The owners of this Greytown home didn’t have an ultimate plan for their property, but in 10 years it has evolved from a cottage to a five-bedroom house Who lives here? Jo Lysaght (graphic designer and co-owner with sister Sharon of Caravan Homewares), Dave Murray (owner of 3D illustration and web design company Satellite Design), […]

Callum and Caroline were the lucky winners of Your Home and Garden’s Then & Now makeover with Mitre 10, which saw them awarded a kitchen renovation worth $15,000 The makeover package included a full kitchen solution covering everything from the cabinetry to the tiles. Their Point Chevalier, Auckland kitchen was transformed with: Hi Gloss White […]

Richard Naish gets back to basics with a rustic red getaway shed With land becoming more expensive, are you getting more proposals for utilitarian houses on tight budgets? Not too many, actually. We tend to say no if the budget’s too small, but there was just something about this one. It wasn’t about profitability, it […]

A residential development north of Auckland provided this family with the ideal blank canvas on which to build new Nestled between Silverdale and Orewa, just north of Auckland, is a relatively new residential development and the location of this new-build owned by Joe and Lisa Byrne. The once-rural land, formerly known for its farms, orchards, […]

Take a peek inside this kitchen reno – it’s a light, bright and modern makeover that ticks every box At a glance Who lives here? Caroline Jericevich (customer manager) and Callum Bakker (project manager). Where is it? Point Chevalier, Auckland. Lived here since… April 2015. How long did the makeover take? Ten days all up, including demolishing […]

An old bach and a new home live in harmony, all set up for family gatherings and a laid-back lifestyle Nestled in a rural outpost on the Tauranga Harbour, Rae and John Buchanan’s Ongare Point home is flanked by a pohutukawa-lined reserve and a row of modest baches, with grandstand views of Matakana Island. In […]

In the market for a new bathroom? This Moroccan-style sanctuary might be the perfect style for your personality Bathrooms should be functional, but that doesn’t mean they need to be boring. Your bathroom should be a space you love spending time in, so if you have a penchant for prints and patterns, get creative and personalise the space. […]

Callum and Caroline won a kitchen renovation with Mitre 10 and the help of a stylist to choose fixtures and fittings. The result? A light, bright and modern makeover that ticks every box Who lives here? Caroline Jericevich (customer manager) and Callum Bakker (project manager). Where is it? Point Chevalier, Auckland. Lived here… Since April 2015. How long did the […]

A newly renovated city high-rise makes a glamorous setting for a family gathering this festive season Who lives here? Marian Tolich (real estate auctioneer). Marian, how do you spend Christmas day? We usually attend mass on Christmas Eve and have a fairly relaxed Christmas Day. My three children and their families have lunch with their […]

Grey granite wall tiles are the design star of this bathroom, creating a look that’s functional and restful yet sleek and sophisticated If you like urban style, consider a design with an industrial edge that’s still practical for family living. The beauty of this style is its versatility; it has an elegance that suits a […]

When a little state house is kitted out with a modern addition, it’s a yin and yang arrangement that suits this young family perfectly Who lives here?  Gus Roberts (executive creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi), Victoria Roberts (marketing mum), Louie, Isla, Izzy and Tiggy the cat. What did they do? Doubled the size of […]

When Jodelle Clark and husband Geoff were about to move into the homestead of their Southland dairy farm they were unsure whether to demolish the house and build new, or extend the original building and modernise it. Geoff had grown up in this house built by his grandparents in Hokonui, near Winton, and surrounded by […]

A residential development north of Auckland provided this family with the ideal blank canvas on which to build new Who lives here? Joe Byrne (property developer at Byrne Homes), Lisa Byrne (graphic designer at Bright Creative), Sophie, Jack and Molly the dog. Lisa, what advice do you have when it comes to being colour confident? […]

This 1910 Wellington home underwent a total renovation and now has a brand new front facade with major street appeal Snapshot Who lives here? Janet Hunt (manager Wesley Gardens Boutique Bed and Breakfast) and Dennis Hunt (engineer). Where is it? Kelburn, Wellington. Lived here for… Five years. Janet, Which rooms have you renovated? All rooms. […]

Christmas at this stylish family home is about a fresh, clean, natural look – and plenty of little traditions to keep Santa happy Who lives here? Mel Holt (co-founder and floral stylist at Bloom Social and social media manager for Freedom), Darryl Holt (business sales manager at OI Glass and jack-of-all-trades at Bloom Social) and […]

