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A well-travelled Auckland family’s light and airy home, which overlooks a valley, features beautiful reminders of their overseas trips Far-flung destinations might be off the table for now but for freelance writer Helene Ravlich and her family, every day at home reminds them of their travels. She and husband Jooles Clements bought their early 1900s […]

Designer Lynda Gardener mixes old and new with the found and the collected to create a warm sense of whimsy in her inner-city home Lynda Gardener, an interior decorator and owner of boutique accommodation, is an avid collector. Her warehouse home is filled with countless treasures she has slowly collected throughout the years. What is […]

A Wellington two-bedroom cottage has expanded over the years to become a restful, warm and beautiful home to a family of seven filled with vintage treasures collected over the years Everywhere you look in Sarah and Mark Vivian’s Wellington house there’s vintage rubbing up against new. Green velvet Trade Me chairs book-end a contemporary black […]

Intent on creating a luxe holiday at home vibe, an Auckland couple took inspiration from coastal Hamptons sophistication and Hawke’s Bay landmark Black Barn Vineyards While most of us look forward to escaping everyday life with long weekends in the holiday hotspots of Hawke’s Bay or Queenstown, Sarah and Matt Cotterall took it one step […]

Renovating a home with hubby who likes to tear things apart and two tiny ‘helpers’ has its own challenges and blessings. See the before and afters of their reno below When teacher Hayley and firefighter Isaac first met they were living on opposite coasts. Hayley was based at Mt Maunganui, while Isaac was in Taranaki […]

Moving to a property with four glasshouses prior to last year’s lockdown turned out to be a blessing for Michael Mansvelt If you’re looking for Michael Mansvelt, you might find him under a palm tree surrounded by tropical and sub-tropical foliage and vibrant-coloured blooms. And no, he won’t be in some Far North hotspot or […]

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, […]

Building their new home in a laid-back setting was important for this family, and the arrival of a baby and puppy made it a priority Ellen Wilburn and her now husband Adam realised they shared many things in common when they first met, but the one similarity that genuinely resonated was Titirangi, where they grew […]

Author Alice Nelson and her husband Danny saw great potential in this home. Their recent renovation is the latest update in a century-long tale of transformation. Author Alice Nelson used to write in cramped studios and at noisy public libraries, always dreaming of having a library in her own home. It would be a peaceful […]

Interior designer Kim Stephen’s home combines her signature flair for colour with a clever use of its relatively compact spaces As it is situated in a row of brick homes, the facade of this house is almost identical to those on either side of it. Step inside the front door, however, and the uniquely colourful […]

Painted breeze blocks and wooden battens have transformed this retro family home.

When a builder and an interior designer created their own home, the result was a considered house rich in details with plenty of glass sliding doors and carefully chosen natural materials. For such a handsome home, the entrance to Bronwyn and Bruce Turton’s Horsham Downs place is not an example of letting all your fireworks […]

A mother-daughter duo give their old family bach a much-needed update with nods to the past When Henrietta MacDonald and her daughter Emma decided to renovate their bach at Buckleton Beach, on the Tāwharanui Peninsula north of Auckland city, preserving its history was at the top of their minds. The land surrounding the bay was […]

Slowly but surely the garden of this character-filled Art Deco Tauranga house has become as heart-felt as the home itself Sally Blockley remembers well the day in May 2013 when her home dream in Tauranga became reality. She’d seen the house she now calls home but hadn’t bothered going to the auction thinking it was […]

A stroke of luck brought Pip and Shane McNeil to this lush Whangārei section. Now, with chickens, fruit trees and space aplenty, they can’t imagine themselves anywhere else As the McNeil kids race around their acre (4000sqm) section, weaving in and out of trees and shrubs and delightedly hunting for chicken eggs, it’s clear to […]

Somehow this 1930s apartment was renovated and filled with soft colour in 10 short weeks – just in time for the arrival of daughter number five. Having four children and expecting a fifth might cause most people to put any thoughts of a major home renovation in the too-hard basket. But not Christina and Anders […]

Footwear designer Kathryn Wilson had to tear herself away from her beloved little townhouse, but she has found a forever home in this grand old dame Kathryn Wilson is not afraid of colour. Colourful footwear is the gregarious shoe designer’s calling card and her must-see fashion shows are a playful parade of models clad in […]

