DIY

A love for the ocean inspired a memorable and unique creative project

Lavish some time and attention on a tired door and marvel at the difference

Gentle sorbet shades are the key to opening the door to the land of Nod

Transform an old piece of furniture into a cool home entertaining statement

If a real Christmas tree isn't available to you this year, try one of these alternatives.

Why not have a nutcracker standing guard to greet guests this Christmas?

Take decorating inspo from a cute print for a modern vintage look.

With just a bit of wallpaper, you can upgrade a lampshade and personalise it to your space.

This side table has a wonderful home-crafted look to it like it has been cobbled together from odds and ends found lying around the garage. It’s precisely this Frankenstein feel that gives it such charm If you love the character and uniqueness that comes with handmade furniture, this DIY project is perfect for you. This […]

In an extract from her book A Handmade Cottage, thrifty Brit decorator Jodie May Seymour shares a crafty DIY project Rather than buying brand new ready-made lampshades, it can be cheaper to make your own using a DIY lampshade kit, which also means you can choose your own fabric and make something bespoke. All the […]

Refresh your living space with this nifty no-sew number – no expertise required! This no-sew cushion is a great beginner’s project as it requires no sewing at all as the two sides of the cover are knotted together to make decorative tassels. This is an ideal technique for making sofa or bed cushions, large floor […]

Enhance your home improvement game with this list of toolbox essentials – whether you’re a budding builder or DIY dab-hand Whether you’re renovating the guest bathroom, installing floating shelves of just making minor repairs around the house, having the right tools makes all the difference. A well-stocked toolbox can save you time and frustration and […]

Using Resene wallpapers or murals as a framed print is a fantastic way to add drama Transforming a space into a personalised oasis often requires a touch of creativity and resourcefulness. In this project, we are taking wallpaper and reimagining it as a stunning framed print, adding a unique flair to any room. With just […]

Decorations, stickers and cake toppers are about to get a crafty upgrade with the Cricut Maker 3Dubbed the ultimate smart cutting machine, crafts are about to get a lot more fun and exciting with the Cricut Maker 3 What machine are we reviewing today? The Cricut Maker 3, a powerful craft machine that can cut, […]

Upgrade your home by installing a refurbished backyard caravan to use as a retreat, sleep-out, office space or party-ready cocktail bar.

This party starter is built for home entertaining

Bring your tired wicker furniture back to its former glory with not much more than a lick of paint. Compared to other furniture materials, cane and rattan furniture is much easier to source, whether first or second-hand, thanks to its popularity in the 1970s and ’80s. The material is also generally inexpensive, reassuringly sturdy and […]

Encourage your kids to get outside and enjoy the spring sunshine by putting together a playground favourite. To build your own swing, you will need: 290mm x 45mm timber seat, pre-cut to 700mm long by timber merchant 6mm drill bit 18mm drill bit Drill 18mm sisal rope, cut into 2 x 5m lengths 2 hammock […]

Venetian plaster finishes are on-trend at the moment, so why not recreate this look at home and cover that unsightly rangehood at the same time? Hiding a dated rangehood is a cheaper option than replacing a perfectly functioning unit that may be ruining the look of your kitchen. Rangehood covers are also having a moment. […]

Whether it’s a playhouse, she shed or teenager’s sleepout, a stencil-painted floor will elevate it from meh to wow You will need For the stencilled floor • Pine sheet cut to fit the floor, if yours doesn’t have one • Pencil and paper to practise stencil patterns • Plastic sheet to make the stencil. I […]

Creating an office out of a small room by utilising built-in furniture, floating shelves and a tidy charging station makes space-saving sense The word custom always sounds expensive to me, but it doesn’t have to be. Maximising a small space with built-in or custom furniture is a no-brainer. It could be a desk, floating shelves […]

Set the scene to retreat, relax and recharge in a sweet spot that’s been decorated just for you One of the most beautiful gifts you can give yourself is a sacred place to retreat to whenever you feel the need for some quiet time. In these photos, you’ll see the sweet, cosy space that I’ve […]