This quirky, colour-drenched home is the perfect backdrop for a fabulously festive Christmas From the street this home is fairly unremarkable. The pretty, turn-of-the-century villa painted in Resene ‘Half Villa White’ isn’t too dissimilar to many other homes on the street. However, it’s the front door, painted bright pink (Porter’s Paints ‘Carnevale’) and bearing a […]

This two-year-old’s room has an aviation theme and just the right amount of colour Whose room is this? Charlie, 2. Who created this scheme? Mum Ana Dermer (owner of graphic design business Woolly Lemon Creative and photographer). Where is it? Pt Chevalier, Auckland. Ana, what are the key changes you made to Charlie’s room? I […]

A beautiful riot of bright hues and playful patterns takes command in this busy Hamilton home Who lives here? Angie Millar (general/accounts manager), Ryan Millar (builder), Matilda, Mack, Lulu and Poppy. Angie, what influenced the new decor? I’m drawn to fresh, modern pops of colour and pattern. I also love jewel tones especially navy, emerald, […]

This small house purchased in 2002 has been quadrupled in size and transformed into a dream home full of relaxed beach house decor. When Bernadette Cross and husband Connor purchased this property in 2002, it was a tiny brick cottage with remnants of a 1970s renovation. As their family has grown, the home has too […]

Beauty mogul Rowena Roberts’ villa is a monument to art, cosmetics and colour. What is your day job? I have a partnership with the Estée Lauder Companies and own and operate free-standing MAC stores in Britomart, Ponsonby, St Lukes and Botany, the Jo Malone London boutique in Britomart and the only free-standing Bobbi Brown store […]

Beauty mogul Rowena Roberts’ Herne Bay, Auckland villa is a monument to art, cosmetics and colour They say your home is a reflection of yourself and that saying has never been more true than in reference to Rowena Roberts. They also say home is where the heart is – another phrase that is just as […]

Despite being a new-build, this home is a nod to tradition with timeless Californian bungalow features Who lives here? Victoria Richardson (mother and interior designer), Craig Richardson (CEO), Will, 11, Charlotte, 9, and Reilly, 7. Victoria, what was your favourite room to decorate and why? The master bedroom. We’ve created a cosy sanctuary with a […]

Here is a home that blends so seamlessly into its tree-lined suburban surroundings it’s as if it has always been here.

On any sunny weekend you can bet Debbie Hardy will be working in her garden The landscape designer has created a subtropical oasis around her four-bedroom double-bay villa in Western Springs, Auckland. The house sits on almost a third of an acre (1,225 square metres) and is wrapped around a majestic oak tree – just one […]

Boutique owner Marilyn McLaughlan swapped her large designer home for a compact inner-city Auckland apartment – and she couldn’t be happier with her metropolitan move Marilyn, what is your day job? I am the designer of fashion brands Marilyn Seyb and Episode, and co-owner of Kimberleys boutiques. Describe your personal style… Dressy casual, a little […]

What to do when you have an original state-house kitchen with loads of cupboards? Make a feature of them with colour like Deb and Brian! Snapshot Who lives here? Brian Hanson (chef) and Deb Hanson (accountant), baby Max and Ajmer the cat. Where is it? Kensington, Whangarei. How long have you lived here for? Two […]

San Francisco’s most expensive new listing has hit the market, on sale for US $28,000,000 Located in the coveted area of Pacific Heights, the property has recently been restored. Built in 1901 by noted architect James Frances Dunn, the house has been transformed for the 21st century with luxury finishes and fittings. The home’s grand exterior […]

Bright colour and plenty of pattern are welcome in this Hamilton family home Angie Millar has always had a thing for colour – but despite knowing what she liked, when it came to applying it to her newly renovated Hamilton home, she needed a little guidance. Angie and husband Ryan initially rented their home, which was […]

A magnificent New Plymouth cottage garden is filled with pastel pink and creamy roses Twelve years ago when Coleen Peri first saw the quarter-hectare New Plymouth site that was to become her garden, thoughts of romance filled her head. Not the Mills and Boon variety, though. Coleen’s vision was more botanical in nature, with the […]

