Auckland

Two self-confessed hoarders merged their lives, families and vintage furniture collections to create a modern home with a timeless feel

To add warmth to her concrete home, Valeria Carbonaro-Laws used layers of wood, patina and colour to create a modern yet rustic space Inside the Auckland home of Studio Italia owner Valeria Carbonaro-Laws Valeria Carbonaro-Laws is no stranger to high design. Owner and director at Auckland’s Studio Italia, she’s personally responsible for some of the […]

 Renovating a central Auckland cottage and transforming its concrete backyard into a mid-century oasis proved to be a six-year labour of love for one family A concrete cottage in Auckland is softened with mid-century vibes Who lives here? Andre Van Wonderen, 34 (project manager), Jolene Van Wonderen, 35 (part-time teacher aide and graphic designer), Willem, […]

Over a decade in the making, Matakana’s Sculptureum is an art, food and wine experience developed by Anthony and Sandra Grant  A sculpture garden and winery opens just outside of Matakana Near Matakana, north of Auckland, an art park more than 12 years in the making is ready to inspire.  Sculptureum sprawls over 10 hectares with three […]

A year-long renovation transformed this traditional Mt Eden villa into a contemporary and luxurious bachelor pad. Story by Debbie Harrison  Q&A with homeowner Adam Thomson and interior designer Katie Scott How did your budget compare to your actual spend? Adam: It blew out and cost double what I’d initially expected. Katie: Villas can be the […]

Thanks to extensive planning and considered material choices, this Auckland villa welcomes a new kitchen addition in a seamless merger   This Auckland villa’s kitchen blends modern style with a heritage feel Architect: Jane Priest Location: Herne Bay, Auckland Brief: A functional kitchen for a growing family, with an island that faces the pool and deck to enable children […]

Auckland’s Orakei Bay Village is the latest hotspot to visit for beautiful homeware, speciality flowers and delicious food Why you need to visit Orakei Bay Village if you love interiors A vacant waterfront warehouse and former gin distillery has been transformed into Auckland’s newest retail and hospo hub. Alongside Kings Plant Barn and specialty grocery […]

Flitting from magazine and book illustration to textile and fashion design keeps Nellie Ryan busy in her colourful home studio in Auckland Inside the creative Auckland home of illustrator Nellie Ryan Auckland illustrator and designer Nellie Ryan has a career that would be the envy of many creative types. Her client list is peppered with […]

Simply You and Resene’s day of design, fashion and beauty, Colour My Life, is coming to Auckland and Wellington. Discover how you can attend this exciting event here Secure your spot at Simply You’s exclusive fashion and beauty event Mark your calendars, Simply You and Resene’s most anticipated event of the year, Colour My Life, is […]

Discover how this home on Auckland’s North Shore has used colour and pattern to define spaces and create a bold statement  Meet and greet Sarah Sheild, co-owner of Paper Room, Chris Sheild, IT project manager, Izzy, 16, and Fletcher, 14, plus Missy the moggy. This Auckland home wasn’t afraid to go bold with pattern and […]

With a colour palette that at first appears deceptively simple, Stephanie Nielsen’s Auckland apartment is a lesson in refined style An elegant Herne Bay apartment with a subtle yet striking colour palette Stephanie Nielsen’s elegant Auckland apartment features a reductive white-on-white décor that, to the untrained eye, appears deceptively simple. Look closely and you’ll discover […]

The power of wallpaper is truly realised in this home on Auckland’s North Shore, where colour and pattern define spaces and turn walls into artworks Meet and greet Sarah Sheild, co-owner of Paper Room, Chris Sheild, IT project manager, Izzy, 16, and Fletcher, 14, plus Missy the moggy. Wallpaper takes centre stage in this home […]

Brimming with history and a sensibility from a bygone era, a grand home in central Auckland is on the hunt for a new custodian Grand 140 year old home one of Auckland’s best kept secrets Western Springs, best known for its wide, leafy streets and idyllic park, is a neighbourhood that’s played a much larger […]

