Bedrooms

Warm up your walls To create a cosy, welcoming bedroom, choose a warm paint shade, such as pinky-beige neutrals, yellows and oranges as opposed to cool blue, green and grey hues. Contrast warm tones to create clear definition between the walls and the ceiling. Keep it cosy Naked floorboards create a sleek look, but they’re […]

Interior expert Alex Fulton shares this quaint bach in Sumner with husband Jeff, their two girls and dog Daisy Alex, what attracted you to the bach’s location? We moved from Sumner to Blenheim four years ago and knew we would always be back in some capacity, so when we found this bach we jumped at […]

We sat down with linen expert and Wallace Cotton owner Paula Wallace to ask her about thread count, what it means and why we should care What exactly is thread count and why should we care about it? Basically, fabric is made by weaving vertical and horizontal yarns. There are a bunch of variables to […]

An organised wardrobe can make the search for the right outfit a whole lot easier. Take some tips from the stars who have the ultimate in closets. How to organise your wardrobe like a star We’ve all seen those pictures of amazing A-lister “wardrobes”. Actually, they can more accurately be described as dressing rooms as […]

Create a beautiful, handcrafted look in the bedroom with these decor tips. Transport your mind to far-flung places with this exotic look created using artisan pieces It’s never been easier to embrace your inner gypsy and source beautiful and unique decor that reflects a freedom-loving spirit. Jewel-coloured linens, hand-finished metallics and lots of wild foliage […]

This picture-perfect villa provides the ultimate location for Christmas celebrations with family and friends. Discover how to recreate this look at home

Bored of your headboard? Try these creative takes on bedheads from on-trend geometrics to a pair of recycled doors. You’ll be laying your head in style in no time Projects and styling by: Erin Michael Photography by: Maree Homer/Real Living/Bauersyndication.com.au

It’s time to get cosy! We’ve rounded up 10 ways to get your bed winter-ready 1. Layer it up! Adding layers is the easiest way to create warmth, and achieve a great-looking bed at the same time. Add a throw to the end, fold a nice quilt halfway, or add a waffle-weave blanket on top […]

A dark, dated bedroom is transformed into a light and lovely space with a Mid-century modern makeover by interior designer Tina Stephen The problem The room was dated and dark, with awkward small wardrobes, commercial-style blinds, old carpet and brown veneer doors. The brief Lighten the space and create simple luxury with layered textures and quality […]

As the temperature drops, we chat to linen expert and Wallace Cotton owner Paula Wallace about how to transition you bed from summer to winter – and what the ideal winter bed looks like How do I transition my linen in those awkward months between late summer and autumn/winter without totally swapping my bedlinen out? […]

Every super-awesome kid deserves a super-awesome bedroom – but it has to be easy on the pocket as well as on the eye. Try this Batman-themed cave on for size Most kids go through a phase of wanting a totally themed bedroom. Whether it’s their most-revered superhero or a cartoon character from their favourite TV […]

How do you use your bedroom? For some it’s just a place to sleep and doesn’t need much more than a bed and some clothing storage. For others, it’s their sanctuary and might include a couch or chaise and even a desk. Do what you can with the space you have. The master bed Make […]

We’re taking it back to basics with a mattress on the floor and things never looked better How to work this look Opt for luxurious linen that completely covers any hint of mattress Create some height with Euro cushions and throw pillows Add a pop of colour with a throw Anchor the bed with a […]

This gorgeous scheme for a girl’s room allows plenty of scope for growth This room cleverly combines soft pink with a wall of metallic gold stripes to create a girl’s haven that can grow with her. Rather than opting for an overwhelmingly pink theme – which has a limited life span – soft dusty pinks […]

In this installment of our renovation series, we take a look a children’s rooms and how to ensure they’re functional and future-proofed How to ensure your child’s bedroom style is future-proof If you have children, you want a room that will suit them now as well as in the future. But don’t think that you […]

If you missed your chance at seeing the homes from The Block NZ: Villa wars in their entirety, here they are for your viewing pleasure House 1: Jamie & Hayden Black and white rules in this contemporary urban home that has plenty of attitude. House 2: Sarah & Minanne These reno rookies used pared-back styles […]

We asked three creatives with different signature styles to theme rooms in their favourite colour combos Resene ‘Kermadec Green’ fetures on the wall. Alex Walls, winner of The Block NZ 2014 and stylist Alex, what was the inspiration for your colour story? Recently I have been drawn to moody colour palettes that have a rich […]

Cushions are an easy and cost-effective way to add an instant update to your interior. We’ve rounded up some top expert tips for styling with cushions Vanessa Nouwens, stylist How many cushions do I need for my couch? The number of cushions for your couch really depends on your style and preference. If you like traditional-style […]

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

These super cute kids’ rooms are a colour burst. Find out how they got the look, so you can too! Whose rooms are these? Johanna, 12, and Paulina, 11. Who came up with these looks? Mum Kristin Harrison (caterer specialising in weddings and corporate functions). Where is it? Mapua near Nelson. Kristin, what was the inspiration […]

What to do when you don’t have a wardrobe You’ve found the perfect house, apartment or room. You start picturing your belongings fitting in nicely with their new surroundings. Your bed is going to look great up against that window, there’s room for a chair in the corner and a pot plant or two on the […]

Homes to Love chatted to Annabel Berry, director of multi-disciplinary design agency Design Federation, about her latest venture – a collaborative range of headboards Annabel, how did this range develop? I started with headboards after multiple conversations with clients who either couldn’t find interesting options or who were looking for ways to style their bedrooms that […]

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

Life coach Sarah Laurie shares her ideas for calm and clutter-free bedroom Day 1 Establish a current and easily accessible wardrobe. Unorganised spaces have a de-energising effect, which is the opposite of what you need at the beginning and end of each day. Sort through your clothing, keeping what you love and what fits you […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Flexible Spaces’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. Spare rooms often end up as the “guest room”; aka the storage room that’s hardly used. With space at a premium in many homes, why […]

Kids’ rooms are the perfect place to get creative with colour! Brighten up a girl’s room with this dotty take on colour blocking GET THE LOOK: Wall painted in Resene ‘Smitten’ and spot painted in Resene ‘Such Fun’; Sleepy Boy king single bed from Meluka; turquoise spot felt rug from Tea Pea; side table from Kmart […]

Professional organiser Natalie Jane from Be Organised shares her top five tips for creating practical living spaces for little ones. beorganised.co.nz Day 1 Declutter. Be honest with your decisions – have they grown out of that dress, toy, game or book? Whatever the item may be, if they have outgrown it or no longer use it either give […]

It was a leap of faith for Aucklander Ben Dundas to leave his job in the fashion industry and start his own homeware label Shooting Sparrow, but one that he doesn’t regret for a moment. “It’s been an incredible journey so far,” says Ben. “I learn something new every day.” It was his fashion experience […]

Find balance Follow the 80:20 rule of thumb to create the perfect colour balance – 80 per cent neutral colours, including the carpet and bed linen, and 20 per cent strong colours, such as quilts, art and other accessories. Think fabrics Floral fabrics are a growing interior trend, one borrowed from fashion, and shades of […]

It takes more than a complementary colour scheme to design a great-looking bedroom. Photography: Maree Homer / Derek Swalwell/ BauerSyndication.com.au