A drop-dead glamorous bathroom and ensuite fit for a movie star Snapshot Who lives here? Jo Clelland (hair and makeup artist and mum), Mat Vermeulen (MD of Ceva Logistics),  Mila. Location Grey Lynn, Auckland. Jo, How long have you lived here? We bought the house a year ago, to renovate. We only got half way through the project […]

A small inner-city garden is redesigned for modern living with built-in seating and walls of fragrant greenery for privacy Finding a newly renovated house in inner-city Auckland six years ago couldn’t have come at a better time for Claire Foggo and husband Damon Green. Both were working full time with a baby on the way, […]

Fiona Hugues creates a magical Kiwi Christmas at her Whitford farmhouse, surrounded by family, friends, and a collection of loveable animals.

Renowned rugby union player Israel Dagg and his wife, The Rugby Pantry co-author Daisy, have settled in Christchurch in a Golden Homes house that’s anything but cookie-cutter Who Lives Here? Daisy Dagg (interior designer, Daisy Chain Interiors, founder and contributor to food blog The Rugby Pantry), Israel Dagg (plays for the Canterbury Crusaders) with Melo, their […]

Summer days are for entertaining guests alfresco, and what better way to do it than with an outdoor kitchen The rise of the outdoor kitchen Outdoor kitchens became part of modern home design by stealth. First, there was the humble barbecue, then came the fire pit to cosy up cool evenings, then the outdoor gourmet […]

What was once a disaster zone is now a subtropical garden with a succession of show-stopping sculptures   For a landscape project to work, both client and designer must be on the same page. When Nigel Cameron was selected by Shelley Attwood to redesign her Auckland garden, it was a shared love of sculpture that […]

It’s possible to give a shared bedroom an individual feel using cool and contemporary paint effects Designing for two Decorating a shared children’s room can be tricky, as the occupants are bound to have different ideas about how it should look. Search for some common ground between the two – a theme, colour or object […]

Christmas at this gorgeous Dunedin villa is a cool, crisp, pine-scented affair like a Norwegian wood in winter In a nutshell Who lives here? Sandy Cubitt (interior designer and owner of Moi on George), Allan Cubitt (consultant), Annabelle, 16, and Judge the Scottish terrier. Sandy, what’s on your Christmas Day menu? I always bake a […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Smart homes’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today Smart modern homes are more than just clever – they’re beautiful too. Like Wendy Shacklock’s Te Kohanga, these international examples are intelligent responses to difficult […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Eco-friendly’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today If you’re thinking about building, buying or renovating use the ANZ home loan calculator to work out how you can achieve it. Visit anz.co.nz/homeloans for more information.

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Small Homes’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. For a house to be considered ‘luxurious’ it often needs to have a sizeable floor plan, square metres to spare and a hefty price tag. […]

An interior designer who cleverly combines colour in creative and contrasting ways is transforming the world around her An interior designer and stylist, Alex Weston often buys pieces for customers but concedes she is her own best client. Prior to moving into their 1940s brick bungalow, Alex and Connell chose to paint the interior white, […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live under the theme of ‘Personalisation’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today Personalising a house is about more than switching up the furniture and going in for a new coat of new paint. It’s about shaping your home around the things […]

Take a tour of the ultimate party pad in Epsom, Auckland, where styling guru Alanna ‘the Planner’ Haysmith has set the scene for a festive celebration Style secrets Who styled this home? Alanna ‘the Planner’ Haysmith, who owns Entertaining, an event management, design and hire company, and Lisa Courtney, who owns The Pretty Baker, an […]

Although Dee and James were both once city slickers their last three properties have been in the country. They bought their Coatesville house five years ago to be closer to James’ business and couldn’t be happier.

With just one glance out of the living room window, every day feels like a holiday for Annette Fraser. Perched high upon a hill overlooking the Noosa Heads on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, Fraser’s home has a view that stretches across a canopy of rainforest out to the headlands and ocean beyond. A change was exactly […]

Ornate bathrooms are elegant, delicate and more than a little bit fun – think beautiful boudoir rather than minimalist space. Use intricate detailing on cabinets and mirrors and a soft colour palette to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Careful combinations of textures and patterns on walls, tiles and floors will tie the look together. […]

Bathrooms have evolved from functional pitstops into serene sanctuaries in which to relax and recuperate. Here’s how to make your bathroom all the more blissful.