This West Auckland family home is set to stand the test of time thanks to its well-functioning layout and Scandi-themed interior design  In a nutshell… Who lives here?  Kelly Wright (owner and designer at The Little Interiors Co), husband Shane (construction project manager), Tyler, and Paige, plus Brocky the Jack Russell. Style secrets Don’t be […]

This duo put their DIY skills to the test transforming their rabbit warren brick-and-tile on Auckland’s North Shore into a functional, open-plan family home  Who lives here?  Amy Rennell (project manager, Auckland Airport), Ben Rennell (commercial business manager), Isla, 3, and Poppy, 10 months, plus family pooch Jack. What were the problems with the home […]

Constraints such as ‘time’ and ‘ankle surgery’ were mere molehills for Jen Hayes, who completely overhauled her Auckland apartment in six months Jen Hayes gave her Auckland apartment a major makeover for $45,000 Who lives here? Jen Hayes, 25 (engineering student and construction manager). The project Most people complain that home renovation is a long, […]

A 1970s brick-and-tile on Auckland’s North Shore was squandering its sea views and natural light until a pair of novice DIYers set it right on a shoe-string budget Who lives here?  Amy Rennell (project manager, Auckland Airport), Ben Rennell (commercial business manager), Isla, 3, and Poppy, 10 months, plus family pooch Jack. The original home  […]

The twentieth century gave rise to some of the most enduring architectural styles, from the classic state house to art deco, modernist and postmodern homes.  This 1970s Freemans Bay home is an exercise in modern elegance The Freemans Bay area is highly sought after, minutes away from the CBD, galleries, and world class restaurants. This is a […]

In an effort to have a space of their own without the need for a massive mortgage or many possessions Shaun and Petra Pearce decided to build a tiny home – and it fits them perfectly An obsession with tiny homes, a passion for Pinterest and despair at the cost of homes in Auckland led to […]

Take a tour through the grand Auckland home of Sido Kitchin, editor-in-chief of Woman’s Day and New Zealand Woman’s Weekly This Auckland villa is the perfect union of heritage features and modern style Just over a decade ago, Sido Kitchin left the Seven Network in Melbourne where she had been publicity manager to take the […]

After over 40 years with the same owners this modernist masterpiece, tucked away in the Titirangi treetops, is looking for a new family Mid-century treasure in Titirangi is a rare slice of New Zealand history Just as villas, bungalows and state houses hold a special place in our national history so too does the slightly-harder-to-come-by […]

Joining the ‘tiny house’ movement sent this couple on a DIY journey that led them from London to an idyllic corner of Auckland’s Henderson Valley Meet and greet Jasmine Burt, 30 sustainable business consultant and Erin Allison-Maxwell, abseiling contractor. This Auckland couple had big dreams about living small You know what I think about people […]

With a love of Italian design and a penchant for furniture she’s passionate about it’s no wonder Lynley Elder’s Viaduct apartment is the epitome of modern style Lynley Elder adds modern style to her Auckland apartment A desire to “give city living a go” led interior designer Lynley Elder to her current luxury apartment in […]

A bohemian at heart, it’s no wonder Karina Macleod’s home is filled with wonderful finds from her adventures around the world Karina Macleod’s Mt Eden villa is brimming with eclectic treasures It’s not uncommon for former Treehouse furniture designer Karina MacLeod to return from holiday with her suitcases stuffed to bursting with an assortment of […]

As a graphic designer, it was only natural Jo Gray would choose the shape of an H as the footprint for her home and use her walls for bold designs Bold walls and symmetry take centre stage in this Greenhithe home It seemed only natural for graphic designer Jo Gray to choose the shape of […]

It’s not often that you’d see mid-century style, modern luxe pieces and an artisan edge work in perfect harmony, but Jodi Newnham’s home achieves this with expert precision Jodi Newnham’s home is a modern luxe dream thanks to her expert eye Auckland interior designer Jodi Newnham’s interiors exude modern luxe. With more than a passing nod […]

Former fashionista Megan Douglas was drawn to the clean lines and simplicity of a mid-century masterpiece that has stood the test of time Inside a mid-century masterpiece in Remuera that’s stood the test of time The moment Megan Douglas caught sight of the slightly wild, well-established garden at the end of a long driveway she […]