The first finalist of the Resene Colour Home Awards injected a playful dose of pastel colours inside her Helensville family home. Scroll down to discover how you could also get the chance to win $5000 When Sam and Tineka Hoskin finally moved into their first home with their four children after seven years living in […]

A passion for international interiors and a love of entertaining shaped the style of this soulful seafront abode Walking around Sarah Kee’s home in Point Chevalier, Auckland, it’s clear she has exquisite taste. In most of the rooms you’ll find artworks, sculptures and artisanal furniture, each with a story to tell. But open the door […]

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, […]

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 When kids come along couples usually start looking around for a bigger home to cope with all the toys, books and bikes, not […]

With sweeping, uninterrupted views across Taieri Plains towards the sea and only 15mins to Dunedin’s CBD, this 5-bedroom home offers the best of both worlds Details Address: 245 Saddle Hill Road, Saddle Hill, Dunedin City Land Size: 18 ha Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Parking:2 Garage Contact details Contact: Kate Croy-Williams, 021 993 083 For sale: Price by […]

A small bungalow needed a complete makeover and jewellery designer Cathy Pope was more than happy to take up the challenge  This Waterview bungalow received an eclectic new look Meet and greet Cathy Pope (jewellery designer and television costume stylist), Martin Hermans (advertising creative), plus dog Senna and cats Trixie and Gem. Why did you […]

Lots of love and lashings of flair have made this predesigned house a unique and treasured home Here’s how a young couple turned a prefab into a unique family home Angela Fairmaid is a self-confessed lover of villas and character homes, but when it came to finding a home for herself and husband Julian, practical […]

The Block NZ judge Kristina Rapley is a keen renovator herself, but now that she’s had her eyes opened to just how hard the contestants work, she says she won’t be competing any time soon. See inside The Block NZ judge Kristina Rapley’s tranquil Auckland home When The Block NZ judge Kristina Rapley invites you […]

Team blue, Ben and Tom, have created a minimalist, modern house with architectural details that differentiates it from any other on The Block NZ. Take a look at what they’ve achieved  See inside all of Ben and Tom’s house from The Block NZ Team blue, Ben and Tom, came into The Block NZ with a […]

Team yellow, Amy and Stu, pulled off win after win this season on The Block NZ. See their sunshine yellow home below See inside all of Amy and Stu’s house on The Block NZ From week one it was clear many had misjudged team yellow. Promoted as “the oldest team on The Block NZ“, ‘Gizzy […]

Chlo and Em channelled a Morrocan theme for their house on The Block NZ. See the complete home below See inside all of Chlo and Em’s house on The Block NZ Queens of second place, team purple Chlo and Em delivered wit, charm and some of the best moments on The Block NZ this season. […]

Full of colour, pattern and jungle inspiration, team orange Claire and Agni didn’t hold back this season on The Block NZ. See their completed house below See inside all of Claire and Agni’s house on The Block NZ Representatives of “more is more”, skilled wheelers and dealers Claire and Agni became known during their time […]

Like many before them, this Auckland couple debated for years over whether to stay or sell, before taking the reno plunge. Now the dust has settled, they tell us why it was so worth it Meet and greet Grant Leslie, builder, Stephanie Creagh, photographer, Frankie, 13, and Otis, 11, plus Chloe the dog. Problem The […]

The Block co-host Shelley Ferguson invites us into her stunning Auckland home to take us on an inspiring tour around her favourite room Inside The Block co-host Shelley Ferguson’s stunning Auckland home Shelley Ferguson, is the editorial director of home and fashion magazines at Bauer Media, including Your Home and Garden, and co-host of The Block. She […]

When a city couple moved to the Waikato countryside, they renovated an existing villa-style house to create their dream family home Take a look inside this award-winning Waikato dream home It was the acres of lush green land that Rebecca and Richard Carver fell in love with when they viewed the Waikato property they now […]

Every corner of this idyllic Waikato home has been precisely planned and perfectly styled to make family living and outdoor entertaining easy Meet and greet  Kent Fife, owner of Line & Design Landscaping & Swimming Pools, Olivia Fife, solicitor and administrator for Line & Design, Mila, 9, Luka, 7, and Greta, 4, plus cows Star […]

