A passion for international interiors and a love of entertaining shaped the style of this soulful seafront abode Walking around Sarah Kee’s home in Point Chevalier, Auckland, it’s clear she has exquisite taste. In most of the rooms you’ll find artworks, sculptures and artisanal furniture, each with a story to tell. But open the door […]

Before you surrender to your regular wash-dry-fold cycle, try some of these smart laundry solutions. They may just save you time and effort The battle of the washing pile is a war that is being waged in households across the country. Although these never-ending loads of laundry may feel like an evitable part of being […]

  Replacing the kitchen in this mid-century West Auckland home was all about balancing period detail with practicality Meet + greet Kristina Rapley, 32 (editor of Your Home & Garden, on maternity leave), Ashton Lines-Sherwood, 32 (Starleaton NZ country manager), and Tallulah, 1 month, plus Blue the Lab and Bell Belles the cat. Tell us about […]

Enlisting the help of a kitchen designer made all the difference for this family, who got their ideal bespoke space Budget $10,000 Total spend $17,000 Time frame 3 months What was wrong with your original kitchen? Sarah Ashton: Our kitchen was very small and stuck at the end of the house. I had a water […]

Rather than upsizing their small family home, this couple has made it work extra hard, squeezing a workspace, a film studio and plenty of play within its walls Meet + greet Julie Stuart, 35 (blogger), Matthew Stuart, 36 (design engineer), Harvey, 5, and Piper, 3. Julie’s tips for living in a small home Add plants […]

This beautiful, yet robust, family home in Nelson is built for maximum sun, catching rays all day long from its lofty spot Meet + greet Brooke Strang, 37 (owner and fashion designer for Wanoa Four), Andrew Strang, 40 (businessman), Milahn, 10, Harlin, 7, and Lenox, 4, plus puppy Koura. Honesty box Best lesson learned during […]

An untamed farm and basic barn house looking out towards Waihi Beach was the ideal project for this handy family. See the before and afters below Meet + greet Kate Clay, 42 (interior designer), Brent Clay, 49 (licensed building practitioner), Stella, 17, Riley, 8, and Tex, 7. Honesty box What did you do yourselves? And […]

This elegantly designed Hamilton home wraps around a lush gully of native bush and boasts almost seamless connections to its outdoor spaces Meet + Greet Katie and Matt Williams, (owners of a painting and decorating company), Boh, 11, Lola, 9, Rocco, 6, plus Margaux the French bulldog As our families grow, most of us look […]

This candy-coloured home makes you smile whether you’re inside or out Meet & Greet: Emma O’Meara (interior stylist), Simon O’Meara (plumber), Leni, 11, and Ginger, 8, plus Frankie the Labrador. Honesty box: What’s your top tip when building or renovating? Emma: “It’s so important to always ask questions, even if you think they sound silly. […]

A 1990s kitchen was updated with chic black-and-white finishes and given a new, family-friendly layout Budget $45,000 Total spend $48,000 Time frame 3 weeks What was wrong with your original kitchen? Sarah Lee: The big thing we didn’t like about the original layout was that the gas hob was in the middle of the island, […]

A two-toned cabinet design combined with a hand-poured concrete benchtop give this kitchen a stylish X-factor Budget $22,000 Total spend $26,000 Time frame 4 months What was wrong with the old kitchen? Bridget Yeoman: It had a dated look and layout, poor use of space, and the appliances didn’t fit in the cabinets. The surface […]

A little digger and some clever ideas have produced a magical tropical garden with year-round colour and the cutest morning coffee spot When the scale of a landscaping project is too big to handle, it makes sense to call in the professionals. That’s what Helen Dewsnap and Geoff Watson did when they decided to revamp […]

Rather than upsizing their small home, this family have made it work extra hard, squeezing a workspace, a film studio and plenty of play within its walls If you’re puzzling over why this house in the Auckland suburb of Birkdale – and the cute little kids running around in it – looks strangely familiar, you’re […]