By thinking outside the cube, an inventive Auckland couple have squeezed their bare necessities into a petite 8.6-square-metre home Meet and greet Shaun Pearce, owner of I Build Solutions and Petra Pearce, climate scientist at NIWA. An 8.6-square-metre home is the perfect fit for this Auckland couple An obsession with tiny homes, a passion for […]

Battling an awkward site and a tight budget, this fledgling landscape designer has achieved the ultimate urban retreat An overgrown East Auckland garden is now an oasis filled with birds and bees When Dee McQuillan first moved into her townhouse in Auckland’s eastern suburbs she was a solo mother with two young boys. At first, […]

Designer and illustrator Evie Kemp fearlessly blends pattern, colour and texture in her work, so it comes as no surprise that her South Auckland home is full of her bold personality Meet and greet Sam Holford, doctor, and Evie Kemp, designer and illustrator, plus dogs Pebbles and Biggie and Eddie the cat. Inside the Hill […]

Expansive views and a cool Cape Cod vibe are the hallmarks of the modernised Auckland villa owned by Sido Kitchin, editor-in-chief of Woman’s Day and New Zealand Woman’s Weekly. Urban Chic: Inside the renovation of Sido Kitchin’s grand Auckland villa  Just over a decade ago, Sido Kitchin left the Seven Network in Melbourne where she […]

This Auckland family used statement wallpaper, blonde wood accents and a touch of greenery to create a modern, Scandinavian inspired new loo This Auckland loo got a Scandinavian inspired makeover Who lives here? A family in Auckland. What was the space like before? The room was basically the same size but we pushed the handbasin wall further […]

A sculptural, meticulously crafted home in Auckland’s Manurewa is the perfect place for this creative couple to display their love of art, design and colour This bold and brave home in Manurewa breaks all the rules Evie Kemp and Sam Holford’s home, nestled in a leafy suburb of South Auckland, immediately strikes the visitor as […]

A villa in serious need of TLC got a second chance when the section next door opened up. See how this family used the extra space to create their dream home Meet and greet Andrea Alston, co-owner of Two Smart Cookies, and Paul Alston, CEO of Cavalier Bremworth, Jack, 14, Charlie, 12, and Amelia, 10, […]

A new-build next to a mangrove-fringed estuary south of Auckland called for a garden that utilised native planting and textures to blend into the landscape A new-build uses native planting to blend into its mangrove surroundings Finding a spot to build a home on is tough in Auckland, so when a site with views of […]

A glass extension built beside a tired Auckland villa has transformed this family’s living space and created a home for life Meet and greet Andrea Alston, co-owner of Two Smart Cookies, and Paul Alston, CEO of Cavalier Bremworth, Jack, 14, Charlie, 12, and Amelia, 10, plus Spike the dog and Maggie the cat. Architect Tim […]

A creative duo rise to the challenge of transforming this non-compliant North Shore house into a highly stylish, above-board family home Who lives here? Greg Straight (artist and illustrator), Hannah Bancroft (owns and runs online art-print store Duett Design with Greg), Chloe, 9, and Leo, 5, plus Pebbles the cat. Background A few years ago […]

Behind the walls of this city-fringe garden, an Auckland family have created their own courtyard oasis  The secret garden The courtyard garden has been around for thousands of years, its basic enclosed form adapted through the centuries to suit the lifestyles of different generations. So it is with this contemporary courtyard garden that Claire and […]

Describe your interior style My interior style is clean lines with luxury finishes and an industrial edge, with a bit of art deco vintage glamour added to the mix. How did you choose your colour palette? Our architect had very similar ideas on aesthetics for the project and once I started to explain what I […]

Built over 100 years ago and inspired by the lidos of Britain, Auckland’s Parnell Baths are an architectural snapshot in time The historic Parnell Baths are still swimming in retro glamour  When planning a Palm Springs-inspired shoot, the Your Home and Garden team needed to find a location that evoked retro poolside glamour. Auckland’s Parnell […]