When it came to renovating her own home, New Zealand-born London-based interior designer Ana Foster-Adams embraced England’s past. Interior designer Ana Foster-Adams whetted her appetite for colour and pattern at her first job, on the showroom floor of Mokum Textiles in Auckland. She spent every spare cent on European interiors magazines, pouring over the creative […]

A flair for Scandinavian design and a love of white are behind this stunningly modern villa renovation. From the outside, Tony and Agge Burt’s 1908 villa bears the ornate hallmarks of its Colonial design. But step beyond the heritage-protected façade and you’re transported to modern-day Sweden. Through the wide hallway with its whitewashed American oak […]

An innovative bungalow redesign results in a modern home that’s light on energy but big on family. There’s nothing like a challenge to motivate innovative architects, but when it’s your mum throwing down the gauntlet the project takes on a whole new dimension. Two years ago Wellington architect William Giesen of Bonnifait + Giesen, was […]

A flair for Scandinavian design and a love of white are behind this stunningly modern villa renovation Scandinavian-inspired villa renovation in Parnell From the outside, Tony and Agge Burt’s 1908 villa bears the ornate hallmarks of its Colonial design. But step beyond the heritage-protected façade and you’re transported to modern-day Sweden. Through the wide hallway […]

Luxury bathrooms aim to recreate the spa experience in the comfort of your own home. The look revolves around large statement spa baths, free-standing basins and expansive windows to saturate the room in sunlight. Natural materials such as wood and stone coupled with raw metals create a tactile feel. Keeping clutter out of sight and […]

This fun, colourful family bach shows how you can create a great summer space at home. 8 secrets to creating a fun summer entertaining space 1 Inside out When colour and style from inside is carried outdoors your entire living space will look cohesive. Continue the same style of furniture and accessories from indoors onto […]

A couple give a stylish edge to their family home near the beach. Words by: Catherine Steel Photography by: Todd Eyre

An interior designer who cleverly combines colour in creative and contrasting ways is transforming the world around her. In an alcove at the end of the hall, chairs by Scandinavian designer Hans Wegner are covered in a geometric Orla Kiely print. Cushion covers are reinvented Japanese napkins. The artwork is by Australian artist Miranda Skoczek. […]

Clean contours and bold shapes characterise modern bathroom design. Choose a back-to-wall toilet and wall-hung vanities for uninterrupted lines. Simple colour schemes work best in minimalist bathrooms with sparse furnishings. Using white gloss tiles and mirrors in smaller rooms will help reflect light and create the illusion of space, while carefully placed power points inside […]

A change of circumstances led this island holiday home to become a permanent retreat. The boat house: Holiday home turned permanent retreat By rights, the Captain’s Cabin should have been out of Louise Pollard’s life years ago. It was never intended as a holiday house and certainly never as a permanent residence. “We thought we would […]

A 1940s-built Swedish summerhouse is elegantly updated with a bold Frida Kahlo colour palette. After aeons spent dreaming about their future home, Jessica Folcker and Daniel Heckscher finally found it in Algo in the Stockholm archipelago, a cluster of 30,000 islands in Sweden’s Baltic Sea. The house was designed by Swedish architect Tore Axén in […]

Garden photographer Jane Dove Juneau is ready to share her own oasis Who lives here? Jane Dove Juneau (photographer), Rick Riccitelli (mathematics and music tutor/mentor). Jane, what other things do you do in your spare time besides gardening? We go away for trips in summer so it is hard to keep up with the garden […]

In this thoughtfully planned Manawatu home built for a large family, every inch is used every day – yet there’s space for all Many designers use their own homes and gardens as places to try out new ideas, materials and products. Interior designer Belinda Woolford is no exception. The Palmerston North house she shares with […]

A design-savvy homeowner reinvented a rundown property into a family home in a six-week intensive makeover Tom Williams is used to working to tight deadlines to create cool interiors. It’s what he does as part of his job for Juicy Design. When it came to creating a home that would one day be suitable for […]

The kitset or modular bach is not a new concept in New Zealand but in recent years we’ve garnered international acclaim for our innovative work in this area Bachkit In 2000 Architect André Hodgskin came up with his pioneering Bachkit contemporary prefab pavilions. His latest take on the idea is iPAD, a minimalist kitset holiday […]

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 […]