It’s the heart of the home, so make sure it’s a space that’s suited to your family’s lifestyle. Here are five ways to customise your kitchen You’ve heard it before, but it doesn’t make it any less true; the kitchen is the heart of the home. This may be especially true for Kiwis. With a […]

This cost-conscious couple designed, built and decorated an open-plan kitchen themselves using kitset cupboards Budget $15,000 Total spend $14,000 Time frame 3 months What was wrong with your original kitchen? Sophie Cocks: It received no sunlight, it was very small, the old lino was dated and peeling back, the cupboards wouldn’t close properly and there […]

Ten years of hard work by this green-fingered gardener and her handy husband have transformed an empty Marlborough paddock into an abundant and blooming garden fit for a king – and hordes of garden-loving visitors It’s considered a great honour to have your garden selected for Garden Marlborough, a renowned garden tour that has taken […]

  A plan to bring more light into this kitchen transformed it into a brighter, more open space with minimal change to the layout Budget Up to $8000 (not including joinery for back door) Total spend $6000 Time frame 5 weeks What was wrong with your original kitchen? Jamie Durrant: The cork tiles were old and […]

An untamed farm and basic barn house looking out towards Waihi Beach was the ideal project for this handy family Interior designer Kate Clay, her builder husband Brent, and various other family members combined their talents to give an ugly duckling the swan treatment in the hills above Waihi Beach. Where did you move from? […]

A crafty couple freshened up the kitchen of their art deco home using a little bit of paint and vinyl – and lot of ingenuity Kitchen renovation budget: $2000 Total spend: $1500 Time frame: 1 month What was wrong with your original kitchen? Maiko Nagao: The benchtop was brown Formica and the space was too […]

This beautiful, yet robust, family home in Nelson is built for maximum sun, catching rays all day long from its lofty spot Brooke and Andrew Strang’s home is maximised for sunlight. They do live in Nelson after all, a city renowned for being one of the sunniest places in New Zealand – and the house […]

With French wallpaper and matching curtains bringing every room to life, this stately Remuera villa is an ode to sumptuous European design Gliding through a black sea by the light of the golden moon, sampans of a fishing village sail past traditional pagodas and floating gardens, full of oriental flora. While it seems an idyllic […]

A mother-daughter interior design duo elegantly elevates an iconic Auckland apartment at The Pines Sharing the site of some of Auckland’s first pine trees stands one of the country’s original residential high-rises. As strong in stature as a grand evergreen, the 10-storey ivory apartment building, affectionately named The Pines, has overlooked its private parkland for […]

Discover how this kitchen’s dramatic art-deco inspired design was made possible thanks to thoughtful planning and clever storage Every good kitchen designer knows great design is all about form and function. So, when this homeowner approached Joanne Godding of Bespoke Kitchens about transforming her small, cramped kitchen Joanne knew exactly what she needed to do. […]

Some deft tweaks and a new colour scheme saw this previously dingy mid-century home in Titirangi become a classic natural beauty Meet + greet Jane Smith, 37 (public policy researcher), Bryan Smith, 38 (data scientist), Edmund, 6, Lizzie, 4, and Charlie, 1. Problems & solutions Problem: The galley kitchen was dark and dated Solution: Removing […]

Take a tour inside this fabulous Hawkes Bay Art Deco homestead where rooms are named and styled after 1930s icons Meet + greet Emma Hadden, 43 (co-manages Meadowood with Colin), Colin Hadden, 52 (horticulturist), Ivy, 4, and Ross, 3 months, plus black Labrador Kai and cat Inca. Honesty box What do you love about this […]

Garden editor, Carol Bucknell, tells us about her own garden and shares her top five plants every beginner gardener should consider YH&G gardens editor Carol Bucknell has been with us since 1994, when ruched blinds, bullnose benchtops and coloured windows were all the rage. We asked her how she became a gardening guru and how […]

