A classic state house is re-worked for contemporary family life Who lives here? Mary Stokes (founder of baby and children-related market Mary’s Market), Mike Stokes (sales director), Tom, 10, and Ivy, 7. Mary, how would you describe your interiors style? A mix and match of modern and industrial. What is one thing you learned from […]

Carefully selected furnishings and a considered renovation have created a modern family home that exudes elegance and glamour. When Mark Lewis and Tracy Strudley spotted a rambling Arts and Crafts house in Remuera, Auckland, they knew it would be the ideal home for their blended family of nine (the couple and their seven children). Built […]

Melanie Wilson transformed her home from beige to a colour splash with some clever geometric painted shapes How an ex-state house in New Plymouth got a colour makeover Melanie Wilson was tired of looking at beige interiors after a bout of house hunting, so when she purchased this ex-state house in New Plymouth, she set […]

Although small in size this courtyard garden in St Heliers is beautifully designed and a constant source of joy for owners Robin and Jack This picture-perfect courtyard garden is small in size but perfectly formed Who lives here? Robin and Jack Dawson (both retired) and Mabel the black schnauzer. Robin, what was top of your […]

Contemporary chic bungalow transformation What was once a demure beige bungalow that looked no different to those around it, has now been transformed into a contemporary home with street appeal. Words by: Annick Larkin Photography by: Emma MacDonald

There’s no need to check the weather forecast in this energy-efficient Waikanae new build where temperatures are tropical all year round. In a nutshell Who lives here? Chris and Leonie Beggs (owners of North Face Construction), Jack, 13, Fraser, 11, cat Ruby and chickens. What would you do differently with this house if you could? […]

“It’s a highly crafted interior, lined in plywood that gives it a very solid feeling, but still with a lovely connection to the environment” Why a Port-a-bach Portability was a key factor in the design of Port-A-Bach, a prototype for up-cycling shipping containers by Wellington architects Bonnifait + Giesen. William Giesen says the idea first […]

Love the idea of camping but can’t bear to be without your creature comforts? Maybe glamping is for you. With its emphasis on comfort, service, clean amenities and a touch of luxury, glamping (glamorous camping) has become the holiday de rigueur for legions of travellers who want a little adventure but not too much of […]

Bold baths A freestanding tub makes a gorgeous bathroom centrepiece. Conjuring up an affluent, elegant aura, standalone bathtubs take a bathroom from practical to palatial. With materials ranging from ceramic and metallic to stone and even wood, you can choose a freestanding tub that suits any bathroom style and soak in spa-like luxury every day. […]

One step inside Philippa Atkinson’s Herne Bay villa and it’s crystal clear how much art means to her. Paintings by New Zealand artists Tony de Lautour and Heather Straka greet you at the entrance and works by other artists, both celebrated and less well known, line the walls throughout the rest of the home – […]

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?I am really stimulated by patterns and colour. I’m never worried about throwing things together and challenging things to work.I enjoy being around things that are visually lively – gardens, artwork, fabric shops, galleries, cities, clothing stores. I am also inspired by my travel experiences and try to bring […]

Tucked away up a long drive in suburban Havelock North is a house as flamboyant as its owner. Designed by renowned architects John Scott and Raiford Gardiner in the 1970s, the home is now occupied by Suzanne Beaumont, her husband John and their beloved Maltese poodle cross, Molly. As you walk through the garden to […]

Fashionable floors are the foundation to a blissful bedroom. Here, experts from Carpet Court offer some inspiration on how to create the ultimate in comfort and luxury, starting with a high-quality floor. The team at Carpet Court know floors like no one else. They have flooring showrooms across New Zealand and offer a free, no […]

A well-honed art collection is right at home in this elegant two-storey villa. Photographer: Rebekah Robinson.

This brand new home wasn't exactly love at first sight for the owner

Wendy Hart’s sensitive renovation of her classic 1960s family home gave it a modern edge, while retaining its retro glam appeal Hidden from the street in Auckland’s Remuera stands a striking 1960s home, which has been a haven for just two families in its 50-year lifespan. Owners Wendy and Richard Hart, their son Thomas, 14, […]

Meet and Greet Kate Gardham (stylist, tutor and interior designer) and friends Grace and Linn, as well as Oatis the dog. Budget-friendly bliss in a 1950s bungalow After purchasing her bungalow on Auckland’s North Shore, Kate Gardham looked her fear of heights square in the eye, purchased a ladder, erected a scaffold system and began […]

Vintage opulenceA melting pot of textures, patterns, materials and knick-knacks makes for a vintage-inspired bathroom. Opt for round or hexagonal mirrors and don’t be afraid to have the contents of your cupboards on show – it all adds to the ornate look. Expert advice: Install ambient lighting in the ceiling and incandescent bulbs around the […]

From gleaming metallic tubs to Garden of Eden greenery, there’s a new-season trend to suit every bathroom style.

From alternative natural tubs to Garden of Eden greenery, there’s a new-season trend to suit every bathroom style. Au naturel Natural elements are known to invoke serenity and, when combined, create the perfect bathroom sanctuary. Bring the outside in and incorporate materials like concrete, marble, stone and salvaged wood for a harmonious, organic look. Expert advice: If using […]

This Auckland artist’s work is about capturing memories. She decorates her own home with objects that inspire this reflective process.

A Cape Cod-style home in Taranaki embraces a striking monochromatic palette. Tracey Chilcott smiles to herself when people admire the beautiful renovation job she and husband Alastair have done on their New Plymouth home. The three-storey house was actually built only two years ago, but its traditional appearance has many fooled, says the passionate home […]

“When I have my breakfast,” wrote artist Bill Sutton in his journal in 1992, “I cut off a slice of bread for myself and one for the birds. We are all in it together.” It would have been a simple task for Sutton to throw the bread outside to the birds from the house designed […]

Architect Pam Ingram collaborated with graphic designer Peter Roband to renovate the Arch Hill apartment he shares with his partner Lindsay Spedding. The apartment now has a completely fresh feel without any changes to the existing footprint. “He could visualise what I was talking about,” says Ingram, “and he wanted something that was well-designed. We […]