A carefully curated selection of BoConcept furniture brings modern style and perfectly complements this Wellington home’s impressive art collection How bold Scandinavian furniture brought modern style to this heritage home Behold the bold and beautiful project recently completed by BoConcept’s Cam Dickey, who worked with the Dutch/Kiwi owners of this 1902 character home in Wellington […]

A fresh white palette with laid back vibes was the key to this Papamoa family’s home reno. Take a tour and discover the inspiration behind their project The interior of this petite Papamoa home was inspired by Byron Bay Gus Herniman, security advisor, Abbie Herniman, owner of The Home Maker Renovations & Interiors, Cass, 17, […]

After many setbacks, u-turns and surprises, the owners of this Wellington villa share how their initial renovation idea didn’t quite go to plan Meet and greet Jessica Godfrey, general manager of Acme Cups, Sven Wiig, freelance art director, and Otto, 9. The renovation of this Wellington villa didn’t go completely to plan They say good […]

A feast of colour, pattern and texture, this sweet little cottage in Clive will make you want to downsize and escape the city This cosy little Clive cottage does country living right These days, life can often feel hectic and overly complicated. Some say the key to a simpler existence is to get rid of […]

Chintz, country furniture and a breezy touch of the Hamptons combine so seamlessly in this Taranaki home it’s hard to believe it’s a new-build  Hamptons style meets country living in this Taranaki home Amy Hart, stay-at-home mum, Brendon Hart, 35 production supervisor, Arlo, 7, and Macy, 4, plus family pooches Nixon and Jet. Q&A with […]

A tired ex-rental in Hamilton is given a bright makeover inspired by its owners love of monochrome shades and keen eye for French styling Scroll down to see this chic Hamilton home Meet and greet Audrey Fitzjohn, photographer and stylist, Elliot Fitzjohn, arborist, and Charles, 3. A Hamilton home gets a $40,000 makeover with French […]

White walls were the perfect blank slate to showcase this family’s creativity. See their stunning wallpaper features and discover how to steal their style Steal their style: An Auckland home gets creative with wallpaper In early 2013, Sarah and Chris Sheild decided it was time to move on from their beloved 1960s family home and […]

Architect Eva Nash approached her own home renovation holistically, with stunning results. A limited budget and very small house footprint is an all-too-familiar combination for many struggling renovators, significantly adding to the pressures of the building process. Eva Nash and her husband David were faced with both issues four years ago when they purchased a […]

A couple leave the city to put their heart and soul into renovating an old Waikuku Beach cottage. In a nutshell: Who lives here? Lisa Willetts, (owner of preloved clothing boutique Louis Who?), Steve Canavan (owner of Coastal Brick and Block), Jack Canavan, 8, and Daisy the dog. Lisa, how have you been budget savvy […]

A renovation of a character villa allows this Auckland family to bask in sunshine all year round Villa renovation bathed in sunlight When renovating a house or garden, designers will often suggest that you live with the existing one for at least a year before making any major changes. This allows you to really get […]

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 […]

A tired old home in New Plymouth needing some love has been transformed into a light, functional and character-filled family home In a snapshot Where is it? New Plymouth. What did your home look like before? It featured retro ceiling tiles, built-in pelmets, carpet and vinyl flooring over chipboard throughout, and walls with multiple layers […]

This home in Rolleston, just outside of Christchurch, has taken a traditional lifestyle block and created a spot perfect for family living in 2017 This modern country home in Christchurch is filled with colourful style Kate McNamara and her husband Mark moved from Sydney to Christchurch in 2009 when Mark was offered a racing commentator’s […]

You loved the renovation story of this young Greytown family, so we’ve made it easy for you to get inspired and steal their style Steal their style: A young family’s inspiring Greytown renovation After moving home to Greytown in the Wairarapa, Matt Calder and Alex Hutchings planned to settle into the 1950s house they had […]

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 […]

A family’s quest to build a bach at their beloved holiday spot on Kawau Island was a logistical headache – but the result is spectacular Meet and greet Hilary West, architect, Eldon Reeve, recycling business owner-director, and their children, Harvey, 7, Jaxon, 4, and Naomi, 6 months; Hilary’s parents, Stan West, property cost planner) and […]

This modest, new-build family home not only perches lightly on the land as it leans out over Lyttelton Harbour, but leaves behind only a small eco footprint Who lives here?  Pippin Wright-Stow (architectural designer and owner of F3 Design), Erica Viedma (yoga teacher), Jordi, 10, Rafi, 7, and Ariana, 3. Background The Wright-Stow-Viedma family’s new-build […]