Smoke stained walls, holes in the floor and no kitchen didn’t discourage Jess Britten and Warren Durling from seeing what Ponsonby’s old Masonic hall could be: their future family home For the first of our series INSIDE, Jess Britten from Hall We Need takes us inside her stylishly renovated home: Ponsonby’s old Masonic Hall “It […]

A nose for a good deal combined with DIY skills has given this couple’s New Plymouth new-build plenty of soul — without breaking the bank Meet + greet Jane Murray, 37 (stay-at-home mum), Marc Murray, 37 (engineer), Arlo, 6, and Herbie, 3, plus Buddy the Labrador. If there were a crown for New Zealand’s Best Bargain […]

This chic mum-of-two took from the colours and textures of her childhood to create an apartment home that fuses Scandi style with personal touches Meet + greet Margrete Berri, 33 (designer at Nué Group) with her husband and their two children. Margrete’s style insights The colours on the living room walls are something I often […]

Some deft tweaks and a new colour scheme saw this previously dingy mid-century home become a classic natural beauty Background When Jane and Bryan Smith’s family of four began to outgrow their bungalow in the Auckland suburb of New Lynn, they set their sights on Titirangi, a bushclad suburb further west in the foothills of […]

They call it The Can House – a compact family home built inside a ’can’ or shipping container lined with warm plywood, clever storage and ingenious ideas At first glance this shipping container house across the harbour from Wellington city looks like it could be made of Lego. But up close it is a mix […]

With a close eye on the budget, this Auckland couple have transformed a compact 1970s do-up into a light, bright and inviting home It took patience and commitment to renovate their home almost entirely by themselves, but Toni and Dane Gale made it work by tackling one room at a time. Although they didn’t make […]

This black-clad home makes a bold statement on the outside, but inside it’s warm, welcoming and designed to create the ultimate Kiwi childhood It’s not unusual for strangers to drive up Celene Busher-Nepia and Darnell Nepia’s north Auckland driveway to knock on the door and pepper them with questions about their big, black, steel-clad home. […]

This chic mum-of-two took from the colours and textures of her childhood to create a home that fuses Scandi style with personal touches Before designer Margrete Berri and her family moved into their small white house in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, it had been a horse stable, workspace and photo studio, so they knew it would take […]

A nose for a good deal combined with DIY skills has given this couple’s New Plymouth new-build plenty of soul — without breaking the bank If there were a crown for New Zealand’s Best Bargain Hunter, it would belong on Jane Murray’s head. Not only is this stay-at-home mum an expert at upcycling and recycling, […]

Would you like to stay in the Amelia Earhart room, or the Fred and Ginger room? Take a tour inside this fabulous Hawkes Bay Art Deco homestead Sometimes even the best-laid plans have to move aside for what some call ‘fate’, and others ‘good luck’. When Colin and Emma Hadden moved from Ireland to Hawke’s […]

This mid-century home’s garden was overdue for a modern update. Landscape designer Ben Shearer found inspiration in the geometric shapes and concrete elements of the original house – as well as the needs of two adventurous kids How to create a garden that would meet the needs of a young family without compromising the elegant, clean […]

Laundries that are relegated to the garage sometimes miss out on receiving the same stylish treatment as the house. This one proves you can still have a chic, all-white laundry in this normally messy space. Meet + greet Nick Bosanac, 38 (builder and co-owner of Nick Bosanac Builders, and comedian), Kylie Bosanac, 37 (co-owner and office […]

We explore the tranquil Herne Bay home of the fashion designer and co-founder of Loobie’s Story, as she reflects on the trajectory of her business and shares her love of travel A truly personal home reveals a great deal about its occupants, and Laurinda Sutcliffe’s peaceful Herne Bay abode is awash with mementos from trips […]

Big enough for a family but small enough to put on the back of a truck, this box-shaped 90-square-metre home in Otago has given its creators the simple life they’d longed for Meet + greet Sophie Brash, 30 (stay-at-home mum and trained occupational therapist), Callan Brash, 29 (project manager), India, 4, and Marley, 1, plus […]