Having limited space to work with meant this Auckland couple had to be creative when renovating. Get inspired by their clever interior style A creative couple transform their Avondale home with clever, eclectic style Yuka is Japanese and came to New Zealand in 2003 to study fashion. She met Tristan O’Shannessy later that same year […]

Food writer Eleanor Ozich is avoiding the city exodus this summer to enjoy the tranquillity of home on Auckland’s scenic west coast Do you take a traditional summer holiday? We often stay at our family beach house in Waihi, but this year we’re spending the holiday season at home in Titirangi. Our place is a […]

Although they were first time renovators, this family transformed their Avondale do-up with creativity and a clever eye for detail Meet and greet Yuka O’Shannessy, owner, director and curator of An Astute Assembly, and owner and designer of fashion label Yuka&Tristan, Tristan O’Shannessy, design director at Marx Design, Hana, 10, and Monae, 8, plus Franky […]

Finding enough space to build a “small slice of Fiji” was a dream come true for this Auckland couple. Step inside their perfect city sanctuary An Auckland couple create a resort style garden in the city With inner city Auckland properties getting tinier by the minute, having enough space for a swimming pool is a […]

Although it wasn’t love at first sight, a confident DIY attitude helped this Auckland family give their tired 1970s home a relaxed, holiday vibe Meet and greet Bridie Zaloum, account manager in the fashion sector and owner of online homewares store For Home, Tony Zaloum, high-school science teacher and also working on a project for […]

Architects Jeff Fearon and Tim Hay on transforming pockets of inner city Auckland into beautiful work, dining and living spaces Fearon Hay Architects showcase Auckland’s heritage in cool new space Architects Jeff Fearon and Tim Hay started out designing sleek, luxurious homes. Their firm, Fearon Hay Architects, still creates breathtaking baubles of this ilk, but has […]

A Herne Bay home radiates resort chic through an eclectic, contemporary aesthetic and an impressive collection of international knick-knacks   Global treasures create a relaxed, resort feel at this Auckland home Former fashion designer Claire Kingan-Jones has created a relaxed feel in the Auckland home she shares with her husband and teenage sons. The former […]

Architect Eva Nash took on the project of renovating her once damp and musty Auckland home and has given it a new lease of life Renovation inspiration from a 1930s bungalow As an architect, Eva Nash’s approach to designing her own family home was no different to the way she approaches her other projects. “The […]

Homes to Love visits Franklin Road to the check out the famous lights and festivities that have been spreading Christmas cheer for over 20 years Must see: The iconic Christmas lights of Franklin Road Taking a trip to see the famous Franklin Road Lights is a must for many Auckland families at Christmas. For over 20 […]

The iconic Chambers & Station buildings have stood proudly for over 100 years, and soon a select few will be able to call these luxury spaces home Auckland’s latest luxury offering comes in a historical package For over 100 years the Chambers & Station buildings have stood as proud landmarks in the leafy Auckland suburb […]

This week’s Open Homes to Love is an oasis in the heart of Remuera – with a palm lined garden, salt water pool and the ultimate open plan living  The details Address: 142 Upland Road, Remuera, Auckland Land: 610 m2 Building: 366 m2 For more information call: Joe Telford on 021 191 7769, Debi Pratt on 021 480 […]

See Homes to Love catch up with Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and music legend Dave Dobbyn at the opening of the Franklin Road Christmas Lights Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Dave Dobbyn at Franklin Road Lights December 1 marked the official ‘switch-on’ night for the iconic Franklin Rd Christmas Lights and Homes to Love was there […]

From child’s play to family legacy; discover the special story behind this inner city Christmas tree farm that spans 76 years Meet the family behind this treasured Christmas tree farm It was, and still is, a rite of passage for Misa children to work at the Misa Christmas Tree Farm each December. The Auckland landmark […]

Claude Megson’s complex architectural style has been perfectly preserved in this Meadowbank home. Find out how his unique vision is being rediscovered  This Meadowbank home has preserved a complex architectural style Claude Megson had a fairly fearsome reputation among students at the University of Auckland’s School of Architecture. He ran the second-year design studio and his […]