A sunny new-build in the Bay of Plenty skilfully combines a seaside vibe with a subtle homage to the past A Papamoa new-build with gorgeous villa features There’s always been plenty that Pamela Beszant has loved about husband Giles, but her feelings for him only intensified the day he decided to set up business as […]

A Hawke’s Bay artist has created an easy holiday interior that caters for families of all sizes When a home’s interior is ready to be worked on it is often an interior designer who is hired to bring it to life. But when the owners of The White House holiday rental at Waimarama Beach in […]

This week’s Open Home to Love is the breathtaking Kauaroa Bay Estate. Take in the stunning scenery and discover how this historic homestead could be yours The details Address: Whakanewha, 341 Gordons Road, Waiheke Island Land: 34 Ha Bedrooms: 11 Bathrooms: 5 Living: 4 This Waiheke Island estate is an 84 acre slice of heaven Waiheke […]

Not every home purchase is based on a mutual, love-at-first-sight reaction – sometimes it takes a change in circumstances to clinch the deal Who lives here? Steve Galbraith (owner and director of Galbraith Engineering), Shelly Galbraith (homemaker and casual ANZ customer-service representative), Millie, 17, and Gus, 15, plus Archie their ancient dog and Suki the […]

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 […]

From dry riverbed to palm lounge, see how this Tauranga garden has garnered global inspiration to create charming, themed ‘rooms’ There’s no need for a garden to feature a uniform theme throughout. Just ask Colin and Vicki Davis, whose Tauranga garden has been divided into different ‘rooms’. One area is English-themed, in another a Balinese […]

This art deco home in Palmerston North was renovated over 10 months by an owner with creative flair and a no-fear approach to decorating Who lives here?  Julie Atwell Roberts (florist), Anthony Roberts (pharmacy owner), Jackson, and Julie’s mother, Joan, plus Penny the Staffy, cats Timmy, Goose and Stella, and four chickens. Background Julie Roberts has always […]

A family of six needing to upsize create an enviable lifestyle in a peaceful Hawke’s Bay settlement Who lives here? Asha Payton (upholsterer and founder of Little and Fox), Joe Payton (Hawke’s Bay rugby player development manager), Otis, 6, Teddy, 5, Pepe and Fox, both 2, plus Biddi the dog. The story behind this Hawke’s […]

A floral artist with the gift of foraging and storytelling welcomes us into her vibrant home Who lives here?  Laura Jeffares (floral and hair artisan), Jason Williams (insurance manager), Lily, Lola, and Sailor, plus Coco Darling the Staffy-bulldog cross and Mr Bear and Tiger the cats. A humble Hawke’s Bay cottage with a magical interior […]

 With a rapidly expanding brood, this family snapped up a Hawke’s Bay home and set about transforming it into the perfect abode with the ideal mix of old and new  Who lives here? Asha Payton (upholsterer and founder of Little and Fox), Joe Payton (Hawke’s Bay rugby player development manager), Otis, 6, Teddy, 5, Pepe and […]

A 1940s Hawke’s Bay cottage was the perfect canvas to showcase its creative owner’s love of all things floral, vintage and artistic Who lives here?  Laura Jeffares (floral and hair artisan), Jason Williams (insurance manager), Lily, Lola, and Sailor, plus Coco Darling the Staffy-bulldog cross and Mr Bear and Tiger the cats. A 1940s Napier […]

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. […]

With lashings of pink and a certain je ne sais quoi, this perfectly petite Mt Maunganui home reflects its owner’s new ‘girl power’ chapter  Who lives here? Julie Duncan, owner of floristry and antiques store Myrrh. Learning to live small Learning to live in a small space is a bit like remembering how to ride […]

Work and play come together effortlessly in this 1970s inspired renovation of a Freemans Bay villa home/office space  Who lives here? Andrew Barron (managing director and owner of The Timber Barron, a global timber exporter). Experts Q&A with interior designer James Peters of Interior Solutions James, how did you interpret the client’s brief? The client’s […]

A designer’s home on the edge of Oamaru gazes out over the rolling countryside and vast skies of North Otago. Inside, colour lifts the spirit at every turn.  Who lives here? Annabel Berry (creative director of Design Federation and founding member of Grow North Otago and North Otago Creatives), Simon Berry (CEO of Whitestone Cheese), […]