After an extensive arson attack left their house damaged, this resilient family have completely re-built. Take a look at their new, stylish laundry below Meet + greet Donna Grigor, 45 (approx!), owner of Grigor Construction, which works with Golden Homes building new homes in Franklin, Manukau, Pukekohe, Waiuku, Papakura and Beachlands. Why have you installed […]

Owners of a very stylish tiny home on Waiheke share their hard-earnt new-build tips and what they’d never do again. Take a tour of this home below Meet + greet Willem van den Bergh, 38 (architectural designer), Kate van den Bergh, 36 (designer and mum), and Leo, 5 months, plus Alba the cat. New-build tips: […]

A titchy townhouse on the edge of Christchurch’s CBD presented a challenge for a couple who aren’t exactly minimalists – but they didn’t let it cramp their style Meet + greet Leigh Aston, 41 (engagement and performance manager), and Cory Hogben, 42 (leading hand), plus dogs Mojo and Morris. Honesty box What’s your best advice […]

Past winners of The Block NZ, Alice and Caleb Pearson’s latest project saw them turn a century-old Alexandra cottage into a modern family home. They share their top tips on renovating for resale Meet + greet Caleb Pearson, 32, Alice Pearson, 31 (directors of renovation company Pearson + Projects), Alek, 4, and Mika, 2. Problems […]

With its herringbone oak benchtop, white hexagon tiles and bagged-brick splashback, this laundry is anything but ordinary. Take a look below Meet + greet Philly Lyus, 37 (interior designer at Philly Lyus Design and DMI Homestagers), Nick Lyus, 38 (real estate agent), Harry, 10, George, 7, and Sofia, 5, plus Vader the pooch. Why have […]

After a decade-long planning process, this sustainably-minded couple finally built their dream family home amid the rolling hills of the Waikato Meet + Greet Rachael and Kip Matterson, sons Seb, William and Nate, plus Winston the dog and Arty the cat. After completing a traditional villa renovation in Auckland in 2001, Rachael and Kip Matterson […]

A titchy townhouse on the edge of Christchurch’s CBD presented a challenge for a couple who aren’t exactly minimalists – but they didn’t let it cramp their style For Leigh Aston and Cory Hogben, there’s only been one downside to living in a petite 70-square-metre townhouse: “There’s a limit to the amount of renovation and […]

By using multifunctional furniture, clever design and a seriously sweet colour palette, this homeowner has created a cosy sitting room that connects with her kitchen while remaining stylistically distinct Meet + greet Anitta Behrendt (photographer), Daniel Lohmann (senior trader), Ingeborg, 14, Virgil, 10, and Nola, 2. When Anitta Behrendt and partner Daniel Lohmann moved into […]

Big enough for a family but small enough to put on the back of a truck, this box-shaped 90-square-metre home in Otago has given its creators the simple life they’d longed for When kids come along couples usually start looking around for a bigger home to cope with all the toys, books and bikes, not […]

A small space renovation gave this family of five a stylish cupboard laundry that met all their needs in terms of storage, bench space and functionality Meet + greet Becky Lewis, 38 (full-time mum with a background in interior design), Greg Lewis, 40 (national engineering manager), Levi, 9, Finn, 7, and Indiana, 3. Why have you […]

This creative couple have downsized and decluttered in a bid to simplify their busy lives – and prepare for a new arrival. See more of their stylish tiny home below Kate and Willem van den Bergh were a year into their married life and knew one thing for sure: something had to give. Paying rent […]

These homeowners share the top tips they learnt during their renovation and what they’d do differently next time Meet + greet Steve Job, 44 (head of engineering for an IT company), Kirsty Job, 40 (psychology student), Ellie, 8, Pippa, 5, and Cooper, 1, plus Sammie the Border terrier. Kirsty’s renovation tips Get a landscaping company […]