A steep slope, weeds and thickets of bamboo couldn’t stop this inspired homeowner transforming her Auckland section into a Balinese-style paradise An unruly Meadowbank section became this tropical oasis Fiona Milde vividly recollects her first impressions of the property she bought four years ago in Kohimarama in Auckland’s Eastern Bays. “Ghastly. My father, who was […]

The new Hobsonville Point housing development on a former New Zealand Air Force base offers new insight into how Auckland’s urban landscape is evolving A closer look at Hobsonville Point – Auckland’s newest suburb With urban house prices – especially in Auckland – making central-city living unachievable for many, house-buyers are turning their attention to […]

A stylish renovation saw this home in Meadowbank, Auckland, swap dated peach walls and green vinyl benchtops for a fresh, modern scheme. Story by Debbie Harrison Who lives here?  Jen Morrison (graphic designer), Ben Morrison (lawyer), Mia, 7, Franklin, 5, and Alistair, 4. The background Jen, what did your home look like before? It was a […]

Why go on holiday when your garden – in busy old Auckland – is a Balinese retreat built to capture all-day sun? A lush Balinese-style garden hidden in an Auckland backyard Fiona Milde vividly recollects her first impressions of the property she bought four years ago in Kohimarama in Auckland’s Eastern Bays. “Ghastly. My father, […]

Auckland is on the path to higher-density living. To find out what this looks like, we visited a show home in the brand-new suburb of Hobsonville Point With urban house prices – especially in Auckland – making central-city living unachievable for many, house-buyers are turning their attention to the outskirts of major centres where large-scale […]

Built as a ‘bach with eco-features’, this Paekakariki new-build strikes the perfect balance between weekend retreat and potential retirement pad  Who lives here?  David Werry (GP), his wife, Philippa (writer), and their adult children, Lizzie (youth worker), Charlotte (fine arts graduate) and Katherine (law student). The brief “A bach with eco features” was the brief […]

The discovery of a structural fault was a good excuse to tackle all the niggling problems with this Auckland house in one fell swoop. Story by Debbie Harrison Who lives here?  Jen Morrison (graphic designer), Ben Morrison (lawyer), Mia, 7, Franklin, 5, and Alistair, 4. Where is it? Meadowbank, Auckland. The background Jen, what did […]

An eco-ingenious new-build in the beachside community of Paekakariki is the perfect weekend retreat for a Wellington couple and their grown-up children Who lives here?  David Werry (GP), his wife, Philippa (writer), and their adult children, Lizzie (youth worker), Charlotte (fine arts graduate) and Katherine (law student). [quote title=” Paekakariki” green=”true” text=”fitted the bill perfectly” […]

This independent home interiors store on the outskirts of Auckland embraces craftsmanship and handicraft  Shop profile: Zavedo When Jo Azevedo started creating interiors for her husband’s building business six years ago, she became hooked on forming the ultimate space. “I designed interiors for entire new-builds and smaller renovation projects,” Jo says. “It became a huge […]

An airy new eatery on Devonport Wharf oozes laidback Mediterranean cool with palms, cane furniture, Turkish copperware and gorgeous sea views encompassing both sunrise and sunset Inside Devon on the Wharf Devon on the Wharf is the latest foodie enterprise from husband and wife team Alex Isik and Nigar Ivgen (who are also behind Nomad, […]

A bare Bayview section was a dream come true for a landscape designer with a passion for plants and a penchant for colour A landscape designer struck gold with this Bayview, Auckland garden Finding a garden that is a completely blank canvas is like striking gold for most landscape designers. Sandra Batley of Flourish Garden […]

An auction-weary family found the best had been saved till last when they discovered a 1950s Devonport home in need of a helping hand. Story by Debbie Harrison Who lives here? Kate Alexander (interior stylist and owner of Places & Graces), Matt Kardos (enterprise architect for Electric Kiwi), Harry, 9, and Molly, 6, plus Mindy the […]