Turn your kitchen window sill into a mini hydroponic patch Vegetable scrap gardening is a thing. With little effort and a dose of creativity, you can build a window-sill garden using all kinds of vegetable odds and ends that would have otherwise ended up on the compost heap. This fun project is fantastic for getting […]

Transform your TV into a work of art by building a frame for it You will need • 40mm x 20mm pine cut into 4 x 1.2m lengths • Picture framing timber cut into 4 x 1.2m lengths • 3mm drill bit • Timber screws • Drill • Tape measure • Small shelf brackets • […]

Do you have a surplus of waste paper but can’t bear to bin it? Make this fast and crafty Christmas project Art is a daily activity in our household, and while I appreciate how much my children adore being creative, I don’t love the pages and pages of paper bearing only a pencil flourish or […]

Make your own wall art from leftover MDF. Nikki Kettle’s abstract piece was inspired by her local environment You will need • MDF off-cuts. I used what was left from the headboard I’d made more than a year ago • Primer, I used Resene Quick Dry undercoat • Marker pencil • Jigsaw or coping saw […]

Building framed bunk beds and finishing with curtains elevates the bach classic. Kids also love them at home You will need: • 90mm x 45mm H1.2 framing timber (I used 30 lineal metres) • 1 pack nails or screws • Skillsaw • Chisel • 6 x joist hangers (optional) • 5 x 12mm MDF sheets, […]

This bread bin hack is the best thing since sliced bread Every so often a life hack will go viral, taking social media by storm thanks to its DIY brilliance. The Kmart bread bin bedside table is no exception. With a stunning vintage-inspired facade mixed with Scandinavian sensibilities, the innovative storage solution is so popular […]

Freshen up a child’s bedroom by painting a wall in checks – the hottest pattern around right now Checked wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Half Secrets, Resene Green Spring and Resene Paddock. Right hand wall in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Paddock with floor in Resene Walk-on in Resene Half Secrets.  Checks […]

Give plain old walls a touch of stately manor with panelled walls. Our DIY expert Nikki Kettle shows you how You will need • Washi tape or painting tape • Pencil • Measuring tape • Level • Timber (size and design of your choice) I used 30mm x12mm clear pine in the hallway and 60mm […]

Our DIY expert Nikki Kettle rustles up some display shelving You will need • Measuring tape • Timber. I’ve used 90mm x 10mm pine for my shelf base and the same for the back upstand. I bought this off the rack at 1200mm long. Then, 40mm x 10mm for my upstand at the front • […]

In artist Maiko Nagao Irvine’s newly renovated home DIY comes naturally – as do the Christmas decorations In 2018 Maiko Nagao Irvine and Mike Irvine’s Birkdale home in Auckland graced the cover of Your Home and Garden magazine. Small, cosy and filled with Maiko’s ingenious DIY projects and interior hacks, it was perfect for their […]

Our DIY expert Nikki Kettle shows us three clever ways to make your own DIY bedside table How to make your DIY side table What you will need: • Bedside table • Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer • Paint brush • Roller • Dowel 8mm • Handsaw • Caulking gun • Construction glue • Ruler […]

Whether it’s dripping with orchids, peppered with hydrangeas, completely adorned with sunny-coloured flowers or decorated with the dried variety, these five floral Christmas trees are blooming with inspiration  We are so lucky to enjoy beautiful summer flowers at Christmas time. Jess Britten’s floral Christmas tree uses hydrangea, cosmos, dahlias, scabious, achillea, delphinium and cow parsley […]

Turn up the carols and start making and baking your own DIY Christmas gifts for friends and family Pop plants (that’s plants that pop!) You will need: • Terracotta pot • Masking tape • Small paintbrush • Water-based paint • Glitter To make: Use masking tape to cover the terracotta pot just below the lip. […]

Ditch the plastic and enjoy the thrill of the Christmas countdown with a DIY advent calendar that’s choc-filled with festive activities

A beautiful bed look isn’t complete without a statement bedhead to back it up. Nikkie Kettle demonstrates how to make your own DIY headboard Before you start, measure the width of your bed to help you determine what size the base of your headboard needs to be. If you want the headboard to overhang the bedframe, […]