Open plan living has changed the dynamics of family life and how we entertain. Here’s what you need to consider when creating a functional, integrated kitchen

Vintage finds at flea markets and online have been cleverly mingled with chain-store decor and designer pieces in this one-off home Who lives here? Vivi Bang (stylist and interior decorator at Wise Interior), Christian Korsgaard (architect) and their two daughters. Vivi and her architect partner, Christian Korsgaard, have created a home that has retained a […]

Full-time renovators (and past winners of The Block NZ) Alice and Caleb Pearson’s latest project is turning a century-old Alexandra cottage into a modern family home 1. Background With nine residential renovations under their belts, Alice and Caleb Pearson – who won The Block NZ in 2013 – are no strangers to the world of […]

A lifetime of travel, laughter and love was channelled into this new home, which was the realisation of a lifelong dream for a busy city dweller When chartered accountant Cherise Barrie decided to build herself a weekend home in Matakana, north of Auckland, she knew exactly what she wanted – a home that would reflect […]

Disappointed with the lack of wedding options near them, this couple jumped at the chance to transform Port Molyneux school in South Otago into the ultimate venue and accommodation Who lives here? Jade McNab, 41 (owner of Port Molyneux School wedding venue), Lyndon McNab, 32 (farmer), Archie, 8, Marla, 5, and Hollie, 2. Problems & […]

Thanks to a little trial and error, this clever homeowner created a kitchen with natural textures and a palette of earthy greens that carry through the rest of the house Meet + greet Hayley George, 46 (English teacher), Zane George, 46 (banker), Moby, 15, Mabel, 13, and Emerson, 9. Design “I have a Harry & […]

Having your very own ensuite doesn’t have to be a pipe dream, here are the three key ways to design a bathroom on a budget 3 ways to design an ensuite you can actually afford When it comes to the number one thing people would add to their homes, having an ensuite is at the […]

When it comes to creating a cosy and relaxing home, Eleanor Ozich loves to use essential oils. She shares how to easily make your own unique blends at home When it comes to creating a cosy and relaxing home, I love to use essential oils as a way to enhance our environment and, by extension, […]

Longing for an outdoor space that reminded him of Mauritius, this Auckland man found the perfect collaborator in fellow Mauritian Arnaud Daurat, who designed a garden with its heart in the Indian Ocean and its roots in the Pacific When Michel Adolphe wanted to revamp the outdoor living areas of his Castor Bay home on […]

Inspired by her style icons, the Auckland home of Soho Wines founder Rachael Carter brings designer luxury to life The best spot to savour a glass of wine in Rachael Carter’s Herne Bay home is the upstairs lounge. Overlooking Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour and the iconic pink Chelsea Sugar Factory, the sunroom is complete with an […]

They wanted a first house with potential, but found a home that would journey with them through marriage, parenthood and a decade of reno The real estate ad may as well have read: “1960s home for sale in Swanson, Auckland; only one previous owner. Two bedrooms, six types of mismatched flooring and lashings of yellow, […]

A tiny apartment uses unexpected colour combinations in moody hues to maximum effect, with each acting as a frame for the next It just felt right when we saw the apartment for the first time,” says Vivi Bang, stylist and interior designer, referring to her Copenhagen home. “Even though there wasn’t a bathroom, the kitchen […]

Only one wall and some flooring survived this heroic renovation in Mt Maunganui which turned a notorious eyesore into an airy home full of thoughtful spaces the whole family can enjoy Most home buyers have a detailed list of criteria to tick off before they choose their next abode. However, Christchurch natives Hayley and Zane […]

Connection is key in this modern kitchen in Remuera, designed by Shane George. See how they achieved this sleek, clean look below Designed to cater for a busy family, a beautifully proportioned modern kitchen played a pivotal role in the major renovation of this large bungalow in the Auckland suburb of Remuera. The owners’ brief […]