Architects Kerry Phelan and Stephen Javens, directors of K.P.D.O., created a home out of the ramshackle garage of an old military building in Melbourne Behind its heritage facade a new building was constructed of brick, concrete, travertine and timber – simple materials used in a very graphic way. Rooms with no particular function were included, the couple preferring […]

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 […]

Bold, bright and utterly individual, this Oamaru home reflects its owner’s philosophy that life is happier when it includes colour. Story by Debbie Harrison Who lives here? Annabel Berry (creative director of Design Federation and founding member of Grow North Otago and North Otago Creatives), Simon Berry (CEO of Whitestone Cheese), Mia, Jackson, and Boe, […]

An animal-loving artist and vet have carved out an idyllic lifestyle for themselves on once-bare land in Hawke’s Bay A new-build in rural Hawke’s Bay built for animal-loving homeowners Who lives here?  Rae West (artist), and husband Martin Hamer (vet and owner of EmbryoCo), plus Sol the white Swiss shepherd dog, cats Sushi and Molly […]

The Block NZ season four winners Brooke Thompson and Mitch Davies fulfilled their dream of building in Queenstown with a light, spacious home that takes its design cues from the surrounding environment  Who lives here?  Brooke Thompson (accountant), and Mitch Davies (plumber), plus Chopper the dog and Ruby the kitten. Their story Brooke Thompson and Mitch Davies […]

The owner of Gisborne’s The Family Co design store has created a haven out of her rental home. A creative takes a rental home and makes it hers Home for Chelsea Thorpe, artist husband Gene Walker and their two girls Primrose and Coco is a recently renovated rental they lease from a friend. “It was […]

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 […]

The meticulous refurbishment of this 1920s Herne Bay villa remained faithful to the period with a subtle oriental twist From the age of six, Daniella Norling remembers accompanying her father on drives around Auckland’s picturesque Herne Bay just so she could study some of her favourite houses. So the design director of Ponsonby’s Trove Interior […]

The sauna-esque quality of an all-wood interior has disappeared under layers of fresh white, turning a dated, dark home into a ravishing abode. Story by Debbie Harrison  Who lives here? Ben Teagle, 34 (real estate agent), and Sammi Teagle, 27 (producer). An original two-bedroom Lockwood home gets the white paint treatment The original two-bedroom Lockwood […]

This modest, new-build family home not only perches lightly on the land as it leans out over Lyttelton Harbour, but leaves behind only a small eco footprint Who lives here?  Pippin Wright-Stow (architectural designer and owner of F3 Design), Erica Viedma (yoga teacher), Jordi, 10, Rafi, 7, and Ariana, 3. Background The Wright-Stow-Viedma family’s new-build […]

You may already own one of her creations or have fantasised about wearing head-to-toe Yvonne Bennetti to that special occasion, now you can step inside her Ponsonby, Auckland villa, which is a treasure trove of curiosities from foreign lands Photography by: Helen Bankers

Step inside Shelley and Doug McConaughy’s welcoming Dunedin home and it’s quickly apparent that these creative homeowners don’t conform to design rules Meet Shelley and Doug A clever mix of texture, contrast, colour and art fills this weatherboard beauty, which has changed significantly since the couple made an uncharacteristic snap decision to buy it in […]

Space was a priority for this family when they were looking for a special place to call home in Auckland and this Californian bungalow was just the ticket A Californian bungalow in Auckland gets a massive overhaul Pip Patterson (operations manager at Soho Wine Company), Chris Patterson (barrister), Ty, 9, and Jake, 8, Lexie the […]

Wendy Hart’s sensitive renovation of her classic 1960s family home gave it a modern edge, while retaining its retro glam appeal Writer: Trudi Brewer. Photographer: Helen Bankers.