This landscape designer struck gold with this empty Bayview garden, transforming the bare section into a lush, eye-catching oasis  Finding a garden that is a completely blank canvas is like striking gold for most landscape designers. Sandra Batley of Flourish Garden Design was smitten when she and partner John Eagleton discovered a 1970s clinker-brick two-bedroom […]

A 100-year-old home in Auckland gets a light, refreshing lift with a family feel  In a snap shot Who lives here? Deborah Houching (podiatrist technician), James Houching (painter), Meg, 18, Imogen, 17, and Dillon, 13. Where is it? Northcote, Auckland. What did your home look like before? It was very cold, dark and dated, with […]

A clever renovation saw this 100-year-old Northcote house go from outdated and rat-infested to a fresh, modern family home   A 100-year-old home swaps lime green walls for a bright new look Who lives here? Deborah Houching (podiatrist technician), James Houching (painter), Meg, 18, Imogen, 17, and Dillon, 13. Where is it? Northcote, Auckland. What did […]

Having gone through the process of a lengthy villa renovation, this Auckland family decided their next home project would be on a much smaller scale In a snapshot Who lives here? Hayley Thompson, 40 (owner of Brightshine Blinds NZ), Richard Thompson, 40 (CEO of KPEX), Finn, 7, and Isla, 5, plus kittens Tiger and Bluey. […]

Simply You’s exclusive reader event Colour My Life kicked off with a bang this week, with the first event being held at Mantells On The Water in Auckland’s CBD With special guest speakers including Resene colour expert  Sarah Gregory, Design Ambassador for Carpet Court Jane Carolan, Hair stylist and Joico ambassador Nic Apaapa, and a cake decorating course from The Caker’s Jordan […]

An Auckland family added the finishing touches to their newly purchased Epsom villa, with stunning results  In a snapshot Who lives here? Hayley Thompson (owner of Brightshine Blinds NZ), Richard Thompson (CEO of KPEX), Finn, and Isla, plus kittens Tiger and Bluey. Where is it? Epsom, Auckland. Lived here for? Eight months. The project  Hayley, […]

A completely blank canvas has been transformed into a private contemporary courtyard on the fringe of Auckland’s city centre The secret garden The courtyard garden has been around for thousands of years, its basic enclosed form adapted through the centuries to suit the lifestyles of different generations. So it is with this contemporary courtyard garden […]

This home and office combo has had a major facelift and is now a fresh, contemporary and modern space with a nod to the past Who lives here? Andrew Barron (managing director and owner of The Timber Barron, a global timber exporter). The original home A unique property in Freemans Bay became the ideal work-from-home […]

An outdoor space previously occupied by food trucks and street food vendors has morphed into a whimsical cave full of flowers, lanterns and other-worldy charm Pop-up restaurant Gypsy Caravan Husband-and-wife hospo dream team Annelise and Ryan Clarke have transformed the space formerly occupied by The Street Food Collective (which they own, as well as restaurant […]

Luxury, opulence and style aren’t words you’d usually associate with a bachelor pad, but this stunning Auckland home is certainly an exception. Story by Debbie Harrison The ultimate man cave Adam Thomson’s home in Mt Eden, Auckland, would have many a man swooning. Cowhides and leather couches. A primeval-looking fireplace set into a cleft in a […]

A hankering to live at the heart of city life led an Auckland couple to buy a 1940s house in Orakei and give it a top-to-toe update Who lives here?  Jenni Shields (lady of leisure), and Wayne Shields (manager), plus their dog, Lillyjack. Time for a change Having sold their Titirangi home in Auckland’s Waitakere […]

A busy family achieved their style and function goals in this renovation which saw an impractical kitchen and dining area transformed into an open plan, airy family hub  In a snapshot Who lives here? David Kidd (works in banking), Kelley Kidd (stay-at-home mum), twins James and Ruby, Charlotte, and Hugo, plus Dotti the Cavoodle dog. […]

 A smart eye for potential has seen an Auckland couple refresh this beige Orakei house into a light and airy home that includes plenty of pops of colour  Who lives here?  Jenni Shields (lady of leisure), and Wayne Shields (manager), plus their dog, Lillyjack. Problems and solutions  Problem: The kitchen, though functional, was showing its […]