Create a simple crate storage shelf using plywood and a smattering of paint You’ll need: • 1 sheet of 2400mm x 1200mm plywood (at least 17mm thick) • Measuring tape • Pencil • Skill saw • Wood glue • Screws • Drill • 3 wooden crates • Paint brush • Resene Dusky Pink, Resene Sea […]

If you’re looking to build your knowledge about the renovation process and hear from leading industry experts, make attending the online Home Renovation Summit 2021 a top priority New Zealand and Australia’s first ever online Home Renovation Summit 2021 is going live from August 24 to August 26, and it’s a must-attend for would-be renovators. […]

Gear up with embroidery thread and a vintage lampshade to create your own rendition of the popular Hay Bonbon light

Walls looking a bit bare? Take a leaf out of Nikki Kettle’s colourful book and paint a show-stopping mural Out with the old The wall in Nikki’s living room has been an ever-evolving project, originally with just the one palm tree painted in the corner. She was inspired by the retro patterns she found on […]

Hard work and a savvy budget has helped this first-time homeowner transform her ’70s brick unit one room at a time. See the before and afters below When Rebecca Hall clapped eyes on the 53sqm 1970s Huntly brick unit in New Plymouth, she saw the opportunity to star in her very own The Block NZ, […]

This kitchen plays on form and colour to create a space ripe for entertaining. See why its our second 2021 Resene Colour Home Awards here As a designer, Emily Legget sees a lot of white kitchens. In fact, she reckons they occupy 95 percent of her work. Her own kitchen is not white. “I like […]

With a splash of colour and bucketloads of charm, two small kid’s rooms are beautifully transformed If you’re familiar with Julie Stuart’s business alter-ego, Clever Poppy, you’ll know that her style is pretty, whimsical and packed with DIY goodness. Her most recent project, creating two unique rooms for her children Piper and Harvey, delivers her […]

Previously a storage room, hand-painted daisies in candy hues have transformed this space. See why it’s our first 2021 Resene Colour Home Awards finalist After trying – and failing – to find a wallpaper that suited both her daughters’ tastes, Kirsty Young took it upon herself to create something unique for their chill-out room in […]

Home improvements best done while the weather’s fine. When the sun is out, and the beers are chilling it’s the perfect time to put on your tool belt and finally get around to doing those jobs that have been on your to-do list for a while. Whether it’s simply giving your home a tidy up […]

With a couple of kids under two, this hard-working tradie has transformed her home one colourful room at a time. After a massive villa renovation in Island Bay in 2018, builders Nikki Kettle and Tom Taylor were determined to find a home that didn’t need any work done. “We said to each other, we can’t […]

The perfect frosty craft project for little ones! Fact: the festive season is more fun when you drape your home with Christmas decorations – and never more so than when they’re homemade!  To lend a frosty, traditional Christmas feel to your home, why not make some paper snowflake decorations. There are plenty of ways to […]

You could be mistaken for thinking this is an artwork. In fact, it’s an advent calendar that you can plant. Here’s how you can make your own Stylist Erena Te Paa is known for her unforced but incredibly elegant modern style. Her home is her calling card – all natural ease and welcoming spaces. Your […]

December is filled with decorating, shopping, dining and entertaining. To help make the festive season a little less stressful, we’ve rounded up 10 Christmas hacks to help get you through 1. Hacks to keep your tree alive Make sure your tree makes it to the 25th still looking fresh and perky by giving the trunk […]

From run down to remarkable, this special home shows what’s possible with a bold vision — and hard work Meet & greet John Price, 40 (works in landscaping and construction), Brydie Price, 39 (flight attendant), Miila, 17, and Spencer, 15, plus dogs Pedro and Chica. If there’s one thing to take from hearing Brydie and John […]

If you’re thinking of redecorating or you’re just in the mood for some arts and crafts, this list of fun projects is sure to inspire your creativity 1. Repurpose your old jam jars Save yourself a trip to the recycling bin and reuse your jam jars to decorate your home. Jars can make wonderful planters […]

