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

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

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

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 […]

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, […]

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

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 […]

Alex and Matt went from an all-white house to a home with all-black walls. Here they share their top tips for those considering a similar darker look Meet + Greet Alex Hutchings, 28, Matt Calder, 30 (owners of design agency Alex + Matt Creative), India, 4, and Sienna, 2, plus Sam the Burmese cat and Ollie […]

From restored antiques to enchanting textiles, this immaculate home in St Heliers, Auckland, is a treasure trove of special finds There’s evidence of tender, loving care in every corner of this St Heliers, Auckland, home – from the animal statuettes standing proudly on a field of gold cabinets to the mix of original and newly […]

The tiny home trend is taking off and for this couple, living on a small scale gave them the chance to design their dream home The tiny house trend has taken off in recent years, and there are now little homes popping up all over New Zealand, alongside many others making the shift towards a […]

This sweet, nature-inspired nursery is just one part of this couple’s renovation and subdivision project in Auckland’s Mt Wellington Snapshot Who lives here? Rachel Barthow, 31 (social worker and design student), Matthew Barthow, 34 (television programmer), and Zanthe, 7 months. Background What did you do to prepare the nursery for Zanthe’s arrival? We knocked down the […]

A palette of concrete, metal and timber has produced a surprisingly warm and welcoming Scandinavian styled home, designed and built by one clever couple Sometimes, to get what you really want, you have to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. That’s what Justine and Dion van Kekem did with their stunning contemporary home […]

When space is tight, a compact laundry that utilises every nook and cranny is key. Here’s how to decide where to put yours if you have limited space Bathroom The great thing about creating a laundry area in your bathroom is that, since your laundry is already ground zero for dirty laundry (hello used towels […]

On an idyllic outcrop with stunning views of Lake Taupo, this couple built a bespoke home perfect for their way of life. Get inspired with real-life tips for your own home journey with our downloadable new-build worksheet below   We’ve all experienced that feeling of arriving at the top of a hill only to have […]

Clean white surfaces and natural timber provide the perfect backdrop for the owners of The Vintage Shop’s love of Scandinavian design Where is the home and when did you move in? Onehunga, Auckland; mid-2016. Why did you decide to buy it? Haley: After renting for many years, we decided it was time to have a […]

Cool, quirky and customised, the owners of streetwear brand Federation have designed a home where family can come together and let their true colours shine For Jenny Joblin and Ben Dundas, their search for a home started as a long list of ideals. But that list was swiftly cut down to size by a booming […]

When space is tight, a compact laundry that utilises every nook and cranny is key. Here are our top tips to help make small laundries feel bigger Mudrooms and large laundry areas may be all the rage, but not all of us have the space for such luxuries. Compact laundries get the job done in […]

This creative couple flipped the switch on their preference for all things white, dreaming up a dark and delightful modern family home enhanced by warming accents and happy accidents You could say Matt Calder and Alex Hutchings have come a long way since they relocated and renovated a home three years ago. The couple have […]

When space is tight, a small laundry that utilises every nook and cranny is key Mudrooms and large laundry areas may be all the rage, but not all of us have the space for such luxuries. Compact laundries get the job done in a fraction of the space and are ideal for petite homes, apartments […]

Need some inspiration and a bit of guidance for your kitchen renovation? We ask an expert for his advice on the latest practical trends to help you get started During 30 years in the business, John van Doormaal from Innovative Kitchens has seen a big change in the way we use our kitchens. “It’s not […]

A house-and-land package in Auckland’s Castor Bay turned out to be perfect for this young family, who have added their personal flair to this new-build Meet + Greet Antony Ward, 37 (director of Fiveight Distribution), Paula Ward, 33 (stay-at-home mum), Jaxon, 5, and Sloane, 2, plus cats Aleh, Roko and Navy. Budget Total build cost […]

This must-have product is your cost-effective solution to creating a dream laundry space you love to be in We spend so much time in the dull cycle of washing, drying and folding laundry that it makes sense to want a well-designed space that will make you feel happy. Despite often being overlooked as just a […]

A dated 1980s cottage with views to die for was the perfect project for this clever working mum. See the before and afters below Meet + Greet Jamie Lee Loader, 31 (executive assistant and renovator), Mason, 8, and Millie, 4, plus dog Beau Honesty box What was the biggest challenge of this renovation? Finding balance […]

This U-shaped courtyard home in a densely packed part of Wellington has been blessed with a natural-looking garden that carefully edits the view Building their own home was always a dream for Wellingtonians Jess and Kris Sowersby. When the young couple found a flat, sunny section on Miramar Peninsula, in the capital’s southeast, their dream […]

A house-and-land package in Auckland’s Castor Bay turned out to be perfect for this young family, who have made their new-build feel like an established homestead When Paula and Antony Ward were looking for a house, the Auckland property market was in full swing – homes were being snapped up overnight, auctions were heated and […]

Think an all-white interior is boring? This coastal home proves white walls can be warm, welcoming and utterly unique Meet + Greet Kylie Hinds, 45 (founder of jewellery line Not Heidi), Paul Hinds, 45 (investor), Jasmine, 16, Holly, 14, and Jameson, 11, plus Diego the dog. For Kylie and Paul Hinds, creating a house they […]

Buying a run-down caravan was a spontaneous decision for this young couple, but their belief in its potential has resulted in a magical home away from home.

A dated 1980s cottage with views to die for was the perfect project for this clever working mum For most of us who live in busy cities, a ‘good view’ counts as a skinny slice of ocean (in the distance) or maybe a really nice tree. For lucky Kiwis who live in our smaller towns […]

Saving a crumbling Palmerston North villa was a labour of love for this pair of professional renovators who had a clear vision for their heritage home The McDonald family’s house dream started with a simple walk around the neighbourhood – and the courage to be a little bit cheeky. Professional renovators Rebecca (Becs) and Blair […]

Moving the kitchen into the heart of the living area made this 1920s New Plymouth home feel open and fresh. See more of this Kitchen Awards finalist below Meet + greet Heath Ashton, 35 (builder), Sarah Ashton, 32 (pharmacy technician), and Leonardo, 4, plus Isabella the dog and Lily the kitten. Key Trades/suppliers Plumber Mike Wimsett […]

The Baldwin family’s new kitchen is the heart of their modern new-build in Cromwell, Central Otago. See how this Kitchen Awards finalist uses ply and stainless steel in the best way Meet + greet Ellen Baldwin, 35 (stay-at-home mum), Shaun Baldwin, 38 (roofer), Stella, 4, Deacon and Jed, 2 and a half, plus Beth the […]

This Tauranga kitchen was a finalist in Your Home & Garden’s Kitchen Awards, in association with Blum. Read about how it achieved its fresh look on a budget Meet + greet Erica Wilson, 32 (photographer), Colin Wilson, 36 (ultrafast fibre technician), Kyla, 9, Leon, 7, and Mahli, 1, plus dogs Luna and Min. Key trades/suppliers […]

This Hastings kitchen, which was a finalist in Your Home & Garden’s Kitchen Awards in association with Blum, was designed for maximum enjoyment with friends Meet + greet Hayden Houghton, 34 (financial advisor), and Victoria Houghton, 31 (primary school teacher), plus Nala the cat. Key trades/suppliers Builder Sam & Shelley Lamborn from Dundeal Building Electrician […]