Someone else’s half-finished, non-compliant reno didn’t deter an artistic couple who have brought their cool design aesthetic to this family home on Auckland’s North Shore Who lives here? Greg Straight (artist and illustrator), Hannah Bancroft (owns and runs online art-print store Duett Design with Greg), Chloe, 9, and Leo, 5, plus Pebbles the cat. Background […]

Taking full advantage of its position at the entrance to a brand-new mall, this cafe welcomes shoppers with its warm, friendly vibe and just a hint of Alpine ski chalet The Food Crew The Food Crew has been refuelling shoppers since the day Auckland’s NorthWest mall in Westgate opened last October. The warm, inviting space […]

Monochrome styling and an eye for design have transformed this tired 1980s property northwest of Auckland into a modern family home  Who lives here?  Kelly Wright (owner and designer at The Little Interiors Co), husband Shane (construction project manager), Tyler, and Paige, plus Brocky the Jack Russell. Background In 2007, recently married couple Kelly and […]

This slick, contemporary Auckland home in white and grey tones is an entertainer’s dream Nestled among the villa-lined streets of St Mary’s Bay, sits a house that subtly defies the Auckland suburb’s sense of history. The contemporary glass and concrete structure built by Ian Webster and his partner Jianni Felpas is all stylish white furniture […]

A vacant piece of land in Auckland’s St Mary’s Bay is transformed into a stunning contemporary home that champions its owners’ vision of being “ultimately uncomplicated” Who lives here? Ian Webster (founder and former owner of Verge women’s fashion label), Jianni Felpas and miniature schnauzer Bex. The vision The duo had a fairly free rein […]

It was cramped and boxy with possibly the world’s smallest, darkest shower, but a determined young mum knew this ‘find’ on Auckland’s North Shore was just what she’d been after Who lives here? Tarryn Donaldson, 27 (marketing manager and Instagrammer @iamtarryndonaldson), husband Ryan, 27 (sales manager), Kylan Riley, 7, and Arden Cruz, 2, plus ginger […]

A clear vision, an eye for design and plenty of DIY helped this 1970s house realise its full potential as a stylish family home  Who lives here? Tarryn Donaldson, (marketing manager and Instagrammer @iamtarryndonaldson), husband Ryan, (sales manager), Kylan Riley, 7, and Arden Cruz, 2, plus ginger cats Ted and Harley. Style secrets Feature walls […]

A clever couple put their design expertise towards creating their dream family home in Auckland’s Remuera  Who lives here? Adam and Alice Sharp and kids Alannah, Zara, and Brook. Adam is managing director of Sharp & Page, an 80-year-old family business that specialises in residential, commercial, and commercial hospitality interiors as well as Kitchen Living, […]

Flowers, interior design and fashion combine in this retail space making its mark in one of Auckland’s poshest suburbs Owner and creative director Kelly Karam has been creating bespoke, fashion-forward wedding and corporate florals for over a decade. Designing her own retail space, which opened in April, meant she could intertwine her love of fashion, […]

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

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

Art enthusiasts will be in their element at the upcoming Auckland Art Fair, due to take place at The Cloud on Queen's Wharf

Auckland best buildings have been announced in the Auckland Architecture Awards 2016, ranging from a pink bike path built from an old motorway, to an idyllic small housing project Winners in the Auckland Architecture Awards announced Reworked heritage buildings, a new and already much-loved library and a small mausoleum are just a few of this year’s recipients of Auckland Architecture […]

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

This run-down, four bedroom villa in Freemans Bay has sold under the hammer for a jaw-dropping $3.1 million. Take a look around in this real-estate video [bjd-responsive-iframe src=”//players.brightcove.net/761709621001/797ed626-7410-4a4d-9162-66574fcd0979_default/index.html?videoId=4841603015001″] See more of this home here. Source: Barfoot & Thompson. [related_articles post1=”44818″ post2=”33088″]

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

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

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

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, […]

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? […]

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