From run down to remarkable, this special Mt Maunganui home shows what’s possible with a bold vision — and hard work Meet and Greet John Price, 40 (works in landscaping and construction), Brydie Price, 38 (flight attendant), Miila, 17, and Spencer, 15, plus puppies Pedro and Chica. If there’s one thing to take from hearing […]

With 320 million people using Pinterest all over the world, they get a unique insight into emerging trends. Here are eight interior trends you’ll want to know about right now 1. Low-waste living 2019 was filled with climate crisis strikes and raised awareness of our increasing impact on the environment. Therefore, it doesn’t come as […]

Channel natural materials, sunset colours and home-made decorations for this relaxed boho Christmas style. Check out how to get the look below Create a relaxed Christmas morning vibe with handmade details and plenty of cushions for lounging. The tree To go with the natural materials and boho vibe of this 1970s-style space, we paired rattan […]

You’ll be blushing when you see this elegant pink and gold Christmas style. Play it up with powder pink flowers for the tree and silk ribbons on all your gifts Powder pinks, shiny gold and soft white are a recipe for elegance and warmth. Set it all aglow with candles and fairy lights. The mood […]

Stuck with what to give your friends and family this year? Save the time scouring the shops and spend it making your own DIY Christmas gifts  1. Tile planter box Got a plant lover in the family? Make them a chic planter box using contemporary, stylish tiles and if you’re feeling particularly generous, gift them […]

Create an inviting atmosphere for guests by adding touches of festive flair to your front door and mantelpiece. Here are 6 simple and stylish Christmas DIY projects to try this December Resene ‘Ayers Rock’ 1. Dried flower wreath An arid, desert-inspired wreath creates a visual feast at your front door. You’ll need: Dried flowers and […]

Create a tangle of texture with this easy wall hanging and increase the beachy boho vibe of any room What you’ll need for your wall hanging: 2 bundles raffia (we bought ours at Look Sharp for $3 a bundle) Scissors 300mm metal ring Instructions Step 1 Cut all the raffia into 70cm lengths. Step 2 […]

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 […]

Keep your entrance chic and tidy with this simple, custom-coloured coat rack You will need 4 lengths of 35mm x 1800mm dowel Paint brush 4 testpots in colours of your choice 2m thin rope (ours was a metallic style from a $2 shop) Instructions Step 1. Paint dowels using a different test pot for each […]

Eleanor shares her recipes for natural cleaning products that are effective and smell heavenly Welcome spring into your home with these lovely homemade cleaners. Making the switch to all-natural cleaning might seem like a lot of fuss, but it’s really simple. The ingredients are cost-effective and easy to find at most organic/health stores (or through […]

From chemical-free toilet cleaners to natural oven cleaning solutions, these DIY natural cleaning home remedies will get the job done Natural cleaning solutions can save time, money, and reduce chemical exposure, so to help you keep your home cleaner and healthier for longer, here are 15 natural home remedies for cleaning. If you don’t have […]

Spotted a beautiful tile you’d love to use in your home? Or got some spares lying around? Turn them into an eye-catching planter or two in just a few easy steps You will need: 5 tiles per box – ours were 20cm square. (The 5th tile is the base so this doesn’t have to match […]

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 […]

The last finalist in the 2019 Resene Colour Home Awards, this mid-century Wellington home used muted tones of Resene blue and green as the final flourish in its recent renovation Lara Maher, 32 (stay-at-home mum), Ben Maher, 34 (foreman/builder for Planit Construction), Charlotte, 3, and Ollie, 6 months. When Ben and Lara Maher bought their […]

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.

There’s nothing sunnier than a rainbow, and for this painted headboard you needn’t stick to the traditional colours – try a soft, tonal approach with shades of peach Resene kids corner This bedroom is a great example of how a lovely warm colour palette can make a space feel welcoming and relaxing. Using tones of […]

Get creative this weekend and try your hand at one of these super easy craft ideas with fabric Pillowcase Type the word of your choice in a text document, increasing the font to your desired size. Print and cut out the letters. Place each letter on the fabric, trace the outline with a marker pen, […]