Converting a South Otago school and principal’s cottage into a wedding venue and guest accommodation was a passion project for this creative expat When British expat Jade McNab and her Kiwi husband, Lyndon, got married in 2012, they were disappointed with the lack of wedding venues near their home in the remote, windswept Catlins in […]

This couple razed their Hauraki house to its foundations and built a new Scandi-style family home in its place On a hot summer’s day you can practically smell the sea from Kirsty and Steve Job’s home in Hauraki, Auckland. Its proximity to Takapuna Beach was a major drawcard when they bought the property in 2009, […]

Alan and Georgina Judd make the most of both sunshine and scenery in this well-insulated Rotorua home British couple Alan and Georgina (George) Judd moved to New Zealand in 2011 and ran a bed and breakfast for seven years before embarking on a new build in Hamurana, Rotorua. It was not only an opportunity for […]

For the owners of this sprawling Taranaki holiday home, comfort – not least that of their many house guests – is paramount. We meet the interior designer who has helped them realise their vision in magnificent style In his early 20s, Michael Mansvelt worked at Britain’s largest privately owned home. His job was to look […]

For this seasoned Blenheim gardener, a brand-new patch was an opportunity to create a potager garden that nourishes the body and delights the eye.

Interior designer Emma Brown shares her top tips on how to be brave with colour and why she chose a pink front door. See more of her beautiful home below Meet + greet Emma Brown, 34 (owner of Emma Brown Design), Sophie, 15, Jack, 12, and Charlotte, 9, plus Kitty Kat the cat. Emma’s tips […]

‘Ingenious’ and ‘Undaunted’ could be the middle names of these first-home owners who worked wonders on their little Birkdale brick beauty with just $12,000 Meet + greet Maiko Nagao Irvine, 35 (artist and creative director at maikonagao.com), Mike Irvine, 36 (electrical apprentice and former primary school teacher), and Kaito, 3. Problems & solutions Previous renos had led […]

Hopping straight from one new-build to another has given this family an instant upgrade and the chance to experiment with finishes Meet + greet Shaye Woolford, 33 (owner of On My Hand floral design studio), Blair Woolford, 39 (general manager of sales), Hunter, 10, and George, 8, plus Benoit the dog and Willow the cat. […]

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

This family beach-house kitchen was in dire need of a modern update, and a Kaboodle kitchen proved to be the perfect solution Who lives here? Pat, 58 (architect), Lynette, 56 (office administrator), Joseph, 27 (IT professional), plus Stella the miniature schnauzer. When did you purchase your home? What did you like about it? Pat: We purchased […]

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

‘Ingenious’ and ‘Undaunted’ could be the middle names of these first-home owners who worked wonders on their little Birkdale brick beauty with just $12,000 Background How many times have you driven past a beautiful house and dreamed it could be yours? Many of us harbour house crushes for years, but only a few can boast […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By using plants instead of fences to define their property, this couple ended up with lush green spaces and a sense of privacy – all on a small section in urban Auckland Borrowing views of the surrounding landscape is an age-old design trick traditionally used in Japanese gardens that is now a feature of many […]

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

YH&G editor Kristina Rapley reveals the results of her epic bathroom renovation with Mico Bathrooms – a beautiful blue-green retreat with brass details Meet + greet Kristina Rapley, 32 (editor of Your Home & Garden), and Ashton Lines-Sherwood, 32 (country manager, Starleaton NZ), plus Blue the chocolate Lab and Bell Belles the cat. What didn’t […]

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

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

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

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

From old and tired to bold and contemporary. Here’s how a kitchen that was on its last legs got a new lease on life There were a lot of things wrong with this kitchen in its original state. The wall colour was “unappealing”, the fridge too small and the space was inefficient for a busy family […]

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

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

Carved out of a blustery, salt-licked site by a couple and their obliging teenagers, this lush garden is still drawing the clan together years later – along with hordes of admirers They say gardening is a great way to connect with family. This is certainly true in the case of Jenny and Guy Oakley whose […]

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