3. What’s your favourite room in the house? Sarah: I adore our bright and sunny […]

Julie Attwell’s Palmerston North home embraces deep, dark paint shades, especially black! This Palmerston North home isn’t for the faint-hearted Living here since 2006 with husband Anthony, son Jackson, 17, daughter Georgia, 22, mother Joan, Penny the Staffy, cats Goose, Timmy and Stella, and chickens Custard, Dora, Peg and Dave, you could say she has a […]

A big family with a love of the simple life have painted their little bach in the shades of the sea Just how a family of seven can fit into a two-bedroomed bach is a wonder, but somehow interior designer Jackie Jones has made it work. She and husband Jeremy had been searching for somewhere […]

A tired old house has been transported into the 21st century by opening up the living area and giving the interior a clean monochromatic sweep A dated Dunedin home gets a monochromatic makeover Who lives here? Victoria Bithell (owner of makeandco.co.nz and assistant at MintSix), Stephen Bithell (builder) and son, Harrison Where is it? Kaikorai, […]

Monde Norden has translated her flair for film sets to real life at her home on Auckland’s west coast beach Karekare When Monde Norden was holidaying in various quaint seaside villages in Mexico, everywhere she went she saw the iconic Acapulco chairs. “I fell in love with them immediately but realised I couldn’t really bring […]

An Auckland couple join the small-home movement with this clever renovation David and Rebecca Lee set about transforming this basement apartment when a change in circumstances meant they had to rent out their home and downsize. They set about converting a 33-square-metre storage-come-garage space into a self-contained apartment. With David’s practical skills and background as […]

Since school teacher Judy and husband Peter downsized from a 10-acre farm to a beach shack on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, they haven’t looked back They lived in the house for a year before extending the kitchen/dining area and adding all-season outdoor areas. Judy and Peter live here with their daughter Harriet and dogs Roxy and […]

Waking up each day to a serene view of the sea while birds sing in surrounding native bush is something few of us can enjoy. And perhaps it is harder to appreciate if you haven’t experienced it. But Sarah Cutler, her husband Declan Ryan and their boys know just how beautiful their Wood Bay home […]

This Italian-inspired Tauranga garden has turned a serial renovator into a keen gardener! The story It may have taken almost two decades of successive, comprehensive home improvement projects to propel Donna Edge outdoors. But this serial renovator has now has turned her talents to outside areas. What’s more, the Tauranga retailer is surprised to find she likes […]

Not many people in central Auckland can float blissfully in their backyard pool with a herd of cows grazing calmly in a lush green field next door nearby, but that’s the scene at this Mt Albert home This family have brought a holiday vibe to their own home Suzanne McNamara and Ian Grant’s family is lucky […]

This Hamilton home has a distinct French flavour, thanks to a 40-foot container full of furniture shipped all the way from Europe In a nutshell Who lives here? Audrey Fitzjohn (online retailer at hellopaper.co.nz) and Elliot Fitzjohn (arboriculture tutor at Waikato Institute of Technology), with their French bulldog Violet. Audrey, just how many of the […]

With some clever thinking, a family home is created from a Waiheke Island workshop A Waiheke workshop becomes an unlikely family home Who lives here? Tony Parker (owner of Tree Essence), Jo Parker (legal secretary and owner of One Button crafts),  Ruby, and Munro, live on the island full-time. Big sisters Claudia, and Paris are […]

A family of former city dwellers has found tranquil respite in a bush retreat with lovely sea views In a nutshell Who lives here? Sarah Cutler (architect), Declan Ryan (architectural draughtsman), Nat, Finn, and Bonnie the labrador. What do you love most about your home? Sarah: “We love the view, the privacy and living close to […]

Interior designer Lauren Li stuck to a tight budget when renovating a 1970s two bedroom unit Renovating on a strict budget, interior designer Lauren Li of sisällä still managed to employ a whole host of great ideas to make her Melbourne, 1970s brick-veneer unit a comfortable, light-filled home – and include a few luxury items to boot. […]

Nestled among the trees, high above the road, a home bursting with history cleverly marries its two halves Who lives here? Gernot Goex (retired owner of Gernot’s Gold fruit preserves) and his partner, George, both originally from Berlin. Gernot, what do you love about living in Hawke’s Bay? We travelled all around New Zealand many […]

An interior decorator gives a 1970s duplex some wow-factor Interior decorator Claudia Stephenson and her husband Julian, a personal trainer, searched high and low for a new rental where they could have a young family before they bought their own home. A 1970s duplex in Sydney’s Lower North Shore ticked all the boxes. The apartment […]

Rusty 12-year-old shipping containers have been cleverly and speedily transformed into temporary accommodation for a family of five Then & Now: A container becomes a home Who lives here? Dion van Kekem, (project manager), Justine van Kekem (part-time barista), Annabelle, 9, Brooklyn, 7, and Scarlett, 5, plus Snowy the lamb, Chloe the dog, and Lucky […]

This serene, green sanctuary was cleverly created to combat a common complaint – loss of privacy When a two-storey rest home was built on the back boundary of her Blenheim home, Anne Bassett turned the situation into an opportunity. Instead of staring at a tall building from her kitchen and living room, Anne now looks […]

Nicola Russell visits a revamped Auckland villa, where family life and history are reflected in the invitingly eclectic mix of furnishings and artwork When fashion designer Bridget O’Malley and her husband David Reid moved into their urban villa a decade ago, it still had its original outhouse and copper. The central Auckland abode had been […]

Busy corporate careers and apartment living in Hong Kong were traded in for this sunny, eclectic and private family homehilltop haven in Sumner A private hilltop haven in Christchurch Who lives here? Larissa and Andrew Hamilton (founders and owners of Corcovado), together with their children Charlie and Wilby. What attracted you to this home? Larissa: […]

Planting in this Mission Bay, Auckland, garden has been slow and steady but it’s now in full bloom Who lives here? Robin Houlker (educational consultant) and Peter Houlker (accountant). Robin, what would you advise people to do when planning a garden? Try things out before buying in bulk. I have things in pots for a […]