A move from Christchurch forced this family to reconsider a lot more than their interior style It’s fair to say that when Gretchen Reid saw her brand new house it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. “The only redeeming features were the location, the swimming pool and the flat backyard,” she recalls. “It was so […]

With flaking paint, borer and a weakness for maroon, an old Dunedin house was in a sorry state until a couple with just the right mix of practical skills and artistic flair took it in hand At a glance Who lives here? Doug McConaughy (structural engineer), Shelley McConaughy (florist, designer, artist), Oscar, Eli, Rose the […]

This villa underwent an initial cosmetic facelift followed by a comprehensive renovation and the results are stunning When Melinda and Simon Morley bought their circa 1905 Federation (an architecture style popular in Australia from 1890-1915) villa it was essentially in original condition: vintage appliances, tired vinyl flooring, seriously patchy paintwork and open fireplaces the only […]

Katherine Jamison loves raising her young family in wide open spaces on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula “I grew up on a working sheep farm, so I never really felt settled living on a ‘normal’-sized block. Even on half an acre of lovely gardens and gum trees surrounded by rolling hills and wineries, I still felt boxed […]

It only took six renovations in Auckland and Wellington before this family settled on a home on the Kapiti Coast. But are they getting itchy feet again?  Serial renovators settle on this Kapiti Coast retreat Moving house is almost second nature to Vanessa and Matt Webb. Not only have the Wellington couple never lived in the […]

An interior decorator gives a 1970s duplex some wow-factor Interior decorator Claudia Stephenson and her husband Julian, a personal trainer, searched high and low for a new rental where they could have a young family before they bought their own home. A 1970s duplex in Sydney’s Lower North Shore ticked all the boxes. The apartment […]

They say good things come in threes and that’s certainly the case for this family, whose rural property on the outskirts of Greytown was completed in three very different stages “We didn’t have an ultimate plan for this house,” says Jo Lysaght, a graphic designer and co-owner of online homeware store Caravan Homewares. “But over […]

A home in the Bay of Plenty hills offers the lifestyle change this once inner-city family was craving Who lives here? Maree Wilkinson (wedding, fashion and portrait photographer), Matt Swanberg (company director), Jett, Milly, and Frankie the dog. Maree, how would you describe your interiors style? Industrial, but with a feminine touch and featuring a diverse […]

A tired ex-rental flourishes under the expert touch of its uniquely creative owner Who lives here?  Erena Te Paa (personal fashion stylist), Joe Te Paa (operations manager for a hospitality group in Hamilton), soon to be joined by Te Paa junior, and dogs Luca and Ziggy. What is your favourite room in the house? We […]

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, […]

An old bach and a new home live in harmony, all set up for family gatherings and a laid-back lifestyle Nestled in a rural outpost on the Tauranga Harbour, Rae and John Buchanan’s Ongare Point home is flanked by a pohutukawa-lined reserve and a row of modest baches, with grandstand views of Matakana Island. In […]

When a little state house is kitted out with a modern addition, it’s a yin and yang arrangement that suits this young family perfectly Who lives here?  Gus Roberts (executive creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi), Victoria Roberts (marketing mum), Louie, Isla, Izzy and Tiggy the cat. What did they do? Doubled the size of […]

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? […]

Christmas at this stylish family home is about a fresh, clean, natural look – and plenty of little traditions to keep Santa happy Who lives here? Mel Holt (co-founder and floral stylist at Bloom Social and social media manager for Freedom), Darryl Holt (business sales manager at OI Glass and jack-of-all-trades at Bloom Social) and […]

This quirky, colour-drenched home is the perfect backdrop for a fabulously festive Christmas From the street this home is fairly unremarkable. The pretty, turn-of-the-century villa painted in Resene ‘Half Villa White’ isn’t too dissimilar to many other homes on the street. However, it’s the front door, painted bright pink (Porter’s Paints ‘Carnevale’) and bearing a […]

This small house purchased in 2002 has been quadrupled in size and transformed into a dream home full of relaxed beach house decor. When Bernadette Cross and husband Connor purchased this property in 2002, it was a tiny brick cottage with remnants of a 1970s renovation. As their family has grown, the home has too […]

Despite being a new-build, this home is a nod to tradition with timeless Californian bungalow features Who lives here? Victoria Richardson (mother and interior designer), Craig Richardson (CEO), Will, 11, Charlotte, 9, and Reilly, 7. Victoria, what was your favourite room to decorate and why? The master bedroom. We’ve created a cosy sanctuary with a […]

On any sunny weekend you can bet Debbie Hardy will be working in her garden The landscape designer has created a subtropical oasis around her four-bedroom double-bay villa in Western Springs, Auckland. The house sits on almost a third of an acre (1,225 square metres) and is wrapped around a majestic oak tree – just one […]