With its combo of colours and finishing touches, this fun, jungle-inspired bedroom proves you can give a stylish spin to a themed look If you’re looking for a child’s bedroom scheme that’s neither too young or too grown-up, take inspiration from this punchy, tiger-themed room. A bookshelf that also doubles as a headboard takes centre […]

Unsure what to get friends or family this year? These DIY gift ideas will ensure your present has a memorable personal touch 1. Flower frame  Framing dried flowers into a simple frame is a great budget-friendly gift idea. Method: + Pick flowers in the morning when they have just opened. Immediately after cutting, plunge stems […]

A simple length of velvet-look fabric can be the starting point for an array of Christmas projects. Try your hand at one of these easy yet luxe-looking decorations 4 creative ways to use luxe orange velvet as Christmas decor Santa Stocking This simple project can be whipped up with a sewing machine in around 30 […]

Tinsel doesn’t just have to hang on a tree, these four DIY projects will convince you to use it in all parts of your festive set-up Here are 4 different ways to decorate with tinsel this Christmas Napkin Rings Save a few pennies with tinsel napkin rings. Cut a length of tinsel (about 25cm long) […]

Keep the kids entertained while creating some festive buzz by making your own DIY advent calendar. The best part is you can wear the socks when you’re done How to create a cute DIY advent calendar with socks If you’re looking for a fun and easy activity to get you and the kids in a […]

Don’t throw out last season’s knitwear. Here’s how you can DIY a cushion cover out of that cosy woollen jumper in six easy steps Here’s how to make a DIY cushion cover out of your old jumper You don’t have to be a knitter to enjoy cuddly woollen cushions when you can repurpose surplus knitwear […]

Take a cue from Peru and incorporate colourful tassels into your decor. These four easy DIY ideas will show you how Four stylish DIY projects with tassels for your home Cushion Take a plain cushion and give it a fun new look by attaching on-trend mini tassels. Using a needle and thread, we simply sewed […]

Despite being their first foray into renovating, this motivated couple has achieved wonders on a tight budget. We get the details behind their DIY journey Meet and greet Kate Webby, PR and communications manager at Vend, and Jordan Metcalfe, works in commercial property, plus Tinks their rescue dog. Problem The living and dining areas were […]

The earthy, nature-inspired colours of the 1970s inspire this month’s relaxing boudoir, which is anchored by a clever DIY artwork Alex Walls on how a clever DIY artwork can help to pull a room together Sometimes the best style inspiration can be found in the past. This bohemian bedroom is my throwback to the 1970s, […]

Grab your DIY gloves and get ready to Charleston, here are four ways to update your homeware with fringing 1. Vases Give some plain vases or glass votives a new look by adding on-trend fringing. + For each vase or votive, wrap the fringing around the neck to work out how much you need, allow […]

These four easy DIY projects with floral paper are a fun way to add a stylish statement to your home’s interior without breaking the bank 4 ways to use floral paper to make stylish decor for your home 1. Side table This is an easy way to give an old or cheap side table a […]

It was a hasty “tools down” moment as the teams finished up their first room reveal challenge. We take a closer look at their guest bedrooms. The Block NZ: Week one guest bedroom reveal Teams went pedal to the metal in the final hours of their first room reveal challenge with a looming incentive at […]

See how you can incorporate crystals in your interior styling. These verstatile stones are a great way to introduce some subtle glamour to your home. 1. Jewellery hanger Keep your dresser free of clutter by creating a simple jewellery hanger. This is super-quick and easy to make; you can do it within an hour. + […]

These simple DIY ideas with chunky wool are the perfect projects for a chilly day. Use these crafts to add some soft style and texture to your decor 1. Plant pot + Cut 3 x 3.3m lengths of chunky wool. + At one end, tie ends with embroidery thread in a matching colour. + Plait […]

From practical jewellery holders to stylish keyrings, these four clever ways of using fimo are a great way to style your home without costing a fortune 1. Wall Sculpture  + Take 2 packets of navy Fimo and roll in hands until soft. + To create a marbled look, add some pale blue Fimo and roll […]

This “reno-crazy” couple relied on DIY, with help from family and friends, to create a stylish open-plan kitchen in their 1950s New Plymouth home This kitchen renovation is all about functional style with a dash of glam Who lives here? Shay Starrenburg, web developer, John Starrenburg, construction foreman, plus dog Coco and cat Ebony. DIY […]

