DIY/ How

Creating a mean, green, themed bedroom can be remarkably simple with the help of a tonal Resene palette and some cheap and cheerful DIY projects   Resene Kids’ corner Many kids will want a themed bedroom at some stage – it could be anything from Batman or Lego to animals or fairies. For some parents, this […]

Everything you need to know from inspiration, style and permits, to budget, preparation and maintenance. Here’s your go-to guide to building a new deck Is there anything more Kiwi than a bloody good deck? We love our outdoor living here in New Zealand and a deck represents the ultimate in indoor-outdoor flow that so many […]

Having artwork framed can be costly and makes it tricky to swap pictures out when you need a change. These magnetic picture hangers are an easy and affordable way to hang art without the hassle How to make your own picture hanger in 6 simple steps Tools – Ruler – Pencil – Hand saw – […]

Make your own outdoor table, cake stand, coasters or candle holders with these 4 easy ideas from Vanessa Nouwens Four ways with: Terracotta pots 1. Turn terracotta pot saucers into coasters for use both inside and out. Paint in one colour or create a design using paint testpots. 2. Paint a pot and saucer. Make sure […]

The makeover options are endless with this pine utility shelf. Here we’ve turned it into a cute drinks trolley – or you could use it as mobile storage unit! You will need Hand saw, tape measure, pencil, hammer, heavy-duty scissors, phillips screwdriver, square Step 1 Follow flat-pack instructions to build utility shelf (it’s 800 x […]

Keep flies and mosquitoes at bay without chemicals with this easy-to-make insect swatter YOU WILL NEED Makes 1 1 x 50cm length of 15mm diameter dowel 1 piece of leather or PVC [I used vegan leather] enough to make two 10cm x 15cm pieces Leather adhesive [I used Ados F2] Heavy weights [I used old […]

Those trusty curtains hang around all year doing their job, but sometimes they need some love. Homes to Love NZ chatted to curtain specialists Harvey Furnishings to uncover some top tips for cleaning curtains What’s a simple step I can take to maintain my curtains? Gently vacuuming them with a brush attachment to prevent dust build-up is […]

Get your creative juices flowing with this stylish way to display photos, favourite sayings and things you aspire to. Whether it’s for your home office or bedroom, this wooden moodboard can be whipped up in no time You will need -Das Exhibition 18”x24” hardboard panel, $44.95 -Photos printed at the Print and Copy Centre, from $0.19c each -Rosies Studio Everyday Black […]

Create your own napkins, throws, cushions and tea towels with the most beautiful natural fabric – linen! 1. Napkins Cut linen into 48cm squares, then hem with a sewing machine so you have 45cm squares, forming your napkins. Mix chosen fabric dye in a bowl with hot water. Wet napkins in water, then dip about […]

Summer has almost gone but you can keep the memories alive all year round with these easy photo projects. Get inspired by Instagram and have them printed square at Warehouse Stationery Products to use: Hanging Photo Mobile 12 4×4 photos $4.20 instore or $4.80 from Printicular (total costs for 12 photos) | Scissors $1.99 | 12×12 […]

Warm, dark and handsome, this bathroom makes use of earthy tones and a subtle industrial feel for a space you’ll enjoy for years to come Handsome and welcoming Your Home and Garden stylist Emily Somerville-Ryan selected the products for this bathroom look from Mitre 10 Mega. “I’ve gone for a warm, earthy feel. Stone, concrete, […]

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

Wall hangings are bang on-trend – what better way to get festive this Christmas? How to Get three pieces of brass tubing in different lengths (or use wooden dowels spray-painted to suit your colour theme). Fold lengths of wool in half and cut to your desired hanging length, then loop onto each rod by passing the […]

Fed up with fake Christmas decorations? These botanical alternatives create a natural, organic look while filling the air with the most delicious scent Created by: Catherine Wilkinson Photos by: Wendy Fenwick

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

We love wallpaper, and not just on walls. These cute stockings are great for packaging small gifts or as a festive decoration You will need Offcuts of wallpaper (a 50cm-high piece will make a small stocking, front and back) Sewing machine Sewing thread Ribbon (for hanging) Scissors Sellotape Stiff cardboard to make template Buttons, decorations, […]

Use easy-to-find foliage to create a lush Christmas wonderland Hanging plant basket You will need  A hanging basket (large enough to hold 2-3 pots) Cellophane to line the basket Moss (Spanish and standard) Hanging and trailing plants How to Line the basket with green moss. Don’t worry if some is poking out. Line the moss […]

Your Home and Garden stylist Sam Smith creates four clever projects using brass tubing How to make a wall hanging With pipe cutters, cut three pieces of brass tubing three different sizes. Measure out 12 pieces of merino. Fold in half and loop two onto the shortest part of brass tubing by passing the free […]

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 […]