Whether you’re going for practical or purely stylish, these clever and cost-effective ways to use clipboards will make your home look good 1. Art display If you like to change your art prints on a regular basis or are looking for a new, or affordable, way to display them, consider using a series of clipboards […]

Think outside the box – gifts don’t have to be cocooned in traditional festive paper! Here are six creative and budget-friendly ways to wrap your presents 1. Painted gift wrap  Painted gift wrap is a cheap and easy way to customise your gifts as well as being great for keeping kids occupied in the lead-up […]

We love celebrating local makers and encouraging DIY here at Your Home and Garden, so features editor Fiona Ralph decided to walk the talk and try some workshops in our local area. Here are the results… Where you can make your own dried wreath Have you ever admired a gorgeous handmade wreath? Perhaps you’ve seen […]

This cheap and easy DIY Joy Jar is a genius present hack that will make the perfect stocking filler for the kids this Christmas The kids will love this stocking filler for Christmas When it comes to kids, often it’s the little things they love the most. A holiday gift jar filled with tiny presents […]

Expand your humble tea towel’s horizons with these four fun and very easy craft projects. The plastic bag holder is revolutionary!  1. Cushion  + Fold a tea towel so top and bottom ends overlap by 10cm; this will form an envelope opening at the back. + Pin and sew together the sides about 2cm in from […]

Make a gorgeous living wall for your kitchen or outdoor area with just a simple recycled pallet and a few basic materials Tools – Wooden pallet – Ruler – Pencil – 100mm pipe (saddle) clips – Screws shorter than depth of pallet planks – Drill with Phillips head and drill bit – 12cm terracotta pots […]

This curated Christmas gift guide by the Your Home and Garden team is for the DIYers in your life who love nothing more than to build and craft [related_articles post1=”77265″ post2=”77300″]

Two self-confessed hoarders merged their lives, families and vintage furniture collections to create a modern home with a timeless feel Meet and greet Christine Collaine (interior designer), Todd Brady (electrician), Henri, 18, Emma, 20, and Molly, 19. A 1930s weatherboard home and former bach gets a vintage makeover Christine Collaine and Todd Brady tested their […]

Your Home & Garden Style Director Catherine Wilkinson went along to The Botanist try her hand at their floristry workshop. She runs us through the inspiring experience How to create the perfect bouquet at The Botanist’s floristry workshop Working with Eden Kersten from The Botanist on many shoots, I’ve already picked up loads of information […]

Dressing your walls with a textured hanging is an easy way to lift a space. Shelley Ferguson discovers how simple and soothing it is to make your own Shelley Ferguson discovers how to make this chic wall hanging I saw a simple wall hanging by Brittany Chinaglia, of Brittany Makes on Pinterest, and wanted to […]

To celebrate local makers and DIY, Your Home and Garden Deputy Editor Kristina Rapley tried her hand at a candle making class and was pleasantly surprised What it’s like to make your own home made scented candle I’ve always been obsessed with candles. There’s nothing better than lighting a few scented candles on a Sunday […]

Transform this decorative floating shelf from EziBuy by adding a functional rail – perfect for paper towels, tea towels or favourite utensils Tools + Hand saw + Jig saw + Square + Pencil + Sandpaper + Wood glue + Screwdriver + Wood-coloured filler Budget + 18mm dressed pine (enough for 480mm) $32 + 1.8m pine dowel (20mm […]

Whether you have a left over roll or you’ve found a print you love but have nowhere to put it, these easy DIY projects prove wallpaper isn’t just for your walls 1. Headboard  + To make a headboard for a queen bed, you’ll need a 12mm-thick piece of MDF 80cm x 167cm (or cut it to […]

With the chunky knit trend sweeping the globe, Your Home and Garden Style Director Catherine Wilkinson decided to try out the Plump & Co knitting workshop. Here are the results… What it’s like to make your own super chunky knit blanket I had seen Plump & Co’s ‘giant knitting’ workshops all over social media and […]